PM Edition: Top 10 Business Articles on LiveNews.co.nz for August 5, 2026 – Full Text

The announcements were made at the inaugural TikTok Shop Singapore Summit, a full-day hybrid event that brought together more than 1,500 sellers, creators, and ecosystem partners to explore how collaboration across the discovery commerce ecosystem can help businesses grow through content and LIVE selling. This comes amid strong growth on the platform, with TikTok Shop Singapore recording 1.7x year-on-year growth in Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) and 1.6x year-on-year growth in monthly buyers over the past year, reflecting the growing opportunities for sellers to scale through content-driven commerce.

Investing in seller success

As Singapore’s discovery commerce ecosystem continues to grow, TikTok Shop is expanding its capability-building programmes to support sellers at every stage of their growth journey — from learning the fundamentals of LIVE selling to building sustainable, long-term businesses.

Together, these programmes create stronger foundations for businesses at every stage of growth, equipping more sellers with the capabilities needed to participate in Singapore’s evolving discovery commerce ecosystem.

“We’re seeing a clear shift in how businesses grow on TikTok Shop. Success today is no longer defined simply by having a presence online or treating LIVE selling as another sales channel. The businesses achieving the strongest long-term results are those investing in capabilities — building confidence in content creation, developing in-house LIVE expertise, and working with creators in more strategic ways,” said Leon Koh, Fashion Cluster Lead and Head of Seller Management at TikTok Shop Singapore. “That’s why we’re expanding our support beyond tools and technology to focus on capability building across our entire ecosystem. By investing in both sellers and creators, we’re helping businesses of all sizes build the skills, partnerships, and confidence they need to grow sustainably in today’s discovery-driven economy.”

Building the next generation of creators

A strong discovery commerce ecosystem also requires a capable creator community. Complementing its investment in seller capabilities, TikTok Shop is also expanding its support for creators through programmes that help them develop specialised skills and unlock new income opportunities through discovery commerce, with the goal of supporting more than 3,000 creators by the end of 2026.

• LIVE Host Academy supports aspiring professional LIVE hosts by building the practical hosting and sales skills needed to succeed in LIVE commerce, while connecting them with sellers seeking LIVE selling talent.
• Affiliate Accelerator supports creators looking to build affiliate-led businesses through training in LIVE selling and short-form content, while providing opportunities to connect with sellers and drive product discovery through authentic recommendations.
• Short Video Programme supports emerging creators specialising in short-form content by helping them develop product storytelling skills through practical learning resources, creator manager support, and collaboration opportunities with TikTok Shop sellers.

Together, these initiatives strengthen Singapore’s discovery commerce ecosystem by developing a pipeline of skilled creators while creating more opportunities for sellers and creators to collaborate through authentic, content-driven commerce. With LIVE viewership on TikTok Shop in Singapore increasing by 150% year-on-year, the programmes aim to equip more creators with the skills to meet growing consumer demand for engaging, interactive shopping experiences.

How local businesses are growing on TikTok Shop

The impact of these investments extends beyond the programmes themselves, as local businesses build new capabilities, strengthen customer relationships and unlock new growth through discovery commerce.

For Young Hungry Free (@younghungryfree), a Singapore-based fashion brand that celebrates individuality through bold collections and a community built around empowerment, TikTok Shop has become an important growth channel, helping the brand expand its reach through content-led commerce. Today, Young Hungry Free continues to leverage TikTok Shop’s ecosystem of tools and resources to scale its LIVE commerce capabilities and grow its online business.

“TikTok Shop has transformed the way we connect with our customers. Beyond being a sales channel, it has enabled us to build a loyal community through authentic, content-led LIVE commerce experiences,” said Winnie Ong, Founder and Creative Director of Young Hungry Free.

“As our business grew on TikTok Shop, we invested in building a dedicated in-house LIVE commerce team. What started with one full-time employee managing LIVE selling sessions alongside her existing responsibilities has since grown into a team of more than 10 dedicated members. The platform has empowered us to experiment, adapt quickly and reach new customers in ways that traditional e-commerce simply couldn’t. As a homegrown Singapore brand, we’re excited to continue growing alongside TikTok Shop and exploring new opportunities in discovery commerce.”

