A Living Canvas for Modern Living

The space has been quietly operational for several months, initially serving as a private hub for client meetings and design development. Now, with every detail refined, Hoft Interior is inviting discerning clients, partners, and collaborators to experience the showroom, strictly by appointment.

Unlike conventional showrooms that display products in isolation, Hoft Interior’s new interior showroom is conceived as a living canvas. Every corner is designed to evolve throughout the day, balancing light, texture, and proportion. Visitors are not just shown design elements; they are immersed in how these elements feel and interact within a lived-in environment.

The curated journey takes guests from soft, daylight-infused spaces into more intimate, atmospheric corners. Here, Hoft showcases its expertise through refined details: artisanal carpentry, concealed fittings, and multi-functional layouts that elevate everyday living. The result is an atmosphere of subtle luxury, timeless yet practical.

The decision to publicly highlight the showroom only now was deliberate. “Every design element speaks with quiet confidence,” Hoft shared. “The showroom reflects our ethos of purposeful simplicity, calm yet distinctive, sophisticated yet approachable.”

Drawing inspiration from Scandinavian interior design and Japandi calmness, combined with contemporary modern precision, the showroom embodies Hoft’s brand values: clarity, craftsmanship, and restraint.

Beyond aesthetics, the space integrates smart home design features. A fully automated system allows guests to experience intuitive control of lighting, climate, and ambience — demonstrating how technology enhances modern interiors without disrupting their elegance.

The bespoke interior showroom is designed to be more than a showcase; it is a workshop for exploration, dialogue, and decision-making. By situating design concepts in a tangible environment, Hoft shortens the gap between imagination and reality.

Clients benefit from a richer, more confident design process. Being able to see, touch, and experience different materials and layouts at scale helps clients make faster, more intuitive choices. Whether you’re planning a home renovation, commercial fit-out, or bespoke residential project, the showroom offers a chance to experience interior design in Singapore up close, making it easier to exchange ideas and build confidence in your design decisions.

Hoft Interior views the showroom as an evolving platform. Future plans include rotating materials, introducing new design themes, and collaborating with partners to keep the space fresh and inspiring.

“This interior showroom reinforces Hoft Interior’s role as more than just designers,” the spokesperson continued. “We are curators of atmosphere, storytellers of space, and advocates for interiors that are intentional, timeless, and deeply human, from understated homes to refined luxury interior design.”

Location: M38 Jalan Pemimpin #04-01, Singapore
Visiting: By appointment only
Appointments: www.hoft.co

Hashtag: #Hoft

https://www.hoft.co/
https://www.facebook.com/hoftinterior/
https://www.instagram.com/hoftinterior

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

Hoft

]]> https://asiainsiders.net/the-energy-rises-at-galaxy-macau-for-a-playful-summer-of-aquatic-sports-showmanship/ Wed, 24 Jun 2026 02:50:00 +0000 https://asiainsiders.net/the-energy-rises-at-galaxy-macau-for-a-playful-summer-of-aquatic-sports-showmanship

The award-winning leader in integrated resort experiences unveils an electrifying summer line-up that brings together technology, entertainment, and immersive fun—turning up the excitement of football fever while transforming the resort into a dynamic Motorsurf stage.

MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 June 2026 – Galaxy Macau is set to ignite the season with a spectacular, cutting-edge summer takeover—where football fever meets high-octane water action. The luxury resort celebrates the spirit of the beautiful game in collaboration with Coca-Cola at the East Square, alongside electrifying Motorsurf performances taking centre stage for a nearly three-month-long adrenaline showcase at the world’s largest skytop surfable wave pool within the iconic Grand Resort Deck. Elevating the excitement even further, Galaxy Promenade will bloom into an enchanting secret garden, adorned with vibrant, oversized floral installations perfect for picture-perfect moments. Paired with an irresistible line-up of live entertainment across Galaxy Macau’s world-class venues, this summer promises boundless energy, immersive experiences, and unforgettable fun—only at Galaxy Macau, where Summer Comes to Play.

Motorsurf Spectacles | World-class Local Athletes Illuminate Grand Resort Deck

The summer heat is unleashed at Galaxy Macau as it elevates the season’s excitement with a series of exhilarating Motorsurf spectacles that last for the summer season at the Grand Resort Deck—a first in any resort in Macau, celebrating the thrill of cutting-edge aquatic sport and the rising trajectory of local athletic talents.

Motorsurf is a high-intensity water sport that merges surfing with motorised propulsion, where riders glide across the water on powered boards, carving through waves with precision, accelerating with speed, and executing dynamic freestyle manoeuvres—delivering a compelling fusion of control, power, artistry and wonder.

Presented in collaboration with the water sport’s leading athletes, the weekend showcases will run from now until August 30 at 4:00pm and 5:30pm. Each performance features skilled riders conquering waves at Skytop Wave Pool in choreographed actions that amplify both the adrenaline-fuelled nature of the sport and the finesse of their technique, set against the iconic backdrop of the Grand Resort Deck.

From July 6, families can also discover “Aquatainment Island”—a brand-new children’s zone curated and designed for maximum playtime and fun for toddlers up to nine-year-olds. Together with the existing Splash Cove, Aquatainment Island establishes the Grand Resort Deck as Macau’s largest aquatic play destination of its kind.

Completing the summer line-up, a series of vibrant and dynamic outdoor pool parties will energise the Grand Resort Deck, featuring top DJs and performers from across the region, paired with curated refreshments for the ultimate fun resort experience.

Drone Football | Try Your Manoeuvres and Score Goals

In partnership with “Coca-Cola”, Galaxy Macau brings the thrill of the football matches to life at East Square with an immersive, high-tech football experience that blends innovation, competition, and summer energy – “Coca-Cola” Football Fever Playground. Guests are invited to step onto the football pitch, where they take control of drone-powered footballs—testing their agility and precision as they manoeuvre for the perfect goal.

With a minimum spend of MOP200 across the resort and the purchase of a designated “Coca-Cola” product at the eye-catching Playground, Galaxy Macau members can step into their moment of glory for a chance to win exclusive “Coca-Cola” collectibles and enticing Galaxy Macau dining vouchers.

