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PM Edition: Top 10 Business Articles on LiveNews.co.nz for July 24, 2026 – Full Text

PM Edition: Top 10 Business Articles on LiveNews.co.nz for July 24, 2026 – Full Text

PM Edition: Here are the top 10 business articles on LiveNews.co.nz for July 24, 2026 – Full Text

Generated July 24, 2026 06:00 NZST · Included sources: 10

1. Global Finance Founder Calls for Targeted Skilled Migration to Strengthen New Zealand’s Economic Future

July 23, 2026

Source: Global Financial Services

Global Finance Founder and Managing Director Ajay Kumar has called for a more targeted approach to skilled migration, saying New Zealand has a significant opportunity to strengthen economic growth by attracting professionals whose expertise matches the country’s long-term workforce needs.
Speaking on the importance of the recently signed New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and the growing economic relationship between the two countries, Ajay Kumar from Global Finance said skilled migration should focus on addressing critical shortages across sectors including healthcare, engineering, technology, construction, education and advanced manufacturing.
“New Zealand has always benefited from people who bring skills, innovation and an entrepreneurial mindset. When migration is aligned with genuine workforce needs, it creates opportunities not only for migrants but also for businesses, communities and the wider economy,” said Ajay Kumar.
Ajay Kumar believes New Zealand’s future prosperity depends on combining carefully planned immigration with investment in local talent, education and productivity.
“Migration should complement New Zealand’s workforce, helping businesses grow while supporting long-term economic development,” he said.
Having worked with thousands of individuals, families and business owners over more than 25 years through Global Finance, Ajay Kumar has witnessed the contribution migrants make to business creation, home ownership and investment throughout New Zealand.He said many skilled migrants establish businesses, create employment opportunities and contribute significantly to regional economic development.
“The New Zealand-India relationship continues to evolve beyond trade. It is increasingly built on investment, innovation, education, entrepreneurship and people-to-people connections. This creates enormous opportunities for both countries.”
Kumar also emphasised that attracting internationally qualified, experienced and competent professionals those who can mitigate NZ skill shortage must be supported by efficient qualification recognition and practical pathways that enable skilled workers to contribute quickly to New Zealand’s economy.He believes targeted migration policies can help address workforce shortages while supporting sustainable economic growth and improving productivity.
“Businesses need certainty and access to the right skills. A balanced approach to skilled migration can help New Zealand remain competitive while creating long-term value for future generations.”
Global Finance has supported New Zealand families and businesses since 1999, providing mortgage, business, commercial, Construction lending and personal risk insurance such as life and Health advice across the country.Ajay Kumar said helping people achieve financial security is closely linked to building stronger communities and supporting New Zealand’s broader economic success.
“As New Zealand looks toward the future, collaboration between government, business and communities will be essential. With thoughtful policy settings and strong international partnerships, New Zealand is well positioned to continue attracting talent that supports sustainable growth.” 
Ajay kumar also feels when big countries impose many restrictions including tariff etc, these bilateral agreements play a vital role in promoting fair trade and people to people connections which are essential for overall growth of the country.
About Global Finance
Established in 1999, licenced by FMA, Global Finance is one of New Zealand’s leading mortgage and insurance advisory firms, helping thousands of families and businesses with home loans, commercial finance and personal risk insurance. Arranged over $19Bn in loans and personal risk insurance covers. With the ability to provide financial advice across New Zealand, Global Finance remains committed to delivering professional advice and helping clients achieve their financial goals in an area of their expertise.

MIL OSI

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2. Alylytiq launches AI-powered research solutions to make big-brand insights affordable for Singapore SMEs

July 23, 2026

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 July 2026 – Market research consultancy Alylytiq LLP today announced the launch of Automytiq, a suite of AI-powered research solutions designed to make professional-grade market insights accessible to Singapore’s small and medium-sized enterprises.

For decades, professional market research has been the preserve of large corporates — the only players who could justify studies routinely costing tens of thousands of dollars. SMEs, who arguably have the least room for error, have been left to make market decisions on instinct. AI has now broken that equation. A commissioned study that would typically cost SGD 30,000 can be delivered through Automytiq for around SGD 6,000 — an 80 per cent reduction. The savings come from using AI to automate the most labour-intensive stages of the research process, while Alylytiq’s senior researchers remain in the loop at every stage for interpretation and quality control.

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 July 2026 – Market research consultancy Alylytiq LLP today announced the launch of Automytiq, a suite of AI-powered research solutions designed to make professional-grade market insights accessible to Singapore’s small and medium-sized enterprises.

