PM Edition: Top 10 Business Articles on LiveNews.co.nz for September 8, 2026 – Full Text

Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas outlined an investment-led blueprint anchored by an upgraded Joint Public Private Committee (JPCC), private-sector syndication, and World Bank alignment ahead of the 2026 Annual Meetings and 2028 ASEAN Chairmanship.

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 September 2026 – Thailand is ready to cross into “new horizons” — achieving high-income status and driving a more resilient ASEAN, declared Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas as he delivered the closing address at the Bangkok Business Summit 2026 today,

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Source: Sustainable Business Council

New Zealand should remain committed to tackling climate change and focus on the economic opportunities of transitioning to a low-emissions economy, Sustainable Business Council (SBC) and Climate Leaders Coalition (CLC) CEO Mike Burrell said today as he opened the 18th Climate Change & Business Conference in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland.

Addressing delegates at Aotearoa New Zealand’s premier climate and business event, Mr Burrell said that while the international climate system is imperfect, it has changed the global trajectory and maintaining New Zealand’s commitments and credibility on the world stage is more important than ever.

“In 2015, the world was heading towards 3 to 3.5 degrees of warming this century – a potentially catastrophic path. Thanks to the commitments Paris inspired, today we are on a trajectory of around 2.2 to 2.8 degrees.

That is still far too high. But it represents a reduction of almost one degree on where we thought we would end up.”

Mr Burrell said trust and credibility were critical assets for a small, trade-dependent nation navigating an increasingly complex and uncertain world.

“When we make international commitments, whether on trade, security or climate change, other countries need to know that our word means something.”

“Because if we expect others to honour the commitments that matter to us, we have to honour the commitments we make to them.”

Mr Burrell said climate change remains one of the defining long-term challenges facing New Zealand and the world. While businesses and governments are navigating economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and rapid technological change, he said the need to reduce emissions and strengthen resilience has not diminished.

“If we want a say in the global future being created, we have to help shape it. That means credible action at home. And it means using our influence internationally to turn difficult conversations into practical progress.”

Held under the theme Building Momentum. Driving Change., the two-day conference has brought together around 500 business, government, iwi and community leaders in Auckland, with a further 50 participants attending via a satellite hub in Christchurch and additional delegates joining online.

The conference is jointly delivered by the Sustainable Business Council, Climate Leaders Coalition and the Environmental Defence Society.

Mr Burrell said responding to climate change is not only about managing risk, but also about positioning New Zealand to succeed in a rapidly changing global economy.

Alongside discussions on adaptation, resilience, energy, innovation and the global climate outlook, SBC and CLC will also lead a plenary session later today examining the economic opportunities available to New Zealand through the transition to a low-emissions economy.

The session will draw on the organisations’ Driving Sustainable Growth report which quantifies the economic opportunity in transitioning to an innovation and productivity-led economy, underpinned by affordable and plentiful renewable energy, and 2026 Election Policy Priorities, which calls for durable policy settings that support long-term investment, productivity growth and emissions reduction.

About SBC 

The Sustainable Business Council (SBC) is a CEO-led membership organisation with around 120 businesses from all sectors, ambitious for a sustainable New Zealand. Members represent $170 billion of collective turnover, 38% of GDP, and nearly 255,000 full-time jobs. Our network gives members unparalleled influence and the ability to take large-scale collective action. SBC is part of the BusinessNZ network and is the New Zealand Global Network partner to the World Business Council for Sustainable Development. www.sbc.org.nz

About CLC

The Climate Leaders Coalition (CLC) was launched in July 2018 with a mission of having business CEOs leading the response to climate change through collective, transparent, and meaningful action on mitigation and adaptation. Coalition signatories collectively represent around 28% of GDP, employ around 8% of NZ’s full-time employees, and have a collective turnover of $126 billion. To be a signatory, organisations are held to account for delivering on commitments outlined by a ‘Statement of Ambition’. www.climateleaderscoalition.org.nz

Source: Proofpoint, Inc.

• Half of New Zealand Government organisations have yet to meet the highest DMARC security standard ahead of the October 2026 SGE deadline.
• DMARC adoption at the reject level has doubled from 26% in 2025 to 50%, but significant gaps remain across the public sector.

7 September 2026 – Proofpoint, Inc., [1] a global leader in human and agent cybersecurity, has found that half of New Zealand Government organisations have yet to implement the strictest level of email cybersecurity measures required under the government’s Secure Government Email [2] (SGE) framework, leaving them exposed to risks of email fraud that could impact the New Zealand public, government workers, and stakeholders.