Designed to be as visually captivating as it is interactive, the “Coca-Cola” Football Fever Playground is a vibrant hub for capturing dynamic, share-worthy moments, immersing guests in the electrifying spirit of world football. Running from now to July 19, it kicks off a season of non-stop excitement—bringing the excitement of the pitch for even more energetic experiences through to September.

A Floral Fantasyland of Plush Blooms to Treasure

This summer, Galaxy Promenade blossoms into an enchanting garden escape, where luxury retail meets artful imagination in a vibrant, sensorial setting. Oversized plush floral installations transform the shopping haven, from whimsical giant blooms styled as hot air balloons to a striking suspended floral centrepiece overhead that creates a dreamlike ambiance – all at Promenade Central, inviting guests to step inside for share-worthy moments.

Curated garden zones throughout inspire exploration, relaxation, and discovery, seamlessly blending fashion, art, and experience in a setting designed to delight. Guests are encouraged to linger and indulge, with exclusive seasonal privileges enhancing each visit—from engaging activities to complimentary plush bouquets or refreshing drinks with designated spending.

At Jade Lobby, a captivating floral installation takes centre stage, featuring Glitz & Glam Dynamic Videos, where a robotic camera captures stylish short clips against the whimsical backdrop. Available from June 30 to August 31, the summer garden brings playful elegance to Galaxy Macau, creating fun, unforgettable, picture-perfect moments at every turn.

Savour the Season: A Curated Journey of Summer Flavours

At Galaxy Macau, guests “ignite their taste buds” with an exceptional culinary journey. The award-winning resort brings together an impressive collection of star-studded restaurants and renowned chefs, presenting a vibrant array of seasonal cuisines. This summer, from refreshing and wellness-focused dishes featuring gourd and rare wild mushrooms with charcoal grill experiences, exquisite desserts, and cooling beverages, thoughtfully curated to showcase the resort’s culinary excellence and creativity—delivering a refreshing yet indulgent sensory escape this season.

A variety of nourishing, seasonal specialties across several Chinese restaurants, include Pak Loh Chiu Chow Restaurant and Bei Shan Lou, where chefs highlight the natural sweetness and layered textures of seasonal gourds. Meanwhile, Galaxy Macau’s team of master chefs carefully select rare wild mushrooms sourced from regions such as Yunnan and Changbai Mountain—featuring prized ingredients like matsutake and lingzhi—innovatively prepared with refined culinary techniques to bring out their natural flavours and nutritional benefits. These dishes offer guests a harmonious combination of health, taste, and the refined artistry of contemporary Chinese cuisine.

A line-up of limited-time summer delicacies and beverages further enhances the seasonal experience with refreshing highlights. Guests can savour vibrant fruit-based iced drinks and hand-pounded lemon teas at Nagomi and Waso Cafe, as well as sophisticated cold-brew tea creations infused with natural ingredients at Blossom Palaces and Pang’s Kitchen, among other Chinese restaurants, and signature coffee blends at Raffles Lounge & Terrace. Meanwhile, Casa da Rosa delights guests with creative Portuguese egg tarts inspired by global flavours, while CHA BEI extends the elegance of the “Orchard in Bloom” afternoon tea, blending French pâtisserie artistry with the freshness of summer. Each creation balances flavour and visual appeal, for the ultimate summer gourmet journey.

Exciting Live Performances at Leading Venues

Across Galaxy Macau’s portfolio of world-class venues, an extraordinary line-up of live performances is set to captivate and inspire throughout the season. At the iconic Galaxy Arena—Macau’s largest indoor arena—five renowned celebrities, including Eason Chan, Joey Yung, Bibi Zhou, Gigi Yim and Terence Chui (Siufay), will unite from July 24 to 26 for “The Music of Chan Fai Young: King of Pop”, supported by Galaxy Macau, to reinterpret the timeless classic hits of acclaimed composer Chan Fai Young.

Earlier in the month, rising Hong Kong singer-songwriter Gareth.T is bringing his latest solo tour, “Gareth.T－Prince Of nothing”, to Galaxy Arena for the first time from July 3 to 5, following the overwhelming success of his three sold-out shows at Broadway Theatre last December. Adding further star power, acclaimed Chinese actress-singer Rosy Zhao and international artist Henry Lau will each make glamorous appearances with highly anticipated shows on July 11 to 12, and August 1 respectively.

For more information, please visit www.galaxymacau.com.

Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau

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

About Galaxy Macau Integrated Resort

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

As the dining destination in Asia, Galaxy Macau offers a wide variety of gastronomic delights, exquisite experiences and ingredients of the finest quality with over 120 dining options from Michelin dining to authentic delicacies; Galaxy Promenade is the hottest shopping destination featuring the latest in fashion and curated experiences in Macau. Spanning over 100,000-square-meter, luxury flagship stores, lifestyle boutiques and our selection of labels are among the more than 200 world-renowned brands for a world-class shopping journey; Galaxy Cinemas, immersive thrills and luxurious comfort go hand in hand at Galaxy Cinemas. All 10 theatres are equipped with the latest audio-visual technology; CHINA ROUGE, one-of-a-kind deluxe lounge that evokes the glitz and glamor of Shanghai’s golden era with entertainment in luxury and style; and Foot Hub presents the traditional art of reflexology to make you feel more relaxed and revitalized. For Authentic Macau Flavours & Vibrant Asian Experiences, Broadway Macau – just a 90-second walk via a bridge from Galaxy Macau, has over 35 Authentic Macau & Asian Flavours at its Broadway Food Street. The 2,500-seat Broadway Theatre plays host to world-class entertainers and a diverse array of cultural events. Meeting, incentive and banquet groups are also well looked after with a portfolio of unique venues in Galaxy Macau and a professional service staff.

Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) is the latest addition to the Group’s ever-expanding integrated resort precinct and will usher in a new era for the MICE industry in Macau. GICC is a world-class event venue featuring 40,000-square-meter of total flexible MICE, and a 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena – the largest indoor arena in Macau.

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

]]> https://asiainsiders.net/sim-ge-prepares-graduates-for-singapores-evolving-workforce/ Wed, 24 Jun 2026 01:30:00 +0000 https://asiainsiders.net/sim-ge-prepares-graduates-for-singapores-evolving-workforce SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 June 2026 – In a labour market shaped by rapid industry transformation and evolving skills demands, the link between higher education and employment outcomes has become a key consideration for students and families evaluating their education pathways.

