Silver medallist New Zealand’s Zoi Sadowski Synnott poses on the podium after the snowboard women’s big air final during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games.AFP/KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV
New Zealand snowboarder Zoi Sadowski-Synnott has joined an elite club of Olympians – those who will be bringing home broken medals.
After a rough start, Sadowski-Synnott earned her second consecutive silver medal in the Big Air event at the Winter Olympics in Italy, matching her result from four years ago.
“You set goals and you dream about it, and when it actually happens, you still can’t really believe it,” the 24-year-old told Morning Report.
“But yeah, I’m really grateful that I was able to put it down when it mattered and just thankful for all the support from back home and grateful to have my family out here too.”
There have been reports of medals from this year’s Games breaking easily – including from American downhill skiing champion Breezy Johnson, Swedish cross-country skier Ebba Andersson and United States figure skater Alysa Liu.
Asked if she had kept hers safe, Sadowski-Synnott admitted “not exactly”.
“Mine actually broke. But it’s chill. It whacked my snowboard and fell off the thing, but it goes right back in. It’s all good.”
It was suspected the fault stemmed from the medal’s clasp and ribbon, which are designed to split if pulled with force to prevent strangulation.
Organisers on Thursday (local time) said they had found a fix.
Sadowski-Synnott, who has won five Olympic medals in her career, was going to cherish her latest prize regardless.
“It’s pretty sick. It’s pretty special, so beautiful and can’t really believe that I’m holding another Olympic medal.”
She next competes in slopestyle, where she will be defending the gold she won in Beijing in 2022.
The number of security guards at Work and Income offices are being reduced throughout the country (file image).supplied
The Ministry of Social Development is planning to cut the number of security guards at Work and Income offices throughout the country.
Twenty jobs are set to go at 20 offices in regional towns next month – reducing the number of guards at these sites from three to two.
Security guards and unions are blaming cost-cutting and are alarmed at the safety risks the lay-offs pose, following the murders of two Ashburton Work and Income employees in 2014.
The Ministry of Social Development, which employs Allied Security as a contractor, told RNZ the changes aren’t driven by cost-cutting and follow safety upgrades and changes to office lay-out, including bringing outside guards inside.
E tū union said the offices affected are in Alexandra, Balclutha, Cambridge, Dannevirke, Feilding, Foxton, Gore, Greymouth, Marton, Matamata, Ngāruawāhia, Ōtaki, Queenstown, Stratford, Taihape, Te Kūiti, Wainuiomata, Waitara, Waiuku and Westport.
Russell John Tully in the Ashburton Work and Income office during his killing spree in 2014.Supplied
‘The risk is real at any office’ – security guard
Security guard Henare Eynon, who works in Marton, told RNZ he was worried for the safety of Work and Income staff, his colleagues and the public.
“Going from three guards to two guards is a significant change, it’s not just one person less, it’s a 50 percent increase for the remaining two, and the loss of a spare pair of eyes.”
In 2014, Russell John Tully walked into the Ashburton Work and Income offices armed with a shotgun and killed two staff members, Peggy Noble and Leigh Cleveland. Tully was sentenced to life in prison for murder.
Eynon said that could happen again.
“The risk is real at any office – it depends on the person that’s coming in, and what condition the person is in – there are a lot of mental health clients out there that will go off their rockers at times.”
He said while many clients are respectful, he’s dealt with dangerous situations over the past several years as a guard in the lower North Island – including a client threatening to drive into a Work and Income office, and another attempting to come inside with a knife.
One man threatened violence when he was asked to sign in at the front desk, Eynon said, but he talked him out of it.
“He says I’m coming over there to punch you in the f***ing head, and I said come on then, you’re welcome to try, but you’re going to end up in jail if you do that, and I said it calmly.”
Eynon said he’s not taking aim at his employer Allied Security or the Ministry of Social Development staff – but believes the government is behind a decision to cut costs.
Another security guard from the lower North Island, who RNZ has agreed not to name, said even small offices could deal with “nasty” experiences on a monthly basis.
“The vulnerability of the staff is a big concern to me, because once trouble happens, especially in small sites, it’s hard to get away from.”
He disagreed with a recent change to bring guards standing outside inside the offices.
“We have no ability to check people’s intoxication, mental health, level of aggression before they enter the building, and once they’re in, they’re in, and it’s far more difficult to get somebody out of an office, rather than just stop them at the door.”
E tū national secretary Rachel Mackintosh said the government and Allied Security should immediately stop the changes.
She said the Ashburton shooting drove MSD to employ extra security guards, and ensure three were stationed at each office.
“It’s as if everyone involved has forgotten about the tragic events that occurred in Ashburton, or they are willing to risk it happening again to save a few bucks?
“What we don’t know is any rationale for reducing the number of guards – we haven’t seen that – we don’t know whether the employer Allied Security has been provided that information from MSD, but certainly we haven’t seen it.”
Public Service Association national secretary Fleur Fitzsimmons said she had requested a full risk assessment from MSD over the changes, but that consultation with MSD workers at offices had so far not happened.
“There is widespread anxiety amongst staff over these changes.
“People come to these MSD offices in times in their lives which are distressing, and too often they take their frustrations out on staff. The security guards are an absolutely critical safety initiative for staff and members of the public,” Fitzsimmons said.
Ashburton’s Work and Income office following the shooting.RNZ / Alexander Robertson
‘Confident’ we’ve responded to Ashburton – MSD
The killings in Ashburton prompted MSD to launch an internal review, and employ an extra 100 security guards at Work and Income centres.
Worksafe brought charges against MSD and in 2016, Judge Jan-Marie Doogue found the ministry had failed to ensure there was no physically unrestricted access to the staff working area.
Ministry of Social Development deputy chief executive for organisational and risk assurance, Melissa Gill, told RNZ MSD had invested $80 million over the last 10 years in a major upgrade to all its sites, including implementing lockdown zones and upgrading security equipment.
She said MSD took the safety of all staff and clients at offices seriously.
“I’m confident that we have responded to the events in Ashburton, we’ve had a concerted programme of work over the past 10 years, we’ve created safer and more secure spaces in our sites, we ensure our staff are well-trained and supported to respond to incidents should they occur.”
Ministry of Social Development’s Melissa Gill.RNZ
She said reducing guard numbers was not due to cost-cutting, but part of a review of security settings including a decision to move guards standing outside, inside.
Gill said MSD’s data had shown a drop in serious incidents being reported, and there would still be between two and five security guards across all 121 Work and Income offices.
She said the agency had done a risk assessment at every office, had “planned and tested” the specific changes over a number of years, and kept the PSA informed.
