PM Edition: Top 10 Business Articles on LiveNews.co.nz for June 18, 2026 – Full Text

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 June 2026 – As entrepreneurship continues to play an increasingly important role in economic growth and innovation, students considering entrepreneurial careers face important decisions about their educational pathways. Beyond acquiring academic qualifications, aspiring entrepreneurs require a combination of business knowledge, analytical capabilities, leadership skills and adaptability to navigate evolving market conditions.

Higher education institutions play a key role in supporting this development by providing students with opportunities to build both foundational knowledge and specialised expertise. Through collaborations with international university partners, SIM Global Education (SIM GE) offers a range of academic pathways across business, management, analytics, marketing and related disciplines that can support students with entrepreneurial aspirations.

Understanding the Educational Choices Available
The growing variety of higher education options presents both opportunities and challenges for students. While many may have an interest in entrepreneurship or business, determining the most suitable academic pathway is often less straightforward.

Entrepreneurship today extends beyond the traditional concept of starting a business. It can encompass leading innovation within established organisations, developing new products and services, scaling family-owned enterprises, creating social ventures, or participating in emerging start-up ecosystems. As a result, students are increasingly seeking educational pathways that align with their individual interests, strengths and long-term goals.

A well-informed educational choice can help students develop the competencies most relevant to their intended career direction, whether that involves business leadership, digital innovation, market expansion or social impact.

Building a Foundation Through Business Education
A business-related degree can provide aspiring entrepreneurs with a broad understanding of how organisations operate. Entrepreneurs need to understand markets, customers, finance, operations, competition and strategy. They also need to make decisions with limited resources and adapt quickly when business conditions change.

At SIM GE, business-related programmes allow students to explore fields such as analytics, strategy, marketing and management. These areas are relevant to students who want to develop a practical understanding of how businesses are built, managed and grown.

For students who are still exploring their future direction, a business pathway can provide flexibility. It can prepare them for employment, support future postgraduate or professional learning, and build a foundation that may later be applied to entrepreneurial ventures.

Management programmes for future leaders and founders
Entrepreneurship is often associated with ideas, innovation and opportunity. However, successful ventures also depend on effective management. Founders must lead people, manage resources, build processes, work with partners and make decisions that affect the long-term sustainability of the business.

Management-focused programmes are therefore especially relevant for students who want to understand how organisations are led and how teams work together. Such programmes can help learners develop perspectives on leadership, planning, decision-making and organisational effectiveness.

For future entrepreneurs, management knowledge is important because a strong idea must eventually be supported by the ability to execute. Whether students later start their own businesses or lead innovation within existing organisations, management capabilities can help them turn ambition into action.

The Growing Importance of Data and Analytics
As organisations become increasingly data-driven, analytical capabilities have become a valuable component of entrepreneurial decision-making. Entrepreneurs are expected to evaluate market opportunities, understand customer behaviour and assess business performance using data and technology.

Analytics-related programmes can help students develop these capabilities, enabling them to make more informed decisions and respond effectively to changing business conditions. Such skills are particularly relevant for those interested in digital business, e-commerce, technology ventures and business intelligence.

Marketing and international business for market-ready ventures
A strong business idea also needs a clear target market and a business strategy to back it up . Students who are interested in brand-building, customer engagement, communications or market expansion may benefit from marketing and international business-related pathways.

Marketing-focused learning can help students understand consumer behaviour, positioning, customer experience and value creation. International business exposure can help students think beyond a single market, especially in a region such as Southeast Asia where businesses often need to understand cross-border opportunities.

For future entrepreneurs, these perspectives can support the development of ventures that are customer-focused, market-aware and better prepared for regional or global growth.

Entrepreneurship and Social Impact
Entrepreneurship is increasingly being viewed through a broader lens that includes social and environmental outcomes. Alongside commercial objectives, many entrepreneurs are seeking to address societal challenges and contribute to sustainable development.

Initiatives such as the Dr Richard K M Eu – SIM Social Entrepreneurship Centre reflect the growing interest in social innovation and impact-driven enterprise. Exposure to these concepts can help students explore how entrepreneurial thinking can be applied to create sustainable solutions for communities and society.

Preparing for the Future
While there is no single educational pathway that guarantees entrepreneurial success, the most appropriate route depends on an individual’s interests, strengths and aspirations. However, regardless of specialisation, future entrepreneurs will require a combination of technical knowledge, critical thinking, adaptability, leadership and communication skills.