For decades, professional market research has been the preserve of large corporates — the only players who could justify studies routinely costing tens of thousands of dollars. SMEs, who arguably have the least room for error, have been left to make market decisions on instinct. AI has now broken that equation. A commissioned study that would typically cost SGD 30,000 can be delivered through Automytiq for around SGD 6,000 — an 80 per cent reduction. The savings come from using AI to automate the most labour-intensive stages of the research process, while Alylytiq’s senior researchers remain in the loop at every stage for interpretation and quality control.

Automytiq is a distinct, productised offering, separate from Alylytiq’s core consulting practice. An Automytiq engagement runs to a standardised scope — sharply defined questions, streamlined fieldwork, and a focused report — which is what makes the lower price point possible. Alylytiq’s bespoke engagements for corporate clients are a different service: fully custom-designed, senior-led from research design through to analysis and strategic recommendation, often spanning multiple markets and methodologies, and priced to reflect that depth. The firm positions Automytiq as extending professional research to businesses that could never access it, not as a repricing of its consulting work.

Automytiq covers the full research cycle through four connected solutions:

Market Intelligence. AI-assisted secondary research that maps an SME’s target market — market size, competitor landscape, and customer trends — drawing on licensed and publicly available data sources.

Guided Brief-to-Proposal. A simple structured questionnaire captures what the business owner wants to learn. Automytiq transforms those answers into a full research proposal, giving SMEs a professionally scoped study without needing in-house research expertise.

Automated Research Design. Approved proposals are converted directly into fieldwork-ready research instruments — discussion guides, screeners, and questionnaires — cutting design time from weeks to days.

Bespoke Story Reporting. Once data is collected, Automytiq translates the raw results into fully customised reports built around a narrative that tells the business what the numbers mean and what to do next — not a template dashboard.

Automytiq has already been deployed in live client work. For SME payments fintech Handshake Finance, Alylytiq used Automytiq to map the company’s target market and competitive landscape, sharpening the focus of its go-to-market efforts. For business consultancy Anton Solutions Group, the platform supported a larger client engagement by delivering insights into financial risk management opportunities across new markets.

Anton Solutions Group, which engaged Alylytiq on a client project, said it was “genuinely impressed” by the firm’s approach. Using AI, a short discovery call, and a focused questionnaire, Alylytiq delivered a comprehensive primary research report within a day, enabling a faster transition into in-depth market analysis. The consultancy added that it looks forward to referring suitable projects to Alylytiq.

“As an early-stage company, every dollar and every week counts. Alylytiq gave us a clear, evidence-based picture of our market, our competition, and the customers we should lead with — and just as importantly, told us which questions still needed real fieldwork to answer. It sharpened decisions we would otherwise have made on instinct, at a price a company our size could actually justify,” said Christopher Chan, Co-Founder of Handshake Finance.

“SMEs make the same high-stakes decisions large corporates do — which market to enter, which customers to serve, where to spend a limited marketing dollar — but they’ve been asked to make them on gut feel because proper research was priced for someone else,” said Wei Shen, Founder and Principal Strategist of Alylytiq.

The launch lands in the middle of a wider debate about whether AI is making professional research obsolete. Alylytiq’s position is that the barrier for SMEs was never just cost — it was expertise: knowing what to ask, how to structure a research question, and how to tell when an answer is wrong.

“Any business owner can ask a chatbot for a market estimate today. The problem is they have no way of telling whether that answer is grounded in real data or invented — and acting on a confident wrong answer costs far more than a study ever would,” said Wei Shen. “That’s why Automytiq isn’t a tool we hand over. Our senior researchers design the questions and validate every output before it reaches the client. The AI changes the economics; the humans protect the answer.”

Automytiq is available to Singapore SMEs now. Businesses can learn more at www.alylytiq.com.

https://www.alylytiq.com/

Hashtag: #Alylytiq

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. Banking and Finance – Kiwi are finding ways to save – the banking system needs to keep up

July 23, 2026

New findings from Kiwibank’s 2026 State of Savings Index, now in its third year, show saving remains challenging and budgeting and saving habits are holding steady.  

Kiwibank Chief Executive Steve Jurkovich says: “Three years of research shows that despite ongoing financial pressures, Kiwi continue to budget, save and find ways to make progress, from cutting spending to trying new tools.

“One of the interesting insights this year is around the usage of AI and open banking, particularly for younger Kiwi. As awareness of open banking increases, more Kiwi will unlock new ways to track spending, build savings and improve their financial wellbeing.”  

Source: Kiwibank

New findings from Kiwibank’s 2026 State of Savings Index, now in its third year, show saving remains challenging and budgeting and saving habits are holding steady.  

