MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 July 2026 – Global electric vehicle company VinFast has officially signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Bespoke Logistics, a Philippine provider of end-to-end automotive logistics solutions, to establish an integrated mobility processing center and authorized service workshop for the inspection and preparation of VinFast electric motorcycles prior to delivery. The partnership will help ensure vehicle quality, shorten delivery lead times, and lay a solid foundation for VinFast’s expanding electric motorcycle ecosystem in the Philippines.
Mr. Irineo Niño Fabros, CEO of VinFast Electric Motorcycles Philippines (left), and Mr. Allan A. Mina, President and CEO of Bespoke Logistics, at the signing ceremony.
Under the agreement, Bespoke Logistics will operate an integrated mobility processing center and VinFast-authorized service workshop, responsible for warehousing, vehicle inspection, technical preparation of electric motorcycles prior to delivery, vehicle yard management, and transportation. Located in Carmona City, Cavite Province, the 20,000-square-meter facility has a storage capacity of up to 30,000 vehicles, helping streamline vehicle preparation, improve operational efficiency, and ensure product quality before delivery to customers.
As part of the partnership, VinFast will work closely with Bespoke Logistics to implement technician training and certification programs, transfer standardized operating procedures and quality control processes, and establish a parts supply system to support aftersales operations.
Bespoke Logistics specializes in automotive logistics, offering an end-to-end service portfolio that includes pre-delivery inspection (PDI), warehousing, vehicle yard management, transportation, and vehicle delivery. The company also has extensive experience in warehouse-based technical operations and modern vehicle and inventory management systems, serving as a trusted logistics partner for multiple automotive brands in the Philippines.
Partnering with experienced local companies such as Bespoke Logistics will not only strengthen VinFast’s logistics and service capabilities in the Philippines but also provide a strong operational foundation for the delivery of its first electric motorcycles to customers.
The agreement forms part of VinFast’s long-term strategy to develop a comprehensive, international-standard electric motorcycle ecosystem in the Philippines. Alongside the launch of its diverse lineup of battery-swapping electric motorcycles, VinFast is steadily expanding its distribution network, aftersales services, and battery swapping infrastructure to deliver a seamless, convenient, and reliable ownership experience for customers.
Mr. Bui Viet Hung, VinFast Deputy CEO of Global Aftersales Service, said: “At VinFast, world-class products must be supported by robust infrastructure and exceptional aftersales services. Our partnership with Bespoke Logistics is a key milestone in strengthening our distribution and aftersales capabilities in line with global standards, ensuring that customers in the Philippines enjoy high quality products and services from day one of ownership.”
Mr. Allan A. Mina, President and CEO of Bespoke Logistics said: “We are proud to partner with VinFast as it develops its electric motorcycle ecosystem in the Philippines. We are committed to operating the facility in accordance with VinFast’s international standards while continuously enhancing our team’s capabilities and operational processes to support the brand’s long-term growth in the market.”
Over the past few years, VinFast has steadily built a green mobility ecosystem across the Philippines, Indonesia, India, and other international markets through strategic partnerships with local companies and ecosystem partners such as Green GSM and V-Green. In addition to electric motorcycles, VinFast is expanding its product portfolio to include electric cars, electric bicycles, and electric buses, providing consumers with more sustainable mobility options while accelerating the global transition to greener transportation.
Hashtag: #VinFast
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About About VinFast
VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (“EV”) company with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast’s product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses.
VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally while expanding its production footprint with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Bespoke Logistics is a Philippine-based automotive logistics, warehousing, and mobility solutions company specializing in vehicle processing, stockyard management, electric vehicle support services, transportation, and distribution.
Through its Mobility Processing Center platform, Bespoke Logistics provides integrated solutions for automotive manufacturers, distributors, and emerging mobility brands operating in the Philippines.
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 July 2026 – Competition authorities from BRICS countries have established a task force to conduct a joint sector inquiry into the global grain trade, marking a new step in cooperation on competition policy across international agricultural markets.
The decision was announced during the discussion “Competition Development in Global Grain Trade: Joint Efforts of BRICS Countries”, organized by the BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre on the sidelines of the 23rd Session of the UNCTAD Intergovernmental Group of Experts on Competition Law and Policy in Geneva.
The event included a closed meeting of BRICS competition authorities and a public panel featuring researchers, academics and representatives of international organizations.
Discussions focused on competition in global grain markets, the growing influence of financialization and digitalization across agricultural value chains, and policy tools to improve market transparency. Participants also reviewed the findings of a joint report prepared by the BRICS Competition Centre and UNCTAD (link: https://www.bricscompetition.org/ru/grainreport) , first presented at the 9th BRICS International Competition Conference in Cape Town in 2025.
A coordinated market study
The central outcome of the meeting was the establishment of a BRICS task force that will coordinate a joint sector inquiry into global grain trade within the framework of the BRICS Working Group on Food Markets.