The findings come less than two months before the SGE requirement takes effect in October 2026. The framework requires government domains to implement Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance (DMARC [3]) at the ‘Reject’ level, which is the strongest level of DMARC protection. DMARC has three policy levels – _Monitor, Quarantine,_ and _Reject_. While Monitor provides visibility into email activity and Quarantine directs suspicious messages to spam, Reject provides the strongest protection by preventing unauthorised emails from being delivered.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) [4] reported NZ$8.3 million in direct financial losses in the first half of 2026[1], with phishing and credential harvesting the second most reported incident type. DMARC authentication effectively detects and prevents email spoofing techniques used in phishing, business email compromise (BEC), and other email-based attacks.

Proofpoint’s analysis found that 97% of New Zealand Government organisations have adopted DMARC, but only 50% have implemented the required Reject policy. The analysis covered more than 200 primary organisations listed on the New Zealand Government Organisations Register, including Defence, Home Affairs, Foreign Affairs and Trade, Education, Social Services, Energy, and Treasury and Finance. These organisations hold significant amounts of information relating to New Zealanders and support critical government services and national security.

“DMARC is a critical layer of protection against email impersonation and phishing, one of the most prevalent threats facing New Zealand organisations in this AI era,” said Steve Moros, Senior Director, Advanced Technology Group, Asia Pacific and Japan at Proofpoint. “We welcome the New Zealand Government’s continued efforts to strengthen DMARC adoption across the public sector. With the SGE deployment deadline approaching, organisations need to act now to ensure trusted government domains cannot be easily abused. Strong email authentication is an important step in protecting public information, government services, and the trust New Zealanders place in them.”

The full findings of Proofpoint’s DMARC analysis of New Zealand’s Government agencies show:

• 50% of New Zealand Government entities have implemented the highest DMARC protection level: Reject.
• 12% have a Quarantine policy, meaning suspicious emails are sent to a spam folder.
• 35% have a Monitor policy, which only tracks DMARC activity without blocking or quarantining emails.
• 3% have no DMARC record at all.

The New Zealand government has extended the deadline for the Secure Government Email (SGE) standard from October 2025 to October 2026. Proofpoint published its first DMARC analysis of New Zealand’s government domains in 2025 [5] and found that only 26% of them had implemented a Reject policy. A year later, that figure has doubled to 50%, representing significant progress, but with half of government domains still not meeting the standard, gaps remain ahead of the October 2026 deadline.

Best Practices for Enhanced Email Security:

• Check the validity of all email communication and be cautious of potentially fraudulent emails impersonating colleagues, suppliers, and stakeholders.
• Be cautious of any communication attempts that request log-in credentials or threaten to suspend service or an account if a link isn’t clicked.
• Adopt phishing-resistant multifactor authentication, such as passkeys.

Methodology

This analysis was conducted in August 2026 using data from 200 organisations on the New Zealand Government Organisations Register. [6]

About Proofpoint, Inc.

Proofpoint, Inc. is a global leader in human and agent cybersecurity, securing how people, data, and AI agents connect across email, cloud, and collaboration tools. Proofpoint is a trusted partner to over 80 of the Fortune 100, over 14,000 large enterprises, and millions of smaller organisations in stopping threats, preventing data loss, and building resilience across people and AI workflows. Proofpoint’s collaboration, data, and AI security platform helps organisations of all sizes protect and empower their people and adopt AI securely and confidently. Learn more at www.proofpoint.com [7].

_Proofpoint is a registered trademark or tradename of Proofpoint, Inc. in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks contained herein are the property of their respective owners._

[1] NZ$5.6 million attributed to Q1 [8] and NZ$2.7M to Q2 [9].

Links

• [1] https://proofpoint.com/
• [2] https://www.digital.govt.nz/products-and-services/products-and-services-a-z/secure-government-email
• [3] https://www.proofpoint.com/us/threat-reference/dmarc
• [4] https://www.ncsc.govt.nz/
• [5] https://www.proofpoint.com/au/newsroom/press-releases/three-quarters-new-zealand-government-organisations-yet-meet-strictest
• [6] https://www.govt.nz/organisations/
• [7] https://www.proofpoint.com
• [8] https://www.ncsc.govt.nz/insights-and-research/insights-reports/quarter-one-cyber-security-insights-2/
• [9] https://www.ncsc.govt.nz/insights-and-research/insights-reports/quarter-two-cyber-security-insights-2026/

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Source: BusinessNZ

BusinessNZ calls for medicines funding reset after landmark economic analysis finds every dollar invested returns $1.93 to the economy and $1.15 to the Crown

New Zealand is leaving billions of dollars in economic growth on the table by underinvesting in medicines, according to new analysis released today by BusinessNZ.

