PM Edition: Here are the top 10 business articles on LiveNews.co.nz for July 4, 2026 – Full Text
1. Aurora Mobile Unveils Omni-Channel AI Solutions at HKPC: GPTBots.ai Powers Enterprise Services from “Q&A” to Real Execution
July 3, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
Jointly organized by HKPC and Aurora Mobile’s flagship platform GPTBots.ai, the workshop was themed “AI Agents Driving Hong Kong’s Public and Enterprise Services: Deployment Practices, Key Technologies, and Real-World Cases.”
Hong Kong Accelerates AI Development
Tommy Lui, Chief Business Officer of GPTBots.ai, shared insights into Hong Kong’s latest AI policy roadmap, including:
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HK$100 Million AI Efficiency Fund (AIEEI): Allocated in the 2026-2027 Budget, to be distributed over three years to drive AI adoption across government and public institutions.
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100 Administrative Processes to Be AI-Enabled by 2026: A concrete target documented in Legislative Council papers.
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HK$3 Billion AI Subsidy Program: Focused on computing infrastructure and research capabilities.
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HK$50 Million Public AI Training Initiative: Jointly executed by Cyberport, Science Park, and HKPC, targeting 200+ events and reaching 50,000 participants.
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HK$1 Billion AI Research Institute: Expected to commence operations in the second half of 2026.
(Sources: 2026-2027 Budget, Legislative Council documents, and official announcements)
While the policy direction is clear, Tommy also highlighted a key challenge for enterprises: many organizations are still stuck at the “Q&A tool” stage—limited to answering FAQs and unable to integrate with business workflows or execute real tasks. Bridging the gap from “conversation” to “execution” requires more than just powerful models; it demands a robust, enterprise-grade technology foundation.
Security and Governance: Addressing Enterprise Concerns
As AI begins to access internal data, invoke system tools, and drive approval workflows, security and data governance become top priorities for management.
Rim Wang, AI Agent Engineering Lead at GPTBots.ai, outlined the enterprise-grade AI security framework, covering content moderation, data anonymization, role-based access control, human-in-the-loop mechanisms, and audit logging. These safeguards aren’t afterthoughts—they must be built into every stage, from data input to output.
“Without robust security controls, enterprises are naturally hesitant to deploy AI,” Rim explained. GPTBots.ai embeds a comprehensive security and governance framework at its core, transforming AI from a ‘black box’ into a highly controllable, auditable business tool.
Deployment Methodology: Diagnosis, Targeted Solutions, Continuous Validation
Jacky Li, another AI Agent Engineering Lead at GPTBots.ai, introduced the “Three-Stage Mapping Methodology”:
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Process Diagnosis: Identify high-frequency, rule-based, and value-quantifiable processes (such as customer service ticket classification, order review, data integration) as AI entry points.
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Capability Matching: Configure tool-based, knowledge-based, or multi-modal Agents according to task complexity.
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Validation and Iteration: Pilot with a single pain point, scale gradually after successful end-to-end execution, and evolve into a scalable “digital workforce” platform.
Jacky has validated this approach across manufacturing, cross-border commerce, and service sectors. He emphasized that the greatest challenge in AI deployment is not technology selection, but precisely identifying which business processes deserve AI automation.
Real-World Cases: Cross-Industry Implementation Logic
The most compelling segment featured real-world scenarios from four distinct industries:
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Financial Services — Automated Complex Customer Service Tickets:
A major bank deployed an AI Agent that accurately identifies customer intent and automatically invokes core banking systems, completing the full cycle of “intent recognition → data retrieval → rule matching → execution → feedback.” Human intervention is triggered only for exceptions, freeing frontline staff from repetitive queries and significantly reducing customer wait times. -
Real Estate — Omni-Channel Customer Data Integration:
A large real estate group built a unified customer data platform integrating WhatsApp, App Push, Email, and SMS. When a customer inquires about management fees via WhatsApp, the AI not only provides the amount but also proactively shares updates like “Your air conditioner repair from last month—has it been completed?” Service evolved from “answering on demand” to “proactive care.” -
Retail — Automated After-Sales Service Tickets:
A retail brand implemented an AI Agent that automatically generates service tickets, classifies issues, and triggers corresponding workflows. Result: after-sales processing time reduced by over 60%, with staff focusing exclusively on genuine exceptions. -
Social Services — Precision Resource Distribution:
A social service organization uses an AI Agent to identify requests, assess priority levels, and leverage omni-channel delivery to send notifications via the most appropriate channel—WhatsApp for social workers, SMS for service recipients, email for management—while automatically tracking progress. The organization transformed from “passive request handling” to “proactive precision delivery.”
The logic across all four scenarios is consistent: AI Agents handle “understanding and decision-making,” while omni-channel platforms manage “reach and execution.” This is Aurora Mobile’s core value proposition—connecting customer engagement, business processes, and AI execution to help enterprises transition from customer connection to AI-driven business action. EngageLab, as an AI-native customer engagement platform, provides unified customer data, reliable omni-channel delivery, and customer verification capabilities. GPTBots.ai, as an enterprise-grade AI Agent platform, delivers end-to-end AI capabilities from Agent building and knowledge management to security governance. Together, they complete the full cycle from “need identification” to “service delivery.”
