PM Edition: Here are the top 10 business articles on LiveNews.co.nz for July 22, 2026 – Full Text
1. Singapore Launches Anchor Professional Services Centre to Help Businesses Expand Across Asia
July 21, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 July 2026 – A Singapore company looking to expand into Vietnam may need a lawyer, accountant, tax adviser, HR consultant and local business connections. Today, businesses often have to find these services one by one, in each market they enter.
A new regional network aims to change that.
The Professional Services (PS) Centre Singapore, officially launched today by Ms Indranee Rajah, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Second Minister for Finance and National Development, is the latest addition to a growing network of Professional Services Centres that connects businesses with trusted professional expertise across Asia.
Located at Level 2 of ISCA House, the Singapore PS Centre will serve as the anchor hub of the regional network, linking businesses to PS Centres in Hongqiao (Shanghai), Ho Chi Minh City and Nanjing, with Jakarta expected to join later this year. Future centres are also planned in Bangkok, Johor Bahru and Shenzhen.
Rather than building another office, the PS Centre is building something different, a trusted regional network where businesses can access local knowledge, professional expertise and business connections through one coordinated platform.
The initiative is led by the PS Centre Alliance, comprising the Association of Small & Medium Enterprises, Institute of Valuers & Appraisers, Singapore Business Federation, Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Singapore Manufacturing Federation, Tax Academy of Singapore, The Law Society of Singapore and the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA).
Helping businesses solve real problems
As businesses expand across borders, the challenges they face have become more complex. They are no longer limited to setting up an office or understanding local regulations. Companies today are responding to geopolitical shifts, changing trade policies, supply chain realignment, AI disruption, cyber risks and growing sustainability expectations, while trying to build trusted relationships in unfamiliar markets. No single profession can solve these challenges alone.
The PS Centre brings together professionals from different disciplines, including legal, accounting, tax, corporate secretarial, HR, valuation, sustainability and business consulting, so businesses can access coordinated support instead of approaching each profession separately.
Beyond professional advice, businesses can tap on local business associations, government agencies, chambers of commerce and ecosystem partners connected through the PS Centre network.
More than a networking platform
The Singapore PS Centre will also introduce the Business Growth Clinic, a new initiative where business owners can bring real business challenges to a multidisciplinary panel of professionals.
Whether the challenge is expanding overseas, adopting AI, raising capital, restructuring a business or planning succession, businesses will receive practical guidance and be connected with the right professionals to help move their plans forward.
Early results from the network
Although the network is still in its early stages, businesses are already seeing results. Through the Shanghai PS Centre, Singapore based accounting firm Unity Assurance secured new business opportunities in China and subsequently established a joint venture with a local partner.
The Nanjing PS Centre supported firms such as Morningstar and Fiducia LLP with local business introductions, office setup and talent connections as they expanded into China. In Vietnam, the Ho Chi Minh City PS Centre has supported Singapore businesses such as Koda Ltd and JDI Ventures in navigating different aspects of regional expansion, such as guidance on pressing cross-border matters and local business introductions to support market entry. The Centre has also connected Vietnamese technology companies such as Techvify and Vinova with relevant networks and market insights to support their entry into Singapore.
These examples demonstrate how trusted local networks can shorten the time needed for businesses to enter new markets while reducing uncertainty.
Strengthening Singapore’s position as a trusted business hub
The Singapore PS Centre complements Singapore’s position as a global business and financial hub by extending trusted professional services into key markets across Asia.
As more centres are established, businesses will be able to tap on one connected network instead of building relationships from scratch in every country.
For Singapore professional services firms, it also creates new opportunities to support clients expanding overseas and to build partnerships with firms across the region.
Mr Lee Boon Teck, President, ISCA, said: “Business is becoming increasingly regional, but professional services are still largely organised country by country. Companies expanding overseas often spend months trying to identify trusted advisers and build local networks. The PS Centre network changes that. We are bringing together trusted professional firms, business associations and local partners across Asia, making it easier for businesses to expand with confidence. Our vision is simple. Wherever a business chooses to grow in Asia, there should be a Professional Services Centre ready to support that journey.”