The BERL report for BusinessNZ, The economic and fiscal effects of an increase in medicines funding, finds that lifting medicines funding to the OECD average would deliver returns that exceed the cost of investment, driven primarily by higher labour force participation, reduced absenteeism and presenteeism, and lower demand on other parts of the health system. That translates into an economic return of $1.93 for every additional dollar invested in medicines funding, and a fiscal return of $1.15 to the Crown.

The economic return builds quickly: BERL finds that benefits to GDP exceed costs within three years. The fiscal return to the Crown accumulates more gradually, with higher tax revenue and reduced pressure on other health services projected to fully offset the cost of the investment within around 20 years.

Alongside these quantified returns, the report notes that improved access to medicines would help New Zealanders live healthier lives for longer, reducing the burden of chronic illness and disability and enabling more people to participate fully in work and daily life.

BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich said the findings challenge the traditional view of medicines spending as simply a health cost.

“This report shows medicines funding should be seen as an economic investment, not just a health expense.

“New Zealand has spent years debating the cost of medicines. The wider question is the cost of not funding them.

“Better access to medicines keeps people healthier, in work for longer, and more productive while they are there. It also reduces avoidable pressure on hospitals and other high-cost services. The economic dividend is substantial.”

New Zealand currently allocates just 4.9 percent of health spending to medicines, compared with an OECD average of 13.3 percent. Australia, our closest neighbour, allocates 12.2 percent – more than double New Zealand’s share, though still below the OECD average itself. BERL estimates an additional $2.7 billion in annual investment would be required to reach the OECD benchmark and capture the economic and fiscal gains.

The report also finds New Zealand is lagging significantly behind countries it often compares itself with on access to modern medicines. As of March 2026, 134 applications remained on Pharmac’s Options for Investment list, with an average wait of 6.5 years, while 83 percent were already standard care overseas. New Zealand funded just seven percent of new medicines between 2012 and 2021, compared with an OECD average of 29 percent.

Importantly, the report highlights a paradox in New Zealand’s health profile.

While New Zealanders live about as long as their OECD peers, they spend less of their lives in good health. New Zealand’s healthy life expectancy is below the OECD average, meaning New Zealanders experience more years living with illness, disability and chronic conditions during their working lives.

That gap matters economically.

BERL found improved access to medicines would increase workforce participation, reduce sickness-related absences and, most significantly, reduce “presenteeism” – where people come to work but are less productive because of ill health. These productivity gains form the largest share of the report’s estimated economic benefits.

“Too many New Zealanders are becoming sick earlier, managing chronic illness during their prime working years, or leaving the workforce sooner than they should. That comes at a significant personal and financial cost for individuals and families, limiting earning potential and financial security,” said Ms Rich.

“The encouraging finding from this report is that better access to medicines can help people stay healthier for longer, remain in work, and build stronger futures for themselves, their families and their communities.

“When people are healthier, businesses benefit from a stronger workforce, families enjoy greater financial security, and government revenues improve.”

BERL projects that increased medicines funding would generate a net economic benefit of $182 billion and improve the Government’s operating balance by $29 billion over the next 35 years. By 2062, the economy would be nearly $41 billion larger than under current settings.

The analysis also shows medicines investment can help address mounting pressure on public finances.

While higher medicines funding would increase pharmaceutical spending, it would reduce future demand growth elsewhere in the health system through fewer complications, fewer hospitalisations and better disease management. Excluding the additional medicines expenditure itself, other health spending is projected to be lower than it otherwise would have been.

BusinessNZ said the report arrives as policymakers grapple with how to lift productivity, improve living standards and manage growing healthcare costs from an ageing population.

“The evidence is clear: investing in medicines is not simply about improving health outcomes, although that matters enormously,” Ms Rich said.

“It is also about improving productivity, growing the economy, strengthening public finances and ensuring New Zealanders can remain healthy and economically active for longer.

“If we’re serious about economic growth, medicines funding needs to be part of the conversation.”

Good health was good for business, and good for the economy – which was why BusinessNZ commissioned the report, Ms Rich said.