In Singapore today, employability is no longer defined by academic achievement alone. Employers are looking for graduates who can apply knowledge in real workplace settings, work across cultures, adapt to new technologies and continue learning as industries evolve. This is especially relevant as Singapore’s labour market continues to move towards growth areas such as digitalisation, technology, sustainability, healthcare, business transformation and professional services.

Against this backdrop, Singapore Institute of Management Global Education, or SIM GE, continues to strengthen its role as a private education institution that prepares learners for the demands of today’s workplace and the opportunities of tomorrow’s economy.

Employability begins with industry relevance
For prospective students, one of the biggest considerations when choosing a higher education pathway is whether their studies will remain relevant by the time they graduate. This is particularly important in a job market where roles are changing quickly and where employers increasingly value both technical capability and transferable workplace skills.

SIM GE addresses this by offering a broad range of academic programmes through partnerships with reputable universities from Australia, Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States. These programmes span disciplines such as business, computing, social sciences, aviation, nursing and other applied fields, giving students access to international curricula while studying in Singapore.

This global education model is particularly relevant for Singapore’s open economy. Graduates entering the workforce are expected to understand local business realities while being able to operate in regional and international contexts. By learning from local and international faculty, and studying alongside peers from diverse backgrounds, SIM students are exposed to global perspectives that can support their workplace readiness.

Career support that connects learning to work
Employability also depends on how students translate classroom learning into career action. At SIM GE, career preparation is supported through Career Connect, which provides career workshops, career guidance, résumé reviews, mock interviews, profiling support, internship and job opportunities, as well as career events such as company visits, networking sessions, career talks and fairs.

This structured support is important because many students do not only need a qualification, they also need guidance in understanding industries, articulating their strengths, preparing for interviews and building professional networks. These practical areas can influence how confidently graduates enter the job market.

Through CareerSense, SIM students can also access an integrated online platform to browse and apply for internships, jobs and career events. This helps students take a more proactive approach to career planning while creating a clearer bridge between academic life and employment opportunities.

Real world exposure through internships and traineeships
One of the strongest contributors to graduate employability is exposure to work before graduation. Internships allow students to understand workplace expectations, test their skills in real business scenarios and build confidence before entering full time employment. SIM GE supports this through internships with a range of employers, from SMEs to multinational corporations. Its Work Integrated Learning for Life initiatives and internship related awards further encourage students to gain practical experience and develop holistically across cognitive, interpersonal and applied skills.

For fresh graduates, SIM’s Graduate Traineeship Programme provides structured traineeship opportunities across industries, typically lasting three to six months. The programme is designed to help graduates gain hands on experience, build workplace confidence and develop industry relevant capabilities as they transition into full time employment. This emphasis on work exposure responds directly to a key concern among prospective students, which is whether they will be ready for employment after graduation. By combining academic learning with career guidance, internships and traineeships, SIM GE helps students build not only credentials but also workplace familiarity.

The value of practical exposure is reflected in the experience of Keisha Shevila, a SIM-University of Wollongong Computer Science graduate who secured a Software Engineer role before completing her degree. In sharing her journey, she credited Career Connect with helping her better understand the job search process and preparing her “more confidently for entering the workforce”.

Building future ready graduates through skills and adaptability
The future of work is increasingly shaped by AI, automation, sustainability and cross functional collaboration. In this environment, students need more than role specific knowledge. They need adaptability, communication skills, critical thinking, creativity, cultural awareness and the confidence to keep learning.

SIM GE’s broader student experience supports this development. Beyond academic programmes, students can participate in more than 70 student clubs and co-curricular activities that build leadership, communication and teamwork skills. The EDGE Award, developed in partnership with employers, recognises students’ cumulative achievements across their learning journey and encourages a more holistic approach to personal and professional growth.

SIM GE’s diverse learning environment also plays an important role. With students from more than 50 nationalities, the campus experience provides opportunities for cultural exchange, collaboration and global awareness. These are qualities that are increasingly valuable in multinational and regional workplaces.

Aligning with Singapore’s skills first economy
Singapore’s workforce strategy continues to place strong emphasis on skills, lifelong learning and adaptability. National reports and government agencies have highlighted rising demand in areas linked to the digital, green and care economies, as well as the importance of AI literacy and transferable skills. This makes higher education choices more consequential. Prospective students are not simply choosing a programme. They are choosing a platform for long term career resilience.

SIM GE’s approach aligns with this direction by combining academic pathways, global university partnerships, employability support, industry exposure and continuous skills development. Its graduate outcomes also reflect this emphasis, with SIM reporting a secured employment rate of 81 per cent based on the Private Education Institution Graduate Employment Survey 2024/2025.

Preparing graduates for Singapore today and tomorrow
Employability in Singapore today is shaped by industry relevance, practical exposure and future ready skills. SIM GE’s proposition sits at the intersection of these priorities. For students, this means access to internationally recognised academic pathways, career services, internships, traineeships, employer engagement, student development opportunities and a diverse campus environment. For employers, it means a pool of graduates who have been encouraged to build both knowledge and workplace ready capabilities.

As prospective students consider their higher learning options, the question is no longer only what they can study. It is also how that education will prepare them for the future of work. For SIM GE graduates, the answer lies in an education experience designed not only to support academic achievement but also to develop employable, adaptable and globally minded individuals ready to contribute to Singapore’s evolving economy.

References

1. The SIM Advantage – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/sim-global-education/sim-advantage
2. SIM Career Services – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/life-at-sim/career-services
3. Achieving the three “Beyond” at individual, industry and institutional levels: Minister Chan Chun Sing at the inaugural SIM Future of Work Series – https://www.sim.edu.sg/news-events/achieving-the-three-beyonds-at-individual-industry-and-institutional-levels
4. How One International Student Graduated Career-Ready: Keisha Shevila’s Journey at SIM – https://www.sim.edu.sg/articles-inspirations/how-one-international-student-graduated-career-ready-keisha-shevila-journey-at-sim
5. Job Vacancies 2025: Labour demand gradually shifting to growth areas as firms adjust hiring plans – https://www.mom.gov.sg/newsroom/press-releases/2026/0320-job-vacancies-report-2025
6. Opening Address by Ms Gan Siow Huang, Minister of State, Ministry of Education for the Launch of the Skills Demand for the Future Economy Report 2025, Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre – https://www.moe.gov.sg/news/speeches/20250122-opening-address-by-ms-gan-siow-huang-minister-of-state-ministry-of-education-for-the-launch-of-the-skills-demand-for-the-future-economy-report-2025-marina-bay-sands-expo-and-convention-centre
7. SDFE 2025 report – https://jobsandskills.skillsfuture.gov.sg/sdfe-2025