While established brands like Young Hungry Free continue to scale through discovery commerce, TikTok Shop is also helping heritage businesses embrace new ways to connect with customers while staying true to what makes them unique.

For Kim’s Duet (@kimsduetsg), a Singapore brand by Kim Guan Guan that reimagines traditional local coffee for modern consumers, TikTok Shop has created new opportunities for the second-generation family business to preserve its heritage while reaching a new generation of customers.

Nevin Soon, Second-Generation Coffee Manufacturer and Management Associate, said, “As a traditional coffee roastery stepping into the digital space, learning to navigate LIVE commerce was a steep learning curve for us. Through TikTok Shop’s onboarding and its Growth Accelerator programme, the TikTok Shop team helped us refine our strategy, experiment with different time slots, and build a real community online. Since then, we’ve achieved a 42% month-on-month GMV growth in June 2026—a huge milestone for us. It reinforces our belief that, with the right tools, training, and support, traditional local brands can build strong, sustainable momentum online.”

As content continues to shape how people discover and shop, TikTok Shop remains committed to strengthening Singapore’s discovery commerce ecosystem by investing in the sellers, creators and partnerships that drive long-term growth. Through continued capability building and collaboration, TikTok Shop aims to create more opportunities for businesses and creators to succeed together.

Whether you’re looking to build your LIVE selling capabilities or accelerate your business growth, eligible TikTok Shop sellers can register their interest for the GO LIVE Academy here and the Growth Accelerator Programme here. Individuals interested in becoming professional LIVE hosts or affiliate creators can register their interest for the LIVE Host Academy and Affiliate Accelerator here.

Seafood Expo Asia/Seafood Processing Asia is a trade event where buyers from across Asia and industry suppliers from around the world come together to network and conduct business in the lucrative Asian market. The event is produced by Diversified and takes place annually in Asia. SeafoodSource is the exposition’s official media covering industry news year-round.

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For decades, the size of a master planned community has been one of the industry’s clearest measures of ambition. Across many markets, developments spanning 2,500 acres or more are regarded as large scale projects, distinguished by their mix of housing, retail, schools, parks and lifestyle amenities ⁽¹⁾.

Today, as cities confront mounting pressure from climate change, population growth and changing patterns of mobility, urban development is being judged by a different standard. The OECD notes that future cities must do more than expand. They must connect people to jobs and services, strengthen climate resilience and integrate nature into the fabric of urban infrastructure ⁽²⁾.

Positioned along the Hanoi – Hai Phong – Quang Ninh Expressway, at the intersection of northern Vietnam’s tourism, industrial and logistics corridors, Vinhomes Global Gate Ha Long is planned not as a residential complex but as a fully integrated city, bringing together world-class housing, public services, commerce and ecological infrastructure within a single connected environment. The project represents Vinhomes’ most comprehensive urban vision to date, extending two decades of evolution from landmark residential projects to fully integrated townships.

A City Engineered for Connectivity and Daily Convenience

At the core of the master plan is the principle of an integrated urban ecosystem, designed to shorten the distance between where people live, work, learn and access essential services. Transportation, education, healthcare, commerce and hospitality are embedded within a single, unified environment.

Reinforcing this connectivity is the project’s location adjacent to the future depot station of the Hanoi–Quang Ninh high-speed railway, which is expected to connect residents to the capital in approximately 23 minutes, reshaping regional mobility and enabling a single daily commute between the intensity of metropolitan Hanoi and the UNESCO World Heritage landscape of Ha Long Bay.

Residents will also enjoy uninterrupted views of Ha Long Bay itself, alongside clean air, expansive waterfronts and exceptional ecological quality. Residential offerings span villas, townhouses, shophouses and high-rise apartments across six major districts.

Embedding Sustainability and World-Class Amenities

Environmental regeneration underpins the development at scale. More than 2,500 hectares are dedicated to green spaces, water bodies and mangrove landscapes, including 680 hectares of naturally filtered seawater, approximately 200 kilometers of coastline and the 660-hectare Globe Ha Long Forest Park. Together, these ecological assets are designed to support biodiversity, strengthen climate resilience and foster healthier living conditions, forming the core of Vinhomes’ ESG++ vision for regenerative urban development.