Ms Junie Fo, Vice President & Head, Professional Services, Singapore Economic Development Board, said “Professional services firms play a critical role in helping Singapore-based enterprises navigate the rapidly evolving global business environment. The Singapore PS Centre will provide access to different professional services to support enterprises’ regional growth needs. EDB looks forward to working with members of the PS Centre Alliance to advance the Professional Services ecosystem.”
About the Professional Services Centre
The Professional Services Centre is a collaborative initiative by the PS Centre Alliance to support businesses expanding across borders through trusted professional expertise, local business networks and market access. The network currently spans Singapore, Hongqiao (Shanghai), Ho Chi Minh City and Nanjing, with further expansion planned across Asia and the Middle East.
Hashtag: #ISCA #CharteredAccountants #ProfessionalServices #ProfessionalServicesCentre #DifferenceMakers #Accounting #Accountancy
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. Junfa–New Luosiwan and SF International Form Strategic Partnership to Strengthen Yunnan’s Role as China’s Gateway to South and Southeast Asia
July 21, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
Actively Integrating into China’s Dual Circulation Development Strategy:Junfa–New Luosiwan and SF International Form Strategic Partnership to Strengthen Yunnan’s Role as China’s Gateway to South and Southeast Asia
The signing ceremony, themed “Integrated Trade and Logistics, Connecting the World,” was held at the Conference Hall on the second floor of the Central Lake Building of New Luosiwan Commercial Group.
Officials from the Yunnan Provincial Department of Commerce, the Yunnan Provincial Postal Administration, the Kunming Municipal Bureau of Commerce, the Kunming Port and Logistics Office, the Guandu District People’s Government, and other relevant government agencies attended the event. Also present were Mao Zhenwei, Head of the International Business Group of SF Express Group; Li Jun, Founder of Junfa Group; Li Zhenting, Executive Vice President of Junfa Group; as well as representatives of the New Luosiwan Chamber of Commerce and members of the media, who witnessed the signing of the strategic cooperation agreement.
Through the partnership, the two companies will leverage their respective strengths in commercial resources, logistics networks, supply chain services, and digital capabilities to jointly build an integrated trade and logistics service platform. The platform will support merchants in expanding into international markets while extending services to local communities, creating a new commercial ecosystem that integrates domestic and international trade.
Building an Integrated Service Platform to Empower Global Business Expansion
At the ceremony, Shi Fei, Deputy District Governor and Member of the Leading Party Members Group of the Guandu District People’s Government, highlighted the significance of the partnership, describing it as an important example of collaboration between a major commercial marketplace and a global logistics leader. He noted that the cooperation will contribute to the high-quality development of Guandu District’s commercial sector.
Shi said the Guandu District Government will continue providing proactive support and efficient public services to facilitate platform development, industrial growth, market operations, and enterprise development.
Mao Zhenwei, Head of the International Business Group of SF Express Group, said that SF International will leverage its global logistics infrastructure, including 69 international air routes, customs clearance resources across 94 international gateways, freight forwarding and supply chain services covering 95 countries and regions, and an overseas warehouse network totaling 2.55 million square meters, to provide Junfa–New Luosiwan merchants with integrated supply chain solutions.
These services will cover domestic pickup, international transportation, customs clearance, overseas warehousing, and international delivery, helping merchants reduce logistics costs, improve cross-border circulation efficiency, and accelerate global market expansion.
Li Zhenting, Executive Vice President of Junfa Group, said that Yunnan is continuously advancing its role as China’s gateway to South and Southeast Asia, while the China–Laos Railway continues to strengthen regional connectivity and trade cooperation.
As Junfa–New Luosiwan accelerates its transformation from a traditional commercial marketplace into a comprehensive trade service platform, the partnership with SF International will further enhance its cross-border service capabilities and provide merchants with more efficient and convenient one-stop solutions for expanding into international markets.
Developing a Comprehensive Platform Through a Phased Strategy
Witnessed by government officials, business representatives, and industry partners, Junfa–New Luosiwan and SF International officially signed their strategic cooperation agreement.
Centered on merchants’ cross-border business needs, the two parties will adopt a phased implementation approach to continuously enhance the platform’s supply chain service capabilities.
