PM Edition: Here are the top 10 business articles on LiveNews.co.nz for July 15, 2026 – Full Text
1. Capital market reforms to power economic growth
July 14, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government is seeking feedback on the next phase of its capital market reforms, aiming to lower the cost of raising money for Kiwi businesses and deliver stronger returns for everyday investors, says Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Cameron Brewer.
“Economic growth is this Government’s central priority, and deep, competitive and trusted capital markets are central to that ambition,” Mr Brewer says.
“It comes down to one thing: the cost of capital. When it costs too much for a Kiwi business to raise money, good ideas go unfunded and businesses that should be expanding stay stuck. Our job is to bring that cost down, to make raising money here easier and cheaper, and to make investing here more rewarding.
“When our capital markets work well, everyone benefits. Businesses can raise the money they need to take the next step, and the millions of Kiwis with KiwiSaver see it in stronger returns on their savings.
“This is the second phase of our reforms. Last year we made a series of common-sense changes to cut compliance costs, reduce red tape, and remove barriers to listing on the NZX. We made forward-looking financial information optional for NZX listings and have agreed to lift the mandatory climate reporting threshold to $1 billion in market capitalisation.
“Now we’re going further. We’ve released a discussion document seeking feedback on how to modernise the rules that govern our capital markets, so they keep pace with rapid innovation and cut the costs and barriers that hold businesses back. We want New Zealand to be globally competitive.
“That includes eight targeted proposals for change, all aimed at lowering the cost of capital and removing barriers to raising it, while keeping the investor protections that give people the confidence to put their money to work.”
The eight areas open for feedback are: product disclosure statements, director and issuer liability, Catalist market settings, Unlisted Securities Exchange audit requirements, crowdfunding and peer-to-peer lending limits, wholesale investor settings, auditor liability, and broker activity and visibility of offers.
“These are sensible, targeted changes and a great next step. We want to hear from businesses, fund managers, investors, financial advisers, and everyone with a stake in these markets about where the rules are getting in the way,” Mr Brewer says.
“Your ideas will help make sure our markets are dynamic and built to deliver the capital our businesses need to grow, from a start-up in a garage to a company competing on the world stage. I encourage anyone with an interest to have their say through MBIE’s website at https://www.mbie.govt.nz/have-your-say/consultation-on-capital-markets-reform.
“We’re fixing the basics and building the future, so the businesses and investors who drive a stronger economy have the markets they need to back themselves,” Mr Brewer says.
Notes to editor:
- A discussion document released today seeks feedback on both the overall direction of reform and eight specific areas where change could make a difference:
- Product disclosure statements
- Director and issuer liability
- Catalist market settings
- Unlisted Securities Exchange audit requirements
- Crowdfunding and peer-to-peer lending limits
- Wholesale investor settings
- Auditor liability
- Broker activity and visibility of offers
- The consultation opens today and runs for six weeks, closing on Tuesday 25 August 2026. To read the discussion document and have your say, visit the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s website: https://www.mbie.govt.nz/have-your-say/consultation-on-capital-markets-reform.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/14/capital-market-reforms-to-power-economic-growth/
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2. AI Account Named Best AI-Driven Accounting Software Platform in South East Asia at the 2026 FinTech Awards
July 14, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
Wealth & Finance International recognised AI Account for helping SMEs and accounting firms automate everyday finance tasks, enabling them to focus on business growth.
In conjunction with the award, AI Account has also been featured in the latest edition of Wealth & Finance International magazine, where the publication highlights the company’s vision, product innovation, and growing impact across Southeast Asia’s accounting technology landscape.
What Does the Recognition Reflect
The Wealth & Finance International FinTech Awards recognise financial technology companies across global markets for product innovation, client impact, and operational excellence. The Best AI-Driven Accounting Software Platform, South East Asia title is awarded to platforms that demonstrate a measurable step forward in how financial management technology serves businesses in the region.
The accompanying editorial feature, published in Wealth & Finance International’s magazine, spotlights how AI Account serves SMEs, accounting firms, and corporate service providers managing multiple clients or entities and needing structured, audit-ready financial data with scalable access. It highlights the platform’s approach to combining automation with robust system controls, and the team’s commitment to evolving the product to meet emerging compliance requirements.
