PM Edition: Top 10 Business Articles on LiveNews.co.nz for July 14, 2026 – Full Text

MIL OSI

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – EQS Newswire – 13 July 2026 – On the afternoon of July 9, the 2026 China Chief Economist Forum (Hong Kong) was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai. Under the theme “15th Five-Year Plan Outlook: Responding to Global Changes, Embracing National Strategy, and Unlocking Hong Kong’s Opportunities,” the forum brought together policy experts, chief economists, senior financial executives, and industry think tank representatives to discuss RMB internationalization, Hong Kong’s financial center development, Greater Bay Area synergy, and global asset allocation.

The event was hosted by the China Chief Economist Forum, co-hosted by the Financial Centre of the Hong Kong Chinese Enterprises Association, and organized by BOC International and Harvest Global Investments, with support from the Hong Kong Chinese Securities Association, the Hong Kong Chinese Asset Management Association, and the Hong Kong Chinese Financial Association.

Assessing the Changing Landscape: Global Order and Economic Transformation

In the opening session, Xia Bin, former Director of the Financial Research Institute at the Development Research Center of the State Council and founder of the China Chief Economist Forum, stated that amid global restructuring and the launch of the national 15th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong should strengthen its role as a core offshore RMB hub, build a Greater Bay Area nexus for science, technology, and financial integration, and establish a service platform for Chinese enterprises going global. Liu Min, Vice President of the Hong Kong Chinese Enterprises Association and Chairman of BOC International, noted that economists are expected to identify certainty assets, channel capital toward new quality productive forces, tell Hong Kong’s new financial story, and sustain Hong Kong’s role as a “super connector and super value-added facilitator.” Wang Chunxin, Deputy Head of the Policy Unit at the Hong Kong Chief Executive’s Office, explained that the 15th Five-Year Plan endows Hong Kong with a strategic positioning of “ten centers, two hubs, and three highlands,” with the Northern Metropolis development incorporated into the national strategic vision. Hong Kong’s first five-year plan will focus on infrastructure, industry, and livelihoods, creating a world-class environment for business, innovation, and living.

In the keynote session, Xing Ziqiang, Chief China Economist at Morgan Stanley, presented on “Global Order Reshaping and China’s Economic Transformation in the 15th Five-Year Plan Period.” He noted that amid geopolitical conflicts, the AI revolution, and shifting global monetary cycles, the Chinese and U.S. economies have shown resilience, but also exhibited K-shaped structural divergence, with sectors such as semiconductors, AI hardware, and new energy booming while real estate, consumption, and broad employment remain under pressure. He suggested that the 15th Five-Year Plan should not only advance computing power and energy network construction, but also strengthen the social safety net, unleash household consumption potential, and optimize outbound investment regulation under the premise of financial security.

Qu Hongbin, Vice Chairman of the China Chief Economist Forum, discussed “Hong Kong’s New Economic Positioning and Economic Assessment of 15th Five-Year Plan Strategic Opportunities.” He stated that Hong Kong should consolidate its traditional strengths in finance and shipping while accelerating the cultivation of new growth drivers in technology and innovation. Compared to Singapore and Shenzhen, Hong Kong still has room for improvement in industrial diversification, R&D investment, and hard technology commercialization, but the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Guangzhou innovation cluster advantage is prominent. Going forward, Hong Kong can leverage platforms such as Qianhai and Hetao to combine its capital, professional services, and talent advantages with Shenzhen’s manufacturing and commercialization capabilities.

Three Roundtables: RMB Internationalization, Bay Area Synergy, and Global Allocation

The roundtable on “RMB Internationalization and Hong Kong’s International Financial Center Development under the 15th Five-Year Plan” was moderated by Xia Le, Chief China Economist at BBVA. Panelists included Wang Tao, Senior Advisor for Global Research at UBS; Ding Shuang, Chief Economist for Greater China and North Asia at Standard Chartered; Xiong Yi, Chief China Economist at Deutsche Bank; and Wang Shengzu, Head of Asset Management at Haitong International. The panelists noted that financial security and trade surpluses provide long-term support for RMB internationalization. Hong Kong should complement Shanghai with differentiated positioning, expand the scale of offshore RMB, improve derivatives infrastructure, and optimize cross-border financing arrangements for Chinese institutions.

