AM Edition: Top 10 Politics Articles on LiveNews.co.nz for August 31, 2026 – Full Text

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 August 2026 – The annual flagship event Digital Entertainment Leadership Forum 2026 (DELF 2026), organised by Cyberport, concluded successfully today. Under the theme “The Dreamatic Circus”, this year’s forum focused on key topics including artificial intelligence (AI), immersive technologies, IP economy development, and innovation in the cultural and creative industries. Over three consecutive days, the forum featured four themed experience zones — Digital Entertainment, Culture and Arts, Smart Living and Business, and Robotics and Drones — bringing together leaders and experts from technology, entertainment, culture and arts, education, and the creative industries to explore the latest trends and directions in empowering content creation, cultural preservation, and business applications through innovative technologies.

Building on the strong response on the first day, the second and third days focused on creative practice, technology experiences, and community engagement, presenting more than 35 innovative technology showcases, interactive experiences, and exciting activities. Highlights included the immersive interactive art exhibition of the Hong Kong original animation IP Another World, Nikopicto’s interactive phygital activation, Jin Technology Limited’s combat robots, and Genesis ONE’s AI- and 3D-powered fashion platform. The event also featured an Art-Tech Concert, AI game creator workshop, movie screenings, doujin event, and accessible esports experiences, enabling the public to experience first-hand the new possibilities that frontier technologies bring to entertainment, everyday life, and business applications, while showcasing the growth potential and opportunities created by the convergence of AI and digital entertainment.

Dr Rocky Cheng, Chief Executive Officer of Cyberport, said, “Artificial intelligence is accelerating transformation across the entertainment and creative industries. It is not only changing the way content is created, but also creating new opportunities for cultural preservation, artistic expression, and industry development. DELF has long served as a cross-sector exchange platform, fostering collaboration among technology companies, creators, industry organisations, and talent to explore innovative application scenarios together. Cyberport will continue to actively promote the integration of AI and the creative industries, nurture I&T talent, and support start-up development, helping Hong Kong strengthen its position as an international innovation and technology centre.”

Spotlighting the Integration of AI Creation and Art-Tech

The second day of the forum centred on creative technology practices, showcasing the latest applications of AI in content creation, art, and entertainment through a series of interactive activities. The “Art-Tech Concert”, powered by the Hong Kong Innovative Technology Development Association, combined innovative technologies with live performance to demonstrate how digital tools can bring new forms of expression to music and the arts. The “Hong Kong AI Game Jam 2026 & Creator Workshop 2026”, powered by Honor U Ministry Ltd & Hong Kong Game Development Association, combined competition and learning, allowing participants to use AI tools for game development and inspiring creative thinking through hands-on challenges and guidance from industry experts. The event also featured the Accessible Gaming and Esports Experience powered by Hong Kong Blind Union.

Film and digital content creation were also key highlights. The event featured Cyberport Academy: DELF 2026 – AI Creative Micro-Academy, enabling the public to explore cutting-edge creative tools from leading brands and learn how to use generative AI and other frontier technologies for audiovisual storytelling, interactive game design, and other content creation. The forum also hosted a masterclass for the original animated film Another World, inviting Ms Polly Yeung, Chief Executive Officer of Gudo Inc., and Ms BeeWon Lee, CEO and producer of SuperString Inc, to share insights of reimagining “Another World” for a global webtoon audience.

In addition, popular programmes including XODIAC: Cosmic Code and Drone Cirque: A Circus in the Air attracted plenty of audience, combining performing arts, visual technology, and interactive entertainment in innovative formats and demonstrating new directions for technology-driven entertainment.

Bringing Together Culture, Education, and Community to Drive Innovation for All

On the final day, the forum further demonstrated the value of technology popularisation and cross-generational inclusion. Powered by Rotary Club of Smart Hong Kong, the “Elderly eSports Tournament & Experience Day” attracted senior participants to take part in various esports and interactive experience activities, showcasing the potential of digital entertainment in promoting social connection, intergenerational exchange, and lifelong learning, while further advancing gerontechnology development.

The event also hosted the “2nd Edition of Gen AI Student Social Challenge Award Ceremony and AI for Culture & IP Forum”, recognising young talent who applied generative AI to address social issues and promote cultural innovation. Industry experts were also invited to discuss how AI can empower the cultural sector and intellectual property development, opening up further possibilities for Hong Kong’s creative economy.