As Singapore continues to strengthen its position as a hub for enterprise, innovation and regional business activity, education remains an important foundation for entrepreneurial development. By providing access to diverse academic pathways and internationally recognised programmes, institutions such as SIM GE support students in making informed decisions and developing the capabilities needed to navigate an increasingly complex and dynamic business environment.

For many aspiring entrepreneurs, the journey begins not with the launch of a venture, but with the educational choices that help shape future opportunities.

References

1. SIM GE University Partners – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/sim-global-education/university-partners-sim-ge
2. SIM Global Education – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/overview
3. SIM GE Business Programmes – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/programmes/disciplines/business
4. SIM GE Management Programmes – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/programmes/disciplines/business/management
5. SIM GE Business Analytics Programmes – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/programmes/disciplines/business/business-analytics
6. SIM Social Entrepreneurship Centre – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/sim-global-education/ressec
7. The Future of Job 2025 Report – https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2025/digest/
8. SkillsFuture Critical Core Skills – https://jobsandskills.skillsfuture.gov.sg/frameworks/critical-core-skills
9. Singapore Ranks 4^th Global Startup Ecosystem – https://www.enterprisesg.gov.sg/-/media/esg/files/media-centre/media-releases/2025/may/mr02125_singapore_ranks_as_4th_best_global_startup_ecosystem.pdf

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

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

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Source: New Zealand Government

The Government will build on tourism growth by targeting more marketing in Australia, the United States and China, alongside attracting more business events to New Zealand.

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says investing in these markets will bring more visitors and drive economic growth.

“The Government is focused on growing the economy so Kiwis can get ahead, and as our second largest export, tourism is a crucial part of that,” Louise Upston says.

“We set ambitious goals: return international visitor numbers to at least pre-pandemic (2019) levels by 2026, and double the value of 2023 tourism exports in ten years.

“We’re making strong progress. Stats NZ data in June showed international visitors were up about 8 per cent on last year – we’re now at 94 per cent of pre-pandemic levels. MBIE data also shows that, from March 2024 to March 2026, overseas visitor spend increased by $2.5 billion to $13.7 billion.

“This shows our investment through Tourism New Zealand is paying off for Kiwis.

“But today we’re putting the pedal to the metal — building on that momentum to drive growth, jobs and incomes.”

The Government will make a one-off $4 million investment to boost Tourism New Zealand’s marketing in Australia, the United States and China.

“It makes sense to back the sector’s strong growth and encourage more people to choose New Zealand for their next holiday.”

An additional one-off $1 million will support attracting more business events.

“Business events are a high-value part of our visitor mix, bringing people who spend more, travel outside peak seasons, and help build skills and connections across our economy,” Louise Upston says.

“Multi-day conferences supported $925 million in economic activity in 2025 and generated more than 735,000 international visitor nights. This funding will help maintain a strong pipeline of international conferences.

“While the recent fuel crisis may affect travel plans, we’re working closely with the sector to ensure New Zealand remains an attractive destination.

“These investments will help attract more visitors sooner and deliver real benefits for communities across New Zealand.

“I’ll have more to say soon about investments to meet growing demand.”

Notes to Editor

• Funding comes from the International Visitor (Conservation and Tourism) Levy and is one-off funding for the 2026/27 financial year.
• The $4 million will expand Tourism New Zealand’s existing international marketing activity in those key markets, rather than new campaigns.
• The $1 million will go towards Tourism New Zealand’s Conference Assistance Programme: Tourism New Zealand’s Conference Assistance Programme | Business Events

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/18/driving-visitor-growth-and-business-events/

Source: Media Outreach

A suite of Agentic AI services set to launch for European customers later this year

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Source: Media Outreach

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 June 2026 – With approval from the State Bank of Vietnam, Southeast Asia Commercial Joint Stock Bank (SeABank, HOSE: SSB) has officially completed its charter capital increase to VND 34,288 billion. The additional capital is expected to strengthen the Bank’s market competitiveness, improve its safety ratios, and expand its growth capacity.

On June 12, 2026, the State Bank of Vietnam issued Decision No. 1269/QD-NHNN regarding the amendment of charter capital information in SeABank’s Establishment and Operation License.

Accordingly, SeABank’s charter capital has increased from VND 28,450 billion to VND 34,288 billion, up VND 5,838 billion. The capital increase was carried out through the issuance of 583.8 million shares to existing shareholders at a ratio of 20.5202%, funded by accumulated undistributed after-tax profits as at December 31, 2025, according to SeABank’s audited separate financial statements for 2025.