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

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

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

About SIM Global Education

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

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

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

]]> https://asiainsiders.net/green-sm-officially-launches-all-electric-ride-hailing-service-in-kazakhstan/ Tue, 23 Jun 2026 11:30:00 +0000 https://asiainsiders.net/green-sm-officially-launches-all-electric-ride-hailing-service-in-kazakhstan ALMATY, KAZAKHSTAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 June 2026 – Green SM has officially launched its all-electric ride-hailing service in Kazakhstan, marking the company’s first presence in Central Asia. The launch also represents Green SM’s expansion into its sixth international market, reinforcing its long-term global growth strategy.

The launch ceremony was held in Almaty with the attendance of Mr. Nguyen Thanh Le, Appointed Ambassador of Viet Nam to Kazakhstan; Mr. Berikbol Shatabayevich Mandibayev, Head of the Department of Entrepreneurship and Investment of Almaty; along with representatives of the Government of Kazakhstan, the Embassy of Vietnam in Kazakhstan, and strategic partners, businesses and organizations across the transportation, energy, technology, finance, infrastructure and service sectors.

In its initial phase, Green SM will operate in Almaty with a fleet of VinFast VF 6 Eco vehicles, an all-electric SUV designed to meet the needs of everyday urban travel. Combining quiet operation, a comfortable cabin, and modern safety features, the VinFast VF 6 Eco is expected to provide residents and visitors in Almaty with a more convenient, reliable, and enjoyable mobility experience.

Alongside its electric vehicle fleet, Green SM continues to invest in the development of its Green Drivers through comprehensive training programs covering operations, safety, and customer service. This forms part of the company’s ongoing efforts to maintain consistent service standards and deliver safe and dependable transportation experiences for users in Kazakhstan.

To celebrate the launch, Green SM is offering a promotion of 26%, up to KZT 2,626 for customers booking rides through the Green SM application. Users in Kazakhstan can now access Green SM services via the Green SM app, available on both the App Store and Google Play.

In parallel with the service launch, Green SM has established partnerships with five strategic partners across the transportation, tourism, technology, and service sectors through the Green Alliance Frontier initiative. The initiative serves as a platform connecting organizations that share a commitment to sustainable development and creating positive impacts for local communities across multiple markets.

Mr. Nguyen Quoc Tuan, Global Chief Executive Officer of GSM, said: “Kazakhstan is a market with strong potential, dynamic growth, and rising expectations for modern services. We come to Kazakhstan with respect for the market, a long-term commitment to investment, and a desire to work alongside local partners in developing high-quality mobility solutions that meet the everyday needs of the community. At Green SM, we believe sustainable growth must be built on trust and meaningful value for society. That is the foundation we hope to build together with our customers, partners, and the people of Kazakhstan in the years ahead.”

Kazakhstan is experiencing the rapid development of modern urban centers alongside rising expectations for quality of life and better services. Green SM’s presence in Kazakhstan reflects the company’s long-term vision of bringing all-electric mobility solutions closer to users in more regions around the world. Green SM enters Kazakhstan with the aspiration of contributing to better mobility experiences for local communities: quieter journeys along busy city streets, more comfortable travel in everyday life, and greater reliability through service standards that are consistently maintained across every trip.

Founded in Vietnam in 2023, Green SM currently operates a green mobility ecosystem across Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, the Philippines, India, and Kazakhstan. With an all-electric fleet, a technology-driven platform, and consistently applied operational standards, Green SM is steadily expanding its green mobility ecosystem across international markets, with the goal of providing modern, safe, and sustainable transportation solutions for communities around the world.

Hashtag: #GreenSM

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

]]> https://asiainsiders.net/citi-commercial-bank-drives-dialogue-on-the-future-of-business-at-annual-executive-summit-in-hong-kong/ Tue, 23 Jun 2026 11:15:00 +0000 https://asiainsiders.net/citi-commercial-bank-drives-dialogue-on-the-future-of-business-at-annual-executive-summit-in-hong-kong

Over 120 business leaders gathered at the summit under the theme “Empowering Growth Through Capital Convergence and Digital Innovation”

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 June 2026 – The Citi Commercial Bank Hong Kong Executive Summit 2026 concluded on June 16 under the theme “Empowering Growth Through Capital Convergence and Digital Innovation”, bringing together over 120 company founders and C-suite leaders to examine the future of business amid a rapidly evolving global landscape.

The annual flagship forum featured a series of discussions centered on how companies can strategically leverage Hong Kong’s unique strengths to achieve sustainable growth and international expansion.

Gunjan Kalra, Head of Citi Commercial Bank for Japan, Asia North and Australia, and Asia South, said, “Companies today are going global at an unprecedented pace. We are also witnessing the rising global prominence of Asian companies, which are making rapid advances and emerging as industry leaders in areas including AI, technology and innovation, healthcare, advanced manufacturing and clean energy.”

Citi Commercial Bank provides global banking solutions to mid-sized companies that are looking to grow rapidly and expand internationally. “Citi is uniquely positioned to support their growth ambitions, offering integrated treasury and capital solutions in over 90 countries through our integrated global platform, as well as advisory and financing capabilities from our investment banking franchise,” she continued.

According to InvestHK, more than 310 companies had established or expanded operations in Hong Kong as of May 2026, with mainland firms accounting for over half of the total.

Joy Cheng, Head of Citi Commercial Bank for Hong Kong,said, “Hong Kong serves a critical dual role as both the launchpad for Chinese companies pursuing international expansion and a strategic gateway for multinationals deepening their presence in mainland China and the region. We are committed to being the banking partner of choice for fast-growing companies as they scale and grow across borders. Our value proposition lies in our ability to simplify complexity and connect visionary companies to opportunities worldwide through our unparalleled global network.”