The roundtable on “Greater Bay Area Economic Synergy and New Opportunities for Opening Up” was moderated by Zhou Hao, Chief Economist at Guotai Junan International. Panelists included Dong Yiyue, CEO of the Hong Kong Financial Services Development Council; Yang Yuting, Chief Economist for Greater China at ANZ; Tan Weimin, Chief Strategist at BOCOM International; and Shen Jianguang, Chief Economist at JD.com. Multiple panelists stated that Hong Kong should leverage the institutional advantages of “One Country, Two Systems” to connect its financial, legal, and professional services and international networks with the Pearl River Delta’s hard technology industrial chain, serving mainland enterprises going global. The Northern Metropolis, low-altitude economy, HKEX institutional reforms, and mainland platform companies’ expansion in Hong Kong provide new leverage points for Hong Kong’s participation in Bay Area synergy.

The roundtable on “Global Economic Outlook and Investment Strategy” was moderated by Zhao Wenli, Chief Economist at CCB International. Panelists included Qiao Hong, Chief Greater China Economist at Bank of America Merrill Lynch; Chen Haofei, Chief Strategist at BOC International; Jiang Yiqian, Chief Investment Officer at Harvest Global Investments; and Hong Hao, Chief Economist at Lotus Asset Management. The panelists discussed global asset rotation, noting that the K-shaped global recovery continues, AI’s long-term trend remains supported, but sector rotation is accelerating. Federal Reserve policy, inflation, exchange rates, and gold allocation were key discussion topics. China’s exports remain resilient while domestic demand still needs repair, with Hong Kong stock valuations and allocation opportunities drawing attention.

In closing, Zhu Hong, Executive Secretary-General of the China Chief Economist Forum, stated that the forum, grounded in the launch of the 15th Five-Year Plan, offered pragmatic recommendations on global changes, national strategy, and Hong Kong’s development priorities. On behalf of the forum’s organizing committee, he expressed gratitude to co-host the Financial Centre of the Hong Kong Chinese Enterprises Association, organizers BOC International and Harvest Global Investments, and supporting organizations including the Hong Kong Chinese Securities Association, the Hong Kong Chinese Asset Management Association, and the Hong Kong Chinese Financial Association. Going forward, the forum will continue to anchor itself in Hong Kong and deepen its engagement in the Greater Bay Area, conducting regular seminars on macroeconomics, finance, and technology innovation, supporting Hong Kong in consolidating its position as an offshore RMB hub and international financial center, and deeply integrating into the national high-quality development landscape.

Hashtag: #CCEF

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Finance Minister David Seymour has welcomed the release of new Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) guidance that will make it easier for international investors to understand and navigate New Zealand’s Overseas Investment Act (the Act), particularly in the supermarket and grocery sector. 

“New investment means more choices and lower prices at the checkout. If we want new investment, we need to stop doing things that repel it and start doing things that attract it,” Mr Seymour says. 

“That’s why we’ve issued new guidelines which roll out the red carpet for credible investors looking to open a new supermarket in NZ. The guidelines specify to investors which provisions of the Act apply to them, what tests their investment needs to meet, and how LINZ will apply those tests to their application. This will give investors more certainty when making their applications. 

“We want to make it as easy as possible for credible investors to establish or expand grocery retail operations in New Zealand. The more options there are for kiwis, the more competition there is within the market. This will lead to lower prices for Kiwis at the checkout. 

“This government has been focussed on attracting more international investment, and we’ve made a great start. For example, we’ve also reformed how applications under the Act are processed. 

“In the past financial year, LINZ have granted consent to 230 transactions with a gross investment value of approximately $23.8 billion. The second highest number of consents granted in one year was 201, in 2024/25. 

“The new law says decisions on all investments except residential land, farmland and fishing quota must be made within 15 working days, unless there is a potential national interest concern, but the target is five working days. Residential land, farmland and fishing quota will continue going through existing pathways.”