Policy Support: Enabling SME Digital Transformation
Representatives from the Hong Kong Productivity Council also introduced government subsidy programs for enterprises. The “SME ReachOut” team helps small and medium-sized enterprises identify suitable government funding schemes, answer application questions, and provide free one-on-one consultations and form review services, encouraging SMEs to leverage government support for digital upgrades.
For details, visit: https://smereachout.hkpc.org/
For SMEs, the technology roadmap is becoming clearer, and policy support is falling into place. The critical question is: Who can fastest transform AI from “experimental” to “truly operational”?
Aurora Mobile: Defining Pain Points, Delivering Solutions
Aurora Mobile (NASDAQ: JG) is a platform technology company connecting customer engagement, business processes, and AI execution, dedicated to helping enterprises transition from customer connection to AI-driven business action. The company operates two core product lines: EngageLab, an AI-native customer engagement platform, and GPTBots.ai, an enterprise-grade AI Agent building platform.
EngageLab centers on AI Agents, unified customer data, and reliable omni-channel delivery to strengthen customer relationships. GPTBots.ai provides end-to-end AI capabilities spanning Agent building, knowledge management, workflow orchestration, and security governance. Together, they construct a complete value chain from “understanding needs” to “delivering services.”
In Hong Kong’s concentrated markets of finance, real estate, retail, and public services, Aurora Mobile is closely collaborating with industry clients to translate AI Agents from technical concepts into practical business process applications.
When AI transcends “answering questions” and truly begins “executing tasks,” the era of enterprise-grade AI officially begins.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
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2. XTransfer Unveils New Malaysia Office
July 3, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 July 2026 – Recently, XTransfer, the world’s leading B2B cross-border trade payment platform, officially inaugurated its new office in Malaysia. This marks XTransfer’s continued investment in localised operations across Southeast Asia and lays a solid foundation for further strengthening its regional trade finance services.
XTransfer Unveils New Malaysia Office
Leaders and partners from several major local Malaysian banks and financial institutions attended the event to witness this important milestone. The opening ceremony began with a lively lion dance performance, followed by a ribbon-cutting session led by distinguished guests in a festive atmosphere. Ribbon-cutting guests included Ms Winnie Wong, Director of Financial Institutions Group at Maybank; Ms Sylvia Wong, Regional Head at CIMB; Ms Daphne Yoo, Director at OCBC; along with representatives from various institutions and associations, and the head of XTransfer’s Malaysia team.
Guests warmly congratulated XTransfer on the opening of its new office and expressed their expectation that XTransfer will continue to support the development of local trade by providing Malaysian SMEs with more efficient and secure cross-border payment solutions. Representatives from multiple banks also noted that they look forward to deepening collaboration with XTransfer, further improving localised settlement networks, and jointly promoting the development of the cross-border payments ecosystem.
As a fintech company deeply focused on global trade finance, XTransfer has consistently adhered to a technology-driven and compliance-first approach. It is committed to providing global trade enterprises with secure, convenient, and cost-effective cross-border payment and collection solutions. With the launch of its new Malaysia office, XTransfer will position Malaysia as a strategic hub for its Southeast Asia operations, extending its reach across the Asia-Pacific market and further accelerating regional business expansion. Going forward, XTransfer will continue to advance its internationalisation strategy to better serve global trade companies.
It is also worth noting that in February this year, XTransfer received conditional approval from Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) for key payment licenses. Upon completing the pre-issuance conditions and being permitted to launch, XTransfer will introduce digital payment services to support businesses, particularly SMEs engaged in international trade. With the official opening of the new office, XTransfer will leverage stronger local service capabilities together with its global network resources to continue helping regional trade businesses seize global opportunities and expand into broader international markets.
https://www.xtransfer.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtransfer.cn
Hashtag: #XTransfer #Crossborder #Payment #SMEs #Malaysia
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. 60,000 Accountancy and Corporate Finance Professionals to Be AI-Ready Over Three Years
July 4, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
ISCA and IMDA launch AIxAccountancy, the first AI fluency programme for non-tech professionals under the National AI Impact Programme
2. AIxAccountancy is the first training programme developed through IMDA’s partnership with professional bodies under the National AI Impact Programme (NAIIP) [2], which aims to train 100,000 non-tech professionals to become AI bilingual over the next three years. Prior to its launch, more than 20,000 individuals [3] across the public and private sectors, including tertiary students, had already expressed interest in AIxAccountancy, reflecting strong demand to build AI capabilities. The Accountant-General’s Department is also planning to incorporate the programme as part of the learning and development of all 4,000 public sector finance and internal audit officers. To make the programme widely accessible, AIxAccountancy will be offered free to ISCA members who are Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents, including tertiary students.