Key themes explored at the Hong Kong Executive Summit 2026 included:

• Investing for future growth
• Leveraging Hong Kong’ssuper-connector role for outbound success
• Bridging Hong Kong’s AI and tech landscape with global market opportunities

The summit featured a distinguished line-up of speakers, including:

• Clara Chan, Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited
• Evan Chen, Managing Director, FountainVest
• Shang Chuang, Chief Financial Officer, Klook
• CY Guan, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, MOZA Racing
• Jerry Hu,Managing Director, Full Vision Capital
• Wesley Ng, CEO and Co-Founder, CASETiFY
• Jonathan Song, Chief Commercial Officer, Plaza Premium Group
• Andy Wong, Head of Innovation & Technology and Life & Health Sciences, Invest Hong Kong
• Dennis Wong, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Master Concept
• Queenie Wong, Managing Director, EQT Asia Growth
• Danny Yeung, CEO, Chairman and Co-Founder, Prenetics
• Ethan Yuan,Vice President, International Business, Regional General Manager, APAC North, Alibaba Cloud Intelligence Group

Citi Commercial Bank offers a comprehensive suite of products and solutions, including trade and working capital, treasury and liquidity management, global markets capabilities, capital markets solutions, and advisory services. Citi Commercial Bank serves clients in 12 markets in Asia including Australia, mainland China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Hashtag: #Citi

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

About Citi

Citi is a preeminent banking partner for institutions with cross-border needs, a global leader in wealth management and a valued personal bank in its home market of the United States. Citi does business in more than 180 countries and jurisdictions, providing corporations, governments, investors, institutions and individuals with a broad range of financial products and services.

Additional information may be found atwww.citigroup.com | X: @Citi | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/citi | YouTube: www.youtube.com/citi | Facebook: www.facebook.com/citi

]]> https://asiainsiders.net/blackwall-enters-vietnam-european-web-traffic-security-firm-launches-southeast-asia-expansion-with-19-year-hosting-partner-hostvn/ Tue, 23 Jun 2026 02:00:00 +0000 https://asiainsiders.net/blackwall-enters-vietnam-european-web-traffic-security-firm-launches-southeast-asia-expansion-with-19-year-hosting-partner-hostvn

Estonian web traffic security company Blackwall announces its first publicly disclosed Southeast Asia partnership, bringing integrated traffic security to Vietnam’s digital infrastructure market through HostVN

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 June 2026 – Blackwall, a European web traffic security company, today announced a partnership with HOSTVN TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS JOINT STOCK COMPANY (HostVN), Vietnam’s established digital infrastructure provider, to launch HOSTVN Website Protection – powered by Blackwall. The partnership marks Blackwall’s first publicly announced entry into Southeast Asia.

Under the agreement, HostVN integrates Blackwall’s all-in-one traffic security platform into its hosting infrastructure, offering Vietnamese businesses integrated website protection covering L7 DDoS defence, advanced bot mitigation, web application firewall (WAF), SSL management, and content caching, delivered seamlessly by HostVN, requiring no in-house security expertise from the customer.

A New Category: Traffic Quality as a Business Problem

The partnership addresses a challenge that most Vietnamese businesses have not yet named: according to Statista Research, more than half of all web traffic today is generated by automated bots and not human visitors. The consequences extend beyond traditional security risks into hidden operational costs, skewed business intelligence, and revenue leakage.

“Vietnam is ready, and Blackwall is committing to it,” said Madan Rai, VP Sales Asia at Blackwall. “More than half the traffic hitting a website today is not a real customer. Bots and automated requests consume bandwidth, distort analytics, and drain advertising spend — silently, every day. Through HostVN, we are placing enterprise-grade traffic security directly into the infrastructure that Vietnamese businesses already rely on. This partnership anchors Blackwall’s broader expansion across Southeast Asia. We chose Vietnam as our launchpad because its digital economy is scaling rapidly, and it requires infrastructure that matches that ambition.”

HostVN: 19 Years, Six Reinventions

Founded in 2007, HostVN has served Vietnamese businesses across five successive phases of the digital economy: from web hosting to cloud infrastructure, content delivery, digital transformation services, and AI-related offerings. The Blackwall partnership represents the company’s sixth strategic evolution, adding intelligent traffic security to its infrastructure stack.

“Nineteen years ago, we started HostVN with one purpose: to give Vietnamese businesses a strong foundation on the internet,” said Duong Thanh Binh, Chairman of HostVN. “Vietnam has not stood still, and neither have we. Every phase of our growth has been driven by the same commitment – to give the businesses that trust us the infrastructure they need to thrive. Today, the threat is not just downtime. It is invisible traffic that costs money, corrupts data, and goes undetected. HOSTVN Website Protection, powered by Blackwall, is our answer and our commitment to Vietnam’s digital future.”

Technology Built for Service Providers Partners

Blackwall operates on a channel-first model. Its traffic security platform is designed to be delivered exclusively through hosting and cloud infrastructure providers. This model gives partners full control over pricing and packaging, while allowing them to retain the direct customer relationship.

The Blackwall platform operates as a reverse proxy positioned in front of customer websites. Traffic is inspected across multiple detection layers, including Layer 4 and Layer 7 signature analysis, comprehensive device fingerprinting, IP reputation scoring, and proprietary behavioural algorithms. Clean traffic is then forwarded to the origin server and malicious requests are blocked or presented controlled responses. The process is transparent to legitimate users, with no added latency.

HOSTVN Website Protection delivers this capability across four integrated components:

• L7 DDoS Protection: application-layer attack mitigation running on HostVN’s Clean Traffic infrastructure
• Advanced Bot Mitigation: Real-time detection and classification of humans, trusted bots, and automated traffic, including AI agents, to identify benign and malicious activity. Web Application Firewall (WAF): OWASP Top 10 aligned protection against injection attacks, cross-site scripting, and common web exploits
• SSL Management and Content Caching: automated SSL certificate handling, encrypted delivery, and performance optimisation that reduces server load and improves page speed

Vietnam as Blackwall’s First Southeast Asia Launch Market

Vietnam’s digital economy has grown substantially over the past decade, with business online presence now standard across sectors. Alongside that growth, the volume of automated and malicious web traffic targeting Vietnamese sites has increased in proportion. HostVN, with more than 50,000 customers and established Clean Traffic infrastructure connected to major domestic carriers, offers Blackwall the operational scale and market knowledge required for an effective regional entry.