Gill said bringing the security guards inside was safer for them, and guards could watch for a client’s behaviour from inside offices.
“The guards receive training from Allied on how to observe people’s action as they are approaching an environment, so they are able to monitor that as the person is approaching the site.”
She said if a serious incident occurred, guards and staff were trained to go into lockdowns, and worked closely with the police.
Gill did not rule out further cuts to guards at other sites.
“It would be fair to say this is an ongoing programme of work but I can’t comment on that at the moment because we are still working through the process with our sites and with the PSA.”
Allied Security general manager of operations Chris McDowall said MSD advised the company of a change of operating model for selected sites within the wider contract.
He said Allied supported the changes following a trial in 2025.
“We expect minimal role losses as part of this process and remain focused on the wellbeing of our staff and all those affected by any change process.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
Labour this week said it was a stunt from day one, and that it came up with was ideas previously dismissed as ineffective or unsafe.
Police spokesperson Ginny Andersen said the group recycled the bad plans, instead of listening to retailers, victims, and police, and that its wind-down is embarassing for the government.
But Goldsmith said retail crime was a real problem, and suggestions the group put forward had been enacted in legislation to make a real difference.
MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 February 2026 – Capella at Galaxy Macau has officially opened, marking the arrival of the serene enclave within the celebrated world of Galaxy Macau. This exceptional property represents a rarefied expression of hospitality within Galaxy Macau, Asia’s highly awarded luxury resort.
Mr Francis Lui, Chairman (centre); Mr Kevin Kelley, Chief Operating Officer – Macau (2nd from right); and Mr Troy Hickox, Head of Hotels & Lifestyle Development (1st from right), of Galaxy Entertainment Group and Mr Samuel Ding, Senior Vice President of Design and Technical Services (2nd from left); Ms Mei Ping, Head of China and Chairman Assistant (1st from left), of Capella Hotel Group officiate at the Opening Ceremony of Capella at Galaxy Macau.
Capella at Galaxy Macau represents the pinnacle of the luxury resort’s experiential offering. Designed for the most discerning of premium guests, the property occupies a privileged position within Galaxy Macau’s constellation of lauded luxury hotels. An ultra-residential retreat designed for the most discerning traveller; it offers privacy, expansive space, and superlative service.
The golden hued architectural landmark comprises just 95 suites and penthouses, while maintaining an exceptionally low key-count and a welcoming sense of intimacy and seclusion.
The opening of Capella at Galaxy Macau further strengthens Galaxy Macau’s status as the region’s premier experiential destination, offering guests a highly curated way to experience the dynamism of the luxury resort, and all that UNESCO World Heritage–recognised Macau has to offer.
Mr Kevin Kelley, Chief Operating Officer – Macau of Galaxy Entertainment Group delivers his welcome remarks at the Opening Ceremony of Capella at Galaxy Macau.
Kevin Kelley, Chief Operating Officer – Macau of Galaxy Entertainment Group, states: “Galaxy Macau was created as a destination where the world’s finest hospitality and ultra-luxury experiences come together. We are delighted to reveal Capella at Galaxy Macau to our treasured guests from around the world; which showcases a new expression of our signature and ever-evolving ‘World Class Asian Heart’ service – that is not just personalised but anticipated; promising that true exclusivity is no longer about spectacle – but about scarcity.”
Clive Edwards, Senior Vice President, Operations, of Capella Hotel Group adds: “This strategic partnership positions Capella at Galaxy Macau as a distinctive expression of our brand vision: an intimate, residential retreat within an integrated resort context. Our guests enjoy seamless access to Galaxy’s world-class amenities while experiencing the culturally immersive hospitality that defines Capella—from our Capella Culturists to curated experiences celebrating Macau’s rich heritage.”
Mr Samuel Ding, Senior Vice President of Design and Technical Services, Capella Hotel Group, delivers a speech at the Opening Ceremony of Capella at Galaxy Macau.
A contemporary retreat where The Gilded Jungle meets the runway
Conceived with renowned Paris-based design studio Moinard Bétaille, Capella at Galaxy Macau introduces a distinct design sensibility to the city, influenced by the jungle-inspired motifs found throughout the world of fashion, defined by craftsmanship, sophistication, and vintage luxury accents.
Imagined as a gilded jungle, the undulating exteriors draw from the formations of Macau’s tropical landscape while offering a sleek, residential interpretation of ultra-luxury. Rather than enclosed opulence, the architecture and interiors emphasise soft curves and undulating fluid forms, mirroring meandering waterways, light, airflow, the organic forms of the rainforest canopy – all brought to life with tactile materiality; creating a deeply immersive and energetically aligned experience.
Interior design studio Moinard Bétaille was tasked with creating a ‘residential sanctuary in Macau.’ From the forest-like canopy at the Ground Floor Lobby arrival and the Tree of Life, to the multi-sensory digital artwork by Laura Cheung – whose hand-finished jungle inspired walls grace every suite, Bruno Moinard has composed an environment of serenity, luxury and quiet confidence. For Capella at Galaxy Macau – a collaboration with Bruno Moinard’s creative partner, Claire Bétaille – the design duo have built on their collective commitment to bespoke luxury; creating a signature new language that builds upon culture, community, tradition, and heritage craftsmanship in a way that is both distinctive and unique. Moinard states: “Our vision was to create a sense of calm, crafted elegance, a residential sanctuary that feels both intimate and timeless, set within the extraordinary environs of Galaxy Macau.”
Gentle curves, softened edges, and dappled light that mimics sunlight filtering through a rainforest canopy guides guests from the moment they enter the driveway.
Gentle curves, softened edges, and dappled light that mimics sunlight filtering through a rainforest canopy guides guests from the moment they enter the driveway, a protected space that transitions from the pulsing energy of Macau, surrounded by lush foliage that fosters a sense of calm and privacy. In an ecosystem of light, art and nature, as one steps into the Lobby, a chamber of light and running water frame the Tree of Life – the beating heart of the Lobby that pulsates in coloured light. Round pools, lush foliage, and a mustering of carved wooden storks alight, finding their place in front of the spellbinding three-metre immersive multi-sensory LED artwork by Hong Kong artist Laura Cheung, founder of artisanal luxury homeware brand LaLa Curio. Evoking the natural rhythm of a tropical jungle, the sculptural natural forms, rocks and fire pits enable the kinetic artwork to subtly transform from dawn to dusk; connecting the interior to the passage of time outside. This digital grove “breathes” with the time of day; featuring a cacophony of ambient sounds that culminate in a nightly bloom of glowing fireflies and shooting stars. A custom-handmade tumbled glass sculpture by Czech glass masters Lasvit – ‘Splash’ – cascades over the illuminated water pools.