Kiwibank Chief Executive Steve Jurkovich says: “Three years of research shows that despite ongoing financial pressures, Kiwi continue to budget, save and find ways to make progress, from cutting spending to trying new tools.

“One of the interesting insights this year is around the usage of AI and open banking, particularly for younger Kiwi. As awareness of open banking increases, more Kiwi will unlock new ways to track spending, build savings and improve their financial wellbeing.”  

Kiwi are saying that the cost of living, particularly the monthly grocery bill, is the biggest barrier to savings, with some taking on debt such as Buy Now Pay Later or loans from family and friends to help.  

The research also shows some groups face greater pressure than others, and Māori, Pacific Peoples, renters and women are more likely to say they struggle to save.  

The findings highlight the importance of the systems and products that help Kiwi to save. For example, only half of respondents said they were aware that savings accounts often require specific conditions to be met so they can earn the headline interest rate.  

“When Kiwi are working hard to budget and save, they shouldn’t have to jump through hoops and hurdles to get the best value. Savings products should be simple, transparent and designed around how Kiwi actually manage their money.  

“Banking should not feel like something you have to work around. It should be something that helps you move forward.”

The research found:  

  • Of those experiencing saving challenges (61%), 74% cited cost of living as their biggest saving barrier. 
  • Of the 59% of Kiwi that have a budget, 85% of them broadly stick to it (1 point up on last year), and those regularly saving now (44%). 
  • 39% made deliberate changes to improve savings, such as reducing discretionary spending (28%), changing grocery shopping habits (14%) and cancelling subscriptions (10%). 
  • 40% have taken on debt to cover increased living costs with Buy Now Pay Later (19%) and loans from friends or family (12%) being the most common. 
  • Kiwi say the best savings accounts offer competitive interest rates (52%), no fees or conditions (37%), and flexible access to their money (33%). 
  • 52% have some understanding of open banking with 42% seeing it as relevant to them. 
  • 12% have used AI for budgeting and savings advice, with 64% of those finding it helpful.

Table 1. Over three years, budgeting and regular saving are consistent  

 

Measure 

2024 

2025 

2026 

Monthly budget 

59% 

60% 

59% 

Regularly save 

41% 

43% 

44% 

Save from time to time 

38% 

37% 

37% 

Have a specific savings goal 

35% 

51% 

43% 

Cost of living biggest barrier* 

73% 

69% 

74% 

Can cover an unexpected $500 expense 

67% 

68% 

68% 

 

* For those who say it’s challenging to put money aside (63% in 2024, 63% in 2025 and 61% in 2026) 

MIL OSI

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4. Government Cuts – More than 200,000 people face a pay cut under the Government’s new leave law, bill to become defining election issue – PSA