The city is organized around interconnected ecosystems. Culture and entertainment feature a 60,000-seat outdoor waterfront venue, the 3,000-seat Wonder Theatre, an 81-hectare VinWonders destination featuring what is planned to be the world’s largest aquarium park, an international convention center for more than 4,500 guests, and an 18.5-hectare Vietnamese Cultural and Culinary Village.

Hospitality and leisure offerings include internationally managed luxury hotels and resorts, integrated casino facilities, a 950-hectare golf complex comprising 12 courses, an 800-hectare mangrove recreational park, and Wonder Marina, which provides direct access to Ha Long Bay.

Commerce and lifestyle amenities are centered around Vincom Mega Mall, premium outlet shopping, Vincom Collection retail streets and dedicated lifestyle destinations, creating a 24-hour retail and dining environment.

Sports and wellness infrastructure includes Vietnam’s first purpose-built Sports District, spanning 13.3 hectares, a professional sports academy, and more than 50 kilometers of cycling routes woven throughout the city.

Health and education needs are met by the 14-hectare Vinmec Cleveland Clinic International Hospital; Vin New Horizon, Vietnam’s largest senior living center; Golden Residence retirement villas; Vinschool campuses; an American international school; and Wonder Young Hub, a dedicated center for youth development.

Anchoring the city’s economic future is a new central business district featuring office towers of 30 to 45 stories, designed to attract domestic and international businesses and reinforce Ha Long’s role as a major economic and financial hub.

Setting a New Standard for Future Urban Development

Vinhomes Global Gate Ha Long has been planned in alignment with ISO 37125, the latest international guidance for sustainable urban development, while incorporating Vingroup’s ESG++ approach, extending beyond environmental protection to encompass ecological regeneration, resource efficiency, digital governance, resilient infrastructure and long-term community wellbeing.

Smart technologies, including artificial intelligence, Internet of Things applications and data-driven urban management, are intended to optimize city operations alongside green mobility systems and efficient public infrastructure.

Guided by three core principles, connectivity, regeneration and excellence, the project seeks to demonstrate how mobility, environmental stewardship, public services, commerce and culture can function within a single planning framework. Through this approach, Vinhomes underlines its commitment to developing integrated urban environments designed for long-term sustainability.

1. https://www.newhomesource.com/learn/all-about-master-planned-communities/
2. https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/publications/reports/2025/12/integrated-urban-policy-to-achieve-the-sdgs_e1bb165d/ada07311-en.pdf

Hashtag: #Vinhomes

This evolution is reflected in long-standing investment relationships with many of the world’s most iconic corporations. Global titans like Toyota, Minebea, Delta Electronics, Cargill, Western Digital, Seagate, Microchip and ADI—along with countless other global industry leaders—have not just invested in Thailand; they have thrived, expanded, and innovated within an ecosystem shaped by consistent policy direction and strong government support. Their continued presence underscores Thailand’s macroeconomic stability, strategic location, and the BOI’s role as a reliable institutional anchor for foreign investment.

As it marks its 60th anniversary, the BOI is drawing on this accumulated experience to frame Thailand’s next phase of economic transformation. Guided by the theme – “Shaping Thailand’s Future Through Strategic Investment” – the emphasis has shifted towards positioning Thailand as a high-value production base, driven by innovation, sustainability, and future industries that align with long-term structural trends. The strategy places particular weight on regional integration and cross-border partnerships, reflecting Thailand’s ambition to remain relevant in a fragmenting global economy.

A Resounding Vote of Global Confidence: Thailand’s Unprecedented 2025 Performance
Investor response in 2025 suggests that this recalibration is gaining traction. Record investment figures serve as an early signal of confidence, reflecting both Thailand’s revised policy direction and the institutional credibility built over six decades.