The capital increase is part of the roadmap approved by SeABank’s 2026 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (AGM). In the next phase, SeABank plans to further increase its charter capital through the issuance of up to 40 million ESOP shares at a price of no less than VND 10,000 per share, reserved for management personnel meeting defined criteria in terms of work performance, professional competence, and commitment to the Bank.

In the context of increasingly stringent requirements for capital adequacy and digital transformation, the additional capital is expected to help SeABank improve safety ratios, expand business scale, and increase investment in technology infrastructure, laying a stronger foundation for the Bank’s growth in the period ahead.

With a strengthened financial foundation following the capital increase, SeABank will continue to focus on expanding its retail banking business, accelerating digital transformation, and improving the quality of products and services to better meet customer needs, while delivering sustainable value for shareholders and stakeholders.

Hashtag: #SeABank

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

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

Source: Media Outreach

ZHONGWEI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 June 2026 – Lush plantations glitter across the sun-drenched Yellow River alluvial plain at an elevation of 1,100 meters on the eastern flank of the Helan Mountains. This is Zhongning County in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, located in northwestern China. As the opening ceremony of the 9th Goji Berry Industry Expo officially kicks off on June 14^th here, farmers are busy harvesting the first goji berries of 2026.

While goji berries are widely cultivated across China, Ningxia goji berries stand out for their exceptional quality and have become the region’s most iconic specialty. As the core producing area of authentic Ningxia goji berries, also known as wolfberries, Zhongning enjoys over 3,000 hours of annual sunlight. The weakly alkaline soil, formed by the convergence of the Yellow River and Qingshui River, is rich in essential minerals and trace elements. These unique natural conditions have given birth to this distinctive “Magic Fruit.”

“Every single goji berry is hand-picked,” said Pan Tai’an, chairman of Ningxia Wolfberry Goji Industry Co., Ltd., a leading regional goji producer. “The goji trees blossom and bear fruit simultaneously, which means all berries must be harvested manually.”

“Thanks to Ningxia’s cool climate, pests and diseases are rare here. Still, we never use chemical fertilizers or pesticides. We only apply organic compost to guarantee the pure, natural quality of our goji berries,” he added.

From a Local Specialty to a Health and Lifestyle Trend

In China, Ningxia goji berries have been treasured as a medicinal and edible delicacy. It is the only goji variety officially listed for medicinal use in the Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China. The ancient Chinese medical masterpiece, the Shennong Ben Cao Jing (Classic of Materia Medica), documents their anti-aging properties. This profound cultural heritage has laid a solid foundation for Ningxia goji berries to enter international markets.

Today, this ancient red berry has gained unprecedented global popularity. Boasting powerful anti-aging benefits, high vitamin C content, and abundant antioxidants, Ningxia goji berries have become a trending “superfood” on international social media. Overseas consumers are willing to pay a premium for authentic Ningxia products, freeing the berry from its former identity as a niche, rustic specialty.

“Western researchers have long been studying the health benefits of goji berries, including immune enhancement, anti-tumor effects, and anti-aging properties. They call it a ‘superfood’ and extract its active ingredients for use in health supplements and cosmetics,” Pan Tai’an explains. “This inspired me to focus on deep processing, because that’s where the real value lies.”

For decades, the industry was held back by two major bottlenecks: the extreme perishability of fresh berries and underdeveloped deep-processing technology. To address these issues, the company invested six years in intensive R&D and successfully developed ambient-temperature preservation technology for goji puree. This pioneering breakthrough fills a technical gap and sets world-leading standards for the global goji industry.

To retain precious nutrients, fresh goji berries go through cleaning, pulping, sterilization and canning within two hours after harvest. This rigorous workflow best preserves key nutrients including goji polysaccharides, betaine and zeaxanthin to the greatest extent possible.

Powered by this core innovation, the company has produced over 100,000 tons of goji puree, with total sales exceeding 2 billion yuan (about 293 million U.S. dollars). More importantly, the technology has driven the construction of 50 high-standard production lines across Ningxia, marking a decisive shift – transforming the regional industry from raw material sales to high-value product manufacturing.

According to the latest data provided by the Goji Industry Development Center of the Ningxia Forestry and Grassland Administration, Ningxia’s goji marketing network covers more than 50 countries and regions spanning Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Americas. In 2025, Ningxia’s fresh goji berry output reached 200,000 tons, with the full industrial chain output value exceeding 21.3 billion yuan.

