HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 August 2026 – Adding travel insurance when booking a flight is a common practice among many Hong Kong travellers. However, the latest test by 10Life’s Research and Data Analytics team found that the same coverage may not always come at the same price.

Using the profile of one Hong Kong adult traveller, 10Life compared airline embedded travel insurance for a 14-day Hong Kong to New York trip across two departure dates and three economy fare classes, covering six scenarios in total. Each scenario involved the same travel insurance plan, coverage level, coverage details and benefit limits. Despite this, premiums ranged from HK$859 to HK$1,153, with the highest quote 34% higher than the lowest.

Table 1: Six quotes for the same travel insurance plan for a 14-day Hong Kong to New York trip, ranked by premium

Note: The premium difference is calculated against the lowest premium among the six tested scenarios, at HK$859. Test conditions: one adult traveller, single return trip, destination New York (John F. Kennedy International Airport), 14-day trip. Test and data update date: 6 August 2026. All amounts are in Hong Kong dollars. Premium amounts and percentages are calculated based on the relevant premiums and rounded to the nearest whole number. Premiums and quotes may change from time to time. Actual prices should be based on the relevant page shown at the time of purchase or booking.

1. Premiums appear to move with airfare, rather than being priced solely by coverage
Across the six tested scenarios, higher airfares were consistently associated with higher add-on travel insurance premiums. 10Life’s analysis found an almost linear relationship between airfare and premium: for every HK$1,000 increase in airfare, the add-on travel insurance premium rose by around HK$22.

Travel insurance premiums should generally be priced according to factors such as trip duration, destination, traveller age and coverage details, as these are the factors that typically determine risk. For the same departure date, destination and trip duration, the likelihood of an accident or medical claim should not increase simply because the airfare is higher.

It is also worth noting that higher fare classes usually offer more flexible change, cancellation or refund arrangements, which could theoretically reduce part of the trip cancellation risk. However, in the test, premiums for higher fare classes increased instead of decreasing. During the booking process, consumers may not easily notice these fluctuations in the travel insurance premium.

2. Other purchase channels did not show similar price fluctuations, with premiums up to 77% lower
10Life also reviewed two travel insurance products in the market offering similar coverage, referred to here as Product A and Product B. The findings showed that, whether purchased directly through an insurer’s website or via an insurance comparison platform, premiums were generally calculated based on trip details, such as destination, trip duration and traveller age. They did not appear to vary according to airfare.

Table 2: Premium comparison across different purchase channels for a 14-day Hong Kong to New York trip

Note: Quotes for products purchased directly through insurer websites and insurance comparison platforms were based on travel insurance products with similar coverage. Product names, quote sources and key benefit limits are set out in the appendix. Test conditions are the same as Table 1. All amounts are in Hong Kong dollars and rounded to the nearest whole number. Coverage scope, benefit limits, claim conditions and exclusions may vary between products. Consumers should read the policy terms carefully before purchasing. Product A refers to MSIG iTravel Go Plan B; Product B refers to HSBC TravelSurance Worldwide Basic Plan. Quotes from the insurance comparison platform were obtained from the 10Life platform.

The airline booking page’s highest quote was HK$1,153, while Product A, which offers similar coverage, was quoted at HK$287 on the insurer’s website and HK$262 through an insurance comparison platform — approximately 75% and 77% lower respectively. Even compared with the airline booking page’s lowest quote of HK$859, Product A was still approximately 67% and 70% lower through the two channels.

Product B showed a similar trend. It was quoted at HK$553 on the insurer’s website and HK$442 through an insurance comparison platform, which were approximately 52% and 62% lower than the airline booking page’s highest quote, and approximately 36% and 49% lower than its lowest quote. Unlike the airline booking page, quotes from insurer websites and comparison platforms did not appear to vary according to airfare, suggesting that the convenience of one-click add-on may come at a higher cost.

3. 10Life view: Convenience should not come at the expense of pricing transparency
Airlines have increasingly separated flight-related charges, with services such as seat selection, baggage and ticket changes priced individually. Consumers can usually understand these differences because the service itself varies.

Dexter Ng, Head of Research and Data Analytics at 10Life, said: “Consumers generally understand why seat selection or baggage fees may differ, because the service itself is different. But if it is the same travel insurance plan, with the same coverage and the same benefit limits, the premium should not rise simply because the airfare is higher. In our test, the same coverage rose from HK$859 to HK$1,153 across different booking scenarios, a difference of nearly HK$300. From a consumer perspective, pricing the same insurance coverage based on airfare is difficult to justify.”