The task force will be co-chaired by Diogo Thomson, President of Brazil’s Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE), and Mahmoud Momtaz, Chairperson of the Egyptian Competition Authority (ECA).
Thomson welcomed the initiative and proposed making competition in global grain trade a key topic at the next BRICS International Competition Conference, scheduled to take place in Brazil in 2027.
“Brazil is the only jurisdiction that has launched an investigation into digital grain trading platforms such as Covantis. I therefore strongly welcome this sector inquiry, which will help us better understand the impact of digitalization across grain supply chains and the risks it may create for competition. I also support using the BRICS Competition Centre as the coordination platform for this work,” he said.
Momtaz said one of the main conclusions of the BRICS-UNCTAD report was the significant role speculative activity plays in global grain markets.
“One of the key findings of the report presented by the BRICS Competition Centre is the extent to which speculative factors influence global grain trade. The most effective response is greater market transparency. We should not accept a situation where farmers receive only a small share of the value they create while consumers in Egypt pay excessively high prices for bread. Where does this margin accumulate, and who ultimately benefits from it? These are the questions our sector inquiry should answer,” he said.
He also proposed that the task force develop a common AI-powered price monitoring tool covering BRICS grain markets.
“Such a tool would provide the information needed for market analysis and become an important complement to the joint sector inquiry,” Momtaz added.
From analysis to policy recommendations
Hardin Ratshisusu, Deputy Commissioner of the Competition Commission of South Africa, said the study should contribute to the implementation of the BRICS Grain Exchange initiative endorsed by BRICS leaders in the Kazan Declaration (2024) and the Rio de Janeiro Declaration (2025).
“The proposal to establish a BRICS Grain Exchange should become one of the key recommendations of the sector inquiry as an innovative mechanism for restoring competition in global grain trade. Our objective is not merely to identify market problems but to develop practical recommendations that can ultimately be submitted to the leaders of our countries,” he said.
Alexey Ivanov, Director of the BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre, said competition authorities should play a central role in designing the institutional framework of the future exchange.
“The BRICS Grain Exchange should not become another formal institution. It must serve as a practical mechanism for improving competition and market transparency. Competition authorities are uniquely positioned to identify the institutional features that will allow the exchange to achieve these objectives,” he said.
Growing international role
Frédéric Jenny, Chairmanof the OECD Competition Committee, said the initiative demonstrated the growing international role of BRICS competition authorities.
“This project illustrates how BRICS competition authorities are becoming drivers of the global competition agenda. In the past, they largely followed the lead of developed jurisdictions. That is no longer the case. There are very few examples worldwide of such close cooperation between competition authorities. This applies not only to joint market studies, but also to enforcement cooperation and competition advocacy. Rather than acting individually, you have found both the mechanisms and the political will to work together,” Jenny said.
The task force will now begin developing the methodology and work plan for the joint inquiry. Its findings are expected to provide policy recommendations aimed at strengthening competition, improving transparency in global grain trade, and supporting future BRICS initiatives in agricultural markets.
Hashtag: #BRICSCompetition
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Today’s premium SUVs are expected to do more than ever before. For EVs, that expectation increasingly extends beyond the drive itself to the ownership experience that comes with it.
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 July 2026 – There’s a reason premium SUVs remain the vehicle of choice across much of the Middle East. People here spend a lot of time in their cars, commuting between cities, shuttling between meetings, while thinking nothing of driving hundreds of kilometers over a long weekend.
A vehicle is where conference calls are taken between appointments, where children fall asleep in the back seat on the drive home, and where many of the ordinary moments of daily life quietly unfold. That is also why buyers in the region tend to value both performance and convenience, rather than simply paying for horsepower or a premium badge.
Electric vehicles have made those decisions even more nuanced. Not long ago, conversations about EVs were largely centered on battery size, driving range and charging times. Those questions still matter, but increasingly, buyers also demand a clear picture of their post-delivery ownership experience, specifically requiring convenient charging, straightforward servicing, and long-term support.
Viewed through that lens, perhaps the most interesting thing about the VinFast VF 8 isn’t any single specification. Rather, it is the way the company has approached the ownership experience around it.
Designed by the legendary Italian design house Pininfarina, the all-electric D-segment SUV combines premium styling with everyday practicality. With up to 493 km of NEDC driving range and up to 402 horsepower through its dual-motor AWD system, the VF 8 is equally at home navigating city traffic or tackling longer journeys across the region. Its spacious cabin, Level 2 driver assistance technologies and 15.6-inch infotainment display are designed with comfort in mind, whether the journey lasts twenty minutes or two hours.
In the UAE, buyers also benefit from a 10-year vehicle warranty, a 10-year unlimited-mileage battery warranty, 24/7 roadside assistance and five years of free maintenance up to 100,000 km. These benefits strike at the heart of the EV ownership experience, especially for first-time buyers. Running low on charge before an important meeting or worrying about finding support on a long drive are precisely the kinds of concerns that can make consumers hesitate about making the switch.
