Category: What’s News Asia

Elevating the Fashion Ecosystem and Unlocking Value in the Creative Economy
Advancing Bangkok’s Position as a Fashion Capital of Asia

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 October 2026 – Siam Paragon reaffirms its position as a global fashion destination, advancing a strong and sustainable fashion ecosystem through the success of “Siam Paragon Bangkok International Fashion Week 2026” (BIFW2026). Held from 8–11 October 2026, this major regional fashion event extended beyond presenting collections on the runway to serve as a strategic platform, connecting creativity, Thai designers, fashion brands, business partners and consumers within an integrated ecosystem. By enhancing brand visibility, strengthening brand image and supporting the purposeful growth of Thai fashion, BIFW2026 demonstrated its vital role in shaping Bangkok’s fashion identity and advancing the city’s position as a fashion capital of Asia. Under the theme “TH-nomenal Extraordinary – Lead the Culture, Wear the Future”, the event presented 10 fashion shows by 10 leading Thai brands, achieving full-capacity attendance at every show and generating strong buzz across all social media platforms.

The success of BIFW2026 was made possible through the collaboration between Siam Paragon and leading partners from the public and private sectors, united in their commitment to strengthening Thailand’s fashion industry. Partners included the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Kasikornbank Public Company Limited, Merz Aesthetics Thailand Co., Ltd., Madame Fin Co., Ltd., XPENG Thailand, Millennium Auto Group, Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited, THANN, KIKI Beauty Space, Grey Goose, and M.A.C Cosmetics Thailand. Together, they elevated the fashion experience on the iconic Grand Runway at Parc Paragon, M Floor, Siam Paragon.

Thanaporn Tantiyanon, Managing Director of Siam Paragon Shopping Center, said: “Siam Paragon Bangkok International Fashion Week 2026 reflects the creative strength and the increasingly distinctive, diverse capabilities of Thai fashion. Under the theme ‘TH-nomenal Extraordinary – Lead the Culture, Wear the Future’, we aim to push fashion beyond a mere expression of clothing beauty. We see it as a powerful force that connects culture, heritage, craftsmanship and the vision of a new generation.

Throughout the four days of BIFW2026, we witnessed Thai designers express their identities through distinctive designs, skillfully reinterpreting their cultural roots through a contemporary lens. Our greatest source of pride in BIFW2026 goes beyond attendance figures or the response it generated. It lies in seeing the entire Thai fashion ecosystem grow, encompassing pioneering designers, emerging talents, entrepreneurs, Thai artisanal craftsmanship, brands, and business partners, all working together to create new value for the industry.

BIFW is therefore more than an annual fashion event. It is a platform of opportunity that connects creativity with the real economy, serves as a key catalyst for bringing Thailand’s soft power to international audiences through fashion, and creates meaningful experiences and inspiration for people.”

BIFW2026 brought fashion narratives to life through 10 shows by 10 Thai brands, each with its own distinctive creative perspective and design language. Its success lay not only in gathering leading designers, but also in providing a platform where different generations of Thai design talent could grow together across every dimension. Iconic brands such as FLYNOW, NAGARA, and 27FRIDAY expressed their enduring identities and design DNA through contemporary perspectives that retained a powerful presence on the runway.

Meanwhile, established brands that have grown and evolved alongside the platform—ISSUE, POEM, PAINKILLER Atelier, and VVON SUGUNNASIL—each presented a clearly defined design language. Their collections demonstrated the ability to preserve a distinctive identity while extending their creativity in response to an ever-evolving fashion landscape. Adding another compelling perspective was 37°C Thirty-seven degrees Celsius, a brand featuring a legendary designer who delivered a bold interpretation of fashion’s next chapter. This diversity made BIFW2026 more than a showcase of collections: it became a space where the experience, design philosophies, and visions of Thai brands came together with depth and dimension.

Another significant achievement of BIFW2026 was its role in providing promising brands with a platform to fully establish their presence, particularly CHATO and MERGE, whose collections combined contemporary perspectives with distinctive design signatures. MERGE reinterpreted denim and craftsmanship through silhouettes reflecting contemporary lifestyles, while CHATO translated floral inspiration into garment construction and folding techniques rooted in Thai heritage.

The participation of both brands highlighted BIFW2026’s role in enabling designers to expand the scope of their creative presentations, build wider awareness, and further develop their brands along their individual growth journeys, while bringing fresh dimensions to Thailand’s fashion landscape.

Throughout the event, BIFW2026 attracted attention both offline and online, trending across all social media platforms. This response reflected fashion’s power to connect brands, designers, fashion industry figures, and consumers. The event’s success further reaffirmed Siam Paragon’s ability to deliver world-class experiences while serving as a platform that supports Thai designers’ growth, connects partner networks and broadens the reach of Thai fashion.

Siam Paragon remains committed to developing Siam Paragon Bangkok International Fashion Week into more than a fashion platform, positioning it as a driving force for the future of Thai fashion. By bringing together iconic designers, established brands that continue to evolve, and emerging brands ready to redefine the industry, Siam Paragon continues to advance Bangkok’s position as one of Asia’s key fashion destinations.