10Life believes that when the same insurance plan is priced differently across fares or booking scenarios without a clear explanation, consumers may find it difficult to judge whether the premium is reasonable. This lack of transparency is unfair to consumers. The key question is simple: should travel insurance premiums be based on the coverage provided, or on the price of the flight ticket?

4. Three travel insurance tips from 10Life

1. Compare other purchase channels before adding travel insurance
   Before confirming a one-click travel insurance add-on, consumers can take 30 seconds to open another tab and check similar products on insurer websites or insurance comparison platforms. Consumers may find plans with similar, or even better, coverage at a lower premium. In 10Life’s test, the premium difference could amount to several hundred Hong Kong dollars.
2. A higher premium does not necessarily mean better coverage
   When choosing a plan, consumers should compare key benefit limits, including medical expenses, trip cancellation, baggage and personal accident coverage. They should also read the claim conditions and exclusions carefully.
3. A higher airfare does not necessarily mean more expensive travel insurance is needed
   Trip cancellation cover is usually subject to a fixed benefit limit, meaning a higher airfare does not automatically result in a higher payout. Consumers should compare the actual benefit limit against their ticket cost, and review exclusions carefully, especially if the trip involves family travel, self-driving, diving, skiing, cruise holidays or other activities that may be subject to specific conditions.

Travellers who are unsure how to choose travel insurance may use the Travel Insurance Recommendation Tool for an initial comparison. By answering a few questions, the system can help match suitable travel insurance products based on destination, trip type and potential risks. Travellers may also use an insurance comparison platform to compare premiums, coverage scope, claim conditions and key terms across different products, helping them understand the coverage clearly before purchasing.

Travel insurance comparison: https://www.10life.com/en/products/travel
Travel insurance recommendation tool: https://www.10life.com/en/products/travel/recommend

About the Study
This test used the profile of one Hong Kong adult traveller and compared the same travel insurance plan recommended on the booking page of the same airline. Using a 14-day Hong Kong to New York trip as an example, the test covered two departure dates and three economy fare classes, resulting in six scenarios in total. All quotes were obtained based on one adult traveller taking a single return trip. 10Life did not test all airlines in the market. The results reflect only the airline, route and scenarios tested. Full data is available from 10Life upon request.

Reference Materials

Appendix 1: Comparison of key travel insurance benefit limits

Note: The above table sets out only the maximum benefit limits for selected key coverage items and does not represent the full coverage of each product. Coverage scope, claim conditions, exclusions, item sub-limits and compensation calculation methods may vary between products. Consumers should read the policy terms carefully before purchasing. Benefits such as travel delay and baggage delay may be subject to delay duration, per-incident limits or specific claim conditions, and may not be directly comparable based solely on the total benefit limit. All amounts are in Hong Kong dollars. The information was compiled based on publicly available product information and test results. Data update date: 6 August 2026. Actual coverage, premiums and final underwriting results should be subject to the information shown on the purchase page, the relevant policy terms and the insurer’s final approval.

Notes

1. Test conditions: one adult traveller, single return journey, destination New York, John F. Kennedy International Airport, with a trip duration of 14 days. The test covered two departure dates and three economy fare classes, resulting in six scenarios in total.
2. Data from the airline booking page test was collected and updated on 6 August 2026. Comparison data for products purchased directly through insurer websites and insurance comparison platforms was also collected on 6 August 2026.
3. Airline travel insurance premiums and plan information were obtained from tests conducted on the airline booking page. The airfare referenced in this release includes fuel surcharges, taxes and other charges.
4. The comparison products purchased directly through insurer websites and insurance comparison platforms. Product A refers to MSIG iTravel Go Plan B; Product B refers to HSBC TravelSurance Worldwide Basic Plan. Quotes from the insurance comparison platform were obtained from the 10Life platform.
5. All amounts are in Hong Kong dollars. Premium amounts and percentages are calculated based on the relevant premiums and rounded to the nearest whole number.
6. The comparison was made based on products with similar coverage. However, coverage scope, benefit limits, claim conditions and exclusions may vary between products. Consumers should read the policy terms carefully before purchasing.
7. The premiums, discounts and quoted prices above may change from time to time and may vary depending on purchase time, purchase channel, trip details and policy terms. Actual prices and final coverage should be subject to the information shown on the purchase and booking pages, the relevant insurer’s published information and final approval.
8. This study was conducted by 10Life’s Research and Data Analytics team.