The arrival experience unfolds on the first floor, where guests discover the gilded Lobby layered with specially commissioned artworks. Highlights include contemporary abstract gouache and oil artworks by Bruno Moinard, alongside ceramic scholar’s rocks on Amazonite marble plinths by American ceramic artist Jason Messinger, that blend the softly-hued neutral interiors with statement pieces.
Guests are welcomed by their Capella Culturist in the Capella Living Room, a brand signature reimagined here as a cocooning social salon, before being escorted to their private residences for in-suite check-in by their personal butler. “Jungle Blue” – a Bruno Moinard abstract oil painting anchors the space in Moinard’s signature Macau Blue, a nuanced hue that echoes his interior inspiration, where water meets the jungle. Here, the Capella Culturists host daily rituals such as tea ceremonies, baijiu tastings, and cultural introductions.
The ultimate exemplar of penthouse living
Capella at Galaxy Macau delivers a rare combination of grandeur, serenity and exclusivity.
Capella at Galaxy Macau delivers a rare combination of grandeur, serenity and exclusivity. Offering the largest rooms in Southern China, the Capella Penthouses are among the most remarkable accommodations ever introduced in the territory. Two- and four-bedroom penthouses offer expansive indoor-outdoor living, with sliding glass doors opening onto breezy, light-filled terraces, sun rooms and glass-walled outdoor private infinity pools overlooking futuristic Hengqin island – where visionary engineering meets architectural finesse – achievements previously unseen in the region. Artisanship is apparent in the details, such as the penthouse entrance doors featuring bespoke woven horsehair panelling lining, offering superior acoustic protection and a refined, luxurious patina. Four-bedroom penthouses, spanning close to 700 square metres, include a private Winter Garden with its diamond-stitched leather upholstery inspired by vintage automotive seats; wellness room with state-of-the-art massage chair and TechnoGym personal training equipment, games room with foosball table, and butler pantry. A den-like, soundproofed media and entertainment room houses a state-of-the-art home theatre and karaoke system, while airy, spa-like marble bathrooms feature generous soaking tubs and ultra-spacious his and hers showers. Two-bedroom penthouses include many of the same bespoke amenities, along with a dedicated VIK (Very Important Kids) room for family travellers.
The Capella Penthouses are among the most remarkable accommodations ever introduced in the territory, each equipped with private swimming pool for the utmost sense of leisure.
One- and two-bedroom suites begin at 128 square metres and feature indoor relaxation pools, sunbeds, Amazonite marble bathrooms with mosaic floors, and polished finishes. Bedrooms are accentuated with jungle-inspired, hand-finished wall coverings by LaLa Curio, extending into canopy-like ceilings.
A heightened and singular service philosophy
Capella at Galaxy Macau brings together a union of award-winning hospitality for exceptional personalization. With Capella Hotels and Resorts voted the “No.1 Hotel Brand in the World” in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards for the third consecutive year, Capella’s globally recognised service philosophy finds a new home in the most accentuated expression of Galaxy Macau’s signature and ever-evolving World Class Asian Heart service.
Every guest enjoys 24-hour butler service, packing and unpacking of luggage, a complimentary minibar, premium Chinese tea sets, Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica Santa Maria Novella bath amenities, locally-sourced pre-batched cocktails and a Bugatti kettle and Illy IperEspresso Professional Machine for the ultimate precision-brewed coffee experience. Dedicated Capella butlers – unique to this hotel – and Capella Culturists work seamlessly together to intuitively shape each stay around individual preferences; promising that true exclusivity is no longer about spectacle – but about rarity and experience.
Culturists curate bespoke experiences connecting guests to Macau’s heritage and contemporary culture, from art tours and baijiu tastings to culinary masterclasses with Stephen Hsu, the executive chef of Capella at Galaxy Macau’s signature restaurant Botanica, or private helicopter and walking tours arranged with insider access.
A dining destination for connoisseurs
As part of Galaxy Macau’s reputation as one of Asia’s most celebrated gastronomic destinations, Capella at Galaxy Macau introduces three highly anticipated dining and bar concepts.
Pony & Plume, a whisky and cocktail bar and divan designed by Moinard Bẽtaille, reveals a haven of hidden delights and secret spaces, waiting to be revealed. Set to become a vibrant Macau destination hotspot in its own right, the bar’s name is its creed: the “pony” – a precise measure of spirit – represents intention in every pour, while the “plume” is the bar’s calling card, introduced as an aromatic cloud of smoke that infuses its signature cocktails, bar snacks and the divan experience. Home to more than 650 whiskies curated across eight flavour profiles, the venue celebrates precision, ritual, and the aroma, from rare and limited-edition bottles to guided tastings and signature smoke-infused cocktails inspired by Macau’s cultural eclecticism and morsels designed to appeal to connoisseurs and the curious alike. Featuring a cabinet of the world’s rarest unicorn whiskies, even the private reserve of whisky casks of provenance might be sighted by those in-the-know.
Botanica, a 48-seat restaurant led by Executive Chef Stephen Hsu, serves international comfort classics reimagined with Asian influences for the global palate. Light floods the tropical interiors by Moinard Bétaille, where indoor water reflections feature beneath imaginary jungle vines and a cluster of soft, pillow-like fungi stretch across the high ceilings. Ornamental glass screens and trellises add to an ambient space punctuated by climbing botanicals and sculptural works by Mexican artist Joel Escalona, creating a casual yet refined atmosphere.
Further elevating Galaxy Macau’s culinary stature, acclaimed Hong Kong chef Vicky Cheng will open an independent fine-dining restaurant within Capella at Galaxy Macau in 2026. The Michelin-starred chef and Krug Ambassador, whose Wing restaurant is ranked number three on the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 list, is set to present modern French cuisine shaped by his distinctive and adventurous culinary vision.
Francis Lui, Chairman of Galaxy Entertainment Group, concludes: “Capella at Galaxy Macau’s architecture, service, gastronomy, and residential privacy create a singular experience for our top percentile of VIP guests, one that sets a new reference point for hospitality in Macau and globally. Our design and operations teams have worked tirelessly to bring the vision for Capella at Galaxy Macau to life in close partnership with Capella Hotel Group. Together, we have crafted the most intimate, elevated, and personalised way to experience our global entertainment and leisure resort offering; creating a true sanctuary, where every stay unfolds as a bespoke retreat, shaped by design, culture, and service at the highest level.”
Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 February 2026 – VinFast and Exposure SARL announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the potential supply of electric vehicles for green taxi services in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The agreement marks an important milestone in the Vietnamese EV maker’s international expansion strategy and a major step forward in promoting the transition to green transportation in the capital of the DRC.
Ms. Le Thi Thu Thuy – Vice Chairwoman of Vingroup and Chairwoman of VinFast, and Mr. Fely Samuna Lukwaka – CEO of Exposure SARL, together with representatives of both parties at the signing ceremony.
Under the MOU, the two parties will discuss and coordinate to develop a plan to supply the first batch of VinFast electric vehicles for Exposure to operate electric taxi services in Kinshasa. This batch is expected to include the commercial-oriented Limo Green and Herio Green models, regarded as an initial foundation for an all-electric taxi model, contributing to the formation of zero-emission transport habits in urban passenger transportation in Congo.
At the same time, Exposure has expressed its intention to become a distributor of VinFast vehicles in the Congolese market and will jointly study a business plan suited to local conditions. Both parties commit to continued cooperation in good faith, laying the groundwork for deeper collaboration in the future.
The MOU between VinFast and Exposure SARL initiates the implementation of the strategic cooperation framework established by Vingroup and the City of Kinshasa in 2025. At that time, the parties agreed to study and promote the procurement and deployment of VinFast’s electric mobility solutions, including electric buses, cars, and scooters, to serve the city’s and residents’ transportation needs.
Earlier, the Kinshasa municipal authorities and Vingroup also signed an MOU to study and develop a riverside mega urban project covering approximately 6,300 hectares. Featuring housing, villas, hospitals, schools, shopping centers, hotels, and entertainment facilities, the project is expected to become a new tourism destination and a symbol of Kinshasa’s future development.
The partnerships align with the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s long-term vision for sustainable urban development and green transition, particularly in rapidly urbanizing cities such as Kinshasa, where demand for clean, smart and efficient mobility is rising. Building on the country’s renewable energy potential and commitment to low-emission growth, the initiative supports Kinshasa’s ambition to develop an integrated green infrastructure and electric mobility ecosystem.
Ms. Duong Thi Thu Trang, Deputy CEO of Global Sales, VinFast, stated: “The cooperation with Exposure SARL reflects VinFast’s confidence in the potential for green transportation in Africa and reaffirms our commitment to delivering modern, accessible green mobility solutions tailored to each market. We believe that VinFast’s electric vehicle products, proven across multiple markets, combined with Exposure’s local expertise, will help accelerate the transition to green transportation in Congo.”
Mr. Fely Samuna Lukwaka, Chief Executive Officer of Exposure SARL, said: “We are very pleased to cooperate with VinFast toward a low emission mobility future for the Democratic Republic of the Congo in general and the capital Kinshasa in particular. With a population of more than 120 million and a strategic location bordering nine countries, forming a regional market of over 200 million people, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has strong potential to become a gateway for electric vehicle development in Central Africa. We have full confidence in VinFast’s technological capabilities and product ecosystem, and we expect this cooperation to establish a foundation for the next stages of development of the electric vehicle market not only in the DRC but across the wider region.”
VinFast is a pure-play electric vehicle automaker under Vingroup, Vietnam’s largest private conglomerate, with a vision to drive the movement of the global smart electric vehicle revolution. Over the past years, the EV maker has expanded strongly into new and promising markets such as India, the Philippines, Indonesia, and the Middle East, while continuing to strengthen its presence in key markets in Europe and North America. Strategic moves in 2025 are expected to provide strong momentum and a solid launchpad for further breakthroughs in 2026.
Hashtag: #VinFast
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Hanoi, Vietnam – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 February 2026 – With a high-quality team and the ambition to bring humanoid robots into everyday life, VinDynamics has officially introduced two key leaders, President La Manh Hung and Chief Technology Officer Nguyen Quang Vinh. Their partnership unites world-class research expertise and the ability to turn research into market-ready products, positioning the company for rapid progress in the near term.
In robotics, harmonizing cutting-edge research with real-world application remains a central challenge. VinDynamics addresses this by pairing Professor La Manh Hung, who shapes the vision through a rigorous scientific research foundation, with Nguyen Quang Vinh, who focuses on converting concepts into reliable systems used in real-world environments. Their shared objective is Robots for Everyone, where robots serve as practical assistants that make daily life easier, safer, and more efficient.
La Manh Hung, the chief architect bringing global expertise back to Vietnam
At the helm of VinDynamics is Mr. La Manh Hung, a robotics professor and Director of the Advanced Robotics and Automation Laboratory at the University of Nevada, Reno in the United States. He is a recipient of the NSF CAREER Award and has received the Charles Pankow Award from the American Society of Civil Engineers twice. He also founded AIR Corp, a robotics startup backed by several major US-based investment funds.
With more than 20 years of experience, over 170 scientific publications, more than 9,000 citations, and research funding exceeding 12 million US dollars, Professor Hung serves as “chief architect” of VinDynamics long-term vision. He leads efforts to connect global research ecosystem and to establish advanced robotics standards for the company in Vietnam.
Explaining his decision to lead VinDynamics, President La Manh Hung said the move reflects both a technology opportunity and a commitment to contribute to his home country. “VinDynamics focuses on developing intelligent, safe, and versatile humanoid robots. We want robots not to remain distant technological achievements, but to become a natural, practical part of life that helps people live happier lives,” he emphasized.
CTO Nguyen Quang Vinh: Bringing robots from the lab to the real world
If Mr. La Manh Hung represents research depth, Chief Technology Officer Nguyen Quang Vinh represents execution-focused engineering.
After graduating as valedictorian of the Talented Engineer Program in Automatic Control at Hanoi University of Science and Technology, he completed five years of doctoral research on human locomotion and spent six years in the US-based robotics startup sector.
Before joining VinDynamics, he served as Head of Control and Behavior at Ghost Robotics, one of the world-leading developers of quadruped robots. He played a key role in designing control and behavior systems that enable robots to operate reliably in demanding real-world settings across security, industrial, and service applications.
At VinDynamics, Mr. Nguyen Quang Vinh focuses on system-architecture standardization, safety optimization, and scalable production. His thinking is very clear: “Robots only have real value when they operate reliably, safely, and deliver measurable results in everyday life.”
Under this leadership team and a highly-qualified group of international engineers and specialists, VinDynamics has already achieved notable milestones. Its first humanoid prototype, Dyno, reached stable walking capability after just four months of development, an accelerated timeline by global startup standards.
With a strong leadership foundation and a clearly-defined strategy, VinDynamics is positioned to advance Make-in-Vietnam humanoid robots into practical deployment, serving both domestic needs and international markets.
