SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 April 2026 – Modern beauty has a new enemy, and it’s right in our hands: the mobile phone. Endless scrolling keeps us hooked, but it also keeps our heads down. With content so addictive, one ends up spending hours slouching. So, all that main character power and energy vanish—replaced by slumping and hunching. Over time, posture slips, presence shrinks, and bold beauty follows. “Text neck” isn’t just a physical issue; it’s quietly changing how we carry ourselves.

LUX, the iconic global beauty brand, knows true radiance is about how you show up. That effortless “it girl” energy starts with posture. That’s why the brand is launching LUX Chin Up—a digital tool designed to tackle “Text Neck” and help women keep their heads high and their bold beauty even higher. It’s the perfect modern solution for the modern beauty problem.

“LUX always inspires women to boost their presence and own their beauty power,” said Gaurav Datta, Global Brand VP. “Our phones are amazing for self-expression, but there’s a catch. While they elevate our digital selves, they often shrink our real-world presence. That constant downward scroll quietly chips away at posture, poise, and bold beauty. With ‘Chin Up,’ we’re offering a simple way for women to realign, lift up, and step back into their power.”

LUX has a brilliantly simple, tech-forward solution. Forget complicated downloads or wearable tech. LUX Chin Up is a smart web page that taps into your phone’s own motion sensors. When used with the split-screen option, it stays on screen as a small tab, reminding you of the right angle to be maintained while you doomscroll.

• The Sweet Spot: The tool encourages you to keep your screen at an optimal
  90-degree angle.
• The Gentle Nudge: If you start to slouch and the angle drops (and with it your head), the sensor detects it and the screen blinks, prompting you to raise your phone and go chin up.
• The Reset: Straighten up, bring your phone back up and carry on scrolling with boldness.

LUX believes this can be an essential modern-day beauty ritual that extends beyond the shower to solve a modern-day problem. By habituating women to hold the right posture, LUX is naturally lifting their chins, opening their posture, and instantly restoring that vibrant, room-commanding presence. It’s a small shift that brings Main Character Beauty to life, on screen and off.

Make LUX Chin Up a habit, try it for a week and improve your posture. Visit lux.com/chinup

Hashtag: #LUXChinUp #LUX

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Soap giant LUX is bringing its cleansing power to social media feeds.

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HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 April 2026 – Vinhomes Green Paradise – Can Gio is introducing a new concept to Vietnam’s real estate landscape: critical mass. Located immediately adjacent to a mega-city (Ho Chi Minh City), with nearly 3,000 hectares, an integrated all-in-one model, and a professional commitment to ESG principles, the developer is building not just a township, but a lasting legacy for both people and the planet.

International experts have increasingly identified a defining distinction within Southeast Asia’s real estate landscape. While some countries host numerous fragmented, small-scale developments, the ability to achieve true critical mass – a fully integrated, large-scale urban ecosystem – remains rare.

Critical mass refers to master-planned environments where residential, educational, healthcare, retail, and leisure components coexist and are seamlessly linked by robust transport infrastructure. This model has become the defining competitive advantage of Vinhomes-led developments.

Simultaneously, ESG considerations have evolved from a compliance checkbox into a strategic differentiator, increasingly shaping capital allocation. Institutional investors are no longer driven solely by short-term yield but are prioritizing long-duration assets that demonstrate sustainability, resilience, and measurable societal impact.

Vietnam continues to stand out due to its stable political framework, consistent macroeconomic management, and strong FDI performance. In Q1 2026 alone, FDI inflows rose approximately 22% year-on-year, with Ho Chi Minh City recording an exceptional 220% surge. Experts at the forum reached a consensus: global capital is entering a new allocation cycle, concentrating in developments capable of generating intrinsic value through operational sustainability and integrated urban functionality.

The Rise of ESG-Driven Integrated Ecosystems

Geopolitical instability and energy market disruptions have accelerated demand for next-generation urban models, specifically green, smart, and sustainable mega-urban developments structured as holistic ecosystems. Stephen Higgins, Director of Capital Markets at Cushman & Wakefield, noted that contemporary capital flows increasingly target assets with sufficient scale to form comprehensive ecosystems, what he describes as “urban marvels.”

Vietnam holds a unique structural advantage: large-scale developments exceeding 1,000 hectares, common in emerging urban corridors, offer rare opportunities for fully integrated master planning, a scale virtually unattainable in many mature markets. ESG standards have become decisive in investment underwriting. While ESG gained traction in the early 2000s, its acceleration post-2020, following net-zero commitments by 2050, has been dramatic. In Vietnam, both investors and multinational tenants prioritize ESG-compliant assets for higher occupancy rate, lower operational risk, and long-term value preservation.

Although Vietnam remains at an early stage in ESG-aligned real estate, it benefits from a “late-mover advantage,” adopting global best practices without legacy constraints. Large-scale projects by established developers can create market-wide spillover effects, raising environmental standards, reinforcing social responsibility and setting new benchmarks for governance.

Infrastructure as the Anchor of Capital Allocation

As Griffiths emphasized, capital tends to “follow infrastructure.” Metro systems, ring roads, airports, and seaports reshape urban geography and redefine growth corridors. Areas once considered peripheral transform into economic hubs, while traditional centers may gradually lose dominance. This dynamic enables forward-looking investment based on anticipated infrastructure-driven value creation.

Can Gio exemplifies this shift. Historically constrained by limited connectivity, it remained excluded from previous growth cycles. However, with major infrastructure projects underway, market fundamentals are changing decisively. Griffiths noted that coastal destinations are globally competitive; to differentiate, Vietnam must offer compelling value in pricing, quality, and integrated experiences within master-planned estates. Few markets achieve the critical mass required for a fully self-sufficient urban ecosystem. Developments led by Vingroup, such as Vinhomes Green Paradise in Can Gio, provide residents with comprehensive amenities (education, healthcare, wellness, entertainment) within a unified urban framework, supported by strong transport connectivity, ensuring accessibility and long-term viability.

A Blueprint for Integrated Living: The Scale and Scope of Vinhomes Green Paradise

Against this backdrop, Vinhomes Green Paradise is emerging as a flagship next-generation asset in Asia. The convergence of evolving investment preferences and infrastructure expansion has created a clear blueprint: large-scale, integrated urban developments capable of sustaining long-term operations and diversified revenue streams.

Strategically located along over 13 kilometers of coastline, close to Ho Chi Minh City, the project serves both residential and tourism demand. Its scale, approximately 2,870 hectares, enables a fully integrated master plan combining residential zones, hospitality assets, commercial centers, and leisure facilities. This multi-layered revenue structure reduces reliance on capital appreciation alone, enhancing income stability, aligning closely with institutional investment criteria, particularly for long-term capital seeking predictable cash flows.

A defining feature is its adjacency to a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve, providing a strong foundation for ESG-aligned development. As global funds tighten sustainability requirements, projects balancing economic growth with environmental preservation hold distinct competitive advantage. Experts have drawn parallels between Vinhomes Green Paradise and global icons like Marina Bay Sands in Singapore and Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. Notably, no other location in Asia currently offers the conditions to replicate such a development so close to an existing major metropolis, positioning this project as a uniquely scarce asset.

Large conglomerates like Vingroup possess the execution capability to deliver such complexity, offering a diverse product mix, villas, high-end apartments, smart urban infrastructure, within a single ecosystem. Capital from markets such as Japan is increasingly focusing on Vietnam, seeking entry opportunities.