“A healthier population means more people able to work, participate, care for their families and contribute to their communities. It means fewer days lost to illness and injury, greater productivity and more New Zealanders able to remain independent and economically active for longer.

“Health spending is therefore not simply a cost on the Government’s books. Done well, it is an investment in New Zealand’s people and in our productive capacity.”

The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.

About the report

The report was independently authored by BERL on behalf of BusinessNZ. Financial sponsorship for the research was provided by AbbVie, GSK and Roche. The findings and conclusions are those of the report authors.

Key findings from BERL

1. New Zealand spends 4.9% of health expenditure on medicines versus an OECD average of 13.3%; Australia allocates 12.2%.
2. Matching the OECD average would require approximately $2.7 billion in additional annual investment.
3. Every $1 invested returns $1.93 to the economy and $1.15 to the Crown.
4. The economic return exceeds cost within three years; the fiscal return does so within approximately 20 years.
5. Net economic benefit over 35 years: $182 billion.
6. Net fiscal benefit over 35 years: $29 billion.
7. Economy projected to be nearly $41 billion larger by 2062.
8. New Zealand ranks lowest in the OECD for subsidising new medicines, funding 7% versus an OECD average of 29%.
9. New Zealand’s healthy life expectancy is below the OECD average despite similar life expectancy.

Sources: BERL cost of medicines report

More than 25 years after its founding, AlarmSystemStore.com continues to earn industry recognition, receiving Alarm.com’s Silver Premier Partner designation for the third consecutive year.

INDIANA, US – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 September 2026 – AlarmSystemStore.com, a security solutions provider founded in Columbus, Indiana, in 1997, has been recognized as an Alarm.com Silver Premier Partner for 2025, marking the third consecutive year the company has earned the distinction. The recognition reflects performance during the previous calendar year and highlights the company’s continued commitment to helping homeowners and businesses adopt smarter, more reliable security solutions.

A Nearly Three-Decade Success Story
When AlarmSystemStore.com was founded in 1997, the security industry looked very different. Traditional alarm systems relied heavily on landline communication, remote access was virtually nonexistent, and smart home technology had yet to enter the mainstream.

Over the past 28 years, the company has evolved alongside the industry—embracing alarm monitoring, cloud-based security, video surveillance, smart automation, and connected property management solutions. As an authorized dealer for DSC, Qolsys, Alarm.com, Honeywell, Resideo, Alula, Uplink Security, and a supporter of most other major brands, including 2Gig and GE Security, for its monitoring and interactive services, the company has built its reputation on selection, expertise, and value.

A Different Model: DIY and B2B, Without the Markup
Unlike traditional alarm companies, AlarmSystemStore.com caters to the do-it-yourself, direct-to-consumer, and direct business-to-business markets as a discount provider of professional-grade equipment and services.

Customers typically save more than 50% off the same equipment and services offered by traditional alarm companies. The company backs every sale with free technical support and offers a pre-programming and setup option for customers who prefer a more plug-and-play experience.

Three Consecutive Years of Recognition
The latest award marks a significant milestone for the company:

• 2023 Alarm.com Silver Premier Partner
• 2024 Alarm.com Silver Premier Partner
• 2025 Alarm.com Silver Premier Partner

Because each designation reflects the prior year’s performance, the three-year streak points to sustained engagement and consistent growth within the Alarm.com partner network.

“Alarm.com has quickly become our top recommended service for customers, surpassing all others. It’s truly a top-notch service, which is apparent from both their tremendous growth and our growth with them as a dealer. We are proud to be affiliated with them,” said Andy Bowman, President at AlarmSystemStore.com.

About Alarm.com and the Premier Partner Program
Alarm.com began offering cloud-based interactive security services and integrations with security hardware in 2002 and went public in 2015 — the same year AlarmSystemStore.com Store became an authorized dealer. Today, the platform offers a range of cloud-based services, including alarm system command and control, smart home automation, and video and access control, and currently serves more than 6 million active residential and commercial subscribers globally.

Alarm.com services are available only through authorized dealers such as AlarmSystemStore.com, who provide activation and ongoing service support for the end user. The Premier Partner Program recognizes dealers that demonstrate strong performance, customer engagement, and commitment to delivering exceptional experiences on the platform — placing AlarmSystemStore.com among a select group of recognized partners.