What Sets AI Account Apart
The platform was built around a single principle: the day-to-day work of financial management- invoicing, reconciliations, reporting, compliance submissions should be handled by the system, not the business owner.
Think of a human accountant buried under stacks of invoices, chasing reconciliations, manually pulling reports, and racing against compliance deadlines. That is the reality for most businesses today, and it is exactly the problem AI Account was built to solve.
An “AI accountant” is layered throughout the platform, applying intelligent accounting logic and automation across invoicing, reconciliations, reporting, and compliance workflows. The result is a modern, all-in-one accounting system that reduces manual effort while maintaining the controls that businesses and their advisors rely on.
“This recognition means a great deal to us, not because of the title itself, but because of what it represents. We built AI Account around one belief: that accounting should work for businesses, not the other way around. Every automation we ship, every workflow we simplify, is measured against one outcome, our clients spending less time on finance admin and more time running their business. Being recognised for that focus, across the whole of South East Asia, tells us we are building something that genuinely matters.”
—Tommy Teo, Co-Founder of AI Account Pte. Ltd.
Hashtag: #AIAccount
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. Paymentology and T2P partner to accelerate the future of card issuing in Thailand
July 14, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 July 2026 – Paymentology, the leading global issuer processor, today announced a strategic partnership with Thailand-based fintech and payment technology provider T2P to expand access to modern card issuing capabilities and accelerate digital payment innovation across Thailand.
Through the partnership, T2P will leverage Paymentology’s next-generation issuer processing platform to deliver scalable, secure and flexible card programmes for fintechs, financial institutions, corporates and enterprises looking to launch innovative payment solutions.
The collaboration strengthens T2P’s growing payments ecosystem, enabling businesses to bring new prepaid, corporate and digital wallet-linked card programmes to market more quickly while benefiting from Paymentology’s real-time processing capabilities, global expertise and highly configurable platform.
Thailand has become one of Southeast Asia’s fastest-growing digital payments markets. According to the Bank of Thailand, online payments increased by 13.5% year-on-year in 2025, reflecting growing adoption of digital wallets, QR payments, embedded finance and cashless payment experiences. As businesses look to capitalise on this shift, they increasingly need trusted technology partners that can reduce complexity and accelerate innovation.
By combining Paymentology’s cloud-native issuer processing platform with T2P’s local market expertise, the partnership will help organisations develop payment solutions that meet evolving consumer and business expectations while supporting Thailand’s continued digital transformation.
Minh Ha Truong, Head of Growth APAC at Paymentology, said:“Thailand is one of the most exciting payments markets in Asia. As demand grows for embedded financial services and innovative card programmes, organisations need technology that allows them to launch quickly while remaining flexible enough to evolve with customer expectations.We’re delighted to partner with T2P as they continue expanding their payment capabilities.“
The partnership will initially support a broad range of use cases including:
- Prepaid card programmes
- Corporate and commercial payments
- Employee spend management
- Digital wallet-linked cards
- Embedded finance solutions
- Cross-border payment programmes supporting Thailand’s thriving tourism sector
TaweechaiPureethip, Chief Executive Officer at T2P, said: “Our partnership with Paymentology is an important step in strengthening T2P’s card and payment technology capabilities. Paymentology’s modern issuer processing platform, real-time processing capabilities, flexibility and experience across markets give us confidence as we continue to develop reliable and scalable payment solutions for businesses in Thailand. Together, we aim to make it easier for organisations to bring practical, secure and flexible card-based payment programmes to market.”
As payment services become increasingly embedded into everyday consumer journeys and business operations, the partnership positions both organisations to support the next generation of payment innovation while expanding access to more secure, reliable and practical payment tools for businesses and consumers across Thailand.
https://www.paymentology.com/en/
Hashtag: #Paymentology #T2P
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
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4. DITP Launches THAI SELECT Festival 2026 in New York to Strengthen U.S. Market Opportunities for Thailand’s Food Industry
July 15, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
NEW YORK, USA – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 July 2026 – Thailand’s Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), under the Ministry of Commerce, will present the THAI SELECT Festival 2026 on 21 July 2026 at Vanderbilt Hall, Grand Central Terminal, New York City. The festival is designed to strengthen the presence of authentic Thai cuisine in the United States, expand international recognition of the THAI SELECT certification, and create new commercial opportunities for Thai restaurants, food producers, and exporters.