July 23, 2026

Source: PSA

Progressing employment law will cut the annual pay of more than 200,000 people during a cost-of-living crisis, according to fresh analysis by the PSA.
The Employment Leave Bill, which passed its second reading in Parliament on Tuesday, will strip overtime pay and other allowances from payments to workers while they’re on leave. This adds up to hundreds of dollars a year for people who rely on these extra payments to survive. Based on figures from Stats NZ, the PSA estimates this will leave over 200,000 workers out of pocket, including people working in health, public services, retail, manufacturing and more.
“Supporting this law in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis is irresponsible,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi. “ACT, National, and NZ First are taking money away from hundreds of thousands of people who are already doing it tough.”
“The Government cannot claim to be ignorant of the harm it’s causing. We presented clear evidence to the select committeeshowing the effects of this bill. Affected workers have met National MPs directly to present their case. And we gave all MPs the opportunity to pledge to oppose any changes that will leave workers worse off – only Labour, Green, and Te Pāti Māori MPs signed.”
“It is particularly galling to see Winston Peters and New Zealand First support this attack on working people at the same time as claiming to be the Party of workers – this couldn’t be further from the truth.”
The PSA will continue to campaign against the bill every day between now and the election, and will inform the public of the scale and severity of its effects.
“Brooke Van Velden claims only ‘edge cases’ will be left worse off by her bill – two hundred thousand people are not edge cases,” said Fitzsimons. “If this doesn’t cut your pay, it will cut the pay of someone you love, or someone in your community who works tirelessly to keep New Zealand going.
“The best time to stop this bill is right now. But if the Government continues to ignore the evidence and passes the bill, we will make sure the devastating effects of this law are on every voter’s mind come November.”
Example of how the Employment Leave Bill will cut workers’ pay
An airport firefighter works 50 hours a week, including 10 hours a week of overtime, which is paid time and a half. Under the current law, their pay while on leave reflects how much they’re paid while working, including their overtime pay. So, if they go on leave for a week, they’d get their usual pay of $2,145, including $585 in overtime pay.
Under the Employment Leave Bill, they will be paid a 12.5% loading for their overtime hours, but those overtime hours no longer count towards their pay while on leave. So, their weekly pay will be $2,193.75, including $633.75 overtime pay, but their pay while on leave goes down to $1560. This adds up to them losing $1,267.50 a year.
Breakdown of workers who will have their pay cut by the Employment Leave Bill
Affected workers include anyone who receives: commissions, higher rates for overtime, variable allowances or shift rates. Figures are drawn from Stats NZ, rounded to the nearest 500.
  • Manufacturing: meat, seafood, dairy, fruit and vegetables, wood, chemicals and metals – estimated 24,000 affected workers
  • Electricity supply – estimated 1,500 affected workers
  • Heavy and Civil Engineering and road construction – estimated 1,500 affected workers
  • Retail: supermarkets, motor vehicles, electronic goods, and furniture – estimated 11,000 affected workers
  • Road, bus, rail, water, and air transport – estimated 13,500 affected workers
  • Newspaper publishing, broadcasting and telecommunication services – estimated 1,500 affected workers
  • Financial and insurance services – estimated 6,500 affected workers
  • Police, Corrections, Inland Revenue, Department of Internal Affairs, Department of Conservations, and local government – estimated 35,500 affected workers
  • Health: allied health, health administration, doctors, nurses, midwives, orderlies, care and support workers, ambulance officers, social workers – estimated 106,500 affected workers
  • Total – estimated 201,500 affected workers.
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.

MIL OSI

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5. CPI reported monthly from 2027

July 23, 2026

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealanders will have access to monthly inflation data from July 2027 as part of a major upgrade to the country’s economic statistics, Statistics Minister Scott Simpson says.

“Moving to monthly Consumers Price Index (CPI) reporting is one of the biggest improvements to New Zealand’s economic statistics in decades.

Source: New Zealand Government

New Zealanders will have access to monthly inflation data from July 2027 as part of a major upgrade to the country’s economic statistics, Statistics Minister Scott Simpson says.

“Moving to monthly Consumers Price Index (CPI) reporting is one of the biggest improvements to New Zealand’s economic statistics in decades.

“Instead of waiting three months to understand how prices are changing, New Zealanders, businesses and decision-makers will have access to monthly updates. That means better-informed household, business and government decisions,” Mr Simpson says.

“Inflation affects every New Zealander, from the weekly supermarket shop and mortgage repayments to business costs, pricing and investment decisions. 

“Monthly CPI will give economists, businesses, government agencies and the Reserve Bank more frequent information to support better decisions.” 

The transition to monthly CPI by July 2027 will be phased in to ensure quality remains at the highest standard.

Monthly CPI will be introduced alongside quarterly CPI, rather than immediately replacing it.

“This means New Zealand can gain the benefits of more frequent inflation data while retaining the trusted quarterly measure used throughout the economy,” Mr Simpson says.

“This is about fixing the basics and building a more modern and responsive economic statistics system for New Zealand.

“The transition to monthly CPI data puts quality, trust and readiness first, while giving users advance access to the information they have asked for.”

Editor notes: 

Stats NZ will publish transitional monthly reports in May and June 2027, covering price changes in April and May. The first full quarterly cycle under the new system will be completed in July 2027 with the publication of monthly CPI data for June.

Pathway to monthly CPI

Early 2027: Internal production test runs
April 2027: Quarterly CPI release to end of March 2027
May 2027: Transitional report covering April 2027
June 2027: Transitional report covering May 2027
July 2027: First official monthly release covering June 2027 and the first full quarter of monthly CPI data using the new production system
August 2027 onward: Regular monthly and quarterly CPI.

Further information about the transitional releases, how the data should be interpreted, and how users can provide feedback will be published before the first transitional release.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/23/cpi-reported-monthly-from-2027/

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6. STAMPEDE creates 11,000 free business pages to bring Singapore’s AI push to local F&B operators

July 23, 2026

Source: Media Outreach

STAMPEDE has created more than 11,000 free, claimable business pages for F&B establishments across Singapore. The pages give hawkers, cafés, restaurants and small chains a digital starting point where customers can find key business information, including location, ratings and outlet details.

Owners can claim or create their page for free, set up a digital loyalty programme and review the system before deciding whether to activate a paid plan.