Hashtag: #10Life

About 10Life

Nationwide #AreYourKidneysOK+? initiative expands access to subsidised blood screening, public education, and pharmacist support for 12,550 Malaysians.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 August 2026 – As chronic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and chronic kidney disease continue to affect Malaysians, early detection is becoming increasingly important in reducing complications and improving long-term health outcomes.

These conditions are closely interconnected across the Cardio-Kidney-Metabolic spectrum, meaning that a problem affecting one area of health may also increase the risks to other parts of the body. However, many individuals may not recognise these risks until their condition has progressed or complications have developed.

One such complication is hyperkalemia, a condition characterised by elevated potassium levels in the blood. Hyperkalemia is more common among people living with chronic kidney disease because impaired kidneys may have lower ability to remove excess potassium from the body. As the condition may not always present noticeable warning signs, it remains under-recognised by the public and may lead to serious complications affecting the heart’s rhythm if not appropriately identified and managed.

Recognising the need to strengthen early detection and public awareness across the Cardio-Kidney-Metabolic (CKM) spectrum, Alpro Group, in collaboration with AstraZeneca Malaysia, announced the launch of #AreYourKidneysOK+?, a nationwide awareness campaign dedicated to encourage early detection, promoting kidney health, and raising awareness of hyperkalemia.

This nationwide initiative aims to empower Malaysians to better understand the connection between their heart, kidney and metabolic health, while bringing greater attention to hyperkalemia as an often-overlooked complication associated with chronic kidney disease.

At the heart of the campaign is a subsidised blood screening programme aimed at encouraging more Malaysians to take an earlier and more proactive approach to their health. Eligible individuals will receive subsidy on selected blood test packages, to reduce financial barriers in screening and to support the earlier identification of potential Cardio-Kidney-Metabolic and health risks.

The campaign aims to reach 12,550 individuals across Malaysia, a shared commitment by Alpro Group and AstraZeneca Malaysia to turn public health awareness into meaningful action.

Beyond providing financial support for screening, the campaign creates a more accessible pathway for Malaysians to learn about their potential health risks, undergo appropriate screening and speak to their healthcare professionals about the next steps they may need to undertake.

To extend the campaign’s reach beyond physical pharmacy locations, the initiative is supported by a dedicated digital health education platform containing trusted and easy-to-understand information about hyperkalemia, including its causes, risk factors, possible warning signs and relationship with chronic kidney disease.

The platform serves as a public health resource that Malaysians can access at any time, helping individuals and caregivers better understand hyperkalemia and prepare for more informed conversations with pharmacists, doctors and other healthcare professionals.

Through Alpro Group’s community healthcare network, members of the public will also have greater access to pharmacist support and guidance. Alpro pharmacists can help individuals better understand the importance of screening, recognise relevant risk factors and seek appropriate medical assessment or follow-up when necessary.

“Many chronic health risks develop quietly and may only be discovered after complications have occurred. Through this campaign, we want to make preventive healthcare more accessible by connecting public education, affordable screening and professional healthcare support. By targeting 12,550 Malaysians, we hope to encourage more people to take an earlier and more proactive step towards understanding their heart, kidney and metabolic health,” said Dr. Ng Ming Lee, Medical Director of Alpro Clinic.

“As chronic kidney disease remains a significant public health challenge in Malaysia, this collaboration reflects a shared commitment across the healthcare ecosystem to strengthen public awareness of kidney health and bring health education closer to the public. Through Alpro Group’s nationwide network, we aim to help more Malaysians learn about relevant risk factors and have informed conversations with healthcare professionals to support appropriate assessment and follow-up,” said Dr. Svetlana Yanchuk, Country President, AstraZeneca Malaysia.

Through this collaboration, Alpro Group and AstraZeneca Malaysia reaffirm their shared commitment to advancing preventive healthcare by combining greater public awareness, accessible screening and professional healthcare support.

The campaign also demonstrates the important role that community pharmacies can play in supporting wider public health efforts by providing Malaysians with convenient access to health education, early screening opportunities and trusted professional guidance within their communities.

Members of the public are encouraged to learn more about hyperkalemia by visiting www.alpropharmacy.com/pages/hyperkalemia or by speaking to an Alpro pharmacist.

References
1. KDIGO Controversies Conference. Potassium Homeostasis and Management of Dyskalemia in Kidney Diseases. Kidney International (2020).

Hashtag: #AlproPharmacy #AlproGroup #AreYourKidneysOK+?