In 2025, total investment applications reached USD 60.23 billion (1.87 trillion baht) across 3,370 projects, a 67% increase in value and an 11% rise in project count, both year-on-year — underscoring the BOI’s focus on technology-driven investment and Thailand’s growing role as a regional hub. This momentum carried into 2026: investment applications in the first half of the year (January–June) alone reached USD 47.47 billion (1.47 trillion baht) across 1,299 projects, up 37% year-on-year, while FDI applications climbed 80% to USD 44.08 billion (1.37 trillion baht) even amid global economic headwinds. Projects approved during the period are expected to generate more than 82,000 jobs, drive over USD 12.46 billion (386,900 million baht) a year in local raw material sourcing, and contribute more than USD 39.94 billion (THB 1.24 trillion baht) a year in export value.

Sectoral trends, especially in high-technology industries and AI, underline this rapid shift. The Digital sector, the Electronics & Electrical Appliances sector, and the AI supply chain are all seeing momentum in advanced manufacturing, including photonics devices, PCB, and semiconductor-related activities. In automotive production, Thailand is consolidating its regional leadership through higher-value components and the build-out of a full EV ecosystem. The Agriculture & Food Processing sector continues to move up the value chain, while petrochemicals and chemicals are increasingly oriented towards specialty products and circular-economy applications. Together, these developments suggest a gradual repositioning of Thailand within global production networks.

Mr. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General of the BOI, reflected on this monumental achievement: “For six decades, the BOI has been instrumental in charting Thailand’s economic course, from foundational industrialization to pioneering a technology-driven, sustainable future. Our role transcends merely attracting capital; it is about strategically shaping our economic landscape to respond to a rapidly changing world. The investment figures of 2025 and the first half of 2026 are a clear endorsement of this long-term vision, confirming global trust in our strategic direction and our resolute commitment to forging a stable, innovative, and green economy for generations to come.”

The BOI’s Vision for Building the Foundation for the Next Decade
Building on its previous success, the BOI’s strategy aims to anchor Thailand more firmly within ASEAN’s investment geography. Over the next decade, the agency seeks to position Thailand as a center for business across ASEAN, navigating geopolitical uncertainties and fostering deeper collaboration across critical global supply chains.

Key pillars of this ambitious vision include:

• Leading Strategic Industries: The BOI aims to solidify Thailand’s global leadership by focusing on six strategic sectors. These include Bio&Green Industries, which encompass the bio-economy, modern agriculture, future foods, and clean energy, leveraging Thailand’s strengths and resources for added value and sustainable growth. Also prioritized are Modern Automotive, focusing on all types of Electric Vehicles and their parts, building upon Thailand’s robust foundation; Semiconductors and Advanced Electronics, critical for strengthening supply chains; Artificial Intelligence and Digital, serving as fundamental infrastructure; International Business Hubs, fostering high-value jobs and knowledge transfer; and Automation and Robotics, which have gained tremendous investment momentum in Thailand.
• Skill Bridge, a future-ready workforce: Addressing skills development has become a policy priority. The BOI is expanding initiatives to develop talent in data technologies, artificial intelligence, and electronics and semiconductors, among others, reflecting rising workforce demand to support the growth of capital-intensive and technology-led industries.
• Fostering Global Investor Alliances: Beyond individual projects, the BOI is seeking to create a collaborative ecosystem. This involves connecting global investors with local SMEs, governmental agencies, and cutting-edge research institutions to drive shared growth, foster innovation, and integrate Thailand’s vibrant domestic businesses into global value chains.
• Thailand FastPass: To accelerate investment decisions and reduce investment friction, the BOI, under the Government’s initiative, has introduced Thailand FastPass — a dedicated service channel for investors in targeted industries and large-scale, high-impact projects. This streamlines processes, cuts approval timelines, and assigns a dedicated liaison officer to coordinate permitting, licensing, and regulatory processes across government agencies on the investor’s behalf. Thailand FastPass reflects the BOI’s commitment to matching the pace of global capital flows and ensuring Thailand remains a competitive, responsive destination for investors who require speed and certainty.