Globally, VinFast has been investing heavily in the ecosystem surrounding its vehicles. Earlier this year, the company signed agreements with 29 international aftersales partners as part of its plan to expand its global service network to more than 1,100 workshops across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia during 2026. The initiative includes globally standardized technician training alongside software updates, battery inspections and technical support throughout the ownership journey.
In the UAE, VinFast works with Al Tayer Motors to provide local aftersales support while continuing to strengthen its regional service network through experienced local partners. Earlier this year, the company also signed an MoU with PlusX Electric, a DEWA-approved charging provider, to complement its charging ecosystem with portable charging pods, on-demand mobile charging and emergency roadside charging services.
In many ways, the Middle East’s EV market is still writing its next chapter. Buyers have more choices than ever before, but expectations are rising just as quickly. Developing a competitive electric SUV addresses only part of the equation; ensuring a seamless ownership experience may ultimately prove equally decisive.
Sebelum Menopaus, Ramai Wanita Mula Mengalami Perubahan Namun Memilih Berdiam Diri
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 Julai 2026 – Perimenopaus merupakan satu fasa semula jadi dalam kehidupan setiap wanita. Namun begitu, ramai wanita memasuki fasa peralihan ini tanpa benar-benar memahami apa yang sedang berlaku kepada tubuh mereka atau mengetahui di mana mereka boleh mendapatkan sokongan yang sewajarnya.
Foto berkumpulan bersama wakil, tetamu dan para hadirin sempena Majlis Pelancaran Me. NO PAUSE
Walaupun menopaus kini semakin mendapat perhatian dan menjadi topik yang lebih terbuka untuk dibincangkan, tempoh beberapa tahun sebelum menopaus sering kali kurang diberi perhatian. Dalam fasa perimenopaus, wanita mungkin mengalami perubahan pada kitaran haid, tahap tenaga, tumpuan, corak tidur, emosi serta kesejahteraan diri secara keseluruhan. Perubahan ini boleh bermula beberapa tahun sebelum menopaus dan secara beransur-ansur memberi kesan kepada kehidupan harian, kerjaya serta tanggungjawab terhadap keluarga.
Menyedari kepentingan meningkatkan kesedaran dan sokongan lebih awal, Alpro Pharmacy memperkenalkan Me. NO PAUSE, satu inisiatif kesihatan wanita yang direka untuk membantu wanita memahami perubahan yang berlaku pada diri mereka, membuat persediaan lebih awal dan menjalani peralihan ke menopaus dengan lebih yakin dan sihat.
Sebagai sebahagian daripada inisiatif ini, Alpro menawarkan Pemeriksaan Ferritin RM1 Bersubsidi kepada wanita yang layak, berbanding harga biasa pada RM35. Alpro menanggung subsidi sebanyak RM34 bagi setiap pemeriksaan bagi memastikan penilaian simpanan zat besi lebih mampu milik dan mudah diakses oleh masyarakat.
Wanita berumur 35 tahun ke atas, terutamanya mereka yang mengalami keletihan berpanjangan, brain fog (kesukaran untuk berfikir atau memberi tumpuan), keguguran rambut atau kuku rapuh, digalakkan menjalani pemeriksaan ferritin dan mendapatkan nasihat daripada profesional penjagaan kesihatan mengenai keputusan yang diperoleh.
Keletihan yang Sering Dianggap Perkara Biasa
Wanita yang berusia lewat 30-an, 40-an dan awal 50-an lazimnya memikul pelbagai tanggungjawab di rumah, di tempat kerja serta dalam komuniti. Justeru, keletihan yang berpanjangan atau kesukaran untuk memberi tumpuan sering dianggap sekadar kesan tekanan, kurang tidur, peningkatan usia atau sebahagian daripada kehidupan yang sibuk.
Namun begitu, simptom-simptom ini tidak seharusnya dianggap perkara biasa tanpa diberikan perhatian.
Ferritin ialah protein yang berfungsi menyimpan zat besi di dalam badan. Pemeriksaan ferritin membantu menilai tahap simpanan zat besi seseorang dan boleh mengesan kekurangan zat besi sebelum ia berkembang menjadi anemia akibat kekurangan zat besi.
Simptom seperti keletihan dan brain fog bukanlah simptom yang khusus kerana ia boleh berpunca daripada pelbagai keadaan kesihatan. Walau bagaimanapun, pemeriksaan ferritin memberi peluang kepada wanita untuk mengenal pasti satu punca yang sering terlepas pandang serta mendapatkan nasihat profesional yang bersesuaian.
Menurut Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (KKM), kira-kira satu daripada tiga wanita Malaysia dalam usia reproduktif, iaitu antara 15 hingga 49 tahun, mengalami anemia. Walaupun isu ini memberi kesan kepada ramai wanita, pemeriksaan ferritin masih belum menjadi sebahagian daripada saringan kesihatan rutin yang sering dibincangkan dalam kalangan wanita.