From Product Upgrade to a Global Cultural Brand

While technology-driven companies like Ningxia Wolfberry are deepening their presence in international supply chains, emerging players in the goji industry are reshaping the consumer perception of goji berries as “just a traditional medicinal herb.” As a leader in e-commerce, Ningxia Qilixiang Goji Co., Ltd. is dedicated to promoting this traditional tonic to the younger generation. Founded in 2009 by three university students with a startup fund of just 700 yuan from their living allowances, the company has now grown into a top-tier brand with annual sales exceeding 1 billion yuan.

To transform traditional wellness into a trendy lifestyle, Qilixiang has developed a variety of blended purees – such as goji-ginseng, red date-goji, and mulberry-goji – all paired with eye-catching packaging. Operating about 200 online stores, the company has consistently ranked first in e-commerce sales for goji products.

These Innovative, high-value-added products derived from goji berries – including goji puree, goji seed oil, and goji juice – are now enjoying immense global demand. Once viewed as a mysterious Chinese herbal remedy, Ningxia goji berries have now become part of daily life for middle-class families from New York to London, a favorite among Hollywood celebrities, and a common ingredient in premium restaurants worldwide.

The international reputation is built on rigorous quality control. To meet the highest global food safety standards for organic products, Ningxia goji companies adhere to the world’s most stringent regulations. For instance, Ningxia Wolfberry has held organic certifications from North America, the European Union and Japan for 21 consecutive years, earning a “green pass” to the global market. To date, its products have been exported to 33 countries and regions worldwide.

Today, Ningxia’s goji industry is no longer confined to production and sales; it is gradually embracing a diversified development model. With the establishment of goji art galleries, history museums, and experience centers, the industry is shifting from merely “selling products” to “selling scenery” and “selling culture,” growing into a multi-faceted and integrated economic driver.

The transformation of Ningxia goji berries reflects the progress and the rise of Chinese products and brands. It has evolved from a little-known northwest specialty and low-end raw material exporter into a global health trend and a modern, diversified industry fueled by technology, creativity, and culture. This journey mirrors the broader transformation of China’s traditional agriculture and the innovative drive of its real economy.

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

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

Source: Media Outreach

A two-day family event at HarbourFront Centre will see 35 children aged 5 to 14 run their own booths, pitch ideas and make real decisions, as parents increasingly look for learning experiences that go beyond academics.

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Source: Media Outreach

Refreshed five-year Encompass roadmap highlights accelerated fleet decarbonisation and proactive talent integration as key competitive advantages

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Source: New Zealand Government

More support is on the way for people experiencing homelessness, with the Government expanding outreach and support services to six new locations, and extending proven initiatives already underway in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch, Housing Minister Chris Bishop and Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka say.

“Homelessness has been a problem in New Zealand for decades. We have a broken housing system that is more severe in challenging economic times,” Mr Bishop says.

“Late last year, Minister Potaka and I announced five short-term actions to support rough sleepers. 

“These included funding an additional 300 social homes for the Housing First programme, supporting providers to deliver stronger local responses, making more effective use of transitional housing, strengthening staff guidance on the use of discretion when assessing emergency housing grants, and redirecting benefit funding to better support those in need.

“Those measures, including the additional 300 Housing First social homes, are already making a difference. 

“Since September 2025, a total of 674 households who had been sleeping rough have been moved into stable housing, either through the additional 300 places or existing social homes.

“Between November 2025 and January 2026 alone, 177 people entered a new transitional housing pilot programme in Auckland and Hamilton, managed by homelessness support providers and funded by the Government late last year.

“The funding has also enabled housing assistance centres to deliver more than 1,500 support activities such as mental health or addiction support, or assistance to register for a benefit, along with increased outreach services to those sleeping rough.

“Today we are pleased to confirm that the Government will provide an additional $14.54 million over the next year for support services to help people sleeping rough.

“This additional funding will continue funding for existing services in our main centres with a proven track record of helping people experiencing homelessness. 

“$2.7 million of this funding is to extend the support to six additional locations: Tauranga, Whakatāne, New Plymouth, Napier, Whanganui and Waimakariri. Support will be tailored to local needs, recognising that different communities face different challenges.

“Local reporting and the homelessness insights report released today show there is unmet need in a number of communities around New Zealand.