Powering Thailand on the Global Stage: A Hub of Collaboration and Opportunity
Mr. Narit emphasized Thailand’s strategic goal: to position the nation as an attractive investment destination and a “safe haven” amidst global geopolitical shifts. He highlighted Thailand’s inherent geopolitical neutrality, making it an ideal manufacturing base for exports to major global markets. This strategic advantage, combined with proactive cooperation on digital rules, cybersecurity, and the green economy, supports inclusive and sustainable ASEAN growth.

With the upcoming 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group in October, Thailand is poised to further solidify its global leadership, showcasing its economic openness and commitment to sustainable advancement.

Invest in Thailand: Your Strategic Advantage in the Heart of Asia
The message from the Thai Government is clear: Thailand is open for business and committed to your success. In a complex global landscape, Thailand offers unparalleled stability, strategic market access, and unwavering policy support.

The BOI has evolved beyond merely offering incentives, transforming into a dedicated strategic partner for a seamless and profitable investment journey. Its role encompasses promoting high-value investments through competitive incentives, integrating businesses seamlessly across government, private sector, and civil society, connecting them to robust global partners and supply chains, and facilitating smooth market entry and sustainable operations with comprehensive, end-to-end services.

As global leaders converge in Thailand, the spotlight is firmly on the country’s immense potential. Partner with us to tap into the future of the digital economy, advance sustainable manufacturing, and lead innovation from Asia’s premier investment hub.

Discover how your business can thrive in Thailand. Contact the Board of Investment today and let us help you build your future.

Voices of Conviction – Investors Endorse Thailand’s Vision
The momentum isn’t just in the numbers; it’s in the deep conviction of the investors powering this growth.

“The business community consistently sees the BOI’s role as an accessible and open platform, crucial for strengthening Thailand’s competitiveness. Its focus on skilled labor development, R&D promotion, and regulatory facilitation actively delivers clear pathways for investment, aligning industry with national development priorities. By supporting initiatives such as renewable energy and green manufacturing, it affirms the BOI’s unwavering efforts to ensure Thailand remains a premier regional investment hub for all investors, present and future.” — Heidi Gallant, Executive Director, AMCHAM Thailand

“For Japanese companies, the BOI stands as an invaluable partner and crucial bridge, adeptly connecting government policies with our evolving needs and tirelessly working to enhance Thailand’s investment landscape. Their proactive leadership in Green and Digital Transformation is vital for strengthening global supply chains and fostering new business opportunities, firmly cementing Thailand’s position as a premier export and innovation hub. We are deeply committed to deepening this essential collaboration.” — ABE Ichiro, President of JETRO Bangkok

“The BOI is more than a facilitator; it is the strategic partner bridging government policies with investor needs, fundamentally driving our continuous growth. Truly, without BOI, we would not have been able to make such stable investments. Their vision, aligning with our pivot into ‘Industries of the Future’ like AI servers and humanoid robots, is complemented by a robust ESG framework. This has cemented Thailand as our core regional production base, and we are committed to deepening this essential partnership for the next 60 years and beyond.” — Yoshihisa Kainuma, Representative Director, Chairman and CEO, MinebeaMitsumi Inc.

“BOI’s longstanding support has enabled Nestlé Thailand’s continuous business growth. We commend BOI’s leadership in championing ESG-driven investments, an approach closely aligned with Nestlé’s Creating Shared Value philosophy, which focuses on building a sustainable business while contributing positively to Thai people, society, and the environment. Nestlé remains deeply committed to Thailand and will continue investing, as well as creating value for Thai consumers, farmers, and local businesses across our value chain.” — Victor Seah, Chairman and CEO of Nestlé Indochina

A Foundation of Foresight – Six Decades of Strategic Evolution
Thailand’s historic investment achievements are not a matter of chance; they are the direct result of a deliberate, forward-looking government strategy continuously honed over 60 years. Established in 1966 under the Industrial Promotion Act, the BOI has consistently demonstrated its capacity for proactive adaptation and strategic leadership, evolving through distinct policy shifts:

Thailand’s investment trajectory reflects deliberate policy choices rather than coincidence. Since its establishment under the Industrial Promotion Act in 1966, the BOI has adapted its approach in line with shifting economic conditions:

• 1966–1975: Import substitution.
• 1976–1985: Export-oriented growth and integration into global markets.
• 1986–1995: Accelerated growth and Thailand’s regional development.
• 1996–2005: Post-crisis recovery and international trade liberalization.
• 2006–2015: Higher-value investment and technology development.
• 2016–present: Strategic Industries and the Green-Digital Transformation.