Melalui Me. NO PAUSE, Alpro berharap dapat mengubah persepsi dan meningkatkan kesedaran mengenai kepentingan pemeriksaan ferritin.
“Wanita sering dijangka terus menjalankan tanggungjawab harian walaupun mereka berasa letih secara berterusan, mengalami kesukaran untuk berfikir dengan jelas atau sekadar merasakan diri mereka tidak seperti biasa. Keadaan ini sering dianggap hanya berpunca daripada tekanan, peningkatan usia atau terlalu banyak tanggungjawab,” kata Ahli Farmasi Ng Yi Ling, Professional Care & Development dan Ketua Projek Me. NO PAUSE di Alpro Pharmacy.
“Kami mahu memulakan perbualan ini lebih awal, sebelum wanita memasuki fasa menopaus dan sebelum keletihan dianggap sebagai sesuatu yang perlu mereka terima sebagai lumrah kehidupan. Harga RM1 ini bukan sekadar satu promosi, tetapi melambangkan komitmen Alpro untuk menghapuskan halangan kos sebagai langkah pertama mendapatkan saringan kesihatan.”
“Pemeriksaan ferritin dapat membantu wanita mengenal pasti sama ada simpanan zat besi yang rendah mungkin menjadi salah satu punca kepada simptom yang dialami. Mereka juga boleh berbincang dengan ahli farmasi dan mendapatkan panduan mengenai langkah seterusnya yang sesuai. Keletihan mereka wajar didengari, kebimbangan mereka perlu diambil serius, dan kesihatan mereka tidak seharusnya diketepikan.”
Kajian-kajian terkini turut memberi perhatian kepada kemungkinan hubungan antara status zat besi dan prestasi kognitif semasa peralihan ke menopaus.
Satu kajian yang diterbitkan dalam jurnal saintifik Nutrients pada tahun 2025 telah mengkaji wanita yang sedang melalui peralihan ke menopaus dan tidak mengalami anemia. Para penyelidik mendapati bahawa status zat besi yang lebih baik dikaitkan dengan prestasi kognitif yang lebih baik, termasuk ketepatan yang lebih tinggi, keupayaan membezakan maklumat yang lebih baik serta masa tindak balas yang lebih pantas.
Para penyelidik menegaskan bahawa dapatan kajian ini masih bersifat awal dan kajian yang lebih besar serta melibatkan tempoh yang lebih panjang masih diperlukan. Walau bagaimanapun, kajian ini menekankan kepentingan untuk memahami dengan lebih baik status zat besi dalam kalangan wanita yang mungkin mengalami brain fog semasa perimenopaus, walaupun mereka belum didiagnosis dengan anemia.
Bagi menyokong misi ini, Powerlife, salah sebuah penyedia suplemen kesihatan terkemuka di Malaysia, tampil sebagai rakan utama Me. NO PAUSE bagi meningkatkan akses kepada pemeriksaan ferritin untuk wanita di seluruh negara. Melalui kerjasama ini, sebanyak 300 penganalisis Ferritin daripada Global Science, yang menggunakan teknologi fluoresens mudah alih untuk memberikan keputusan dalam masa beberapa minit, disediakan di semua cawangan Alpro Pharmacy.
Majlis pelancaran Me. NO PAUSE turut dihadiri oleh wakil daripada Malaysian Pharmacists Society (MPS) Special Interest Group on Women and Child Health serta Universiti
Teknologi MARA (UiTM), yang menghimpunkan amalan farmasi komuniti dan penyelidikan akademik dalam usaha menyokong kesihatan wanita.
“Ahli farmasi komuniti memainkan peranan penting dalam menjadikan saringan kesihatan wanita lebih mudah diakses, lebih mesra masyarakat dan disusuli dengan tindakan yang tepat pada masanya,” kata Ms Harpreet Kaur, wakil daripada Malaysian Pharmacists Society Special Interest Group on Women and Child Health.
“Melalui inisiatif ini, kami berharap dapat memperkasa ahli farmasi untuk mengenal pasti wanita yang mungkin berisiko mengalami kekurangan zat besi, memberikan kaunseling yang tepat pada masanya serta menghubungkan mereka kepada rawatan yang bersesuaian apabila penilaian perubatan lanjut diperlukan.”
Mewakili Fakulti Farmasi, UiTM, Profesor Madya Dr Mahmathi Karuppannan berkata:
“Penyelidikan membantu kita memahami dengan lebih baik beban, tahap kesedaran serta kesan kekurangan zat besi terhadap kesihatan wanita di Malaysia. Melalui kerjasama ini, UiTM berharap dapat menjana penemuan tempatan yang bermakna bagi menyokong pendidikan kesihatan awam, pengesanan awal individu berisiko serta pembangunan intervensi kesihatan wanita pada masa hadapan.”
Dengan menghubungkan saringan yang mudah diakses dengan kaunseling oleh ahli farmasi serta laluan rujukan yang bersesuaian, Alpro berhasrat untuk menterjemahkan kesedaran kepada tindakan penjagaan kesihatan yang lebih bermakna dan bertanggungjawab.
