PM Edition: Here are the top 10 business articles on LiveNews.co.nz for August 4, 2026 – Full Text
1. Business Canterbury: South Island Election Conference
August 3, 2026
Source: Business Canterbury
Friday 14 August 2026, 9:30am – 2pm
Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre
All media are welcome to attend the South Island Election Conference. With more than 600 registrations, the conference will be the largest pre-election gathering of business and political leadership in the South Island. More information on the Conference can be found on the Business Canterbury website.
The schedule (with Katie Bradford as MC) includes:
- National Party Leader’s Address
- Economy Panel: Hon Nicola Willis, Hon David Seymour, Hon Barbara Edmonds, Chlöe Swarbrick, and Hon Mark Patterson
- Labour Party Leader’s Address
- Workforce Panel: Hon Erica Stanford, Hon Jan Tinetti, Laura McClure, Hon Mark Patterson, Francisco Hernandez
- South Island Infrastructure Debate: Hon Chris Bishop, Hon Kieran McAnulty
Media set-up must be completed before 10:00am when the conference opens. Media seating is limited (on a first taken basis), and space is limited for camera set-up. A direct audio feed is available.
Business Canterbury, formerly Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce, is the second largest Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand and the largest business support organisation in the South Island. It advocates on behalf of its members for an environment more favourable to innovation, productivity and sustainable growth.
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2. IperionX Advances American Titanium Growth Strategy With Proposed U.S. Redomiciliation and Board Appointment
August 4, 2026
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-NZ-AU)
Highlights
- Proposed U.S. redomiciliation: IperionX intends to redomicile its ultimate parent company to Texas, subject to shareholder, court, regulatory and other customary approvals, to align the Company’s legal and capital-markets structure with its integrated U.S. manufacturing, critical minerals and technology operations.
- Simplified Nasdaq structure: Subject to final structuring and exchange approvals, common stock in the new U.S. parent is expected to be listed directly on Nasdaq, replacing IperionX’s existing ADS structure.
- Continuity of operations and strategy: The proposed redomiciliation is not expected to change IperionX’s underlying assets, operations or strategic priorities.
- Building a fully American titanium supply chain: IperionX is developing an integrated U.S. platform extending from domestic titanium minerals and recycled titanium feedstocks through low-cost titanium metal production to advanced manufactured products and components.
- Board strengthened for industrial scale-up: Michael J. Loparco, an accomplished advanced-manufacturing, technology and global supply-chain executive, has been appointed as an independent non-executive director, effective August 3, 2026.
SOUTH BOSTON, Va., Aug. 03, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — IperionX Limited (IperionX) (NASDAQ: IPX, ASX: IPX) is pleased to announce two aligned strategic actions to support its next phase of growth as an American titanium metal and critical materials business.
IperionX intends to pursue a redomiciliation to the United States through the establishment of a Texas-incorporated ultimate parent company. The Company has also appointed Mr. Michael J. Loparco, an experienced advanced-manufacturing, industrial technology and global supply-chain executive, as an independent non-executive director, effective August 3, 2026.
Together, these initiatives are intended to align IperionX’s corporate structure, capital-markets framework and Board capabilities with the Company’s evolution into a fully integrated American titanium and critical materials company.
IperionX is developing a domestic titanium supply chain designed to extend from titanium minerals and recycled feedstocks through titanium metal production to advanced manufactured products for defense and other strategically important U.S. industries.
The Company’s U.S. operating platform comprises:
- the integrated Atlas-Titan critical minerals platform in Tennessee;
- titanium metal production and advanced manufacturing in Virginia; and
- titanium technology research and development in Utah.
The proposed redomiciliation is reflective of the majority of IperionX’s customers, strategic relationships and government-supported programs being based in the United States.
Appointment of Mr. Michael J. Loparco as Non-Executive Director
IperionX has appointed Mr. Michael J. Loparco as an independent non-executive director, effective August 3, 2026.
Mr. Loparco is a highly accomplished executive with more than 25 years of leadership experience across advanced manufacturing, industrial technology, automation, global supply chains, corporate transactions and public-company governance.
He currently serves as Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of OrcaWorcs.ai, an AI-native operating platform focused on workflow orchestration and compliance across legal, financial services and industrial markets.
Mr. Loparco previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Symbotic Inc. (NASDAQ: SYM), where he led the company through its 2022 public listing.
Prior to Symbotic, Mr. Loparco spent more than two decades at Jabil Inc., one of the world’s leading manufacturing services companies. During his time at Jabil, he held a series of senior leadership roles, including Chief Executive Officer of Jabil Electronics Manufacturing Services and Executive Vice President, with responsibility for global manufacturing, supply-chain and technology operations across 25 countries.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Loparco practiced as a corporate attorney with Holland & Knight LLP. He currently serves on the Board of Sanmina Corporation (NASDAQ: SANM) and has previous board experience with established public companies and newly listed businesses. Mr. Loparco holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Business from Eckerd College and a Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Stetson University College of Law.
Mr. Loparco said:
“IperionX has assembled a leading combination of domestic resource security, proprietary titanium technology and advanced-manufacturing capability within one U.S. platform.
IperionX brings together three capabilities that are rarely found within a single U.S. company: proprietary titanium technologies, an expanding advanced-manufacturing platform and a large-scale domestic critical minerals project. That combination creates a compelling opportunity to build a more resilient, competitive and secure American titanium supply chain.
I look forward to working with the Board and management team as IperionX scales its manufacturing operations, expands commercialization and advances its position as a strategically important supplier to U.S. industry.”
IperionX Executive Chairman, Todd Hannigan, said:
“Michael is an exceptional addition to the IperionX Board. He has extensive experience leading complex manufacturing organizations, scaling advanced technology platforms, managing global supply chains and guiding public companies through periods of significant transformation.
That combination of industrial, technology, commercial and capital-markets experience is directly relevant to IperionX’s next phase as we scale our U.S. manufacturing operations, expand our product capabilities and progress from capacity development into larger-scale commercialization.”
Proposed Domiciliation to the United States
IperionX intends to pursue a redomiciliation under which a newly incorporated Texas corporation would become the ultimate parent company of the IperionX Group. The proposed redomiciliation remains subject to shareholder approval, court approval, regulatory approvals, exchange approvals and other customary conditions.
Subject to final structuring and exchange approvals, IperionX expects the common stock of the new U.S. parent company to be listed directly on Nasdaq, replacing the Company’s existing ADS structure.
The proposed redomiciliation would align IperionX’s legal domicile and capital-markets structure with its:
- principal operating assets in Virginia, Tennessee and Utah;
- U.S.-based workforce and management activities;
- U.S. customers and strategic industrial relationships;
- extensive U.S. Government-supported programs; and
- strategic objective to rebuild secure American titanium and critical materials supply chains.
Against this operating and strategic background, the proposed redomiciliation is intended to complete the alignment of an American operating business with an American legal and capital-markets structure. A U.S. domicile and direct U.S. listed common-stock structure are also intended to provide a simpler and more accessible investment framework for U.S. institutional, sector-specialist and strategic investors.