Flexible AI training programme with industry-recognised credentials
3. AIxAccountancy is designed to offer flexible and structured online learning tailored for working professionals to learn at their own pace, fitting in their busy schedules so that their professional and personal commitments are not disrupted. The programme will be delivered in two progressive phases, enabling learners to develop core AI capabilities before advancing to specialised applications. Learners will gain hands-on experience with widely used AI tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot and Gemini, with the curriculum regularly refreshed to stay industry-relevant.
- Phase 1 will focus on AI foundations for common workplace tasks, such as creating AI-enabled workflows for financial statement analysis. Learners will gain essential AI knowledge, hands-on experience with a range of AI tools, and the confidence to use AI effectively in their day-to-day work.
- Phase 2 will focus on applying AI to role-specific workflows across accounting, finance, auditing, taxation and related disciplines.
4. Upon completing both phases, ISCA will award participants a Certificate of Completion, a digital badge and Continuing Professional Development Education (CPE) hours. The digital badge serves as a verifiable, tamper-proof record of achievement that recognises AI proficiency, signalling credibility to employers. It can be easily shared across professional platforms including LinkedIn.
5. Accounting professionals in, or aspiring to, management roles can also enrol in modules focused on AI implementation after completing the two phases. These modules are designed to equip them to lead the responsible adoption of AI and drive AI transformation within their organisations.
An AI sandbox to experiment and learn from peers and industry leaders
6. As part of AIxAccountancy, participants will also have access to AI Nexus, a dedicated hub for accountancy and corporate finance professionals to learn and share insights, resources and best practices on AI adoption. Through AI Nexus, participants can experiment, prototype and build their own AI-assisted workflows in a sandbox environment, applying their learning directly to real industry needs. Participants can also connect with peers, technology providers and educators to share and work on new use cases. Regular sharing sessions by leading accountancy companies and AI tool providers will further enrich the learning experience with best practices and real-world applications. Together, these channels ensure participants receive both expert guidance and meaningful peer-to-peer learning throughout the programme. Participants can access AI Nexus at: https://ainexus.isca.org.sg/.
7. Mr Lee Boon Teck, President of ISCA, said: “AI is reshaping the future of the accountancy profession. The professionals who will thrive are those who become AI bilingual, combining deep accounting expertise with the ability to use AI confidently, responsibly, and with sound professional judgement. AIxAccountancy is more than a training programme. It is a national profession transformation initiative that equips accountants and finance professionals with the skills and confidence to create greater value for businesses and society.”
8. Mr Ng Cher Pong, Chief Executive Officer of IMDA, said: “AI delivers the most impact when it is grounded in domain expertise and applied to the work professionals know best. Our partnership with ISCA on AIxAccountancy reflects this approach by equipping accounting and corporate finance professionals not just with AI skills, but also with the ability to apply them meaningfully and responsibly in their day-to-day work. We look forward to seeing more professionals harness AI with confidence and purpose, becoming not only fluent, but truly AI bilingual in their field.”
9. Mrs Chia-Tern Huey Min, Chief Executive Officer of Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority, said: “ISCA’s AI Fluency Programme, AIxAccountancy, comes at an opportune time, as AI continues to reshape industries and redefine the way we work. It complements the refreshed Skills Framework for Accountancy, which embeds AI fluency across all 44 job roles – spanning data analytics, visualisation and strategic decision-making. Through this programme, accounting and finance professionals will gain the practical AI skills they need to thrive in this rapidly evolving landscape.”
10. The launch of the AIxAccountancy underscores ISCA and IMDA’s commitment to help the accountancy profession navigate the AI era. By equipping professionals with accessible learning, practical AI experimentation and community collaboration, ISCA aims to accelerate AI adoption across the profession while ensuring professional judgement, ethics and trust remain at the core of professional accountants in an increasingly AI-driven business environment.
[3] These include professionals from accounting and professional services firms, corporates, individuals who registered their interest through the AIxAccountancy sign-up form, and other industry professionals, as well as tertiary students.
Hashtag: #ISCA #CharteredAccountants #AIxAccountancy #AIFluency #AIBilingualism #DifferenceMakers #Accounting #Accountancy
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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4. ISCA Accountants Move Beyond the Numbers to Help Singaporeans Navigate Life’s Financial Decisions
July 4, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
Every major life decision carries a financial dimension, whether it is pursuing further education, entering the workforce, starting a family, purchasing a home, caring for ageing parents or planning for retirement. As financial decisions become increasingly complex, Life & Money Matters seeks to equip Singaporeans with practical knowledge and decision-making skills to navigate these milestones with greater confidence.
The initiative will bring together ISCA members and accounting and finance professionals to volunteer their expertise in communities across Singapore. Through a combination of digital learning resources and community workshops, participants will gain practical guidance on everyday financial topics such as budgeting, managing financial trade-offs, planning ahead, recognising financial scams and building long term financial resilience.