Source: Media Outreach

Hawkers, cafés and restaurants can claim their pages and set up no-app loyalty and referral programmes at no upfront cost

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 July 2026 – As Singapore commits more than S$1 billion to artificial intelligence research and talent development from 2025 to 2030, homegrown loyalty platform STAMPEDE is helping smaller F&B businesses to benefit from AI without requiring owners to learn complex tools or hire dedicated marketing teams.

STAMPEDE has created more than 11,000 free, claimable business pages for F&B establishments across Singapore. The pages give hawkers, cafés, restaurants and small chains a digital starting point where customers can find key business information, including location, ratings and outlet details.

Owners can claim or create their page for free, set up a digital loyalty programme and review the system before deciding whether to activate a paid plan.

The initiative comes as Singapore’s F&B sector faces continued pressure. Between 1 January and 23 October 2025, 2,431 retail food establishments closed. Of these, 63% had been registered for five years or less, while 82% of that group had never recorded a profit in their annual tax declarations.

Against this backdrop, STAMPEDE is focusing on an area that operators can influence directly: whether customers return, redeem rewards and recommend the business to others.

Singapore is investing heavily in AI, and that’s a real opportunity, but a hawker or café owner shouldn’t need to become an AI expert to benefit from it,” said Wilson Komala, Founder of STAMPEDE.

At the end of the day, F&B owners just want customers coming back and bringing their friends. The technology should work quietly in the background, turning everyday customer activity into simple actions and not another dashboard to check or skill for the owners to learn,” Wilson added.

Customers join a participating outlet’s loyalty programme by scanning a QR code through their phone browser, without downloading an application. Staff can issue stamps using an ordinary phone camera, with no additional hardware required.

The platform combines digital stamp cards, referral rewards, coupons, customer data, automated communications and weekly AI reports that explain customer activity in plain language.

Early results from three Singapore F&B brands show how this can translate into measurable customer activity. In under four months, OMMA Chicken Soup, CHA MULAN and LICKERS collectively gained more than 14,000 loyalty members, generated over 1,300 completed referrals and recorded more than 10,700 coupon redemptions across 19 outlets.

OMMA Chicken Soup recorded more than 5,500 loyalty members and over 300 completed referrals across five outlets, while CHA MULAN gained more than 7,000 members and generated over 800 referrals across nine outlets. Their coupon redemption rates reached approximately 50% and 55% respectively.

“The strongest sign for us is that customers are not only joining the programmes, but they are now returning, redeeming rewards and recommending the brands to others,” said Josiah Tan, Founder of OMMA Chicken Soup and Co-founder of CHA MULAN.

Neighbourhood ice cream brand LICKERS gained more than 1,600 loyalty members and over 200 completed referrals across five outlets. It also recorded a 33% returning-customer rate, the highest among STAMPEDE’s clients.

LICKERS has always grown through its regulars, so the returning-customer rate is particularly meaningful,” said Felix Tan, Founder of LICKERS. “It gives us clearer proof that customers are coming back and introducing the brand to others.”

Businesses can claim or create their STAMPEDE page and complete the initial setup for free. Payment begins only when the programme is activated, with its Growth plan priced at S$50 per outlet per month.

https://stampede.sg/

Hashtag: #singapore #f&b #food #customerloyalty #loyalty

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

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

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7. ONE YEAR ON: Call for child-focused climate action after landmark ICJ ruling