Current measures—including green-transformation incentives, the Long-Term Resident visa, investment retention and relocation programmes—extend this policy lineage, underpinning Thailand’s push towards a more sustainable and technology-driven economy.

https://www.boi.go.th/en/index/

Hashtag: #Thailandboardofinvestment #BOI #FDI #Investment

The successful return of Premium European Products for its third consecutive year reflects growing interest in premium European products and the continued value of business exchange between Greece, Latvia and Malaysia. Through its presence at MIFB and dedicated B2B networking sessions, the campaign continues to support stronger market access, business cooperation and product discovery within Malaysia’s evolving food and beverage landscape.

Hashtag: #PremiumEuropeanProducts

About National Union of Agricultural Cooperatives of Greece (ETHEAS)

Strategic 10,400 sq. m. transformation brings 150+ fashion and lifestyle brands to Central China

WUHAN, CHINA & HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 August 2026 – Heartland 66 in Wuhan, under Hang Lung Properties Limited (SEHK stock code: 00101) (“Hang Lung” or the “Company”), is expanding its new-generation, differentiated retail mix and customer experience offerings through the launch of Central China’s first curated 24KR Korean Trend Zone and edgestreet Concept Space. Building on the Heartland 66’s premium positioning, the two areas bring together Korean Wave culture, contemporary fashion, new-to-market brand launches, vibrant social spaces, and immersive experiences – forming part of Heartland 66’s transformation from a traditional retail destination into a trendy lifestyle hub, while contributing to the development of Wuhan’s retail sector.

Launched between June and July, the 24KR Korean Trend Zone and “Greenhouse by edgestreet,” together spanning approximately 10,400 sq. m., feature a lineup of more than 150 brands. The 24KR Zone captures the contemporary Korean Wave that resonates with new-generation consumers and enriches the shopping experience. “Greenhouse”, meanwhile, is a concept space developed by edgestreet, centered on a greenhouse-inspired botanical theme and offering a diverse mix of design, aesthetics, home living and pet lifestyles. It blends modernfashion, lifestyle aesthetics and social interaction, deepening engagement with emerging customer segments. Among the first batch of brands unveiled, 24KR introduces 11 brands making their China debut and 15 making their Central China debut, while “Greenhouse” brings 20 brands opening their first stores in Wuhan.

Such initiatives support Wuhan’s goal of accelerating its development into a forward-thinking city and an international consumption center. As a major transportation, education and commercial hub in Central China, Wuhan continues to attract university graduates seeking employment and entrepreneurship, as well as young talent from neighboring provinces who help to fuel local consumption. Heartland 66 aims to inject more emerging consumption experiences and commercial vitality into the local market.

Ms. Veronica Chan, Director – Mainland Business Operation, Hang Lung Properties, said, “Heartland 66 is actively introducing curated fashion and lifestyle offerings in response to the evolving consumer preferences. By providing a rich and diverse range of choices, we are creating placemaking destinations that foster a strong sense of community. As a commercial landmark in Wuhan, we will continue to strengthen our differentiated positioning, contribute to the city’s development as an international consumption center, and help stimulate consumer vitality.”

Mr. Harvey Ye, General Manager of Heartland 66, said, “The successive launch of 24KR Korean Trend Zone and ‘Greenhouse by edgestreet’ marks a firm step forward in engaging younger consumers and driving the revitalization and upgrading of our commercial spaces. On its opening day, the 24KR Zone lifted footfall by more than 50% year-on-year. ‘Greenhouse’, which followed shortly after, also drew a strong market response. Both underscore the powerful potential of the emerging consumer market and the surging economic vitality of Central China.”