For the creator community, the “Creator Conflicts Doujin Exchange”, powered by Lifetime Memory, brought together illustrators, creators, and anime culture enthusiasts to promote creative exchange and collaboration, highlighting the vibrancy of Hong Kong’s original culture community.

For the movie programme, the event screened the local animation film To a Beautiful Time Gone By, selected works from companies shortlisted under the “Future Animation: 3rd AI-assisted animation production support scheme”, and selected works from the “2nd HKUST AI Film Festival Selected Projects”, including Tai Lung Fung – Full Throttle Kitchen, Tuen Min Vs. Tin Shui Wai, Cirkillation, Project J, In a Second, Where The Ink Stays, and Weaving, showcasing innovative achievements in video creation, animation production, and storytelling.

Three-Day Event Creates an Innovation Experience Platform for AI Entertainment

Throughout DELF 2026, more than 35 interactive experiences were presented, alongside 27 on-site workshops covering applications of AI and innovative technologies. Through the “Play to Earn” campaign, the public was encouraged to explore frontier technology applications while fully enjoying the fun of discovery.

The first day of the forum also facilitated a number of industry and academia collaboration outcomes. Cyberport signed memoranda of understanding with Alibaba Cloud, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, and Hong Kong Shue Yan University, covering areas including start-up incubation, AI applications, art-tech project research and development, and talent cultivation, further strengthening collaboration among industry, academia, and research sectors as well as the development of the technology ecosystem.

An “eVTOL Trial Flight Demo“ was also held at Cyberport Waterfront Park, showcasing the latest achievements in Hong Kong’s low-altitude economy and smart mobility. The demonstration attracted close to 1,000 visits and became another highlight of the forum.

Promoting Hong Kong as an International Hub for Digital Entertainment and AI Innovation

Through forum exchanges, creative showcases, technology demonstrations, and community activities, DELF 2026 successfully brought together the strengths of the technology, culture, arts, and entertainment sectors to explore the future development direction of the digital entertainment industry in the AI era.

Cyberport will continue to play its role as Hong Kong’s digital technology hub and AI accelerator, promoting the implementation and application of innovative technologies while nurturing a new generation of I&T and creative talent. Together with the industry, Cyberport will help open a new chapter for Hong Kong’s digital entertainment sector.

Please click here to download high-resolution press photos.

Photo 1 to 2: The three-day “2026 Cyberport Digital Entertainment Forum” concluded successfully, attracting over 4,000 participants in total.

Photo 3 to 4: “eVTOL Trial Flight Demo” conducted a flight demonstration at Cyberport Waterfront Park.

Photo 5 to 7: Digital Entertainment Leadership Forum 2026 showcased a wide range of immersive experience exhibitions and technology products, bringing rich digital entertainment experiences to the public.

Photo 8: The forum brought together more than 60 industry leaders and star speakers to share insights on the application of frontier technologies such as AI and innovation in the content creation industry.

Photo 9 to 11: DELF 2026 “Elderly eSports Tournament & Experience Day” invited Dr Rocky Cheng, Chief Executive Officer of Cyberport, and Cheung Mingman, known as “the Patriotic Singer”, as GOH. Hundreds of senior attendees gathered on‑site to experience the fun of e‑sports.

Photo 12: Members of the public joined Cyberport Academy: DELF 2026 – AI Creative Micro-Academy to learn how to use AI and other frontier technologies to support content creation.

https://www.cyberport.hk/en

Hashtag: #Cyberport #DELF2026 #DigitalEntertainment

About Hong Kong Cyberport

Forest City SFZ sets out who may qualify for its 5% special corporate tax rate, how the separate Malaysia Digital tax incentive works, and which activities and conditions apply to each scheme.

JOHOR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 August 2026 – Forest City has, over the past decade, built a recognised track record in green-building and sustainability credentials. Since the Malaysian Government announced the Forest City Special Financial Zone (“SFZ”) incentive package on 20 September 2024, the development has added a financial-services and digital-economy dimension. The Forest City Special Financial Zone (“FC-SFZ”) Tax Incentive offers a 5% special corporate tax rate for 10 consecutive years of assessment, extendable for a second 10-year period, to eligible companies undertaking qualifying fintech, Financial Global Business Services (“FGBS”) or Foreign Payment System Operator (“FPSO”) activities in Pulau 1, Forest City. Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (“MDEC”) is the appointed government agency to process applications, which are assessed by the National Committee on Investment (“NCI”).

