KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 July 2026 – The prestigious MIHAS Awards 2026 is back! Exhibitors compete for one of the halal industry’s most prestigious recognitions by showcasing their excellence, innovation and leadership in advancing the global halal economy, and MATRADE is calling for entries before the deadline closes.

Applications commenced in July 2026 and will remain open until 10 August 2026. The awards recognise outstanding MIHAS 2026 exhibitors that have demonstrated exceptional achievements in business growth, product and service excellence, innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation, while contributing to the continued advancement of the global halal industry.

This year, 15 awards will be presented across three flagship categories, reflecting MIHAS’s commitment to recognising excellence across the evolving halal business ecosystem:

• MIHAS Excellence Awards: Recognising outstanding achievements in Product Excellence, Service Excellence and Emerging Star categories.
• MIHAS Innovation, Sustainability & Digitalisation Awards: Honouring exhibitors that have successfully leveraged advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain and other digital solutions to drive innovation, operational excellence, sustainability and long-term business growth.
• WiEX @ MIHAS (Anugerah Wira Ekonomi Wanita): Celebrating exceptional women-led businesses across Product, Service, and Innovation, Sustainability and Digitalisation categories.

Commenting on this, Dato’ Sri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, Chairman of MATRADE, said the awards continue to play an important role in elevating industry standards and recognising forward-thinking companies that are shaping the future of halal trade.

“The MIHAS Awards have become a hallmark of excellence within the global halal industry, recognising businesses that continuously raise the bar through innovation, resilience and sustainable growth. As the halal economy continues to expand beyond traditional sectors, companies must embrace innovation, sustainability and digitalisation to remain relevant and competitive.”

“This year’s awards place even greater emphasis on future-ready businesses that are embracing digital transformation, sustainability and emerging technologies to create lasting value. Through the MIHAS Awards, we aspire to inspire more companies to innovate, compete globally and contribute to the continued growth of the international halal economy,” he added.

The MIHAS Awards 2026 are open to all exhibitors of MIHAS 2026, including both Malaysian and international participants. For Malaysian participants, companies must also be registered as MATRADE members. Applicants must meet the prescribed financial eligibility criteria, with average annual sales exceeding RM500,000 for product categories and RM250,000 for service categories.

For the MIHAS Excellence Awards, companies must have participated in MIHAS on at least three occasions, while nominees for the Emerging Star category must have exhibited at least once previously. Applicants for the WiEX Awards must be exhibitors within the WiEX Pavilion.

Following the submission deadline on 10 August 2026, entries will undergo a comprehensive evaluation process, beginning with a pre-assessment stage at the end of August, followed by pitching sessions before an independent panel of judges in early September. Winners will be announced during the official MIHAS Awards 2026 Ceremony on 26 September 2026.

In addition to receiving industry recognition, winners will enjoy a comprehensive range of promotional and branding benefits designed to enhance their visibility in international markets. These include feature stories on the MATRADE Success Stories Portal, a complimentary one-year listing in the Malaysian Brand Directory and media interview engagements, a 15 per cent discount on future MIHAS exhibition booth rentals, as well as an exclusive MIHAS 22nd Edition corporate jacket.

As the world’s largest international halal trade exhibition, MIHAS continues to serve as a catalyst for business growth, innovation and cross-border partnerships, connecting businesses with opportunities across the global halal value chain. MATRADE encourages all eligible exhibitors to seize this opportunity to gain international recognition and showcase their achievements on one of the world’s most influential halal business platforms.

Interested exhibitors may submit their applications through the official MIHAS portal at www.mihas.com.my by 10 August 2026.

Hashtag: #MIHAS2026 #Awards #MATRADE

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

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

Collaborations with the Thai IoT Association and the Thai Embedded Systems Association support IoT, embedded systems, and industrial innovation in Thailand

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

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 July 2026 – Nota Sign, the global e-signature platform of Fadada (Shenzhen Fadada Internet Technology Company Limited), has officially integrated with iAM Smart, Hong Kong’s official digital identity platform. The integration connects cross-border electronic signatures with Hong Kong’s digital identity ecosystem, providing government bodies, businesses and individuals across the Greater Bay Area with a secure, compliant and one-stop digital signing solution.

As Hong Kong continues to advance its digital government infrastructure, iAM Smart has become an important gateway connecting public services with digital commercial services. By the first quarter of 2026, the iAM Smart mobile application had recorded more than 10 million cumulative downloads and connected users to over 1,400 online services and electronic forms provided by government departments, public organisations and private institutions.

Through its integration with this digital identity ecosystem, Nota Sign has further strengthened its local digital signing capabilities in Hong Kong.

Designed to support electronic signature and data privacy requirements in more than 100 countries and regions, Nota Sign complies with major international regulatory frameworks, including the EU eIDAS Regulation, the US ESIGN Act, Hong Kong’s Electronic Transactions Ordinance and the GDPR.

The platform has completed ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO/IEC 27701 certifications, as well as SOC 2 Type I and Type II audits. It supports local digital identity systems in markets including Hong Kong and Singapore and operates data centres in key regions worldwide to meet data localisation requirements, fulfilling its commitment to “Sign with Global Trust.”

Through its deep integration with iAM Smart, Nota Sign enables both corporate and individual users to complete trusted identity verification and legally valid digital signatures using their iAM Smart accounts.

The integration connects Nota Sign directly with Hong Kong’s official digital identity infrastructure and further embeds the platform into the city’s digital government ecosystem. It provides government organisations, businesses and individuals in the Greater Bay Area, particularly those in Hong Kong, with a safer, more efficient and standardised one-stop digital signing solution.

01 Seamless Integration with Hong Kong’s Official Authentication Framework

Developed by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, iAM Smart is a one-stop digital identity authentication platform. Its compliant digital signing framework is established in accordance with Hong Kong’s Electronic Transactions Ordinance.

The platform serves as a key gateway through which Hong Kong residents and businesses access digital government and commercial services. It provides trusted identity verification, encrypted security and fully traceable records and is widely used across public service applications, commercial transactions and identity verification scenarios.

The integration brings together the core capabilities of iAM Smart and Nota Sign. Hong Kong users can authorise access to Nota Sign with one click using their iAM Smart accounts, eliminating repeated registration and data entry and significantly simplifying identity verification during cross-border signing processes.