Unlike traditional financial literacy programmes, Life & Money Matters focuses on helping individuals make better financial decisions throughout their life, rather than by promoting financial products or investment strategies. The programme is designed to be practical, impartial and accessible, supporting Singaporeans from different age groups and backgrounds, including students, young adults, families, seniors and vulnerable households.
Mr Lee Boon Teck, President of ISCA, said: “Every life decision has a financial dimension. As trusted finance professionals, accountants have a responsibility not only to support businesses but also to contribute to society. Through Life & Money Matters, we hope to empower Singaporeans with the confidence to make better financial decisions while giving our members a meaningful platform to use their expertise in service of the community. By strengthening financial capability, we can also strengthen households and build more resilient communities.”
At the ISCA Annual Dinner, ISCA also recognised distinguished individuals whose leadership and contributions have made a lasting impact on Singapore’s accountancy profession, business community and public service.
ISCA Honorary Membership, was conferred on Mrs Tan Ching Yee in recognition of her outstanding contributions to Singapore’s accountancy profession, public administration, corporate regulatory ecosystem and national development.
Mrs Tan said: “I am deeply honoured to receive the ISCA Honorary Membership. I am grateful for the recognition. I share this honour with the many colleagues and partners I have had the privilege to work with over the years in support of Singapore’s accountancy profession and broader public interest. I hope to continue contributing to the profession’s development.”
The ISCA Distinguished Lifetime Membership was conferred on Mr Phillip Tan in recognition of his longstanding contributions to the accountancy profession, business community and public service.
Mr Tan said: “I am honoured to receive the Distinguished Lifetime Membership from ISCA. I am humbled by this recognition and I am grateful for the opportunity to have contributed to the profession along with my fellow colleagues and partners over the years. I recognise and commend ISCA’s work in ensuring that professional judgement, ethics and trust remain at the core of professional accountants in Singapore and I hope to continue sharing my expertise with the profession for many more years to come.”
ISCA also presented the Special Appreciation Award to the ISCA Strengthening Small and Medium Practices Taskforce for its leadership in developing a strategic roadmap to strengthen Singapore’s small and medium sized accounting practices through extensive stakeholder engagement and industry collaboration.
Hashtag: #ISCA #CharteredAccountants #AnnualDinner #DifferenceMakers #Accounting #Accountancy
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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5. VEC continues to expand its strategic partner ecosystem, completing an integrated value chain for international exhibitions and events in Vietnam
July 3, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
Vietnam Exposition Center (VEC) has signed strategic partnership agreements with leading organizations in the exhibition, trade promotion, and media sectors, including COEX, Chan Chao International, VEAS (Minh Vi), and VCCorp. The milestone marks another significant step in VEC’s efforts to build a comprehensive partner ecosystem, supporting its vision of positioning Vietnam as a regional hub for exhibitions, trade, and international business connectivity.
The strategic partnership signing ceremony between Vietnam Exposition Center (VEC) and COEX, Chan Chao International, VEAS (Minh Vi), and VCCorp on July 1, 2026 marks a new chapter in the development of international exhibitions and events, fostering global trade and business connections.
In the event sector, VEC’s partnerships with established organizations such as COEX, Chan Chao International, and Minh Vi will enhance service quality, optimize the customer experience, and strengthen VEC’s appeal as a destination for national, regional, and global events.
VEC and COEX, South Korea’s leading MICE company, have officially established a strategic partnership to expand the network of international exhibitions and conferences in Vietnam.
In the media sector, VEC has partnered with VCCorp to develop digital communications solutions, promote events, and build platforms that connect with business communities in Vietnam and around the world.
VEC and Chan Chao International have also entered into a strategic partnership, combining the expertise of one of Asia’s leading exhibition organizers with VEC’s world class exhibition infrastructure to develop large scale international exhibitions in Vietnam.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ms. Pham Thi Hien, Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Sales and Marketing of Vietnam Exposition Center, said: “Today’s signing ceremony not only expands VEC’s partner ecosystem but also creates a stronger platform connecting Vietnamese and international businesses. We believe the combination of world-class infrastructure, event management expertise, and our partners’ extensive networks will deliver exhibitions and events with regional and global impact, helping position Vietnam as a new destination for the international exhibition, events, and trade industry.”
Earlier, on June 18, 2026, Vietnam Exposition Center signed strategic partnership agreements with leading organizations in the exhibition, events, and trade promotion sectors, including Informa Markets, NC Network, Exporum, Vinexad, and the Vietnam Exhibition & Convention Association (VECA). These partnerships opened new opportunities to develop a portfolio of international scale exhibitions and events in Vietnam.
Guided by the vision of “Strategic Partnerships – Setting Standards – Leading the Future,” VEC’s continued expansion of its strategic partner network is steadily realizing its ambition of building a comprehensive exhibition and events ecosystem. This ecosystem is expected to attract leading international exhibition brands, create greater business opportunities for enterprises, and elevate Vietnam’s position on the global exhibition map. Through these efforts, VEC continues to strengthen its role as a hub for trade, investment, and innovation, contributing to Vietnam’s emergence as one of Asia’s premier destinations for exhibitions and international events.