Vietnam is entering a new investment cycle, characterized by macroeconomic stability, accelerated infrastructure development, and rapid urbanization. These factors together create a strong gravitational pull for global capital. However, international capital is not merely seeking large markets, it seeks points of convergence where capital can be preserved and compounded over the long term.

In this context, Vinhomes Green Paradise is positioning itself as a new capital “sink” – where scale, location, ecosystem integration, and ESG alignment intersect. As often observed in early-stage investment cycles, the greatest advantages accrue to those who recognize structural growth patterns before they are fully priced into the market. Vietnam, and projects like Vinhomes Green Paradise, are increasingly entering this phase of asymmetric opportunity.

https://vinhomes.vn/en

Hashtag: #Vinhomes

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 April 2026 – AilsynBio, an AI-driven drug discovery company, held an Innovative Project Cooperation Agreement Signing Ceremony today at the Hong Kong Science Park, announcing a project cooperation agreement with Dong-E-E-Jiao Co., Ltd. (000423.SZ). This partnership marks a profound cross-sector integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and traditional medicine, aiming to empower biopharmaceutical innovation through technological means.

The ceremony brought together influential leaders and experts from industry, academia, and research sectors, including senior representatives from China Resources Pharmaceutical Group, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), and The University of Hong Kong (HKU), to witness this significant milestone.

Dr. Bo Chen, Chief Scientific Officer of China Resources Pharmaceutical, noted:

“This collaboration with Dong-E-E-Jiao and AilsynBio is a key initiative for China Resources Pharmaceutical in advancing the modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It represents a deep integration of industry, academia, and research in the field of ‘AI + TCM’ between Mainland China and Hong Kong. We look forward to leveraging scientific research and industrial resources from both regions to overcome the challenges of TCM’s mechanisms of action and to pave an innovative path for TCM to evolve from empirical medicine to evidence-based medicine.”

Mr. Liang Zheng, Vice President of Dong-E-E-Jiao, stated:

“As a core strategic product for Dong-E-E-Jiao, deepening the scientific value of Compound E-Jiao Syrup is crucial for our brand upgrade. This cooperation will strengthen the scientific foundation of our products in the field of women’s health, helping Dong-E-E-Jiao accelerate into a new stage of ‘reshaping TCM wisdom through technological innovation.’”

Mr. Pierre Wang, Managing Director of HKU Versitech Limited, stated:

“HKU Versitech is honored to witness this project cooperation between HKU spin-off AilsynBio Ltd. and China Resources Pharmaceutical subsidiary Dong-E E-Jiao, a partnership that exemplifies the successful translation of Hong Kong’s top-tier academic research into high-impact industrial applications. This cooperation will continue to serve as a vital catalyst for the company’s rapid international growth and its mission to scale cutting-edge biotechnology globally.”

Looking ahead, the two parties will focus on three key collaborative directions:

1. Advancing AI-driven innovation: Leveraging AilsynBio’s AI drug discovery platform to accelerate biopharmaceutical R&D processes.
2. Launching specialized research: Engaging in in-depth cooperation on the “Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)” research project.
3. Promoting cross-border fusion: Exploring the integration of biotechnology, AI, and traditional medicine to jointly create a new paradigm for the health industry.

During the ceremony, AilsynBio and Dong-E-E-Jiao signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organizations. The signing was witnessed by Dr. Bo Chen, Chief Scientist of China Resources Pharmaceutical; Mr. Eric Or, Chief Ecosystem Development Officer of HKSTP; and Mr. Pierre Wang, Managing Director of HKU Versitech.

AilsynBio stated that this cooperation is not only a combination of cutting-edge technology and traditional medicine, but also a strategic layout for future healthcare innovation. By leveraging AI technology, the partnership aims to inject technological vitality into traditional medicine for the benefit of more patients.

https://ailsynbio.com/

Hashtag: #AilsynBio #昂心生物

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 April 2026 – The success and impact of the ASEAN–UK Advancing Creative Economy programme was on show at the recent 2^ndASEAN–UK Creative Economy Symposium 2026 in Manila. The Symposium showcased how research, capacity building, and regional collaboration are shaping the future of the creative economy across Southeast Asia, further advancing the goals of the ASEAN Creative Economy Sustainability Framework, adopted at the 46^th ASEAN Summit. The Symposium also celebrated the 5^th anniversary of the ASEAN–UK Dialogue Partnership, focused on deepening cooperation and connection.

The Department of Trade and Industry of the Philippines, together with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the British Council and the ASEAN Secretariat, convened over 270 leaders, policymakers, creatives, and investors from ASEAN and the United Kingdom in Manila for the ASEAN–UK Creative Economy Symposium 2026, reinforcing the region’s push to harness the creative economy as a key driver of growth, innovation, and cultural identity.

Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), Satvinder Singh, said:
“ASEAN is well-positioned to harness the full potential of the creative economy. Six out of eleven ASEAN Member States now rank among the top 70 globally in the WIPO Global Innovation Index’s creative outputs dimension. ASEAN recognises that intangible assets, such as intellectual property, brands, and design as the currencies of modern creative economy. The ideas, expressions, and innovations our creators produce must be protected, valued, and commercialised.”

UK Ambassador to ASEAN, Helen Fazey, said:
“The UK and ASEAN are advancing together through trust, cooperation, and shared priorities. This partnership reflects a strong and growing relationship built on mutual respect and a shared ambition to support sustainable economic growth, innovation, and opportunity across the region. Through initiatives like the ASEAN–UK Advancing Creative Economy programme, we are deepening collaboration, strengthening people-to-people links, and supporting the development of vibrant and resilient creative sectors.”

ASEAN-focused research highlights pathways for growth in the creative economy
New research under the ASEAN–UK Advancing Creative Economy initiative is providing critical insights into the evolution and economic potential of cultural industries across the region.

Arts and Technologies in ASEAN: Interconnected Parts, commissioned by the British Council, examines the fast-growing creative technology landscape across ASEAN. Drawing on more than 60 interviews and case studies, the report explores how artists are using digital tools—from AI to immersive media—while also analysing the regulatory environments shaping innovation. It highlights both the dynamism of the sector and the need for stronger support systems to sustain growth.

Complementing this, the Regional Perception Poll on the ASEAN Creative Economy offers a comprehensive view of how the sector is understood across the region. Based on insights from over 4,000 respondents, including both producers and audiences, the study highlights the interconnected nature of creative ecosystems and the relationships between artists, industries, policymakers, and communities. Its findings underscore the need for tailored, context-specific strategies and stronger regional collaboration to unlock further growth.

Together, these research outputs provide valuable evidence to inform policy, guide investment, and strengthen UK–ASEAN partnerships.Building on this work, a new ASEAN festival research and mapping initiative is underway, expanding earlier studies to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the region’s diverse festival landscape and identify opportunities for future collaboration.

Country Director Indonesia and Director South East Asia, Summer Xia, said:
“Through the ASEAN–UK Advancing Creative Economy initiative, we are investing in the research, skills, and partnerships needed to support long-term growth in the creative sector. The symposium in Manila was an important opportunity to share these resources and ensure they are shaped by and for the region. By working closely with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the ASEAN Secretariat, we are helping to build a stronger, more connected creative economy across ASEAN countries.”

Underscoring the broader vision of the initiative, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) San Lwin has reaffirmed, in separate engagements, that the ASEAN-UK Advancing Creative Economy programme maximises the region’s creative potential to fuel socio-economic growth and cultural exchange. He reiterated the shared commitment to leveraging innovation and creativity as key connectors to drive prosperity, deepen cultural unity, advance social equity, and promote sustainable, inclusive development in order to forge an “ASEAN Community of Opportunities for All.”

