PM Edition: Here are the top 10 business articles on LiveNews.co.nz for July 16, 2026 – Full Text
1. A SIM Guide to Comparing Graduate Salaries and Employability in Singapore
July 15, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 July 2026 – As students and parents in Singapore evaluate higher education pathways, employability, starting salary and return on investment are increasingly important considerations. A degree is often assessed not only by academic interest, but also by how it supports entry into the workforce and future career development.
Graduate salary data provides useful guidance, but it should not be read in isolation. Starting salary is one indicator of return on investment. It should be considered alongside employment rates, full-time permanent employment, industry pathways, career support, programme fit and long-term skills relevance.
For students considering Singapore Institute of Management Global Education (SIM GE), SIM’s Graduate Outcome & Employability page provides a reference point for understanding graduate outcomes. The page explains how SIM graduates have performed in the Private Education Institution Graduate Employment Survey (PEI GES), where they have worked, and how SIM supports students in building career readiness.
Why the PEI Graduate Employment Survey matters
For students considering private education pathways, the PEI Graduate Employment Survey (GES) is an important reference because it provides employment and salary outcomes for graduates from registered private education institutions.
The 2024/2025 PEI GES focused on economically active fresh graduates who graduated between May 2024 and April 2025 from full-time Bachelor’s level External Degree Programmes. The survey covered about 6,150 full-time graduates across 26 private education institutions, with a response rate of 61.6 per cent, and was conducted from October 2025 to January 2026.
Among 2,600 economically active PEI fresh graduate respondents in the labour force, 78.9 per cent secured employment within six months of graduation. The median gross monthly salary for PEI fresh graduates in full-time permanent employment remained stable at S$3,500.
This makes the PEI GES useful for students and parents who want to compare graduate outcomes within the private education sector. It also allows SIM’s graduate outcome data to be read against a broader PEI sector benchmark.
What SIM graduate outcome data shows
SIM’s Graduate Outcome & Employability page reports that SIM fresh graduate respondents recorded 81.0 per cent secured employment, 77.9 per cent currently employed, 47.0 per cent in full-time permanent employment and a median gross monthly salary of S$3,565. The page attributes these figures to Skills & Workforce Development Agency 2024/2025 PEI GES.
| Indicator | SIM | Avg of All PEI (include SIM) |
| Secured employment | 81.0% | 78.9% |
| Full-time permanent employment | 47.0% | 46.9% |
| Median gross monthly salary | S$3,565 | S$3,500 |
This comparison places SIM’s graduate outcomes at the top spectrum of the PEI sector. It also shows why employability should be assessed through more than one indicator. Secured employment, full-time permanent employment and median gross monthly salary each provide a different view of graduate outcomes.
Secured employment indicates whether graduates entered work, accepted job offers or were taking steps to start a business venture. Full-time permanent employment provides a view of stable employment. Median gross monthly salary shows the middle salary point among full-time permanently employed graduates.
Where SIM graduates have worked
SIM graduates have entered a range of sectors, including aviation, aerospace and engineering, airline and tourism, banking and financial services, information and communications technology, cybersecurity, insurance, consumer services, public sector and government, consulting and professional services, healthcare, logistics, transportation, retail and manufacturing.
These employer destinations are relevant because students are not only selecting a degree. They are also considering possible pathways into industries, job functions and future career options. A business-related pathway may support roles in banking, consulting, retail, logistics or entrepreneurship. A technology-related pathway may lead to opportunities in information and communications technology, cybersecurity, data, digital services or business technology roles.
How students should compare salary, employability and ROI
A practical approach to comparing degree options is to consider four areas: relevance, return, readiness and resilience.
| Factor | What to consider |
| Relevance | Does the degree connect to industries that are hiring? |
| Return | What do employment and salary outcomes show? |
| Readiness | What career support, internship guidance and employer exposure are available? |
| Resilience | Can the skills support future career changes? |
This approach helps students avoid selecting a degree based only on the highest salary benchmark. While starting salary is an important consideration, long-term value also depends on whether the student can build relevant skills, gain experience and adapt to changes in the labour market.
How SIM supports employability
SIM supports students through career preparation and employer engagement, including résumé writing, interview preparation, job search guidance, career fairs, employer talks, recruitment events, internship search guidance and workshops that build communication, teamwork, problem-solving and professional confidence.