As one of Thailand’s largest export markets for food products, the United States plays a strategic role in supporting the continued growth of Thailand’s food industry. Through the THAI SELECT Festival 2026, DITP aims to connect American consumers with authentic Thai cuisine while reinforcing the competitiveness of Thai restaurants and promoting greater demand for premium Thai ingredients and food products.
The Ministry of Commerce is deeply honoured that Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi has graciously accepted the invitation to preside over the festival’s opening ceremony. Her participation underscores Thailand’s continued commitment to promoting authentic Thai cuisine and the THAI SELECT certification on the international stage.
Held under the theme “Thai SELECT Playground – Play with Thai Flavors,” the festival offers an immersive culinary experience where visitors can explore Thailand’s rich food culture through authentic flavours, regional specialties, cooking demonstrations, cultural showcases, and interactive activities. Inspired by the concept of a playground, the event encourages guests to discover the diversity, creativity, and craftsmanship that define Thai cuisine.
A major highlight of the festival will be signature dishes prepared by 15 THAI SELECT-certified restaurants from across New York, showcasing both traditional favourites and contemporary interpretations of authentic Thai cuisine. Visitors will also have opportunities to engage with Thai culinary traditions through hands-on cultural experiences and interactive exhibitions celebrating Thailand’s culinary heritage.
Internationally acclaimed Thai actors Mile Phakphum Romsaithong and Apo Nattawin Wattanagitiphat will make special appearances throughout the festival, participating in exclusive fan activities while helping introduce authentic Thai cuisine to broader international audiences. Their participation reflects Thailand’s integrated approach to promoting culture, entertainment, and gastronomy as complementary drivers of the country’s global soft power and creative economy.
The festival forms part of DITP’s broader strategy to strengthen the international competitiveness of Thailand’s food industry by increasing global awareness of the THAI SELECT certification, encouraging wider adoption of Thai ingredients by restaurants overseas, and creating new opportunities for Thai food exporters. By strengthening the international profile of authentic Thai cuisine, DITP continues to support sustainable growth across Thailand’s food value chain while reinforcing the country’s long-standing position as one of the world’s leading culinary destinations.
THAI SELECT is Thailand’s official certification mark awarded by the Ministry of Commerce to restaurants and food products that meet recognized standards of authentic Thai taste, quality, and culinary excellence. The certification serves as a trusted guide for consumers worldwide seeking genuine Thai dining experiences while supporting Thai businesses in international markets.
As Thailand continues to expand the global presence of its food industry, THAI SELECT Festival 2026 demonstrates how culinary diplomacy can generate tangible economic value by strengthening international consumer confidence, supporting Thai entrepreneurs overseas, and creating new opportunities for trade, investment, tourism, and long-term business partnerships between Thailand and the United States.
Hashtag: #DITP
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
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5. Central & Western District Youth-to-Career Expo Connects Hong Kong Youth to Future Careers in AI Era
July 14, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
Two-day flagship youth to career exploration event unites 30+ corporates and organisations for youth empowerment, officiated by Alice Mak, SBS, JP, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs
Alice Mak, SBS, JP, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs; Jennifer Yu Cheng, JP, Founder of FutureGen Youth Foundation and Secy Cheung, Founding Board Director of FutureGen Youth Foundation, alongside students, Strive and Rise Program participants and youth
Hosted at co-organiser and seed school St. Stephen’s Girls’ College, and the Sai Ying Pun Community Complex, the event was officiated by Alice Mak, SBS, JP, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, with a rich lineup of keynote sharing sessions on career insights, future trends and opportunities; AI and future skills workshops; youth dialogue sessions; and career exploration company booths.