About Alpro Group

About AstraZeneca

• Taking over manroland sheetfed lifecycle business and POLAR production operations strengthens core business
• ONBERG pursuing partnership with Skyeton in European defense sector
• Move into production of sodium-ion battery storage systems taps into new potential
• First-quarter incoming orders lay solid foundation for further business development
• Sales and EBITDA margin at start of year in line with expectations
• Forecast for financial year 2026/2027 confirmed

HEIDELBERG, GERMANY – Newsaktuell – 19 August 2026 – Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG) has started financial year 2026/2027 by systematically continuing its transition to a more broadly based technology company. HEIDELBERG is setting the course for future growth with a number of strategic initiatives. Besides expanding its core business by taking over manroland sheetfed lifecycle business and POLAR production operations, the company is also tapping into additional potential by taking advantage of new market opportunities arising from energy storage systems and the European defense sector.

Integration of the manroland sheetfed Group’s lifecycle business and global sales and service companies, together with full acquisition of POLAR postpress systems, has further enhanced the strategic position of HEIDELBERG as a systems integrator in its core business. As part of the manroland sheetfed transaction, HEIDELBERG has also secured the intellectual property rights for the Roland 900 / Cartonmaster in the large-format sheetfed offset segment. The first press of this model has already been sold, and HEIDELBERG is currently looking into further production and development options for this system at a low-cost location. In this way, the company is reinforcing its leading position in the printing and packaging sector.

Live Hub opened to demonstrate integrated drone defense

At the recent international aerospace trade show ILA Berlin, ONBERG signed a Memorandum of Understanding for a further joint venture – with the Ukrainian drone developer Skyeton. The Skyeton portfolio includes high-tech, combat-proven surveillance drones, which are being combined with the HEIDELBERG unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) to create an autonomous system of systems. The unmanned air-ground systems that are currently being developed in rapid innovation cycles in Ukraine are increasingly regarded as a future defense solution. In July, ONBERG opened a Live Hub to demonstrate integrated counter-UAS capabilities at its Brandenburg site, where decision-makers from public authorities, operators of critical infrastructure, the armed forces, and industry can see exactly how integrated protection from enemy drones works in practice.

The move by HD Advanced Technologies into the production of sodium-ion battery storage systems is also opening up new potential. The company has teamed up with Swiss business PHENOGY to collaborate on a technology and industry platform in this sector. As an initial step, HD Advanced Technologies will start handling the industrial manufacturing of complete energy storage systems for PHENOGY – from procurement and production through to rollout, installation, service, and maintenance. The two companies are also laying the groundwork for a joint venture focusing on the development and industrial manufacturing of sodium-ion battery cells based on PHENOGY’s cell chemistry and a specific printing process from HEIDELBERG.

“This financial year at HEIDELBERG is all about investments in line with our strategic agenda. We are looking to further strengthen the company’s market position and tap into new potential. This will create the basis for profitable growth and sustainable value enhancement in the coming years,” says Jürgen Otto, CEO of HEIDELBERG.

Solid start to FY 2026/2027

During the first quarter of financial year 2026/2027 (April 1 to June 30, 2026), underlying conditions continued to be challenging for HEIDELBERG. Despite this, the incoming orders figure of € 537 million was only slightly down on the equivalent quarter of the previous year (€ 559 million) and therefore laid a solid foundation for further business development. The phasing-out of a state-subsidized investment program in Italy had a massive impact in the first quarter, reducing incoming orders there by over € 60 million compared with the corresponding quarter of the previous year. The positive developments in China and the rest of Asia only partly compensated for this.

Sales totaled € 404 million and, as expected, were therefore below the figure for the equivalent period of the previous year (€ 466 million). Sales were significantly higher in China, the UK, and Brazil, but lower elsewhere, especially in the EMEA region. Adjusted for special items, the EBITDA margin for the first quarter of financial year 2026/2027 was 0.2 percent (corresponding quarter of previous year: 4.4 percent), primarily due to the lower volume of sales. As is normally the case at this point in the financial year, the free cash flow after the first three months was negative, at € -77 million (equivalent period of previous year: € -68 million). The net result after taxes for the first quarter amounted to € -32 million (corresponding period of previous year: € -11 million).

The HEIDELBERG Technology segment’s incoming orders and sales after three months exceeded the level recorded in the equivalent period of the previous year. Adjusted EBITDA remained stable at € -4 million. A partly expected downturn in the EMEA region was a particular factor contributing to the Print & Packaging Equipment segment’s lower incoming orders and sales. In the Digital Solutions & Lifecycle segment, incoming orders after three months were around 5 percent up on the equivalent quarter of the previous year, while sales matched the previous year’s quarterly figure.

“In our core business, we are targeting our investments toward growth markets, which is also boosting our service, consumables, and spare parts business,” says Dr. David Schmedding, Chief Technology & Sales Officer at HEIDELBERG. “At the same time, we can increase the proportion of repeat sales and better balance out new machine business, which tends to depend on economic trends,” he adds.

Forecast for financial year 2026/2027 confirmed

The forecast for financial year 2026/2027 remains unchanged. The company is expecting stable Group sales matching the previous year’s level in financial year 2026/2027 and a noticeable improvement in the adjusted EBITDA margin compared with the previous year. It is assumed that there will be no substantial changes in relevant exchange rates for business activities.

About HEIDELBERG:

Source: Federated Farmers

MUMBAI, INDIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 August 2026 – SNP SE, a leading provider of software for AI-enabled digital transformation, automated data migration and data management in the SAP environment, announced the appointment of Neeraj Athalye as Managing Director, India. Based in Mumbai, Athalye will be responsible for leading SNP’s expansion helping customers build the data foundations for business AI using SNP’s Kyano® platform and Bluefield® approach.

Athalye brings with him more than 30 years of experience across enterprise software, SAP, cloud technologies and business leadership, having held senior positions at SAP, MatrixOne (Dassault Systèmes), Honda, John Deere, SUSE and, most recently, Icertis. His track record in building partner ecosystems, scaling high‑growth businesses, and driving customer‑centric innovation positions him perfectly to lead SNP’s next phase of expansion in India.

The appointment comes as SNP expands its presence in Asia Pacific and continues to invest in AI-enabled capabilities for SAP transformations. At its annual flagship event “Transformation World” in Heidelberg, Germany, in July, SNP introduced new capabilities for its Kyano platform to customers, partners and experts from across the global SAP ecosystem. Kyano brings together software for data management, migration and continuous assessment of SAP landscapes, supporting organizations throughout their SAP transformation journey. The platform also supports migrations from different ERP source systems and integrates partner capabilities through its ecosystem and Marketplace.

Among the new capabilities is Kyano Lorna, an Agentic AI Layer that draws on more than 30 years of SNP’s data transformation expertise to provide real-time insights and project-specific recommendations. Embedded directly into transformation projects it helps customers execute transformations faster while maintaining the highest levels of accuracy, reliability and compliance. Kyano Oros extends the platform to unstructured data which accounts for approximately 80% of enterprise data volumes and has largely remained inaccessible to traditional transformation tools. This provides a critical foundation for preparing enterprise data landscapes for modern AI applications. Together, these capabilities help India’s organizations accelerate and simplify SAP transformations while preparing their data for business AI.

India continues to see growing demand for SAP transformation projects, driven by cloud adoption, digital transformation initiatives and increasing investment in AI. This makes the country an important market within SNP’s Asia Pacific strategy. Following its partner-first approach, SNP plans to further expand its ecosystem of consulting, hyperscaler and technology partners, combining Kyano with local delivery and industry expertise to support customers throughout their transformation projects and accelerate time-to-value.

Phillip Miltiades, President & Managing Director, Asia Pacific & Japan, SNP Group: “We see significant growth potential in India and across the Asia Pacific region. India represents one of the most exciting opportunities for SNP, with growing demand for solutions that simplify complex SAP transformation programs while minimizing business disruption. Neeraj’s experience will help us further expand our market presence and strengthen our partner-first strategy to deliver scalable, software-led transformation outcomes.”

Hashtag: #SNP

About SNP

Featuring Benzilla’s signature LOOOK character, the limited-edition designs invite travellers to add a new story to their luggage with every OZO stay. The collaboration forms part of ONYX Hospitality Group’s 60th anniversary celebrations under More of What You Love, bringing OZO’s Unpack Good Vibes philosophy and Local Pulse brand pillar to life through art, travel and destination-inspired experiences.

OZO, ONYX Hospitality Group’s upper-midscale lifestyle hotel brand, is built around its Unpack Good Vibes philosophy and three brand pillars: Rest to Rise, helping guests recharge; Feel the Buzz, embracing fun and social experiences; and Local Pulse, connecting travellers with the people, culture and character of each destination.

The collaboration grew out of OZO’s Local Pulse concept, with Benzilla using his distinctive visual style and LOOOK character to interpret the personality of four OZO destinations.

Guests booking directly with participating OZO hotels will receive one limited-edition OZO x BENZILLA luggage sticker per room, per stay at check-out. The offer applies to bookings made by 30 April 2027, for stays completed by 30 June 2027, while stocks last.

OZO Hotels in Thailand

• OZO North Pattaya puts guests close to North Pattaya Beach, local restaurants, lifestyle attractions and the energy of the city. After a day exploring Pattaya, guests can cool off at the SPLASH swimming pool, recharge at TONE or unwind over food and drinks at EAT and THIRST – making it an easy base for combining city experiences with time to relax.
• OZO Phuket is just moments from Kata Beach, one of Phuket’s best-known beach and surfing spots. With a lagoon pool, children’s pool, water slides and play areas, the hotel works particularly well for families, while its location makes it easy to experience Phuket’s beaches, water activities and island lifestyle. Guests can also dine at EAT and Prego, relax at CHILL or recharge at TONE.
• OZO Chaweng Samui sits directly on Chaweng Beach, placing the sea at the heart of the stay. Guests can spend their days enjoying the beach and SPLASH swimming pool, discover Koh Samui at their own pace, or simply settle into the island atmosphere with drinks at the BEACH BAR and burgers at STACKed Burger Samui.

OZO Hotels in Malaysia

• OZO George Town Penang offers a contemporary base for exploring UNESCO-listed George Town, from its famous street art and heritage streets to the food and multicultural influences that have shaped Penang. Back at the hotel, guests can take in city views from the rooftop SPLASH swimming pool, enjoy Malaysian and international dishes at EAT on the 21st floor, or relax and reconnect at CONNECT.
• OZO Medini is well placed for families and travellers exploring Johor’s growing leisure district, with attractions including LEGOLAND Malaysia, Horizon Hills Golf & Country Club and X Park nearby. After a day of adventures, guests can return for a swim at SPLASH, a meal at EAT or poolside refreshments at THIRST before recharging for the next day.

Bringing OZO’s Local Pulse pillar to life in a playful and tangible way, the collaboration turns the character of each destination into something guests can carry beyond their stay. Because while a trip may end at check-out, the Good Vibes – and the stories collected along the way – can travel on to the next destination.

https://www.onyx-hospitality.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/onyx-hospitality-group/
https://www.facebook.com/ONYXHospitalityGroup
https://www.instagram.com/onyxhospitalitygroup/

Hashtag: #ONYXHospitality #OZO #Benzilla

About ONYX Hospitality Group:

Source: Federated Farmers of New Zealand

Farm plans a step in the right direction for farmers
Source: Federated Farmers

Source: Porirua City Council

Porirua by-election candidate videos and statements completed
Source: Porirua City Council

NATURE LOOKS DIFFERENT FROM HERE

Nature isn’t scenery. Nature is a society that we rely on for everything, every day. It’s behind our identity and our way of life.

Restoring whenua, guided by the past

At Kaitorete, clues from the past are helping shape the future of the landscape.

Recent soil samples identified pollen from several native species, including miro, tōtara, kahikatea and mataī, helping build a picture of what once grew at the wetland and informing restoration efforts today.

For Tāwhaki, however, success is measured by more than the plants that return. It is also about helping whānau reconnect with whenua.

Reconnecting whānau to whenua

When Tāwhaki purchased whenua on Kaitorete in 2021, it represented an important step in reconnecting the rūnanga with whenua from which it had been largely alienated for more than 160 years.

For many whānau, projects such as planting at Kaitorete provide an opportunity to reconnect with places that sustained their tīpuna for generations.

“The healing part is important. It’s about recognising the pain that comes with losing land and losing the opportunities that land provides.”

“We made a commitment to connect our whānau to the land. Planting is a beautiful way to do that.”

A shared vision in action

Partnership has been central to the project from the beginning. Environment Canterbury has supported restoration, pest management and wider environmental work across Kaitorete alongside other organisations, whānau and community partners.

Planting partners included Wildlands Ecology and Restoration, Pest Free Banks Peninsula, the Department of Conservation, Environment Canterbury and aerospace operators Dawn and Kea, who joined whānau on the day.

A blueprint for the future

For Julian, one of the most significant outcomes has not just been the number of plants established, but the relationships formed along the way.

“If you have mana whenua in the mix, they can help convene people around a shared vision. It’s a great blueprint for how we could be looking after some of our special places moving forward.”

As the restoration programme continues, he hopes the project will keep building momentum while recognising the contributions of those helping bring the vision to life.