Looking Ahead
As security technology continues to evolve through artificial intelligence, video analytics, and connected devices, AlarmSystemStore.com remains focused on helping customers adopt solutions that are both effective and easy to manage — at a price that undercuts the traditional alarm model. The same principle that guided the company in 1997 still applies today: trusted guidance, professional-grade equipment, and long-term support, without the premium price tag.

Hashtag: #AlarmSystemStore.com

About AlarmSystemStore.com

Released today by ADM Capital Foundation, Blue Bond Accelerator, Hong Kong Green Finance Association, and The Nature Conservancy, the report “Developing Hong Kong as a Nature Financing Hub – A case for advancing nature and blue bonds” makes a bold case: Hong Kong doesn‘t just belong in the nature finance conversation, it can define it.

The trigger? The Northern Metropolis (NM), a 30,000-hectare mega-development, offers a live portfolio of potentially scalable nature and blue-green infrastructure projects, from large-scale wetland parks and coastal protection zones to revitalised river /drainage channels. The report argues that issuing nature-themed bonds isn‘t aspirational, it‘s the logical next step for a city that already runs one of Asia-Pacific‘s largest government green bond programmes, having raised nearly HK$250 billion (US$32 billion) by the end of 2025^[2].

More striking still, nearly 80% of Hong Kong’s green and sustainable bond issuance is private-sector led, proof that the city doesn’t just talk about mobilising capital — it delivers.

“Climate and biodiversity are not side issues, they are systemic financial risks,” the report warns.

With over 75% of Asia‘s GDP dependent on nature, ecosystem decline is an economic threat that reaches far beyond the environment. But Hong Kong can turn that risk into an opportunity. By aligning its Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2035 with national priorities such as “Beautiful China” under the 15th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong can emerge as a premier nature and blue finance hub, not just for local projects, but as a bridge between the Chinese Mainland and ASEAN.

The report lays out five strategic pillars to make this happen, from expanding Hong Kong‘s Sustainable Finance Taxonomy to include biodiversity and the blue economy, to pioneering blended finance models that de-risk nature projects. It also sizes up four bond structures: use-of-proceeds, resilience, sustainability-linked and outcome bonds, each tailored to different stages of project development.

The foundations are in place. By acting decisively, Hong Kong can establish a model for financing nature-positive infrastructure that can be scaled across Asia. The Northern Metropolis isn’t just a development project; it’s a defining moment in nature financing leadership.

Hashtag: #ADMCapitalFoundation

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 September 2026 – HUAFULI, a high-end decorative panel brand under the Shanghai Stock Exchange main board listed company “Dongguan Huali Industries Co., Ltd.” (Stock Code: 603038.SH), has leveraged its 30 years of brand heritage and formidable R&D and supply chain strength to achieve a rapid growth of over 50% against recent market downturns! Backed by a robust brand history, HUAFULI served as a supporting furniture materials supplier for top-tier international events, including the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games, and the 2011 Shenzhen Summer Universiade, earning national-level recognition for its quality.

HUAFULI today officially announced its full-scale entry into the Hong Kong market, establishing its presence in the heart of Lockhart Road, Wan Chai—renowned as “Hong Kong’s Building Materials Street.” A grand opening ceremony was held for its brand-new 2,800 sq. ft. flagship exhibition hall, the “HUAFULI Hong Kong Home Art Gallery”. The brand offers an Integrated Door-Wall-Cabinet solution and localized services, using Hong Kong as a strategic pivot to expand into the global market!

The ceremony, themed “Huafuli: A New Chapter in Hong Kong”, was officiated by management representatives, including Mr. Jacky Tan Xujie, Vice Chairman of Dongguan Huali Industries Co., Ltd., Mr. Xie Zhikun, CEO and Co-founder of Dongguan Huali Industries Co., Ltd., Mr. Lu Xuqiu, Co-founder of Dongguan Huali Industries Co., Ltd., Mr. Wang Tangxin, Co-founder of Dongguan Huali Industries Co., Ltd., Mr. Ji Juntao, Vice President of Dongguan Huali Industries Co., Ltd., and Mr. Ken So, Sales Manager of the Hong Kong Region, Huafuli. The event also featured a heavyweight guest, three-time TV King, renowned artist, and Brand Spokesperson Mr. Wayne Lai, who attended the ribbon-cutting and conducted a live contract signing ceremony, witnessing this significant milestone in HUAFULI’s development in Hong Kong.