Building A Future Talent Pipeline Through Early Industry and AI Exposure
Successfully equipping youth with direct access to leading industry representatives and companies, the signature youth event supported students across the Central and Western District in navigating their career and life planning journeys while strengthening Hong Kong’s future talent pipeline across diverse industries. Bringing together education institutions, corporations, government departments, professional organisations, NGOs and community partners, and spanning across more than 20 industries, the event bridged the gap between education and the rapidly evolving world of work, connecting young people with real-world industry insights and equipping them with the access, opportunities, and resources they need to explore future pathways and prepare for tomorrow’s workforce.
The IGNITE18 event series was pioneered by the FutureGen Youth Foundation, which aims to establish a citywide collective impact ecosystem connecting schools, industry, universities, and parents to support students navigating career and life planning. The initiative seeks to provide exposure to diverse industries, future career pathways, and hands-on future skills and AI experiences, while offering valuable workforce market insights and professional development opportunities for teachers and careers masters. By engaging parents in understanding AI and future-ready skills, the program actively strengthens Hong Kong’s future talent pipeline across diverse sectors. The Foundation plans to expand IGNITE18 across all 18 districts in Hong Kong in the next two years.
“In a world where AI, business transformation, and entirely new fields are reshaping career pathways, there is an urgency to create greater access earlier – from secondary age – to better equip and support youth on their career development journey,” said Jennifer Yu Cheng, JP, Founder of FutureGen Youth Foundation.
“At our Foundation, we have created a platform connecting over 140 Supporting Organisations with representation from education institutions, corporations, public institutes, NGOs, entrepreneurs and innovators to support youth career exploration and development in Hong Kong. Through IGNITE18, we aim to open doors earlier and inspire students to explore diverse career opportunities to be better equipped for tomorrow’s world – with the ultimate hope of building a stronger and more diverse talent pipeline for Hong Kong’s future.”
Uniting Corporate and Education Leaders in a Collective Impact Ecosystem
The Central & Western District Youth-to-Career Explo brought together an extensive network of participating and supporting organisations across corporate, tech, education, and public service sectors, including:
Strategic Partner: Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited
Fully Supported By: McDonald’s Hong Kong
Supporting Organisations: DALLOYAU; Deloitte Foundation; DETERMINANT; Hong Kong Hereditary Breast Cancer Family Registry; Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management; Police Community Relations Office, Central District,Hong Kong Police Force; Hong Kong Qualifications Framework; HSBC; JEMS Character Academy; L’Oréal Hong Kong; Microsoft Hong Kong; MTR Corporation Limited; Ocean Park Corporation; Pet Space Group Limited; PRISTER Corporation Limited; Project Management Institute; Story Jungle Education; Tencent Wetech Academy; XPENG Hong Kong; XPENG Hong Kong ARIDGE; Y.L.Yang Foundation; iREd Solutions Limited; Plus One Dimension Interactive Company Limited
Education Partners: Center for Global & Community Engagement (GCE), School of Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; The University of Hong Kong; Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong; Faculty of Science, The University of Hong Kong; Hong Kong Association of Careers Masters and Guidance Masters; Hong Kong Association of the Heads of Secondary Schools; Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (Chai Wan), Higher Diploma in Food Technology and Safety; Lingnan University Department of Digital Art and Creative Industries; Pre-incubation Centre, The Chinese University of Hong Kong; School of Business, The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong; The Council of Central & Western District School Heads; The Education University of Hong Kong; The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups
Supporting Statutory Body: The Authority of Qianhai SZ-HK Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone of Shenzhen
The event also featured prominent leaders and experts sharing insights across business, finance, education, technology, innovation, and the public sector:
- Lawrence Hung – Immediate Past President and Executive Council Member, Hong Kong Institute of Human Resource Management
- Gary Wong Chi-him, MH, JP – Chief Hong Kong and Macao Liaison Expert, Authority of Qianhai SZ-HK Modern Service Industry Cooperation Zone of Shenzhen
- Professor Ava Kwong – Chairman, Hong Kong Hereditary Breast Cancer FamilyRegistry; Clinical Professor, Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, The University of Hong Kong
- Professor Lee Man Hoi – Professor, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, The University of Hong Kong
- Serena Tang – Career Development and Training Director, HKU Business School
“We are deeply grateful to our seed schools, education partners, and Supporting Organisations for transforming the Foundation’s vision into action and for joining us in empowering young people,” said Secy Cheung, Founding Board Director of FutureGen Youth Foundation.