Blackwall has indicated that Vietnam is the first in a planned series of Southeast Asia partnerships, with Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand identified as subsequent target markets. The company has also announced a major Series B funding round to support its international expansion.

Availability

HOSTVN Website Protection — powered by Blackwall is available to HostVN customers effective 20 May 2026. Pricing is available through HostVN directly. Further information is available at hostvn.net and blackwall.com.

Hashtag: #Blackwall

https://blackwall.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/blackwall-solutions/

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

About Blackwall

Blackwall is a web traffic security company headquartered in Tallinn, Estonia, specialising in web traffic management security for hosting providers, managed service providers and cloud infrastructure platforms. Blackwall’s all-in-one platform — combining load balancing, advanced bot mitigation, L7 DDoS protection, web application firewall (WAF), content caching, and SSL management — is delivered through a global network of hosting and infrastructure partners and protects more than 2.3 million websites worldwide. Blackwall.com

ABOUT HOSTVN (HOSTVN Technology Solutions Joint Stock Company)

HostVN has provided digital infrastructure services to Vietnamese businesses since 2007. The company operates shared hosting, VPS, dedicated servers, cloud infrastructure, and content delivery services, serving more than 50,000 customers. HostVN’s Clean Traffic infrastructure supports high-volume traffic management across major domestic carrier interconnects. Hostvn.net

]]> https://asiainsiders.net/as-watson-launches-brand-lab-to-turn-retail-scale-into-a-data-driven-brand-growth-engine/ Mon, 22 Jun 2026 12:30:00 +0000 https://asiainsiders.net/as-watson-launches-brand-lab-to-turn-retail-scale-into-a-data-driven-brand-growth-engine HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 June 2026 – AS Watson Group has launched AS Watson brand lab, a data-driven brand creation and scaling platform designed to systematically identify, develop, and grow brands across its global retail ecosystem. Built on the company’s integrated O+O (Offline plus Online) capabilities, extensive distribution network, and deep consumer insight from over 180 million loyalty members, the platform transforms how brands are brought to market – enabling both the creation of new propositions and the rapid scaling of brands across multiple markets with speed, discipline and consistency.

The initiative formalises capabilities the Group has been building internally, combining data-led demand identification, integrated distribution, and execution across more than 17,000 O+O stores in Asia and Europe.

Over the past two years, AS Watson has introduced more than 4,800 new brands and brand extensions across its network, underscoring the scale of its brand development activity.

From Incubation to Execution

AS Watson brand lab departs from traditional incubator models by embedding brand development directly within AS Watson’s retail ecosystem.

Rather than incubating brands ahead of their market entry, the platform operates inside the market, using real-time customer data, shopping behaviour and category dynamics to inform development decisions.

Dr Malina Ngai, Group CEO of AS Watson, said the model reflects the company’s structural advantage. “We don’t wait for brands to find the market – we build them where demand already exists, and scale them through our ecosystem.”

A Systemised Growth Model

At the core of AS Watson brand lab is an integrated operating model linking insight, creation, distribution, demand activation and scaling.

The platform leverages AS Watson’s over 180 million loyalty members and O+O capabilities to accelerate brand selection and commercial execution.

A Structured Pathway to Scale

Brands within AS Watson brand lab are supported through a structured growth pathway, progressing from early-stage validation to regional scaling and category leadership.

At each stage, brands receive differentiated support across insight, distribution, marketing activation and investment, ensuring resources are focused where the greatest growth potential exists.

This staged approach enables AS Watson to systematically build, scale and prioritise brands, improving success rates while maintaining disciplined capital allocation.

Focus on High-Growth Segments

AS Watson brand lab will prioritise product segments including Asian beauty trends (K-beauty, J-beauty, C-beauty), ingredient-led skincare, health and wellness products and elevated personal care – areas where consumer demand continues to evolve rapidly.

The Group expects the platform to strengthen its ability to build proprietary and exclusive brands while improving speed-to-market and capital efficiency.

Proven Brand Scaling in Action

Early outcomes demonstrate how AS Watson brand lab translates insight into accelerated growth – not only by shaping brand development, but by scaling brands rapidly across markets through its integrated O+O ecosystem.

Across multiple categories and geographies, the platform has enabled brands to move from targeted market entry to multi-market expansion with speed and discipline:

COSRX (K-Beauty)– By combining COSRX’s innovation-led skincare expertise with
AS Watson’s extensive retail footprint and deep consumer insights, the partnership has accelerated international expansion and broadened consumer reach. This illustrates how the platform converts strong brand propositions into sustained category growth across markets.

&honey (J-Beauty) – Leveraging its distinctive product positioning alongside
AS Watson’s regional scale, &honey rapidly expanded beyond its home market, rolling out across multiple Asian markets within a short timeframe. This demonstrates the platform’s ability to systematically scale proven domestic leaders into regional brands.

e.l.f. Cosmetics (US) – Through partnership with AS Watson, e.l.f. has extended its community-led, value-driven model across Europe, translating strong brand engagement into measurable market penetration. The example highlights how consumer-centric brands can be amplified through local market execution at scale.

essence (Germany) – The expansion of essence across multiple markets, including exclusive partnerships, reflects how purpose-driven brands can achieve consistency and reach when supported by integrated distribution and retail insight. This underscores the platform’s ability to build sustained brand relevance and loyalty across diverse markets.

Across these examples, brands have scaled through a consistent model – combining data-led selection, integrated distribution, and coordinated market execution – demonstrating how AS Watson brand lab functions as a repeatable engine for brand growth, from market entry through to regional scale.

Scaling a Repeatable Engine

AS Watson brand lab positions AS Watson to leverage its retail footprint not only as a distribution channel, but as an engine for brand creation and scaling.

The initiative signals a shift from opportunistic brand sourcing towards a structured, repeatable growth model, reinforcing AS Watson’s ability to scale brands with speed, discipline and consistency while driving long-term portfolio value.

AS Watson continues to engage with selected brand partners and emerging brands aligned with its focus areas, with further information available through its official
AS Watson brand lab platform (https://www.aswatson.com/asw-brand-lab)

Hashtag: #ASWatson

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

About AS Watson Group

Established in 1841, AS Watson Group is one of the world’s longest-standing and most recognised retail companies with roots in Asia. Today, the company operates over 17,000 stores across 12 retail brands in 31 markets, employing 130,000 people globally. This makes AS Watson Group the largest international health and beauty retailer in the world.