Learn more at: ASEAN Creative Economy Initiative

Hashtag: #BritishCouncil

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BANGKOK , THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 April 2026 – A new chapter in Thailand’s cultural and retail landscape is set to debut this April, as The Mall Group introduces “KUDTHAI 2026,” a curated showcase of Thai creativity, launching its first-ever pop-up in Bangkok’s rapidly emerging Songwat district during Songkran.

Presented in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the initiative reflects a growing effort to spotlight Thailand’s cultural identity through contemporary retail and experiential tourism.

“KUDTHAI” — derived from the Thai word “Kud,” meaning “to carefully select” — brings together a refined selection of Thai brands, artisans, and culinary talents, highlighting craftsmanship, local wisdom, and modern design for both local and international audiences.

The inaugural “Song Wat KUDTHAI 2026,” taking place from April 9–12 at Lost in Songwat, marks the first time The Mall Group extends its retail experience beyond its flagship developments into one of Bangkok’s most talked-about neighborhoods. Once a historic trading hub along the Chao Phraya River, Songwat is now re-emerging as a vibrant cultural enclave attracting a new generation of creatives and global travelers.

Extending this experience into the city’s premier retail destinations, “KUDTHAI 2026” will also be held from April 8–19, 2026 across the EM District — Emporium, EmQuartier, and Emsphere — creating a connected journey between Bangkok’s emerging cultural quarters and its established lifestyle hubs.

This multi-location approach reflects a broader shift in how visitors experience Bangkok — moving fluidly between heritage neighborhoods and contemporary retail environments.

While Songkran remains one of Thailand’s most globally recognized celebrations, “KUDTHAI 2026” offers an alternative lens — focusing on curated cultural discovery through design, gastronomy, and local creativity.

At the EM District, the “EM District Thai Hansa Maha Songkran: A Summer of Thai Celebration” from April 10–15, 2026 further enhances the experience with immersive installations, signature water attractions, and themed markets including THAI-POP MARKET at Emporium, THAI LOCAL MARKET at EmQuartier, and THAI-TAINMENT MARKET at Emsphere.

A highlight includes “Little Song Wat,” bringing culinary names from the historic Songwat community into the heart of the city, reinforcing the connection between Bangkok’s evolving cultural districts and its modern retail landscape.

Together, these activations position Bangkok as more than a festive destination during Songkran — but also as a city redefining how tradition is experienced through innovation, culture, and commerce.

Home

Hashtag: #KudThai2026 #SongwatKudThai #FriendsOfSongwat #bangkoksongkarn #Bangkokshopping #TheMall #EMDISTRICT

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Nearly 70 books from 47 publishers representing 10 countries were submitted for this competition. But, for the past 15 years, Praphansarn Publishing, with the sponsorship of Bangkok Bank, has been organising the Chommanard Book Prize, which is given annually for the best book written by a Thai female writer, the winner receiving a cash prize of 100,000 baht and the publication of her book translated into English.

Mr Arthorn Techatada, the Award Program Director, explained, “After holding the Chommanard Book Prize for 15 years, it now seemed this was the right time to expand our programme to include ASEAN and China Region female writers as it is very important to promote outstanding female literary talent throughout the region and the world beyond as Asian female writers don’t get the deserved recognition, and fortunately, Bangkok Bank agreed.”

Mr Arthorn then with the assistance of Associate Professor Dr Trisilpa Boonkhachorn of the Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University, invited and formed a panel of judges from Thailand, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines, France and Germany. All were given the arduous task of reading every submission, followed by deciding on a longlist and then shortlist and country winners from which the grand prize winner would be selected.

The shortlist winners included Li Zi Shu, an award-winning Chinese language writer from Malaysia, for her book, The Age of Goodbyes; Thuận, a Vietnamese author based in Paris who writes in both Vietnamese and French, for her novel, Chinatown. She was also recognised by The New Yorker Best Books 2023. Next are the acclaimed Thai writer Veeraporn Nitiprapha, a two-time winner of the SEA Write Award for her novel, Memories of the Memories of the Black Rose Cat; Isna Marita, an Indonesian author and Environmentalist for her first novel, Mountain More Ancient; Dr Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai of Viet Nam, who has written 13 books in Vietnamese and English, for her book, The Mountains Sing; Leila S Chudori, an award-winning journalist and novelist, for her novel, The Sea Speaks His Name; Yáng Shuāng-zǐ, a writer of fiction, essays, manga and video game scripts, for her novel, Taiwan Travelogue, and Lau Yee-Wa of Hong Kong, who studied Chinese literature and philosophy, for her debut novel, Tongueless.

The two country winners, who along with the shortlisted authors, attended over a week of activities centred around the Bangkok International Book Fair organised by PUBAT (Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand) and visits to important media organisations. They include Jemimah Wei of Singapore for her debut novel, The Original Daughter, which was a Good Morning America Book Club selection and New York Times Editors’ pick, and Marga Ortigas, an award-winning journalist from the Philippines, for her novel, The House on Calle Sombria.

When Associate Professor Dr Trisilpa Boonkhachorn, jury chairperson, announced Lau Yee-Wa as the grand prize winner, the audience and especially the shortlisted and country winners erupted in loud cheers and applause. Then, after receiving a 500,000 baht prize presented by Mr Chartsiri Sophonphanich, President of Bangkok Bank, Ms Lau Yee-Wa gave the keynote speech for the gala celebration on the topic, “Deschooling Society for Global Peace”.

Ms Lau Yee-Wa began, “I never expected to receive such an award or to have my novel translated into so many languages, including Thai. I thought the story, written in Cantonese, was too colloquial and based on such a local Hong Kong context, it would be difficult to understand.”

Later, the winning author went on, “Then, I realized I was not writing fiction. I was documenting a quiet, invisible form of violence that happened every day in the classroom, workplace and even daily life in the whole world. This violence is called deschooling, which the philosopher Ivan Illich warned us about more than 50 years ago.”

Ms Lau Yee-Wa closed by saying, “I believe that Tongueless is my own small, stubborn act of deschooling. I refused to wrap the story in comforting, official language. I let the pain, the vanity, the quiet rebellion, and the flnal demand for choice speak in their rawest form. In doing so, I rediscovered my own voice—and I hope every reader who finishes the book begins to hear theirs again.”

The guidelines for submissions for the Chommanard Book Prize for Thai writers writing in Thai and the Chommanard International Women’s Literary Award for writers from ASEAN member and China region countries will be announced in the coming months. You can find additional information by visiting the Chommanard International Women’s Literary Award website @ https://virf.io/chommanard/home or by contacting virf@elitecreative.co.th.

Hashtag: #Elite+ #ChommanardInternationalLiteraryAward

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JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 April 2026 – XTransfer, the World’s Leading B2B Cross-Border Trade Payment Platform, reinforced its commitment to serving SMEs across Africa through its participation in major regional events. Following the Inclusive FinTech Forum 2026 in Rwanda, XTransfer joined the Solar & Storage Live Africa 2026 in Johannesburg. These engagements reflect XTransfer’s growing focus on enabling legitimate, secure cross-border trade that supports real-economy supply chains across the continent.