30 Years of Dedication: From Single-Product Champion to System Service Provider; Executive President Xie Zhikun Reveals Deep “Hong Kong Ties”

Founded in 1995, Huali Shares was listed on the SSE main board in 2017. In its early years, the brand took the lead in breaking foreign technological monopolies, spearheading the formulation of China’s furniture edge banding industry standards, and achieving the highest national sales for ten consecutive years. Over 30 years of development, the brand has successfully upgraded from an edge banding sales champion to a whole-house system service provider encompassing decorative panels, edge banding, and home hardware. Amid the transformative challenges faced by the home building materials industry in recent years, HUAFULI has defied market trends with a robust growth of over 50%, demonstrating remarkable business resilience and market leadership.

During his opening speech, Mr. Xie Zhikun, CEO and Co-founder of Dongguan Huali Industries Co., Ltd., shared emotionally: “Thirty years ago, we started with a single edge banding strip, proactively formulating the industry standards for furniture edge banding in China and maintaining the number one sales position nationwide for thirty consecutive years. With this dedication, we successfully upgraded from a ‘single-product champion’ to a complete system covering decorative panels, edge banding, and home hardware. Even when the industry faced challenges recently, HUAFULI still achieved a 50% growth against the trend. In fact, our connection with Hong Kong began back in 2008 when we established a subsidiary here. Hong Kong people are extremely particular about home quality, placing special emphasis on eco-friendliness, moisture resistance, and health, which are precisely HUAFULI’s strengths. The ‘HUAFULI Hong Kong Home Art Gallery’ unveiled today is not just an ordinary showroom, but a home art gallery that offers peace of mind and lifestyle aesthetics. In the future, we will collaborate with all sectors in Hong Kong using solid products, a professional team, and localized services, opening a new chapter where quality and craftsmanship parallel each other—basing ourselves in Hong Kong, connecting with the Mainland, and radiating globally!”

Mr. Ken So, Sales Manager of the Hong Kong Region, Huafuli, Addresses Three Industry Pain Points, Eliminates Northbound Travel Hassles, and Sets a HK$100 Million Sales Target

In an exclusive media interview, Mr. Ken So, Sales Manager of the Hong Kong Region, Huafuli, deeply analyzed the business logic and localized strategy behind the brand’s entry into Hong Kong:

• Eliminating Cross-border Travel Fatigue to Significantly Boost Deal Success Rates: Mr. So pointed out that local interior designers and homeowners were often limited to brochure samples or had to endure tiring trips to Mainland factories to view actual materials. “We established ourselves directly in the core area of Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, building a 2,800 sq. ft. high-spec exhibition hall. Designers can now bring clients at any time to view 1:1 physical large panels and finished door-wall-cabinet displays. The art gallery does not retail directly to homeowners but serves as a shared design base for Hong Kong designers and contractors, addressing eco-concerns on the spot and significantly improving local designers’ deal success rates.”
• Insisting on a 100% Direct-Sale Model with Unified National Pricing—”Not a Cent Added”: Differentiating from traditional building material brands that rely on multi-tiered agents, Mr. So emphasized HUAFULI’s commitment to a direct-sale system: “Whether in the Mainland or Hong Kong, HUAFULI is directly operated by the group, ensuring high consistency in product quality, after-sales service, and pricing. Although we have set up a top-tier showroom in the prime location of Wan Chai and hired a star spokesperson, the panel prices remain unified nationally with the Mainland—’not a cent added’—truly yielding benefits to local partners with sincerity.”
• Eco-friendly Panels Replacing Traditional Laminates; Setting a HK$100 Million Sales Target: Mr. So analyzed that eco-friendly decorative panels are in a golden growth period in Hong Kong, gradually replacing traditional fireproof laminates and veneers. “We see massive market potential, and HUAFULI has set a target of achieving HK$100 million in sales in Hong Kong within 3 to 5 years! The Hong Kong market is strict and aligned with international standards. We are using Hong Kong as a touchstone and strategic hub for adapting to global standards, and will further expand into more overseas markets in the future.”
• Strong Supply Chain Backing to Achieve “Zero Minimum Order, Next-Day Delivery” Express Fulfillment: Relying on six major production bases in the Mainland (totaling 600,000 square meters) and a network of 14 branch warehouses, HUAFULI breaks the traditional months-long waiting period for imported building materials. It provides the local industry with a localized, one-stop delivery service characterized by “zero minimum order, zero inventory requirements, same-day response, and next-day delivery,” greatly alleviating the financial and warehousing pressures on local partners.