The FC-SFZ Tax Incentive is separate from Malaysia Digital (“MD”) Status and the MD Tax Incentive. A company does not need MD Status to qualify for the FC-SFZ Tax Incentive. Under MDEC’s current rules, an FC-SFZ applicant must also not have been granted another tax incentive for the same qualifying activity. Eligible MD Status companies may separately apply for the MD Tax Incentive, subject to the applicable criteria and approval process.

Key Incentives at a Glance

Forest City’s first decade was defined in part by its green-building and sustainability record. Forest City reports nearly 40 international awards and certifications as at August 2026, including LEED for Core and Shell (“LEED-CS”) Gold pre-certification and GreenRE Gold ratings. On 20 September 2024, the Malaysian Government announced the Forest City SFZ incentive package, adding a financial-services and digital-economy dimension to the development.

The current incentive landscape has four main components:

• Forest City SFZ corporate tax rate: Eligible companies undertaking qualifying fintech, FGBS or FPSO activities in Pulau 1 may receive a 5% special corporate tax rate for 10 consecutive years of assessment, extendable for a second 10-year period, subject to approval and continued compliance. The qualifying activity must use at least one promoted technology enabler specified by MDEC.
• Single Family Office (“SFO”) Scheme: A qualifying Single Family Office Vehicle (“SFOV”) may receive a 0% tax rate on chargeable income from its qualifying holding and investment activities for an initial 10 years, with a possible extension for a further 10 years, subject to the Securities Commission Malaysia (“SC”) requirements.
• Knowledge workers: Eligible knowledge workers working within the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (“JS-SEZ”), which includes Forest City as a designated flagship area, may qualify for a special 15% personal income tax rate for 10 years, subject to the applicable conditions.
• Malaysia Digital tax incentive: This is a separate national incentive administered by MDEC. For New Investment, eligible companies may choose between a reduced tax rate — 0% on qualifying intellectual-property (“IP”) income, subject to the modified nexus approach, and 5% or 10% on qualifying non-IP income for up to 10 years — or an Investment Tax Allowance (“ITA”) of 60% or 100% of qualifying capital expenditure for up to five years. Different rates apply to the Expansion Incentive. Applications are open until 31 December 2027.

Taken together, these measures position Forest City SFZ as a potential regional base for qualifying financial-services and technology-enabled businesses assessing Malaysia’s tax framework, proximity to Singapore and access to ASEAN markets. However, the schemes are separate and should not be treated as automatically cumulative.

Forest City Tax Framework for Fintech and Technology-Enabled Financial Services

The FC-SFZ Tax Incentive is not a blanket 100% tax exemption for fintech, AI or technology companies. It is a 5% special corporate tax rate for qualifying activities under the FC-SFZ framework. MDEC is the appointed agency to process applications, while applications are assessed by the NCI.

The 5% rate applies to qualifying fintech activities, FGBS and FPSO activities carried out in Pulau 1, Forest City. The qualifying activity must utilise at least one promoted technology enabler: artificial intelligence (“AI”) or big data analytics (“BDA”); Internet of Things (“IoT”); cybersecurity; cloud; blockchain; creative media technology, including extended reality (“XR”) or mixed reality (“MR”); robotics or automation; or advanced network connectivity or telecommunications technology. Eligibility is not automatic based on location alone; companies must also satisfy the applicable corporate, activity, substance, regulatory and compliance conditions.

The “up to 100%” figure sometimes cited in relation to Malaysia Digital refers to the ITA available under the MD New Investment Incentive. It is an allowance on qualifying capital expenditure, not a 100% income tax holiday. The MD Tax Incentive is also separate from the FC-SFZ Tax Incentive and should not be assumed to stack with it for the same qualifying activity.

Comparison table:

Scheme	What it covers	Headline rate / benefit	Authority & key note
Forest City SFZ — fintech / FGBS / FPSO incentive	Qualifying fintech, FGBS and FPSO activities in Pulau 1 using at least one promoted technology enabler	5% special corporate tax rate for 10 consecutive years of assessment; extendable for a second 10-year period	MDEC processes applications; NCI assessment. Applications open 1 Sep 2024–31 Dec 2034.
Forest City SFZ — Single Family Office	Qualifying SFOV holding and investment activities	0% tax rate for an initial 10 years; possible extension for a further 10 years	Securities Commission Malaysia; SFO tax rules gazetted on 3 Oct 2025.
JS-SEZ — eligible knowledge workers	Eligible knowledge workers working within the JS-SEZ, including qualifying roles in Forest City	15% personal income tax rate for 10 years	Ministry of Finance / JS-SEZ incentive package; subject to eligibility conditions.
Malaysia Digital Tax Incentive — New Investment	Eligible MD Status companies undertaking qualifying Malaysia Digital Activities	0% on qualifying IP income and 5% or 10% on qualifying non-IP income for up to 10 years; OR 60% or 100% ITA for up to 5 years	MDEC; MD Status required before tax-incentive application. Applications open until 31 Dec 2027.
Malaysia Digital Tax Incentive — Expansion	Eligible MD/MSC Malaysia Status companies undertaking qualifying new or expansion activities	15% reduced tax rate for up to 5 years; OR 30% or 60% ITA for up to 5 years	MDEC; subject to the Expansion Incentive criteria. Applications open until 31 Dec 2027.
Malaysia standard corporate rate	Companies not qualifying for a lower or special rate	24% headline corporate income tax rate	Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia (LHDN); lower tiered rates may apply to qualifying SMEs.