For the latest updates, follow Facebook: Siam Paragon or visit www.siamparagon.co.th⁠

Hashtag: #SiamParagonBIFW2026 #BIFW2026 #SiamParagon

https://www.siamparagon.co.th
https://www.facebook.com/SiamParagon

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

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 October 2026 – FWD Hong Kong (FWD) has announced the launch of its new “Crisis AllSupporter Insurance Plan” Series (the “Crisis AllSupporter” Series), making it the first newly launched critical illness product in Hong Kong¹ to receive the “Standardised Critical Illness Definitions” Q-mark² from the Hong Kong Federation of Insurers (HKFI). The Crisis AllSupporter Series broadens coverage upon the solid foundation of crises, adding in mild conditions, a number of special diseases, multiple-claim protection and extended support following a crisis. Featuring a market-first³ family protection concept, the series further strengthens coverage for children and parents without needing them to undergo health underwriting. Together with a special focus on elderly disease protection, the series safeguard health across three generations.

Standardisation of critical illness definitions make coverage clearer and easier to understand

The definitions of critical illness conditions within critical illness policies vary across insurers in Hong Kong. To address this, the HKFI has introduced the Best Practice on Standardisation of Critical Illness Definitions, which aims to enhance transparency and customer protection. The HKFI has also introduced a Q-mark² scheme to help the public identify new products that adopt these standardised definitions.

FWD actively supports the HKFI’s Best Practice on Standardisation of Critical Illness Definitions. In fact, the newly launched Crisis AllSupporter Series is the very first new critical illness product in Hong Kong¹ to earn the HKFI’s standardisation Q-mark². FWD goes a step further with the FavourU Approach⁴. More favourable disease definitions shall apply should there be any inconsistencies or conflicts between the corresponding disease definitions in FWD critical illness policy and HKFI’s standardised CI definitions, giving customers peace of mind.

Selina Lau, Chief Executive, The Hong Kong Federation of Insurers, said, “The HKFI is committed to promoting the standardisation of critical illness definitions by establishing a common industry benchmark for the most frequently diagnosed conditions. This will help minimise consumer confusion caused by varying definitions, while enhancing overall transparency and the claims experience. We welcome FWD Hong Kong launching the first critical illness product with our Q-mark², demonstrating strong support to provide consumers with clearer and more straightforward protection.”

Ken Lau, Managing Director of Greater China and Hong Kong Chief Executive Officer, FWD, said, “FWD Hong Kong fully supports the HKFI’s initiative to standardise critical illness definitions. Through our Crisis AllSupporter Series, which is the first to receive the HKFI’s Q-mark², we are embracing this new industry benchmark and taking it a step further by pioneering a better-off approach across our entire range of critical illness products. This ensures that both new and existing customers always benefit from the most favourable definitions, a commitment that perfectly embodies the spirit of ‘FWD The Next Standard’. By putting customers first and continuously elevating the insurance experience, we ensure our protection keeps pace with the evolving health needs of families, supporting them as they embrace every stage of life.”

Three plan levels to suit different budgets and coverage needs

• All Good —Affordable core cover: Designed for customers seeking to build a foundation of critical illness protection with affordable premiums, this tier covers 62 critical illnesses, angioplasty of coronary artery, carcinoma-in-situ and early-stage cancer of specific organs, with an Additional Coverage Benefit to offer extra protection. The plan also offers coverage for mild conditions or unknown illnesses meeting the relevant criteria, and the Protection Restore Benefit will 100% restore the crisis or death protection after advance payment.

• All Better —Extensive advanced cover: Building on the core foundation of All Good, this tier further broadens coverage to a total of 86 special diseases, including 28 juvenile-specific diseases such as ADHD, and multiple benefit claims of up to 9 times at a total of 1290% of initial sum insured for designated crises, providing sustained support for customers facing different medical conditions. The plan also offers Income Benefit for cancer, heart attack or stroke; if fertility treatment is medically necessary due to the diagnosis of crisis, Infertility Benefit will be paid to support family planning after crisis.

• All Great —Supreme comprehensive cover: Designed for customers seeking more comprehensive critical illness protection and support during treatment on top of All Better, this tier includes additional coverage relating to the use of experimental drugs for designated crises or admission to an intensive care unit due to the claimed crisis, addressing diverse customer needs throughout their treatment journey.

Kelvin Yu, Chief Proposition and Healthcare Officer, FWD Hong Kong & Macau, said, “When choosing critical illness protection, customers look beyond just the number of conditions covered. What matters most is whether that protection meets their practical needs across different medical conditions, treatment stages, and life roles. The Crisis AllSupporter Series broadens coverage upon the solid foundation of crises, adding mild conditions, special diseases, multiple-claim protection and extended support following a crisis. By offering three distinct plan levels, we empower customers to strike the right balance between their budget and their desired scope of coverage. Furthermore, by incorporating our market-first³ family protection concept, the Series further strengthens coverage for children and parents without needing them to undergo health underwriting, allowing customers to safeguard the health needs across three generations while planning their own personal protection.”