As Africa’s premier energy event, “Solar & Storage Live Africa 2026″ convened more than 650 local and international exhibitors showcasing products, technologies and solutions. XTransfer‘s participation comes as it continues to expand in Africa, helping SMEs engaged in international trade access a more unified payment experience. In many markets, SMEs still face friction when making and receiving trade payments, including complex processes and delays that can strain cash flow and disrupt supply chains. Where reliable options are limited, some businesses may feel pressured to rely on informal channels, creating avoidable compliance and transparency risks for the wider ecosystem.

To address these challenges, XTransfer works with international and local banks and financial institutions to strengthen payment infrastructure and facilitate compliant trade payments. In Africa, XTransfer partners with Flutterwave, Africa’s leading payments technology company, to support importers in Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa to pay for goods conveniently in local currency, while helping Asian exporters receive reliable settlement, supporting smoother trade flows across key Africa–Asia corridors.

By continuing to invest in partnerships and local market capabilities, XTransfer aims to help more African SMEs participate confidently in borderless trading and to support the supply chains, accelerating the continent’s energy transition.

https://www.xtransfer.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtransfer.cn
https://x.com/xtransferglobal
https://www.facebook.com/XTransferGlobal/

Hashtag: #XTransfer #Crossborder #Payment #SMEs #Africa #SouthAfrica

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– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

HUA HIN, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 April 2026 – Hua Hin is undergoing a historic transformation. Long recognized as Thailand’s elite seaside retreat, this coastal gem is now ranked among the world’s top real estate growth markets, offering world-class Branded Residences that deliver yields of 7–9%, outperforming non-branded counterparts by 50–80%, according to CBRE Thailand. Ideally positioned around three hours from Bangkok, the capital city, Hua Hin is being elevated into a “Heaven City” and a premier global destination for high-end living and strategic real estate investment. Driven by massive infrastructure development and a shift toward world-class well-being, it has become the top choice for High-Net-Worth Individuals seeking pristine nature, tranquility, and modern luxury within reach of major international metropolises.

The “Heaven City” vision is underpinned by a clear state roadmap, including an operational double-track railway by 2026, the M8 Motorway, and Hua Hin Airport’s international expansion by 2027. Strategically bridging Bangkok and the Southern Economic Corridor, Hua Hin is emerging as a Global Wellness Tourism Hub and a Safe Haven for HNWIs and discerning investors.

Beyond infrastructure, Hua Hin delivers a lifestyle ecosystem, from a world-class Medical Hub with multilingual healthcare and Elite International Education, to a Golfer’s Paradise with championship courses, a world-class vineyard estate, vibrant art scenes, and creative night markets. Anchored by luxury malls and international water parks, it is a sanctuary for every generation, making Branded Residences in Hua Hin increasingly coveted assets among both local and international buyers.

The pinnacle of this evolution is Dusit Ajara Hua Hin. Developed by Dusit Estate, under Dusit International, a globally recognized hospitality brand, this ultra-luxury branded residence builds on Dusit’s vision of redefining luxury living through integrated, hospitality-led experiences, as reflected in its mixed-use flagship development in Bangkok, Dusit Central Park. It sits on a prime nearly 8-acre site, featuring 96 exclusive residences with privileged beach access, nestled within the grounds of Dusit Thani Hua Hin. Designed for multi-generational living, it stands as the first low-rise residential project in Asia developed under the Fitwel: Low Rise Residential standard, a leading evidence-based global certification focused on enhancing health and well-being through optimized indoor environments. With its low-density approach, the project champions sustainable well-being. Its signature “Bridging Oasis” concept delivers over 60% green space, seamlessly connecting seven buildings through lush landscaping. Residents enjoy a full suite of amenities, including a five-zone aquatic experience, clubhouse, wellness studio, kids’ world, and entertainment spaces.

Dusit Ajara Hua Hin‘s true distinction lies in its Gracious Hospitality. Backed by Dusit’s 77-year legacy, professional property management ensures long-term value, translating into high asset liquidity and a reliable Lifestyle Dividend, supported by a dedicated rental management team.

Dusit Ajara Hua Hin is more than a residence. It is a “Limited Edition Collection” – a low-risk, high-growth asset offering timeless luxury living and sustainable long-term value for a limited collection of families.

Please visit https://www.dusitajara.com/landingpage

• Hua Hin: +66(0) 88 899 8355
• Bangkok: +66(0) 88 822 7882

Hashtag: #DusitAjara #DusitAjaraHuaHin #HuaHin

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10 April 2026 – The Reserve Bank of New Zealand Te Pūtea Matua (RBNZ) Assistant Governor Money Karen Silk encourages the public to have their say about local access to withdraw cash, deposit cash and swap cash for low-denomination banknotes and coins.

There has been strong interest in the “Keeping Cash Local” consultation with more than 4000 responses so far. The deadline was extended to 31 July 2026 to allow more time for people and industry to respond, and for RBNZ to share further materials.

“As part of the consultation, we have received questions about the legal basis for the proposal we are consulting on, and we will release more information about this within two weeks. This may assist people in shaping their feedback on the consultation. We will also provide some Official Information Act responses that will be completed within that timeframe,” says Karen Silk.

RBNZ is responsible for ensuring that cash meets needs of the public.

“No decisions have been made yet on the proposals outlined in the consultation, and we want to hear a wide range of views about what the minimum services should be locally to withdraw cash, deposit cash, and swap cash free-of-charge, in every district of New Zealand. The public’s views are important and will help inform our approach,” says Karen Silk.

“Our preferred approach is to work with banks to explore how the public’s access to cash services could be improved on a voluntary basis and we welcome responses from the cash industry,” says Karen Silk.

Additionally, alternate formats of the consultation document – in NZSL, braille, easy read, audio and large print – will be made available in May to allow disabled people and their communities to have their say.
 

More information

About the consultation Access to cash – Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=411ba5af3b&e=f3c68946f8
Respond to our survey, make a submission or download consultation materials on CitizenSpace: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=e68c1f2e9b&e=f3c68946f8

MIL OSI

HONG KONG SAR & NEW YORK, UNITED STATES – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 April 2026 – Wallace Woo Studio is proud to announce a seismic shift in the landscape of contemporary art with the formal introduction of Geological Abstractionism. This global launch is anchored by two definitive academic volumes: the new manifesto The Dimension of Sedimentation (ISBN: 978-988-71890-2-2) and the foundational philosophical art book Stalactite – The Clamorous Stillness (ISBN: 978-988-71890-0-8).

A Synthesis of Time and Matter

Refining a lifetime of meditative practice and artistic devotion, Wallace Woo presents a theoretical framework that transcends traditional abstract expressionism. While mid-century Western abstraction often focused on the “spontaneity of the moment,” Woo’s Geological Abstractionism shifts the focus to the “accumulation of eternity.” At the heart of this movement is Stalactite Aesthetics — a sophisticated visual language where gravity serves as the secondary artist. “In my studio, time does not flow away; it sediments,” says Wallace Woo. “Each layer of pigment represents a crystallized moment of consciousness.”

The Documentation of an Evolution

The global launch is supported by two landmark publications, both of which are part of the Hong Kong Public Libraries permanent collection, ensuring their status as protected intellectual property:

• The Dimension of Sedimentation: The current manifesto defining the shift from “capturing a moment” to “accumulating time.”
• Stalactite – The Clamorous Stillness: A visual-philosophical record documenting the transition from the fluid exploration of Zenflow to the established principles of Geological Abstractionism. This volume invites viewers into “Cave Time,” showcasing the artist’s signature “Acrylic with Ink Spirit” technique through two movements: Slow Living and Wild Growth.