In the fiscal year 2025, AS Watson Group reported revenue of over US$26 billion. The company’s technology-enabled O+O (Offline plus Online) platforms serve over 6 billion shoppers annually, seamlessly integrating physical and digital retail experiences.

AS Watson Group supported over 180 charitable and non-profit organisations every year, dedicating over 40,000 hours of volunteer work to serve over 370,000 people in need in our operating markets.

AS Watson Group is also a member of the world-renowned multinational conglomerate CK Hutchison Holdings Limited, which has four core businesses – ports and related services, retail, infrastructure and telecommunications in over 50 countries.

Please visit www.aswatson.com/our-company/o-and-o-strategy/ for more information.

]]> https://asiainsiders.net/hkstp-forges-an-asia-europe-innovation-gateway-at-vivatech-2026/ Mon, 22 Jun 2026 11:20:00 +0000 https://asiainsiders.net/hkstp-forges-an-asia-europe-innovation-gateway-at-vivatech-2026

A stream of partnership propose heightened tech and business connections across continents

HONG KONG / PARIS, FRANCE – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 June 2026 – Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) has successfully concluded its Paris delegation to Viva Technology (VivaTech) 2026, which celebrated its 10th anniversary as a global stage for ambitious startups from June 17 to 20. HKSTP reinforces its impactful role as Asia’s I&T ecosystem orchestrator, by confirming the signing of multiple memorandums of understanding (MOU) between Park companies and the European I&T community:

• Microalgae expert Algreen, signed with ForNatures, a South Korean Climate Tech company that specialises in carbon capture management, in amplifying mutual research and development capabilities to take a step closer to ESG goals.
• Robotics solutions provider Robocore, signed with ARCHTYP, a Slovenian cognitive software startup, enabling the display of a differentiating layer on a proven platform to reach market demands, while also closing deals with French advertising guru JCDecaux, to supply a thousand robots and extend its reach in the European market.
• The appeal and use cases of LeafIoT‘s green asset management has caught the eyes of European’s professionals in the preservation sector, including the French Agricultural Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), the Catalonian landscaping and environmental restoration company Gremi de Jardineria de Catalunya, and notably, Professor Andrea Galli from the Laboratory of Geotechnical Analysis and Modelling (GeoT-LAM) at Politecnico di Milano, all taking solid steps in exploring new opportunities and breakthroughs and boosts in market reach.

The annual showcase put a spotlight on enabling founders to connect with the local I&T community, explore market access, and forge global partnerships via pitching and matching sessions, networking mixers, and investor engagement. Compared with VivaTech 2025, this year’s delegation achieved even stronger momentum with over 50% growth in opportunities, totalling more than 200 potential business leads worth HK$70M in total.

HKSTP’s growing presence at VivaTech reflects its mission to open new doors for Hong Kong’s startups, build pathways into European markets and create reciprocal opportunities for European innovators to enter Asia through Hong Kong’s strategic location in the world’s No.1 innovation cluster – Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao GBA (World Intellectual Property Organisation Innovation Index).

Terry Wong, CEO of HKSTP, said: “France and the EU represent critical opportunities for Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland I&T ventures to scale globally. VivaTech provides a world-class platform for collaboration, co-creation, and knowledge exchange. Our strong ties with French partners underline the importance of Hong Kong as a global launchpad for innovation, supporting startups on their journey from local success to international impact.”

Highlights this year include the expansion of HKSTP’s partnership with Bouygues Construction, a global leader in sustainable construction and infrastructure headquartered in France, and operates across more than 60 countries and is recognised for delivering major projects in transport, energy, real estate, and smart cities.

Through its Hong Kong arm, Dragages Hong Kong, Bouygues has maintained a 70-year legacy in Hong Kong, contributing to iconic infrastructure projects and championing innovation in areas such as construction safety, modular design, green materials, and site automation. HKSTP is the first and only institution in Hong Kong to bridge tech venture directly into the Bouygues Construction “Scale One: programme, providing a fast track to prototyping and commercialisation. This initiative sets a new benchmark for cross-border industrial innovation partnerships, accelerating global impact for Hong Kong startups through trusted collaborations with leading European enterprises.

Building on existing strong foundations, Bouygues Construction is now stepping up collaboration with HKSTP beyond Asia, offering selected Hong Kong startups the chance to showcase solutions at Bouygues’ headquarters in France, with opportunities for solution validation and pilot trials across European operations.

The Hong Kong Tech Pavilion, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and supported by partners including HKSTP, showcased market-ready solutions spanning AI, green- and health tech from 24 tech ventures, and marked a major milestone in creating a direct bridge between Hong Kong and Europe’s heart of innovation and technology.
Hashtag: #HKSTP

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

HKSTP

More information about HKSTP is available at www.hkstp.org.

]]> https://asiainsiders.net/the-third-international-summit-of-religious-leaders-in-kuala-lumpur-calls-for-youth-empowerment/ Mon, 22 Jun 2026 10:40:00 +0000 https://asiainsiders.net/the-third-international-summit-of-religious-leaders-in-kuala-lumpur-calls-for-youth-empowerment KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 June 2026 – The Third International Summit of Religious Leaders 2026 concluded in Kuala Lumpur with the participation of His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars. The summit was held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah and the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Mr. Anwar Ibrahim, with attendance from nearly 2,000 religious, youth, and academic leaders worldwide.

In his opening address, Dr. Al-Issa emphasized the historic responsibility of religious leaders regarding issues that concern the peace of our world and the harmony of its societies. He highlighted the important role entrusted to young people, particularly in addressing the risks associated with unrestricted exposure to modern technology—especially artificial intelligence—without intellectual safeguards or ethical protection. He stressed the importance of religious diplomacy in defusing crises, affirming that the world does not need more weapons, but rather more wisdom to prevent their use.

On the sidelines of the summit, His Excellency met with a group of youth leaders and university students from ASEAN countries in an open dialogue that explored mechanisms for implementing the summit’s outcomes, enhancing youth awareness, empowering young people, and building their capacities to address ethical gaps in information and communication technologies, particularly those related to artificial intelligence.