The proposed structure has the potential to:
- broaden IperionX’s addressable U.S. investor base;
- deepen trading liquidity and price discovery;
- simplify participation by strategic and sector-specialist investors; and
- enhance access to larger and more diverse pools of U.S. growth capital.
The proposed redomiciliation is not expected to change IperionX’s underlying assets, operations or strategic priorities.
IperionX CEO, Taso Arima, said:
“IperionX is an American industrial company in every operational and strategic sense. Our critical mineral platform is in Tennessee, our titanium production and advanced-manufacturing operations are in Virginia, our technology research and development is in Utah, and our customers, strategic relationships and government-supported programs are located in the United States.
The proposed redomiciliation would complete that alignment at the corporate level. It would create a simpler investment structure for U.S. investors and better position IperionX to access the capital, market visibility and strategic relationships required to scale a fully American titanium supply chain.
Importantly, this proposal does not change our underlying business or strategy. It creates a corporate structure that more accurately reflects the American business we have already built and the substantially larger U.S. industrial company we intend to become.”
About IperionX
IperionX is a leading American titanium metal and critical materials company – using patented metal technologies to produce high performance titanium alloys, from titanium minerals or scrap titanium, at lower energy, cost and carbon emissions.
Our Titan critical minerals project is the largest JORC-compliant mineral resource of titanium, rare earth and zircon minerals sands in the United States.
IperionX’s titanium metal and critical minerals are essential for advanced U.S. industries including space, aerospace, defense, consumer electronics, hydrogen, automotive and additive manufacturing.
Forward Looking Statements
Information included in this release constitutes forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward looking statements can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “continue”, and “guidance”, or other similar words and may include, without limitation, statements regarding plans, strategies and objectives of management, anticipated production or construction commencement dates and expected costs or production outputs.
Forward looking statements inherently involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company’s actual results, performance, and achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance, or achievements. Relevant factors may include, but are not limited to, changes in commodity prices, foreign exchange fluctuations and general economic conditions, increased costs and demand for production inputs, the speculative nature of exploration and project development, including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses and permits and diminishing quantities or grades of reserves, the Company’s ability to comply with the relevant contractual terms to access the technologies, commercially scale its closed-loop titanium production processes, or protect its intellectual property rights, political and social risks, changes to the regulatory framework within which the Company operates or may in the future operate, environmental conditions including extreme weather conditions, recruitment and retention of personnel, industrial relations issues and litigation.
Forward looking statements are based on the Company and its management’s good faith assumptions relating to the financial, market, regulatory and other relevant environments that will exist and affect the Company’s business and operations in the future. The Company does not give any assurance that the assumptions on which forward looking statements are based will prove to be correct, or that the Company’s business or operations will not be affected in any material manner by these or other factors not foreseen or foreseeable by the Company or management or beyond the Company’s control.
Although the Company attempts and has attempted to identify factors that would cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those disclosed in forward looking statements, there may be other factors that could cause actual results, performance, achievements, or events not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, and many events are beyond the reasonable control of the Company. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements. Forward looking statements in these materials speak only at the date of issue. Subject to any continuing obligations under applicable law or any relevant stock exchange listing rules, in providing this information the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any of the forward-looking statements or to advise of any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.
Contacts
Anastasios (Taso) Arima, Founder and CEO
Toby Symonds, President
Dominic Allen, Chief Commercial Officer
Investors: investorrelations@iperionx.com
Media: media@iperionx.com
+1 980 237 8900
www.iperionx.com
– Published by The MIL Network
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3. Rising Above the Turbulence: How Malaysian SMEs are Redefining Economic Resilience
August 3, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
To honor this strategic mastery and unyielding grit, SAMENTA and Business Media International proudly recognized 170 outstanding SMEs at the latest edition of the Golden Bull Award. The two-night event was officiated by YB Tuan Steven Sim Chee Keong, Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development, and YB Tuan Sim Tze Tzin, Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry. Together, this year’s winners highlight exactly how diverse sectors of the SME landscape are successfully turning macroeconomic pressures into distinct competitive advantages.
The broader economic data confirms that Malaysian SMEs are acting as the nation’s economic shock absorbers. According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Performance report, the sector achieved an impressive 5.8% GDP growth—outpacing the overall national GDP growth of 5.1%.
The latest cohort of Golden Bull Award winners firmly backs this report and they represent a diverse cross-section of the Malaysian economy, spanning 20 distinct industry groupings. This widespread representation proves that the capacity to adapt and thrive is not confined to a single market segment. According to the award’s winner demographics, the top-performing sectors driving this resurgence include:
- Real Estate & Construction (14.38%): Leading the pack despite facing skyrocketing raw material costs and energy price hikes, these companies are capitalizing on the crisis by pioneering energy-efficient construction methods and capturing market share as less-agile competitors scale back.
- Professional and Business Services (8.36%): This sector highlights a broader market shift toward strategic consolidation, as companies increasingly outsource specialized services to optimize their own operational overheads.
- Industrial Products (7.69%) & IT & Digital (7.69%): These sectors showcase the critical manufacturing-to-digital pipeline. Industrial players are re-engineering supply chains to combat inflation, while IT firms are providing the exact automation, AI, and cybersecurity tools the broader market desperately needs to survive.
- Healthcare, Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology (5.69%) and Trading & Wholesaling (5.69%): Showcasing steady, resilient growth by building highly localized supply chains that bypass global bottlenecks.
Other critical sectors making up the winner’s circle include Retail (5.35%), Transportation and Logistics (5.02%), Media & Creative Industries (4.68%), and Education and Training (4.35%)—demonstrating that proactive adaptation is happening economy-wide.
What separates Golden Bull Award winners from the rest of the market is their ability to treat economic crises as a catalyst for evolution. While others cut costs indiscriminately, these high-performing SMEs are leading the way through calculated innovation.
To combat the energy crisis and inflation, winners are actively integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) values into their core operations to optimize resource efficiency and offset rising utility bills. They recognize that economic dips are the most cost-effective times to acquire new customers, expand their market footprint, and secure premium talent that is suddenly available in a shifting job market.
Datuk William Ng, national president of the Small and Medium Enterprises Association of Malaysia (SAMENTA) emphasized the critical role these winning enterprises play in safeguarding and elevating the livelihoods of Malaysians.
“SMEs are not just the economic engine of Malaysia; they are the very foundation of our nation’s workforce. The Golden Bull Award winners exemplify the forward-thinking leadership needed to drive high-value job creation, upskill our talents for the digital age, and elevate the Malaysian workforce on the global stage”, Datuk Ng said.
“Malaysian SMEs have consistently demonstrated an extraordinary capacity to navigate economic headwinds like inflation and the energy crisis, emerging stronger on the other side. The sheer diversity of our winners across 20 industries reflect a fundamental shift; from merely surviving market disruptions to actively leveraging digitalization, strategic recalibration, and innovation for sustainable growth. The Golden Bull Award stands as a testament to these visionary entrepreneurs who refuse to be defined by adversity, but rather by their relentless courage to adapt and charge forward”, he added.
Since its founding in 2003, the Golden Bull Award has stood as a benchmark of SME excellence across Asia. With expansion into new Asia Pacific markets on the horizon for 2026, it continues to spotlight the region’s most inspiring business stories.