Hashtag: #VinDynamics
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 February 2026 – MSIG Singapore has been named Digital Insurer of the Year at The Asset Triple A Digital Finance Awards 2026.
The Asset Triple A Digital Finance Awards stand as a prestigious benchmark in the industry, celebrating trailblazing innovation and outstanding digital experiences that redefine customer engagement.
Over the past year, MSIG Singapore has delivered strong financial results that has seen a double-digit increase in retail customers and policy count from online channels.
The company has also strengthened its digital proposition by broadening its suite of personal lines products, designing solutions guided by deep customer insights and data‑driven analytics. Strategic partnerships and tie-ups have also further boosted insurance accessibility and value proposition to its customers.
Through the adoption of Generative AI and RPA-driven straight-through processing, the company has elevated both service quality and operational excellence. These advancements have delivered substantial productivity gains, saving over 31,000 hours annually and have enabled twenty percent of travel claims to be automatically approved and paid within 48 hours.
Commenting on the award, Steven Leong, Head of Retail Distribution, MSIG Singapore, said “This recognition is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our people, and we are grateful to our business partners whose support has enabled us to scale new heights once again. This award not only celebrates how far we have come but also strengthens our ambition to advance MSIG’s leadership as a digital‑first insurer in Singapore.”
Hashtag: #MSIGSingapore
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
SINGAPORE / KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA / HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 February 2026 – Coca‑Cola® is celebrating Lunar New Year and Tết 2026 by refreshing time-honoured traditions through the creativity of a new generation, inviting families across Vietnam, Singapore, and Malaysia to preserve what they love about the festival while shaping it in ways that feel personal and relevant today.
This year’s Lunar New Year/ Tết campaign focuses on re-engaging Gen Z as the new torchbearers of tradition, encouraging them to carry the New Year celebration forward by honouring its meaning while expressing it in their own creative ways — side by side with parents, grandparents, and extended family.
The campaign was built from ground up with local teams, allowing each country to lead with its own cultural stories, symbols, and rituals while being quietly connected by a shared idea of co-creation and togetherness.
“Our ambition with Lunar New Year/Têt was to help keep our beautiful traditions alive by inviting younger generations to take part in shaping them,” says Tin Le Trung, Coca-Cola Trademark Category Lead in ASEAN & South Pacific. “Across our markets, we worked closely with local teams to reimagine familiar rituals, not replace them but to refresh them. Whether it’s re-interpreting Tết symbols in Vietnam or bridging generations together through music in Singapore and Malaysia, the goal was to create celebrations that feel meaningful, joyful, and shared.”
A Shared Festive Look, Brought to Life Through Local Craft
At the heart of the campaign is a festive visual identity inspired by Asian craftsmanship, created in partnership with global brand and design consultancy Elmwood. Seen on cans, packaging, retail displays, and digital touchpoints, the system unifies the shared festive foundation, while giving each market the freedom to express its own cultural character.
Across markets, the idea of bringing generations together, like threads woven into a single celebration, shapes how the campaign comes to life. From storytelling and social content to live experiences and festive packaging, each activation invites people not just to enjoy Lunar New Year, but to take part in creating it together.
Celebration in Every Detail: Fireworks – universal symbols of joy and new beginnings – are reimagined through the lens of Asian craftsmanship. The design incorporates textural details developed with cultural inspiration from Asia’s intricate embroidery, Vietnamese brocade, and Peranakan beadwork, creating a modern, inclusive style that reflects regional diversity and artistry.
Standout Shelf Presence: Anchored by the auspicious Golden Swallows in flight alongside peach/apricot blossoms and lucky red money envelopes to symbolize and encourage family connection (in Vietnam), and limited-edition can designs featuring bold, spirit horses charging alongside flowers, ingots, oriental fans, and bamboo – each a symbol of fortune, longevity, and success (in Singapore Malaysia) – the designs make every Coca-Cola pack a collectible festive keepsake and a meaningful gift for family and loved ones.
“Our ambition was to create an identity that feels universally festive yet deeply local. For example, brocade isn’t just textile, it’s storytelling that celebrates and unites the 54 diverse ethnic groups in Vietnam,” said Lisa Balm, Executive Creative Director, Elmwood Asia. “The embroidery and weaving technique evoke intricate detail and richness, creating a culturally layered aesthetic that feels both intimate and celebratory. By focusing on shared symbols and reimagining them through the artistry and cultural depth of Asian craftsmanship, we created a single visual language that successfully translates across Tet and Lunar New Year.”
Locally focused Creative Platforms in Action
Vietnam: ‘Weaving a New Tet’
In Vietnam’s fast emerging, tech savvy market, the campaign theme “Dệt Nên Tết Mới” (“Weave a New Tet”) encourages Gen Z to create new traditions with their families. At the heart of the campaign lies a short film ‘Stitched Together’ which tells a story of a traditional family reunion, brought to life by innovative AI technology. The film is centred on the Vietnamese brocade art form, with every character, object & gesture in the film. The campaign is further amplified with a mini three-episode social film series where each episode heroes a Tet cultural item reimagined through modern visual storytelling, encouraging families to see familiar traditions into a new light.
For Gen Z, TET meals often feel predictable. The Coke Half-Half Tablecloth transforms the dining table into a festive centerpiece, visually dividing the table into two halves: one for honoring beloved Tet classics and the other for showcasing modern global flavors Gen Z craves. To inspire creativity, Coca‑Cola released a curated collection of Half-Half table ideas, blending traditional dishes with bold twists like sushi rolls, tacos, and fusion sliders.
Coke Drinkable Pháo, inspired by the crackle of firecrackers, adds a playful layer of interaction. The episode features a Vietnamese family coming together to thread strings through iconic Coca-Cola cans, tying them together to create a vibrant, eye-catching red firecracker display that is both modern and traditional. The “click” of a can opening not only signals the start of a refreshing sip but also heralds the grand beginning of the Tet celebration. Everyone lends a hand, chatting as they work – this is when the whole family “weaves” a new New Year by drawing closer together, transforming the often tedious task of cleaning into a bonding moment filled with laughter.
Coke Red Envelope: For Gen Z, the age-old Lì Xì tradition often feels like a draining ritual. The reimagined “Lì Xì from the heart” reimagines the traditional red envelope, turning it from a simple, functional gift into something deeply meaningful. Beyond lucky banknotes, each envelope holds priceless treasures from the giver’s heart: an old family photo with the promise ‘Let me take care of the family matters,’ a handwritten note telling his sister to ‘always smile brightly,’ and even a jogging date for his younger brother—each one celebrating connection, creativity and care.