“Through our work with students, we have seen how powerful it can be when young people hear directly from industry leaders, professionals, and innovators. Often, a single conversation, sharing unexpected angles, can spark new aspirations and help students see pathways they had never previously imagined. IGNITE18 is about planting those seeds of possibility – inspiring young people to explore, discover, and take their first steps towards shaping their own futures.”
The signature event showcased the boundless possibilities of a strong ecosystem connecting schools, industry, universities, and families in supporting Hong Kong’s future leaders and talents. The IGNITE18 Central & Western District Youth-to-Career Explo generated strong community momentum that will continue to support students in understanding the future world of work, discovering their own pathways, and stepping into the future with confidence.
Hashtag: #FutureGenYouthFoundation
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
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6. Langler Air Reports Winter Shift to Ducted Reverse Cycle in Perth
July 15, 2026
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-NZ-AU)
Perth, Western Australia, July 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Perth, Western Australia – July 14, 2026 –
Perth installer Langler Air says households are switching to ducted reverse cycle systems this winter, with state electricity tariffs reset in July and reverse cycle heating among the cheapest options.
Winter heating enquiries across Perth have shifted sharply towards ducted systems since the state’s electricity tariff reset on 1 July, according to Langler Air, an air conditioning installation company based in Balcatta. The standard Synergy home tariff now sits at 32.37 cents per kilowatt hour under pricing confirmed by the Western Australian Government, and heating typically drives the winter peak in household power bills. Interest in the ducted reverse cycle air conditioning Perth households increasingly favour has lifted through autumn and early winter, with many replacing ageing gas heaters and portable electric units before the coldest weeks arrive.
The economics explain the shift. A reverse cycle air conditioner moves heat from the outside air into a home rather than generating it, producing several units of heating for each unit of electricity used. The Australian Government’s YourHome guidance lists reverse cycle systems among the cheapest ways to heat a home. Perth’s mild winters help, since outdoor temperatures rarely fall low enough to push the systems out of their efficient operating range. For a household running resistive electric heaters through July and August, the difference shows up directly on the power bill.
More information is available at https://langlerair.com.au/.
Ducted systems are drawing particular attention. A ducted system heats or cools an entire home through ceiling vents connected to a single central unit, while a split system serves one room at a time. Langler Air installs both, and has published an information guide covering air conditioning installation Perth residents can consult when comparing system types, sizing, and quotes. The company said winter remains the quietest period for installers, which shortens waiting times compared with the summer rush.
Langler Air has operated in the Perth market for more than 30 years and works as a supply-and-install specialist rather than a service business. Mitsubishi Electric recognises the firm as a Diamond Dealer, and it also installs systems from Daikin and Rinnai. Every job starts with an on-site consultation, with the company assessing the space before recommending a system rather than quoting from floor plans alone. Old units are removed and recycled when new systems go in, and the business does not run a maintenance arm, which keeps its calendar clear for installation work.
“The conversation has changed in the past two winters. People used to ask what it costs to install. Now they ask what it costs to run,” said a spokesperson for Langler Air. The spokesperson added that most callers are surprised a reverse cycle system can heat a home for less than the gas or plug-in heaters they already own. “Winter is the practical time to do it. The install calendar is quieter, and the running cost difference shows up from the first cold week.”
The pattern in Perth mirrors a wider national move towards efficient electric heating, with several state programs on the east coast already subsidising reverse cycle upgrades as households look to manage energy costs. Western Australian homeowners are making the same calculation on running costs alone. For older housing stock across the metropolitan area, the deciding factor is often ceiling space and duct design, which is assessed during the initial site visit.
About Langler Air
Langler Air is a Perth air conditioning installation and supply company based at Shop 2, 3 Cressall Road, Balcatta WA, providing ducted, split system, and reverse cycle installations across the Perth metropolitan area.