Phase One: Building a Digital Logistics Service Platform
The first phase will focus on establishing a digital logistics service platform featuring online quotations, intelligent rate comparison, transportation capacity matching, real-time shipment visibility, and unified cargo insurance services.
The platform will improve logistics resource allocation, enhance shipping efficiency, increase supply chain transparency, and gradually develop return cargo matching capabilities to improve logistics resource utilization.
Through digital solutions, merchants will gain access to more efficient logistics coordination, greater shipment visibility, and optimized cross-border transportation services.
Phase Two: Creating an End-to-End Cross-Border Trade Service Platform
The second phase will further integrate key services, including product trading, customs declaration and inspection, cross-border payments, overseas warehousing, and international fulfillment.
By building a comprehensive platform covering the entire cross-border trade process, Junfa–New Luosiwan will provide merchants with more convenient and efficient one-stop services, enabling businesses to connect with global markets more effectively through digital solutions.
The platform will help merchants enhance their international operational capabilities and strengthen their competitiveness in global markets.
Expanding Platform Services to Local Communities
While continuing to strengthen cross-border trade services, the platform will further expand into local consumer markets.
During the event, Junfa Qicai Services Group and SF Yunnan signed a separate cooperation agreement.
Having operated in Yunnan for 28 years, Junfa has established an extensive community ecosystem covering more than 100 residential communities. By leveraging Qicai Services’ community resources and SF’s efficient delivery network, the two companies will jointly improve last-mile delivery capabilities and explore a new service model that delivers quality products directly from suppliers to communities.
The initiative will provide merchants with more stable local sales channels while offering residents more convenient and efficient consumption experiences, further enriching the platform’s service ecosystem.
Building a Sustainable Platform Ecosystem to Support Yunnan’s Opening-Up
The strategic cooperation represents an important practice for Junfa–New Luosiwan in improving its modern commercial service system, while also reflecting SF International’s continued commitment to developing cross-border supply chain services in Yunnan.
Moving forward, the two parties will continue deepening cooperation by enhancing the Integrated Trade and Logistics Service Platform, strengthening cross-border trade service capabilities, expanding merchandise circulation channels, and promoting deeper integration of commercial flows, logistics flows, and information flows.
By leveraging Yunnan’s strategic geographic advantages and actively integrating into China’s Dual Circulation development strategy, the partnership will promote two-way connectivity between domestic and international markets, supporting both global expansion and international business cooperation.
The collaboration will further enhance merchants’ ability to access domestic and overseas markets, contribute to Yunnan’s development as China’s gateway to South and Southeast Asia, and support the establishment of a modern commercial circulation system.
Hashtag: #JunfaNewLuosiwan
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. Malaysian Companies Invited to Register for INSP MIHAS 2026
July 21, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
More than 500 international buyers from 55 economies have confirmed participation
Building on the strong momentum of INSP MIHAS 2025, which generated RM3.63 billion in sales, this year’s edition is seeing strong international buyer interest, reinforcing MIHAS’ position as a leading global halal trade platform. INSP MIHAS 2026 features key products and services categories including:
- Agricultural Produce;
- Apparel, Garments and Accessories;
- Beverages;
- Education;
- Fashion Accessories and Textiles;
- Footwear;
- Franchise;
- Gifts, Souvenirs and Jewellery;
- Gloves;
- Islamic Financial Services;
- Information and Communication Technology;
- Logistics;
- Machinery and Equipment;
- Packaging and Containers;
- Palm Oil Products;
- Pet Products;
- Pharmaceuticals;
- Toiletries and Cosmetics; and
- Prepared Food.
Beyond the conventional halal food and beverage segment, this year’s edition is also seeing growing interest in services sectors.
INSP MIHAS connects pre-qualified international buyers with Malaysian halal product and service exporters through pre-arranged one-on-one business meetings across key halal sectors. As buyer meeting slots are limited and allocated through a structured matching process, Malaysian companies are strongly encouraged to register early via the online portal.
According to MATRADE’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr. Abu Bakar Yusof, “Since the inception of MIHAS in 2004, the International Sourcing Programme (INSP) has generated over RM20.62 billion in export sales for Malaysian companies, with the participation of nearly 8,000 international buyers, benefiting 10,600 Malaysian sellers through 67,200 structured business meetings.
For this year, we are targeting the participation of approximately 300 buyers, of which 50 are premium buyers, reflecting our commitment to attracting high-quality decision-makers and creating greater business opportunities for Malaysian companies. We are also targeting RM2 billion in export sales under the INSP component for MIHAS 2026. To date, we have received interest from more than 500 international buyers across 55 economies, and we encourage Malaysian companies to register early to maximise their business matching opportunities.”
MIHAS 2026 is expected to generate total sales of RM4.50 billion, including export sales from the INSP. “As it stands, 15% of the interested buyers comprise returning buyers, demonstrating sustained confidence in Malaysian exporters and the compelling value proposition they continue to offer in global markets,” he added. This year’s INSP has attracted buyers from 55 different economies.
Malaysian exporters can register through the and MADANI Digital Trade Platform (MDTP) before 31st July 2026 and take advantage of one of MIHAS’ most impactful business matching initiatives.
Hashtag: #MIHAS2026
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. Employment Disputes – Thousands of MBIE workers hold stop-work meetings over pay dispute – PSA
July 21, 2026
Source: PSA
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5. TelkomGroup, Nongsa Digital Park, and BW Digital Strengthen Indonesia’s Digital Gateway through the NCC Submarine Cable System
July 21, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
Strategic collaboration to reinforce Batam’s position as a digital hub connecting Indonesia and Singapore to global markets
The NCC cable landing ceremony was also attended by Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia Airlangga Hartarto, Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for Trade and Industry of The Republic of Singapore Gan Kim Yong, Indonesian Ambassador to Singapore Hotmangaraja Panjaitan, Managing Director Business-2 of Danantara Indonesia Setyanto Hantoro, Deputy Governor Of Batam Nyanyang Haris Pratamura, as well as members of the Boards of Directors of Telkom, Telin, BW Digital, and Nongsa Digital Park.
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia Airlangga Hartarto stated, “Indonesia’s digital transformation needs to be supported by robust physical infrastructure and increasingly strong connectivity. NCC serves as the physical foundation for a new digital corridor connecting Indonesia and Singapore, while further strengthening Batam’s position as Indonesia’s digital gateway. The presence of NCC is expected to reinforce the strategic position of both countries in the global digital ecosystem and value chain, while creating opportunities for greater investment, innovation, and new technology-driven economic activities.”
The Cable Landing Ceremony celebrates the successful deployment of NCC, a strategic subsea cable system that connects Batam and Singapore through one of the shortest and most direct routes across the Singapore Strait. NCC is one of two new Batam–Singapore subsea cable systems developed by Telkom Group, alongside the Indonesia Singapore Cable System (INSICA), to further strengthen digital connectivity between Indonesia and Singapore. As a key segment of the Indonesia Cable Express (ICE) ecosystem, NCC strengthens international connectivity while supporting Indonesia’s ambition to become a leading digital hub in Southeast Asia.
“Strategic investments such as the NCC are fundamental, as strengthening digital sovereignty and infrastructure can serve as a catalyst for innovation, competitiveness, and growth across various industries. This infrastructure is expected to generate a broader economic multiplier effect by driving the growth of industries in Batam and across Indonesia, ultimately contributing to stronger national economic growth and resilience,” said Setyanto Hantoro, Managing Director Business-2 of Danantara Indonesia, during the press conference.
Spanning approximately 50 kilometers and equipped with 24 fiber pairs, NCC is designed to deliver high-capacity, low-latency connectivity to meet the rapidly growing demand for cloud services, hyperscale platforms, artificial intelligence (AI), and data center interconnection across the region. Landed successfully in the latest international cable touch point in Batam, NCC represents a critical milestone toward the system’s operational readiness and reinforces the shared commitment of Government of Indonesia to ensure the development of world-class digital infrastructure in Indonesia.
Beyond enhancing regional connectivity, NCC is expected to accelerate Indonesia’s digital economy by attracting investment in digital infrastructure, supporting the expansion of AI-ready data centers, enabling enterprise digital transformation, and strengthening the resilience and diversity of international network routes between Indonesia and Singapore. The project also reinforces Batam’s position as Indonesia’s strategic digital gateway, creating new opportunities for innovation, business growth, and high-value digital investments.
Dian Siswarini, President Director of Telkom Indonesia, added, “Through the continued development of sustainable digital infrastructure, TelkomGroup is committed to strengthening Indonesia’s digital sovereignty while delivering tangible impact on the growth of the national digital economy. NCC represents a strategic collaboration between Indonesia and Singapore in building a more connected and competitive digital ecosystem. This strategic infrastructure not only strengthens Indonesia’s digital connectivity and resilience, but also provides greater route diversity and enhanced connectivity for Singapore as a regional digital hub, creating mutual benefits for both countries,” Dian concluded.”
Budi Satria Dharma Purba, Director of Wholesale & International Service of Telkom Indonesia, said, “NCC establishes a new digital corridor between Indonesia and Singapore as part of the Indonesia Cable Express ecosystem. Together with future ICE developments, it will strengthen international connectivity, support AI-ready digital infrastructure, and provide greater network resilience for enterprises, hyperscalers, and digital businesses across the region.”
Ludovic Hutier, Chief Executive Officer of BW Digital, stated, “The successful landing of NCC demonstrates the power of strategic partnerships in delivering critical digital infrastructure for Southeast Asia. Together with Telin, we are creating a future-ready connectivity platform that supports the region’s accelerating demand for cloud, AI, and data center services. NCC is also a critical component of BW Digital’s broader digital ecosystem, which includes Citra Connect’s terrestrial fibre network and NDP1 144MW data centre campus in Batam, providing the end-to-end infrastructure our customers need to support their regional expansion.”
Mike Wiluan, Chief Executive Officer at Nongsa Digital Park, added “Today’s cable landing is more than the completion of digital infrastructure, it represents the strengthening of an ecosystem. At Nongsa Digital Park, we are bringing together connectivity, data centers, cloud platforms, AI innovation, digital talent, and global enterprises into one integrated hub. Through our collaboration with TelkomGroup, BW Digital, and the support of both the Indonesian and Singaporean governments, we are creating a gateway that connects Indonesia to Singapore and beyond. Together, we are building the digital bridge that enables Indonesia to play a greater role in the global digital economy. NDP is now officially a new destination point for domestic and international subsea fibre optic cables, and we look forward to welcoming more in the near future.”
As part of the broader Indonesia Cable Express (ICE) initiative, NCC complements TelkomGroup’s long-term strategy to expand international connectivity infrastructure and strengthen Indonesia’s role within the regional digital ecosystem. By combining resilient international networks with the continued growth of digital infrastructure in Batam, the project is expected to support the expansion of cloud services, digital platforms, and emerging technologies that will shape Southeast Asia’s digital future.
The successful cable landing marks another important milestone in realizing a more connected, resilient, and future-ready digital landscape, reaffirming TelkomGroup’s commitment to powering digital growth across the region.
https://www.telin.net/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/telkom-international/posts/?feedView=all
https://www.instagram.com/telin_official/
Hashtag: #Telin #NCCLandingCeremony #DigitalInfrastructure #SubmarineCable #Connectivity #Telecommunications #DigitalTransformation
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. EIT delivers the skills Hawke’s Bay businesses need
July 21, 2026
Source: Eastern Institute of Technology
12 minutes ago
EIT’s close partnerships with local industry are helping Hawke’s Bay businesses access the skilled graduates they need.
Technology company Hawke’s Bay Technologies has been relying on EIT graduates for more than a decade as its workforce has grown.
Managing Director Duncan Wallace says one of the strengths of the relationship is EIT’s willingness to listen to industry and adapt to the changing needs of the technology sector.
Hawke’s Bay Technologies IT Service Desk Manager Daniel Howard (left), Service Desk Engineer Zachariah Hull, IT Engineer Cameron Smith and Managing Director Duncan Wallace.
“We’ve spoken to them in the past about the things we’re seeing change in the IT world. The nice thing is that they’re usually telling me they’re onto it before I’ve even brought it up.”
The relationship began in 2013 when Hawke’s Bay Technologies approached EIT looking for its top computing graduates.
“We went looking and we went to EIT. We asked who the best graduates were from the class of 2013, had a few candidates come through, and that’s how it started. Ever since then, we’ve kept going back.”
Hawke’s Bay Technologies provides technology services and products to businesses and education providers across Hawke’s Bay and beyond, including managed IT, print management, audio-visual solutions, AI automation, phone systems and other technology solutions.
As the business has grown over the past 13 years, so too has its reliance on EIT graduates, who now work across engineering, finance and technical support roles.
“We haven’t grown from 10 people to 32 overnight. We’ve grown gradually, and while we haven’t needed to recruit all the time, we always default back to EIT and ask the lecturers who the go-to people are.
“It has genuinely been really good. We’re really happy with who we’ve got on board, and a lot of them have been here for years.”
Duncan says EIT graduates stand out because they arrive with practical experience as well as technical knowledge.
“They join us with practical experience, not just the theory, which means they can get up and running from day one.
“They also come in with a fresh set of eyes, so they tend to ask questions that someone who has been here for a while might not. That helps to modernise our business.”
Among the Hawke’s Bay Technologies staff who have studied at EIT are IT Service Desk Manager Daniel Howard, Service Desk Engineer Zachariah Hull and IT Engineer Cameron Smith.
Zachariah says EIT’s practical learning environment prepared him well for the workplace.
“You really do learn to do the things you’re going to do in your job. It’s very technical and practical. You get here and think, ‘This is exactly what I learned.’ Not all the papers I completed were related to this specific role, but the foundational knowledge I gained helped me step into it much more easily.”
Duncan believes investing in EIT graduates benefits both individual businesses and the wider region.
“Taking on interns and graduates means you can build your own talent pool rather than always competing for skilled workers already in the workforce.”
He encourages other employers to consider partnering with EIT.
“Don’t hesitate. You get access to good, local, down-to-earth, grounded and practical people. EIT has been great at listening to what we and our industry need. It’s a great vehicle to grow your workforce.”
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/21/eit-delivers-the-skills-hawkes-bay-businesses-need/
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7. Tech Events – ENTECH 2026 heads to NZ after record-breaking run in Australia
July 21, 2026
ENTECH, Australia and NZ’s longest-running AV trade roadshow and the only event for AV and entertainment technology professionals that visits every major population centre, is heading to its final 2026 shows in New Zealand after completing record-breaking events across Australia.
Having toured five cities across Australia with a packed one-day program of seminars, hands-on demonstrations and its new Tech Train the ENTECH roadshow is staged fresh in NZ, opening at the new Auckland International Convention Centre on Tuesday 28 July then rolling Thursday 30 July into Lower Hutt Events Centre in Wellington and crossing the straight to Te Pae in Christchurch for Tuesday 4 August.
The 2026 ENTECH Australian Roadshow saw record visitor numbers, a revitalised exhibitor floor and a clear signal that the professional AV, lighting and production industry is spending well.
ENTECH CEO Kate McKenzie explained, “It encompassed five cities, one amazing crew and thousands of handshakes. After rolling through Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide the ENTECH Roadshow has packed up its trucks and called 2026 a wrap in Australia with the numbers making for very good reading as we head to New Zealand.”
Total visitor registrations across the five-city Australian tour were up 27 per cent with Sydney leading the charge up 37%, then Melbourne up by 32%, Brisbane continued its strong upward trajectory up 20%, Adelaide up 28% and Perth up 3%.
McKenzie added, “Registration counts only tell part of the story, though. What exhibitors care about is the ‘quality’ of visitors and ‘who’ walks through the door and on that measure, 2026 delivered emphatically.”
Across all cities, 85 per cent of registered visitors reported some form of purchasing role including final decision-maker, specifier or influencer. Critically, 82% indicated active or near-term purchasing intent, either buying at the show or flagged projects in the pipeline they were looking to buy for in the next 12 months. For ENTECH exhibitors, that’s a well-stocked order book walking around the floor.
Audio and sound remained the dominant interest category selected by 74% of all Australian visitors, followed by lighting at 60% and video/broadcast at 49% which meant all 68 exhibitor stands were filled and busy throughout each show in each city.
The ENTECH touring crew that makes the whole thing happen covered 10,563 kms across the country, managing bump-in, floor operations and bump-out across every city – a considerable logistical undertaking that involved four Live Event Logistics trucks and up to 30 local crew supported by 30 venue staff at each event.
From 2027, the ENTECH Roadshow restructures as an even more focused Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane event – a change the organising team describes as a “sharpening” of focus. If the 2026 numbers are any guide, the industry will follow wherever ENTECH goes.
For now, the ENTECH Roadshow next rolls into its final 2026 legs in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch where, as always, attendance is free for trade guests.
For more information and to register, visit www.entech-roadshow.com
About ENTECH
ENTECH Roadshow is the only trade show for AV and entertainment technology professionals that visits every major population centre in Australia, opening up access to more business opportunities than any other event. ENTECH will visit Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth in May 2026, Auckland and Wellington in July 2026 and Christchurch in August 2026. ENTECH Roadshow is space limited for national exhibitors – typically distributors – with freight carried in dedicated trucks. Limited spaces are held for video distributors and resellers who book early.
As confirmed by the ISE exhibition in Barcelona, our industry has now entered a phase we’re calling ‘post-converged’. The worlds of unified communications, IT, AV, lighting, video, audio, signage, staging, and control have gone past the transition period of becoming networked and controlled by software and entered a new phase where new business models, products, and markets are emerging. Manufacturers that were once focussed on one aspect of live performance or recording are now creating products for corporate meeting rooms. Companies that were creating platforms for digital signage are now offering room control and corporate communications. Lighting companies that power huge stadium gigs are creating networked architectural products, as are their audio counterparts. And at the centre of all this, the customer, be they installer, production firm, or consultant, is now part IT manager and concerned with the integration of systems as a whole.
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8. Awards – New crop of arable leaders stand tall – Federated Farmers
July 21, 2026
Source: Federated Farmers
- For tickets to this year’s awards event – https://www.arableawards.co.nz/tickets
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9. $10 billion milestone highlights growing investment in New Zealand innovation
July 21, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
The Research and Development Tax Incentive (RDTI) has now supported more than $10 billion invested by businesses in research and development (R&D) activity, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Penny Simmonds says.
“Reaching $10 billion in supported research and development is a significant landmark and demonstrates the growing confidence New Zealand businesses have in innovation and their capability to grow.
“This milestone reflects the speed with which Kiwi businesses are using the scheme. It took around three years for the scheme to support its first $1 billion of R&D activity, and fewer than four more years to reach $10 billion.
“That growth shows the increasingly important role RDTI is playing in supporting business investment in R&D.
“The latest application round shows that momentum continuing. Following the 30 June application deadline, initial results show record rates of application. More new businesses have enrolled for the scheme this year than for any year since 2021. Crucially, the majority of those new enrolees have been small businesses. The recent transition of services from Callaghan Innovation to MBIE has allowed an intensification of small business outreach across the country.
“The strong uptake reflects the governments targeted engagement activities, new guidance resources and one-to-one business support. The record number of applications will further increase the nearly $10 billion of R&D activity already supported through the scheme.”
Evidence from the scheme’s first independent evaluation in 2025 shows the RDTI is delivering real results for New Zealand’s economy. For every dollar of RDTI support provided, businesses invest an estimated $1.40 more in R&D than they otherwise would.
The evaluation highlighted that as of 2025, the RDTI had generated around $1.8 billion in additional R&D investment and an estimated $6.7 billion in total economic benefits for New Zealand, and this number has only grown in the last year.
“R&D is one of the key drivers of productivity, competitiveness and long-term economic growth. The studies show that when businesses invest in innovation, the benefits extend well beyond the companies involved.”
“We are talking about new products, improved technologies, higher-value jobs and new knowledge in New Zealand helping build a more resilient economy. That is why supporting business investment in R&D remains so important.”
“This has been a huge success; however, we want to make the scheme more valuable for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized firms undertaking R&D. That’s why as part of Budget 2026, the Government announced in-year payments will be introduced so R&D businesses can get tax credits sooner which will improve cashflow,” Ms Simmonds says.
“The Government wants to create an environment where businesses have the confidence to invest, grow and compete internationally. RDTI is an important part of that effort, helping firms turn ideas into commercial opportunities and economic growth.
“Today’s milestone is worth celebrating, but it is also a reminder of what is possible when government and business work together to support innovation. We look forward to seeing even more New Zealand businesses use RDTI to develop new technologies, create high-value jobs and contribute to a more productive economy.”
More information is available at www.rdti.govt.nz
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/21/10-billion-milestone-highlights-growing-investment-in-new-zealand-innovation/
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10. Minerals sector gaining momentum under strategy
July 21, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
One year on from the launch of A Minerals Strategy for New Zealand to 2040, a progress review shows the Government is delivering on its vision for a modern, productive and enduring minerals sector that supports jobs, regional growth and long-term prosperity, Resources Minister Shane Jones says.
“When we launched the Minerals Strategy in 2025, we addressed a longstanding challenge that had held the sector back for decades – the absence of a clear direction and a credible plan for growth,” Mr Jones says.
“Over the past year, we have moved quickly from strategy to delivery. We have advanced a significant programme of policy, regulatory and investment initiatives that are restoring confidence, attracting interest and laying the foundations for enduring growth.
“We have delivered the key enablers needed to unlock New Zealand’s mineral potential – establishing our first Critical Minerals List, strengthening global partnerships, improving access to our world-class geoscience data, promoting investment opportunities, and advancing reforms to create a more efficient and predictable regulatory framework.
“Together, these actions are giving investors and operators the certainty they need to make long-term decisions. Investment follows confidence, and confidence is built on clear policy, efficient regulation and a predictable operating environment. With the foundations in place, we are starting to see the results.”
Mineral exports have increased from $1.46 billion in 2023 to around $2.5 billion in 2025, putting New Zealand within reach of the strategy’s goal of doubling mineral exports to $3 billion by 2035.
Minerals production is increasing across the sector, with gold output rising by approximately 17 per cent to around 250,000 ounces annually. In 2025/26, the sector is expected to generate more than $30 million in royalties, alongside hundreds of millions of dollars in corporate and income tax contributions that help fund public services and infrastructure.
Employment across the sector grew from 5230 jobs in 2024 to 5520 jobs in 2025. Resources projects typically have multi‑decade lifespans, providing sustained economic activity and offer greater certainty for regions, workers and local businesses.
Permitting activity is also at record levels. New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals received 551 permit applications in 2025, up from 450 in 2024, and made 521 permitting decisions — well above the historical annual average of 363 decisions since 2017.
“Behind every export dollar, every new permit and every extracted ounce is a worker, a contractor, a regional business and a community benefitting from the jobs, infrastructure, raw materials and opportunities a strong minerals sector helps create,” Mr Jones says.
“With momentum building, our focus is turning to the next phase of sector growth – positioning New Zealand to seize emerging opportunities in critical minerals.
Over the next year, the Government will focus on growing international partnerships, attracting investment, progressing a review of minerals royalty settings, and supporting implementation of major reforms already underway, including resource management reforms.
Further work will also be undertaken to examine how New Zealand can maximise value from critical minerals across the full value chain, including processing, refining, recycling, recovery and specialist services. Targeted investment, including the $80 million ringfenced in the Regional Infrastructure Fund, is supporting innovation and building capability in these areas.
“The first year of our Minerals Strategy has been about establishing direction and delivering reform. The years ahead will be about converting that momentum into growth, investment, jobs and opportunity – activities that ultimately benefit all New Zealanders,” Mr Jones says.
“We have done the groundwork. Now it is time to back our potential, seize the opportunities ahead and build a minerals sector worthy of our ambitions.”
Read more on the one-year review of the Minerals Strategy at https://www.mbie.govt.nz/dmsdocument/32297-minerals-strategy-report-card-and-delivery-roadmap-2026
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/07/21/minerals-sector-gaining-momentum-under-strategy/
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