Global Debut of German-Japanese Nano-Microcrystalline EBH Technology; Dual Ultimate Eco-certifications Lead New Trends in HK Building Materials

With Hong Kong’s increasingly stringent requirements for green buildings, indoor air quality, and ESG standards, HUAFULI brings a high-specification product system suitable for the Hong Kong environment:

• Hong Kong Debut of the German-Japanese EBH Series: Combining German plasma spraying and Japanese precision light-curing technologies, this series boasts top-tier performance across six dimensions: anti-fingerprint (90% reduction), scratch resistance (2H+ hardness), anti-mildew and antibacterial (99.5%+), and yellowing resistance. Its surface presents an advanced, luxurious 5° matte gloss, perfectly adapting to Hong Kong’s humid climate.
• Dual Highest Eco-certifications: “ENF Grade + JIS JAS F4-star”: Showcasing top-tier eco-friendly panels (including Particle Board, Multi-layer Plywood, and Oriented Strand Board, etc.) that have comprehensively passed the dual certifications of the national highest environmental standard “ENF Grade” (formaldehyde emission ≤0.025 mg/m³) and Japan’s highest environmental standard “F☆☆☆☆ (F4-Star).”
• Recognized by the “Hong Kong ECO Mark”: The products have obtained the Hong Kong Green Label Scheme certification, achieving extremely low TVOC and formaldehyde emissions from the source. This directly addresses the pain points of Hong Kong’s indoor air quality and aligns with the high standards for ESG inspection by developers.
• Patented Laser Edge Banding 2.0 and colour matched door-wall-cabinet system: The entire series comes standard with the original factory’s seamless laser edge banding technology, achieving panel edge banding in-one. HUAFULI particularly advocates the “Integrated Door-Wall-Cabinet” concept, where interior doors, wall panels, and custom cabinets are all made from the same original factory batch of substrates with identical colors and textures. This achieves zero color difference and a highly unified whole-house aesthetics with perfectly extended textures, providing unparalleled one-stop quality solutions when paired with original factory moldings and hardware components.

Star Spokesperson Mr. Wayne Lai Yiu Cheung Attends the Event, Heavily Endorses Dual Ultimate Eco-friendliness at Contract Signing

The atmosphere at the grand opening ceremony was vibrant, with traditional auspicious lion eye-dotting and lion dance performances kicking off the splendid prologue for the “HUAFULI Hong Kong Home Art Gallery.” Brand Spokesperson Mr. Wayne Lai Yiu Cheung conducted a grand contract signing ceremony on site and joined management guests for a celebratory group toast and photo.

Hashtag: #HUAFULI

About HUAFULI

Founded in 1995, Huali Shares was listed on the main board of the Shanghai Stock Exchange in 2017 (Stock Code: 603038.SH). Starting from the field of decorative composite materials, the company has adhered to integrity and innovation, inherited the spirit of craftsmanship, and over the past 30 years, has developed into a comprehensive holding enterprise encompassing home building materials, smart water affairs, membrane filtration materials, and industrial digital intelligence businesses. It is committed to leading industry progress through high-level R&D, satisfying people’s aspirations for a better life through technological innovation, and empowering industrial upgrades through digital and intelligent technologies. Its home building materials business primarily focuses on edge banding, decorative panels, and home hardware, mainly used in panel furniture, interior decoration, and commercial space construction. It is the first domestic home materials manufacturing enterprise to break the German technological monopoly and possess independent intellectual property rights, and is the leading formulator of important industry standards for edge banding in China.

The 268-room hotel – Dusit’s third branded property in Malaysia – will provide a convenient, centrally located base for exploring Ipoh’s heritage streets, food traditions, and dramatic limestone landscapes

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 September 2026 – Dusit Hotels and Resorts, the hotel arm of Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, will open Dusit Princess Ipoh on 1 October 2026, bringing its distinctive Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to Ipoh, the capital of Malaysia’s Perak state.

Located approximately 200 km north of Kuala Lumpur and shaped by the late-19th-century tin-mining boom that transformed the city into an important commercial hub, Ipoh is home to a historic centre where colonial-era shophouses, traditional kopitiams, and small local businesses preserve the character of the city’s past.

Its multicultural culinary traditions – from longstanding dim sum restaurants to celebrated Ipoh white coffee, whose distinctive flavour comes from beans traditionally roasted with margarine – have also made the city a draw for food-focused travellers. Meanwhile, the dramatic limestone formations and cave temples of the surrounding Kinta Valley invite visitors to combine cultural discovery with nature excursions and outdoor exploration.