For more information on the award criteria, past winners, and nomination details, please visit the official Golden Bull Award website https://goldenbullaward.asia/
LIST OF WINNERS OF THE GOLDEN BULL AWARD 2026 IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER
SUPER GOLDEN BULL CATEGORY
1. AA AVIATION SDN BHD
2. AIMS DATA CENTRE SDN BHD
3. BEYOND2U SDN BHD
4. COSMOS INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANCY SDN BHD
5. HS HOHAN COMMERCIAL VEHICLES SDN BHD
6. POLYTAINER INDUSTRIES SDN BHD
7. TONG WOH ENTERPRISE SDN BHD
8. TSA GROUP BERHAD
OUTSTANDING BULL AWARD
9. A PLUS BOSS SDN BHD
10. ABSOLUTION SYSTEM INTEGRATION SDN BHD
11. AI PIXEL ENGINEERING SDN BHD
12. AM LIFE INTERNATIONAL SDN BHD
13. ANGSANA TUNAS SDN BHD
14. ATHROTECH SDN BHD
15. ATITA
16. BE EDUCATION SDN BHD
17. BEARBOOM INTERNATIONAL SDN BHD
18. BEUTEA HOLDING SDN BHD
19. BIO SYNERGY LABORATORIES SDN BHD
20. BIOCHEM LABORATORIES SDN BHD
21. BSSK LOGISTICS SDN BHD
22. BWS SALES & SERVICES SDN BHD
23. CEE INDUSTRIES SDN BHD
24. CHEAPER CONNECTIONS SDN BHD
25. CLG CONSTRUCTION SOLUTIONS SDN BHD
26. CNECC ENGINEERING (MALAYSIA) SDN BHD
27. CNI ENTERPRISE (M) SDN BHD
28. CODEME PRO SDN BHD
29. COMPLETE ELV & ICT SOLUTIONS SDN BHD
30. DCG HOLDING SDN BHD
31. DE SOLAR SDN BHD
32. DNF CABLE SDN BHD
33. DOUBLE E RESOURCES SDN BHD
34. DUNIA SERIMAS SDN BHD
35. EC BINA SDN BHD
36. ECO GREENBUILD INDUSTRIES SDN BHD
37. ENCA CONSTRUCTION SDN BHD
38. FIRST TOUCH BOOKS & STATIONERY SDN BHD
39. GLOBALINK METAL SDN BHD
40. GOLDCOIN STARHILL SDN BHD
41. GOPENG KALTECH SDN BHD
42. GREEN HUT FARMING SDN BHD
43. GREENDEX SDN BHD
44. GUESTONIC PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SDN BHD
45. HOYIYO SHOP INTERNATIONAL SDN BHD
46. HYBRID SOLUTION INTEGRATOR SDN BHD
47. IK TRANS LOGISTICS SDN BHD
48. INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES & SUPPLY SDN BHD
49. JET ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS SDN BHD
50. JIN SAN CONCRETE SDN BHD
51. JJ EXPRESS SERVICES SDN BHD
52. JN AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT ENTERPRISE
53. KIMAGRI CORPORATION SDN BHD
54. LIEP HONG TRADING & TRANSPORT SDN BHD
55. LUXURY SLEEP (M) SDN BHD
56. M.M.B. MARKETING COMPANY SDN BHD
57. MAHA SAWIT SDN BHD
58. MARINE DIESELCARE ENGINEERING SDN BHD
59. MAVERICK EDUCATION SDN BHD
60. MMX SOLUTIONS SDN BHD
61. MODULAR SCALE SDN BHD
62. MS REFRIGERATION SUPPLY SDN BHD
63. MULTIVEST ENGINEERING SDN BHD
64. MYSLEEP
65. NEW EDGE SAFETY DOOR (HQ) SDN BHD
66. NEW KC TRADING SDN BHD
67. ONE AUTO WORLDWIDE (M) SDN BHD
68. ORGABIO MANUFACTURING SDN BHD
69. PARTSASIA SPARE SDN BHD
70. PHP GROUP SDN BHD
71. POLY EDGE SDN BHD
72. QUADROS DESIGN SDN BHD
73. RIMS AUTO SUPPLIES SDN BHD
74. ROCK MAESTRO SDN BHD
75. SC SYSTEMS SDN BHD
76. SENI JAYA CORPORATION BERHAD
77. SHIELD FLOOR SDN BHD
78. SIS INTEGRATED SDN BHD
79. SKY MEDIC GROUP HOLDING SDN BHD
80. SOLARLINK ENERGY SDN BHD
81. SPR MICROTECH SDN BHD
82. SRI UTARA HOLDING (M) SDN BHD
83. STORE N GO SDN BHD
84. SUPER EDUCATIONAL ALLIANCE SDN BHD
85. SURIA SINAR SDN BHD
86. SWEET HOME INTERNATIONAL SDN BHD
87. SYARIKAT CENTRAL BOLTS & NUTS SDN BHD
88. TECHNOLGENT SDN BHD
89. TECHOM METAL SDN BHD
90. TEKUN CONCRETE (M) SDN BHD
91. TRANSWAYS LOGISTICS (M) SDN BHD
92. TYNOX INTERNATIONAL SDN BHD
93. UNITED ENGINE PARTS SDN BHD
94. V CRITICAL ENGINEERING SDN BHD
95. V FIFTH GROUP SDN BHD (VF PROPERTIES)
96. V-WORK SDN BHD
97. VILLY TRADING (M) SDN BHD
98. WEB 123 SDN BHD
99. XIN MARKETING (M) SDN BHD
100. YDG VENTURE SDN BHD
101. YUNA GROUP SDN BHD
102. ZEN VISION GROUP SDN BHD
EMERGING BULL AWARD
103. ACMETRONICS AUTOMATION SDN BHD
104. AIREMAR WORLDWIDE SDN BHD
105. ANC HUB TAX ADVISORY SDN BHD
106. APGO SDN BHD
107. BEYOND LIMITS CONSULTANCY SDN BHD
108. BULLIONAIRE INTERNATIONAL SDN BHD
109. CARDIOSCAN MALAYSIA SDN BHD
110. CATALYST EDGE AI SDN BHD
111. EASY COR ADVICE SDN BHD
112. ECENTRA SDN BHD
113. EDU ACTION SDN BHD
114. ENVICION STUDIO SDN BHD
115. FENCELINER SDN BHD
116. GAN & SONS PROPERTY SDN BHD
117. HERAMIX ENTERPRISE
118. HM RESOURCES MANAGEMENT SDN BHD
119. I&M SUCCESSION ADVISORY PLT
120. INSPIREN NETWORK SDN BHD
121. JD SMART INFINITE SDN BHD
122. KBM APEX BERHAD
123. KC ASSOCIATES (M) SDN BHD
124. KENT CONCEPT SDN BHD
125. LEO GLOBAL MARINE SDN BHD
126. LEVANZO MARKETING (M) SDN BHD
127. LOGICAL ASIA SDN BHD
128. MR ROVER AUTO PARTS SDN BHD
129. ONEFIT STUDIO (M) SDN BHD
130. OPEN RE SDN BHD
131. RC RENOVATION CONTRACTOR
132. SENG LI COOLING PART SDN BHD
133. SHANZHI CHEMICAL SDN BHD
134. SHIELDO WATERPROOFING SPECIALIST SDN BHD