Hashtag: #HangLungProperties

About Hang Lung Properties

Based in Jakarta, Stephen will lead Aon’s business in Indonesia across Commercial Risk, Health, Talent and Wealth. He will be responsible for setting and executing Aon’s strategy in Indonesia, ensuring excellence in client service delivery and fostering a strong, high-performing culture across the business. He will report to Jane Drummond, chief commercial officer for Asia Pacific and interim head of Southeast Asia, and join the Southeast Asia leadership team.

“Stephen brings deep market insight, strong leadership capability and a clear focus on clients,” said Drummond. “He has a proven track record of developing teams, strengthening capabilities and delivering results. His leadership will help advance our strategy in Indonesia while continuing to support clients as they navigate an increasingly dynamic risk environment.”

Stephen brings more than two decades of international experience across insurance, underwriting and pricing, developed across Asia, New Zealand and the UK. Most recently, he served as chief underwriting officer for Zurich in Indonesia, where he led a range of traditional and takaful insurance portfolios across property and casualty, health, benefits and travel, and strengthened technical capabilities across the business.

“I am honoured to join Aon and lead the Indonesia business at an important time for the market,” said Stephen. “Indonesia presents significant growth opportunities, supported by strong client demand and evolving risk and workforce needs. I look forward to working closely with colleagues across the country and region to deepen client relationships, strengthen execution and bring the best of Aon’s capabilities to clients.”

More information about Aon in Asia can be found here.

Hashtag: #Aon

About Aon

Source: Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission

Last updated: 13 July 2026

New study finds pay equity settlement prior to Government changes boosted worker earnings and outcomes, reduced benefits.

A new study has found that the 2023 pay equity settlement for community and iwi social workers led to higher earnings, reduced reliance on government support, and stronger attachment to employment – providing some of the strongest evidence to date that pay equity can strengthen essential workforces and improve outcomes for workers.

The findings come amid ongoing scrutiny of New Zealand’s pay equity system following amendments to the Equal Pay Act passed under urgency in 2025. The amendments have made it significantly more difficult for workers in historically undervalued, female-dominated occupations to secure fair pay equity outcomes.

This study provides rare empirical evidence on what pay equity settlements – designed to ensure equal pay for work of equal value – can achieve in practice, including effects beyond wages.

Researchers from the New Zealand Human Rights Commission and the New Zealand Policy Research Institute at Auckland University of Technology analysed linked Census and administrative data.

Among the key findings:

• Annual earnings increased by approximately $10,100 per worker (around 17%) in the year following the settlement.
• Workers’ total income increased by about $6000, after accounting for reductions in other sources, such as government income support.
• Workers were more likely to remain in employment one year later – attachment increased by 1.8 percentage points
• Evidence of some positive effects on mental health outcomes.

“Pay equity is a fundamental human right,” says Professor Gail Pacheco, Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner at the Human Rights Commission.

“At a time when New Zealand’s pay equity system is harder to access, our findings reinforce the importance of a strong pay equity framework to help ensure our essential workers are treated fairly, valued equally, and paid what they are worth.”

The research paper, Pay Equity and Worker Outcomes: Evidence from New Zealand’s Social Worker Settlement, forms part of the wider research programme Boosting productivity growth through creating equal workplace opportunities for all, funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment Endeavour Fund.

Find out more about the Commission’s work on Pay Equity.

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Latest Avenir release gives organizations more direct access to the travel content, data and service needed to manage modern travel programs

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 August 2026 – Direct Travel, one of the world’s largest travel management companies, today announced the next evolution of Avenir, its advanced travel management platform designed to give organizations the most direct access to travel content, data, service, and an expanding set of capabilities that help them manage, optimize, and strengthen their travel programs and the experience for travelers.

Business travel has never offered more opportunity or more complexity. New content sources, evolving distribution models, AI, and an expanding ecosystem of travel technologies are creating tremendous new possibilities, but they are also fragmenting how organizations access travel content, data, and service. As information becomes dispersed across multiple systems, travel managers face growing challenges delivering consistent experiences, gaining timely insights, and effectively managing their programs.

Avenir was built to change that. Rather than requiring travel managers to work across disconnected systems, Avenir brings together the content, data, insights, tools, and expertise organizations need to manage modern travel programs through a single experience. The result is fewer obstacles between travel managers and the information they need, making it easier to access insights, manage travel programs, and support travelers throughout their journeys.