Such support is relevant to return on investment because employability is influenced not only by the qualification awarded, but also by how prepared students are to enter the workforce. Career readiness, employer exposure and workplace skills can support the transition from study to employment.
Conclusion
Graduate starting salary is an important consideration for students and parents assessing higher education options in Singapore. However, it should not be the only measure used to evaluate a degree pathway.
A more balanced assessment considers employment rates, full-time permanent employment, median gross monthly salary, industry pathways, career support and long-term skills relevance. This provides a broader view of how a higher education pathway may support employability and future career development.
When read together with the PEI Graduate Employment Survey, national salary benchmarks and SIM’s Graduate Outcome & Employability page, graduate outcome data can help students and parents make more informed decisions about salary expectations, employability and return on investment.
References
- SIM’s Graduate Outcome & Employability page – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/parent-resource-hub/graduate-outcome-employability
- SWDA PEI Graduate Employment Survey 2024/2025 – https://www.swda.gov.sg/home/skills-career-resources/private-education-resources/graduate-employment-survey/2024-2025
- Employment Outcome for PEI Graduates – https://www.swda.gov.sg/home/newsroom/employment-outcomes-for-private-education-institution-graduates-remain-stable-in-2024-2025
- SIM Career Service – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/life-at-sim/career-services
https://www.sim.edu.sg/
Hashtag: #SIMGlobalEducation #SIMGE #GlobalEducation #InternationalDegree #CareerReady #FutureSkills
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
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2. Hong Kong SMEs Accelerate Transformation as AI and Northern Metropolis Unlock New Opportunities, Dah Sing Bank Survey
July 15, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
Capability and Resource Gaps Limit Growth Potential As Firms Explore the New Economy
Dah Sing Bank remains committed to staying close to the needs of SMEs and understanding the challenges and directions of their business transformation journey. To gain deeper insights into these trends, the Bank commissioned a survey[1] in May 2026 through a major local media outlet, interviewing over 340 Hong Kong SMEs to understand how businesses are navigating current challenges and evolving strategies, while examining their plans and needs in areas such as AI adoption, Northern Metropolis opportunities and business upgrading.
Transformation Gains Momentum
The Survey shows that around 23% of enterprises have already adopted AI or generative AI (GenAI) in their operations, while a further 32% plan to do so within the next one to two years, indicating a growing transformation momentum. At the same time, nearly 70% of respondents believe that developments in the Northern Metropolis and the Hetao-Hong Kong Science Park are relevant to their future businesses, reflecting strong interest in participating in the evolving new economy.
AI Adoption Still at an Early Stage
In terms of AI applications, SMEs are currently focusing on relatively accessible use cases such as marketing and content creation (56%) and customer service (42%), with some also applying AI in sales support (35%) and data analysis (30%).
In contrast, adoption remains limited in more advanced areas such as process automation or workflow improvement (14%), suggesting that overall AI usage among SMEs is still at an early stage and has yet to be fully integrated into core business operations.
Capability Gaps Limit Transformation
The Survey also highlights significant challenges in advancing AI adoption. Around 45% of SMEs have yet to implement AI technologies, with more than half citing a lack of relevant knowledge or skills (57%) as a key barrier. In addition, 38% pointed to unclear return on investment, while others indicated the absence of suitable use cases (29%) or insufficient time and resources to explore further (24%).
These findings suggest that gaps in capabilities, resource allocation and application planning remain major constraints on SMEs’ ability to scale up transformation initiatives.
Business Models and Talent Needs Evolve
SMEs are also advancing their digitalisation efforts, with widespread adoption of social media marketing (51%), e-commerce platforms (43%) and electronic payment solutions (50%), reflecting a shift towards more flexible, multi-channel business models.
As AI adoption gradually expands, workforce requirements are also evolving. About one-quarter of respondents indicated that AI would shift employees towards higher value-added roles, while around one in five expect increased demand for new skills and talent. This suggests a gradual transition towards more knowledge- and technology-driven operating models.
Northern Metropolis Opens New Opportunities
Regarding developments in the Northern Metropolis and the Hetao-Hong Kong Park, SMEs generally prefer to participate as service providers and supporting partners within the broader ecosystem. This includes offering specialised services or solutions to companies in the area (44%), collaborating with research institutions or technology firms (29%), and participating in pilot projects or proof-of-concept programmes (25%).