Under its new identity as Dusit Princess Ipoh, the established 268-room property – owned by Plenitude Berhad, a Bursa Malaysia-listed group with interests in property development, property investment, and hospitality – is ideally positioned to help travellers discover the city’s heritage, culinary scene, and natural attractions, while offering the comfort and flexibility required for city breaks, extended stays, business travel, and events.

Set beside the Perak Turf Club, a long-established centre for thoroughbred racing, the hotel is less than five minutes by car from Ipoh city centre. Sultan Azlan Shah Airport is approximately 10 minutes away and offers direct flights from Singapore.

Reflecting the practical, welcoming character of Dusit’s upper-midscale Dusit Princess brand, accommodation spans five room categories, ranging from 25 sq m Superior Rooms to 58 sq m Family Suites.

Rooms offer views across the Perak Turf Club or city skyline and include high-speed Wi-Fi, smart TVs, quality bedding, in-room safes, and dedicated workspaces. To support longer stays and give families greater flexibility, Family Rooms and Family Suites also include kitchenettes.

Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, Kids Club, self-service laundry, accessible rooms, a prayer room, and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. Guests also have access to a 6,580 sq ft fitness centre offering extensive workout facilities and extended opening hours.

The Atrium, the hotel’s naturally lit all-day dining restaurant, offers sweeping views of Ipoh’s limestone hills and cityscape. It serves a buffet breakfast featuring local and regional favourites such as nasi lemak, roti canai, kway teow goreng, and dim sum, alongside continental options. Local and international dishes are available throughout the day. The lobby coffee shop, meanwhile, serves speciality teas, coffees, and juices alongside a selection of pastries and desserts.

For meetings, conferences, weddings, and social occasions, the hotel offers three flexible venues providing approximately 964 sq m of event space.

The principal venue is the 496.8 sq m Kinta Ballroom, which can host up to 400 guests theatre-style or 300 guests for round-table events. Equipped with an LED screen, dynamic sound system, and adjustable lighting, it is supported by the 383 sq m Kampar Hall and 84 sq m Gopeng Room, which provide additional options for smaller gatherings.

“With accommodation and facilities designed to meet the needs of leisure travellers, families, business guests, government delegations, and event groups, Dusit Princess Ipoh represents a compelling opportunity to introduce the welcoming character of the Dusit Princess brand to a city with such a strong identity and well-established appeal,” said Mr Chanin Donavanik, Group Chief Executive Officer, Dusit International. “Perak welcomed 23.6 million domestic visitors in 2025, making it one of Malaysia’s three most visited states. This strong demand, together with Ipoh’s convenient access from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, gives the city considerable potential to attract more international visitors. Working with Plenitude Berhad, we are building on the strengths of an established property to support that growth while helping guests connect more deeply with the destination.”

Madam Elsie Chua, Non-Independent Non-Executive Chairman, Plenitude Berhad, said, “Dusit Princess Ipoh marks a new chapter for this established property and for Plenitude’s hospitality portfolio. Building on the property’s longstanding presence in Ipoh, we are delighted to bring the distinctive warmth of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to the city through a recognised international brand, while embracing the character, culture, and local flavours that make Ipoh unique. We look forward to creating a welcoming gateway for guests to experience Ipoh – combining the qualities and standards associated with the Dusit Princess brand with the authentic spirit of the destination.”

From the hotel, guests can easily reach Ipoh Old Town, including Concubine Lane, a lively historic alley lined with small shops and stalls, and Kong Heng Square, a restored heritage enclave housing independent businesses. Local dining districts and commercial areas are also within easy reach.

To help guests explore further, the hotel’s Discover the Soul of Ipoh programme brings together locally led activities spanning heritage, food, nature, well-being, and family experiences.

Highlights include photographic walks through Ipoh’s heritage streets, visits to Tambun pomelo orchards and limestone cave temples, food trails featuring Ipoh white coffee and traditional desserts, and workshops in Labu Sayong pottery, a traditional Perak craft. Family cooking classes and evening wildlife adventures are also available.

To celebrate its opening, Dusit Princess Ipoh is offering stays from RM 230 (approximately USD 57) per room per night, including RM 50 (approximately USD 12) in daily food and beverage credit. The offer is valid for stays from 1 October through 31 December 2026. Terms and conditions apply.

For more information, please visit dusit.com/dpim.

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About Dusit Hotels and Resorts

About Plenitude Berhad