Learn about Tāwhaki’s kaupapa to rejuvenate Kaitorete, create opportunities for future generations and support aerospace innovation.

Discover Tāwhaki’s work at Kaitorete

Organized by Enterprise Asia, the ceremony was held on 7 August 2026 at Jing An Shangri-La, Shanghai. This year’s recipients exemplified how strategic vision, innovation, and a commitment to positive impact can create lasting value for businesses, communities, and the wider economy.

Following a comprehensive evaluation by a distinguished panel of judges, over 150 nominees were assessed across ten AREA categories and five APEA categories. The AREA celebrated enterprises and leaders who have made significant contributions through responsible business practices and sustainability-driven initiatives. Meanwhile, the APEA recognized organizations and entrepreneurs who have demonstrated exceptional performance, strategic agility, and forward-thinking leadership in shaping the future of business.

In his welcome address, Enterprise Asia President Richard Tsang highlighted the need for enterprises to embrace transformation and responsible growth, noting that resilience, strategic foresight, and purpose-driven leadership remain key to achieving long-term success in an increasingly dynamic global landscape.

Among the outstanding AREA award recipients, Chery Automobile Co., Ltd. was recognized under the Green Leadership category for its Trusted Circular Materials system. By developing advanced recycling networks, digital traceability, and high-value recycled plastics, Chery has recovered over 10,000 tonnes of waste plastics, reduced approximately 9,000 tonnes of CO₂e emissions, and advanced sustainable automotive manufacturing.

Further advancing circular economy practices, SUS ENVIRONMENT won the Circular Economy Leadership award for its City-Benefiting Low-Carbon Solid Waste Management Model, demonstrated through the Xi’an Gaoling Project. By integrating waste-to-energy, district heating, AI-powered operations, and multi-source waste co-processing, the project has processed 5.34 million tonnes of waste, generated 2.24 billion kWh of green electricity, and achieved over 1.92 million tonnes of carbon reductions.

China Hongqiao Group Limited, a three-time consecutive AREA award recipient, has once again received the award under the Circular Economy Leadership category for advancing circular economy development through recycled aluminum. Its closed-loop circular economy model enables recycled aluminum to save approximately 95% of energy and reduce carbon emissions by over 85% compared with traditional electrolytic aluminum.

Honored with the AREA under the Corporate Governance category, E.SUN Bank (China) has embedded transparency and accountability throughout its operations. The bank implemented comprehensive Board meeting records three years ahead of regulatory requirements while strengthening stakeholder disclosure, maintaining a Moody’s Baa1 rating since 2022 and customer satisfaction above 97%.

Demonstrating the power of industry-wide collaboration, The Hong Kong Association of Banks received the AREA under the Social Empowerment category for its Anti-Fraud Education initiative. The initiative reached more than 11,000 people in 2025 and has contributed to strengthen its community outreach, with over 300 activities conducted across Hong Kong to date. According to figures released by the Hong Kong SAR Government, reported deception cases decreased by 2.9% in 2025 compared with 2024, marking the first decline after nine consecutive years of growth.

Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited was honored with three prestigious awards at the AREA — the Social Empowerment Award, Investment in People Award and Corporate Sustainability Reporting Award, recognizing its exceptional and impactful sustainability practices. The Bank exemplifies a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility through a diverse range of initiatives that promote social inclusion, nurture talent development, and continuously enhance ESG disclosure. These accomplishments highlight its leadership in advancing responsible business practices and establish a new benchmark for excellence within the financial sector.

Techtronic Industries (TTI), a world leader in cordless technology, was awarded two AREA accolades, receiving recognition under the Circular Economy Leadership and Social Empowerment categories. Through its award-winning initiatives, “Advancing Circularity Through Sustainable Product Innovation” and “Empowering Exceptional People and Strengthening Communities” , TTI is creating lasting social impact while accelerating the transition towards a more circular and sustainable future.

As the sole recipient of both the APEA and AREA in 2026, OrbusNeich Medical Group Holdings Limited was recognized under the Corporate Excellence and Health Promotion categories respectively. Operating in more than 70 countries and regions, the Group continues to drive innovation in interventional medical devices while advancing regional clinical capabilities through its cross-border medical education initiative, ultimately improving patient outcomes across Asia-Pacific.

In the APEA segment, Onewo Inc. was honoured under the Corporate Excellence category for redefining space services through technology-driven innovation. Powered by its proprietary “Link X” AI platform, the company manages over 5,300 residential and 3,400 property and facility management projects nationwide,driving the space service industry toward a smarter and more sustainable future.