In addition, some SMEs plan to provide products and services to future residents, businesses and workers in the district (51%), or take part in construction and infrastructure-related supply chains (36%). These responses indicate that SMEs are actively identifying entry points aligned with their strengths to integrate into emerging industry ecosystems.
Dah Sing Bank Supports SMEs Transformation
To address the challenges of transformation, Dah Sing Bank recognises that SMEs not only need financial support but also practical and clear directional guidance. The Bank adopts a holistic approach, offering flexible financing solutions to meet evolving business needs, while streamlining digital banking processes and enhancing cross-border financial services to improve SMEs’ operational efficiency and agility.
In addition, Dah Sing Bank places strong emphasis on equipping SMEs with relevant market insights and practical knowledge. These initiatives include providing the latest market trends and business tips via the Bank’s online educational platform, the “SME Info Hub”. Additionally, the Bank organises tailored SME seminars through its “328 Business School” educational platform on various topics such as AI technology and digital marketing. Together, these efforts aim to help businesses deepen their understanding of emerging technologies and market developments, enabling them to navigate an increasingly dynamic economic landscape.
Dah Sing Bank Deputy Chief Executive, Senior Executive Director and Head of Group Personal Banking, Ms Phoebe Wong, said: “The Survey shows that Hong Kong SMEs are increasingly exploring AI applications and opportunities in the new economy. However, many businesses continue to face challenges in technology adoption and resource allocation. Dah Sing Bank has long been a trusted partner to SMEs on their transformation journey. Beyond providing flexible financing solutions, we are committed to offering market insights and a range of value-added services that help businesses strengthen their understanding of new technologies and market trends, equipping them with the relevant capabilities. By combining financial services with real-world support, we aim to empower SMEs to capture opportunities arising from AI and the Northern Metropolis, and to achieve sustainable growth.”
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https://www.dahsing.com/html/en/index.html
Hashtag: #DahSingBank
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
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3. Exports grow amid worst conditions on record – BusinessNZ
July 15, 2026
Source: BusinessNZ
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4. Cushman & Wakefield Study: AI to Drive Stronger Growth and Higher Real Estate Demand Across Asia Pacific
July 15, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
Scenario-based analysis shows AI will expand demand across office, industrial and retail
“There is a misconception that AI will reduce the need for physical space,” said Dr. Dominic Brown, Head of International Research, APAC & EMEA, Cushman & Wakefield. “Our analysis shows the opposite – AI expands economic activity and that ultimately drives greater demand for real estate across sectors.”
The APAC analysis is part of Cushman & Wakefield’s global, multi-sector, scenario-based assessment of how AI adoption could reshape real estate fundamentals over the next decade. Rather than attempting to predict how AI itself evolves, the framework focuses on how firms respond to AI under different adoption, productivity and monetization scenarios and how those responses translate into macroeconomic outcomes, space demand and capital markets dynamics. These scenarios are also fully integrated into Cushman & Wakefield’s “House View” forecasting process, incorporating broader macroeconomic factors such as monetary policy, trade dynamics and geopolitical risks.
Four Scenarios, Wide Range of Outcomes
Cushman & Wakefield’s study models four distinct scenarios reflecting different paths for AI adoption, productivity and labor market outcomes:
- C&W Baseline — Gradual Adoption (50%): Moderate productivity gains support steady economic expansion. Demand holds up, with near-term softness in select sectors, as AI becomes additive over time.
- Productivity-Led Expansion (15% probability): Rapid AI adoption drives strong economic growth and job creation. Broad demand growth across sectors supports rent growth and rising values.
- AI Bust — Moderate Recession (25%): AI adoption falls short of expectations, contributing to a cyclical downturn. Demand weakens in the near term, with higher vacancies and rent pressure, followed by recovery.
- Dystopic/Displacement (5%): AI adoption proves more labor-substituting than expected, leading to higher unemployment. Demand remains weak for a more sustained period, with downside pressure on rents and values.
Under the baseline scenario, the APAC economy is projected to grow at around 3-4% annually through 2030, supported by AI-driven productivity gains and continued investment in infrastructure such as data centers and power.
“AI will be a critical force in sustaining APAC’s long-term growth story,” said Dr. Brown. “It will help offset demographic headwinds in some developed markets while accelerating productivity across emerging economies.”
While AI will automate certain routine functions, the study indicates overall employment in APAC is expected to rise, with a projected net increase of 58.5 million jobs between 2026 and 2030 under the baseline scenario. However, this growth is likely to moderate over time as economies mature, alongside a shift toward higher-value, knowledge-based work.
AI Impact on Real Estate
From a commercial real estate perspective, AI is expected to be additive to demand, rather than a substitute for space as stronger economic output and business formation drive higher occupancy needs over time. This expansion will be accompanied by structural changes in how space is used as well as evolving investment strategies. Emerging asset classes, particularly data centers are expected to become increasingly central to portfolios.
Under the baseline scenario, core real estate returns are projected to stabilise at around 10%, supported by strong regional growth and evolving demand drivers.
– Office Market to be Transformed, Not Disrupted
Prime net absorption of office space is projected to reach 1.035 billion sq ft over the next decade under the baseline scenario. Demand will increasingly favour high-quality, flexible spaces in prime locations, particularly in talent-rich cities and environments designed for collaboration and innovation. This sustained flight to quality, already evident in recent years, is expected to accelerate further, widening gap between premium and lower-grade buildings.
– Logistics and Data Centers Lead AI-Driven Demand
The logistics and industrial sector is set to be one of the primary beneficiaries of AI adoption, with demand driven by automation, e-commerce growth and rising supply chain complexity. Prime net absorption is forecast to reach 2.542 billion sq ft by 2030 under the baseline scenario. Within this growth, data centers are emerging as critical infrastructure, with power availability becoming a key constraint in shaping both supply and investment decisions.
– Retail to Become More Polarised
Stronger income growth will support spending but the retail market is expected to split into clear winners and losers. High and low-end retail segments are likely to outperform, while mid-tier retail will face structural challenges, reflecting a more polarised consumer landscape.
While the overall outlook is positive, there are potential downside risks such as slower-than-expected AI productivity boost or labour market disruption, which could result in higher vacancy rates and downward pressure on rents.
“While the base case is constructive, the range of outcomes remains wide. Understanding the different scenarios is critical for both occupiers and investors as they plan for the next decade,” said Dr. Brown.
About the Study
AI Impact on Commercial Real Estate: The Next 10 Years uses econometric models and a scenario-based framework integrated into Cushman & Wakefield’s House View forecasts. The analysis traces AI’s impact through a chain of transmission – from foundational drivers (regulation, power infrastructure, data center development) through AI adoption and productivity, macroeconomic outcomes, occupier demand, and real estate market response. Regional reports covering the U.S., EMEA, and Asia Pacific are available at cushmanwakefield.com.
Hashtag: #Cushman&Wakefield
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
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5. Central & Western District Youth-to-Career Explo Connects Hong Kong Youth to Future Careers in AI Era
July 15, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
Two-day flagship youth to career exploration event unites 30+ corporates and organisations for youth empowerment, officiated by Alice Mak, SBS, JP, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs
Alice Mak, SBS, JP, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs; Jennifer Yu Cheng, JP, Founder of FutureGen Youth Foundation and Secy Cheung, Founding Board Director of FutureGen Youth Foundation, alongside students, Strive and Rise Program participants and youth
Hosted at co-organiser and seed school St. Stephen’s Girls’ College, and the Sai Ying Pun Community Complex, the event was officiated by Alice Mak, SBS, JP, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, with a rich lineup of keynote sharing sessions on career insights, future trends and opportunities; AI and future skills workshops; youth dialogue sessions; and career exploration company booths.
Building A Future Talent Pipeline Through Early Industry and AI Exposure
Successfully equipping youth with direct access to leading industry representatives and companies, the signature youth event supported students across the Central and Western District in navigating their career and life planning journeys while strengthening Hong Kong’s future talent pipeline across diverse industries. Bringing together education institutions, corporations, government departments, professional organisations, NGOs and community partners, and spanning across more than 20 industries, the event bridged the gap between education and the rapidly evolving world of work, connecting young people with real-world industry insights and equipping them with the access, opportunities, and resources they need to explore future pathways and prepare for tomorrow’s workforce.
The IGNITE18 event series was pioneered by the FutureGen Youth Foundation, which aims to establish a citywide collective impact ecosystem connecting schools, industry, universities, and parents to support students navigating career and life planning. The initiative seeks to provide exposure to diverse industries, future career pathways, and hands-on future skills and AI experiences, while offering valuable workforce market insights and professional development opportunities for teachers and careers masters. By engaging parents in understanding AI and future-ready skills, the program actively strengthens Hong Kong’s future talent pipeline across diverse sectors. The Foundation plans to expand IGNITE18 across all 18 districts in Hong Kong in the next two years.
“In a world where AI, business transformation, and entirely new fields are reshaping career pathways, there is an urgency to create greater access earlier – from secondary age – to better equip and support youth on their career development journey,” said Jennifer Yu Cheng, JP, Founder of FutureGen Youth Foundation.
“At our Foundation, we have created a platform connecting over 140 Supporting Organisations with representation from education institutions, corporations, public institutes, NGOs, entrepreneurs and innovators to support youth career exploration and development in Hong Kong. Through IGNITE18, we aim to open doors earlier and inspire students to explore diverse career opportunities to be better equipped for tomorrow’s world – with the ultimate hope of building a stronger and more diverse talent pipeline for Hong Kong’s future.”
Uniting Corporate and Education Leaders in a Collective Impact Ecosystem
The Central & Western District Youth-to-Career Explo brought together an extensive network of participating and supporting organisations across corporate, tech, education, and public service sectors, including:
Strategic Partner: Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited
Fully Supported By: McDonald’s Hong Kong
Supporting Organisations: DALLOYAU; Deloitte Foundation; DETERMINANT; Hong Kong Hereditary Breast Cancer Family Registry; Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management; Police Community Relations Office, Central District,Hong Kong Police Force; Hong Kong Qualifications Framework; HSBC; JEMS Character Academy; L’Oréal Hong Kong; Microsoft Hong Kong; MTR Corporation Limited; Ocean Park Corporation; Pet Space Group Limited; PRISTER Corporation Limited; Project Management Institute; Story Jungle Education; Tencent Wetech Academy; XPENG Hong Kong; XPENG Hong Kong ARIDGE; Y.L.Yang Foundation; iREd Solutions Limited; Plus One Dimension Interactive Company Limited
Education Partners: Center for Global & Community Engagement (GCE), School of Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; The University of Hong Kong; Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong; Faculty of Science, The University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong Association of Careers Masters and Guidance Masters; Hong Kong Association of the Heads of Secondary Schools; Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (Chai Wan), Higher Diploma in Food Technology and Safety; Lingnan University Department of Digital Art and Creative Industries; Pre-incubation Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong; School of Business, The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong; The Council of Central & Western District School Heads; The Education University of Hong Kong; The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups
Supporting Statutory Body: The Authority of Qianhai SZ-HK Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone of Shenzhen
The event also featured prominent leaders and experts sharing insights across business, finance, education, technology, innovation, and the public sector:
- Lawrence Hung – Immediate Past President and Executive Council Member, Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management
- Gary Wong Chi-him, MH, JP – Chief Hong Kong and Macao Liaison Expert, Authority of Qianhai SZ-HK Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone of Shenzhen
- Professor Ava Kwong – Chairman, Hong Kong Hereditary Breast Cancer FamilyRegistry; Clinical Professor, Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong
- Professor Lee Man Hoi – Professor, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, The University of Hong Kong
- Serena Tang – Career Development and Training Director, HKU Business School
“We are deeply grateful to our seed schools, education partners, and Supporting Organisations for transforming the Foundation’s vision into action and for joining us in empowering young people,” said Secy Cheung, Founding Board Director of FutureGen Youth Foundation.
“Through our work with students, we have seen how powerful it can be when young people hear directly from industry leaders, professionals, and innovators. Often, a single conversation, sharing unexpected angles, can spark new aspirations and help students see pathways they had never previously imagined. IGNITE18 is about planting those seeds of possibility – inspiring young people to explore, discover, and take their first steps towards shaping their own futures.”
The signature event showcased the boundless possibilities of a strong ecosystem connecting schools, industry, universities, and families in supporting Hong Kong’s future leaders and talents. The IGNITE18 Central & Western District Youth-to-Career Explo generated strong community momentum that will continue to support students in understanding the future world of work, discovering their own pathways, and stepping into the future with confidence.
Hashtag: #FutureGenYouthFoundation
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
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6. Xsolla and Management and Science University (MSU) Sign Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to Connect Future Game Developers With Global Commercial Opportunities
July 15, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
Collaboration Provides Students Access To Xsolla’s Publishing Suite And Launcher, Bridging Academic Learning With Commercial Game Development Practices
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 July 2026 – Xsolla, a leading global video game commerce company, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Management and Science University (MSU), one of Malaysia’s leading private universities, to strengthen collaboration between academia and the video games industry while providing students with access to professional publishing, monetization, and distribution technologies.
The partnership is designed to support knowledge exchange and talent development across game development, digital commerce, and game monetization. Through industry talks, guest lectures, best-practice sharing sessions, and collaborative educational initiatives, Xsolla and MSU will work together to provide students and faculty with direct exposure to current industry practices and commercial opportunities in the global games market.
As part of the collaboration, Xsolla will facilitate access to its end-to-end game commerce ecosystem across its payments, monetization and distribution platforms. Students will be able to integrate professional-grade publishing, monetization, payment, and distribution capabilities into their projects, helping bridge the gap between academic learning and commercial game development.
“Today’s game developers need more than technical skills; they need to understand the complete business of bringing games to market,” said Chris Hewish, President of Xsolla. “Our partnership with MSU gives students access to the technologies, workflows, and commercial infrastructure used throughout the industry, helping prepare the next generation of developers to successfully launch and grow their games on a global scale.”
MSU is recognized as one of Malaysia’s leading private universities and is ranked #597 in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Through strategic industry partnerships and experiential learning programs, the university continues to connect studios with real-world opportunities across Information Sciences, Engineering, Technology, and related disciplines.
In addition to educational initiatives, Xsolla will participate in selected MSU convocation activities by presenting industry awards to recognize outstanding graduates. Both organizations will continue to explore additional collaborative opportunities that support talent development, innovation, and growth within Malaysia’s interactive entertainment ecosystem.
To learn more about the MoU signing between Xsolla and Management and Science University (MSU), visit: https://xsolla.pro/MSU
Hashtag: #Xsolla #ManagementAndScienceUniversity #MSU
https://xsolla.com
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Xsolla
Xsolla is a global commerce company that builds and provides all the things developers need to launch, grow, and monetize video games. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, the company supports studios of every size, from indie to AAA, with solutions across direct-to-consumer commerce, intelligent payments, entertainment-based IP, and player engagement products. Xsolla helps developers fund, distribute, market, and monetize their games at scale. Trusted by more than 60% of the top 100 highest-grossing games, Xsolla operates as the merchant of record across 200+ geographies with access to over 1,000+ local payment methods worldwide. Grounded in a deep belief in the future of gaming, Xsolla is resolute in bringing opportunities together and unlocking growth for creators everywhere.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
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7. Xero vs QuickBooks: Which Accounting Software Is Right for Your Business?
July 15, 2026
Source: Press Release Service
Headline: Xero vs QuickBooks: Which Accounting Software Is Right for Your Business?
IMCA releases its guide comparing Xero vs QuickBooks to help businesses choose the right accounting software. Explore pricing, features, AI capabilities, country-wise insights, and expert recommendations for smarter financial management.
The post Xero vs QuickBooks: Which Accounting Software Is Right for Your Business? first appeared on PR.co.nz.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/15/xero-vs-quickbooks-which-accounting-software-is-right-for-your-business/
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8. Faster access to forensic mental health support
July 15, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
More people in need of forensic mental health services will receive faster access to support following a significant investment, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says.
“Forensic mental health services have been under pressure, which is why this Government is investing where it will make the biggest difference. It means greater safety for staff, better outcomes for patients and ultimately greater benefits for communities as people reintegrate back into the community,” Mr Doocey says.
Budget 2026 provides $35 million in additional funding. The investment will deliver:
- Four additional forensic inpatient mental health beds, including two at the Mason Clinic in Auckland and two at the Porirua forensic campus.