Singapore & Malaysia: A Cross‑Border LNY Anthem
In Singapore and Malaysia, where festive music powers connection across generations, the theme “Grab a Coke & Huat Together this New Yearl” centers on an original Lunar New Year Anthem, 可口可樂，共創好年” that anchors a wider social-first and on-ground celebration, encouraging participation across generations both online and offline.
Music for All Generations: The song blends festive orchestration with contemporary Pop and Rap, performed by 3P (Malaysia) and Mayiduo (Singapore), and was developed hand‑in‑hand with local teams to reflect cross‑border festive traditions. From decorating homes with modernised calligraphy scrolls to gifting blind boxes in place of traditional angpaos, the music video showcases generations for all ages coming together, bridged through meaningful experiences led by Gen Z.
Immersive On Ground Experiences: In the bustling hearts of Singapore and Malaysia, vibrant experiential activations come to life, inviting families to enjoy and immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of uplifting activities such as calligraphy, fortune telling, and creating their own version of the Lunar New Year anthem.
From Social to Store
Designed as a fully integrated campaign, the Coca-Cola Lunar New Year / Tet 2026 celebrations unfold across social storytelling, live experiences, festive packaging, and in-store moments. From shareable films and music-led participation to large-scale festive activations and easy access at retail, the campaign connects celebrations with everyday moments – making it simple for families to take part whether at home, online, or in-store.
Partnerships with Grab, e-commerce platforms, supermarkets, and convenience stores ensure that festive moments flow naturally from celebration to purchase, supporting both traditional trade and modern retail.
By placing local culture and human creativity at the centre, and by inviting Gen Z to play an active role in preserving Lunar New Year traditions, Coca-Cola shows how brands can help keep cultural celebrations meaningful – not by standing apart from tradition but by celebrating it together with the people who will carry it forward.
For more information, visit www.cocacola.com or follow Coca-Cola on Facebook and Instagram.
Hashtag: #Cocacola
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
From Routine Check-ups to Advanced Endoscopy: Building a “Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery” Lifeline for Every Stage of a Pet’s Life
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 February 2026 – As a leading animal medical institution in Hong Kong, the Veterinary Emergency Centre (VEC) has always been committed to providing the most comprehensive and reliable health protection for pets. To further enhance its “General Family Vet” care experience, VEC is pleased to announce the official appointment of Dr. Martin, a professional general practitioner. Dr. Martin will lead a wide range of outpatient services, covering everything from routine physical examinations, dental care, and geriatric/pediatric care to advanced endoscopic procedures. This appointment reinforces VEC’s one-stop health commitment of “from prevention to recovery,” serving as a trusted medical backbone for pet owners.
VEC is dedicated to integrating its professional 24-hour emergency mechanism with in-depth general care. Equipped with advanced medical systems—including sophisticated operating theaters, Intensive Care Units (ICU), and CT scanners—VEC ensures precision in every step from routine screenings to deep diagnostics. Through a rigorous triage process, the centre can immediately respond to emergencies such as accidental ingestion of foreign objects, ensuring no delay in life-saving treatment. This round-the-clock intensive care capability provides the most stable support for endoscopy, dental care, and soft tissue surgery, achieving seamless protection from preventive medicine to the recovery phase.
Starting from Prevention: Building a Health Defense Line for the Entire Life Cycle
VEC’s professional dental care services for cats and dogs aim to maintain healthy teeth and gums, ensuring pets live longer and healthier lives. Many pet owners may be unaware that dental disease is one of the most common health issues in pets; up to 80% of dogs and cats begin to suffer from dental problems around the age of three. Dental disease not only causes discomfort but can also allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body, leading to more serious conditions such as kidney, heart, and metabolic diseases.
Regular dental care helps prevent various health issues and reduces the risk of pain or gum infections. Early detection of dental problems significantly improves a pet’s quality of life. With extensive clinical experience, Dr. Martin excels at handling the diverse care needs of pets from puppy/kittenhood to their senior years. He firmly believes that excellent medical care should not stop at “treatment” but must begin with “prevention.”
“The role of a general family vet is to accompany pets through every stage of their lives,” says Dr. Martin. “Through regular physical exams, oral care, and ultrasound monitoring, we can detect potential health risks early and intervene before a disease develops. This not only alleviates the pet’s suffering but also significantly enhances their quality of life.” Dr. Martin also reminds pet owners: “Prevention is better than cure. Owners should pay attention to subtle but persistent changes in daily life, such as appetite, water intake, weight, and behavior patterns. These are often the most overlooked aspects of a health check-up.”
Case Study: Advanced Endoscopy Saves Pet from Major Surgery
Dr. Martin holds a keen interest in endoscopy and soft tissue surgery, utilizing advanced equipment for precise diagnosis. He recently handled a memorable emergency case involving Taro, a mischievous Jack Russell Terrier. While his owner was playing a board game, Taro curiously swallowed a die, leading to immediate vomiting and loss of appetite.
Facing this critical situation, Dr. Martin leveraged his clinical experience to perform an endoscopic procedure during the “golden window” of time. This allowed him to successfully retrieve the foreign object from Taro without the need for invasive surgery, avoiding the trauma and risks associated with traditional laparotomy. Taro recovered rapidly after the procedure and was able to return home the same day.
Dr. Martin’s diagnostic and treatment philosophy aligns perfectly with VEC’s core values. Supported by VEC’s robust 24-hour emergency infrastructure and high-end equipment, Dr. Martin provides immediate, high-level endoscopic treatment for sudden cases like Taro’s, saving critical time and reducing the risks associated with hospital transfers.
Seamless Trilingual Communication: Caring for the Vet-Patient Relationship with a “Family-First” Heart
Beyond his medical expertise, Dr. Martin’s linguistic advantages provide transparency and psychological support for pet owners. Graduating from the University of Edinburgh in 2018, Dr. Martin is fluent in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin. Not only can he manage various soft tissue surgeries and endoscopic treatments, but his “internal and external” versatility allows him to communicate accurately and warmly with pet owners from diverse backgrounds, helping them choose the most suitable treatment plans.
He practices medicine under the philosophy of “Caring for pets and owners with a family-first heart.” Dr. Martin believes that effective communication can alleviate the anxiety owners feel when their pets are ill, building a deep bond of trust. “I hope every owner who enters the consultation room can feel the sincerity of ‘treating pets as our own,’” he adds. “When we treat patients as family, the diagnosis becomes deeper and the treatment warmer.” This human-centric communication model helps address not only the pet’s physiological pain but also supports the owner through the ups and downs of the treatment process.