July 23, 2026

Source: Save the Children

One year after the landmark International Court of Justice ruling on states’ climate change responsibilities, Save the Children is calling for more child-focused climate adaptation financing, as children and young people bear the brunt of the ongoing climate emergency.
The Advisory Opinion, delivered by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on 23 July 2025, found that states’ legal obligations to address climate change extends beyond existing climate agreements. The ICJ said that a state’s failure to take appropriate action to protect the climate system from greenhouse gas emissions “may constitute an international wrongful act which is attributable to that state”.
The United Nations General Assembly in New York adopted a landmark resolution in May that endorsed the ICJ’s historic advisory opinion on state climate obligations. The resolution, drawn up by Vanuatu, clarifies that nations have a binding legal duty to protect the climate system under international law. 
Save the Children NextGen Youth Ambassador, 17-year-old Vepaiamele, travelled to The Hague with the Government of Vanuatu’s delegation to represent the voices of children and young people in the Pacific back in 2024. “What the court confirmed was that protecting the climate system isn’t optional. It’s an obligation under international law and must be consistent with what was agreed to under the Paris Agreement,” she said.
“We welcome the international community’s focus on the Pacific’s ‘vulnerability’ in a changing climate. But on behalf of Pacific youth, we are here to say, work for and with us to give us the agency, the platform to address the issues that affect us in our own unique way.” 
According to a 2023 report published by Children’s Environmental Rights Initiative, only 2.4% of climate finance from key multilateral climate funds was found to support projects incorporating child-responsive activities. However, since then some funders have recently acknowledged this gap, and are actively working with partners to bridge child-focused climate finance.
Save the Children New Zealand Heather Campbell said 2026 is a pivotal moment for New Zealand to commit to investing in child-focused adaptation that acknowledges that children are on the frontlines of the climate crisis. 
“Children across the Pacific, and the world, have been telling us for years that the climate emergency has reached into every aspect of their lives, making it harder to live, learn and thrive. The time is long overdue for global leaders, including leaders in Aotearoa New Zealand, to act on these calls and meaningfully invest in protecting their futures.
“Child-centred climate adaptation financing that takes into account the views of children and young people matters now more than ever, as children face compounding threats to their wellbeing, education and livelihoods due to the climate crisis.”
About Save the Children NZ:
Save the Children works in 120 countries across the world. The organisation responds to emergencies and works with children and their communities to ensure they survive, learn and are protected.
Save the Children NZ currently supports international programmes in Fiji, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Laos, Nepal, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Areas of work include child protection, education and literacy, disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation, and alleviating child poverty.

MIL OSI

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8. Thailand Secures $43.6bn 1H 2026 Investment Surge as Big Tech Accelerates Southeast Asia AI Infrastructure Push

July 23, 2026

Source: Media Outreach

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 July 2026 – Thailand’s foreign and domestic investment applications surged 37% year-on-year to hit $43.6 billion (approx. 1.47 trillion baht) across 1,299 projects in the first half of 2026, driven by a massive wave of capital flowing into digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence (AI) data centers.

Mr. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General of the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI)

Source: Media Outreach

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 July 2026 – Thailand’s foreign and domestic investment applications surged 37% year-on-year to hit $43.6 billion (approx. 1.47 trillion baht) across 1,299 projects in the first half of 2026, driven by a massive wave of capital flowing into digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence (AI) data centers.

Mr. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General of the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI)

The surge comes even as the global economy faces real headwinds — geopolitical tensions, energy price volatility, and the restructuring of global supply chains — with Thailand emerging as a preferred base for investment across Southeast Asia.

Leading the capital influx is the digital sector, which reached a commanding $33 billion (approx. 1.12 trillion baht) in investment applications.

“Thailand’s investment growth held steady even as the world economy faced real turbulence,” said Mr. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General of the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI). “This reflects strong investor confidence in Thailand’s potential as a base for the industries of the future.”

This digital windfall was accompanied by robust capital commitments across other high-value industries. The electrical appliances and electronics sector drew $3.56 billion (approx. 120.2 billion baht) across 179 projects, while agriculture and food processing secured $1.82 billion (approx. 61.4 billion baht) across 131 projects. Additionally, logistics and high-value services attracted $1.19 billion (approx. 40.2 billion baht) across 170 projects, and the automotive sector drew $759.2 million (approx. 25.7 billion baht) across 122 projects.

Other notable sectors included mining, metals and materials at $603.5 million (approx. 20.4 billion baht) across 128 projects, chemicals and petrochemicals at $489.1 million (approx. 16.5 billion baht) across 110 projects, and machinery, automation and robotics at $387.4 million (approx. 13.1 billion baht) across 82 projects, signaling broad-based industrial modernization.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) applications drove the bulk of the growth, skyrocketing 80% year-on-year to $40.5 billion (approx. 1.37 trillion baht) across 877 projects.

Singapore emerged as the top source of FDI, filing applications worth $33.2 billion (approx. 1.12 trillion baht) across 158 projects. The United Kingdom followed as the second-largest investor at $1.40 billion (approx. 47.2 billion baht) across 11 projects, with China close behind at $1.35 billion (approx. 45.8 billion baht) across 321 projects, Taiwan at $1.12 billion (approx. 38.0 billion baht) across 47 projects, and Japan at $970.1 million (approx. 32.8 billion baht) across 123 projects.

These investments remain heavily concentrated in digital technology — including data centers, data hosting, and cloud services — followed by electronics and electrical appliances such as optical transceivers, printed circuit boards, hard disk drives, and data-center networking and cooling systems, along with humanoid robotics parts, automotive parts, food and beverage, and advanced materials. Geographically, Thailand’s industrialized Central region claimed the largest share of capital at $26.7 billion (approx. 903.8 billion baht) across 513 projects, followed by the Eastern region at $14.7 billion (approx. 495.7 billion baht). The Northeastern, Southern, Western, and Northern regions each drew smaller totals, but the North stood out with investment value up 93 percent year-on-year, led by energy and utilities, agriculture and food processing, and medical projects.

To support the massive power requirements of next-generation data centers, Thailand is seeing a parallel surge in renewable energy infrastructure. The energy and utilities sector recorded 221 projects worth $1.17 billion (approx. 39.5 billion baht) during the first half of the year, dominated by 198 clean energy initiatives—including solar, wind, biomass, and biogas power plants—valued at $779.7 million (approx. 26.4 billion baht).

Concurrently, manufacturers are investing in automation to remain competitive on the global stage. Under the BOI’s “Smart and Sustainable Industry” initiative, companies submitted 132 applications valued at $507.6 million (approx. 17.2 billion baht) to upgrade machinery, adopt digital technology, and integrate automation and robotics into production and services, raising productivity and moving Thai industry toward higher-value, sustainable manufacturing.

The projects approved by the BOI in the first half of 2026 will generate over 82,000 jobs for Thai workers and consume approximately $11.4 billion (approx. 386 billion baht) in domestic raw materials annually, accounting for 42 percent of the projects’ total raw material use, and is expected to boost the nation’s export capacity by more than $36.8 billion (approx. 1.24 trillion baht) per year.

The BOI approved investment promotion applications for 1,300 projects valued at $38.7 billion (approx. 1.31 trillion baht) in the first half of 2026.

“Investment value is not the only goal,” Mr. Narit said. “Real success means quality jobs, higher skills, and better income for Thai workers.” “It means real opportunities for Thai businesses inside the supply chain, and growth that reaches every region, not just a few. That is why we will keep pushing for actual investment to happen as quickly as possible through the Thailand FastPass mechanism, driving economic growth and letting Thai people share directly in the shift to the industries of the future.”

Note: Currency conversions are based on the Bank of Thailand’s average selling rate of approximately 1 USD = 33.80 THB.

https://www.boi.go.th/en/index/

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9. Christchurch Men’s Prison PPP deal signed

July 23, 2026

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has signed a public-private partnership (PPP) agreement for the first redevelopment phase of Christchurch Men’s Prison, formally locking in the project and clearing the way for construction to begin later this year, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell announced today.

The Project Agreement was signed this week between the Crown and Southern Renewal Partners (SRP) and reached financial close, with construction planned to begin later this year.

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has signed a public-private partnership (PPP) agreement for the first redevelopment phase of Christchurch Men’s Prison, formally locking in the project and clearing the way for construction to begin later this year, Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Corrections Minister Mark Mitchell announced today.

The Project Agreement was signed this week between the Crown and Southern Renewal Partners (SRP) and reached financial close, with construction planned to begin later this year.

“Signing the PPP to construct Christchurch Men’s Prison is a major milestone for one of the Government’s most significant infrastructure projects and another step forward in addressing New Zealand’s infrastructure deficit,” Mr Bishop says. 

“The redevelopment of Christchurch Men’s Prison was a flagship announcement at last year’s Infrastructure Investment Summit, demonstrating our commitment to partnering with the private sector to deliver and look after the modern infrastructure New Zealand needs.

“This project will provide a significant boost for Canterbury, supporting up to 600 jobs during construction across multiple trades, with a strong emphasis on local employment, training pathways, and opportunities for New Zealand businesses.”

Mark Mitchell says Christchurch Men’s Prison is the South Island’s primary high-security prison, serving some of New Zealand’s busiest courts and the largest geographic catchment area of any prison.

“This is a major milestone for the future resilience of our corrections system,” Mr Mitchell says.

“Our Government’s focus on restoring law and order has meant there are tougher consequences for crime and more violent criminals off the streets. As a result, there is a growing need for more capacity in our prison system.

“The redevelopment of Christchurch Men’s Prison will create additional capacity and replace ageing infrastructure with modern, fit-for-purpose facilities designed to keep our communities safe, support frontline Corrections staff, and provide prisoners with effective rehabilitation to reduce reoffending.”

Phase One of the redevelopment will deliver a new high-security accommodation unit with 240 additional prison beds, an Intervention and Support Building providing 52 specialist mental health beds, and a new Health Centre delivering a range of healthcare services for prisoners.

The PPP covers the design, construction, and long-term maintenance of the new facilities, while Corrections will continue to operate the prison and provide custodial services.

Construction is expected to be completed in late 2029, with the new facilities expected to become operational by mid-2030.