One policy for three generations with new elderly-related protection

Beyond individual critical illness protection, the Crisis AllSupporter Series further strengthens its family protection offering. Through the optional “Family Booster”⁵ benefit, customers can extend specified coverage to their parents and children without having them to answer any health underwriting questions during application. The coverage limit for specified diseases for parents and children are up to 25% and 30% respectively of the initial sum insured⁶, covering cancer, heart attack, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease / irreversible organic degenerative brain disorders or Parkinson’s disease for parents, and 62 critical illnesses and 28 juvenile-specific diseases (such as ADHD and severe eczema) for children. This empowers customers to seamlessly provide for their family’s health needs while securing their own protection.

In response to an ageing population and the growing focus on seniors’ health, the new series also offers the optional “AgeWell Support”⁵ tailored for older age groups. For diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease / irreversible organic degenerative brain disorders or Parkinson’s disease, 6% of initial sum insured will be paid as lifelong annuity per year until termination of the policy; eligible expenses for related treatment, training courses and caregiver support will also be reimbursed. It also covers treatment costs for severe osteoporosis, and eligible customers can receive regular health check-ups or dental care, allowing customers and their families to plan ahead for their protection needs in later life with greater confidence.

¹ Per a comparison made on 9 Oct 2026 among the critical illness insurance plans of key insurers available in Hong Kong, FWD is the first company in Hong Kong to launch new critical illness product which meets HKFI Standardised CI definitions. This statement is based solely on currently available market information and FWD’s understanding thereof. FWD accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

² The HKFI has standardised 16 major and 5 minor Critical Illness (CI) conditions, as well as a common term “Activities of Daily Living” (ADL). The policy has adopted the standardised CI definitions (version 2026) <https://ci-definitions.hkfi.org.hk>. For the actual definitions of coverage under the policy, please refer to the policy documents and provisions.

³ Per a comparison made on 30 September 2026 among the critical illness insurance plans of key insurers available in Hong Kong, FWD is the first insurance company in Hong Kong to launch Infertility Benefit, Lifestyle Management Program, Crisis Medical Booster Benefit for Designated Crises, Extended Critical Medical Care Benefit, Family Booster (optional benefit), and AgeWell Support (optional benefit) and is the first insurer to collaborate with HKSH to launch the Cancer Management Program.

⁴ The actual scope and arrangements for applying the FavourU Approach are subject to the relevant policy provisions, the HKFI’s standardised critical illness definitions, and FWD Hong Kong’s final underwriting and claims decisions. For diagnostic eligibility and coverage restrictions of relevant crisis, special disease and a covered disease with conditions related to “Activities of Daily Living” (ADL), please refer to the full terms of policy provisions and subject to the final decisions of Claims.

⁵ “Family Booster” and “AgeWell Support” are optional benefits. Customers must meet the relevant eligibility requirements and terms and conditions.

⁶ All benefit percentages are calculated based on the initial sum insured.

Hashtag: #FWDHongKong

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

About FWD Hong Kong

FWD Hong Kong is part of the FWD Group (1828.HK), a pan-Asian life and health insurance business that serves over 40 million customers across 10 markets, including BRI Life in Indonesia. FWD Hong Kong is firmly positioned as a top five pan-Asian insurer by business scale in Hong Kong^*.

FWD Hong Kong has been assigned strong financial ratings by international agencies. It offers life and health insurance, employee benefits, and financial planning.

FWD’s customer-led and tech-enabled approach aims to deliver innovative propositions, easy-to-understand products and a simpler insurance experience. Established in 2013, the company operates in some of the fastest-growing insurance markets in the world with a vision of changing the way people feel about insurance. FWD Group is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange under the stock code 1828.

For more information about FWD Hong Kong, please visit www.fwd.com.hk.

^*According to Provisional Statistics on Hong Kong Long Term Insurance Business – January to December 2025, Insurance Authority of Hong Kong, as well as FWD’s own assessment based on market information, FWD ranks among the top five pan-Asian insurers in Hong Kong in both new business first year premium and new business case count rankings. Calculated based on individual and group businesses. Pan-Asian insurers refer to multinational insurers currently having a well-established operation in the Asian market with multiple distribution channels.

Owner of globally recognized Flying Goose Sriracha strengthens roadmap toward Carbon Neutrality by 2040 and Net Zero Emissions by 2050

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 October 2026 – Exotic Food Public Company Limited, a leading Thai food exporter and owner of Flying Goose, the globally recognized Thai Sriracha sauce brand, as well as the Exotic Food brand of Thai sauces and curry pastes, has become the first company in Thailand’s food industry to receive ISO 14068-1:2023 certification from the Management System Certification Institute (MASCI).

The certification marks a key step in the company’s transition toward lower-carbon operations and supports its long-term targets of achieving Carbon Neutrality by 2040 and Net Zero Emissions by 2050, as environmental requirements become increasingly important for companies competing in global markets.

“Environmental performance is becoming an important part of doing business internationally, particularly in Europe, one of our key export markets,” said Vasana Jantarach, Chief Executive Officer of Exotic Food Public Company Limited.

“Setting a target is not enough. We need a credible and internationally recognized framework that demonstrates how emissions will be measured, reduced and managed over the long term.”

To meet the ISO requirements, Exotic Food reviewed and recalculated its greenhouse gas emissions baseline across its manufacturing operations, strengthened its emissions-data management system and trained executives and employees responsible for environmental data. The process also included pre-assessment and independent verification.