By combining VEC’s powerful hardware and 24-hour emergency system with compassionate, detailed communication, the addition of Dr. Martin ensures that the “General Family Vet” experience remains person-centered, helping pet families build a stronger and more transparent health defense line.
VEC Veterinary Emergency Centre (Belcher’s Street) Address: Shop B2-C, G/F, Luen Wai San Chuen, 136-142 Belcher’s Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong Scope of Service: Open 24/7, providing 24-hour emergency and inpatient services, house-call services, and professional support for emergencies at any time.
VEC Veterinary Emergency Centre (Davis Street) Address: Shop C & H, G/F, Luen Kee San Chuen, 9-9C Davis Street, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong Scope of Service: Providing specialized internal medicine, various surgical and orthopedic procedures, and outpatient services.
TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 February 2026 – CyCraft Technology Corporation (TWSE: 7823), Taiwan’s first pure-play AI-native cybersecurity company, has officially listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange Innovation Board, marking a major milestone for Asia’s emerging AI-driven security leaders.
CyCraft’s founders joined representatives from the Taiwan Stock Exchange, Yuanta Securities, auditors, and legal advisors to celebrate the company’s listing on the TWSE Innovation Board.
CyCraft is forged in one of the world’s most challenging cyber environments. Taiwan faces persistent and large-scale cyber threats from highly-motivated threat actors targeting government, semiconductor supply chains, financial systems, and critical infrastructure. Rather than theorizing about threats, CyCraft has spent years defending against them at national and industry scale.
That experience has produced real-world operational advantages global markets increasingly demand: early-warning intelligence, autonomous machine-speed defense, and field-proven AI automation that cannot be casually replicated.
As generative AI reshapes software development, many SaaS categories face commoditization through “vibe-coding.” Cybersecurity stands apart. Mission-critical defense requires real adversarial data, ultra-low latency, zero-configuration precision, continuous adaptation against sophisticated attacks, and regulatory-grade trust. These capabilities are not synthetic. AI does not replace cyber defense—it amplifies defenders who already operate in real operational environments.
CyCraft’s platform is built around three growth engines:
Enterprise Cyber Resilience.
Its flagship XCockpit AI platform operates over 600K sensors, protecting hundreds of government agencies, financial institutions, and semiconductor leaders across Asia-Pacific. The platform delivers preemptive exposure discovery, automated attack-path simulation, SEMI E187-compliant supply-chain risk mapping, and autonomous triage and response. The shift from reactive protection to preemptive resilience defines CyCraft’s core value proposition.
AI Agent & LLM Security.
As enterprises deploy LLMs and autonomous agents, CyCraft addresses a rapidly emerging risk layer. XecGuard provides ultra-low-latency AI guardrails to detect and prevent prompt injection, jailbreaks, data exfiltration, and tool misuse in real time. Paired with XecART, an automated red-teaming and evaluation platform, CyCraft delivers a scalable, cloud-based and on-prem AI gateway for secure multi-agent orchestration.
The XecGuard and XecART dashboards enable enterprise AI governance with real-time guardrails, automated red teaming, and flexible deployment via on-premises environments or cloud-based APIs.
Enterprise Cyber Resilience.
Its flagship XCockpit AI platform operates over 600K sensors, protecting hundreds of government agencies, financial institutions, and semiconductor leaders across Asia-Pacific. The platform delivers preemptive exposure discovery, automated attack-path simulation, SEMI E187-compliant supply-chain risk mapping, and autonomous triage and response. The shift from reactive protection to preemptive resilience defines CyCraft’s core value proposition.
AI Agent & LLM Security.
As enterprises deploy LLMs and autonomous agents, CyCraft addresses a rapidly emerging risk layer. XecGuard provides ultra-low-latency AI guardrails to detect and prevent prompt injection, jailbreaks, data exfiltration, and tool misuse in real time. Paired with XecART, an automated red-teaming and evaluation platform, CyCraft delivers a scalable, cloud-based and on-prem AI gateway for secure multi-agent orchestration.
The XecGuard and XecART dashboards enable enterprise AI governance with real-time guardrails, automated red teaming, and flexible deployment via on-premises environments or cloud-based APIs.
XecGuard enables enterprise AI governance with real-time guardrails and flexible deployment via on-premises environments or cloud-based APIs.
Unmanned Systems Security.
CyCraft’s XecDefend platform pioneers cyber protection and disruption capabilities for AI-driven anti-drone defense. The solution enables autonomous detection, soft-kill response, and resilient protection for unmanned aerial, maritime, and ground systems—offering software-defined defense for critical infrastructure and defense supply chains.
CyCraft’s credibility is reinforced by third-party validation, including seven appearances in Gartner research, three MITRE ATT&CK evaluations with zero-configuration and zero-latency performance, and the “Next-Big” Award from former Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, recognizing CyCraft as the “TSMC of cybersecurity.”.
In 2025 alone, CyCraft handled multiple critical incidents for Taiwan-listed companies and completed over ten forensic investigations in support of cyber insurance engagements in Japan.
Chairman Benson Wu stated, “In Taiwan, with AI, we help secure the world. This listing accelerates our global expansion through organic growth and strategic M&A. Our goal is to surpass 50% overseas revenue by 2030 and build Asia’s most trusted AI-native cybersecurity brand.”
Disclaimer: The information contained herein does not constitute advice.
Temel Atacocugu, who was shot during the massacre at Al Noor Mosque.RNZ/Nathan Mckinnon
One of the survivors of the Christchurch terror attack says the terrorist is just seeking attention with his Court of Appeal bid.
White supremacist Brenton Tarrant is serving a life sentence without parole for the mass shootings in March 2019 and has gone to the Court of Appeal to overturn his convictions and sentence.
Temel Atacocugu, who was shot during the massacre at Al Noor Mosque, said he believed this was all for the terrorist’s entertainment and so he could get the public’s attention again.
“He doesn’t want to be forgotten, but he lost that chance. He is forgotten already. I don’t think it will make any difference to his conditions in jail after all this court case is finished,” Atacocugu said.
Atacocugu was shot nine times in the attack and said it was still challenging for him physically and mentally.
He has been watching the court hearing via livestream in Christchurch and said it was difficult to see the terrorist’s face on screen.
March 2019 massacres happened at Christchurch’s Al Noor Mosque and Linwood Islamic Centre.RNZ / Nate McKinnon
“When I saw his face on the screen, flashbacks started bombarding my mind, and remembering that day. And my body reacted and was aching and my disabled arm on my left side. So it’s not easy for us to be still dealing with this court case,” he said.
The terrorist should stop with the self-pity and face what he had done like a man, Atacocugu said.