For accurate and current policy information, companies should refer directly to official sources, including:

Malaysia Digital Status and Tax Incentive: A Separate National Framework

MD Status is granted nationally by MDEC. An MD Status company may then be eligible to apply separately for the MD Tax Incentive, subject to the relevant criteria. Under MDEC’s current framework, qualifying Malaysia Digital Activities comprise the research, development or commercialisation of solutions, or the provision of services, using promoted technology enablers such as AI or BDA, IoT, cybersecurity, cloud, blockchain, drone technology, creative media technology, integrated-circuit design with embedded software, robotics or automation, and advanced network connectivity or telecommunications technology.

Under the current MD Tax Incentive, the available options differ between New Investment and Expansion:

• New Investment: A 0% reduced tax rate on qualifying IP income, subject to the modified nexus approach, and a 5% or 10% reduced tax rate on qualifying non-IP income, for up to 10 years; or an ITA of 60% or 100% of qualifying capital expenditure against up to 100% of statutory income, for up to five years.
• Expansion: A 15% reduced tax rate on qualifying IP income, subject to the modified nexus approach, and non-IP income, for up to five years; or an ITA of 30% or 60% of qualifying capital expenditure against up to 100% of statutory income, for up to five years.

The “100%” figure therefore refers to the ITA rate under the New Investment Incentive. It does not mean that all company income is tax-free.

The MD Tax Incentive is open for applications until 31 December 2027. A company must first obtain MD Status before submitting an application for the MD Tax Incentive.

MD Status also provides access to non-tax benefits under the MD Bill of Guarantees, including the ability to apply for foreign knowledge-worker quotas and passes, subject to the relevant immigration requirements. MDEC’s Expats Service Centre administers the related Foreign Knowledge Worker processes for eligible companies.

Eligibility Summary: Entities, Sectors and Permitted Activities

Forest City SFZ 5% rate

• Activity-based: Qualifying services are limited to fintech-related activities, FGBS and FPSO activities.
• Technology condition: The qualifying activity must utilise at least one promoted technology enabler specified by MDEC, including AI or BDA, IoT, cybersecurity, cloud, blockchain, creative media technology, robotics or automation, or advanced network connectivity or telecommunications technology.
• Location condition: The qualifying activity must be carried out in Pulau 1, Forest City.
• Substance and compliance conditions: Approved companies must meet the conditions set out in their approval letter, including commitments relating to full-time employees, knowledge workers, annual operating expenditure, ESG requirements, relevant regulatory approvals or licences, and annual compliance reporting verified by an independent auditor.

Malaysia Digital (MD) Status and MD Tax Incentive

• Activity-based: MD eligibility is tied to Malaysia Digital Activities that use the promoted technology enablers specified by MDEC. Merely operating an AI, cloud, fintech or digital business does not automatically confer tax-incentive eligibility.
• Status and tax-incentive process: MD Status is granted by MDEC. The MD Tax Incentive is a separate application available to eligible MD or MSC Malaysia Status companies, depending on the relevant incentive category.
• Geographic scope: MD Status is a national programme and does not require a company to be located in Forest City.
• No automatic stacking: MDEC states that an FC-SFZ Tax Incentive applicant must not already have been granted a tax incentive for the same qualifying activity. MDEC also confirms that MD Status is not required to apply for the FC-SFZ Tax Incentive.

Accordingly, companies should assess the FC-SFZ and MD frameworks separately. Any proposed structure involving different activities, income streams or incentive programmes should be verified with MDEC and qualified tax advisers before any combined tax outcome is assumed.