Users can also verify their identities through iAM Smart and use Nota Sign to sign contracts, commercial documents and official records online. Data is encrypted throughout the process, all actions are recorded and signing activities remain fully traceable, helping ensure that the resulting signatures meet applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

02 Supporting Four High-Frequency Scenarios with Digital Signing at Users’ Fingertips

For users, the integration between Nota Sign and iAM Smart creates a more convenient and trusted digital signing experience for both businesses and individuals.

Whether handling local transactions in Hong Kong, collaborating across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area or conducting cross-border commercial activities, users can reduce repeated identity checks, paper document circulation and in-person procedures, improving both operational efficiency and the overall digital service experience.

Nota Sign supports a wide range of high-frequency signing scenarios, including business operations, financial services, human resources, commercial collaboration and personal affairs. Typical applications include the following:

1. Commercial Collaboration

Nota Sign can be used for local Hong Kong business activities and cross-border collaboration across the Greater Bay Area, including supply chain coordination, procurement transactions and service partnerships.

Businesses can initiate cooperation agreements, procurement contracts, service agreements, supply chain reconciliation confirmations and other commercial documents through Nota Sign.

Signatories can then use iAM Smart to complete identity authentication and digital signing, improving business collaboration efficiency and delivering a smoother signing experience.

2. Talent and Human Resources Management

For cross-regional employment, businesses can initiate online signing processes for offer letters, employment contracts, confidentiality agreements, non-compete agreements and overseas or cross-border assignment documents.

Employees can authenticate their identities and sign digitally through iAM Smart, allowing onboarding documentation to be completed entirely online. This reduces the costs associated with manual identity verification and paper document circulation while improving the efficiency of human resources management.

3. Financial and Corporate Services

Nota Sign can support digital processes involving account opening, insurance applications, wealth management and corporate services.

Businesses can embed iAM Smart’s identity authentication capabilities into Nota Sign signing workflows. Once customers have completed identity verification, they can immediately sign account-opening agreements, authorisation documents, service agreements and other materials.

This reduces repeated authentication and duplicate data entry, providing customers with a smoother and more efficient online service experience.

4. Personal Affairs

Hong Kong residents can use iAM Smart to verify their identities and sign digitally when entering into tenancy agreements, granting personal authorisations or handling cross-border mandates.

Users no longer need to repeatedly enter their identity details or attend multiple in-person verification appointments. This improves the efficiency of a wide range of digital processes and makes signing more convenient and intuitive.

Huang Xiang, Founder and CEO of Fadada, said that the integration with iAM Smart represents an important strategic step in Nota Sign’s continued development in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. It also strengthens the platform’s local compliance service ecosystem and regional service capabilities.

Nota Sign previously established a partnership with Digi-Sign, the first commercial recognised certification authority under Hong Kong’s Tradelink.

Overseas users who do not have an iAM Smart account can use Tradelink iD-One, together with passport-based electronic Know Your Customer verification, to complete identity verification and apply for a digital certificate.

Following the integration with iAM Smart, Hong Kong residents can now complete identity authentication and digital signing directly through their iAM Smart accounts.

These two identity verification channels serve different user groups and further strengthen Nota Sign’s identity authentication network in Hong Kong.

Looking ahead, Nota Sign will continue to leverage its mature cross-border signing technology and compliance framework to provide reliable digital signing infrastructure for Chinese enterprises expanding overseas, Hong Kong and Macao businesses entering the Chinese mainland, and cross-border industrial collaboration across the Greater Bay Area.

Through these capabilities, Nota Sign aims to establish a leading cross-border electronic signing platform rooted in the Greater Bay Area and serving organisations worldwide.

About Nota Sign

Nota Sign is Fadada’s global electronic signature platform. It is designed to support electronic signature and data privacy requirements in more than 100 countries and regions and complies with regulatory frameworks including the EU eIDAS Regulation, the US ESIGN Act, Hong Kong’s Electronic Transactions Ordinance and the GDPR.

The platform integrates with dozens of recognised overseas certification authorities and provides electronic signature solutions at multiple assurance levels.

Nota Sign has completed ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO/IEC 27701 certifications, as well as a SOC 2 Type I audit. It operates data centres in key regions worldwide to meet data localisation requirements and supports localised signing services such as Singapore’s Singpass.

The platform has also introduced a GxP-compliant electronic signature solution designed to meet international regulatory requirements, including FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11.

Powered by a legal-specific large language model, Nota Sign provides artificial intelligence capabilities such as intelligent contract review and multilingual document comparison.

It also supports integration with mainstream enterprise systems, including Salesforce and SAP, significantly shortening cross-border signing cycles and helping businesses “Sign with Global Trust.”

Contact Us

Fadada
www.notasign.com
zenglc@fadada.com

Hashtag: #FaDaDa #NotaSign

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

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

Source: Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS)

MEDIA ADVISORY

On the opening day of the 26th International Aids Conference in Rio de Janeiro, taking place from 27 to 31 July 2026, UNAIDS is releasing a new report showing the extent and impact of funding cuts and disruptions experienced in 2025 as well as global progress in the AIDS response.

The new report ‘United to End AIDS’ will show the severity of the cuts to funding and the impact on HIV prevention, community services, key populations and the sustainability and future of the AIDS response.

The report will include countries experiencing rises in new HIV infections as well as countries continuing to progress towards reaching the 2030 targets and will look at ways forward to end AIDS by 2030.

WHAT: Launch of new UNAIDS Report on HIV United to End AIDS

WHEN: Monday 27 July, 14:00 BRT, 17:00 GMT, 19:00 CET

REGISTRATION: AIDS 2026 registration

UNAIDS

The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of UN organizations and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org.

MIL OSI

The round brings HiDream.ai’s total financing over the past three months to more than RMB 2.1 billion and marks its entry into unicorn status

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

Source: Ara Institute of Canterbury

Ara Institute of Canterbury fashion ākonga (student) Alex O’Hagan claimed three major honours at the 2026 Hokonui Fashion Design Awards at the weekend, earning national recognition for a collection developed as part of his final year of study.

O’Hagan won the Open Collections category before also receiving the Best Use of Fabric Award and the Mataura Licensing Trust Award of Excellence.

“It was such a shock. I genuinely didn’t expect to win, so to come away with three awards is pretty amazing,” the third-year Bachelor of Design (Fashion Technology and Design) ākonga said.

The award-winning collection emerged from a summer internship completed as part of his studies and formed a significant chapter of his final-year learning journey.

Drawing on that experience, O’Hagan developed a collection exploring the relationship between control and spontaneity within the creative process.