Quick Fact Sheet: The Evolution of Abstraction

To position this new movement within art history, the following comparison highlights the breakthrough of Geological Abstractionism:

The Philosophy: Internal Geomorphology

Woo defines his process as “Inner Geology“ — the study of how spiritual stillness can manifest as physical texture. By utilizing the inherent weight of fluid media and allowing it to settle through verticality, he captures what he calls the “Clamorous Stillness”.

Looking Toward Paris: June 2026

This global announcement serves as a strategic prelude to Woo’s solo exhibition in Paris this coming June at the Espace Temple Gallery, where the physical manifestations of these theories—the “solidified proof of evolution”—will be unveiled to the European art community.

Hashtag: #WallaceWoo #StalactiteAesthetics #GeologicalAbstractionism #innerGeology #ContemporaryArt #AbstractExpressionism #ISBN9789887189022

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

The Financial Markets Authority is seeking to liquidate further entities linked to Rangiora-based investment company Chance Voight Group.

The application to the High Court seeks liquidation for 25 entities, after FMA concerns about how the group has been managed and whether it can meet its financial obligations.

This is the second liquidation application made by the FMA relating to Chance Voight.

In December, the FMA sought the liquidation of its parent company, Chance Voight Investment Corporation, and five of its main subsidiaries.

“The FMA’s decision to seek liquidation of further Chance Voight entities, in addition to those subject to the December 2025 application, follows our receipt of the interim liquidators’ report detailing their preliminary investigative findings, as well as our own continuing investigations into the Chance Voight Group,” FMA head of enforcement Margot Gatland said.

The High Court granted the FMA’s application for the appointment of interim liquidators, pending a hearing on whether the companies should be liquidated.

The interim liquidators report remains under interim suppression and the FMA asked the court to lift suppression at a hearing on 3 March.

The High Court has since issued a judgement on the release of the report, but it remains under suppression until 5pm, 17 April.

Chance Voight Group principal Bernard Whimp opposed the release of the report.

The FMA said its investigation into the group and Whimp was ongoing.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

MIL OSI

ASB is preparing to support customers who may be affected by the forecast cyclone expected to impact parts of the North Island this weekend.

Targeted support will be offered to any weather impacted customers on a case-by-case basis, with options including:

• Deferring home loan repayments for up to three months or interest only for three months.
• Immediate consideration of requests for emergency credit card limit increases.
• Tailored solutions for eligible ASB business and rural customers including access to working capital of up to $100,000.

ASB Executive General Manager Personal Banking Adam Boyd says the bank is ready to respond quickly to customer needs.

“With Cyclone Vaianu forecast to bring severe weather, we want customers to know support is available if they need it.

“Our teams are prepared to help and can work with customers to find practical solutions that suit their situation.”

To discuss support options, personal customers should call ASB’s contact centre on 0800 803 804. Alternatively, customers can email hardship@asb.co.nz. Affected ASB business and rural customers should speak to their relationship manager or call 0800 272 287.

Further detail on ASB’s extreme weather support is available here: https://www.asb.co.nz/page/extreme-weather-support.html

More information and full terms, fees and charges can be found on ASB’s website.

MIL OSI

• Asia Pacific holds the largest share of ranked markets on the Index for the first time in more than a decade, claiming 10 out of 25 spots.
• Japan, China, Singapore, South Korea and India see leaps in ranking as Thailand and Malaysia re-enter the top 25.
• Technological and innovation capabilities emerges as the most important factor shaping investment decisions.
• Industrial policy is now critical in investment decisions, with 84 percent of investors citing it as extremely or very important.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 April 2026 – Kearney’s Global Business Policy Council today released the 2026 Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Index (FDICI), an annual survey of global business executives that ranks markets most likely to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) over the next three years. The 2026 Index sees Asia Pacific (APAC) claiming the largest share of the ranked markets (10 out of 25) for the first time in more than a decade, amid a global investment environment shaped by intensifying geopolitical tensions, expanding industrial policy, and accelerating technological competition.

The survey, conducted in January 2026 among more than 500 senior executives from leading corporations worldwide, shows that companies remain committed to international investment despite mounting uncertainty. Eighty-eight percent of respondents say they plan to increase foreign direct investment over the next three years, signaling sustained confidence in long-term global opportunities.

The United States and Canada retain their first and second positions on the Index. Japan rises to third, and China (including Hong Kong) climbs to fourth. Singapore (8^th), South Korea (11^th) and India (22^nd) post gains as Thailand (20^th) and Malaysia (21^st) re-enter the top 25 list after three and 12 years respectively— reflecting a strong showing from APAC.

“The APAC region emerges as a winner as investors recalibrate how they make decisions in a more turbulent operating environment,” said Shigeru Sekinada, Region Chair, Asia Pacific at Kearney. “The technological capability, economic growth potential, and geopolitical relevance offered by the top-ranking APAC markets make them choice FDI destinations among a business community that is both actively pursuing emerging opportunities and attentive to mounting complexities and risks.”

Middle powers and emerging markets attract renewed investor interest

Most APAC markets in the top 25 list saw improvements in rankings, but none as remarkable as Singapore, which rose from 15^th to 8^th place. This leap can be attributed to the city-state’s reputation as a hub for R&D and innovation, supported by tax incentives, research grants, and partnerships. One third (34 percent) of investors in the survey cite Singapore’s technological innovation as the strongest reason to invest there, followed by its economic performance (30 percent), driven by expansions in biomedical manufacturing and electronics, and sustained AI-driven semiconductor and server related growth.

Singapore’s significant gain in this year’s Index, alongside those of markets like Saudi Arabia, reflects the rise of “middle powers”—markets that are neither great powers nor small states but still exercise meaningful influence in international politics and generally abide by global rules and norms.

Meanwhile, emerging markets remain dynamic and increasingly interconnected with global investment flows. China ranks as the top market on the Emerging Markets Index for the third consecutive year. Thailand and Malaysia (6^th and 7^th on the Emerging Markets Index) post some of the largest gains in the rankings while Vietnam (16^th) rises three spots.Investor sentiment toward emerging markets has improved modestly year over year, suggesting that companies are increasingly looking beyond traditional investment hubs as they expand supply chains and pursue growth opportunities across a broader set of emerging markets.

Innovation drives investment decisions

Technological and innovation capabilities rank as the most important factor influencing where companies choose to invest, surpassing traditional considerations such as regulatory efficiency and domestic economic performance. As investment in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and data-driven technologies accelerates worldwide, markets with strong innovation ecosystems are increasingly viewed as the most attractive destinations for long-term investment.

Investors cite technological innovation as the strongest or tied strongest reason to invest in 10 of the 25 markets on the Index, including Japan, China, Singapore, South Korea, and Taiwan (China).

Geopolitical risk and industrial policy reshape the investment landscape

Executives remain alert to rising global risks even as investment intentions remain strong. Geopolitical tensions rank as the most likely development over the next year (36 percent), followed by commodity price increases and political instability in developed markets (30 percent).

“Geopolitical instability and rising commodity prices have proven to be major factors impacting global business this year, as reflected in the current Middle East conflict. Supply chain resilience, diversification of energy sources and government policies will be crucial for markets to maintain their attractiveness in the eyes of investors in the medium term,” said Sekinada.

At the same time, industrial policy is playing an increasingly central role in shaping investment decisions. According to the survey, 84 percent of investors globally say industrial policy is extremely or very important in determining where they invest, and 57 percent believe it has a positive impact on their company’s business performance. APAC investors show strong support for infrastructure development and subsidies as the most effective industrial policy tools, with 88 percent of investors in the region viewing infrastructure-focused industrial policy as favorable, and 80 percent saying the same for subsidies.