Hashtag: #VEC
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6. HARRIS Hotel & Conventions Sunshine Penang Opens, Marking the Brand’s First Presence in Malaysia
July 3, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
The Ascott Limited introduces a vibrant integrated stay, events and lifestyle hotel within Sunshine Central, Ayer Itam.
Located just 30 minutes from the Penang International Airport and within Sunshine Central in Ayer Itam, the hotel offers a strategic Penang address that brings together modern accommodation, meetings and events facilities, direct mall connectivity, and access to retail, dining and lifestyle conveniences, as well as some of Penang’s best-known local attractions. Designed for domestic and international leisure travellers, families, business travellers, groups and event planners, the hotel offers a practical and well-rounded hospitality experience in one of the island’s established local neighbourhoods.
Marking HARRIS’ First Presence in Malaysia
The opening of HARRIS Hotel & Conventions Sunshine Penang reflects the growing appeal of Penang as a destination where leisure, food, culture, healthcare, retail and business events meet. With its location near Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si Temple, traditional markets and local hawker food, the hotel provides a convenient base for travellers seeking to experience Penang beyond the usual city-centre stay.
At the same time, its position within Sunshine Central strengthens its relevance for corporate travellers, meeting planners, event organisers and business groups. The hotel is connected to retail and lifestyle facilities, supported by extensive parking within the development, and offers direct access to event spaces suited for corporate meetings, conferences, seminars, weddings, annual dinners and social celebrations.
“The debut of HARRIS in Malaysia is an important milestone for Ascott as we continue to expand our brand portfolio across the country,” said Mondi Mecja, Country General Manager, Ascott Malaysia. “Penang’s strong position as a tourism, healthcare and business events destination makes it an ideal location for the brand’s first Malaysian property. Together with our partners at Sunshine Central, we are excited to introduce a hotel that caters to today’s leisure travellers, families, corporate guests and event organisers in one integrated destination.”
A Stay Designed for Leisure, Business and Group Travel
The hotel features 284 rooms and suites, comprising HARRIS Rooms, HARRIS Suites and HARRIS Family Suites. Its accommodation is designed to support both short stays and group travel, with room options suited for individual travellers, couples, families and guests attending meetings or events. Facilities include Harris Bistro, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant, F&B lounge, swimming pool, children’s wading pool, children’s playground, gymnasium and high-speed Wi-Fi, reflecting HARRIS’ energetic and friendly approach to practical hospitality.
Discovering Ayer Itam and Penang’s Local Attractions
For families and leisure travellers, HARRIS Hotel & Conventions Sunshine Penang offers an accessible stay option within reach of Ayer Itam’s popular food, retail and cultural experiences. Its proximity to Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si Temple also creates opportunities for weekend stays, family holidays, group itineraries and pre- or post-event leisure visits.
A New Venue for Meetings, Weddings and Events
As one of the newest large-scale event venues in Penang, the pillarless Grand Ballroom, which can host up to 1,000 guests for banquet-style events, making it suitable for weddings, gala dinners, annual dinners and large-scale corporate functions.
The event spaces are designed for flexibility, with adaptable seating layouts, moveable partitions and modern AV capabilities, including integrated LED screens, high-speed Wi-Fi, professional sound and microphone systems, and dedicated AV control support.
With local weddings, company events, meetings and regional business events expected to be key demand drivers, the hotel is positioned as a practical new choice for planners who require accommodation, event space, retail convenience and ample parking access in one connected destination.
Convenience for Medical Travellers and Visiting Families
HARRIS Hotel & Conventions Sunshine Penang is also well placed for guests visiting Penang for healthcare-related travel, with access to established hospitals and private medical facilities on the island. Together with its family-friendly accommodation, mall connectivity, dining options, the hotel provides a convenient base for medical travellers and accompanying family members.
Opening Offer
To celebrate its opening, HARRIS Hotel & Conventions Sunshine Penang is offering HARRIS Rooms from RM308+ per room per night. Book from now till 31 October 2026, and stay period from 3 July to 31 October 2026. Website for bookings: Reservations and Bookings
Guests may also follow HARRIS Hotel & Conventions Sunshine Penang on Facebook at facebook.com/harrissunshinepenang and Instagram at @harris_sunshinepenang for the latest updates and opening highlights.
For images, please click here.
https://www.discoverasr.com/en/harris/malaysia/harris-hotel-conventions-sunshine-penang
http://facebook.com/harrissunshinepenang
https://www.instagram.com/harris_sunshinepenang
Hashtag: #HARRISHotels #HARRISHotel&ConventionsSunshinePenang #TheAscottLimited
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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7. Asia Pacific Logistics Markets Diverge Despite 47% Tenant-Favourable Conditions as Supply Constraints Begin to Shift Balance
July 3, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
- Tenant-favorable markets in APAC expected to moderate as conditions tighten
- Supply-constrained markets – Australia, Japan and Singapore are seeing rising competition
- 54% of global markets and 60% of APAC markets expect rental growth, reinforcing upward pricing pressure
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 July 2026 – Asia Pacific’s logistics markets are entering a more complex phase, with divergence across the region increasingly shaping both occupier strategy and investor positioning. According to Cushman & Wakefield’s Waypoint 2026 report, APAC remains the most tenant‑favorable region globally, with 47% of markets favoring occupiers, up from 33% in 2025, although conditions vary significantly as supply and demand dynamics continue to diverge across markets.
The report reveals that the Chinese mainland industrial and logistics market is currently characterized by tenant-favorable conditions driven by abundant supply and softer occupier demand. Significant levels of vacant stock across China’s regional markets have reduced landlord pricing power, resulting in downward pressure on rents and heightened tenant leverage. On the other hand, China remains cost-competitive globally — with relatively low rental and labor costs supporting its position as a major manufacturing hub.
Looking ahead, the Chinese mainland market is expected to remain under supply pressure in the near term, with vacancy rates likely to rise further as new supply continues to outpace occupier demand growth. Nevertheless, despite near-term challenges, both landlords and tenants remain optimistic about the long-term fundamentals of the mainland China logistics market in lease negotiations.
Tony Su, Managing Director and Head of Industrial & Logistics Services, China, Cushman & Wakefield, noted:” The overall premium logistics warehouse market in the Chinese mainland maintained a stable trajectory. On the supply-demand side, landlords prioritized renewal quality and long-term asset value, favoring stable tenants such as manufacturers, while remaining cautious toward long-term leases at low rates. Tenants, in contrast, remained highly price-sensitive and valued expansion flexibility. Despite certain divergences in leasing strategies, both sides are negotiating based on an optimistic outlook for the market, reflecting a gradual recovery of confidence in the premium logistics warehouse sector.”
APAC: Markets diverse, SEA emerging as a key growth hub
Supply‑constrained markets such as Australia, Japan and Singapore are experiencing increasing competition for space, with vacancy expected to decline as development pipelines remain limited. This is reflected in wider regional trends, where 43% of APAC markets are expected to see vacancy decline over the next three years, reflecting a gradual tightening of market conditions. In contrast, more tenant‑friendly conditions persist in parts of India and on the Chinese mainland, where higher levels of new supply continue to provide occupiers with greater flexibility. Across APAC, around a third of markets are expected to see vacancy rise amid ongoing development activity.
This divergence is reinforcing a market‑by‑market approach across the region. For landlords, aligning assets with high‑growth sectors such as e‑commerce, manufacturing, high‑tech and automotive, while ensuring buildings can support power demand and automation, is becoming increasingly important.
Dennis Yeo, Head of Investor Services and Logistics & Industrial, Asia Pacific, Cushman & Wakefield, said: “Different markets across APAC are experiencing different stages of growth, fueled by resilient occupier demand led by e-commerce and manufacturing. Supply constraints in markets such as Japan and Australia are driving competition, meanwhile continued availability in China and India is creating opportunity.”
Demand across APAC continues to be anchored by e‑commerce and manufacturing, alongside ongoing supply chain diversification, with Southeast Asia emerging as a key growth hub. Markets such as Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand are seeing strengthening occupier activity driven by production shifts and regionalization strategies, while high‑tech and automotive sectors remain important sources of demand across North Asia. This is reinforcing the importance of modern, well‑located and future‑ready logistics facilities that can support evolving operational and technological requirements.
Global outlook: tightening conditions and rising costs
Globally, the report shows tenant‑favorable conditions declining from 52% in 2026 to 33% by 2029 as vacancy tightens and supply remains constrained, while landlord‑favorable markets are projected to rise from 26% to 39%, signalling a broader shift in market balance. At the same time, demand for high‑quality, strategically located assets continues to strengthen as businesses redesign supply chains to mitigate geopolitical, trade and climate risks, with global logistics rents now 36% above 2020 levels and 54% of markets expected to see rental growth over the next three years.
In the Americas, logistics markets are expected to see the most pronounced shift towards landlord‑favorable conditions as supply and demand rebalance across key U.S. hubs, while nearshoring continues to support demand in Mexico.
In EMEA, tightening vacancy alongside constrained development pipelines is narrowing occupier flexibility, while elevated energy costs are increasingly shaping location decisions and driving demand for energy‑efficient logistics assets.
Dr. Dominic Brown, Head of International Research, Cushman & Wakefield, said: “The next phase of the logistics cycle will be defined by preparedness. Businesses that embed resilience into their real estate strategies, through smarter use of technology, automation and energy‑secure assets, will be far better placed to navigate disruption and capture long‑term growth.”
Hashtag: #Cushman&Wakefield
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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8. Elm to Showcase Saudi Digital Transformation Model at LEAP East Hong Kong, Eyes APAC Collaboration
July 3, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 July 2026 – Saudi Arabia’s Elm Company will take part in LEAP East Hong Kong 2026 as Business Solutions Partner, the company has announced, ahead of the event’s opening on 8 July 2026, marking its push to deepen ties with governments, tech ecosystems and businesses across APAC.
LEAP East, taking place 8-10 July at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, is co-organised by Tahaluf, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), with the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) as Government Partner. The event marks the flagship technology conference’s first edition outside Riyadh.
Elm powers the national digital infrastructure behind more than 30 million users, operates over 170 large-scale digital projects, and enables more than 2 billion digital transactions annually across the government platforms it builds and runs. The company’s work has contributed to a national government digital service maturity index of 86 percent in 2025, among the highest globally.
The company’s capabilities span artificial intelligence, data analytics, smart cities, digital identity and financial technology, developed through three decades of partnership with the Saudi government across security, health, transport and finance. Elm has also extended the model regionally, with active engagements including compliance and inspection platforms in Oman, national archiving and ERP systems in Jordan, judicial digital transformation in Iraq, and finance sector modernisation in Syria.
Four Elm executives will speak across LEAP East’s flagship stages. Majed Al Otaibi, Chief Government Products Officer, opens on 8 July with a Main Stage fireside chat, “Ambition at Infrastructure Scale: How Saudi Turns Digital Vision into Operational Reality”, running 12:00-12:20pm. Other Elm leaders will address AI in software engineering, growth in emerging digital economies, and smart and sustainable city development across the DeepFest, Ecosystem Xchange and Orbital stages.
Elm’s investment and partnerships teams will participate in the event’s Tech Investor Program, engaging directly with technology companies, institutional investors and startups exploring collaboration or market entry into Saudi Arabia. The company has invested more than USD60 million across 20 companies and completed strategic acquisitions exceeding USD33 million across eight deals, a track record it says underpins its appetite for further partnerships across APAC.
Hashtag: #Elm
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
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9. Southeast Asia’s First AIGC Creation Ecosystem Platform – Omirol Launched, Partnering with China’s V Valley Industrial Chain to Build a New China–Malaysia AI Landscape
July 3, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 July 2026 – The 2026 Malaysia AI Innovation and Development Exchange Forum and the launch of Omirol, Southeast Asia’s first native AIGC creation ecosystem platform, were successfully held in Kuala Lumpur. The event was jointly organized by FSBM Holdings Berhad, a Bursa Malaysia-listed company, and MOCHI MEDIA SDN. BHD. Through keynote speeches, panel discussions, Omirol showcases and MOU signing ceremonies, the forum explored the current development, challenges and future trends of the AIGC industry in Southeast Asia, while providing a platform for regional exchange and cooperation.
From left: Dato’Dr. Hafiz Kahar, Executive Chairman and Group President of Olympia International Group; Ms. Li Chen, President of Hainan Airport Cross-Border Industry Development Co., Ltd.; Mr. Ian Neo Chee Hua, President of the Southeast Asia Research Center for Humanities(SEARCH); Mr. Cheong Chen Khan, Vice Chairman of FSBM Holdings Berhad; Puan Norsham binti Abdul Latip, Deputy Secretary-General (Technology Development), Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), Malaysia; Ms. Zhou Jing, Vice Chairman of the Chian Malanshan Global Expansion Alliance and Chairman of Fuhui Media Group; Ms. Joyin He Jiaying, Founder and CEO of Omirol AI & Mochi Media; Professor Dato’ Dr. Hashim Bin Salleh, President of the Kuala Lumpur International Chamber of Commerce; Professor Dr. Loke Chui Fong, Vice Chancellor of Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology (TAR UMT); and Mr. Jason Zhang Yaozhi, Chairman of the ASEAN Headquarters of the World Internet of Things Convention, pose for a group photo during the official launch ceremony of the 2026 Malaysia AI Innovation & Development Exchange Forum.
The event was officially supported by Malaysia’s Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI). Deputy Secretary-General (Technology Development) Puan Norsham binti Abdul Latip attended the event and delivered a keynote address, noting that Malaysia is actively supporting innovation in the local digital content industry. She stated that the launch of Omirol, as Southeast Asia’s first native AIGC creation ecosystem platform, demonstrates Malaysia’s leading position in technological innovation in the region. By integrating mature international industrial resources to support the rapid development of local enterprises, technologies and talent, Omirol is highly aligned with Malaysia’s strategic direction in advancing artificial intelligence, the digital economy and the cultural and creative industries, while also offering a new practical pathway for deepening China–Malaysia digital economy cooperation. The event brought together nearly 300 guests, including representatives from BytePlus Malaysia, Vision Tech Singapore, IBM Malaysia, TusStar Malaysia, Telekom Malaysia, Xiamen Airlines, xFusion Technologies Malaysia, Solution Group, China Mobile Malaysia and the Chinese Film Association of Malaysia, etc.
Strategic Partnerships to Build a Regional AIGC Ecosystem
One of the forum’s major highlights was the signing of strategic cooperation agreements between Omirol AI and six organizations, including the Southeast Asia Research Center for Humanities(SEARCH), TAR UMT (Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology), the animated feature film “Nanyang Volunteers”, ZIVO AI and Do Drama. The collaborations cover AI education, content marketing, production, distribution, and ecosystem development.
Among them, the strategic partnership with China’s V-Valley – Malanshan Video Cultural & Creative Industrial Park marked the most significant milestone. Ms. Zhou Jing, Vice Chairman of the Malanshan Global Expansion Alliance and Chairman of Fuhui Media Group, attended the forum in Kuala Lumpur to deliver a keynote speech and sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The agreement officially establishes a long-term strategic partnership between China’s national-level digital cultural industry cluster and Southeast Asia’s first native AIGC ecosystem platform. Both parties will collaborate across digital content creation, AI talent development, industrial resource sharing, and international cultural exchange to accelerate the coordinated development of the China–Malaysia digital creative industry.
Building an Open and Sustainable AI Ecosystem
During her keynote speech, Ms. Zhou Jing noted that Malanshan has rapidly evolved from a leading video content industrial park into one of China’s most important hubs for the integration of digital content and artificial intelligence. The recently established Malanshan Global Expansion Alliance brings together over 30 leading Chinese organizations, including Mango TV, Central South Publishing & Media Group, Hunan International Channel, CBG Tianze, AI technology companies, and international communication institutions, forming a comprehensive ecosystem covering content production, AI technologies, international distribution, and cross-border services. She emphasized that the future competition in AI will not simply be about who owns the most advanced technology, but about who can build an open, collaborative, and sustainable industry ecosystem. With a population exceeding 700 million and rich cultural diversity, Southeast Asia represents one of the world’s fastest-growing digital content markets and an important strategic destination for China’s cultural and creative industries.
Six Key Areas of Collaboration
According to the signed Memorandum of Understanding, Omirol AI and Malanshan will jointly promote practical cooperation across six major initiatives:
- China–Malaysia AIGC Joint Training Academy
Develop AI filmmaking and digital content creation programs with Malaysian universities such as TAR UMT by leveraging Malanshan’s educational resources and industry expertise. - Cross-border Licensed IP Resource Library
Establish a shared IP ecosystem covering film, animation, tourism, cultural heritage, and digital assets to support AI-generated short dramas, animation, and creative productions. - Technology Integration and AI Infrastructure
Connect leading Chinese AIGC technologies with the Omirol AI platform, enabling collaboration in computing power, AI models, and content generation technologies to improve production efficiency. - Global Content Distribution Network
Expand international distribution channels for original Omirol AI content while supporting the localization and commercialization of premium Chinese digital content across Southeast Asia. - China–Malaysia AI Short Drama Competition
Jointly organize an international AI short drama competition, accompanied by incubation programs and funding initiatives to cultivate globally competitive Southeast Asian IP. - Industry Collaboration & Investment Platform
Establish regular China–Malaysia AI industry matchmaking events to promote technology exchange, global AIGC OPC community, project collaboration, and cross-border investment between enterprises from both countries.
Omirol AI: Building Southeast Asia’s Native AIGC Creaation Ecosystem
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ms. Joyin He Jiaying, Founder and CEO of Omirol AI, said:
“Omirol is built to be the infrastructure of Southeast Asia. Our vision goes beyond providing AI tools—we aim to build an open ecosystem connecting creators, universities, enterprises, and industry resources, empowering Southeast Asia to become one of the world’s leading hubs for digital content innovation.” She added that Omirol AI has already integrated with China’s ‘LaiShu Processing’ pilot infrastructure in Shantou and is exploring collaboration with Inspur Information (Shantou) to significantly reduce token costs for Southeast Asian users.
Combined with the joint China–Malaysia technical team established together with FSBM and Malanshan’s mature AIGC industry resources, Omirol AI aims to deliver a fully localized, one-stop
AIGC ecosystem tailored to creators, businesses, and educational institutions across Southeast Asia.
A New Model for Cross-border AI Industry Collaboration
As the global AIGC industry shifts from competition in individual technologies to competition between complete ecosystems, integrated capabilities in AI platforms, content creation, IP commercialization, talent cultivation, and international distribution are becoming the key drivers of long-term competitiveness. Industry observers believe this partnership represents more than a business collaboration—it marks the first systematic integration of China’s mature digital content industry with Southeast Asia’s emerging AI innovation ecosystem. By combining technology, content, talent, and industrial collaboration, China and Malaysia are jointly pioneering a scalable model for international AIGC cooperation that could become a benchmark for the future development of Southeast Asia’s digital creative economy.
Event Video：https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CpLCytXn1/
Event Post: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19C1wQyTLL/
Hashtag: #Omirol
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
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10. Appointments – The Co-operative Bank elects new director and reports annual results at AGM
July 2, 2026
Source: The Co-operative Bank
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