The AREA and APEA 2025 China Chapter are co-organized by Enterprise Accelerator Co., Ltd. and proudly supported by Eruid (Shanghai) Inspection & Certification Co., Ltd., MayCham China in Shanghai, SingCham Shanghai, Strategic Public Relations Group (SPRG), The Hong Kong Institute of Directors, and Tang Cultural Media. PR Newswire is the official news release distribution partner, with Dailywire.asia as the official media partner and Osin Au Pty Ltd as the official beverage sponsor.

AWARD RECIPIENT LIST OF THE ASIA RESPONSIBLE ENTERPRISE AWARDS (AREA) 2026 CHINA

AWARD RECIPIENT LIST OF THE ASIA PACIFIC ENTERPRISE AWARDS (APEA) 2025 CHINA CHAPTER

About Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards (AREA)
The Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards program recognizes and honors Asian businesses for championing sustainable and responsible entrepreneurship in the categories of Green Leadership, Investment in People, Health Promotion, Social Empowerment, Corporate Governance, Circular Economy Leadership, Corporate Sustainability Reporting, and Responsible Business Leadership. For more information, visit: https://enterpriseasia.org/area/.

About Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards
Launched in 2007, the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards is the region’s most prestigious award for outstanding entrepreneurship, continuous innovation, and sustainable leadership. The Award provides a platform for companies and governments to recognize entrepreneurial excellence, hence spurring greater innovation, fair business practices, and growth in entrepreneurship. As a regional award, it groups leading entrepreneurs as a powerful voice for entrepreneurship and serves as a by-invitation-only networking powerhouse. The program has grown to encompass 16 countries/ regions and markets all over Asia. For further information, please visit www.apea.asia.
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Source: Heritage New Zealand

Source: The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners

The Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (the College) welcomes the Government’s announcement that Health New Zealand will adapt the RANZCOG Australian Living Evidence Guideline: Endometriosis for use in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The College says the guideline is a positive step for women’s health but warns that it will only improve outcomes if it is backed by funding, equitable access to services and education across the whole health workforce.

College Medical Director Dr Prabani Wood says the College supports any change in women’s health practice that leads to better outcomes for patients. However, she says the way the change has been described risks giving the public the impression that general practice has not been part of endometriosis care until now.

“GPs are already diagnosing and treating endometriosis every day, and have been for years,” says Dr Wood. “What we do not have is easy, funded access to the wider services these women need. Pelvic physiotherapy and other allied health support are essential for the many women who need more than medication to manage their symptoms.”

The College’s greater concern is the gap between the guideline and the system that has to deliver it. Access to diagnostic imaging, gynaecology services and allied health support varies sharply across the country, and in many places those services are only available if the patient pays for them privately. That means a woman’s ability to get timely care still depends on her postcode and her income.

“We cannot ask general practice to shorten diagnosis times and improve management without also fixing what sits behind the diagnosis,” says Dr Wood. “A clinical diagnosis is only useful if the woman can then access the imaging, the treatment and the support services she needs. At the moment that depends far too much on where she lives and what she can afford. That is an equity issue, and a guideline on its own does not resolve it.”

The College also notes that surgery is not always the best option for women with endometriosis, and that understanding of contemporary diagnosis and management needs to improve across the entire medical profession, not only in general practice.

Health New Zealand’s commitment to training is welcome, and the College is willing to work on that education. It needs to be properly funded, developed for the New Zealand context, and extended across primary, secondary and allied health care.

“We want to see a guideline that works in a New Zealand context for New Zealand women in New Zealand practices,” says Dr Wood. “Equity of access and cost should be a large consideration of that work, given the health care inequities we face as a country.”

The College has recently supported the work of the Ministry for Women and Health New Zealand through their women’s health resources campaign and says that momentum should now be matched with investment in the services that sit behind it. Better outcomes for women require a whole-of-system approach, from the first appointment in general practice through to imaging, specialist care, allied health and long-term support.

“General practice is ready to play its part, as it always has,” says Dr Wood. “But a guideline is a document. What changes women’s lives is a funded, connected system that lets us act on it.”

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Bruce Rockowitz and AI Development

Bruce Rockowitz has spoken openly about the growing role of artificial intelligence as a practical business tool across wellness, dining, and media. He describes AI as an enabler of revenue growth, customer engagement, operational efficiency, forecasting, personalization, and subscription retention, while remaining clear that technology should support rather than replace human creativity, judgement, and the relationships that sit at the heart of great publishing.

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