###
For more information about Langler Air, contact the company here:
Langler Air
Langler Air
08 6404 3888
info@langlerair.com.au
Shop 2, 3 Cressall Road, Balcatta WA, Australia
– Published by The MIL Network
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7. HKSTP Park Company Wins 2nd Runner-Up in Rocket Fuel East Startup Competition
July 14, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
Largest Ecosystem Lineup at LEAP East 2026 Achieves Over 1,500 Business Matching Sessions
- MEINONG ROBOT, a company within HKSTP ecosystem, stood out among more than 500 competing startups to win the 2nd Runner-Up in the Rocket Fuel East Startup Competition, securing a US$10,000 equity-free award; another park company, GenEditBio, also advanced to the Top 6 finalists.
- HKSTP joined hands with more than 30 park companies to take the global stage of LEAP East as the event’s exclusive Tech Ecosystem Partner, facilitating over 1,500 business discussions and meetings.
- Under the theme “Gateway to the NEXT”, the HKSTP Pavilion featured innovations from 23 park companies, attracting more than 3,000 visits.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 July 2026 – MEINONG ROBOT, a company from the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) ecosystem, won the 2nd Runner-Up in the Rocket Fuel East Startup Competition at LEAP East 2026, secured a US$10,000 equity-free award and gained exposure to global investors to accelerate its business expansion. Another park company, GenEditBio, also outperformed more than 500 competing startups and made it to the Top 6 Finalists.
HKSTP presented a strong innovation line up at LEAP East 2026, with over 30 park companies showcasing innovations across Life and Health Tech, GreenTech & Sustainability, Smart Cities & Urban Tech, and AI, Data & Robotics. (Pictured: Cordelia Chung, Chairman of HKSTP (front row, 8th from left); Terry Wong, CEO of HKSTP (front row, 7th from left); Eric Or, Chief Ecosystem Development Officer (5th from left); Hilda Chan, Chief Marketing Officer of HKSTP (front row, 6th from left); Filla Mak, Chief Property and Asset Officer (front row, 9th from left).)
Making its debut in the Asia-Pacific region, LEAP East chose Hong Kong as its host city, bringing together technology leaders, investors, policymakers and tech ventures. As the event’s exclusive Tech Ecosystem Partner, HKSTP participated alongside more than 30 park companies, facilitating over 1,500 business discussions and meetings from 8 to 10 July.
Under the theme “Gateway to the NEXT”, the HKSTP Pavilion featured innovations from 23 park companies across four key sectors: Life and Health Tech, GreenTech & Sustainability, Smart Cities & Urban Tech, and AI, Data & Robotics, attracting more than 3,000 visits.
Terry Wong, CEO of HKSTP, said: “LEAP East’s decision to land its first overseas edition in Hong Kong delivers three important messages to the I&T community. First, Hong Kong has become tech companies’ gateway into the global markets, which reflects the development and achievements of Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem over the years and demonstrates the city’s unique ability to connect Middle Eastern capital, Asia-Pacific markets and supply chains in the Chinese Mainland, positioning Hong Kong as a true I&T hub. Second, the Middle East and other emerging markets represent the next strategic destination for tech companies. Driven by numerous application scenarios in smart cities, green energy and AI infrastructure, together with the ambitious transformation agenda under Saudi Vision 2030, these markets offer unprecedented growth opportunities for Hong Kong tech companies. Third, Hong Kong’s I&T community is demonstrating a growing global impact. From HKSTP executives and park companies contributing to international forums and thought leadership discussions, to HKSTP serving as the exclusive Tech Ecosystem Partner, and two park companies reaching the Top 6 of the Rocket Fuel East Startup Competition, with one securing the 2nd Runner-Up, all of these achievements underscore Hong Kong’s increasingly prominent position on the global I&T stage.”
In addition, Terry Wong, CEO, Eric Or, Chief Ecosystem Development Officer, Filla Mak, Chief Property and Asset Officer, and Dr Charleston Sin, Head of AI & Data, took part in keynote sessions and panel discussions throughout the event. They shared strategic insights on HKSTP’s I&T ecosystem, biotech, smart cities, and AI, fostering international dialogue, inspiring new breakthroughs and collaborations, and further strengthening HKSTP’s influence within the global I&T ecosystem.