“This additional investment allows us to expand immediate support services for those who need a home right now, while longer-term work continues to address the underlying drivers of our housing crisis.”

Mr Potaka says the investment builds on encouraging results already being seen through the Government’s homelessness response.

“We have already seen the difference these services can make when people are connected quickly with accommodation and the support they need.

“The early results from Housing First, transitional housing and outreach services show that locally-led approaches are helping people move into housing and improve their circumstances.

“We know homelessness goes beyond just a house. It can involve challenges with health, employment, addiction, family relationships, or access to services. These initiatives help connect people with the right support at the right time and improve outcomes for individuals and whānau.

“Community organisations and frontline providers play a critical role in supporting vulnerable people. This investment will help strengthen that work and ensure more people can access the services available to them.” 

Notes to editor: 

Press release from September 2025 about initial support package: Expanding support for rough sleepers | Beehive.govt.nz

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/17/additional-14-5-million-support-for-rough-sleepers/

Source: Media Outreach

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 June 2026 – Vietnam National Chemical Group (Vinachem) has been recognized for the first time in the 2026 Fortune Southeast Asia 500 (Fortune SEA 500) ranking, marking a significant milestone in the Group’s development journey and reaffirming its position as one of Vietnam’s leading industrial corporations on the regional economic landscape.

According to Fortune, Vinachem ranked 148 among Southeast Asia’s 500 largest companies in 2026. This marks the third year that Fortune has published the Southeast Asia 500 ranking, recognizing companies that demonstrate scale, operational excellence, and significant contributions to regional economic development. The list ranks companies based on total revenue across seven countries in the region, including Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and Cambodia.

Based on Fortune’s report, Vinachem recorded revenue of USD 2.332 billion and profit of USD 103.8 million in 2025. These results reflect the Group’s solid financial foundation, resilience in responding to market fluctuations, and the effectiveness of its restructuring and productivity improvement efforts across the organization.

Mr. Nguyen Huu Tu, Chief Executive Officer of Vietnam National Chemical Group (Vinachem), said:”Vinachem’s inclusion in the Fortune Southeast Asia 500 ranking as early as 2026 represents a significant milestone in the Group’s development journey. It is a tangible outcome of our determined efforts to implement the directives set forth by the Politburo in Resolution No. 79-NQ/TW dated January 6, 2026, which aims to have 50 state-owned enterprises ranked among Southeast Asia’s 500 largest companies by 2030.

This recognition not only acknowledges the efforts of nearly 20,000 employees, engineers, and workers across Vinachem in driving innovation, transformation, and sustainable development, but also reflects the growing competitiveness of Vietnamese industrial enterprises in the regional integration process.

The achievement provides further momentum for Vinachem to accelerate innovation, digital transformation, green transition, and the development of high-tech industries. At the same time, it reinforces our commitment to fulfilling our role as a core enterprise of Vietnam’s chemical industry and contributing to the goal of building large-scale, efficient, and internationally competitive state-owned economic groups in line with the spirit of Politburo Resolution No. 79-NQ/TW.”

The development of the VinachemMart e-commerce platform and the launch of the Vinachem Agriculture platform represent concrete steps in implementing this strategy. While VinachemMart contributes to advancing digital commerce and strengthening market connectivity, Vinachem Agriculture seeks to connect farmers with scientists, experts, businesses, and government agencies, thereby improving the efficiency of the agricultural value chain and promoting green and sustainable agricultural development.

Looking ahead, Vinachem has identified innovation, digital transformation, green transition, and sustainable development as its key growth drivers. The Group is prioritizing investment in high-value, technology-intensive sectors, including pharmaceutical chemicals, advanced materials, chemicals serving the electronics and semiconductor industries, rare-earth extraction and processing, and circular economy initiatives. In parallel, Vinachem is investing in research and development (R&D) centers and integrated industrial parks designed around modern, circular, and sustainable principles, contributing to the enhanced competitiveness of Vietnam’s chemical industry within regional and global value chains.

Vinachem’s inclusion in the Fortune Southeast Asia 500 reflects not only the Group’s scale and financial strength, but also the progress achieved through its transformation, international integration, and efforts to elevate the standing of Vietnam’s chemical industry. This recognition provides a solid foundation for the Group to continue fulfilling its role as a leading enterprise, contributing to national industrial development and strengthening the presence of Vietnamese enterprises on the regional economic stage.

Hashtag: #Vinachem

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

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MIL OSI