About the 2026 Kearney FDI Confidence Index®

The 2026 Kearney FDI Confidence Index^® is constructed using primary data from a proprietary survey of 507 senior executives of the world’s leading corporations. The survey was conducted in January 2026. Respondents include C-level executives and regional and business leaders. All participating companies have annual revenues of $500 million or more. The companies are headquartered in 30 countries and span all sectors.

The Index is calculated as a weighted average of the number of high, medium, and low responses to questions on the likelihood of making a direct investment in a select market over the next three years.

Index values are based on responses only from companies headquartered in foreign markets. For example, the Index value for the United States was calculated without responses from US-headquartered investors. Higher Index values indicate more attractive investment targets.

All economic growth figures presented in the report are the latest estimates and forecasts available from Oxford Economics unless otherwise noted. Other secondary sources include investment promotion agencies, central banks, ministries of finance and trade, relevant news media, and other major data sources.

https://www.kearney.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/kearney/

Hashtag: #Kearney

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Legislation which strengthens trespass laws to make them more effective and practical for businesses has passed first reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.

“This government is committed to fixing the basics in law and order, and building a future where all New Zealanders can feel safe in their communities. One basic function that needs fixing, is the ability for a business owner to trespass somebody and stop them from returning.

 “The Trespass Act is not working effectively in a modern-day urban retail environment. Retailers are rightly very concerned about offenders engaging in criminal behaviour such as theft, and then just returning with impunity to do it all over again.

“These laws have remained virtually unchanged since the 1980s, when its focus was the removal of people from places like farms and private dwellings. They do not work for areas where the public freely enters, such as malls, busy shops, dairies and supermarkets. This legislation changes that.”

The Bill amends the Trespass Act by:

Increasing the maximum trespass period from two years to three years.
Allow businesses, such as franchises, to trespass individuals from multiple locations.
Increase the maximum fine for anyone refusing to leave when asked, or returning when trespassed from $1,000 to $2,000.
Increase the maximum fine for anyone refusing to give their name and address when requested, or giving false information, from $500 to $1,000.

The Bill will also close a loophole where people can avoid being trespassed by threatening the occupier, or simply walking away before they can be informed.

Under the Bill, a person will be ‘deemed’ to know they have been trespassed in retail and hospitality spaces, when the occupier has clear evidence of an attempt being made.

MIL OSI

The Social Investment Agency is examining how it handles conflicts of interest as part of a review into millions of dollars of contracts awarded.

RNZ earlier revealed the agency had commissioned an independent external review of its procurement practices for contracts over $100,000.

The announcement followed the resignation of the deputy chief executive Kylie Reiri in February while under investigation in relation to allegations of bullying and harassment.

It also followed the resignation of former SIA chief executive Andrew Coster who quit in December following a scathing Independent Police Conduct Authority report.

Do you know more? Email sam.sherwood@rnz.co.nz

The review was announced following an Official Information Act (OIA) request by RNZ about procurement practices at the agency.

In the OIA the SIA provided a table setting out all contracts with a value of over $100,000 that were initiated or maintained between January 2025 and March 2026.

The 13 contracts, which combined are worth nearly $7m, included work by Datacom, Potentia Wellington Limited, Chapman Tripp, Olympus Consulting Limited, First Stanza Limited, Deloitte Limited, Likemind Limited, Audit New Zealand and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Following further questions from RNZ, a SIA spokesperson said on Wednesday that internal procurement processes “including requirements for managing and declaring conflicts of interest, are being considered as part of the broader review of all contracts with a value exceeding $100,000”.

The SIA earlier said that 10 of the contracts related to work within the scope of the Deputy Chief Executive – Strategy and Performance and/or the Deputy Chief Executive – Technology, Transformation and Enabling Services roles.

“While this includes all contracts within those functional areas, not all of the contracts listed involved work commissioned or directed by the former Deputy Chief Executive.”

Lawyers acting for Reiri told RNZ on Friday she had no prior personal connection to providers that were contracted by SIA and therefore no conflicts to declare.

The lawyers earlier said that Reiri was not aware of any allegations relating to financial and procurement irregularities concerning herself or any other person.

“To the extent there are any allegations of this nature, these are false and denied.”

As part of the OIA RNZ also asked for a copy of all briefings, correspondence and reports in relation to investigations into Reiri.

“SIA has identified 63 documents within scope of your request. These documents relate to employment related processes and the internal consideration of allegations, including terms of reference, correspondence, and one email relating to alleged financial and procurement matters.

“The documents concern sensitive employment and internal matters and contain personal information. It is necessary for SIA to be able to manage employment issues and assess allegations effectively, including by enabling staff and other parties to communicate freely and candidly in the course of such processes.”

In an earlier OIA released to RNZ, the SIA confirmed there had been two employment investigations over the last 12 months.

“I am also able to confirm that there has been one investigation in response to four formal reports of bullying and harassment. In the interest of privacy, we cannot provide a breakdown as to what each allegation was concerning.”

RNZ understands the investigation, which is ongoing, relates to Reiri.

“As a responsible employer, SIA takes these matters seriously and all complaints are investigated and followed through to the end. We have robust policies and procedures to manage disclosure of any allegations including protected disclosures (speak safe) and bullying and harassment policies, which provide informal and formal options for staff to raise concerns of serious wrongdoing and bullying and harassment.”

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 April 2026 – With warmer conditions expected in the coming weeks, Singapore’s heat and humidity could contribute to increased fatigue and reduced mental clarity among urbanites balancing long commutes and high-pressure work.

Despite the sweltering weather, Singaporeans’ passion for an active lifestyle remains strong—from post-work gym sessions to weekend outdoor runs. To help Singaporeans maintain their peak performance, iHerb has curated a “Heatwave Essentials” guide focused on hydration, fatigue resistance, and recovery.

As part of this initiative, iHerb is offering a 22% discount sitewide from April 10 to April 24, with consumers able to apply the promo code “78IHERB” at checkout.

Essentials for Hydration and Recovery

In Singapore’s climate, sweating is constant—but many don’t realise that perspiration depletes both water and essential electrolytes, which is why plain water alone may not be enough to prevent fatigue.

• For Instant Hydration: Nuun Sport Electrolyte Tablets are a top choice for active commuters, offering a balanced blend of sodium, potassium, and magnesium.
• For Natural Purity: Wilderness Poets Evaporated Coconut Water Powder provides a refreshing, sugar-free alternative rich in natural potassium.
• For Long-term Balance: Nutricost Potassium + Magnesium capsules offer high-efficiency support to maintain neuromuscular balance and prevent heat-induced weakness.

Expanded Heatwave Essentials for Daily Wellness and Recovery

As part of its “Heatwave Essentials” guide, iHerb features a curated selection of products that supports broader daily wellness needs during warmer conditions. This includes supplements commonly incorporated into routines for general nutritional support, post-activity recovery, and day-to-day maintenance:

• Swanson Albion Magnesium Glycinate is a popular choice for supporting relaxation and overall daily wellness.
• California Gold Nutrition Brain Health vegetarian capsules provide multi-nutrient support for those requiring prolonged focus.
• Nutricost HMB Capsules have become a favorite among the local fitness community for supporting physical endurance and recovery under high-temperature conditions.
• Doctor’s Best Natural Vision Enhancers – formulated with lutein, zeaxanthin, and omega-3 (DHA/EPA), and included within iHerb’s broader wellness offering.