- Expanded prison in-reach services, including additional psychiatrists, nurses and specialist clinical staff to provide assessment and treatment for people with acute and complex mental health needs while they are in prison.
- Additional court liaison staff to help ensure people appearing before the courts with mental health, addiction or intellectual disability needs are identified early and connected with the right support.
- Six additional step-down beds to support people leaving inpatient forensic services to safely transition back into the community, improving patient flow and freeing up inpatient capacity.
“This investment will improve forensic mental health services across the country, helping ensure people receive the support they need faster and better long-term outcomes are achieved for both the community and the person.
“By increasing capacity at key points across the forensic mental health system, we can reduce delays, improve access to care, and support better rehabilitation and reintegration.
“This builds on the significant investment already made through Budget 2025, which provided almost $51 million to help people with acute mental health and addiction needs access specialist forensic services faster, including eight additional step-down beds and 10 new acute inpatient beds.
“Across the two Budgets, the Government has now funded 14 new forensic step-down beds for people leaving prison and 14 new forensic inpatient beds, alongside significant growth in frontline workers.
“This Government is focused on delivering faster access to support, more frontline workers and a better crisis response.”
Notes to editors:
- The six additional step-down beds are expected to begin opening from January 2027. Locations are yet to be decided.
- The four new forensic inpatient beds are expected to open between January and March 2027.
- Health New Zealand is identifying the regions where additional prison in-reach services, court liaison staff and step-down beds will have the greatest impact. Recruitment will begin once these decisions are confirmed.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/15/faster-access-to-forensic-mental-health-support/
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9. SBI Global Asset Management and DigiFT Launch JX, Bringing a Japanese Asset Manager’s Equity Strategy On-Chain for the First Time
July 15, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 July 2026 – DigiFT, a regulated digital asset exchange for institutional-grade real-world assets (“RWAs”), and SBI Global Asset Management Co., Ltd. (“SBI GAM”), a subsidiary of SBI Holdings, Inc., today announced the launch of the SBI Japan High Dividend Equity Strategy Token (“JX token”), a token designed to provide accredited or institutional investors with on-chain access to a Japanese high-dividend equity fund strategy managed by SBI Asset Management Co., Ltd. (“SBI AM”) which is a subsidiary of SBI GAM. The launch marks the first time a Japanese asset manager’s listed-equity strategy is brought on-chain through DigiFT’s regulated tokenization and distribution infrastructure.
The launch comes as investor attention returns to Japanese equities, supported by the Tokyo Stock Exchange’s continued push for listed companies to improve capital efficiency and demonstrate greater awareness of share-price performance. It also reflects a broader evolution in tokenization: the value of tokenized RWAs distributed on public blockchains grew from USD 5.9 billion to USD 21.9 billion globally in 2025, moving the category beyond cash-like instruments and into actively managed public-market strategies. DigiFT was an early mover in this shift, launching a tokenized U.S. equity income fund developed with BNY in January 2026. This shift is now extending directly into Japan’s own institutional market, where SBI Group has been among the country’s most active builders of on-chain financial infrastructure.
DigiFT holds Capital Markets Services and Recognised Market Operator licences from MAS, as well as Type 1 and Type 4 licences from the Hong Kong SFC – a dual regulatory standing that has made it a tokenization and distribution partner for global and regional asset managers, including UBS Asset Management, Invesco, BNY and Franklin Templeton. DigiFT’s roster now extends into Japan, through SBI GAM’s participation, adding a Japanese listed-equity strategy to that lineup for the first time. DigiFT is launching the JX Token on Solana, further expanding the availability of regulated RWAs on-chain, with ecosystem participants including Solana Company, Huma Finance and Plume.
SBI Holdings brings its own substantial on-chain track record to the collaboration. The group reported consolidated revenue of JPY 1.90 trillion for the fiscal year ended 31 March 2026, with its Crypto-asset Business segment generating JPY 89.6 billion in revenue over the same period. SBI Holdings has taken direct stakes across the region’s tokenization infrastructure, including leading a $50 million investment in Startale Group to build a blockchain purpose-built for tokenized securities, and holding a majority stake in Osaka Digital Exchange, operator of a secondary market for security tokens in Japan.