To strengthen connections between park companies and the international innovation community, HKSTP co-organised “Build East: Agentic AI Demo Day and Tour” with Minds by Animoca Brands one day before LEAP East 2026, inviting global investors and startups to gain first-hand insights into Hong Kong’s largest I&T ecosystem and explore cross-border collaboration and investment opportunities.
Hashtag: #HKSTP
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
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8. Finance – Farm mortgages drop on strong returns – Federated Farmers
July 14, 2026
Source: Federated Farmers
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9. HKUST and Indonesia’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology Deepen Partnership with Garuda Scholarship Framework to Nurture Top-Tier Talent
July 14, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 July 2026 – The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to reinforce the implementation of an Indonesian government-funded scholarship framework aimed at cultivating top-tier future talent. A cornerstone of this collaboration is the integration of Indonesia’s newly launched Garuda Scholarship to support more outstanding students pursuing undergraduate studies at HKUST. Building on the cooperation agreement established in May 2024, the new MoU solidifies the formal scholarship framework while paving the way for both parties to explore further synergistic opportunities in student internships, academic exchanges, and joint research initiatives to drive innovation in higher education.
The agreement was recently signed by Prof. Badri Munir SUKOCO, Acting Secretary General of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia, and Dr. Alison LLOYD, Associate Provost (Academic Strategy and Data Analytics) of HKUST. With the implementation of this agreement, HKUST is set to welcome its fifth batch of government-sponsored undergraduate students from Indonesia in the upcoming academic year starting this September.
Beyond providing scholarship support for undergraduate students, HKUST and the Indonesian authorities actively discussed broadening the scope of their future collaboration during their recent meeting. Both parties are keen to explore potential avenues for joint research initiatives, academic knowledge exchange, student and faculty mobility programs, and the introduction of credit-bearing internships. These efforts aim to widen students’ global perspectives, equip them with practical work experience, and better prepare them for future career success.
Dr. Alison LLOYD, Associate Provost (Academic Strategy and Data Analytics) of HKUST, said, “HKUST is the first higher education institution in Hong Kong to partner with the Indonesian Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology in nurturing outstanding Indonesian undergraduates. We are deeply honored by the Indonesian government’s enduring trust and support for HKUST’s academic excellence. Indonesian students are an integral part of our international community, enriching our campus through their talent, perspectives, and consistent excellence across various academic disciplines. The signing of this new agreement marks a significant milestone in our partnership. Moving forward, HKUST will fully leverage its strengths in education, pioneering research, and knowledge transfer to advance shared objectives with Indonesia in areas such as digital transformation, green energy, and business innovation. Together, we aspire to cultivate future leaders—equipped with a global outlook, innovative mindset, and a strong sense of social responsibility—to inject new momentum into the sustainable development of Indonesia, the ASEAN region, and the world.”
Prof. Ardi FINDYARTINI, Director of Transformative Learning Strategies and System at the Directorate General of Science and Technology, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia, said, “This partnership marks a significant milestone in our commitment to developing Indonesia’s future leaders through the Garuda Scholarship initiative. By embedding our talented undergraduate students within world-class academic and research ecosystem, we are not only expanding their global perspectives but also equipping them with essential future competencies. We highly value HKUST’s enduring trust and collaboration, and we are confident that this synergy will greatly contribute to Garuda ecosystem.
Currently, Indonesian students constitute HKUST’s second-largest international undergraduate student population. Building on this strong partnership, HKUST now hosts the largest number of Indonesian government-sponsored undergraduate students among all tertiary institutions in Hong Kong. These students are rigorously selected from leading secondary schools across Indonesia and represent the country’s most promising young talent.
This agreement will further leverage HKUST’s world-class teaching and research capabilities to cultivate outstanding talent aligned with Indonesia’s national development priorities. Currently, most sponsored Indonesian students are enrolled in programs spanning Engineering, Business and Management, Science, and Biotechnology. Moving forward, both sides plan to explore opportunities to expand their cooperation in frontier research collaboration and high-impact educational and talent-development initiatives, injecting fresh momentum into the socio-economic development of both Hong Kong and Indonesia.
Hashtag: #HKUST
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. KPMG and NLB launch Read to Lead to build reading as a national workforce capability
July 14, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
- Read to Lead: Building an AI-Ready Mind promotes reading in the workplace and equips PMETs and business leaders with professional discernment skills for an era when not all information can be taken at face value
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 July 2026 – A recent dipstick poll of 1,150 professionals, managers, executives and technicians (PMETs) conducted by KPMG in Singapore and the National Library Board (NLB) found that only 4 in 10 respondents expressed confidence in their ability to tell accurate content apart from AI-generated misinformation.
Yet less than half of respondents said they would check the original source of a statistic before forming an opinion, even if they are reading an AI-generated summary in search engines. KPMG and NLB conducted the poll from June to July 2026 to ascertain whether Singapore professionals critically evaluate information in an environment where AI-generated outputs are increasingly ubiquitous. The poll revealed a gap between the demands of the AI era and the habits and skills professionals have built thus far.
Against this landscape, KPMG in Singapore and NLB launched Read to Lead: Building an AI-Ready Mind today. This is a year-long initiative to bring reading into the workplace. Officiated by Ms Rahayu Mahzam, Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information, the programme marks the start of a concerted push to embed focused reading as a core professional capability across Singapore’s workforce, build discernment and critical thinking, and empower companies to accelerate knowledge-building across their workforce.
As generative and agentic AI transform how individuals and organisations access information, the ability to critically evaluate the credibility of content will be increasingly important. It is imperative that professionals engage in sustained and focused reading to build this skill.
Melissa Tam, Chief Executive Officer, NLB, said,”Reading has always been at the heart of what NLB does. The launch of Read to Lead reflects our belief that focused reading strengthens our capability for critical thinking. By reading consistently and reading widely, we learn to ask better questions and are likely to be more discerning consumers of AI generated outputs. Our partnership with KPMG brings this conviction into the workplace and we hope this will be the first of many. NLB looks forward to collaborating with more organisations across Singapore to build a culture of reading, and through this, equip Singapore’s professionals with the skills they need to contribute meaningfully to their organisations.”
Lee Sze Yeng, Managing Partner, KPMG, said: “Singapore’s professionals are highly capable and deeply knowledgeable in their fields — but in today’s environment, reading fast and reading within one’s domain is no longer sufficient. Professionals who read widely across disciplines will be significantly better at evaluating information, including AI-generated content, even within their own field. The ability to read laterally, connect ideas across domains, and question what AI surfaces with genuine discernment is fast becoming the capability that sets leaders apart. Read to Lead is our commitment to building that at scale.”
Read to Lead Programme is expected to benefit more than 2,000 PMETs and business leaders through expert-led talks, interactive activities and resources aimed at building discernment as a professional discipline.
Phase 1 — Knowledge Week: 14–16 July 2026
The programme launches with Knowledge Week, running from 14 to 16 July at Asia Square, the KPMG Clubhouse and the National Library Building. Activities are designed to help PMETs and businesses exercise sound judgement while evaluating information sources, broaden their perspectives beyond their professional domains, and engage with content meaningfully rather than at surface level.
Knowledge Week features a digital library, an interactive quiz, and panel discussions on three themes: critical reading as a professional discipline; navigating misinformation and AI risks; and how knowledge-building reinforces business resilience.
Phase 2 — Building AI-Ready Capabilities
Following Knowledge Week, KPMG and NLB will co-develop a practical toolkit to advance PMETs’ and businesses’ knowledge of AI technologies and strategies to counter misinformation and cyber risks. Expert-led talks on AI literacy and trusted AI practices will be held across NLB libraries, enabling individuals and businesses to engage with information both critically and responsibly.
Phase 3 — Journey Paper (2027)
In 2027, KPMG and NLB will jointly publish a journey paper anchored in insights gathered across the year-long programme and supported by KPMG’s global research. The publication is intended to sustain a national conversation on critical reading beyond the programme.
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– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
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