Shop Smarter, Live Cooler

To support the growing demand for daily health management, iHerb is offering a 22% discount sitewide from April 10 until April 24. Simply enter the promo code “78IHERB” at checkout to access savings across a wide range of health and wellness products, including those featured in the “Heatwave Essentials” selection.

• Free Delivery: Enjoy free shipping on orders over S$60.
• Fast Shipping: Products typically arrive in Singapore within approximately 4 days.

Hashtag: #iHerb

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

• Manufacturing activity eases marginally to 53.2 from 54.8 in February – above 50 is expansion
• All five sub-indexes positive, growth slows in production, new order, and deliveries
• Firms may have moved to cushion Middle East conflict impact by stockpiling, building up inventory
• Sharp lift in negative comments about business outlook, as conflict clouds outlooks

Manufacturing sector activity remained resilient in March and has yet to be significantly hit by the Middle East conflict.

The BNZ-Business NZ Performance of Manufacturing Index (PMI) slowed to 53.2 from 54.8 the month before. A reading above 50 indicates the sector is expanding.

“The PMI result supports our view that economic growth was reasonable in the first quarter of the year, even though material headwinds had accumulated by quarter’s end,” BNZ senior economist Doug Steel said.

All five sub-indices stayed in expansion with gains for employment and finished stocks, and a slowing for new orders, production, deliveries of raw materials.

Steel said the sector was resilient, although it was likely too early for the conflict to have had a significant negative impact on activity.

“While the PMI is no longer trending higher, it hasn’t been unduly hit by the fuel price surge and uncertainty of war. At least not yet.”

“There is evidence of some temporary PMI support from spending being brought forward and businesses stockpiling.”

However, the level of negative comments from firms about their outlook rose markedly to 62 percent from 44.5 percent.

“While the PMI only eased a touch, the drop in positive comments suggests the energy price shock is front of mind for many,” Steel said.

He said it was difficult to forecast how the Middle East would end up, with manufacturing activity rising and falling in line with commodity price moves, which at the moment were being driven by a supply shock.

“Currently rising prices are more likely to dampen manufacturing activity and economic growth, both in New Zealand and abroad.”

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

MIL OSI

PHU THO, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 April 2026 – Approved by the Phu Tho People’s Committee, a joint venture between Vinh Phuc International Services and Industrial Zone Joint Stock Company (VISIZ) and SHINEC joint Stock Company officially broke ground on the Phuc Yen Industrial Park (Phuc Yen IP) infrastructure project on April 9.

Phuc Yen IP covers 111.3 hectares in Phuc Yen Ward in the northern province of Phú Thọ, with a total investment of approximately VNĐ1.98 trillion and a 50-year operating licence.

Regarded as a key project in the province’s economic development strategy, Phuc Yen IP is expected to become a magnet for high-quality investment, particularly from enterprises in technology and electronics, precision engineering, supporting industries and logistics.

Strategic location and world-class infrastructure

Phuc Yen IP enjoys outstanding connectivity, with direct access to the Noi Bai – Lao Cai Expressway, a location approximately 10 minutes from Noi Bai International Airport and strong links to major economic hubs in Hà Nội, Phú Thọ and neighbouring provinces.

All technical infrastructure is built to international standards, including internal roads, high-capacity power supply, water supply and drainage systems, a centralised wastewater treatment plant and urban landscaping – enabling businesses to begin operations immediately upon land handover.

Development timeline

• Phase 1 (Q1/2024 – Q1/2026): Legal procedures, site clearance, construction commencement
• Phase 2 (Q2/2026 – Q1/2027): Full infrastructure construction – site levelling, internal roads, power and water system, wastewater treatment – culminating in project completion and handover

VISIZ General Director Nguyen Hai Tung said on behalf of the investor consortium: “We are fully committed to mobilising all available resources to deliver this project on schedule, ensuring synchronised, high-quality and modern construction standards.

“Phuc Yen IP is more than a production facility – it is a sustainable industrial ecosystem where investors can build and grow their operations with confidence over the long term.”

Socio-economic impact

At full capacity, Phuc Yen IP is expected to attract dozens of domestic and international investors, generate thousands of stable employment opportunities, and contribute meaningfully to annual State budget revenues. The park will serve as a catalyst for commercial services, urban development and industrial real estate growth across Phuc Yen Ward and surrounding areas.

Media Contact:

Hotline: (+84) 333 699 996

Email: phucyen@visiz.com.vn

Website: www.visiz.com.vn

Hashtag: #VISIZ #SHINEC

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

MIL OSI

Solar advocates, electricians and consumer campaigners are among those calling on the government to ditch its plans for an LNG import terminal and consider other options.

The Sustainable Energy Association and six other organisations, including the Green Building Council, Master Electricians, and Consumer NZ, have joined together to present an alternative proposal to deal with the country’s winter energy problem.

The new Smart Energy Alliance says that includes rapidly rolling out rooftop solar, moving domestic users off gas, and better managing the country’s hydro lakes.

The government announced in February it would proceed with plans to build a liquefied natural gas (LNG) import facility in Taranaki, with whole-of-life costs spread across all electricity users through a levy.

The proposal, widely criticised at the time, has attracted renewed opposition after Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz prompted the price of fossil fuels – including LNG – to spike.

Gentailer chief executives were the latest to express doubts at the energy sector’s conference last week.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) said in a statement last month that the LNG terminal was selected from a shortlist of five options that it considered “timely, feasible and of sufficient scale to meet dry year needs”.

It would also be beneficial to major industrial gas users, who had been forced to limit production or shut up shop altogether in recent years as domestic gas supply dwindled, the ministry said.

It said rooftop solar would support energy resilience in the longer term, but ruled it out as an immediate solution to the dry-year risk.

A Cabinet paper said distributed solar would not supply enough additional energy during winter, when the country was most likely to experience an energy shortage.

The options the ministry seriously considered – including more diesel and coal generation – were all capable of generating 1.5 terawatt hours of generation, no matter the weather, and could be deployed with a few years.

Smart Energy Alliance spokesperson Gareth Williams said the organisation did not accept the argument that solar was incapable of supporting the dry-year risk.

“It’s correct that solar isn’t the greatest resource in winter, but the modelling that we’ve done… shows that solar is really useful in terms of dry-year because it enables the [hydro] lakes to go into autumn and winter much fuller than they do currently,” he said.

“It was a very bold statement that it’s not relevant.”

What the country really needed was for politicians to agree on a cross-party energy strategy that properly weighed up all the options, Williams said.

“This constant change as to what we’re looking to do through every election cycle is just not going to lead to a good outcome.”

However, distributed rooftop solar was among the obvious solutions that should be rolled out straight away, he said.

Countries as diverse as Australia, Hungary and Pakistan have achieved massive uptake of rooftop solar and battery installations within a few years of rolling out government incentives.

A truly meaningful roll-out here would also need financial incentives.

“[Low-cost] financing by itself has some impact but the real acceleration comes when there’s some kind of rebate,” he said.

“Once it’s moving it has its own momentum and you don’t need [incentives] anymore.”

While solar capacity was built up, coal – which was already in the country – was capable of filling the gap that LNG would otherwise close.

“There is sufficient back-up from the Huntly power station using coal,” Williams said.

“Clearly we don’t want that to be the long-term solution… but as a temporary stop-gap for the next three or four years until those other projects can be accelerated, then we’re perfectly covered.”