The company has begun implementing emission-reduction measures across its operations, including installing solar power systems at its Amata City Rayong facility, with further installations planned at its raw-material facility in Phitsanulok.

It is also improving manufacturing energy efficiency and working with logistics suppliers to gradually transition freight transport from diesel-powered trucks to electric vehicles.

A central principle of ISO 14068-1:2023 is that companies prioritize avoiding and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, followed by replacing carbon-intensive activities with lower-carbon alternatives. Carbon offsets are used only for residual emissions that cannot currently be eliminated.

“This framework gives us a disciplined pathway to reduce emissions as the business continues to grow,” Vasana said. “It also enables our customers and business partners to see that our environmental commitments are measurable, transparent and independently verifiable.”

Exotic Food said it will continue investing in cleaner technologies, energy efficiency and operational improvements as part of its broader ESG strategy and efforts to build a more sustainable food supply chain.

Hashtag: #ExoticFood #FlyingGoose #ISO14068

https://www.exoticfoodthailand.com/

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

Following a dramatic confinement trial with Joe Wicks MBE, psychiatrist warns that trying to forcibly suppress stress may fuel physical burnout

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 October 2026 – For millions of busy Hong Kong professionals, daily stress and anxiety are often internalised as personal weaknesses or frustrating obstacles to career performance. Following World Mental Health Day, Bupa Group’s new global health experiment video series, Health or Hype, challenges this perspective by exploring a counter-intuitive question: What if anxiety is not our enemy, but a biological signal meant to protect us?

The video series features British fitness coach and best-selling author Joe Wicks MBE taking part in a confinement challenge designed to trigger feelings of stress and anxiety. To demonstrate some of the ways acute anxiety can affect human physiology in real-time, Wicks took part in a monitored challenge inside a purpose-built, pitch-black wooden box. As the door was fastened shut, Wick experienced an immediate physical respond—his heart rate surged, his breathing turned rapid and shallow, and he described a knot and cramping sensation in his stomach.

Psychotherapist Owen O’Kane, who supported Wicks during the challenge, explained that these involuntary physical reactions are primal survival mechanisms. In modern high-pressure environments, however, individuals routinely fall into the trap of trying to suppress, numb, or mentally fight these uncomfortable sensations. O’Kane highlights that attempting to eradicate anxiety may paradoxically reinforce the brain’s perception of threat; instead, learning to acknowledge anxiety without judgment allows the mind to regain emotional equilibrium. In the episode, breathwork specialist Liza Al Sady guides Wicks and international rugby legend Ruby Tui through targeted nasal diaphragmatic breathing, demonstrating how extending exhalations directly stimulates the vagus nerve to calm the nervous system.

To help Hong Kong’s busy professionals find a realistic balance and navigate intense corporate pressure, Dr. Oliver Chan, Specialist in Psychiatry, shares his medical perspective on the brain’s stress response, “Many professionals in Hong Kong view anxiety as a personal failing, trying to force themselves to ‘stop worrying’ through sheer willpower. But from a brain-science perspective, during intense panic or acute anxiety, the brain’s threat-response system can temporarily overpower logical reasoning. Think of anxiety as your body’s internal smoke alarm. When you face enormous stress or overwhelming workloads, this alarm goes off, flooding your body with stress hormones that could impair the functioning of brain regions involved in attention, planning and rational decision-making. Your heart races, your breathing gets shallow, and your body enters survival mode.

The biggest mistake people make is trying to argue with the alarm. If you try to fight, ignore, or feel ashamed of the anxiety, your brain assumes the danger is escalating, making the alarm ring even louder and eventually leading to prolonged psychological distress and fatigue. Instead, we must learn to shut off the alarm physically before we can calm down mentally. Simple breathing techniques, specifically making your out-breath significantly longer than your in-breath, act as a physical brake pedal. It may help shift the body towards a calmer physiological state and reduce the intensity of the stress response. Treating anxiety not as an enemy, but as an internal alert system we can actively manage, is essential for long-term health in a high-pressure city like Hong Kong.”

Your 60-Second Desktop Reset: Calming the Nervous System
Instead of trying to fight or suppress the physical feelings of stress, try this simple, clinically backed reset to soothe your nervous system during your workday:

• Unclench and Ground: Place both feet flat on the floor, drop your shoulders away from your ears, and consciously unclamp your jaw.
• Nasal Diaphragmatic Breath: Inhale slowly through your nose for a count of 3, allowing your abdomen to expand rather than your chest.
• Extended Exhale: Slowly exhale through your nose for a count of 5 or 6. Making the exhale visibly longer than the inhale increases parasympathetic activity and may naturally modulate your heart rate

Caring for mental wellbeing is not about eliminating stress entirely. By recognising anxiety as a natural signal and learning simple tools to reset our nervous system, every Hong Kong professional can cultivate sustainable resilience.

Watch the full episode and see Joe Wicks take part in the confinement challenge on YouTube: What if anxiety isn’t the enemy? Joe Wicks finds out – Health or Hype Episode 5: Anxiety – YouTube

Hashtag: #BupaHongKong #HealthorHype #HealthInsurance #HealthTips #StressManagement #WorkplaceHealth #EmployeeWellbeing #BurnoutPrevention

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

Bupa – A health insurance specialist

Established in 1947, Bupa’s purpose is helping people live longer, healthier, happier lives and making a better world. We are an international healthcare company serving over 68 million customers worldwide. With no shareholders, we reinvest profits into providing more and better healthcare for the benefit of current and future customers. Bupa has businesses around the world, principally in Australia, the UK, Spain, Poland, Chile, Hong Kong SAR, India, Türkiye, Brazil, Mexico and New Zealand. We also have associate businesses in Saudi Arabia.

Bupa has been a health insurance specialist in Hong Kong since 1976, offering one-stop solutions across domestic and international health insurance, and healthcare services. Our comprehensive medical insurance schemes are tailored to meet individual needs, and we provide health solutions for companies of all sizes. We also have a team of registered nurses, health management professionals, and doctors who provide various expert healthcare support.

Our healthcare provision arm, Quality HealthCare Medical Services (QHMS), became part of Bupa in October 2013. QHMS offers Western Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Diagnostics & Imaging, Physiotherapy, Mental Health and Wellness services via a network of over 1,650 provider service points in Hong Kong.

For more information, visit www.bupa.com.hk/en/.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 October 2026 – As Chinese retail, cultural and creative, and premium consumer brands continue to gain international recognition, an increasing number are accelerating their expansion into global markets. With its vast consumer market, mature business ecosystem, well-developed infrastructure and established Chinese-American communities, the United States has emerged as a key destination for Chinese brands pursuing international growth.

On October 13, Cushman & Wakefield hosted its Gateway to America Summit in Shanghai, bringing together retail experts from the firm’s U.S., Asia Pacific and Greater China teams. The event focused on the opportunities and challenges facing Chinese brands entering the U.S. market, offering insights into American retail market dynamics, practical expansion strategies, local operations and evolving consumer trends. The summit attracted entrepreneurs, brand executives and business partners for in-depth discussions and networking.

K.K. Chiu, International Director and Chief Executive, Greater China, Cushman & Wakefield, delivered the opening remarks: “Chinese brands are entering a new phase of globalization. An increasing number of Chinese retail, cultural and creative, and premium consumer brands are gaining international recognition, marking a significant transition from ‘Made in China’ to globally recognized Chinese brands. Their influence in international markets continues to grow. Through this summit, we aim to provide valuable insights into U.S. market dynamics and localization strategies, facilitate meaningful dialogue, and help Chinese brands identify new opportunities as they expand their global presence.”

Fanny Fan, Executive Director, U.S. Retail Services, Cushman & Wakefield, commented: “As one of the world’s largest consumer markets, the United States has long been a strategic destination for international brands. However, the U.S. retail landscape is undergoing significant transformation. Rapidly evolving consumer preferences, rising operating costs and intensifying competition have raised the barriers to entry for brick-and-mortar retailers.

For Chinese brands seeking to establish a presence in the U.S., success requires more than a compelling product offering. It demands a thorough understanding of local retail markets, strict adherence to regulatory requirements and the ability to anticipate changing consumer trends. Every site selection decision and operational strategy plays a critical role in determining a brand’s long-term success in an overseas market.”

The U.S. retail market continues to demonstrate resilience, with consumer spending maintaining positive growth despite a moderation in its pace. According to Cushman & Wakefield research, U.S. retail vacancy rates remain low, at only 6.0% for U.S. shopping-center space in the second quarter of 2026 while annual rent growth remained slightly above 2%. Although new retail development has remained limited, the volume of projects under construction has reached its highest level since 2023. Available retail space is expected to remain constrained, particularly in prime shopping destinations, where demand continues to outpace the supply of high-quality space.

Duke Zhen, Managing Director, Head of Retail Services, China, Cushman & Wakefield, added: “Leveraging our global network of more than 350 offices across over 60 countries, together with our extensive experience supporting multinational corporations and Chinese enterprises expanding overseas, we have developed an integrated service model that combines local market expertise in China with on-the-ground execution capabilities internationally.

“Our China-based teams have a deep understanding of Chinese brands’ business models and growth strategies, while our U.S. teams bring extensive knowledge of local market regulations, retail landscapes, compliance requirements and cross-cultural operations. By combining these capabilities through our global platform, we are committed to helping more Chinese brands successfully enter international markets, establish sustainable operations and translate their product strengths and brand potential into lasting global competitiveness.”

Hashtag: #CWK

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

About Cushman & Wakefield

Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK) is a leading global commercial real estate services firm for property owners and occupiers with approximately 53,000 employees in nearly 350 offices and 60 countries. In Greater China, a network of 23 offices serves local markets across the region. In 2025, the firm reported revenue of $10.3 billion across its core services of Valuation, Consulting, Project & Development Services, Capital Markets, Project & Occupier Services, Industrial & Logistics, Retail, and others. Built around the belief that Better never settles, the firm receives numerous industry and business accolades for its award-winning culture. For additional information, visit www.cushmanwakefield.com.hk or follow us on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/cushman-&-wakefield-greater-china).

ReadyServer includes AI model access with every VPS plan, without per-token billing

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 October 2026 – ReadyServer, a Singapore-based provider of cloud and IT infrastructure services,has introduced the ReadyServer LLM API, giving customers on every ReadyServer VPS plan access to hosted open AI models at no additional cost. The OpenAI-compatible API lets developers connect applications running on their VPS to ReadyServer’s shared AI inference infrastructure, without arranging a separate model service, obtaining an API key or paying per token.

For a developer building an AI application, hosting the application and accessing the model behind it are often separate decisions. A team may already have a server for its code and data, but still needs to work out where the model will run, how to connect to it and how usage will be billed. ReadyServer’s approach brings model access into its existing VPS offering.

“Developers may have a clear idea for an AI application, but getting access to a model introduces another service to set up and another usage bill to manage,” said Alan Woo, Chief Executive Officer of ReadyServer. “We wanted to make that first step simpler by including model access with the VPS they already use.”

The API is reachable from a ReadyServer VPS through the company’s private network. It is not exposed for use from a customer’s own computer or a server hosted with another provider. Customers do not receive a dedicated GPU VPS or need to install a model on their existing server. Instead, applications on their VPS send requests to models hosted on ReadyServer’s shared inference infrastructure.

Developers can use the service to build chatbots, AI agents, coding assistants and document search tools. It also supports retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), which lets an application draw on selected documents when producing a response. Other supported capabilities include summarisation, classification, data extraction, image input, tool calling and structured JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) output. These are available capabilities; the applications a customer builds will depend on its own development work.

The API uses a format compatible with the OpenAI API. Developers can connect using tools such as curl or the Python and Node.js OpenAI Software Development Kits (SDKs) by configuring their applications to use the ReadyServer API endpoint. No additional service installation is required on the VPS. While some SDKs require a non-empty API key field, ReadyServer does not issue an actual key for this service and a placeholder value can be used.

ReadyServer currently serves two open-weight Qwen models. Qwen3.6-27B is designed to return direct answers more quickly. Qwen3.8-27B has a longer context window and is suited to work involving lengthy documents or tasks that require multiple steps. Both are hosted by ReadyServer; “OpenAI-compatible” describes the API format, rather than the models themselves.

“We chose shared inference capacity so customers can access hosted models without each having to run a dedicated GPU server,” Woo said. “It is a practical way for developers to start building, but shared capacity also means we need to be clear about fair use and what happens when demand is high.”

The service has no published monthly token allowance and does not charge customers per token. Usage is governed by ReadyServer’s fair-use policy. When the service is busy, requests may be queued and response times may increase. The ReadyServer LLM API is provided on a best-effort basis without a service-level agreement.

The ReadyServer LLM API is available to customers across every ReadyServer VPS plan. Documentation covering setup, supported models, API use and fair use is available at readyserver.ai.

Hashtag: #ReadyServer

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

About ReadyServer

ReadyServer Pte Ltd provides internet infrastructure, network, data centre and cloud computing solutions. The ReadyServer LLM API gives its VPS customers access to hosted open AI models through the company’s private network.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 October 2026 – Alaya Consulting today released its latest research, From Climate Narrative to Numbers: A Study of Quantitative Scenario Analysis Disclosure among Hang Seng Composite LargeCap Index Constituents, examining how leading Hong Kong-listed companies disclose quantitative climate scenario analysis in their public reports.

The study reviewed the 2025 climate-related disclosures of 112 constituents of the Hang Seng Composite LargeCap Index, focusing on whether companies provide scenario-based information that is quantitative, financially connected and decision-useful for investors and other stakeholders.

The research found that while climate-related disclosure has become more common among large-cap companies, supported by the introduction of HKEX’s new climate-related disclosure requirements under Part D of the ESG Code, many issuers remain at an early stage in translating climate risk awareness into quantified analysis. Companies frequently identify climate risks, describe governance arrangements and refer to climate scenarios, but fewer disclose the numerical outputs, financial implications or strategic conclusions needed to assess business resilience under different climate futures.

Key findings include:

• 93% of companies disclosed some form of climate scenario analysis, but the depth of disclosure varied significantly;
• 25% fully quantified physical risks;
• 19% fully quantified transition risks; and
• only 12.5% fully disclosed scenario-linked financial effects.

The findings show a clear gap between climate risk recognition and decision-useful quantification. Many companies now acknowledge climate-related risks and opportunities, but fewer explain what those risks mean in measurable business or financial terms.

Tony Wong, Founder of Alaya Consulting, stated: “Climate scenario analysis should not be treated as a reporting box-ticking exercise. Its real value lies in helping companies understand how climate-related risks and opportunities may affect their assets, operations, cash flows and long-term strategy.”

“Our study shows that Hong Kong large-cap companies are increasingly aware of climate scenario analysis, but the market now needs to move from narrative disclosure to numbers. As HKEX’s mandatory climate-related disclosure requirements begin to apply to relevant issuers, quantitative and financially connected analysis will be essential for investors, boards and management teams to assess resilience and make informed decisions.”

The study highlights that financial effects remain the weakest area of disclosure. While some companies quantify risk exposure — such as assets exposed to flooding, carbon pricing or transition risks — only a smaller group translates those exposures into potential impacts on revenue, operating costs, capital expenditure, asset values, profitability or cash flows.

This matters because quantitative scenario analysis helps companies and report users understand the magnitude, timing and business relevance of climate risks. Without quantification, disclosures may identify that a company faces climate-related risks, but provide limited insight into whether those risks are material, manageable, increasing, or already reflected in strategic and financial planning.

The research comes at an important time for the Hong Kong market. With mandatory climate-related disclosure requirements applying to relevant large-cap issuers for financial years commencing on or after 1 January 2026, companies will need to strengthen scenario analysis capability and improve the connectivity between sustainability reporting, financial planning and business strategy.

According to Alaya Consulting, companies should prioritise:

• selecting relevant physical and transition climate scenarios;
• disclosing key assumptions and time horizons;
• quantifying risk exposure by asset, geography, business unit or portfolio, where relevant;
• assessing potential financial effects under different scenarios; and
• linking scenario outputs to resilience planning, investment decisions and capital allocation.

“The next stage of climate disclosure is about usefulness,” added Mr. Wong. “Companies that can explain not only what climate risks they face, but how those risks may affect financial performance and strategic resilience, will be better positioned to meet regulatory expectations and respond to investor demand for credible climate-related information.”

To obtain the full report or arrange a discussion on FY2026 climate disclosure readiness, please contact Alaya Consulting.

Hashtag: #AlayaConsulting #ClimateDisclosure #ScenarioAnalysis

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

About Alaya Consulting

Alaya Consulting is a specialist ESG consultancy focusing on climate-related disclosure, ESG advisory, pre-assurance, data verification and ratings enhancement. Its advisory services cover evolving international and market-specific requirements, including climate-related disclosure requirements, supply chain-related regulations and sustainability reporting developments.

With offices in Hong Kong and Shenzhen, we advise clients across a wide range of industries, including real estate, environmental services, utilities, renewable energy and pharmaceuticals. We are an ISSB training partner, and the ESG Partner of the Hong Kong ESG Reporting Awards (HERA).

Since 2014, Alaya has contributed to the achievement of SDG 12.6 by advising on nearly 1,000 sustainability disclosure projects. Our latest approved science-based target is to reduce Scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 42% by 2030. Alaya has also achieved a CDP climate change score of B, reflecting our continued commitment to climate transparency and performance.

Merger Agreement Architects Alan Sun and Ricky Sun Appointed as Corporate Advisors to Provide Strategic Business Advice

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 October 2026 – TROOPS, Inc. (NASDAQ: TROO) (“TROOPS” or the “Company”), a diversified conglomerate spanning financial technology and insurance services, today announced that it has signed a merger agreement with EFFORCE Group.

This strategic combination unites TROOPS’ robust ecosystem with EFFORCE’s blockchain infrastructure and regulatory credentials. Co-founded by Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, EFFORCE has established a prominent presence in the digital asset and sustainability sectors through its focus on innovative technology-driven solutions. Mr. Wozniak remains a shareholder of EFFORCE following the transaction.

Following the signing of the merger agreement, EFFORCE Group will appoint Alan Sun and Ricky Sun as Corporate Advisors. As the architects behind this merger agreement, they bring extensive experience in investment and commercial law, respectively, and will provide advice on the Company’s business and capital strategies.

Alan Sun stated: “This merger integrates the complementary strengths of both parties across technology R&D, regulatory compliance, business development, and market access. By combining our respective capabilities, both parties are committed to creating a stronger business platform positioned to capture multiple market opportunities in the evolving digital asset economy.”

A Multi-Vertical Ecosystem: Beyond Crypto Trading

Through this merger, TROOPS will gain access to EFFORCE Group’s frameworks and technology, expanding its operational scope beyond traditional cryptocurrency exchange capabilities into synergistic digital verticals, including potential opportunities to access trades for carbon credits and green certificates.

The combined group intends to leverage its expanded infrastructure and industry expertise to pursue opportunities spanning digital assets, sustainability-focused initiatives, financial services integration, and related technology-driven business models.

The transaction is expected to provide a solid foundation for future growth while enhancing the group’s ability to serve institutional and commercial clients across multiple markets.

Strategic Leadership Insights

“This merger represents a significant milestone for TROOPS as we continue to expand our digital asset infrastructure and diversified business platform,” said Damian Thurnheer, President and CEO of TROOPS, Inc. “The combination of EFFORCE’s technology, regulatory capabilities, and industry expertise with TROOPS’ existing operations creates new opportunities for growth, innovation, and value creation.”

A spokesperson for EFFORCE Group added, “The combination of EFFORCE’s licensing framework, digital asset expertise, and sustainability-focused initiatives with TROOPS’ market presence creates a strong foundation for future development across multiple business verticals. We believe the transaction will enable the combined group to explore new strategic opportunities while leveraging the strengths of both organizations.”

The integration is expected to accelerate revenue growth opportunities, diversify income streams, and support the creation of long-term value for NASDAQ: TROO shareholders. Both parties expect to work closely together to ensure a seamless integration process and to maximize the strategic benefits of the transaction for stakeholders of both organizations.

Hashtag: #TROOPS #EFFORCE

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

About TROOPS, Inc.