Judge Dayne Johnston, Head Designer at Kowtow, said the panel was instantly drawn to the winning collection.

“What really stood out was the designer’s understanding of how to work with the chosen fabric. It felt elevated, innovative and aligned with international trends.

“The proportions were incredible, creating silhouettes that felt both modern and beautifully balanced. The craftsmanship was exceptional, with every detail thoughtfully executed. It was a collection that demonstrated both technical excellence and a strong creative vision.”

Ara fashion tutor Denise McKee, who attended the awards ceremony in Gore and accepted the honours on O’Hagan’s behalf, said the achievement reflected his dedication throughout his studies.

“Alex’s success is a testament to his commitment. He’s taken what he has learned at Ara and applied it thoughtfully to create a collection that reflects both his technical skills and creative vision.

“It was a privilege to attend the awards and accept these honours on his behalf. We’re incredibly proud of Alex and of all the learners who represented Ara at Hokonui. Their achievements reflect the creativity, hard work and perseverance that underpin our fashion programme, and it’s wonderful to see that recognised on a national stage.”

The 2026 Hokonui results also saw success for other members of Ara’s fashion community, with fashion programme co-lead Holly Liberona named runner-up in the Open Gala category and second-year ākonga Isabella Fenton earning a Highly Commended placing in the Open Avant Garde section.

The results add to a long tradition of success for Ara’s fashion programme, with both learners and tutors regularly recognised on the national stage.

There’s been little time for O’Hagan to dwell on his Hokonui success. On Monday, less than 48 hours after his triple triumph, he was back at Ara completing a proposal for his final graduate collection.

With one award-winning collection now behind him, his attention is already turning to the next.

MIL OSI

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 July 2026 – Pacific Place is delighted to announce juju world, a summer collaboration with internationally acclaimed Australian artist CJ Hendry, running from 23 July to 16 August 2026. Conceived and produced in partnership with creative house Pen & Paper, the event marks Hong Kong’s first large-scale juju experience, transforming the shopping destination into an immersive world inspired by Hendry’s collectible character. The event will feature a Hong Kong exclusive merchandise collection, a wide range of interactive experiences, and seasonal shopping rewards. Pacific Place is set to be the city’s most talked-about cultural and retail destination this summer.

Who is juju?

Created by CJ Hendry, juju is a collectible character recognised for its floppy ears, flower eye and playful personality. Occupying a unique space in contemporary collectible culture, juju is both an objet d’art and an emotional companion. This summer, juju arrives in Hong Kong in a spectacular new form.

A Planet Has Landed at Pacific Place

At the heart of this whimsical universe is the juju Planet, a vibrant centrepiece surrounded by a colourful wonderland of oversized trees and fluffy clouds of pom-poms, with larger-than-life juju characters welcoming you with open arms. Touch, explore and trigger surprises — every interaction transforms juju world into an unforgettable, multi-sensory adventure for dreamers of all ages.

juju world

Dates: 23 July – 16 August 2026
Time: 10am – 10pm
Location: Garden Court, Level LG1
Entry: No registration required

CJ Hendry Unveils Hong Kong-Exclusive juju Collectibles

Created exclusively for Pacific Place, the shimmering collection introduces iridescent juju inspired by the city’s vibrant energy. On top of the nine standard versions, five additional secret versions will be added to the collection as a delightful surprise. Available in limited-edition blind boxes, each is housed in a specially designed shiny collectible tin, turning the act of unboxing into a unique experience. The fun continues as visitors unlock surprise accessories at the Capsule Toy Station and customise their juju with interchangeable flower eyes, outfits and more.

juju world Merchandise Store & Capsule Toy Station

Dates: 23 July – 16 August 2026
Time: 11am – 9pm
Location: Level L1, near Lane Crawford
Entry: Through member entry booking or on-site queue tickets (see details below)

A Summer Full of Rewards

juju world is the centrepiece of a summer season at Pacific Place designed to delight at every turn. From 23 July to 16 August, shopping at Pacific Place and Starstreet Precinct also unlocks the ‘Dreamlike Summer’ rewards programme, offering exclusive Pacific Place shopping e-Vouchers with designated same-day electronic spending, with eligible UnionPay cardholders enjoying additional rewards on top.

*General shoppers and eligible UnionPay users are required to join the Pacific Place Loyalty Programme – above and meet the accumulated same-day spending requirement by electronic payment during the Promotion Period in order to be entitled to redeem General Rewards and UnionPay Users Extra Rewards.

^#To redeem the UnionPay Users Extra Rewards, shoppers must settle the relevant transaction(s) with UnionPay Credit and ATM Cards with the UnionPay logo, UnionPay Mobile Payment (including but not limited to Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Huawei Pay) or UnionPay QR Code (including UnionPay App or other App supporting UnionPay QR Code Payment), except the RMB cards issued by specific Hong Kong and Macau card issuing institutions. The qualified transaction(s) must be settled via the UnionPay network in full. WeChat Pay, Alipay and AlipayHK are not eligible for this Promotion. During the Promotion Period, UnionPay users are entitled to redeem the UnionPay Users Extra Rewards up to 5 times. UnionPay users must settle their payment by UnionPay when using the Shopping e-Vouchers from the Extra Rewards. Each shopper is entitled to a maximum of ONE redemption of Rewards per day. The Rewards are limited in quantity and are available on a first-come, first-served basis while stocks last.

Terms and Conditions apply.

Dates: 23 July – 16 August 2026
Time: 11am – 10pm
Location: Gift Redemption Counter on Level L2 (near Joyce)

This summer, Pacific Place becomes something more than a destination. It becomes a world. And juju can’t wait to welcome you in.

Hashtag: #jujuworldHK #ThePlaceForCollectibles #ThePlaceForjuju #PacificPlaceHK #CJHendry #juju

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

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

Award-winning Philippine digital marketing agency reinforces its proprietary growth framework with EOS to help finance, real estate, and ecommerce brands achieve sustainable business growth through greater operational discipline and experimentation.

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

https://www.alpropharmacy.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/alpro-pharmacy/
https://www.facebook.com/alpropharmacy
https://www.instagram.com/alpropharmacy.official
Nitori Website: https://www.nitori.my/
Nitori Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nitorimalaysia
Nitori Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nitorimalaysia

Hashtag: #AlproGroup #AlproPharmacy #Nitori #AlproxNitori #SleepHealth #HealthyLivingStartsAtHome

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

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

NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — IREN Limited (NASDAQ: IREN) (“IREN”) today announced that it will release its financial results for the three months ended September 30, 2025, on Thursday, November 6, 2025 and host a conference call beginning at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time.

The webcast will be recorded, and the replay will be accessible shortly after the event at https://iren.com/investor/events-and-presentations

Participants joining the conference call via the phone dial-in option will receive their dial-in number, passcode and PIN following registration using the link above. It would be appreciated if all callers could dial in approximately 5 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.

There will be a Q&A session after IREN delivers its financial results. Those dialling in via phone can elect to ask a question via the moderator. Participants on the live webcast have the ability to pre-submit a question upon registering to join the webcast or can submit a question during the live webcast.

About IREN

IREN is a vertically integrated data center business powering the future of Bitcoin, AI and beyond utilizing 100% renewable energy including through the purchase of RECs. Strategically located in renewable-rich, fiber-connected regions across the U.S. and Canada, IREN’s large-scale, grid-connected facilities are purpose-built for the next generation of power-dense computing applications.

• Power & Land Portfolio: 2,910MW of grid-connected power secured across >2,000 acres in the U.S. and Canada, with an additional multi-gigawatt development pipeline.
• Next-Generation Data Centers: 810MW of operating data centers underpinning three verticals: Bitcoin Mining, AI Cloud Services and AI Data Centers.
• Bitcoin Mining: one of the world’s largest and lowest-cost Bitcoin producers with 50 EH/s of installed self-mining capacity.
• AI Cloud Services: delivering high performance cloud compute to AI customers with next-generation GPUs.
• AI Data Centers: end-to-end design, construction and operation of data center infrastructure tailored for AI workloads.

Contacts

To keep updated on IREN’s news releases and SEC filings, please subscribe to email alerts at https://iren.com/investor/ir-resources/email-alerts.

– Published by The MIL Network

Macquarie Park, NSW, Oct. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Grove Spark Electrical Services, a leading provider of electrical solutions in Sydney, NSW, is thrilled to announce the launch of its newly designed website alongside an expansion of its service offerings. This strategic move is aimed at enhancing customer experience and providing a more comprehensive range of services to meet the growing demands of residential, commercial, and industrial clients.

Grove Spark Electrical Services

With over a decade of experience in delivering top quality electrical services, Grove Spark has established itself as a trusted name in the industry. The new website is designed to offer a user-friendly experience with improved navigation and functionality, allowing customers to access detailed information about the company’s services and expertise with ease.

“Our new website is a reflection of our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction,” said Joshua Grove, CEO of Grove Spark Electrical Services. “We are excited to provide our clients with a platform that not only showcases our capabilities but also makes it easier for them to connect with us and access the services they need.”

The expanded service offerings include advanced electrical installations, energy-efficient solutions, and state-of-the-art repair services. Grove Spark’s team of certified electricians is equipped with the latest tools and technology to handle projects of any size and complexity, ensuring that all work is completed to the highest standards.

Customers throughout Sydney can now explore a wider range of services tailored to their specific needs, whether they are looking for simple repairs or complex installations. The company’s dedication to excellence and attention to detail remain at the forefront of its operations, ensuring that every project is executed with precision and care. The localised services found at https://www.grovespark.com.au/areas-serviced/ provide customers with an easy directory for Grove Spark Electrical services throughout their service regions.

Grove Spark Electrical Services invites existing and new customers to visit the new website and discover the enhanced service offerings. The company remains committed to providing reliable and efficient electrical solutions, backed by exceptional customer service and a team of highly skilled professionals.

About Grove Spark Electrical Services

Grove Spark has been providing top-quality electrical services to the Sydney, NSW area for over 10 years. Our team of highly trained and certified electricians are dedicated to delivering reliable and efficient solutions to our customers. From simple repairs to complex installations, we have the skills and expertise to handle any electrical project. We pride ourselves on our excellent customer service and attention to detail, ensuring that all of our work is completed to the highest standard. Whether you need help with a residential, commercial, or industrial project, we are here to assist you every step of the way. 

Press inquiries

Grove Spark Electrical Services
https://www.grovespark.com.au/
Joshua Grove
service@grovespark.com.au
+61 484 301 155
5/1 Talavera Rd, Macquarie Park NSW 2113

A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://youtube.com/watch?v=JvPISzj3QjA

– Published by The MIL Network

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 July 2026 – Against the backdrop of surging global mobility and expanding business travel sectors, densely populated urban residential blocks and commercial buildings have sprung up worldwide. The cross-regional spread and rampant breeding of bed bugs have escalated into a transnational public health concern disrupting residents’ daily lives and commercial operations. Plagued by longstanding technical limitations and rampant service irregularities within the pest control sector, Hong Kong’s professional bed bug eradication brand Nobedbugs-HK has emerged as a global industry benchmark through self-developed technologies and over 10,000 verified service cases. Featured extensively in authoritative special reports, the brand delivers a one-stop, long-lasting professional bed bug treatment solution for households and commercial clients worldwide, boasting a 100% eradication success rate powered by its proprietary thermal treatment technology and custom pest control formulations.

Targeting Limitations of Conventional Practices: Nobedbugs-HK Engineers Precision-Driven Bed Bug Remediation Solutions

The pest control industry is marked by uneven entry barriers. Most traditional exterminators rely solely on chemical sprays, which only eliminate surface bed bugs. Eggs and nymphs concealed within wall crevices and furniture remain untouched, failing to resolve infestations at their source and leading to frequent recurrences. This superficial treatment model has triggered a steady stream of consumer complaints and dissatisfaction. Compounding the issue, many pest control firms lack the technical expertise and field experience to address tight spaces or cluttered environments, creating treatment blind spots that compromise eradication efficacy and introduce potential safety hazards during operations.

Contrary to the industry’s prevalent profit-driven, perfunctory service model that overpromises underdelivers, Nobedbugs-HK upholds its founding mission of sharing technical expertise to advance the entire sector. Its team regularly conducts technical seminars and exchange programs for property management, hospitality and pest control practitioners across multiple countries and regions. These sessions elaborate on bed bug breeding triggers, transmission pathways, scientific eradication methodologies and routine prevention protocols. The global pest control industry has long grappled with stagnant technology and outdated operational standards. Nobedbugs-HK’s cross-border knowledge exchange initiatives bridge regional technical gaps, steering the industry away from crude, slipshod treatment protocols toward rigorous, science-led remediation. These global outreach efforts have also equipped the brand with an extensive international perspective and cross-jurisdictional service expertise.

Driven by proprietary technological innovation and a global operational vision, Nobedbugs-HK has built its market footprint and sterling professional reputation through consistent, reliable eradication results. Its technological breakthroughs and contributions to the industry have garnered coverage from leading international media outlets. This authoritative global recognition underscores overseas markets’ high regard for Hong Kong’s pest control innovations and validates the city-developed bed bug treatment framework as a benchmark for global adoption.

Self-Developed Thermal Treatment Technology Boosts Bed Bug Remediation Efficiency in High-Rise Buildings

Bed bug control in high-rise structures remains a longstanding technical challenge plaguing pest control professionals worldwide. Conventional extermination methods are only viable for low-rise or open-plan spaces and prove ineffective against the complex structural layouts of high-rises, enabling persistent, recurring bed bug infestations. Addressing this global technical gap, Nobedbugs-HK independently engineered the world’s exclusive thermal treatment system and custom operating procedures tailored specifically for high-rise complexes, delivering a transformative solution to this decades-long industry pain point.

A radical departure from traditional chemical pesticide applications, this proprietary technology leverages physical high-temperature treatment to penetrate the most concealed structural recesses. It eliminates 95% of all bed bug life stages—adults, nymphs and deeply embedded eggs—to sever their reproductive cycle at the root. Complemented by the brand’s exclusive formulations, the treatment creates a long-lasting residual protective barrier that blocks cross-unit bed bug migration from adjacent premises. Unlike chemical-based extermination, high-temperature thermal treatment leaves zero chemical residues, generates no indoor contamination and poses no harm to human occupants, rendering it ideal for residential complexes, hotels, office towers and shopping malls. It resolves the core challenges of bed bug remediation in high-rise buildings with unmatched precision, with no comparable technology or service available globally to date.

Over 10,000 Cases Inform Standardised Service Protocols

Real-world case outcomes serve as the ultimate metric for gauging technological performance. Many industry players offer no efficacy guarantees and provide virtually non-existent after-sales support, leaving clients burdened with recurring infestations and repeated service fees. To date, Nobedbugs-HK has completed over 10,000 bed bug remediation projects solely within Hong Kong, serving residential properties, five-star hotels, corporate office towers and chain enterprises across diverse urban residential and commercial environments. Backed by its proprietary thermal treatment technology and standardised construction workflows, the brand maintains a flawless 100% permanent eradication track record across all cases, effectively suppressing bed bug resurgence with zero treatment failures. Its proven track record of thousands of successful cases has countered widespread industry malpractice, earning widespread acclaim and positive client testimonials across Hong Kong’s online forums and social media platforms.

Beyond its core treatment technology, mainstream commercial pest control products lack targeted efficacy against bed bugs’ unique nesting and reproductive traits, a key driver of recurring infestations. Generic formulations fail to counter the pests’ elusive hiding instincts and rapid breeding cycles, drastically diminishing treatment outcomes. Drawing on data accumulated from over 10,000 field cases, Nobedbugs-HK independently develops and manufactures custom bed bug control formulations. Iteratively refined for deployment across diverse global environments, these safe, non-toxic and long-lasting products are widely recognised by industry practitioners as the gold standard for bed bug mitigation. The brand delivers bespoke, meticulous bed bug eradication solutions tailored for Hong Kong residents, standing in stark contrast to competing service providers that offer minimal after-sales support.

Industry specialists identify two critical barriers to effective bed bug control: the stringent technical requirements for densely populated premises and the complete elimination of infestations at their source—two persistent flaws that have hindered conventional pest control operations for years. Armed with its one-of-a-kind global thermal treatment technology, in-house proprietary formulations, international operational insights and thousands of successful remediation cases, Nobedbugs-HK comprehensively rectifies the shortcomings of traditional extermination models. Beyond providing permanent relief for household and commercial bed bug infestations, the brand has established a new universal benchmark for the global bed bug control industry.

Hashtag: #NobedbugsHK

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

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

With a combined footprint of over 9,000 hectares, the twin developments, Vinhomes Green Paradise in the south and Vinhomes Global Gate Ha Long in the north, position Vietnam’s real estate sector at the forefront of next-generation ESG++ urbanism, where nature regeneration, smart governance and human-centric design converge at unprecedented scale.

HO CHI MINH CITY / QUANG NINH, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 July 2026 – Vinhomes, Vietnam’s leading residential developer, is advancing a new generation of sustainable urban development with two landmark mega-projects located at the country’s northern and southern gateways.

Spanning a combined area exceeding 9,000 hectares, Vinhomes Green Paradise (2,870 hectares) in Can Gio, Ho Chi Minh City, and Vinhomes Global Gate Ha Long (6,200 hectares) in Quang Ninh province embody the company’s ESG++ philosophy, an approach that extends beyond conventional sustainability to actively regenerate nature while integrating smart urban governance and human-centered design.

A New Generation of Cities Where Growth and Nature Advance Together

As Vietnam strengthens its position as one of Asia’s fastest-growing investment destinations, attracting record levels of foreign direct investment and a new generation of international professionals, Vinhomes is pioneering an urban development model that positions nature restoration as the foundation of long-term economic resilience and social prosperity.

According to the World Economic Forum, resilient, nature-positive cities are becoming essential to long-term economic competitiveness as climate resilience, public health and quality of life increasingly influence investment decisions. The Urban Land Institute’s Emerging Trends in Real Estate reports consistently identify sustainability, wellness and resilient mixed-use communities as among the strongest drivers of real estate value creation worldwide.

Recognizing this shift, Vinhomes has embraced a philosophy that extends beyond conventional ESG implementation. The company believes sustainable prosperity requires continuously regenerating nature rather than simply preserving what already exists, a vision that has evolved into what it calls an ESG++ approach, combining environmental restoration, smart urban governance and human-centered development at an unprecedented scale.

Vinhomes Green Paradise: A Coastal Urban Wonder in the South

Situated beside the UNESCO-recognised 75,000-hectare Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, Vinhomes Green Paradise became the first Official Participant recognised by New7Wonders for the global campaign “7 Wonders of Future Cities.” The 2,870-hectare development maintains an exceptionally low construction density of just 16%, allowing the majority of the masterplan to remain dedicated to greenery and water.

An 800-hectare natural seawater lagoon forms the ecological heart of the development, while its 121-kilometre shoreline creates one of the world’s most distinctive coastal urban landscapes. IoT, artificial intelligence and big data are embedded throughout governance, environmental monitoring and city operations to optimise sustainability and improve everyday urban management. The project integrates internationally benchmarked healthcare, education, senior living, culture, sports and entertainment into a comprehensive ecosystem designed to support every stage of life.

Vinhomes Global Gate Ha Long: A Waterfront Megacity in the North

Hundreds of kilometres to the north, Vinhomes is advancing the same philosophy at an even larger scale. Officially breaking ground in April 2026, Vinhomes Global Gate Ha Long spans more than 6,200 hectares, making it one of the largest coastal urban developments in Asia. Positioned directly alongside UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay, the project occupies one of the most extraordinary waterfront locations anywhere in the world.

Rather than maximising built density, the masterplan emphasises ecological regeneration. More than 2,500 hectares are dedicated to forests, wetlands and water landscapes, including 680 hectares of naturally filtered sea, 200 kilometres of white-sand coastline, and over 660 hectares of Globe Ha Long Forest Park, creating a vast regenerative ecosystem that complements the surrounding World Heritage environment.

The development is also envisioned to pursue the newly introduced ISO 37125 standard for sustainable urban development, reflecting an ambition to align with an emerging international benchmark for future ESG cities.

The project features a comprehensive “all-in-one” urban ecosystem: six residential districts, including exclusive island communities surrounded entirely by the sea, are complemented by seven globally benchmarked ecosystem clusters spanning culture, hospitality, retail, healthcare, education, sports and financial services.

Large-scale amenities include a 60,000-seat waterfront performance arena, the Wonder Theatre, an international convention centre, extensive hospitality facilities, international-standard golf courses, a world-class marina, an integrated shopping mall, professional sports facilities, Vinmec healthcare services, international education institutions, and a new central business district designed to attract global talent and investment.

The same integrated philosophy underpins Vinhomes Green Paradise, where ecological preservation, advanced technology and community wellbeing are designed to reinforce one another within a highly resilient coastal environment.

Collectively, these two mega-projects demonstrate how ESG can evolve beyond regulatory compliance to become a comprehensive framework for urban development, one capable of strengthening Vietnam’s international competitiveness not only as one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies but also as a destination for sustainable living and long-term investment. Instead of viewing environmental protection as a constraint on growth, Vinhomes positions nature restoration as the foundation of long-term economic resilience, social prosperity and global appeal.

Hashtag: #Vinhomes

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Retains Fastest, Best Fixed Broadband and Top-Rated Network
Earns Hong Kong’s Most Consistent Fixed Network recognition for the first time

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 July 2026 – HKT’s (SEHK: 6823) Netvigator has once again secured six top honours from the renowned global independent connectivity intelligence leader, Ookla^®‘s Speedtest^®, including Fastest and Best Fixed Network in the newly released first-half 2026 report. For the first time, it was also recognised as Hong Kong’s Most Consistent Fixed Network^*, further cementing its position as a leading broadband service provider in Hong Kong and across the East Asia region.

Following its sweep of six Ookla^® Speedtest^® awards in the second half of 2025, Netvigator has once again earned a series of fixed broadband accolades, demonstrating its high-speed, reliability, ultra-low-latency, and seamless network performance.

Ookla^® Speedtest^® awards for the first half of 2026:

• Fastest Fixed Network in Hong Kong
• Best Fixed Network in Hong Kong
• Best Fixed Gaming Network in Hong Kong
• Top-Rated Fixed Network in Hong Kong
• Fastest Fixed Network in East Asia
• Best Fixed Network in East Asia

Bruce Lam, CEO, Consumer, HKT, said, “Netvigator is committed to enhancing our network quality and user experience. Winning six awards again and being recognised as the Most Consistent Fixed Network in Hong Kong clearly reflects our dedication to providing reliable, low-latency connectivity for the public. Modern families expect more from their networks than just speed. Netvigator’s F5G‑A Super Broadband^{^}, Hong Kong’s first and only fibre network compliant with the F5G-A standard^@, delivers stable support for network-intensive AI applications, meeting the rapidly growing network demands of AI, empowering users to adopt and keep pace with evolving AI technologies, while also supporting bandwidth-intensive applications such as high-resolution streaming. This enables multiple family members to binge-watch, play online games, or work in the cloud at the same time. With a next-generation fibre network that meets international standards, Netvigator is setting a new benchmark for ultra-high bandwidth, ultra-low latency and highly reliable fixed network in Hong Kong, enabling Hong Kong to master the AI era. We will continue to elevate our service quality to deliver a faster, more stable, and smarter digital experiences for our customers.”

Ricky Kwong, Head of Fixed Network Engineering, HKT and CEO, Fiber Link Global, said, “With the rapid emergence of various AI applications, the demand for stable, high-speed and low-latency networks is growing at an unprecedented pace. HKT has been committed to enhancing network performance. In addition to our F5G-A standard-compliant fibre network^@, which continues to expand, we are actively upgrading our network through technological innovation, including the use of AI for real-time traffic monitoring and resource optimisation, ensuring a more seamless, smooth, and reliable network experience for our customers.”

Ookla^® Speedtest^® has long been widely referenced across the telecommunications industry. The sample data is drawn from over ten million tests conducted globally by actual users in real-world network environments. The results evaluate operators’ performance in terms of network speed, stability and overall user experience across various usage scenarios, making it one of the world’s most widely adopted and trusted platforms for measuring internet speed.

^*The recognition is based on Ookla® Speedtest Intelligence® data, measuring the percentage of users achieving minimum speeds of 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload compared with other providers in Hong Kong
^{^} Super Broadband refers to the Netvigator fibre broadband service plan that meets the ETSI F5G-A standard. As of 31 May 2026, HKT’s fixed broadband has met the ETSI F5G-A standard in the fibre networks of 57,000 designated buildings. 2500M Fibre-to-the-Home plans correspond to a maximum upstream and downstream bandwidth of 2500Mbps respectively. Actual speed experienced using the Service will be less than the network specifications and may be affected by your device, technology, network and software used, network configuration and coverage, usage levels, international bandwidth and other extraneous factors. 2500M Fibre-to-the Home plans depend on the support of the end device.
^@ According to the public market information of major telecommunications service providers in Hong Kong as of 2 August, 2024, Netvigator is the first network in Hong Kong to meet the F5G-A standard in designated buildings. As of 20 July 2026, based on publicly available information, no other telecommunications service provider in Hong Kong has announced compliance with the ETSI F5G-A standard apart from HKT.

Hashtag: #HKT

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

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A limited collection of eight beachfront townhomes offers a rare opportunity to own directly on Bang Tao Beach.

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• Novum Studio has raised a new round of funding to launch Ahoy Project, its enterprise AI solution, with internal testing scheduled for July 2026.
• Ahoy Project is positioned as the infrastructure for AI-native enterprise transformation – an AI-native communication platform serving as the underlying system, delivered as an end-to-end tailored solution.
• The launch expands the company beyond Frog, its Gen Z consumer social app that has reached 20 million users across the U.S. and Europe.
• Novum Studio said it is applying lessons from operating high-frequency social platforms at scale to workplace communication and knowledge systems.

NEW YORK, USA – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 July 2026 – Novum Studio, the company behind Frog – a Gen Z social app often described as a “new-generation Snapchat” – said it has raised a new round of funding and will use the proceeds to launch Ahoy Project, an AI-native enterprise communication and collaboration platform, with internal testing scheduled for July 2026.

Unlike conventional workplace software, Ahoy Project will not be sold as a standalone software subscription, the company said. Novum Studio provides the infrastructure and a full tailored solution for enterprises undergoing AI-native transformation, with the communication platform serving as the underlying system on which that transformation is built.

Founded as a consumer social company, Novum Studio has reached more than 20 million users across the U.S. and Europe. Frog gained traction among younger users through spontaneous, real-time sharing designed around authenticity and low-pressure interaction. The company said its experience building large-scale social “spaces” – where millions of people communicate, form groups and coordinate in real time — directly informs its approach to enterprise collaboration.

The new funding will support the launch and international expansion of the enterprise business as artificial intelligence reshapes how organizations communicate, collaborate and operate, the company said.

Novum Studio was founded by Anna Danyi, who graduated from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) in 2018 and began her career in consulting and technology. Before founding Novum Studio, she built multiple consumer applications and exited through an acquisition. In 2025, Forbes China recognized her among the Top 100 most influential global Chinese figures in AI digital products area.

“We spent years understanding how millions of users communicate online,” Anna Danyi said. “In the AI era, communication itself is becoming intelligent. We believe the next generation of platforms will not only connect people — they will understand workflows, collaboration and organizational behavior.”

From Consumer Social to Enterprise AI

Modern organizations face growing challenges as critical knowledge, decisions and workflows become fragmented across chats, meetings and disconnected tools, the company said. Ahoy Project addresses this as a conversation-driven, AI-native collaboration layer: it captures context from day-to-day communication to build a searchable enterprise knowledge base and support workflow coordination.

Core capabilities include conversation-based knowledge organization, AI-assisted collaboration and workflow support integrated directly into team communication. Because the platform sits at the layer where work is discussed and decided, it can serve as the foundation for a broader AI-native operating model – with Novum Studio designing and delivering the surrounding transformation solution for each enterprise client.

A New Direction for Social Technology

Novum Studio said its expansion reflects a broader shift across the technology industry. Platforms such as TikTok and Instagram defined how content was distributed and consumed in the mobile social era; as AI becomes embedded in digital products, the company believes the next stage will center less on feeds and more on intelligent systems that understand communication and coordination.

“We are no longer just building products where people post content,” Anna Danyi said. “We are building systems that understand how humans communicate and operate together.”

Hashtag: #NovumStudio #AhoyProject #Frog

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Kimi K3 became one of the most-discussed AI models among influencers in mid-July 2026, as its launch challenged long-held assumptions about the dominance of leading US AI companies. 

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From spontaneous seaside escapes to culture-filled city breaks, OZO makes it easier for travellers to recharge, explore and enjoy more of what they love—even when time is limited

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Four nights of refined coastal gastronomy and creative collaborations will be staged from August 12-15, 2026, featuring highly acclaimed Michelin-starred chefs from Bo.lan, Andō, Maison Dunand and more.

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Responding to today’s appeal decision overturning the murder conviction of a woman who had a later abortion while reducing the sentences of medical staff, Amnesty International Korea’s Executive Director HeeKyoung Cho said:

“While we welcome the court’s decision to acquit the woman who sought abortion, the court’s decision to uphold the convictions of medical staff exposes structural loopholes in access to essential healthcare in South Korea.

“The National Assembly’s failure to amend the abortion law has left pregnant people without clear legal protections and access to essential reproductive healthcare. People’s ability to exercise their reproductive autonomy, control their reproductive lives and decide if, when and how to have children is essential to the full realization of human rights, dignity, and bodily integrity. Moreover, the ability to make decisions about one’s body, sexuality and reproduction is at the core of gender, economic and social justice.

“Women deserve the latest and best medical care. The government must implement measures to remove barriers to accessing safe abortion as well as to provide proper regulations on abortion service provision. The Mother and Child Health Act must immediately be amended to prioritize women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights.”

Background

On 23 July, the Seoul High Court acquitted a woman who had been charged with murder for undergoing a later abortion. While the convictions of medical staff in relation to the later abortion were upheld, their sentences were reduced. The doctor who performed the procedure was sentenced to six months in prison, while the hospital director was sentenced to four years in prison, a fine of 1.5 million won (1,022 US dollars) and forfeiture of 9 million won (6,133 US dollars).

In June 2024, a 26-year-old South Korean woman terminated a pregnancy at approximately 34 to 36 weeks’ gestation at a clinic in Incheon. She documented her experience and hospitalization in a YouTube vlog, which subsequently went viral. As the video gained public attention, the Ministry of Health and Welfare commissioned the police to investigate the case and petitioned for “severe punishment”. In January 2026, prosecutors sought to charge the woman, along with the medical staff and people who facilitated arranging the abortion, with “premeditated murder”.

On 4 March 2026, the Seoul Central District Court sentenced the woman to three years in prison, suspended for five years. She was also ordered to complete 200 hours of community service. The doctor who performed the procedure was sentenced to four years in prison, while the hospital director received a six-year prison sentence, a fine of 1.5 million won (1,022 US dollars) and forfeiture of 1.15 billion won (783,709 US dollars). One of the persons involved in facilitating the abortion received a one-year prison sentence, and the other one was sentenced to ten months in prison, suspended for two years.

In 2019, the Constitutional Court ruled South Korea’s ban on abortion to be unconstitutional and ordered the National Assembly to amend the law by the end of 2020. While abortion has been decriminalized, the National Assembly has yet to enact new regulatory frameworks, thus undermining pregnant people’s access to vital healthcare.

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Hawkers, cafés and restaurants can claim their pages and set up no-app loyalty and referral programmes at no upfront cost

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 July 2026 – Market research consultancy Alylytiq LLP today announced the launch of Automytiq, a suite of AI-powered research solutions designed to make professional-grade market insights accessible to Singapore’s small and medium-sized enterprises.

For decades, professional market research has been the preserve of large corporates — the only players who could justify studies routinely costing tens of thousands of dollars. SMEs, who arguably have the least room for error, have been left to make market decisions on instinct. AI has now broken that equation. A commissioned study that would typically cost SGD 30,000 can be delivered through Automytiq for around SGD 6,000 — an 80 per cent reduction. The savings come from using AI to automate the most labour-intensive stages of the research process, while Alylytiq’s senior researchers remain in the loop at every stage for interpretation and quality control.

Automytiq is a distinct, productised offering, separate from Alylytiq’s core consulting practice. An Automytiq engagement runs to a standardised scope — sharply defined questions, streamlined fieldwork, and a focused report — which is what makes the lower price point possible. Alylytiq’s bespoke engagements for corporate clients are a different service: fully custom-designed, senior-led from research design through to analysis and strategic recommendation, often spanning multiple markets and methodologies, and priced to reflect that depth. The firm positions Automytiq as extending professional research to businesses that could never access it, not as a repricing of its consulting work.

Automytiq covers the full research cycle through four connected solutions:

Market Intelligence. AI-assisted secondary research that maps an SME’s target market — market size, competitor landscape, and customer trends — drawing on licensed and publicly available data sources.

Guided Brief-to-Proposal. A simple structured questionnaire captures what the business owner wants to learn. Automytiq transforms those answers into a full research proposal, giving SMEs a professionally scoped study without needing in-house research expertise.

Automated Research Design. Approved proposals are converted directly into fieldwork-ready research instruments — discussion guides, screeners, and questionnaires — cutting design time from weeks to days.

Bespoke Story Reporting. Once data is collected, Automytiq translates the raw results into fully customised reports built around a narrative that tells the business what the numbers mean and what to do next — not a template dashboard.

Automytiq has already been deployed in live client work. For SME payments fintech Handshake Finance, Alylytiq used Automytiq to map the company’s target market and competitive landscape, sharpening the focus of its go-to-market efforts. For business consultancy Anton Solutions Group, the platform supported a larger client engagement by delivering insights into financial risk management opportunities across new markets.

Anton Solutions Group, which engaged Alylytiq on a client project, said it was “genuinely impressed” by the firm’s approach. Using AI, a short discovery call, and a focused questionnaire, Alylytiq delivered a comprehensive primary research report within a day, enabling a faster transition into in-depth market analysis. The consultancy added that it looks forward to referring suitable projects to Alylytiq.

“As an early-stage company, every dollar and every week counts. Alylytiq gave us a clear, evidence-based picture of our market, our competition, and the customers we should lead with — and just as importantly, told us which questions still needed real fieldwork to answer. It sharpened decisions we would otherwise have made on instinct, at a price a company our size could actually justify,” said Christopher Chan, Co-Founder of Handshake Finance.

“SMEs make the same high-stakes decisions large corporates do — which market to enter, which customers to serve, where to spend a limited marketing dollar — but they’ve been asked to make them on gut feel because proper research was priced for someone else,” said Wei Shen, Founder and Principal Strategist of Alylytiq.

The launch lands in the middle of a wider debate about whether AI is making professional research obsolete. Alylytiq’s position is that the barrier for SMEs was never just cost — it was expertise: knowing what to ask, how to structure a research question, and how to tell when an answer is wrong.

“Any business owner can ask a chatbot for a market estimate today. The problem is they have no way of telling whether that answer is grounded in real data or invented — and acting on a confident wrong answer costs far more than a study ever would,” said Wei Shen. “That’s why Automytiq isn’t a tool we hand over. Our senior researchers design the questions and validate every output before it reaches the client. The AI changes the economics; the humans protect the answer.”

Automytiq is available to Singapore SMEs now. Businesses can learn more at www.alylytiq.com.

https://www.alylytiq.com/

Hashtag: #Alylytiq

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New findings from Kiwibank’s 2026 State of Savings Index, now in its third year, show saving remains challenging and budgeting and saving habits are holding steady.  

Kiwibank Chief Executive Steve Jurkovich says: “Three years of research shows that despite ongoing financial pressures, Kiwi continue to budget, save and find ways to make progress, from cutting spending to trying new tools.

“One of the interesting insights this year is around the usage of AI and open banking, particularly for younger Kiwi. As awareness of open banking increases, more Kiwi will unlock new ways to track spending, build savings and improve their financial wellbeing.”  

Kiwi are saying that the cost of living, particularly the monthly grocery bill, is the biggest barrier to savings, with some taking on debt such as Buy Now Pay Later or loans from family and friends to help.  

The research also shows some groups face greater pressure than others, and Māori, Pacific Peoples, renters and women are more likely to say they struggle to save.  

The findings highlight the importance of the systems and products that help Kiwi to save. For example, only half of respondents said they were aware that savings accounts often require specific conditions to be met so they can earn the headline interest rate.  

“When Kiwi are working hard to budget and save, they shouldn’t have to jump through hoops and hurdles to get the best value. Savings products should be simple, transparent and designed around how Kiwi actually manage their money.  

“Banking should not feel like something you have to work around. It should be something that helps you move forward.”

The research found:  

• Of those experiencing saving challenges (61%), 74% cited cost of living as their biggest saving barrier. 
• Of the 59% of Kiwi that have a budget, 85% of them broadly stick to it (1 point up on last year), and those regularly saving now (44%). 
• 39% made deliberate changes to improve savings, such as reducing discretionary spending (28%), changing grocery shopping habits (14%) and cancelling subscriptions (10%). 
• 40% have taken on debt to cover increased living costs with Buy Now Pay Later (19%) and loans from friends or family (12%) being the most common. 
• Kiwi say the best savings accounts offer competitive interest rates (52%), no fees or conditions (37%), and flexible access to their money (33%). 
• 52% have some understanding of open banking with 42% seeing it as relevant to them. 
• 12% have used AI for budgeting and savings advice, with 64% of those finding it helpful.

Table 1. Over three years, budgeting and regular saving are consistent  

* For those who say it’s challenging to put money aside (63% in 2024, 63% in 2025 and 61% in 2026) 

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