135. SK GLOBE BUSINESS CAPITAL SDN BHD
136. SL SYSTEM & AUTOMATION (M) SDN BHD
137. SONGHUA TRANSPORTATION SDN BHD
138. STOLZ ENGINEERING SDN BHD
139. SUNNY HOMES DEVELOPMENT SDN BHD
140. SWEET RENT SDN BHD
141. SYN MOH SENG TRADING
142. TR AUTISM BEHAVIORAL CENTER SDN BHD
143. TWH GALLERY SDN BHD
144. VINCI CAPITAL ADVISORY SDN BHD
145. VIRTUAL ECONOMY TECHNOLOGY SDN BHD
146. VSB ACADEMY SDN BHD
147. YCE MANAGEMENT SDN BHD
DISTINGUISHED BULL AWARDS
148. ALAM-CON SDN BHD
149. ALLIED FORKLIFT (M) SDN BHD
150. AN JU GLOBAL SDN BHD
151. APPLE VACATIONS SDN BHD
152. ARMADA AUTO PARTS GROUP BERHAD
153. CHEVIN SDN BHD
154. CHIANG HENG GOLD & DIAMOND SDN BHD
155. EI POWER TECHNOLOGIES SDN BHD
156. ENGENIOUS SOLUTIONS SDN BHD
157. FITLINE (M) SDN BHD
158. FOREWARD REALTY SDN BHD
159. GOLDSOFT SDN BHD
160. KOIKE (M) SDN BHD
161. L & H CONSULTANCY SDN BHD
162. LMS EDUCATION HOLDINGS SDN BHD
163. MERRY HORTICULTURE INTERNATIONAL (M) SDN BHD
164. PESONA METRO SDN BHD
165. PMX DELIGHT HOLDING SDN BHD
166. REZO GROUP SDN BHD
167. SIACON TECHNOLOGY SDN BHD
168. SWAP LOGISTICS DISTRIBUTION SDN BHD
169. TOGL TECHNOLOGY SDN BHD
DIGITAL 50 AWARDS
1. ALFA-BANK
2. ALLIED FORKLIFT (M) SDN BHD
3. ARMADA AUTO PARTS GROUP BERHAD
4. BEYOND2U SDN BHD
5. BULLIONAIRE INTERNATIONAL SDN BHD
6. GOLDSOFT SDN BHD
7. JIN SAN CONCRETE SDN BHD
8. MMX SOLUTIONS SDN BHD
9. OPEN RE SDN BHD
10. ROCK MAESTRO SDN BHD
11. SWAP LOGISTICS DISTRIBUTION SDN BHD
12. TEKUN CONCRETE (M) SDN BHD
13. V-WORK SDN BHD
14. VIRTUAL ECONOMY TECHNOLOGY SDN BHD
15. ZEN VISION GROUP SDN BHD
GOLDEN BULL INSPIRATIONAL ENTREPRENEUR AWARDS
1. A PLUS BOSS SDN BHD – DATO’ JOE YEW SIN YOO
2. ANGSANA TUNAS SDN BHD – MR. KESTER BOON KAI ONN
3. ARMADA AUTO PARTS GROUP BERHAD – DATO’ MIKE TEH YOONG HOW
4. ATHROTECH SDN BHD – MR. JEFF LUAH
5. ATITA – MR. HUI CHAN YEW
6. BEYOND2U SDN BHD – MR. TAN TI CHYUAN
7. BIOCHEM LABORATORIES SDN BHD – MS. CARIS LEONG SHIAU PING
8. CHEAPER CONNECTIONS SDN BHD – MR. CALVIN HEW YUEN PENG
9. CLG CONSTRUCTION SOLUTIONS SDN BHD – MR. CHIN LEE GUAN
10. COSMOS INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANCY SDN BHD – MR. SUBHA SATHIAMOORTHY MARAIAH
11. EC BINA SDN BHD – MR. ERIC CHIA
12. ECO GREENBUILD INDUSTRIES SDN BHD – MR. LOO MENG HAW
13. ENCA CONSTRUCTION SDN BHD – DATUK TAY AH HUAT
14. GREEN HUT FARMING SDN BHD – DR. FRANCIS WONG KING WEE
15. HM RESOURCES MANAGEMENT SDN BHD – MS. NICOLE TAN LEE HONG
16. I&M SUCCESSION ADVISORY PLT – MR. MARVIN CHONG
17. INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES & SUPPLY SDN BHD – MR. TEH HAU WEI, SHAUN
18. JET ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS SDN BHD – MR. JUSTIN PAPU
19. JIN SAN CONCRETE SDN BHD – MR. BENJAMIN GUNG SIE KAI
20. JN AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT ENTERPRISE – MR. NELSON NG NYE SHEONG
21. KENT CONCEPT SDN BHD – MR. KENT HANG SHENG JEAN
22. KOIKE (M) SDN BHD – MR. NA CHIN TEONG
23. L & H CONSULTANCY SDN BHD – MR. LAW WAH SING
24. MARINE DIESELCARE ENGINEERING SDN BHD – MR. DESMOND TOH KIM HOW
25. ONEFIT STUDIO (M) SDN BHD – MS. NG SIEW LING
26. OPEN RE SDN BHD – DR. LIN HORNG SHENG
27. PARTSASIA SPARE SDN BHD – IS. DR. KENDRICK WONG HOI SANG
28. PESONA METRO SDN BHD – MR. WIE HOCK BENG
29. SIACON TECHNOLOGY SDN BHD – DR. SIA TIAN POH
30. SK GLOBE BUSINESS CAPITAL SDN BHD – MR. SATHIS KUMAR MUNIANDY
31. SKY MEDIC GROUP HOLDING SDN BHD – MR. JEEVANAND A/L MUNIANDY
32. SRI UTARA HOLDING (M) SDN BHD – MR. TAN YAM HONG
33. STORE N GO SDN BHD – MR. TEE KEE LION
34. TECHNOLGENT SDN BHD – MR. DAVID VONG LIEW
35. TECHOM METAL SDN BHD – MR. TAN YEOW CHUAN
36. TEKUN CONCRETE (M) SDN BHD – MR. VINCENT LEE BOON GIAP
37. TOGL TECHNOLOGY SDN BHD – MR. ROY LIM
38. TRANSWAYS LOGISTICS (M) SDN BHD – DATO’ ALAN TAN
39. TSA GROUP BERHAD – MR. CHEW KUAN FAH
40. V CRITICAL ENGINEERING SDN BHD – MR. WILLIAM CHEN
41. YDG VENTURE SDN BHD – MR. TAN SOO KHIANG
42. ZEN VISION GROUP SDN BHD – MS. CHERYL CHONG XIAO LIN
HAPPIEST WORKPLACE CERTIFICATION
1. BEYOND2U SDN BHD
2. CHIANG HENG GOLD & DIAMOND SDN BHD
3. ENGENIOUS SOLUTIONS SDN BHD
4. JET ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS SDN BHD
5. SKY MEDIC GROUP HOLDING SDN BHD
6. SWAP LOGISTICS DISTRIBUTION SDN BHD
Hashtag: #GoldenBullAward
About SAMENTA
Established in 1986, SAMENTA is Malaysia’s oldest and largest association of SMEs, with over 5,500 members across the country. A multi-racial, multi-sector association, SAMENTA has been at the forefront of championing a SME-friendly business environment and connecting SMEs to regional and global opportunities.
About Business Media International
Business Media International is a subsidiary of Audience Analytics Limited (1AZ.SG), a regional leader in promoting growth for companies in Asia through data-driven brands and initiatives. BMI owns renowned media brands such as SME Magazine, HR Asia, Capital Asia, Energy Asia, Logistics Asia, TruthTV, and CXP Asia as well as business impact assessment brands such as SME100, HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia, Golden Bull Awards and CXP Asia Best Customer Experience Awards. BMI also organises various exhibitions and has the proprietary software-as-a-service — Total Engagement Assessment Model – in its portfolio.
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. Singapore Institute of Management Partners with Peak Energy to Deploy Onsite Solar, Advancing Its Green Energy Drive
August 3, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
14-year power purchase agreement will cut SIM’s energy rates by more than 45% while delivering approximately 1,100 MWh of solar energy annually to its Clementi Road campus
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 August 2026 – The Singapore Institute of Management (SIM), one of Singapore’s leading private, not-for-profit education and lifelong learning institutions, has signed a long-term solar agreement with Peak Energy, a clean-energy platform that develops, owns and operates renewable assets across Asia Pacific.
Under the agreement, Peak Energy will design, finance, build, own and operate an approximately 900 kWp onsite solar installation at SIM’s campus on Clementi Road, Singapore. The system is expected to generate approximately 1,100 MWh of clean energy annually, with SIM securing solar power at a rate at least 45% lower than SIM’s prevailing electricity prices.
The project is structured as a 14-year power purchase agreement (PPA), under which SIM will purchase solar power generated onsite at a competitive rate, with no upfront capital investment required. Peak Energy will retain responsibility for the installation, ongoing operations and maintenance of the system throughout the contract term.
Businesses and institutions in Singapore are facing some of the most expensive power prices in the region, a position under further strain from rapid growth in data centers and AI-driven electricity demand across the region. That pressure has been compounded by the country’s heavy reliance on imported gas for power generation, with recent disruption to global LNG supply linked to the conflict in Iran adding further volatility to energy prices. Against this backdrop of structurally rising and increasingly unpredictable energy costs, SIM’s move to lock in a long-term solar agreement offers a rare source of price certainty, in addition to SIM seeing it as a source of green and renewable energy as part of its sustainability drive.
The agreement reflects a broader shift among Singapore’s education and institutional operators to reduce exposure to grid electricity and lower their environmental footprint, as onsite solar becomes an increasingly viable option for campuses with substantial rooftop capacity.
“Sustainability is increasingly part of how we think and operate, and how we prepare our learners for the future. This agreement is a discernable step in that direction: bringing onsite solar to our Clementi Road campus reduces our environmental footprint and helps us play a part in Singapore’s sustainability drive. We are pleased to partner with Peak Energy on this journey,” said Vincent Siow, Senior Lead/M&E – Campus Infra & Services, Singapore Institute of Management.
“This partnership reflects the growing recognition Peak Energy has built in Singapore, both on the technical delivery side and in the financial strength we bring to long-term energy infrastructure. At a time when energy markets remain unbalanced and costs unpredictable, we’re able to give an institution like SIM a clear, structural way to unlock significant cost savings while securing reliable power for the long term,” said Gavin Adda, CEO of Peak Energy.
https://www.peakenergy.asia/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/peak-energyasia
Hashtag: #energy #energycrisis #Iranwar #Iran #Singapore #energy #energycosts #Scope2 #sustainability
About Peak Energy
An experienced team handles the complete life cycle of our energy assets from origination and development through to operations and decommissioning, employing state-of-the art technology and the industry best practices, respectful of the environment and following world-class HSE standards.
Our business practices, technological and HSE standards are standardized across APAC, but we are implemented and operate locally, with teams in seven countries, and lasting partnerships with local customers, EPCs, vendors, channel partners.
Peak Energy is wholly owned by Stonepeak, a leading alternative investment firm specializing in infrastructure and real assets with approximatively USD 88 billion of assets under management. Our financial and technical strength coupled with our relationships in local markets allows us to optimize our capital deployment in high quality assets.
For more information, please visit https://www.peakenergy.asia.
About Singapore Institute of Management (SIM)
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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5. Asian Business News: “Steps for Impact 2027” Announced
August 3, 2026
Source: YAANA Ventures and Khiri Reach Foundation
3 August 2026
A new fundraiser open to all businesses in Asia will help charitable grassroots projects across the region.
Steps for Impact 2027 will be an open and inclusive charitable event where businesses and individuals make a positive impact across Asia.
YAANA Ventures and the Khiri Reach Foundation have announced Saturday, 30 January, 2027, as the date for the Steps for Impact 2027 charity walkathon. The new pan-Asian annual fundraiser will support grassroots projects that improve lives, protect nature, and inspire positive change.
Businesses in eight Asian countries are being invited to join in.
Eleven fundraising events in eight countries will generate funds via a series of five-kilometre walks, sponsorships, corporate or individual donations, and contributions of products or experiences for an online silent auction.
All funds raised will be used by the Khiri Reach Foundation to support vetted conservation and community projects in Asia.
Steps for Impact 2027 is the modern brand evolution of previous walkathon and bikathon charity events organised by YAANA Ventures in 2017, 2019, 2024 and 2026.
“Over the last few years, charity actions on behalf of Khiri Reach have grown bigger and more ambitious,” said Willem Niemeijer, CEO and co-founder of YAANA Ventures. “Steps for Impact 2027 represents the coalescence of our past and future charity commitments into a new annual fundraiser for responsible businesses,” he said.
Niemeijer is inviting businesses, organisations and individuals who want to get involved in Steps for Impact 2027 to contact YAANA Ventures. Anyone can walk, donate or join the auction.
Organisations can choose an official sponsorship package, sponsor a team of walkers, or partake in the auction of products and experiences, either as a donor or bidder.
The walkathons will take place in eight Asian countries: Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and the Philippines.
Donations and auctions will be facilitated online in a dedicated Steps for Impact 2027 website, to go live in December 2026.
Initial Steps for Impact 2027 information can be found at Steps for Impact 2027. Or email sustainability@yaana-ventures.com.
ABOUT STEPS FOR IMPACT 2027
Steps for Impact 2027 is a new regional fundraising walkathon, organized by YAANA Ventures for Khiri Reach foundation that supports grassroots projects across Asia that improves lives, protects nature, and inspires positive change. Steps for Impact 2027 is the modern brand evolution of previous walkathon and bikathon charity events organised by YAANA Ventures and Khiri Reach in 2017, 2019, 2024 and 2026.
ABOUT YAANA VENTURES
YAANA Ventures is an owner, partner and operator of sustainable and entrepreneurial travel and hospitality ventures in Asia. YAANA Ventures distinguishes itself by sharing real experiences that are grounded in the cultural richness of Asia. The company is the champion of The Long Run’s 4Cs of responsible tourism: conservation, community, culture and commerce. YAANA implements all its ventures based on these guiding regenerative travel principles. Visit YAANA Ventures.
ABOUT KHIRI REACH
Khiri Reach is a charitable foundation established in 2007 to help disadvantaged people through community development, conservation, environment and empowerment projects. Khiri Reach has set up programs in Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar and Cambodia with projects coming in Indonesia, Maldives and Sri Lanka. The foundation works directly with people in rural areas and city zones to improve their living conditions. Khiri identifies bona fide projects that need funding, advises donors and volunteers, and ensures that 100% of donations go to beneficiary projects, with Khiri Travel covering all overheads whilst coordinating with local NGOs and projects. Khiri Travel also provides manpower as all staff are allocated five paid working days a year to dedicate to the Khiri Reach projects they wish to lead.
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6. Skyro Reaches Operational Break-Even in H1 2026 as Portfolio Grows Almost Eightfold
August 3, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
Digital consumer finance group reports positive operating profit for the first half of 2026 as it prepares to expand across the GCC and South-East Asia
MANAMA, BAHRAIN / MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 August 2026 – Skyro, a digital consumer finance group headquartered in Bahrain, posted its first-ever half-year operating profit in H1 2026, just over three years after launching in the Philippines in 2022. The company’s credit portfolio has grown almost eightfold since the end of 2023, while revenue has tripled year-over-year since launch, as Skyro prepares to expand its model across the GCC and South-East Asia.
H1 2026 key results:
- The company disbursed almost US$180 million in loans in the first half of 2026 alone, 1.9 times the amount disbursed a year earlier.
- The Skyro app’s user base grew to more than 7 million users.
- By the end of Q2, Skyro reached 2 million total product loan transactions within its POS infrastructure since inception.
- Skyro’s lending products are offered through a network of more than 3,000 merchants and around 10,000 retail locations; its online merchant network expanded more than fivefold in 2025.
- The company posted positive operating profit in H1 2026 – its first operationally profitable half-year since inception.
“In 2022, the Philippines became a magnet for fintech start-ups from around the world due to the clear gap between demand for accessible credit and its supply,” said Arsen Liametov, co-founder of Skyro. “On one side were traditional banks offering low-interest loans only to the most affluent segments of the population. On the other were payday lenders charging annualised rates of up to 400%. We chose to position ourselves between these extremes, targeting the largest and most underserved segment of the market, and we built the model from day one to be scalable well beyond a single country.”
Skyro uses AI-based alternative credit-scoring methods to assess the creditworthiness of individuals who lack a formal credit history, analysing factors such as online purchase history, smartphone usage data, and in-app behaviour. This approach enables the company to build a holistic picture of an individual’s credit profile and to extend loans to customers who would otherwise be excluded by traditional banks.
The Philippines remains a challenging market for international fintech lenders, as conventional credit-scoring models often fail to capture the creditworthiness of large segments of the population. Skyro’s AI-based approach to credit assessment has enabled it to become an exception in that market.
“Reaching operational break-even is an important milestone for Skyro,” said Liametov. “It’s what allows us to fund capital-intensive products like SkyroCredit, plan the launch of complementary fintech offerings, including investment technology solutions and SME lending, and expand into new markets.”
Skyro is now applying the same approach beyond the Philippines, expanding its presence across the GCC and South-East Asia. As digital lending continues to disrupt markets where financial regulation remains conservative, Skyro aims to replicate its three-year path to break-even through its scalable lending platform and technology infrastructure.
Across these markets, large segments of the population and small businesses remain outside the formal financial system. That gap is central to Skyro’s growth thesis: as these markets become digitalised, lenders that integrate with existing financial infrastructure, rather than building parallel systems to compete with it, are best positioned to scale.
*Operating profit is profit after all operating expenses, including general and administrative expenses, before foreign-exchange gains or losses and income tax. Figures are based on unaudited management accounts.
Hashtag: #Skyro
About Skyro
By 2026, Skyro’s registered user base has grown to 7 million users in the Philippines, underpinned by a robust credit portfolio exceeding $200 million. The company’s strategic ambition is to establish itself as a leading provider of diversified financial services across dozens of emerging markets worldwide.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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7. HDBank posts 31% rise in first-half profit, assets exceed VND1 quadrillion
August 3, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
An HDBank transaction office in HCM City. — Photo courtesy of the bank.
Total assets increased 12.3% from the beginning of the year to VND1.04 quadrillion (US$39.6 billion) as of June 30, placing HDBank among the few Vietnamese banks with assets exceeding VND1 quadrillion (US$38 billion).
The bank delivered industry-leading profitability, with ROE of 25.4% and ROA of 2.17%. Total operating income rose 8.8% year-on-year to VND22.68 trillion (US$862.8 million), with non-interest income up 23.1%.
Digital transformation helped reduce the cost-to-income ratio to 24.9%. More than 94% of retail transactions are now conducted digitally.
Outstanding loans grew 18.8% to VND698.36 trillion (US$266 billion), with lending focused on manufacturing, SMEs, agriculture, infrastructure, supply chains and consumer finance. Total funding reached VND932.44 trillion (U$35.5 billion), up 12.1%, while customer deposits increased by more than 20%.
HDBank’s growth is driven by an integrated ecosystem spanning banking, digital finance, securities, insurance, fund management and consumer finance, alongside aviation, real estate, infrastructure, technology and education. Serving over 34 million direct customers and reaching another 20 million through partners, this network supports strong customer acquisition and cross-selling.
Among its subsidiaries, HD SAISON posted pre-tax profit of more than VND804 billion (US$30.6 million), while HD Securities reported VND1.47 trillion (US$55.9 million), up 286% year-on-year, placing it among Vietnam’s 10 most profitable securities firms. Vikki Digital Bank expanded its user base to more than 3.5 million.
HDBank maintained strong financial health, with a Basel II capital adequacy ratio above 14% and a loan-to-deposit ratio of 72%. Basel III liquidity ratios, including the liquidity coverage ratio and net stable funding ratio, remained above 100%.
In Q2, Moody’s Ratings upgraded HDBank’s outlook to positive, while Fitch Ratings assigned the bank first-time Long-Term Foreign- and Local-Currency Issuer Default Ratings of ‘BB-’, placing it among the highest-rated commercial banks in Vietnam.
HDBank has also secured a US$721 million international syndicated social loan, the largest such loan ever successfully raised by a Vietnamese organisation.
With strong momentum across its core businesses, HDBank is well positioned to achieve and surpass its 2026 pre-tax profit target of over VND30.1 trillion (US$1.1 billion), up 41% from 2025.
Hashtag: #HDBank #HDB
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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8. Pattaya Is More Than Just the Beach: How ‘Event Tourism’ Is Making This Seaside City Near Bangkok a Year-Round Destination
August 3, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
Amari Pattaya and OZO North Pattaya invite travellers to extend their Pattaya Marathon 2026 trip into a seaside escape amid the vibrancy of Pattaya — an event city filled with sport, music, cafés and lifestyle activities throughout the year.
This trend reflects the growth of Event Tourism, or activity-based tourism, which is gaining popularity among a new generation of both Thai and international travellers. Events are not merely a reason to travel; they are also a starting point for sharing experiences with like-minded people, feeling the energy of a city at its liveliest and enriching the journey through food, culture, lifestyle, relaxation and memorable moments along the way.
Pattaya is one destination that clearly reflects this new travel trend. Once best known as a familiar seaside getaway near Bangkok, the city has now evolved into a vibrant year-round destination, with everything from sporting competitions, music festivals and beachfront activities to international lifestyle events such as Wonderfruit, Rolling Loud Thailand, the Pattaya International Fireworks Festival, Pattaya Music Festival, Honda LPGA Thailand and the Pattaya Marathon, as well as many other international events that continue to draw Thai and overseas travellers back at different times of the year.
This September, the 33rd Pattaya Marathon 2026, to be held on 26 and 27 September 2026, is another major event that reinforces Pattaya’s role as an Event Tourism city. This year, more than 40,000 runners and family members from various countries are expected to travel to take part, filling Pattaya with the atmosphere of travel, connection and the energy of people brought together through sport. Adding to its appeal, the race combines a scenic coastal course with Pattaya’s lively urban energy, giving runners the opportunity to enjoy sunrise views over the Gulf of Thailand, refreshing sea breezes and some of the city’s most recognisable beachfront landmarks.
But the appeal of travelling to Pattaya for an event does not end on race day. After the run or activity, travellers can extend their trip with many more experiences, from strolling along the beach and visiting cafés in popular neighbourhoods to dining at well-known local restaurants, spending time at a beach club, trying water activities, or relaxing with family and friends in an easily accessible beach city that stays lively throughout the day.
To complement this style of travel, ONYX Hospitality Group welcomes travellers at its two Pattaya hotels: Amari Pattaya and OZO North Pattaya. Both are conveniently located for easy access to the city’s vibrant attractions and close to the Pattaya Marathon 2026 starting point, making them ideal for runners, families and travellers who want to turn an event trip into a seaside break.
For those looking to make their holiday experience even more complete, Amari Pattaya presents a new definition of multi-generational family holidays. For families travelling together, the hotel offers a balanced approach that allows members of every generation to enjoy their own lifestyle seamlessly before coming together again to share happy moments as a family.
While some family members may choose to explore Pattaya Beach or enjoy outdoor activities, others can unwind at Maai Spa, a premium spa that blends contemporary Thai wellness practices with the refined inspiration of silk to restore both body and mind.
For larger families travelling with little princes and princesses, children can let their imaginations run free through creative activities at The Treehouse Kids Club and the expansive water park, while grandparents can retreat to the peaceful privacy and exclusive service of Club Napha.
Amari Pattaya also brings the whole family together over memorable meals, from authentic Thai cuisine crafted with carefully selected local ingredients and a selection of Western favourites at Amaya Food Gallery, to authentic Italian cuisine served in the warm ambience of Prego Pattaya Pasta Lab and Bar, a beachfront Italian restaurant where families and friends can gather over fresh pasta, handcrafted dishes and contemporary interpretations of Italian classics in a warm and welcoming setting
Meanwhile, OZO North Pattaya is an ideal choice for travellers who want to make the most of every moment of their trip. Its location close to the beach, major shopping centres, cafés, restaurants and the city’s key event venues makes it easy to experience Pattaya’s vibrant atmosphere. Guests can start the day with breakfast at EAT, take a stroll by the sea, stop at a café during the day and conveniently round off the evening with Pattaya’s nightlife. Back at the hotel, they can relax by the large swimming pool or recharge at the fitness centre before retiring to a room designed for a truly restful night’s sleep, ready to welcome a new morning and enjoy the city all over again.
More than just a seaside city near Bangkok, Pattaya today is a destination where travellers can shape their own experiences throughout the day, from relaxing on the beach and enjoying brunch at an inviting café to water activities, art attractions and seaside dining at sunset. This is the appeal of Event Tourism: an event is not merely the reason to travel, but the starting point for a trip filled with people, atmosphere and memorable moments.
For runners, families, groups of friends or anyone look for a seasonal getaway, Pattaya Marathon 2026 could be a good reason to start planning the next trip and use the opportunity to experience a side of Pattaya that goes beyond the beach.
Hashtag: #OnyxHospitalityGroup #AmariPattayaHotel #OZONorthHotel
About ONYX Hospitality Group
With more than six decades of management experience, the company has expanded its innovative solutions across the region while maintaining internationally recognised standards and ensuring operational agility and optimal efficiency. By fostering enduring relationships with like-minded business partners, ONYX Hospitality Group delivers unrivalled experiences in a highly competitive and constantly evolving market, meeting the ever-changing needs of travellers.
More information: www.onyx-hospitality.com
Follow ONYX Hospitality Group at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ONYXHospitalityGroup
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/onyxhospitalitygroup/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onyx-hospitality-group
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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9. HDBank secures record international syndicated social loan in Vietnam
August 3, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
Dr Nguyễn Thị Phương Thảo, Permanent Vice Chairwoman of HDBank’s Board of Directors, speaks at the signing ceremony, noting that the US$721 million syndicated social loan opens up new resources to support sustainable development and financial inclusion in Việt Nam. — Photo courtesy of HDBank.
The transaction highlights strong confidence among global investors in HDBank and Vietnam’s long-term economic prospects.
The proceeds will be used to expand access to finance for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly women-owned businesses, supporting financial inclusion and sustainable development in Vietnam.
The facility was structured in line with the Social Loan Principles and HDBank’s Sustainable Finance Framework. ADB and Standard Chartered served as joint coordinators, while ANZ, Cathay United Bank, Commerzbank, Maybank Securities, MUFG Bank and the State Bank of India acted as mandated lead arrangers and bookrunners.
The transaction attracted strong interest from international investors, with commitments reaching US$721 million, around 60 per cent above the original target.
CEO of Standard Chartered Vietnam said the facility is the largest syndicated social loan ever raised by a Vietnamese organisation.
“This achievement reflects investors’ confidence in HDBank and its leadership team, and demonstrates optimism about Vietnam’s long-term growth prospects and the growing appeal of the country’s sustainable finance market among global investors,” the CEO said.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, Permanent Vice Chairwoman of HDBank’s Board of Directors, described the loan as a new milestone for the bank.
“It is our first financing facility dedicated exclusively to social initiatives, including programmes supporting women,” she said, adding that the transaction recognised HDBank’s long-standing commitment to community development through programmes supporting businesses, healthcare, education, culture, sports, women and children.
Tran Hoai Nam, HDBank’s Permanent Deputy CEO, said the proceeds would strengthen the bank’s medium- and long-term funding base while expanding lending to SMEs, particularly women-led businesses.
Earlier, HDBank had secured US$270 million in green financing and US$380 million in sustainable finance from international development finance institutions, including IFC, ADB, Proparco, DEG, LeapFrog, FMO, BII, JICA, FinDev and SMBC.