At the core of Avenir is Spotnana’s next generation cloud-based travel infrastructure, providing the modern booking and servicing infrastructure for enterprise travel. Direct Travel brings that technology to life through global implementation, enterprise travel expertise, and outstanding service, creating an enterprise ready solution for organizations around the world.

Avenir is built to grow beyond traditional travel management through an expanding ecosystem of connected capabilities. Rather than requiring organizations to adopt additional standalone tools, Avenir will provide more direct access to the services and technologies they need through a single experience. This release marks the first step with the introduction of Juno for guest travel. By connecting guest travel with managed travel, organizations gain more complete visibility across total travel activity and richer insights to support better decisions.

“As technology continues to reshape business travel, our focus has remained the same: helping travel program owners run better travel programs and deliver better experiences for their travelers,” said Christal Bemont, Chief Executive Officer of Direct Travel. “Avenir gives organizations more direct access to the content, data, and service they need to manage modern travel programs. By removing many of the obstacles between travel managers and the information they need, we help them spend less time navigating systems and more time making strategic decisions that improve their programs.”

The latest release introduces several new capabilities designed to help travel program owners work more efficiently and make more informed decisions.

One place to manage your travel program

Avenir now provides a single destination for reporting, travel resources, program insights, and integrated partner capabilities through one secure login, reducing the need to move between multiple systems.

Ask better questions. Get better answers.

Avenir is built on a modern, AI-ready data foundation that brings together trusted travel data from across the program into a secure, governed environment. Rather than relying on static reports, travel managers can ask questions in natural language through Ask Avenir and receive trusted answers, build reports on demand, and analyze complex travel spend in minutes. Combined with new dashboards, trend analysis, proactive insights, and actionable recommendations, Avenir helps organizations identify opportunities, make more informed decisions, and continuously improve their travel programs.

A more intelligent travel experience

Avenir is evolving to deliver AI throughout the travel experience by combining Direct Travel’s own AI innovations with the power of Spotnana’s new multi-agent AI architecture and an expanding ecosystem of specialized AI capabilities. As Spotnana introduces new AI experiences for travelers, travel managers, and travel advisors, Direct Travel will bring those capabilities to customers through Avenir while continuing to automate routine workflows and simplify servicing.

At the same time, Avenir’s open architecture allows organizations to take advantage of focused AI solutions from trusted partners. Whether interacting with the platform through natural language, receiving intelligent recommendations, or using specialized assistants like Otto for focused travel experiences, customers will benefit from AI that works together through a single connected platform.

Built for what’s next

Avenir’s open architecture creates a connected foundation that allows Direct Travel to continuously expand the platform with new capabilities and best in class partner solutions. As customer needs evolve, organizations will gain access to additional experiences across travel management, analytics, automation, meetings and events, expense, duty of care, and other connected services without replacing the technology at the core of their travel program.

“Avenir has become our one-stop shop for understanding our travel program,” said Lisa Kaffenberger, People & Culture Travel Manager, BDO. “Whether I need to track a ticket from beginning to end or get answers to questions that once required hours of manual reporting, it’s all right there. It’s not just another application. It’s becoming the foundation for how we manage our travel program by making the information we need easier to access, and we’re excited to see where it goes next.”

“In APAC, the real friction in travel management isn’t a lack of data – it’s an access problem. Avenir cuts through regional complexity by turning fragmented spreadsheets and guest travel into a single system of record, giving leaders immediate, trusted intelligence to optimize spend rather than react to it,” added Ali Hussain, Managing Director – Asia Pacific of Direct Travel.

The new release is another step in Direct Travel’s strategy to give organizations more direct access to the content, data, expertise, and technology they need to build smarter, more connected travel programs.

To learn more about Avenir, visit www.dt.com/avenir.

https://www.dt.com/
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Hashtag: #DirectTravel; #Avenir #Corporatetravel #travelmanagement #businesstravel #technology #marine #innnovativesolutions

About Direct Travel, Inc.