LINZ have met the target assessment timeframes for the new investment pathways. Specifically:

• Average assessment timeframes for business and production forestry investments had already halved since June 2024 and continue to reduce. Since the Amendment Act took effect, these investments are now approved in just four working days.
• Since our Government was elected, we’ve reduced the average processing time from 71 working days to 23.

“The changes to processing applications have created efficiencies across the overall regime which will free up resource for supermarket applications,” Mr Seymour says. 

“New Zealand has been turning away opportunities for growth for too long. International investment is critical to ensuring economic growth. It provides access to capital and technology that grows New Zealand businesses, enhances productivity, and supports high paying jobs.”

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/13/guidance-to-increase-supermarket-competition-and-help-lower-prices/

Source: Media Outreach

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 July 2026 – The OPEC Fund for International Development (the OPEC Fund) is providing a US$50 million loan to Southeast Asia Commercial Joint Stock Bank (SeABank) to expand financing for small businesses and climate-focused investments across Viet Nam.

The loan will help SeABank increase lending to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), which account for around half of employment in Viet Nam but continue to face a significant financing gap. Part of the OPEC Fund’s funding will also support investments in energy efficiency, green buildings, rooftop solar and electric mobility.

OPEC Fund President Abdulhamid Alkhalifa said: “Small businesses are central to Viet Nam’s economy and an important source of jobs and growth. This financing will help more companies access the capital they need to invest and expand, while supporting practical climate solutions that can strengthen competitiveness and resilience.”

The new loan agreement strengthens the partnership between SeABank and the OPEC Fund that began in 2022 with a first loan in support of local SMEs, including women-owned businesses, as well as climate projects.

Le Thu Thuy, SeABank’s Vice Chairwoman of the Board of Directors, said: “This financing marks an important milestone in our partnership with the OPEC Fund, reinforcing SeABank’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth. It also advances our role as a financial intermediary in mobilizing and channeling international capital to support Viet Nam’s sustainable development priorities.”

https://seabank.com.vn/

Hashtag: #SeABank

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

MIL OSI

Source: Media Outreach

PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS (H1 2026)

• Revenue increased to US$113.2 million (up 23.8% YoY), driven by the 2 January 2026 acquisition of the Active Apparel Group Pty Ltd and Active Apparel Group (America) LLC (“AAG”) business which is now successfully integrated into the Group’s platform
• Net profit grew to US$ 5.4 million representing a 1.8% increase YoY, after absorbing one-off integration costs arising from the AAG acquisition

STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT

• Deployed proprietary Product Lifecycle Management (“PLM”) system and in-house AI engine, advancing our transformation into a tech-enabled apparel platform and driving greater operating leverage

SHAREHOLDER RETURNS

• Interim dividend maintained at HK3.0 cents per share, reflecting confidence in cash generation

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 July 2026 – Lever Style Corporation (HKEX: 1346, “Lever Style”), the world’s premier apparel production platform, today reported financial results for the six months ended 30 June 2026.

For the first half of 2026, Lever Style recorded a return to top-line growth. Following a defensive strategy in 2025 aimed at managing credit risk, the Group recorded total revenue of US$113.2 million, representing a 23.8% increase compared to the same period last year. “This revenue expansion was driven by the 2 January 2026 acquisition of the AAG business, which has now been integrated into our operating platform, providing a broader foundation for our growth trajectory.” said William Tan, CEO of Lever Style.

Navigating Integration for Long-Term Value

“While revenue expanded substantially, net profit for the period grew to US$5.4 million, representing a by 1.8% increase, compared to the first half of 2025. This short-term pressure on our bottom line reflects one-off, upfront integration costs. These primarily included temporary staff duplication costs as we merged workflows, systems, and personnel. We regard these transitional costs as necessary investments to secure the structural, long-term profitability of the acquired business.” Mr. Tan added.

With the integration phase now largely completed, the group’s cost structure is better optimized, and the group will enjoy the operating leverage that enhanced scale provides.

Strategic Technology & In-House AI Solutions

The group’s platform-based strategy continues to progress, converting its operational capabilities from a traditional apparel supplier into a tech-enabled enterprise. During the period under review, Lever Style successfully developed and deployed its own PLM system, among other solutions. These internal enterprise systems are designed to enhance workflow transparency, accelerate speed-to-market, and reduce waste across the group’s asset-light supply chain.

Capitalizing on its expanding internal R&D capabilities, the group has also customized AI solutions to fit its specific business model. Rather than relying on generic off-the-shelf software, these proprietary tools support day-to-day merchandiser productivity and factory coordination, reinforcing Lever Style’s long-term competitive advantage.

Market Outlook: Premium Resilience in a K-Shaped Economy

“The US market—our primary market—has proven surprisingly resilient through the first half of 2026. However, underneath the headline figures lies a visible ‘K-shaped’ economic split: a highly promotional and pressured middle market where retail liquidity remains tight and consumers are value-sensitive, and a premium/affluent tier of high-income consumers whose discretionary spending remains relatively stable, sustaining steady demand for premium products and services.” Stanley Szeto, Executive Chairman of Lever Style, commented.

Lever Style remains largely insulated from mass-market volatility due to its focus on upscale designers and premium fashion brands. Because the group’s brand portfolio aligns with this more resilient premium sector of the market, it remains well-positioned to navigate current economic conditions.

Future Prospects & Financial Synergies

Looking toward the second half of 2026 and into 2027, the group’s strategic roadmap focuses on three primary operational and financial levers:

• AAG Bottom-Line Contribution: With major integration headwinds resolved, the AAG activewear business is expected to start contributing to the bottom line in H2 2026, with net profit margins of this business targeted to improve steadily, with the aim of approaching the margin profile of Lever Style’s legacy business in 2027.
• Targeting Operating Leverage: As expanded volume is funneled through the group’s upgraded digital platform, Lever Style is targeting synergies from operating leverage across its vendor network, allowing fixed overheads to be managed more efficiently.
• Pursuing M&A Opportunities: By integrating the AAG business, Lever Style has demonstrated the scalability of its own platform. Consequently, the group remains active in evaluating a pipeline of further value-accretive acquisitions to expand its product capabilities and geographical production footprint.

“The Group has completed the primary phases of integration, upgraded its technology base, and remains aligned with the more resilient segments of consumer demand. The Board remains confident in our underlying business model and our ability to deliver long-term value to shareholders.” Mr. Szeto concluded.

For more details, please visit: https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2026/0713/2026071300602.pdf

https://www.leverstyle.com/en/home/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/lever-style-inc./
https://www.facebook.com/leverstyleofficial
https://www.instagram.com/leverstyle/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2xFoI4FpTh5SOU6O63nNUQ

Hashtag: #LeverStyle

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Source: Media Outreach

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 July 2026 – Happitat today announced its official opening on 21 August2026, introducing the New Global Landmark of Happiness and the world’s first destination dedicated to happiness. Built on the belief that happiness should not be reserved only for special occasions, Happitat is designed to bring happiness into everyday life.

At a time when most destinations compete on scale, convenience, and comprehensive offerings, Happitat began with a different question: How can we design a place that enables lasting happiness?

That question evolved into the Happiness Movement, a philosophy that redefines the role of destinations from places people simply visit to places that actively cultivate happiness, enrich emotions, and create meaningful positive experiences for everyone.

“We never set out to build another shopping mall. Our ambition has always been to establish a new benchmark for destination creation,” said Orada Kerdhong, President of Axtra Happitat Co., Ltd.

“Our mission is to create a world-class happiness destination where happiness is at the heart of everything we do—from architecture and design to every experience we curate. With Happitat, we aspire to redefine the future of Happiness-led landmarks through a Happiness-Led Destination model. Rather than simply creating places that meet functional lifestyle needs, we create destinations that enrich people’s emotional well-being through meaningful moments, genuine human connections, and lasting memories that inspire them to return.

This is the DNA of Happitat and the change we hope to bring to the industry. While Happitat is rooted in Thailand, our vision is global. We are moving beyond destinations built solely for shopping or convenience to create places where happiness becomes a lasting part of people’s lives. This belief was never an afterthought—it has been the foundation of Happitat since day one, shaping every experience, every partnership, and every decision we make.”

Bringing this philosophy to life, Happitat has created the 7Magical Happiness—a signature framework that brings together visionary thinking, thoughtful design, nature, imagination, and collaboration to create the distinctive happiness experience that defines Happitat.

1. Happiness as a New Paradigm for Destination Design
For decades, the success of destinations has often been measured by scale, commercial performance, and visitor numbers. Through its Happiness-Led Destination philosophy, Happitat is introducing a new paradigm for destination development—one where happiness becomes the driving force behind every decision.

This new paradigm elevates the role of destinations beyond places for lifestyle, leisure, and commerce. At Happitat, happiness is not merely an outcome of a visit, but the very DNA behind every layer of design—created to deliver meaningful experiences, nurture human connections, and enhance people’s quality of life.

Happitat places customer value at the center of its destination creation philosophy, shifting from Space to Moments, from Transactions to Connections, and from Visitation to Memories. It is designed to enrich the way people learn, play, dine, and spend time together through imagination and new forms of experience—not as an escape from everyday life, but as a more joyful way of living.

2. Happiness Through Nature
From the earliest stages of development, Happitat’s research revealed that happiness flourishes when people are immersed in nature. This insight shaped a design philosophy where nature is not an added feature, but the foundation of the entire destination.

Masterplanned by Foster + Partners, in collaboration with F&P (Thailand), TK Studio, one of Thailand’s leading landscape architecture firms, and Atelier Ten, the global environmental design consultancy behind acclaimed projects including Jewel Changi Airport and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) Expansion, Happitat seamlessly integrates architecture and nature to reconnect people with the natural world.

Every aspect of the destination has been thoughtfully designed to create a seamless transition from the energy of the city into a lush forest environment. Pocket gardens, greenery woven throughout every level, and carefully selected native plant species tailored to each area’s microclimate work together to create a thriving ecosystem and a comfortable, nature-filled environment throughout the destination.

Beyond the development itself, Happitat serves as the gateway to a 30-rai urban forest behind the project—one of eastern Bangkok’s most ecologically diverse green spaces. Grown from seed into a flourishing ecosystem rich in biodiversity, the forest has become Bangna’s Urban Lung, restoring balance between the city and nature while giving people the opportunity to reconnect with nature as part of everyday life.

3. Happiness Through Imagination
At Happitat, imagination is where happiness begins. Rather than asking what should fill a space, the design process began with a different question: How do we want people to feel when they are here?

To bring this vision to life, Happitat partnered with ITEC Entertainment, former consultants to some of the world’s leading theme parks, and BUG Studio to create a destination where storytelling, imagination, and immersive experiences come together—inviting visitors of all ages to explore, discover, and become part of the story.

This vision comes to life at Whimsical Market, a fantasy-inspired family destination featuring more than 60 curated cafés and restaurants. Home to exclusive magical original charactersthat come alive through movement, hidden stories waiting to be discovered, and a three-storey-tall imaginative tree accompanied by a towering giraffe welcoming every visitor, Whimsical Market transforms every visit into a shared adventure. Daily performances further immerse guests in the narrative, turning an ordinary dining experience into a memorable journey of wonder and discovery.

Another highlight is Lumis Theater Hall, a multi-purpose venue inspired by the interplay of light, architecture, and technology. Designed to host performances, exhibitions, and immersive experiences, it creates ever-evolving storytelling experiences unlike any other.

4. Happiness Through Immersive World
Happitat creates a seamless connection between the physical and digital worlds through a new generation of Phygital Experiences, elevating everyday life with an Immersive World beyond imagination.

At the heart of this vision is the LED screen at the Grand Stairs, one of the largest indoor digital screens in Southeast Asia and a new landmark for immersive storytelling. Designed to captivate both Thai and international visitors, the Grand Stairs will showcase large-scale immersive experiences, including world-class content premiering in Thailand for the first time.

These experiences will be brought to life by leading creative studios from around the world, including:

• Pixel Artworks (UK) – The London-based global experience design studio behind immersive experiences for some of the world’s most ambitious brands and entertainment destinations, including Netflix’s Stranger Things global launch.
• BoraBora Studios (Germany) – A creative technology studio specializing in emotionally engaging spatial experiences. Awarded Gold – Best Immersive Experience at the 2026 Mondo-DR Awards for The Lost World Aquarium Dubai.
• Idyllias (Thailand) – A creator of interactive experiences powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), immersive technology, and gamification, connecting engagement between the physical and digital worlds.
• Yellaban (Thailand) – One of Thailand’s leading creative media studios specializing in projection mapping, immersive installations, visual storytelling, and experience design. Selected to showcase its work at the EXPO Hall during World Expo Osaka 2025, the studio combines design, art, and technology to create fresh immersive content and experiences that evolve throughout the year.

5. Happiness Through Culinary Excellence
At Happitat, happiness begins around the table. Guided by the belief that memorable dining experiences are created not by the number of restaurants, but by thoughtfully curating partners who share the same passion for culinary excellence, Happitat is setting a new benchmark as Thailand’s Finest Culinary Destination.

For the first time in Thailand, the destination brings together the country’s largest collection of restaurants by Michelin-starred chefs and acclaimed culinary talents under one roof. Highlights include Vuur by three-Michelin-starred Dutch chef Jacob Jan Boerma, alongside a new concept under the Chim portfolio by Thai chef Thaninthorn Chantrawan, whose restaurant has retained one Michelin Star for nine consecutive years. Happitat also features an exceptional selection of Bib Gourmand restaurants curated by Lotus’s Eatery, together with concepts from celebrated chefs and leading culinary brands.

Beyond fine dining, Happitat curates more than 100 restaurants and cafés serving over 3,000 menu items, bringing together a diverse world of culinary experiences within a single destination. Exclusive concepts include Thailand’s first pet-friendly CHAGEE, Sostare Gelato, the premium Italian artisan gelato brand making its shopping centre debut, and Forist Delight, an immersive dessert destination inspired by The Edible Forest, where nature, imagination, and indulgence come together.

The destination also introduces several first-to-Bangna concepts, including UORIKI (Hokkaido Izakaya) by CP-Uoriki, offering authentic Japanese dining with premium Hokkaido ingredients, CTM, ChaTraMue’s fourth flagship store in Thailand, and Yuan Ji Dumpling, the renowned freshly made dumpling brand from China. These are joined by well-loved favourites such as Ahjou Tea, Dairy Queen, GAGA, Good Cha, Greek’s Cup, 1:2 Coffee, Paul, White Story, Kestiew, and legendary street food favourites—creating a destination where every generation can gather around the table and discover happiness through food.

6. Happiness Through Curated Partnerships
At Happitat, happiness is not measured by the number of brands or retail offerings, but by the quality of the partnerships behind every experience. Every brand is carefully selected not simply as a tenant, but as a long-term partner that shares Happitat’s vision of creating meaningful experiences and building a sustainable ecosystem of happiness.

First-to-Thailand & Exclusive Destination Concepts

Happitat introduces a collection of first-to-Thailand concepts and destination-exclusive experiences developed in collaboration with leading partners, including:

• Axtra Club – A membership-based retail concept, featuring a curated selection of premium products sourced from around the world with exclusive prices for members, complemented by an exclusive dining experience created by Chef Willment Leong, Global Master Chef and Asia Director of the World Association of Chefs’ Societies.
• 7–Eleven – A completely new store concept created exclusively for Happitat, reimagining the convenience store experience in an entirely new way.
• Lotus’s PRIVÉ Market – A new premium supermarket concept built around the philosophy of “Less, but Better.” Spanning more than 500 square metres, the Premium Fresh & Lifestyle Hub is designed exclusively for Happitat around two core pillars: Curated Excellence and Modern Experience. Curated Excellence brings together the finest imported ingredients, premium wagyu, organic fruits and vegetables, an extensive wine cellar, and a curated selection of premium chocolates from around the world. Modern Experience combines boutique-inspired design with smart retail innovations and a dedicated Healthy Bar, creating a premium lifestyle experience thoughtfully designed for modern everyday living.
• True Branding Shop & TrueSphere – A new destination where premium retail meets community experiences, combining True’s comprehensive retail offering with the signature Super First Class hospitality of TrueSphere to create a premium environment that brings together people, lifestyle, and community.
• A New Toy & Technology Kingdom – A new destination for imagination and discovery, bringing together toys, AI technology, collectible art toys, rare collectibles, and globally recognised character IP merchandise in one place for collectors, families, and fans of all ages.

Exclusive Destination Concept

Happitat has partnered with leading brands across education, wellness, lifestyle, and pet services to create a destination that supports every aspect of everyday life.

– Learning & Family Hub
Happitat is creating Bangna’s largest family learning destination by bringing together more than 15 leading institutes covering academics, music, arts, movement, fitness, and language education, including Bagel Swings Social Club, Cymath School, Dinos Drum, Phonic 1st, Top One, The D.T x Math Logik, Yamaha Music School, Chinese Hub Language School, NEXT GEN Success School, and many more.

– Health & Wellness
Putting holistic well-being at the heart of everyday life, Happitat introduces a new-to-Thailand fitness concept alongside a rooftop swimming pool, panoramic pickleball courts, and a curated selection of wellness and beauty partners, including Kaew Pilates Studio, Flex Rehab, Setai Exclusive, Sarang Hair, HANA STUDIO, and THE LOFT CLINIC.

– Lifestyle Brands
Supporting modern everyday living through a curated mix of leading retail and lifestyle brands, including Eco Ring Japan, OWNDAYS, LAB PHARMACY, Studio 7, BANANA, and IT CITY | CSC, enabling visitors to enjoy shopping, technology, and essential services within a single destination.

– Comprehensive Pet Services
Happitat extends its destination experience to pet lovers through partnerships with leading pet care brands, including Jerhigh, complemented by dedicated pet services, a 150-square-metre Pet Park, and thoughtfully designed pet-friendly spaces where owners and their pets can exercise, spend quality time together, and become part of a growing pet-loving community.

7. Happiness for Multigenerational Joy
At Happitat, every moment shared with family and loved ones is the beginning of meaningful relationships and lasting memories. Designed as a destination for togetherness, Happitat brings people of all generations together—not only by catering to the diverse lifestyles of children, adults, seniors, and even pets, but by creating opportunities for every member of the family to learn, play, connect, and create memories through thoughtfully curated programmes, workshops, and experiences.

Throughout the year, Happitat will come alive with seasonal festivals, signature events, parades, live performances, immersive experiences, and community gatherings designed to create moments of happiness that people can return to again and again. These experiences are seamlessly connected through the Happitat Application on the Amaze Super App, CP Group’s digital platform that integrates services, rewards, and loyalty benefits across the Group’s businesses and partners into a single seamless ecosystem. As part of this connected loyalty programme, Happitat bridges the digital and physical worlds, extending every visit beyond the destination itself.

Beyond its own experiences, Happitat also serves as an open platform for brands, partners, creators, and communities to co-create new ideas, collaborations, and cultural experiences. By continuously welcoming new programmes, partnerships, and conversations, Happitat is designed to remain a vibrant destination where people can reconnect, rediscover, and create new memories together throughout the year.

“When we first began designing Happitat, putting happiness at the heart of every decision was a philosophy that many people were not yet familiar with. Today, I’m encouraged to see more developments placing greater emphasis on nature, well-being, and meaningful experiences. If destinations can play a greater role in enhancing people’s quality of life and creating more happiness, then everyone stands to benefit.

We like to think of it as the butterfly effect. Every significant transformation begins with the smallest flutter of a butterfly’s wings, yet its impact can ripple far beyond where it started. If Happitat has helped spark that shift and inspired happiness to become an important consideration in the way destinations are designed, then that is something we are truly proud of,” Orada Kerdhong concluded.

On 21 August 2026, Happitat will officially open its doors, welcoming visitors to experience a new kind of happiness destination where nature, imagination, innovation, shared experiences, and curated partnerships come together to bring happiness to life.

For the latest news, updates, and more information, follow Happitat Thailand on Facebook or visit http://www.happitatthailand.com/.

Hashtag: #Happitat

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

MIL OSI

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is backing Lifeline, alongside Youthline and Whakarongorau, through a more than $10 million package to strengthen mental health and addiction telehealth services and help more New Zealanders get the faster access to support they need, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says.

“It can be disheartening to reach out for support while in distress and find yourself waiting for too long. For someone reaching out, whether it be for the first time or not, that moment on the other end of the line can be incredibly important,” Mr Doocey says.

“Lifeline is one of New Zealand’s best-known mental health support services and has been there for New Zealanders through some of the toughest moments in their lives for more than 60 years.

“This investment recognises the vital role Lifeline plays. After more than a decade without dedicated Government funding, this investment is a significant step in recognising the value of the service it provides.

“This funding gives Lifeline the certainty it needs over the next year to continue supporting New Zealanders. The Government will continue to make funding available beyond this year, with an open procurement process allowing telehealth providers, including Lifeline, to apply for longer-term funding through baseline.

“This package will support around 16,000 additional calls and interactions and increase capacity across the sector by around 15 per cent, helping more people access support whether it be by phone, text or other digital channels.

“Youthline will receive additional funding to increase its existing Government funded capacity by 44 per cent and respond to around 4,400 more contacts from young people seeking support. Whakarongorau will also receive additional funding to help meet growing demand.

“The package also includes funding to develop and roll out an AI enabled triage and referral tool across mental health and addiction helplines. This will help improve the experience of people seeking support by consistently identifying their needs, and connecting people with the service best placed to support them.

“We have heard from telehealth providers that too many New Zealanders are waiting too long for support, with higher call volumes, more complex needs, and some people unable to connect with support when demand is high. This investment helps respond to that.

“Telehealth services are often the first place people turn when they need help. When someone takes that step and reaches out, they deserve to know there will be someone there to listen.”

Note to editor:

The breakdown of the funding includes:

• $3.9 million over four years to expand mental health and addiction telehealth services.
• $2 million over four years for Youthline to expand its existing Government funded capacity by 44 per cent, enabling it to respond to around 4,400 additional calls.
• $1.2 million to support the continued operation of Lifeline for 2026/2027.
• $3.35 million over four years to develop and implement an AI-enabled triage and referral tool across publicly funded mental health and addiction helplines.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/13/telehealth-investment-to-deliver-faster-access-to-support/

Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson is visiting India this week to promote New Zealand premium strong wool and strengthen relationships at the Bharat Tex 2026 – Global Textile Expo.

“India is currently New Zealand’s second largest market for wool – it is a key market for Kiwi wool growers and exporters and there is strong potential for further growth” Mr Patterson says.

“I will be attending Bharat Tex 2026, India’s largest global textile trade expo showcasing innovation, sustainable fabrics, apparel, fashion, and global textiles, to speak at a business roundtable and champion New Zealand strong wool.

“I will also meet with key figures across India’s wool supply chain, including in India’s Textile Minister, manufacturers, and researchers.”

Mr Patterson says new demand opportunities are emerging for strong wool as consumers and brands see the sustainability benefits of natural fibres.

“The government remains fully committed to backing the long-term success of our Kiwi wool growers, and the wider wool sector, to tap into increasing global demand for innovative, premium wool products.

“We are investing more than $65 million with the wool sector in 25 projects to drive innovative and high-value opportunities and products, facilitate collaboration, and improve supply chain capability.

“Projects include innovative wool applications in acoustics, insulation, filtration, personal care and biotech ingredients such as inks, coatings, cosmetics, nutraceuticals and medical materials.”

Minister Patterson returns from India on 17 July.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/13/patterson-to-india-to-champion-new-zealand-wool/