Hashtag: #HDBank
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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10. De Beers Group debuts Desert diamonds in Shanghai
August 3, 2026
Source: Media Outreach
Over 200 industry leaders, trendsetters and cultural figures gather at The Orbit to celebrate the much-anticipated launch event
SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 August 2026 – De Beers Group unveiled the Desert diamonds campaign for Asia at West Bund Orbit in Shanghai. The immersive experience brought to life the authenticity, individuality and inner radiance embodied by Desert diamonds. Generating significant buzz across Shanghai, the event attracted distinguished guests, including government officials and ambassadors, retailers and industry partners, media and cultural influencers, artists and designers.
De Beers Group celebrates the Asia debut of Desert diamonds at The Orbit, West Bund Shanghai.
Designed by British architect Thomas Heatherwick, the West Bund Orbit’s fluid, ribbon‑like form resonates with Desert diamonds’ narrative of individuality, naturalness and fluidity, offering a visually perfect setting for the launch. The highlight of the evening was a sacred gong‑striking ceremony, symbolising the opening of a new era for Desert diamonds. Officiating at the gong-striking ceremony were Lynn Serfaty, General Manager, Natural Diamonds, De Beers Group; Annie Wong, Chief Operating Officer of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group; Winston Chow, Deputy General Manager of Chow Sang Sang Jewellery Group and Tommy Tse, Deputy CEO at Tse Sui Luen Jewellery Group. The ring the bell ceremony is accompanied by Loletta Lai, VP, Natural Diamond Marketing, APAC, De Beers Group and Sean Lin, VP, Sales, De Beers Group.
Government and diplomatic leaders joined the celebration to offer their congratulations. Taking the stage for a group photo were Mr. Sohail Shaikh, UK Deputy Trade Commissioner to China, UK Government / FCDO; Mr. Tom Simpson, MD, China, China-Britain Business Council; Ms. Phuti Joyce Tsipa, South African Consul-General in Shanghai; Ms. Bertha Amakali, Minister Counsellor of Namibia to China; Mr. Lin Qiang, President of Shanghai Diamond Exchange Center; Ms. Xu Yilei, Managing Director of the Natural Diamond Council Greater China; Ms. Meng Xiaojun, Chief Economist of NGTC; Shridaran Pillay, VP Government Affairs, De Beers Group, underscoring the event’s cross‑cultural significance.
“Desert diamonds captures the untamed beauty and power of the desert,” said Lynn Serfaty, “In China, natural diamonds are not imports—their origins are deeply rooted in ancient civilisation. The desert itself resonates with the Chinese cultural appreciation for transcendence, resilience, and the harmony between heaven and humanity.”
“Today’s consumers seek individual expression, true self, and self‑reward,” she continued, “Each Desert diamond is a response to this desire. Every Desert diamond presents a uniquely warm, natural colour and carries the imprint of billions of years. It is this cultural resonance that is driving the growing interest and appreciation of Desert diamonds in the Chinese market, representing the values most precious in our time: authenticity, individuality, and inner radiance.”
Departing from traditional jewellery launch formats, De Beers Group invited four “Real People” who embody the spirit of authenticity through their real‑life journeys to reveal the essence of Desert diamonds. The event opened with Desert diamonds “Real People” and sound healer Lear Tsui’s ethereal “Healing Trace” gong performance, guiding guests into a serene state of inner exploration. In the performance segment “Colour of Origin” that followed – Guo Yu’ang, a young Peking opera artist of the Mei School, honoured tradition with a graceful and elegant aria, conveying the beauty of heritage. The only female “Real People”, Shi Wei, China’s first F1 Academy female driver, made a stunning appearance wearing Desert diamonds jewellery at the “Blade of Resilience” segment. She shared with conviction: “True strength is often not outwardly expressed but built through intense focus. Just like the formation of natural diamonds—seemingly silent, yet enduring pressure over eons to achieve transformation.” Taking the stage at the finale “Ray of Refraction”, stand‑up comedian Liu Yang ignited the room with a series of humorous and heartfelt performances, and amidst the laughter, he led everyone into the moment of the very first reveal of Desert diamonds jewellery. Liu Yang shared: “True brilliance is not about being flawless, but about embracing every aspect of yourself, just as Desert diamonds reflects a unique individuality through the natural beauty of diamonds.”
At the heart of the celebration was a curated jewellery art exhibition, presenting Desert diamonds jewellery masterpieces by Chow Tai Fook, Chow Sang Sang and Tse Sui Luen, alongside De Beers Group’s iconic three‑stone collection and loose Desert diamonds. De Beers Group creatively partnered with bamboo weaving artist Xu Mingyu, who used the intangible cultural heritage of bamboo weaving to create immersive art installations throughout the venue. The Desert diamonds jewellery was placed amidst an intricate interplay of bamboo rhythms, sparking a poetic dialogue between contemporary jewellery design and millennia‑old craftsmanship. This distinctive Eastern aesthetic not only offered a fresh visual delight, but also interpreted the beauty of individuality, the authenticity of craftsmanship, and the radiance of time‑honoured tradition embodied by Desert diamonds from a local perspective, further underscoring De Beers Group’s Building Forever sustainability commitment.
To bring the experience to a memorable close, guests continued the journey through sensory party, where sound, scent and imagery combined to evoke the beauty at the heart of Desert diamonds. Interactive zones included a sand art experience allowing guests to co‑create with their fingertips, feeling the flow and eternity of the desert, a Gong Sound healing session using resonant frequencies to guide guests into a state of calm and introspection, and a Scents of the Desert fragrance experience blending warm amber and deep woody notes to outline the raw, pure beauty of the desert earth. Each experience acted as a different facet of a Desert diamond, collectively reflecting the themes of authenticity, individuality, and inner radiance.
To delve deeper into the spirit of the theme, De Beers Group hosted a series of panel talks, offering different perspectives on the evolving role of natural diamonds in modern life. Consumers were invited to participate in Natural Diamond Masterclasses, where they learned about the rarity, uniqueness and enduring value of natural diamonds, and gained further understanding of how to distinguish natural diamonds from laboratory‑grown diamonds. In addition, enamel painting workshops allowed guests to explore the dialogue between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design.
Desert diamonds opens a new chapter in the celebration of natural diamonds, honouring their deep‑earth origin, inherent rarity, and cross‑cultural significance as symbols of individuality, natural beauty and self‑reward. Today, consumers increasingly look for pieces that reflect not only who they are, but how they choose to live, celebrate and express themselves. Desert diamonds answers that desire with a natural diamond expression shaped by individuality, authenticity and inner radiance. Looking ahead, De Beers Group will continue to celebrate the enduring wonder of natural diamonds and inspire a new generation to discover their relevance in today’s world. Desert diamonds breathe new life into “A Diamond is Forever”—because natural diamonds belong not only to eternity, but also to the here and now.
Please follow the official accounts to find more information regarding Desert diamonds.
Hashtag: #Naturaldiamonds #Diamonds #DeBeersGroup #Desertdiamonds #ADiamondisForever
About De Beers Group
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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