TROOPS, Inc. (NASDAQ: TROO) is a diversified holding company listed on NASDAQ and headquartered in Hong Kong. The Company is dedicated to integrating traditional physical industries with cutting-edge digital technologies to deliver efficient, secure, and innovative solutions to global clients. As a NASDAQ-listed company, TROOPS, Inc. consistently adheres to international corporate governance and strict compliance standards. Moving forward, the Company will continue to deepen the integration of fintech and digital assets through technological innovation and global strategic acquisitions to drive long-term growth value for shareholders.

Website: https://www.troops.co/

About EFFORCE Group

Co-founded by Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, EFFORCE is an innovative pioneer specializing in blockchain technology, digital assets, and green sustainability. The company aims to reshape global energy efficiency and carbon asset markets through decentralized technology, enabling businesses and individuals to directly participate in and financially benefit from environmental carbon-reduction projects.

Website: https://www.efforce.io/

The Malaysian ammolite and meteorite jewellery brand brings rare natural materials to two new retail destinations

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 October 2026 – Kaimirra, the Malaysian jewellery brand known for ammolite and meteorite, has opened a boutique at Pavilion Damansara Heights and a kiosk at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. The openings give more customers access to its ammolite, meteorite and gemstone jewellery, and a chance to see these rare materials up close before purchase.

The Pavilion Damansara Heights boutique held its grand opening on 9 October 2026 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and lion dance. The kiosk brings the brand to Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur’s main shopping district.

Founded in 2021
Nelson Foo and Joshua Tan founded Kaimirra in 2021 out of a shared fascination with extraordinary natural materials. Ammolite’s vivid colours and meteorite’s journey from space drew them in, and they set out to introduce both to a wider audience through contemporary jewellery.

Their belief is simple: rare materials deserve to be worn proudly. Kaimirra gives these discoveries a place beyond private collections and display cabinets.

“Ammolite and meteorite are older than anything else you will ever wear, and no two stones are alike,” said Nelson Foo, co-founder of Kaimirra. “We wanted people to see them properly, hold them and choose a piece that feels like theirs.”

“Watching ammolite shift colour under the lights is what wins people over,” said Joshua Tan, co-founder. “That is why we wanted to give it a proper space.”

Ammolite and the colours of ancient life
Ammolite is a rare organic gemstone formed from the iridescent shells of fossilised ammonites. These marine creatures died out in the mass extinction that ended the Cretaceous Period 66 million years ago, alongside the non-avian dinosaurs. Gem-quality ammolite is commercially mined in southwestern Alberta, Canada, where Kaimirra sources its stones directly from miners.

Microscopic layers in the shell interact with light to produce colours that shift with movement and viewing angle. Each stone has its own combination of colours and patterns, so even pieces in the same design look different. For the wearer, that means jewellery no one else has.

Meteorite and a connection to space
Meteorites are fragments of extraterrestrial rock or metal that survive their passage through Earth’s atmosphere. Most originate from asteroids, while some come from the Moon or Mars. Their unusual textures and origins offer a tangible connection to space through jewellery.

Kaimirra’s collection includes Muonionalusta from Sweden, Aletai from China, Sericho pallasite from Kenya and lunar meteorite. Muonionalusta reveals fine, interlocking Widmanstätten patterns (crystal structures that appear when the metal is etched), while Aletai displays broader ones. Sericho pallasite contains olivine crystals within an iron-nickel matrix, and lunar meteorite carries the rocky texture of material from the Moon.

These textures appeal to customers drawn to astronomy, natural patterns and unconventional materials. Each piece in Kaimirra’s meteorite collection comes with a certificate stating its material type and origin.

Discovering the collections in person
The Pavilion Damansara Heights boutique features deep navy interiors, museum-style displays and a mini gallery of meteorites and ammonite fossils. Customers can examine the materials closely and see how ammolite’s colours respond to light.

Across both locations, Kaimirra pairs contemporary design with guidance on material origins, individual characteristics and jewellery care, helping customers choose pieces that reflect their interests and taste.

Visit Kaimirra
Boutique: Lot 3.14.00, Level 3, Pavilion Damansara Heights, Jalan Damanlela, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur.Kiosk: Lot P4.20.00, Level 4, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, 168 Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur.
Website: www.kaimirra.com | Instagram: @kaimirra_official

https://www.kaimirra.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/82163692/
https://www.facebook.com/Kaimirra.Official
https://www.instagram.com/kaimirra_official/

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

About Kaimirra

Kaimirra is a Malaysian jewellery brand founded in 2021 by Nelson Foo and Joshua Tan. Part of the Tutan Group, it specialises in contemporary ammolite and meteorite jewellery and also offers other gemstones, bringing distinctive natural materials into designs made to be worn proudly.

Media contacts
Jane Ng | Deputy Director Marketing
+60 11-2369 6425 | jane.ng@kaimirra.com

Joo Yee | Senior Marketing Manager
+60 17-240 5939 | jooyee.hee@kaimirra.com

URAYASU, CHIBA, JAPAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 October 2026 – Oriental Land Co., Ltd. and ORIENTAL LAND CRUISE Co., Ltd. announced that the name of its new Disney cruise ship, to commence operations for the first time in Japan with Tokyo International Cruise Terminal as its primary homeport, has been determined as Disney Imagination.

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