Incentives could be particularly targeted at domestic gas users – which would have the additional benefit of saving limited gas supply for major industrial users who had limited alternatives, he said.

“The modelling we did looked for that 2TWh of additional generation, and we modelled it by reducing the amount of gas that was being used for electricity generation down to 45 percent of what it has been over the last three years.”

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

A ceasefire in Iran is unlikely to bring any relief for home loan borrowers.

Wholesale rates have been pushing higher on the expectation interest rates might need to rise to combat inflation caused by the Middle East conflict.

But in recent days, there had been a pullback, before rates then ticked up again.

Reserve Bank data showed an average two-year special home loan rate was now above 5 percent, having dropped to a low of 4.5 percent towards the end of last year.

The Reserve Bank opted to hold the official cash rate at 2.25 percent on Wednesday but indicated it was watching the path for inflation and would act if there seemed to be any wider effects on things such as medium-term inflation expectations.

Infometrics chief forecaster Gareth Kiernan said he did not think any falls in wholesale markets recently had been significant enough to affect mortgage rates.

“At best, the moderation in swap rates since 23 March probably just helps remove upward pressure that might otherwise have continued to push mortgage rates higher.

“Financial markets have a fairly proactive Reserve Bank tightening profile priced in. And these are reflected in the pricing of mortgages.”

Westpac chief economist Kelly Eckhold said he expected mortgage rates to rise through this year as the time of likely official cash rate increases drew nearer.

Westpac now expected the first OCR increase to happen in September, rather than December, as it previously forecast.

“That likely means mortgage rates heading from the mid 4 percents to low 5 percents, to the 5.5 percent to 6 percent range if we assume margins continue as we have seen of late.

“If the Reserve Bank surprises markets by moving rates up more quickly than priced, then mortgage rates might rise a little more quickly but perhaps to a similar ultimate level unless markets conclude the OCR needs to rise significantly above 4 percent at some point. “

Squirrel chief executive David Cunningham said it was interesting that New Zealand’s yield curve had significant interest rate increases built in, while other countries did not.

“I think it’s that our markets swing quite wildly … it’s all about easing or all about tightening and if it’s going to be tightening, it’s going to be a massive tightening and so on.

“I think there’s more subtlety than the yield curve builds in, but you’ve just got to be patient through it.

“We’ve had the swing in sentiment from four months ago where the last interest rate cuts were off the table and so therefore the next move was up, and so wholesale interest rates adjusted to that view and are predicting interest rates at 3.5 percent in June next year.

“That’s flowed through to wholesale interest rates, swap curves, which drives the fixed interest rates. You’ve got three year rates well above 5 percent now from a low of nearer 4.5 percent.”

He said people might think taking short-term fixes made sense because if interest rates did not rise as fast as expected, they could prove a cheaper option.

“You’re paying quite a premium to go into long-term rates at the moment for the certainty they provide. My overarching observation is New Zealand’s market is swinging more violently than markets elsewhere in the world from an interest rate perspective, and we’ve already got quite a bit of rise in interest rates built in, and so that’s what you’re paying for our fixed rates.”

He said when he fixed recently he chose two- and three-year terms, but would now choose a shorter term.

“If you can cope with the uncertainty that’s probably a fair deal and, you know, see where things are in six months, 12 months’ time. But every situation is different. For some people, the certainty is more important.

“At the end of the day, the last half-percent doesn’t profoundly change your life too much. It’s the 2 percent, 3 percent moves that do. I don’t think we’re going to see any of those sort of magnitude moves in the near term.”

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand

Households around the country are under increasing financial pressure, as the cost of fuel rises – so what can you do if you’re feeling the pinch?

RNZ asked experts for their tips.

Cut spending

Enrich Retirement founder Liz Koh said people should look at their bank statements for the past three months.

“Categorise your spending into three groups – fixed expenses you have little or no control over, like rent, mortgage or insurance, discretionary expenses you have full control over and which are not essential, like lunches, coffees and entertainment, and the remaining group, essential expenses that you have some control over, like food and petrol.

“The easiest expenses to cut back on are the discretionary expenses. Set yourself a limit on how much money you spend on these items by either setting up a separate bank account to cover them or paying for them in cash.”

She said most people would find food was their biggest expense, after their rent or mortgage payments.

What are your money saving tips? Email susan.edmunds@rnz.co.nz

“Take a hard look at what you are spending. Set a limit on food expenses and cut back on the number of times you go to the supermarket.

“Depending on how big your family is, you may be able to save $100 a week or more on grocery items by planning your meals, buying cheaper brands and cutting out some items altogether.”

Move your mortgage

If you have a mortgage, you may be able to save a few thousand dollars by shifting to another bank or threatening to.

Banks have competed with cashback offers for some time and new customers are often offered up to about 1 percent of their loan amount as a cashback incentive.

Even if you don’t move banks, sometimes it is possible to ask your current bank to match a competitor’s offer with a “retention” payment of its own.

The payments usually come with rules around how long a customer must remain with the bank.

Review subscriptions

You might have subscriptions you aren’t using or that you haven’t reviewed in a while.

Koh said people should regularly review their payments for things like streaming services, websites and other memberships, and see whether they still needed them.

Some banks offer tools to help with this.

Think about how you drive

Kernel founder Dean Anderson said the cost of petrol and diesel would be the main concern for most households now.

“Most of us are still driving internal combustion cars and how we drive has a real impact on fuel use. With prices seeming to climb every other day, those habits matter.”

Things like driving slower and accelerating more gently can cut fuel use.

“Public transport is an easy win, if it’s a viable option for your commute. There’s also a Kiwi tech company, Extraordinary, that employers can set up to let staff pay for public transport from gross rather than net income.

“For an average commuter, that could mean savings of $700-plus a year, without changing your routine. Easy savings into your back pocket.”

Have an emergency fund

It might be hard to do at the moment, but building up a savings account to fall back on can save money in the long run.

When you have that buffer, you’re less likely to need expensive short-term debt to cover emergencies.

Consistency more important than timing

Pie Funds chief executive Ana-Marie Lockyer said people should set up regular saving and investment habits, not get stuck trying to time the markets.

“Keeping up regular contributions to things like KiwiSaver, even when markets feel a bit uncertain, is one of the most effective ways to build wealth over the long term.

“If people have the option, looking at ways to boost income – whether that’s through looking at growth opportunities in your existing job or a new one, picking up extra work or building new skills – can often have a bigger impact than cutting costs alone.

“Overall, it’s less about doing anything drastic, and more about staying steady and making small, sensible improvements where you can.”

Take advantage of the government KiwiSaver contribution

It’s not as much as it used to be, but it’s still worth getting the full government contribution.

Put $1042 into your KiwiSaver account before 30 June each year to have about $260 added.

Shop around

You may be able to save money or pick up additional incentives by shopping around for a better deal on your power, phone or broadband.

For example, Powershop offers a $150 power credit to new customers, Pulse Energy offers $160, Mercury has $300 for those who sign up for electricity, or a free Samsung product for people taking electricity and broadband contracts for a two-year term.

Powerswitch has previously said people can often save hundreds by moving to another supplier with a better price.

“Power, broadband and mobile plans are often very similar across providers,” Anderson said. “If you’re not locked into a contract, it’s worth reviewing your options.

“Switching can come with upfront credits, free months or discounted rates – small wins that add up over the year.”

Sell things

Earlier this year, Trade Me said that 75 percent of people had unused or unwanted items in their homes that they could sell.

It said, on average, each person had 19 things they could sell, which would have an estimated value of $1300.

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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand