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Mirai Bridge Capital Strengthens Trade Finance Solutions with NCI Partnership

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Source: Media Outreach

Collaboration combines Mirai Bridge Capital’s financing expertise with NCI’s trade credit insurance to deliver secure, growth-driven solutions for businesses across Asia.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 September 2025 – Mirai Bridge Capital Sdn Bhd (“MBC”), a fast-growing private equity management company, has signed a Collaboration Agreement with NCI Malaysia Sdn Bhd (“NCI”) to expand into trade credit facilities for businesses in Malaysia and across Asia. The agreement marks a major step toward building a more resilient and secure regional financing ecosystem.

A commemorative photo taken after the Collaboration Agreement signing between Mirai Bridge Capital and NCI Malaysia.

As a specialist in fund management, receivables financing, and trade finance solutions, Mirai Bridge Capital is dedicated to helping businesses unlock working capital, manage risk, and grow with confidence in today’s challenging economy. MBC’s solutions are designed to provide transparent financing, secure structures, and growth-driven strategies that empower both SMEs and corporates.

Through the new partnership, NCI will provide trade credit insurance to mitigate non-payment risks, while MBC delivers the funding structures and receivables platform. Together, the collaboration strengthens cash flow, protects against buyer defaults, and supports expansion across borders.

“This partnership reflects Mirai Bridge Capital’s vision of becoming a leading force in trade finance across the region,” said Jack Ong Kooi Tatt, Director and CEO of Mirai Bridge Capital. “By combining our financial expertise with NCI’s credit risk insurance, we’re providing businesses with a complete solution that builds confidence and drives growth.”

Benefits for Businesses

  • Trade credit facilities backed by insurance protection
  • Receivables financing to improve liquidity and cash flow
  • Exclusive model keeping MBC as the central financial partner
  • Regional trade support for SMEs and corporates

https://miraibridgecapital.com/

Hashtag: #TradeFinance #MalaysiaBusiness #SMEGrowth #BusinessResilience #CashFlowSolutions #ASEANTrade #StrategicPartnership #FinanceInnovation

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

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

Road closure, Waimea Road, Nelson

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Source: New Zealand Police

A section of Waimea Road has been closed after a report of a suspicious item being located at an address this afternoon.

Police were called about 5.20pm notifying them of the item and an alleged threat being made.

A cordon has been established as a precaution while the nature of the item is established.

Diversions are in place at the intersection of Waimea Road and Van Dieman Street, and Waimea Road and Bronte Street.

Please take an alternate route, and avoid the area if possible.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Graduation of eighty-three new officers boost the frontline

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Source: New Zealand Police

Police Commissioner Richard Chambers, members of the police executive and wing patron, Jude Simpson MNZM congratulated the 83 graduating constables from Wing 387 this afternoon.

Families and friends watched as the newly attested police officers marched out at Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua. The celebration acknowledged the successful completion of their initial training course at the Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC). 

New Zealand Police were joined by executives and staff from the Victoria Police of Australia and a minute’s silence was observed during the graduation for the loss of two officers in their jurisdiction last month. 
Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, were killed in the line of duty in Porepunkah, Victoria on 26 August 2025.
Commissioner Chambers says, “It is important to mark the service Neal and Vadim gave to their communities, organisation and country.”

The top award winner for wing 387, former teacher and member of the New Zealand Airforce, Constable Sarah Thomas was excited to be heading to Wellington District to start her new career. 
Constable Thomas is no stranger to policing and has worked in the Police Emergency Communications Centre and previously trained recruits as a Defensive Tactics Instructor at the RNZPC before donning the uniform.

“My family have been an amazing support for me coming into this, and I know I couldn’t have done it without them. I also could not have done this without my amazing 387-wing mates, my barrack mates especially. We are honestly like family. I’m also grateful for the support and encouragement of the amazing college staff, (my ex-colleagues), and of course, my section sergeant at the RNZPC.”

Sarah will be based in Wellington District.

Leadership Award Winner, Constable Laura Comerford, Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki, Tapuika (Te Arawa), Te Āti Haunui-a-Pāpārangi, is thrilled with her success.

“My primary reasons for wanting to join Police are first and foremost my beautiful nieces. I want to be a positive role model for them and encourage them to believe in themselves to achieve their goals. I want to uplift wāhine Māori to aspire to pursue their wildest dreams.  The hardest part for me was believing I was actually good enough to be a police officer. I’d never been the fittest, smartest, or best at anything. Thankfully, I took a leap of faith, trained hard and had some key people that believed in me to help get me through. I’m living proof that with determination, discipline, perseverance and an amazing support system, anything is possible.

Laura will join Sarah in Wellington District.

Deployment:

The new constables will start their first day of duty in their Police districts on the week beginning Monday 15 September 2025 and will continue their training on the job as probationary constables.
Northland 1, Tāmaki Makaurau a total of 22 and broken down into the three districts: Auckland City 5, Waitematā 4, Counties Manukau 13, Waikato 9, Bay of Plenty 10, Eastern 2, Central 7, Wellington 16, Canterbury 8, Southern 7.

All Awards: 

Minister’s Award recognising top student and the Physical Training and Defensive Tactics Award: Constable Sarah Thomas posted to Wellington District.
Commissioner’s Award for Leadership: Constable Laura Comerford posted to Wellington District
Patron’s Award for second top student: Constable Daniel Brown posted to Canterbury District.
The Firearms Award: Constable Nathan Forster posted to Waitematā District.
Driver Training and Road Policing Award: Valentine Beattie posted to Eastern District.

Demographics:

25.3 percent are female, 74.7 percent are male. New Zealand European make up 68 percent of the wing, with Māori 12 percent, Pasifika 4.8 percent, Asian 12 percent, LAAM 2.4 percent.

Wing Patron, Jude Simpson MNZM, is a family harm education and training specialist. She is passionate about empowering victims of family harm to live their life to their full potential.
Jude has been working for the past 11 years at the Royal New Zealand Police College as the lead Family Harm Facilitator. She designed, developed, and delivers training for recruits on family harm from the perspectives of a victim and a perpetrator. Alongside other family harm training, this gives recruits a full view of family harm and how to respond to it with empathy and understanding.
Jude has also worked for Presbyterian Support Northern as a Family Violence Advocate and while in this role designed, developed, and delivered a programme for the Department of Corrections focusing on low-risk women offenders. The objective of the programme was to build self-esteem and empower and support the women into work or training.
Over the years, Jude has become a skilled presenter and facilitator, and she has spoken at many conferences as the keynote speaker.
Jude was the lead female spokesperson for the “It’s not ok” national campaign for several years and helped raise awareness of family harm and the needs of victims. She was the project lead on Mangere College becoming the first school in the country to be an “It’s not ok” school.
In 2018 Jude was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for her contribution and work relating to family harm. 

ENDS

Watch out for our Ten One story coming soon with more images and stories.

If you’re interested in joining police check out newcops.govt.nz

Issued by Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Activist Sector – Protest this Saturday: No FBI cops, No US troops in Aotearoa From: Peace Action Wellington

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Source: Peace Action Wellington

An alliance of Wellington groups will march from Midland Park to the US
Embassy on Saturday, 6 September at 1pm with a clear demand: No FBI cops
and no US troops stationed in Aotearoa NZ.

The Director of the USA’s Federal Bureau of Investigation recently
visited Aotearoa NZ, welcomed by New Zealand’s far-right government,
with plans to establish an FBI office here. At the same time, the New
Zealand Army announced the likelihood of American troops training
regularly on Kiwi soil.

“The FBI is a US domestic police force. It has no role in protecting
ordinary New Zealanders. Instead it has a very clear reputation as a
political police force targeting left wing activists,” said Valerie
Morse from Peace Action Wellington.

“We see this cooperation as the strengthening of authoritarianism of
both governments, and a threat to safety and community for all of us.
This isn’t just about NZ and US police and military working together.
This is really about the very deep and dangerous US influence on our
government that will pull us into a war – and will result in the
criminalisation of those who oppose it.”

The FBI Director said the establishment of this office “would counter
China’s influence in the Pacific” – clearly indicating that this office
is considered a part of the USA’s Pacific strategy.

“We are deeply alarmed at the US push to war with China. This is not
just talk, but is in the planning stages within the Pentagon and Defence
House here in Wellington. The US is creating the conditions where war
with China is inevitable.”

“All of this is in the context of the US’s continued support of a
genocide of Palestinians in Gaza, a crackdown on protest and the New
Zealand government’s closed-door revision of anti-terror laws here which
may well tighten restrictions on solidarity protest.”

“We want to be really clear that we believe that it is US imperialism
that is driving global insecurity, genocide and massive increases in
weapons sales. The NZ government’s decision to side with the US against
our largest trading partner is a lose-lose strategy.”

“At the same time, anti-imperialism and anti-authoritarianism doesn’t
mean supporting one imperialism or authoritarian government over
another. We do not endorse Chinese military growth or its brutal
domestic actions.”

“We believe a different approach is not only possible, but desirable and
necessary. We have global challenges to face – and we need to do that
together, united by our common humanity and desire for all people to
live in dignity with the things they need. We do not believe that the
world’s only superpower should dictate the conditions for the planet’s
eight billion people.”

“We continue to operate under Te Kahu o Te Raukura, the cloak of peace
laid down by Mana Whenua. This rally will honour that kaupapa. We invite
all who value peace, justice and self-determination to join us.”

This event is jointly organised by Peace Action Wellington, Poneke
Anti-Fascist Coalition, People Against Prisons Aotearoa, the
International Socialist Organisation, and Te Tai Tētēkura.

MIL OSI

Federated Farmers – University’s inaction on Joy’s violent comments a disgrace

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Source: Federated Farmers

Federated Farmers is slamming Victoria University of Wellington’s response to violent comments made by prominent academic Mike Joy, describing it as weak and shameful.
Karl Dean, Federated Farmers dairy chair, says a letter today from the university’s vice-chancellor Nic Smith lacks substance given the serious nature of the complaint.
“For a senior academic at Victoria University of Wellington to publicly insinuate anyone in New Zealand should be hanged is totally unacceptable.
“It’s extremely disappointing – and frankly surprising – that the vice-chancellor hasn’t taken disciplinary action against Dr Joy.
“By failing to do so, his response is little more than a slap on the wrist with the wettest of bus tickets, and is a tacit endorsement of Dr Joy’s atrocious comments.
“Yesterday our main concern was Dr Joy’s deplorable comments, but now we’re even more concerned about the university’s decision not to take action.”
Dr Joy made the comments in a LinkedIn post last month, suggesting the dairy industry is currently putting babies (and adults) at risk with nitrate contamination of drinking/groundwater.
His proposed solution: “How about we bring back hanging for industry CEOs?”
Dean says Dr Joy’s apology today is clearly insincere.
“Yesterday he told Stuff he hadn’t gone too far with his comments about dairy leaders being hanged, and that he was comfortable with the way he had phrased it.
“But then, lo and behold, out comes the public apology today, completely at odds with what he was saying in the media only hours earlier.
“The public isn’t stupid – everyone knows full well that Dr Joy has issued his public apology today at the request of his employer, not because of any genuine remorse.
“On behalf of New Zealand farmers, I utterly reject this hollow apology.”
Dean says Joy’s extreme, violent and dangerous views are totally unacceptable from a well-known and senior academic.
“If one of Victoria University’s students made a similar comment calling for an academic or lecturer to be hanged, there would be swift and severe consequences.
“Similarly, if a dairy industry leader publicly made comments calling for an academic or environmental activist to be hanged, there would quite rightly be severe public outcry and condemnation.
“What we have here is a clear double-standard. The university should be deeply ashamed of this lack of action.”
In requesting a meeting with Smith, Dean said he’d like to discuss how Joy’s conduct aligns with the university’s Code of Conduct, and its Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression policy.
“I’d also like to better understand what steps the university will be taking to ensure students from dairy farming backgrounds, or whose parents are dairy industry CEOs, feel safe on your campus.”
A copy of the letter has been sent to Hon. Shane Reti, Minister for Universities.  

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Education – Whitireia and WelTec students interning at prestigious World of WearableArt Show

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Source: Whitireia and WelTec

Whitireia and WelTec hairdressing and makeup artistry ākonga (students) are set to play a hands-on role in one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most iconic events, the 2025 World of WearableArt (WOW) Show: RISE.
WOW has an internship programme designed to provide ākonga with tailored and diverse professional experience. For 2025, 12 level 4 makeup artistry and nine level 3 hairdressing ākonga from Whitireia and WelTec have been appointed for internships. These interns will work under the guidance of WOW’s Heads of Department in the lead-up to and during the world-renowned show.
During the internship, ākonga will join WOW’s backstage hair and makeup teams, creating performance-ready looks for dancers, models, aerialists and more. The fast-paced, large-scale production offers invaluable experience working to professional standards, collaborating with industry experts and contributing directly to a show seen by tens of thousands.
Ākonga are required to demonstrate a high level of commitment, motivation, professionalism and technical ability. For makeup, students submitted portfolio work; for hair, applicants completed a timed ‘WOW look’ to showcase both skill and speed.
Julie Vaughan, Programme Manager for Cosmetology at Whitireia and WelTec, says the internship reflects both the calibre of the students and the strength of the institution’s industry connections.
“WOW is one of the most significant creative events in Aotearoa New Zealand and is recognised internationally for its scale, artistry and innovation. For our ākonga to gain real-world experience backstage at such an event is extraordinary and will be a highlight of their training and career pathways.”
“Being part of WOW is an incredible chance to work alongside professionals at the very top of their field and to see how a world-class show comes together behind the scenes. I know the experience will push me to grow as an artist and give me confidence for my future career.”
Joining the students behind the scenes will be Whitireia and WelTec tutors Michelle (Shelly) McAuley and Amanda Kisona, who are both taking on key creative roles for the 2025 WOW Show. Shelly will take on the role of Hair Supervisor, directing the styling for all performers, while Amanda returns for her eighth year at WOW in the Makeup Artist team, bringing her expertise in makeup and special effects to the production. Together, they will work alongside WOW’s industry professionals and guide student interns as they help bring the performers’ looks to life.
Since its inception in 1987, World of WearableArt has grown into a globally celebrated event that combines art, fashion, performance, and spectacle. The 2025 World of WearableArt Show: RISE will run in Wellington from 18 September to 5 October, attracting some 60,000 people to experience the internationally acclaimed celebration of art, fashion, and performance.
For the students of Whitireia and WelTec, contributing behind the scenes to this internationally acclaimed event marks a unique step into the professional creative industries.
More information about studying Makeup Artistry and Hairdressing at Whitireia and WelTec
Gain hands-on experience and learn practical skills in skincare routines, maintenance, and both classic and trending makeup techniques. Learn to develop client consultation skills and product knowledge recommendations through an introduction to basic beauty services, as well as other key skills in communication, professionalism, and sales strategies.
Learn essential skills such as shampooing, applying treatments or colours under supervision, styling and reception duties. You’ll also be introduced to cutting. Develop experience working as a team member in our salon. Take the opportunity to work on productions and fashion events.

MIL OSI

Gaza Advocacy – Gemma New – don’t conduct in Tel Aviv! – PSNA

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Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)

 

Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa is calling on the NZ Symphony Orchestra conductor, Gemma New to cancel her engagement with the Israeli Philharmonic Orchestra next January.

 

PSNA Co-Chair John Minto says New should know that going to conduct the IPO can only be seen as endorsement of Israeli genocide in Gaza.

 

“The ISO plays concerts with Israeli soldiers in full uniform and puts them on YouTube.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLjucRUyd4Y

 

“These soldiers are in a military which is conducting mass starvation and ethnic cleansing in Gaza.  There is no scope for neutrality, or nonsense slogans like ‘keep politics out of art.”

 

Minto says PSNA has written to New, but has received no reply.

 

“We’ve supplied her with details on the Israeli atrocities, even though she would have to be living under a rock to claim she doesn’t know about them.”

 

“But we have to give her the benefit of the doubt at the moment that she is not aware of the plea from Palestinian civil society for a Boycott, Divest and Sanction campaign against collaboration with Israel in all its forms.”

 

“Some leading artists, such as Kneecap, Lowkey and Roger Waters, are not only boycotting Israel, but they are actively campaigning to have governments sanction Israel, as the only effective means to achieve peace and justice for the Palestinian people.”

 

“No amounts of pleading, setting red lines or even recognition of Palestine are going to stop the Israeli war machine,” Minto says.

 

“We’ve noticed that some New on-line schedules don’t feature her Tel Aviv and Haifa performances.  That might mean she has cancelled, or to be less charitable, she is trying to keep her engagements secret. However she is still listed to perform here 

 

“We’d love to hear from her, that she’s taken the principled action which Lorde took in 2017, and refused to play Tel Aviv.”

 

“If not, she, and by extension the NZ Symphony Orchestra, will always be forever tainted by supporting the worst atrocity of the 21st Century.”

 

John Minto

Co-Chair PSNA

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Time for urgent action on ACC culture problems – much needs to be fixed – PSA

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Source: PSA

The PSA is urging ACC to settle its current industrial dispute if it’s serious about fixing long standing culture problems at the organisation following the release of a damning internal report.
The report identifies serious problems with a lack of trust – workers don’t trust current complaint processes should they have concerns.
The PSA says it’s also alarming that, ‘ACC’s policies, systems and procedures relating to inappropriate conduct and behaviour are not fully in line with public service good practice.’
“This is not good enough. Now is the time for urgent action, not just an apology to staff and it should start with making a fair offer to staff to settle the dispute over the current collective negotiations,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“The review is a damning indictment of a long-standing failure of its senior leadership to hear the concerns of workers.
“It’s no surprise to the PSA and our members that ACC management is struggling to build a supportive culture that respects the needs of all workers and welcomes input from them.
“It should not have taken a review for ACC to treat staff with respect.
“The report only touches on a multitude of issues – now is the time for ACC to take its health and safety obligations seriously – that means working closely with staff and the PSA to ensure it builds a positive, safe and inclusive culture that encourages the voice of workers to be heard.
“Workers need to be empowered to do their best for a critical organisation that touches the lives of thousands of New Zealanders every day. We urge ACC CEO Megan Main to lead from the front to heal the wounds this report exposes.
“Members voted to strike in July because of a failure to bring a meaningful increase for poorly paid predominantly female workers to the table. Many staff are still not earning the living wage. This is all symptomatic of the deep-seated culture problems at ACC the report identifies.
“We hope in the light of this ACC takes a more constructive attitude to renewing the collective agreement and doing the right thing by staff.”
The PSA has sought facilitation over the dispute at the ERA and is awaiting ACC’s response.

MIL OSI

Zhejiang-based Global New Material International Expands Overseas: Hangzhou Becomes a New Starting Point for the China-German Industrial Synergies

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Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 September 2025 – Against the backdrop of West Lake, where the reflections of water meet the glow of technology, Global New Material International Holdings Limited (“Global New Material International”) officially completed the acquisition of the global Surface Solutions business (Susonity) from Merck KGaA and inaugurated its Asia-Pacific headquarters in Tonglu, Hangzhou.

This €665 million cross-border acquisition is not only the largest cross-border transaction in China’s pearlescent materials industry, but also a critical step for Zhejiang-based companies in deeply integrating into the global industrial chain and reshaping their influence in the global value ecosystem.

The ceremony, themed “As One We Rise, Together We Shine”, began with an AI-powered animated countdown. Virtual imagery merged seamlessly with the physical stage, as laser beams and captivating lighting intertwined to form an exciting global network — a vivid embodiment of Global New Material’s corporate philosophy: “Driven with Technology, Growing with the World.”

In the highly symbolic “map lighting” segment, distinguished guests jointly commenced the ceremony. Through a digital map display, the guests lit up China, Germany, and multiple core business hubs across the Asia-Pacific region. The light beams, connecting the markets one by one, brought to life a strategic blueprint of real-time global connectivity, industrial-financial synergy, and a vision of global synergies powered by technology.

Zhejiang is one of China’s most vibrant and international provinces. As a Zhejiang-based company, Global New Material International aims to integrate German technology, China’s market, and Asia-Pacific manufacturing efficiency, achieving true global operations through this acquisition. This epitomizes Zhejiang companies’ pursuit of synergetic development.

In his speech, Su Ertian, Chairman and CEO of Global New Material International, emphasized that the acquisition is not only a milestone in the company’s global strategy but also a turning point for China’s materials industry – moving from “technology followers” to “value co-creators.”

“We are integrating not just technology, capacity, and channels, but building an innovation ecosystem that transcends cultures and geographies,” he said.

Johannes Baillou, Chairman of the Merck family board, spoke highly of this China-German business collaboration.

From “going out” to “going deep”, Zhejiang entrepreneurs are actively navigating global industrial shifts. As a hub of the Yangtze River Delta’s open economy, Zhejiang companies have moved beyond the early stage of simply exporting products, entering a new phase of “systemic globalization” driven by capital, technology, and branding. This acquisition stands out to be the epitome of Zhejiang firms leveraging cross-border transactions to acquire critical technologies and expand market networks. It signals that Chinese companies are no longer just providers of capital, but leaders in technology integration and strategic upgrading.

At the “Global Development and Cross-Border Integration Forum” held in the afternoon, Chairman Su and several experts discussed the overhaul of the global materials industry value chain. The forum focused on topics such as co-creation of technology, compliance management, and cultural integration – sending a clear message of confidence: Chinese companies are evolving from a participant in globalization to setting global standards.

Notably, this acquisition follows Global New Material International’s purchase of South Korea’s CQV in 2023, marking another step in its external growth strategy. The company is building a global supply chain network with Europe as the technology hub and Asia-Pacific as the efficiency center, creating the “China-Europe dual engine with Asia-Pacific synergy”.

As the lights dimmed and the forum concluded, the event – which blended technology, industry, and culture – came to an end. However, Global New Material International’s global integration journey has only just begun. From the Qiantang River to the Rhine, from “exporting products” to “building global ecosystems”, Zhejiang entrepreneurs are proving through pragmatic and profound international practices that the global development of Chinese companies is not a one-way expansion, but a mutually beneficial journey of multi-cultural exchange and multi-market advancement.

The event was attended by hundreds of business and financial industry leaders from China and abroad.

Hashtag: #GlobalNewMaterialInternational

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

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

World Football Summit Makes Future-defining Debut in Hong Kong

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Source: Media Outreach

Football legends and leaders amazed by the city’s dim sum and stunning Victoria Harbour views on top of Hong Kong’s potential as a global sporting hub for industry advancement

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 September 2025 – Hong Kong, has established itself as Asia’s premier showcase for football, having held a series of high-profile events – from Manchester United Tour of Asia 2025 in May to the Hong Kong Football Festival 2025 in July, that welcomed four of the world’s top football clubs, Liverpool FC, AC Milan, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur, and most recently The Saudi Super Cup in August, where Cristiano Ronaldo swelled football fandom, not only in the city but across the region.

Football craze reached a fever pitch in town as the World Football Summit (WFS) made Hong Kong the destination for its Asia expansion. Bringing investors, innovators and passionate fans gathered at AsiaWorld-Expo on September 3-4, 2025, rubbing shoulders with iconic players such as former England and Manchester United captain Rio Ferdinand, former Chelsea and England captain John Terry and Croatia’s all-time top scorer Davor Šuker.

Mr Anthony Lau, Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB)’s Executive Director, said, “The World Football Summit is one of the world’s most influential football conventions. Being the host city, Hong Kong demonstrates its increasingly influential role on the global sports scene as an ideal host city for both sports events and MICE events for the sports industry. HKTB also extended its warm hospitality by thoughtfully arranging immersive tours of Hong Kong for the visiting football legends and Summit guests, enriching their business travel experience. We will continue to bring more large-scale international MICE events to Hong Kong, so as to attract more high-yield, overnight MICE visitors to the city.”
Hong Kong – Destination of choice for Global Expansion Applauded for Strategic Super-connector Advantages

At WFS, future-shaping insights from the industry’s senior executives and thought-leaders were shared, covering international expansion, Asia’s growing influence in the global game, youth development, grassroots pathways, digital transformation, investment, technology, AI, sustainability and community impact.
Football icons and global decision-makers of the sport also scored exceptional results in charting the business future of the sport, while fan engagement was kicked into high gear through an energy-filled football festival for all.
Jan Alessie, Co-Founder and Managing Director of WFS, hailed Hong Kong as the most strategic choice for the summit’s Asia expansion. “With our debut in Hong Kong, we’re not only bringing that same energy to Asia – we’re building a platform for long-term collaboration, investment, and innovation in the region’s game. We believe Hong Kong can become a bridge between East and West for football, driving growth and unlocking new opportunities for the game across the region.”

Hong Kong’s Dim Sum and Stunning Skyline Captured Football Legends’ Hearts

Beyond impactful discussions and high-level business networking, WFS VIPs and football legends – Rio Ferdinand, Former England & Manchester United captain, Fabio Capello Legendary Italian football manager, Marian Otamendi, CEO World Football Summit, and Jan Alessie, Co-Founder and Managing Director World Football Summit were treated to classic Hong Kong experiences, courtesy of the HKTB. They had a close encounter with Hong Kong’s iconic skyline by taking a ride on the city’s historic tram and an open-top bus, savoured traditional dim sum through a personalised hospitality experience.
Rio Ferdinand, returning to Hong Kong once again, shared that his previous visits to Hong Kong with the team were mostly for work and football matches, leaving few opportunities to explore the city or enjoy its cuisine, while, he can take in the city’s scenery this time and discover the treasures of the city, “I’ve never been to the Peak before so it’s good to see it, it’s been so amazing, it’s good.” He also praised Hong Kong’s cuisine, “The food is lovely in lunch time, we had roasted groose, which was a traditional dish, it’s really nice.” Ferdinand said he enjoys the hustle and bustle of the city and hopes to try more local snacks and street food.
“The Victoria Peak is a must for visitors coming to Hong Kong. This is really something that you don’t see anywhere else in the world. I heard about Hong Kong’s beautiful beaches and mountains and hope to explore it on a future visit; I’d like my family to come over because this is really something they have to see.” said Marian Otamendi.
Organised by WFS and ASIA PARTNERS IFBD Limited (IP owner of CR7® LIFE Museum and CR7® LIFE stores), with the support of The Football Association of Hong Kong, China (HKFA) and the active participation of FIFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), the event reinforces Hong Kong’s status as a world-class destination for major sports events.

“This event is a powerful declaration of Hong Kong’s global standing in sports, culture, and business,” added Filipe Gonçalves from ASIA PARTNERS IFBD Limited. “With the invaluable support of the Hong Kong Tourism Board and The Football Association of Hong Kong, China, we are not merely staging a conference; we are actively building a lasting legacy that harnesses the unique power of football to unite communities and unlock global opportunities right here in Asia.”

https://www.linkedin.com/company/meetings-exhibitions-hong-kong

Hashtag: #WFS #WorldFootballSummit #HongKong #HongKongTourismBoard

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

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