JX is structured around the underlying strategy managed by SBI AM. This authorized, manager-referenced model is critical as regulators are increasingly distinguishing tokenized securities developed with issuer or manager alignment from products that provide only indirect economic exposure. In a joint staff statement issued 28 January 2026, the U.S. SEC staff drew a formal line between issuer-sponsored tokenized securities, which can represent true ownership, and third-party products that typically offer only synthetic exposure or custodial entitlements – signalling an intent to encourage the former while curbing the spread of the latter.
Henry Zhang, Founder and Group CEO, DigiFT: “Our mission at DigiFT has always been to bring real, institutional-grade assets on-chain through infrastructure that investors and asset managers can actually trust. JX extends that mission to Japan for the first time, opening regulated, on-chain access to Japanese equities. We’re proud to build this with SBI Group, one of Japan’s most forward-looking financial institutions, and excited about what this partnership signals for the future of tokenization across the region.”
Hashtag: #DigiFT
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
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10. Perth Commercial Electrician Always Electrical Flags Compliance Testing Backlog
July 15, 2026
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-NZ-AU)
Forrestdale, Western Australia, July 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Forrestdale, Western Australia – July 14, 2026 –
Forrestdale-based Always Electrical says Perth’s commercial and industrial clients are feeling the national electrician shortage most, with mandatory compliance testing and project deadlines colliding with a shrinking pool of licensed trades.
Businesses across Perth are waiting longer for licensed electrical contractors, with Jobs and Skills Australia listing electricians among the occupations in national shortage and industry estimates pointing to more than 32,000 additional electricians needed by 2030. Always Electrical, an electrical contracting company based in Forrestdale in Perth’s south east, says the squeeze lands hardest on commercial and industrial clients, whose compliance deadlines do not move when trades are scarce. Finding a commercial electrician Perth businesses can book without long lead times has become a genuine scheduling problem for facility and site managers, the firm said.
The numbers behind the shortage are not new, but they are getting worse. The Housing Industry Association’s Trades Availability Index recorded Perth among the tightest markets in the country in late 2025, and Western Australia’s mining, energy, and defence projects continue to draw licensed trades away from metropolitan work at premium rates. Firms that once quoted within days are now booking weeks ahead.
More information is available at https://alwayselectrical.com.au/
Commercial work carries the least flexibility. Much of a commercial electrician’s workload is compliance-driven: RCD safety switches must be tested on a fixed schedule, emergency exit lighting has mandated inspection intervals, and portable appliances require regular testing and tagging. A business that misses those dates is liable regardless of how hard it is to find trades. Industrial sites add their own demands, from three-phase power and machinery connections to switchboards and plant lighting across factories, warehouses, and processing facilities.
Always Electrical has operated in Perth since 1984 and holds electrical contractor licence EC2295. The company works across commercial, industrial, and residential construction and maintenance, from fit-outs and scheduled testing for commercial premises to switchboard upgrades and fault-finding in homes. Owner Ron de Vos still runs the business, and the firm has kept its focus on being the electrician Perth businesses and homeowners can reach directly rather than through a national call centre. .
“The shortage is real, but it is not evenly spread. The big projects up north absorb the trades, and metro businesses feel it in their maintenance schedules,” said Ron de Vos, Owner of Always Electrical. He added that compliance work is where delays hurt most, since testing dates for RCDs and emergency lighting are set by regulation rather than convenience. “Nobody rings us about their exit lights until the audit is due. The businesses that book their testing on a cycle never have that panic.”
The pressure is unlikely to ease soon. The electrification of homes, vehicles, and industry is driving demand for electrical work faster than apprentices are completing training, with providers across the country reporting capacity limits. For Perth businesses, the practical response is planning: scheduling compliance testing in advance, bundling maintenance visits, and holding a relationship with a local contractor rather than searching from scratch each time a fault appears.
About Always Electrical
Always Electrical is a Perth electrical contracting company based at Unit 1, 56 Alex Wood Drive, Forrestdale WA 6112, providing commercial, industrial, and residential electrical construction and maintenance across the Perth metropolitan area since 1984.
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For more information about Always Electrical, contact the company here:
Always Electrical
Always Electrical
08 9399 2071
admin@alwayselectrical.com.au
Unit 1, 56 Alex Wood Drive, Forrestdale WA 6112
– Published by The MIL Network
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