Strategic Rationale: Proximity, Talent Incentives and Regional Access

Forest City’s location proposition is based on three interlocking factors: proximity to Singapore, targeted talent incentives and early investor interest.

• Proximity as operational leverage: Forest City lies approximately 2 km from Singapore at its nearest point, placing qualifying operations close to one of Asia’s major financial and technology hubs. The Johor Bahru-Singapore RTS Link will connect Bukit Chagar in central Johor Bahru with Woodlands North in Singapore. MRT Corp has stated that service is targeted to commence on 31 December 2026. The RTS Link does not serve Forest City directly, so onward road transport between Forest City and central Johor Bahru will still be required.
• Talent as a bundled enabler: Eligible knowledge workers in the JS-SEZ may qualify for a special 15% personal income tax rate for 10 years, while eligible MD Status companies may apply for foreign knowledge-worker quotas and passes through MDEC’s expatriate facilitation framework. These are separate benefits with their own eligibility and approval requirements.

By June 2026, Invest Johor reported that the Forest City SFZ had recorded 260 cumulative investor enquiries through the Invest Malaysia Facilitation Centre-Johor, against an RM2 billion investment target. Separately, the SC reported in October 2025 that six families had received conditional approval under the SFO Incentive Scheme, with indicative assets under management close to RM400 million.

This incentive framework sits alongside Johor’s rapid emergence as a major Malaysian data-centre market. JLL has highlighted strong data-centre expansion in Johor and the wider JS-SEZ, supported by major hyperscale investments and infrastructure development. This broader digital-economy momentum strengthens the regional technology narrative, but it should not be presented as a direct operating benefit or guaranteed outcome for individual Forest City SFZ companies.

Decision Framework: Two Pathways and a Diligence Caveat

The incentive structure is best assessed through two distinct pathways, with a separate due-diligence lens for investors and advisers.

• Pathway A – FC-SFZ presence on Pulau 1: This is relevant to eligible fintech companies, FGBS providers and FPSO businesses that can satisfy the physical-location, activity, substance and compliance requirements. The 5% special corporate tax rate is available for 10 consecutive years of assessment and may be extended for a second 10-year period, subject to continued compliance and approval.

This route may suit businesses that value proximity to Singapore while maintaining qualifying operations in Pulau 1. The RTS Link is expected to improve connectivity between central Johor Bahru and Singapore, but it does not remove the requirement for companies to maintain the approved substance and qualifying activities in Forest City.

• Pathway B – MD Status and MD Tax Incentive nationwide: This pathway may be relevant to eligible digital companies operating elsewhere in Malaysia. MD Status is granted nationally by MDEC, and eligible companies may subsequently apply for the MD Tax Incentive. The applicable reduced tax rate or ITA depends on whether the company applies under the New Investment or Expansion category and on the conditions it meets.

Investors and advisers should note that headline rates are not the same as effective tax rates. The outcome for any entity depends on qualifying activities and income, approved commitments, substance conditions and the specific incentive secured. Groups with annual consolidated revenue of EUR750 million or more may also be subject to Malaysia’s domestic top-up tax rules where the relevant effective tax rate falls below 15%. Tax outcomes should therefore be modelled only after verification against current primary sources and professional advice.

The Verdict

Forest City’s proposition to fintech and technology-enabled financial-services companies is specific and condition-based: a 5% special corporate tax rate for qualifying fintech, FGBS and FPSO activities carried out in Pulau 1 using promoted technology enablers. The incentive runs for 10 consecutive years of assessment and may be extended for a second 10-year period, subject to compliance and approval. It is neither a blanket 5% rate for all AI or technology companies nor a 100% income tax exemption.

Alongside this are the separate SFO Incentive Scheme, which may provide a 0% tax rate for up to 20 years subject to SC requirements; the JS-SEZ’s special 15% personal income tax rate for eligible knowledge workers for 10 years; and the national MD Tax Incentive, which offers different reduced tax rates or ITA options depending on whether an applicant qualifies under the New Investment or Expansion category. Applications for the MD Tax Incentive are open until 31 December 2027.

Reported traction includes 260 cumulative investor enquiries recorded by Invest Johor by June 2026 and six families granted conditional approval under the SFO Incentive Scheme, with indicative assets under management close to RM400 million as reported by the SC in October 2025. Forest City also benefits from proximity to Singapore, while the RTS Link is targeted to commence service on 31 December 2026 between central Johor Bahru and Woodlands North.