Notes for editors:

  • Through Budget 2025, Cabinet agreed to provide capital funding for Phase 1 for the project, estimated at $700-$800 million. Under the PPP arrangement, the cost of the construction work being carried out by SRP is $440m.  This includes the high security accommodation building, intervention support building, receiving office and property store, health centre, as well as other supporting infrastructure. 
    • Costs for work outside of the PPP are still being finalised. These works will include upgrades to utilities, plant and services, stormwater work, relocation of farm buildings, as well as a facilities maintenance, stores and logistics building.
  • Financial Close means the financial conditions of the Agreement have been met and is when the construction capital becomes available.
  • Southern Renewal Partners is a consortium comprising equity providers Plenary Origination and WBCA Pty Ltd, design and construction companies Webuild and Leighs Construction, and asset management and facilities maintenance provider Serco.
  • Christchurch Men’s Prison is the primary high security site in the South Island. It services some of New Zealand’s busiest courts, has the largest geographic catchment area of any prison, and is critical to ensuring resilience across the national prison network.
  • The Christchurch Men’s Prison Redevelopment Programme is a multi-phased programme focused on delivering new high security capacity and supporting infrastructure. The PPP arrangement considers Phase One, with the scope and delivery of future phases to be assessed based on capacity and funding requirements.
  • There are currently 926 operational beds at Christchurch Men’s Prison (346 of which are high security)
  • While the design and construction of the new facilities, and facilities maintenance services for the entire prison will be delivered under the PPP contract, Corrections will continue to run the prison and provide custodial services.
  • Construction is expected to be completed in late-2029, with the new facilities operational by mid-2030.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/23/christchurch-mens-prison-ppp-deal-signed/

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10. Partnering to support Māori-led housing solutions

July 23, 2026

Source: New Zealand Government

Ownership of 11 temporary homes at Ōmāhu Marae in Hawke’s Bay has been transferred from the Government to Ōmāhu 2R Māori Reservation and Ngāti Hinemanu, Ngāi Te Upokoiri me ōna Piringa Hapū Authority Trust in a move to support Māori-led housing, Associate Minister of Housing Tama Potaka announced today. 

“The Government is committed to supporting Māori-led housing, community resilience, and its Treaty obligations, and through these changes, the homes will transition into affordable housing for whānau, preserving cultural continuity and community ties,” Mr Potaka says. 

Source: New Zealand Government

Ownership of 11 temporary homes at Ōmāhu Marae in Hawke’s Bay has been transferred from the Government to Ōmāhu 2R Māori Reservation and Ngāti Hinemanu, Ngāi Te Upokoiri me ōna Piringa Hapū Authority Trust in a move to support Māori-led housing, Associate Minister of Housing Tama Potaka announced today. 

“The Government is committed to supporting Māori-led housing, community resilience, and its Treaty obligations, and through these changes, the homes will transition into affordable housing for whānau, preserving cultural continuity and community ties,” Mr Potaka says. 

“This divestment also avoids future government liabilities and ensures the homes will remain in use for social good.” 

Ōmāhu Marae is the largest marae in Heretaunga (Hastings) and one of seven marae devastated by Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023.  

Following the cyclone, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s Temporary Accommodation Service partnered with the people of Te Piringa Hapū, Ōmāhu Marae and Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated to deliver 11 homes at Utaina Ōmāhu village to support displaced whānau. 

As the recovery has progressed significantly, the divestment of the village will ensure that the homes continue to serve the community through papakāinga housing. 

“It is through these types of housing decisions that we can empower communities. By enabling local ownership and stewardship, we’re supporting regional economic growth and ensuring that these houses continue to deliver public value.” 

The homes were transferred to the Ōmāhu Marae Trustees for a nominal amount, reflecting the cultural significance of the site, the Trustees’ financial position, and the Crown’s Treaty obligations.  

“This approach honours Te Tiriti o Waitangi by upholding tino rangatiratanga and enabling Māori to lead housing solutions on their whenua,” Mr Potaka says.  

“It’s not just about housing, it’s about partnership, and investing in the future of our communities. We’re delivering practical, solutions to affected communities that reflect local leadership and values.” 

The enduring name for the temporary village is Utaina Ōmāhu — this prized whakataukī/kiwaha is proudly used by Ōmāhu Whānau and Hapū to symbolise their identity, resilience, and strength in unity. It is the call that binds the people of Ōmāhu to stand as one. In great times and challenging times, you will hear “Utaina Ōmāhu!” 

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/23/partnering-to-support-maori-led-housing-solutions/

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