During the meeting, His Excellency stressed that the lack of transparency and accountability constitutes one of the most serious ethical challenges associated with artificial intelligence, as it can be difficult to understand how certain systems make decisions. He noted that biases embedded in data may result in unfair decisions and discrimination against individuals and groups.

The summit also witnessed the announcement of the International Diplomacy Award, reflecting the strategic partnership between the Muslim World League and Malaysia. The award aims to promote the values of moderation, tolerance, and constructive dialogue, while supporting the vision of “Malaysia Madani”. The award will be presented to individuals and institutions demonstrating outstanding impact in promoting peace and human unity.

Hashtag: #MuslimWorldLeague

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

About Muslim World League

The Muslim World League is an independent international organization comprising members from various Islamic countries and sects. Headquartered in Makkah, its mission is to clarify the true image of Islam and foster friendship among peoples.

]]> https://asiainsiders.net/unionpay-showcases-innovations-with-15-ecosystem-partners-at-2026-china-international-financial-exhibition/ Mon, 22 Jun 2026 09:55:00 +0000 https://asiainsiders.net/unionpay-showcases-innovations-with-15-ecosystem-partners-at-2026-china-international-financial-exhibition SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 June 2026 – The 2026 China International Financial Exhibition opened in Shanghai on June 16-18. UnionPay, together with 15 global ecosystem partners, showcased its latest achievements in global network development, core technological capabilities, open AI ecosystem, consumption growth solutions, and ecosystem collaboration.

Building a Global Payment Network

Amid a diverse and competitive global payments landscape, UnionPay continues to strengthen its global payment network by advancing three strategic pillars: merchant acceptance, local card issuance, and cross-border QR interoperability.

UnionPay’s acceptance network now spans 183 countries and regions, covering over 100 million merchants outside China’s mainland. UnionPay mobile payment services are available in more than 100 markets, while cards have been rolled out across 84 countries and regions outside the Chinese mainland. As of May 2026, transaction volumes generated by international cards and wallets in China rose by 54% and 62% respectively year-on-year. A real-time transaction dashboard at the exhibition area continuously updated cumulative transaction volumes, highlighting the sustained growth of UnionPay’s global business.

Cross-border QR payment interoperability is a centerpiece of UnionPay’s international section. The company has accelerated partnerships with local payment networks across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Central Asia, Latin America, and Africa to enable QR payment connectivity. On June 11, 2026, the China-Indonesia cross-border QR linkage officially went live, witnessed by central bank governors of both countries. The milestone increased the total number of overseas merchants accepting UnionPay QR codes to more than 46 million.

To showcase services catered to inbound visitors, UnionPay has set up a dedicated booth for Nihao China, demonstrating the one-stop service app jointly developed with China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism. With over 200,000 registered users, the Nihao China app integrates a wide range of travel-related services, including QR payment, public transit, voice translation, and tax refunds. The user interface has been fully localized to suit international users.

UnionPay has been working with global partners to build a cross-border payment ecosystem featuring unified standards, orderly development, and shared success. Five international partners have joined UnionPay at this year’s exhibition, namely, ASPI from Indonesia, ZeroPay from South Korea, Dialog Finance from Sri Lanka, Halyk Bank from Kazakhstan, and Banco do Brasil.

Expanding the Ecosystem and Advancing Fintech Innovation

As digital transformation accelerates, UnionPay remains committed to strengthening independent and secure fintech capabilities. The company has been investing in computing infrastructure, artificial intelligence, privacy protection, and smart payments. By fostering collaborative innovation among members, universities, technology companies, and government agencies, UnionPay expands the ecosystem and supports the development of new productive forces in the financial industry.

The AI exhibition area highlights the progress of UnionPay’s National AI Application Pilot Base in the financial sector, the only one of its kind in China. UnionPay has established a “1+1+N” large language model architecture consisting of an L0 foundation model, an L1 financial payments model, and multiple L2 models specific to different use cases. The architecture is supported by a computing resource pool with over 1,000 GPUs and a high-quality 2TB open financial dataset. Leveraging a comprehensive payment data infrastructure covering merchants, industry stakeholders, users, and use cases, UnionPay delivers robust data support for model training, consumer insights, and intelligent decision-making. More than 120 AI applications have been deployed across four key verticals: inclusive finance, consumption growth, risk management and compliance, and operational efficiency. To address critical data security challenges in the financial sector, UnionPay has pioneered privacy protection technologies for large language model and introduced an innovative edge-cloud synergy approach, enabling secure AI services without exposing sensitive data. The innovation facilitates broader AI adoption while safeguarding partner data.

UnionPay’s open AI platform brings together the innovative capabilities of ecosystem partners, including banks, payment institutions and technology companies. By providing payment, data, and AI-powered services, the platform empowers industry participants and fosters collaborative innovation. The exhibition area for smart payments features UnionPay’s APOP (Agentic Payment Open Protocol), an open framework for agent-based payments. Built on user consent and robust risk controls, APOP explores new models for intelligent agents to access payment capabilities. To date, UnionPay has partnered with 19 industry players to deploy applications including travel assistants, overseas hotel reservations, in-vehicle payments, and utility payments.

Fudan University, Huawei, Baidu AI Cloud, HYGON, and KUPAS.AI have joined UnionPay as technology partners at the exhibition, demonstrating collaborative achievements in computing power, large language models, and cybersecurity. Together, they have showcased UnionPay’s open innovation ecosystem and its commitment to driving the evolution of the payments industry through technological progress.

Delivering Payment Services that Better Serve Consumers, Businesses, and the Real Economy

Using Shanghai as a case study, live dashboards at the booth present data insights, including foot traffic heat maps of key commercial districts and consumer profiles of domestic and international visitors. Data showed that tourists from outside Shanghai account for 55% of total spending in the Nanjing East Road commercial area, making them a key driver of consumption. Distinct spending patterns were also observed among inbound travelers: visitors from the US favor local street food, South Korean tourists prefer popular lifestyle destinations, and Thai travelers show strong interest in shopping. These insights provide valuable support for commercial district operations and cultural tourism promotion.

At this year’s China International Financial Exhibition, UnionPay showcases its extensive global network, solid business foundation, and leading technological capabilities through a wide array of immersive exhibits. Moving forward, UnionPay will continue to grow its global payment network, develop self-reliant digital and intelligent infrastructure, and deliver value to consumers.Hashtag: #UnionPay

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

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