For companies and investors, the key question is not simply whether these incentives exist, but whether their exact activities, income streams, location, substance commitments and corporate structure satisfy the conditions required to access them in practice. Current official guidance and qualified tax advice should be obtained before any investment or structuring

Hashtag: #ForestCity

Industry leaders and practitioners gathered in Hong Kong to advance climate adaptation, building transformation and AI-enabled solutions for a more resilient built environment across Asia.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 August 2026 – Arup and Saint-Gobain hosted the Asia launch (Hong Kong) of their global report, Adapting Buildings to Climate Change, alongside a technical seminar on AI-enhanced building design and operation. Supported by the Hong Kong Green Building Council, BEAM Society Limited, Business Environment Council, the Hong Kong Institute of Architects, Royal Institute of British Architects and American Institute of Architects Hong Kong, the event brought together more than 100 industry leaders, developers, architects, engineers and sustainability practitioners to examine how the built environment can respond to the growing challenges of climate change. The Hong Kong edition follows the report’s European launch in Brussels earlier this year and marks the beginning of a wider conversation across the Asia Pacific region.

Reflecting the value of collaboration between government and industry, Mr Sammy Yeung, JP, Commissioner for Climate Change, Environment and Ecology Bureau, HKSAR Government; and Mr Benjamin Hubin, Deputy Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau, graced the launch ceremony as distinguished guests. Their presence underscored a shared commitment to addressing climate challenges and strengthening the resilience of Hong Kong’s built environment.

The urgency of that shared agenda framed the evening’s discussions. The scale of the challenge is significant. More than 7,000 major climate-related disasters caused nearly US$3 trillion in losses worldwide between 2000 and 2019, and the frequency and severity of heatwaves, floods, storms and extreme rainfall continue to rise. As one of the world’s most densely developed cities, Hong Kong faces distinct pressures, with rising temperatures, intensifying rainfall and a large existing building stock reinforcing the need for adaptation alongside decarbonisation. The pressure is particularly acute in dense urban areas, where Arup’s research has found the urban heat island effect can raise city temperatures by up to 8.5°C compared with rural surroundings, putting lives at risk and driving up cooling demand. Against this backdrop, the report examines how buildings can better withstand extreme heat, flooding and storms while supporting the transition to a low-carbon future.

Building on these themes, distinguished speakers and panellists from across the built environment sector shared their perspectives throughout the evening. Through a series of presentations and a panel discussion, they explored how building owners, investors and industry professionals can extend asset life, strengthen resilience and create lasting social and economic value through climate-responsive design, retrofitting and advanced technologies, as well as the growing role of digital innovation and artificial intelligence in enabling smarter, more sustainable decision-making across the building lifecycle.

Ir Dr Vincent Cheng, Arup Fellow and APAC Environment, Climate and Sustainability Services Leader, said, “Climate adaptation is no longer a future consideration. It is a present-day imperative for our cities, communities and economies. Buildings account for a significant share of our urban assets, and enhancing their resilience is essential to protecting people, livelihoods and long-term prosperity. Through this report, Arup and Saint-Gobain aim to provide practical insights that help the industry move beyond identifying climate risks and towards implementing solutions. By combining adaptation, decarbonisation and digital innovation, we can create buildings that are not only more resilient, but also healthier, more efficient and better equipped to support thriving communities.”

Mr Ludovic Weber, CEO Asia, Saint-Gobain, said, “Building adaptation to climate change cannot be addressed through one discipline, one stakeholder or one product alone. This report reinforces and accelerates Saint-Gobain’s long-standing approach of combining materials, systems and building-science expertise to deliver integrated, performance-based solutions tailored to specific climate risks and local needs. Together with Arup, we aim to turn knowledge into practical action and help create buildings that are more resilient, sustainable and valuable over the long term.”

About the report
Adapting Buildings to Climate Change explores the impacts of climate change on buildings and sets out strategies to strengthen resilience across the asset lifecycle. It identifies three complementary design approaches, namely robustness, adaptiveness and flexibility, and presents practical families of construction solutions ranging from thermal envelope and solar protection systems to green infrastructure and enhanced-resistance measures. The report highlights the business and societal value of investing in adaptation, showing how proactive measures can safeguard assets, improve occupant wellbeing and support more sustainable, resilient cities.

Hashtag: #Arup #Saint-Gobain

About Arup

About Saint-Gobain

Worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and services for the construction and industrial markets. Its integrated solutions for the renovation of public and private buildings, light construction and the decarbonization of construction and industry are developed through a continuous innovation process and provide sustainability and performance. The Group, celebrating its 360th anniversary in 2025, remains more committed than ever to its purpose “MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME”.