Wanita berumur 35 tahun ke atas yang mengalami keletihan berpanjangan, brain fog, keguguran rambut atau kuku rapuh digalakkan mengunjungi Alpro Pharmacy berhampiran untuk mendapatkan maklumat lanjut mengenai pemeriksaan ferritin dan berbincang dengan ahli farmasi Alpro.
Melalui Me. NO PAUSE, Alpro berharap dapat membantu lebih ramai wanita berasa didengari, lebih memahami perubahan yang dialami serta mendapat sokongan yang diperlukan sebelum, semasa dan selepas melalui peralihan ke menopaus.
Hashtag: #Alpro
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Alpro Group
Ditubuhkan pada tahun 2002, perkembangan ekosistem Kumpulan Alpro telah meluas termasuk kepada penubuhan Alpro Pharmacy, Alpro スギ Pharmacy, Alpro Physio, Alpro Clinic, Alpro Baby, Alpro Optisaver, Alpro Audiology, Alpro Health dan Alpro Foundation. Dengan sokongan lebih daripada 1,000 profesional kesihatan yang terdiri daripada para doktor, ahli farmasi, pakar pemakanan, dietitian, fisioterapi, optometri dan pelbagai profesional kesihatan yang lain, Alpro telah berkhidmat kepada lebih 5 juta keluarga di Malaysia dan Indonesia melalui rangkaian luas 500 cawangan fizikal.
Alpro Pharmacy merupakan farmasi komuniti pertama dan satu-satunya di rantau ini yang menawarkan insurans liabiliti produk bernilai MYR 1 juta di Malaysia dan IDR 3 bilion di Indonesia, memastikan bekalan ubat-ubatan asli serta meningkatkan kepercayaan pengguna.
Dengan visi untuk mencipta dunia yang sihat dan bertenaga, Alpro Group berhasrat untuk menjadi rangkaian farmasi preskripsi No. 1 di Asia Tenggara
Before Menopause, Many Women Are Already Struggling in Silence
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 July 2026 – Perimenopause is a natural stage in a woman’s life, yet many women enter this transition without fully understanding what is happening to their bodies or knowing where to seek support.
Group photo with representatives, guests and attendees at the Me. NO PAUSE Official Launching Ceremony.
While menopause is becoming more widely discussed, the years leading up to it often receive far less attention. During perimenopause, women may experience changes in their menstrual cycle, energy levels, concentration, sleep, mood and overall well-being. These changes may begin several years before menopause and can gradually affect a woman’s daily life, work and family responsibilities.
Recognising the need for earlier awareness and support, Alpro Pharmacy has launched Me. NO PAUSE, a women’s health initiative designed to help women better understand, prepare for and live well through the transition to menopause.
As part of the initiative, Alpro is offering eligible women a subsidised ferritin check for only RM1, compared with the normal price of RM35. Alpro is subsidising RM34 of the screening cost to make iron-store assessment more affordable and accessible within the community.
Women aged 35 and above, particularly those experiencing persistent tiredness, brain fog, hair loss, or brittle nails, are encouraged to undergo a ferritin check and speak with a healthcare professional about their results.
The fatigue women are expected to live with
Women in their late thirties, forties, and early fifties often carry multiple responsibilities at home, at work, and within their communities. Persistent exhaustion or difficulty concentrating may therefore be dismissed as stress, lack of sleep, ageing or simply part of having a busy life.
However, these symptoms deserve attention rather than automatic acceptance.
Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in the body. A ferritin check helps assess a person’s iron stores and may identify low iron levels before the condition progresses to iron-deficiency anaemia.
Symptoms such as tiredness and brain fog are non-specific and may have many possible causes. Nevertheless, checking ferritin levels provides women with an opportunity to explore a frequently overlooked possibility and receive appropriate professional guidance.
Malaysia’s Ministry of Health has reported that approximately one in three Malaysian womenof reproductive age, between 15 and 49 years old, experiences anaemia. Despite the scale of the issue, ferritin testing is not commonly discussed as part of routine health screening among women.
Through Me. NO PAUSE, Alpro aims to change that conversation.
“Women are often expected to keep functioning even when they feel persistently exhausted, mentally foggy or simply unlike themselves. These experiences are easily dismissed as stress, age or the result of having too many responsibilities,” said Ph. Ng Yi Ling, Professional Care & Development and Project Lead of Me. No Pause from Alpro Pharmacy.
“We want to move the conversation earlier, before women reach menopause and before exhaustion becomes something they believe they simply have to tolerate. The RM1 price is not merely a promotion; it represents Alpro’s commitment to removing cost as the first barrier to screening.”
“A ferritin check can help a woman understand whether low iron stores may be part of the picture, speak to a pharmacist and take the next appropriate step. Her tiredness deserves to be heard, her concerns deserve to be taken seriously, and her health should never come last.”
Emerging research has also drawn attention to the possible relationship between iron status and cognitive performance during the menopausal transition.
A study published in the scientific journal Nutrients in 2025 examined non-anaemic women going through the menopausal transition. The researchers observed that better iron status was associated with stronger cognitive performance, including greater accuracy, better discrimination and faster response times.
The researchers emphasised that the findings were preliminary and that larger, longer-term studies are required. Nevertheless, the research highlights the importance of better understanding iron status in women who may experience brain fog during perimenopause, even when they have not been diagnosed with anaemia.
Supporting this mission, Powerlife, a leading health supplement provider in Malaysia, has stepped forward as the main partner of Me. No Pause to improve access to ferritin screening for women nationwide, with 300 Ferritin analysers from Global Science using handheld fluorescence technology to provide results within minutes, available at all Alpro Pharmacy.
The launch of Me. NO PAUSE was also attended by representatives from the Malaysian Pharmacists Society Special Interest Group on Women and Child Health and from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), bringing together community pharmacy practice and academic research to support women’s health.
“Community pharmacists play an important role in making women’s health screening more accessible, approachable and connected to timely action,” said Ms Harpreet Kaur, representing the Malaysian Pharmacists Society Special Interest Group on Women and Child Health.
“Through this initiative, we hope to empower pharmacists to identify women who may be at risk of iron deficiency, provide timely counselling and connect them to appropriate care when further medical assessment is required.”
Representing the Faculty of Pharmacy, UiTM, Associate Professor Dr Mahmathi Karuppannan said:
“Research helps us better understand the burden, level of awareness and health impact of iron deficiency among women in Malaysia. Through this collaboration, UiTM hopes to generate meaningful local insights that can guide public education, early risk detection and the development of future women’s health interventions.”
By connecting accessible screening with pharmacist counselling and appropriate referral pathways, Alpro aims to translate awareness into meaningful, responsible health action.
Women aged 35 and above who experience persistent tiredness, brain fog, hair loss or brittle nails are encouraged to visit their nearest Alpro Pharmacy to learn more about ferritin checks and speak with an Alpro pharmacist.
Through Me. NO PAUSE, Alpro hopes to help more women feel heard, informed and supported before, during and beyond the transition to menopause.
Hashtag: #Alpro
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Alpro Group
Founded in 2002, Alpro Group’s ecosystem has grown to include Alpro Pharmacy, Apotek Alpro, Alpro スギ (Sugi) Pharmacy, Alpro Physio, Alpro Clinic, Alpro Baby, Alpro OptiSaver, Alpro Audiology, Alpro Health, and Alpro Foundation. Supported by a team of more than 1,000 healthcare professionals, including doctors, pharmacists, nutritionists, dietitians, physiotherapists, optometrist and many others, Alpro serves over 5 million families in Malaysia and Indonesia through its extensive network of 500 physical outlets.
Alpro Pharmacy is the first and only community pharmacy in the region to offer product liability insurance of MYR 1 million in Malaysia and IDR 3 billion in Indonesia, ensuring the supply of genuine medications and enhancing consumer trust.
With the vision of a healthy and vibrant world, Alpro Group aims to become the No. 1 prescription pharmacy chain in Southeast Asia.
隨著AI運算負載持續增長，並可能超出單一設施的處理能力，各機構日益需要存取分佈於多個數據中心的算力資源。超低時延 3.2Tbps AI DCI Superhighway讓AI基礎設施供應商能高效擴展其訓練及推理能力，同時支援大學及研究實驗室等機構無縫匯聚全港各區的算力，以進行複雜的科學模擬。
3.2Tbps AI DCI Superhighway在800Gbps AI Superhighway的基礎上全面升級，支援多項進階行業標準，包括遠端直接記憶體存取（RDMA）、聚合以太網 RDMA 第二版（RoCEv2）、多路徑可靠連接（MRC）及超以太網傳輸（Ultra-Ethernet Transport）。3.2Tbps AI DCI Superhighway將於計劃中由落馬洲河套區延伸至將軍澳的先進空芯光纖上運行，較傳統光纖的時延低約三成。高頻寬結合超低時延，能讓分佈於各數據中心數以千計的 GPU 保持同步運作，而數據傳輸延遲減少，則有助降低運算時間及成本，並降低每位元耗能（power-per-bit），提升能源效益。
香港電訊網絡工程主管兼Fiber Link Global 行政總裁鄺偉銓表示：「香港電訊致力推動香港創科發展，銳意將香港打造成全球最先進的創科樞紐之一。為此，我們正升級覆蓋香港主要數據中心集群的 AI Superhighway，首階段將連通落馬洲至將軍澳，目標於 2026 年底前完成，並將支援即將上馬的兆瓦級沙嶺數據園區。香港電訊正透過這些項目，為香港創科生態系統的長遠發展構建網絡基礎。」
香港電訊的 AI Superhighway將香港各主要數據中心集群及香港電訊位於落馬洲河套區的新 AI 機樓互連。集團亦已準備就緒，將覆蓋範圍延伸至日後的沙嶺數據園區，支援其發展成為領先的數據設施集群。
Hashtag: #HKT #香港電訊
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 July 2026 – VinFast today announced the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with TÜV Rheinland, a global leader in automotive testing, inspection and certification, to strengthen vehicle testing capabilities in Vietnam. The partnership includes the development of the VinFast Testing Center in accordance with international standards and the provision of testing and technical advisory services to automotive manufacturers across the region from Vietnam, laying the foundation for deeper integration into the global automotive value chain.
Mr. Nguyen Manh Quan (right), Deputy CEO of Quality Control Division, VinFast, and Mr. Nguyen The Anh, General Director of TÜV Rheinland Vietnam, at the signing ceremony.
Under the MOU, VinFast and TÜV Rheinland will work closely across a broad range of areas, including technical advisory services, testing, certification and specialized training. TÜV Rheinland will prioritize the VinFast Testing Center as its preferred provider of testing and technical advisory services for relevant projects in Vietnam and the ASEAN region. The two parties will also jointly promote the capabilities of the VinFast Testing Center to international automotive manufacturers, develop new business opportunities, and organize specialized training programs and industry seminars to further strengthen technical capabilities.
Previously, VinFast and TÜV Rheinland have collaborated on numerous testing and technical assessment activities covering electric vehicle systems, components and complete vehicles, supporting the development of products that meet the technical requirements of both domestic and international markets. The new strategic MOU elevates the relationship beyond individual projects and establishes a long-term partnership aimed at helping Vietnamese businesses integrate more deeply into the global automotive value chain.
Headquartered in Germany and backed by more than 150 years of experience, TÜV Rheinland is a global leader in testing, inspection and certification. The company provides technical services to automotive manufacturers and suppliers worldwide, helping them comply with regulatory requirements and international standards related to safety, performance, electromagnetic compatibility, cybersecurity and other specialized technical fields.
Mr. Nguyen Manh Quan, Deputy CEO of Quality Control Division, VinFast, said: “Our partnership with TÜV Rheinland is a key step in VinFast’s long-term strategy to strengthen our research, testing and product development capabilities in line with international standards. Beyond enhancing product quality, this collaboration also creates opportunities for VinFast to gradually become part of the regional and global automotive technical services network, contributing to the continued development of Vietnam’s automotive industry ecosystem.”
Mr. Nguyen The Anh, General Director of TÜV Rheinland Vietnam, said: “We highly value VinFast’s continued investment in research, testing and product development. Leveraging our global expertise in testing, inspection and certification, TÜV Rheinland looks forward to working alongside VinFast to strengthen technical capabilities, drive technological innovation, and develop services that meet the growing demands of the market.“
As Vietnam’s leading electric vehicle manufacturer with a diverse ecosystem spanning electric cars, electric motorcycles and smart mobility solutions, VinFast continues to invest in research, development and testing infrastructure to meet the world’s most demanding international standards. The expanded partnership with TÜV Rheinland further reinforces VinFast’s strategy of building a network of world-leading technical partners, strengthening its research, testing and product development capabilities while contributing to technological innovation and the development of the automotive industry ecosystem in Vietnam and the region.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 July 2026 – HKT (SEHK: 6823) today announces plan to roll out its ultra-low latency 3.2Tbps AI Data Centre Inter-connect (DCI) Superhighway service, the first of its kind in Hong Kong, enabling AI infrastructure providers and institutions to have ultra-fast and seamless access to computing resources across multiple data centres to meet next-generation AI workloads.
As AI workloads continue to grow and may surpass the capacity of individual facilities, institutions increasingly require access to distributed resources across multiple data centres. The ultra-low latency 3.2Tbps AI DCI Superhighway enables AI infrastructure providers to efficiently scale training and inference operations, while empowering institutions such as universities and research labs to run complex scientific simulations by seamlessly pooling computing capacity across Hong Kong.
Upgrading from our 800Gbps AI Superhighway, the 3.2Tbps AI DCI Superhighway supports advanced industry standards including Remote Direct Memory Access (RDMA), RDMA Over Converged Ethernet (RoCEv2), Multipath Reliable Connection (MRC) and Ultra-Ethernet Transport. It will run on the advanced hollow core fibre, which is planned between Lok Ma Chau Loop and Tseung Kwan O, achieving about 30% lower latency than traditional fibre. The combination of high bandwidth and ultra-low latency keeps thousands of GPUs across data centres working in sync, reducing the time and cost of compute by minimising delays in data transmission, while simultaneously lowering power-per-bit to improve energy efficiency.
Steve Ng, Managing Director of Commercial Group, HKT, said, “At HKT, we see connectivity as the critical foundation of Hong Kong’s AI future. This next-generation fibre network delivers ultra-low latency, high-speed, and secure data exchange to unlock the full potential of AI development across the city. By seamlessly connecting and maximising Hong Kong’s computing resources, we enable faster model training, real-time data processing, and cross-sector AI innovation—strengthening the city’s position as a leading I&T hub. It also lays vital groundwork for the Northern Metropolis, linking the Hetao area with existing data centres today while paving the way for seamless access to new computing resources as they come online across the region.”
Ricky Kwong, Head of Fixed Network Engineering, HKT and CEO, Fiber Link Global, said, “HKT is firmly committed to supporting innovation in Hong Kong, with the ambition of positioning our city as one of the most advanced I&T hubs in the world. To realise this vision, we are upgrading the AI Superhighway across Hong Kong’s major data centre clusters. The first phase, connecting Lok Ma Chau to Tseung Kwan O, is targeted for completion by the end of 2026 and will support the upcoming megawatt-scale Sandy Ridge Data Facility Cluster. Through initiatives such as these, HKT is building the connectivity foundations that will power Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem for years to come.”
HKT’s AI Superhighway interconnects Hong Kong’s leading data centre clusters and HKT’s new AI Exchange in the Lok Ma Chau Loop. The Group is also prepared to extend coverage to the upcoming Sandy Ridge Data Facility Cluster, supporting its evolution into an advanced data facility cluster.
Hashtag: #HKT
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About HKT
HKT is a technology, media, and telecommunication leader with more than 150 years of history in Hong Kong. As the city’s true 5G provider, HKT connects businesses and people locally and globally. Our end-to-end enterprise solutions make us a market-leading digital transformation partner of choice for businesses, whereas our comprehensive connectivity and smart living offerings enrich people’s lives and cater for their diverse needs for work, entertainment, education, well-being, and even a sustainable low-carbon lifestyle. Together with our digital ventures which support digital economy development and help connect Hong Kong to the world as an international financial centre, HKT endeavours to contribute to smart city development and help our community tech forward.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 July 2026 – Visitors looking to experience Singapore beyond its iconic attractions can now immerse themselves in two hands-on heritage workshops in the heart of Chinatown. Organised by Chinatown Business Association (CBA), these interactive experiences invite International tourists, families and local Singaporeans to create memorable souvenirs while discovering Singapore’s multicultural traditions.
On 18 July 2026, families can try their hands to create a bag at the DIY Canvas Bag Workshop. Participants will get to design and personalise their own reusable canvas bags using colourful paints. Suitable for all ages and requiring no prior artistic experience, the 90-minute workshop offers a fun way to bond while taking home a unique handcrafted keepsake. Tickets are priced at S$6 per participant, making it an affordable family activity during the school holidays.
The heritage journey continues on 25 July 2026 with the Traditional Nyonya Kueh Workshop, where participants will learn to prepare two beloved Peranakan delicacies – Kueh Koswee, soft pandan rice cakes coated with freshly grated coconut and Apom Berkuah, fluffy traditional rice pancakes served with rich coconut sauce. Guided by an experienced instructor, the workshop introduces beginners to authentic recipes and the rich culinary traditions of Singapore’s Peranakan community through hands-on experience.
Both workshops will be held at the Chinatown Singapore along historic Smith Street. Conveniently located near Chinatown and Maxwell MRT stations, the venue allows visitors to complement their workshop experience with a stroll through heritage streets, traditional shops, temples and local Singaporean eateries.
“Chinatown Singapore is a living cultural district where visitors can experience Singapore’s traditions through meaningful and interactive activities,” said Lim Yick Suan, Executive Director of Chinatown Business Association. “These workshops offer international tourists and local Singaporeans an opportunity to create lasting memories while connecting with our local Singaporean heritage in a fun and engaging way.”
The workshops are available to both international visitors and local participants. As places are limited, advance booking is recommended. For tickets and more information, visit the ticketing page at https://peatix.com/event/5079145 and https://peatix.com/event/5080182.
Event Details
DIY Canvas Bag Workshop: 18 July 2026 (Saturday)
Traditional Nyonya Kueh Workshop: 25 July 2026 (Saturday)
Venue: Chinatown Business Association, 9A Smith Street, Singapore 058923
Sessions: 11.00am–12.30pm and 1.30pm–3.00pm (2 sessions)
Chinatown Singapore is a vibrant destination offering a year-round calendar of cultural events, festivals and heritage experiences that celebrate the precinct’s rich traditions and vibrant community. To discover upcoming programmes and the latest updates, visit https://chinatown.sg/ or follow Chinatown Singapore on Instagram and https://www.facebook.com/ChinatownSGcsm
Hashtag: #ChinatownBusinessAssociation
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Chinatown Business Association
Chinatown Business Association (CBA) was set up by a group of passionate Chinatown stakeholders drawn from a cross-section of business leaders, grassroots leaders, Chinese clan associations, hoteliers, hawkers, retailers, and more. CBA is a non-profit organisation serving and promoting the business and community interest of stakeholders in Chinatown. For more information, visit chinatown.sg.
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