Source: Workers First Union

WHAT:

Workers First will launch Gig Workers First, a new union group dedicated to organising rideshare and food delivery drivers who work for Uber, DiDi, Doordash, Bolt, DeliverEasy, Menulog and other app-based platforms.

The launch follows Workers First’s pursuit of claims for more than 1,600 Uber drivers following a 2025 Supreme Court judgment, which resulted in the union securing offers of payouts for the drivers, and it comes with a renewed set of demands for fair treatment in the platform economy. Wellington Mayor Andrew Little will speak at the event in support of gig workers.

WHEN:

Tuesday 1 September, 11am – 12pm

WHERE:

Kilbirnie and Lyall Bay Community Centre, 56-58 Bay Road, Kilbirnie, Wellington

WHY:

“We beat Uber in court, and now we know the ins and outs of this industry better than anyone,” said Anita Rosentreter, Workers First Deputy Secretary. “We’re inviting all gig workers to join us and continue the movement for better pay, better treatment and a better working life.”

“Gig Workers First means every app-based rideshare and food delivery driver has somewhere to turn – for advice, for help in fighting an unfair deactivation, and for the organising strength that just won over 1,600 Uber drivers their payouts.”

“We are campaigning to repeal the changes to section 6 of the Employment Relations Act, which stripped gig workers of a fair test for employment status, and to initiate a legal presumption that platform workers are employees. Once that’s won, we will negotiate collectively on behalf of rideshare and food delivery drivers, just as we do for all workers across the country.”

“New Zealand still hasn’t ratified the ILO’s convention on decent work in the platform economy, despite the growing number of workers relying on it for their livelihoods. We’re calling on the next Government to close it and building a movement to power this change.” Rosentreter said.

App-based workers are invited to join Gig Workers First at workersfirst.nz/join-us, and more information on the project is available at the new website: gigworkersfirst.nz.

Source: Save the Children

Nine school children have been reunited with their families after being stranded at school for two days by the devastating flash floods in Northern Nepal, as rescue efforts continue to reach other students, Save the Children said.

The children arrived at an aid distribution point where Save the Children is working after walking from their school. Many children in the area travel long distances to their schools and were cut off in the aftermath of the massive surge of floodwater. With support from Save the Children, they were able to find their families.

At least 69 schools in flood-devastated districts in Northern Nepal have been destroyed or damaged, putting education at risk for nearly 19,000 children, Save the Children said [1].

The figures are based on an initial assessment and are likely to rise as rescue and response teams reach more areas and more information is available from affected communities [1]. Save the Children staff in Nuwakot said children in the devastated communities are holding onto the few belongings they have or searching for what they lost, including schoolbooks and uniforms.

Fears of further flooding are also causing new terror with families moving to higher ground. For many children, this is the first disaster of this scale they have experienced, and they are frightened, distressed and worried about their futures.

More than 500 people have died in Nepal in the disaster, and hundreds are still missing. Some families are camping in tents in front of their damaged homes as efforts continue to find survivors, while others are living with relatives or in community centres.

Tara Chettry, Country Director, Save the Children in Nepal said:

“Reuniting children with their families in the aftermath of a catastrophe is an urgent and immediate priority, so when disaster strikes, getting children back to school may not seem like the most urgent need. Education is vital. For children who have lost their homes, their belongings and their sense of security, a safe place to learn can be a lifeline.

“School gives children something that is desperately important after a disaster: safety, routine, stability. It can help children cope with what they have experienced, while connecting them with the support they need.

“Education cannot wait until the emergency is over – it needs to be part of the response from day one.”

Save the Children in Nepal’s emergency response team is working in the affected areas and delivering essential items, including household and cooking kits, mosquito nets and blankets to 1,000 households in the first phase of assistance.

The humanitarian and child rights organisation is coordinating with national and local authorities to establish the immediate and long-term needs of children and families and is ready to scale up its response.

Save the Children has worked in Nepal since 1976. The organisation runs programmes spanning child protection, child rights governance, education, climate change, gender equality, health and nutrition and child poverty.

Save the Children New Zealand has already committed $150,000 to the response in Nepal. New Zealanders wanting to donate to Save the Children’s response in Nepal can do so through the Children’s Emergency Fund.

Notes:

[1] Figures from the Education Cluster – a joint group of NGOs, UN and the Government of Nepal. The group is co-chaired by Save the Children. The 69 schools have 18,918 students enrolled (9,350 girls and 9,568 boys).

Source: Plan International

Students cut off from their families and entire communities remain isolated two days after a glacial landslide triggered devastating flash floods that hit parts of northern Nepal and the Chinese border linking Tibet, says Plan International.

More than 450 people have been confirmed dead and around 1,000 remain missing, although the full extent of the disaster is still emerging as assessments continue and search operations reach previously inaccessible areas.

More than 500 people have been rescued, but many communities remain stranded after roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure were destroyed, severely hampering rescue efforts.

Rajendra Paudel, from DEPROSC Nepal, a Plan International partner described the scene he is witnessing in Devighat Bazaar, one of the areas in Nuwakot district that has suffered extensive damage.

“There has been extensive human and physical damage across these areas. Just moments ago, a body was recovered from here and taken away. We still do not know how many people are missing. There are many people who have been affected. I have also been in contact with several affected families. They are particularly worried about students who left for school yesterday morning and those who are stranded across the Trishuli River,” he said.

Rajendra described the helicopters currently working to rescue people and cut off communities but says it has not yet been possible to reach everyone: with all concrete bridges washed away or damaged, there is no way to cross between the two sides of the Trishuli River, leaving many families and children stranded and staying in schools since the flood hit.

“The scale of destruction here is enormous…. What we are witnessing here is extremely painful. My relatives were unable to take anything out of their homes and have had to climb up the hillside on the other side to find safety. There is a deep sense of despair among everyone. People are worried about how they will rebuild their lives after this,” he said.

There are fears that a lake formed at the site where the floods occurred is rapidly rising and at risk of bursting.

“We are very concerned about the possibility of more flooding, along with the stress and trauma this disaster will have on children in particular. Our top priority is ensuring the safety and well-being of children and communities affected by this disaster,” said Plan International Nepal Acting Country Director Srijana Gurung.

“We are witnessing in real time the catastrophic impacts of the climate crisis. Climate events are becoming more intense and more frequent, and it is always the most vulnerable people who are disproportionately impacted; the people least responsible for causing climate change,” she added.

Plan International Nepal is working to support the Government’s emergency response and send urgently needed supplies to the impacted area’s including distribution of 300 shelter kits, 1,000 hygiene kits and 100 menstrual health management kits for girls and women who have lost their homes. Initial support is planned for around 1,000 affected households whilst the needs are fully assessed. Plan International Nepal is deploying two emergency response team members to support the joint assessment led by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority, coordinated through the field hub established by the Catholic Relief Service.

About Plan International

Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. We believe in the power and potential of every child but know this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion, and discrimination. And it is girls who are most affected.

Working together with children, young people, supporters, and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges girls and vulnerable children face. We support children’s rights from birth until they reach adulthood, and we enable children to prepare for and respond to crises and adversity. We drive changes in practice and policy at local, national, and global levels using our reach, experience, and knowledge.

For over 85 years, we have rallied other determined optimists to transform the lives of all children in more than 80 countries.

We won’t stop until we are all equal.

Source: Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi

More than 1200 home support workers are being left to worry about their jobs and their futures after Health New Zealand’s decision to cut contracts held by Visionwest, Lifewise and Presbyterian Support Northern in Auckland.

The PSA is calling on Health New Zealand to transfer their jobs to the new providers on the same terms and conditions.

“Health New Zealand must guarantee that every one of these workers, both frontline carers and the nurses and coordinators who support them, transfers to whoever takes over these contracts, on the same pay, terms and conditions,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, PSA National Secretary. “We will not hesitate to take legal action to ensure that this occurs.

“Right now these workers are extremely worried about their futures and Health New Zealand owes them an explanation and reassurance.”

The group which lost the contracts is made up of not-for-profit providers Visionwest, Lifewise and Presbyterian Support Northern. They recently made a collective bid for Health New Zealand contracts to continue providing home and community support services across Auckland, Counties Manukau and Waitematā.

The organisations have each been providing home-based services to people who live alone, and currently support about 4500 older and disabled people in the region to live in their own homes.

“These workers have built special, trusted relationships with the older and disabled people they support, often over many years. Taking that away puts continuity of care, and the wellbeing of thousands of vulnerable New Zealanders, directly at risk.

“Health NZ says continuity of care is its priority. If that’s true, protecting the workforce that provides it is critical. The PSA calls on Health NZ to do the right thing by workers and the people they care for and comply with the clear provisions of Part 6A of the Employment Relations Act. We will not shy away from taking legal action to protect the interests of workers.”

The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand’s largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.