Federation of Islamic Associations chair Abdur Razzaq said the latest court appearance by the Australian terrorist followed a well-known pattern used by convicted right-wing terrorists globally to exploit legal systems in order to regain publicity, amplify their ideology and inspire online supporters.
The white supremacist was following an almost identical trajectory to the man responsible for the 2011 Norway attacks that killed 77 people, he said.
“After initially confessing guilt, the Oslo terrorist systematically exploited the Norwegian and European legal systems through repeated court actions following his 2012 conviction, including cases in 2016, 2017, and again in 2024, largely focused on alleged prison conditions. This is quite similar to the Australian 15 March terrorist who is now exploiting the NZ legal system claiming he pleaded guilty under duress by torture,” Abdur Razzaq said.
The terrorist was using the New Zealand legal system not to seek genuine redress but to re-enter the public arena, garner repeated media reporting and ensure continued visibility, he said.
The legal challenges brought societal costs to the March 15 families, who were already suffering from PTSD and large financial costs, Abdur Razzaq said.
“Unfortunately, as a society, we must confront an uncomfortable reality.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
Labour leader Chris Hipkins.RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
Labour is getting closer to confirming support for the India Free Trade agreement, but says the full text has raised more questions that need answering.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Trade Minister Todd McClay announced the agreement three days before Christmas, touting wins for several industries.
During the announcement, New Zealand First leader Winston Peters revealed he would not be supporting the deal, saying it gave away too much – particularly on immigration – for too little, including dairy.
The divide between the coalition parties means National and ACT will need support from at least one opposition party to get legislation as part of the deal through Parliament.
McClay later revealed NZ First had [https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/585343/nz-first-pulled-support-for-india-fta-before-it-was-secured-todd-mcclay-reveals expressed its disagreement before the announcement.
Labour leader Chris Hipkins on Tuesday said the party expected to write to the prime minister by the end of the week setting out conditions for Labour’s support.
“Just got to do a little bit of wordsmithing on that,” he said. “We clearly have some concerns about the potential exploitation of migrant workers, where we think the government is not doing enough, and we’re going to set out things that we want to see the government doing in that area. And I’ll set the rest of it out in due course.
“The government will need to do something that they have not yet done, which is that they’ll need to sit down and have a conversation with us rather than saying ‘this is the agreement that we have signed, you should just support it’.”
Coalition members had previously been relying on summaries provided by officials, as is usual.
Hipkins and Peters both confirmed their teams had received copies of the full text of the agreement in recent days, with Hipkins indicating that had added complications.
“We’ve got more questions now than we might have had based on the information the government gave us when they announced the deal,” he said.
He said US President Donald Trump’s tariffs had opened the path to securing the deal.
“Everything changed in India as a result of recent developments around Trump, a lot of countries suddenly got access to negotiate trade agreements that they had been really struggling to get,” he said.
He said New Zealand had come out of the process “with a deal that isn’t as good as other countries have been able to secure”.
Rather than blame the negotiators, he pointed the finger at Luxon’s public commitment to secure a deal before the 2026 election.
“Ultimately, those negotiators work within the parameters set by the government. Christopher Luxon tied their hands behind their back. When he said that he was going to secure a deal before the election come hell or high water, that immediately made their job a lot harder.”
He again expressed frustration at the process.
“They could have spoken to us through these negotiations so that we would have been fully familiar with what it is that they were signing us up to. They chose not to do that.”
McClay said the deal was being “legally scrubbed and verified”, and once that was complete “it’ll be available to not only all parties, it’ll be available to the public”.
He said he was happy to keep answering Labour’s questions.
“There is nothing pressing over the next few weeks. But I think the business committee would like to know their position soon.”
He was asked if he regretted not approaching Labour earlier, given he knew NZ First’s stance.
“We have absolutely no regrets at all in doing a trade deal with one of the most populous countries of the world, and probably the best trade deal that India has done with anybody so far. It more than levels the playing field for Kiwi exporters,” McClay said.
He could not remember Labour ever having approached National for support on the EU trade deal, he said – and rejected the idea that was because Labour had a majority, so did not need National’s support.
“In essence I think they probably did, because they didn’t put it … into law when they were a government.”
Student migration stoush
Confusion has continued to surround aspects of the deal relating to student migration.
Documents released by the government point to a handful of provisions for migration:
1667 three-year work visas a year, capped at 5000 total visas at any one time. Focused on priority roles on the Green List like doctors, nurses, teachers, ICT and engineering jobs, specialised health services, traditional medicine practitioners, music teachers, chefs and yoga instructors
Up to 1000 places on New Zealand’s Working Holiday Scheme (ages 18-30)
Codifies the right for Indian students to work up to 20 hours a week (within the current policy of up to 25 hours)
Post-Study Work Visas: 2-year for Bachelors students graduating from a NZ institution, 3-year for STEM bachelors and masters, 4-year for PhD students
A document released by the Indian government claimed the FTA would also remove numerical caps on Indian students, but no such cap exists.
International Students seeking visas need funds to be a student, and need to have been accepted to a place at a university or other learning institution, naturally limiting the number of students who can arrive.
Rules were also changed in 2022 to limit international students learning below degree level from working. It meant such students could only work in-demand sectors related to their study, based on the Green List.
While the text of the deal is still secret, McClay and Luxon have both maintained it makes no changes to the government’s ability to impose a cap at a later date.
“No, the New Zealand government, going forward, can make its own independent decisions about what it wants to do with respect to export education, what it wants to do with respect to visas, and any government can make changes to that,” Luxon said.
ACT leader David Seymour agreed.
“And I don’t believe that it’s significant if there was for the simple reason that we have never had a cap … when you restrict the quality and the price of the courses, that changes the quality of the people coming, so you can control it that way,” he said.
Peters claimed something different, however.
“There is a cap now, but the cap is controlled by the country of origin, and the parents of origin paying for the export education. This has changed, and that’s why it’s dramatically different. Our economy will be paying for the export education. So it’s not truly export education,” he said.
Hipkins said he was “still working my way through that”.
“There is conflicting advice coming from the government on that, particularly if you look at their public statements … once we understand what the government is signing us up for, then we’ll set out, set out our views on principle.”
He said Peters’ claims about the deal did not seem to line up with the official advice.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
Football Matchday Isn’t Always in a Stadium – In Malaysia, It’s at the Guinness Clubhouse
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 February 2026 – In Malaysia, football fans are experiencing matchday a little differently this Premier League season. With kick-offs often taking place after midnight – sometimes as late as 1am or 3am – following a match has become a late-night commitment rather than a quick night out.
Guinness Malaysia, the official beer of the Premier League, has opened its doors to Guinness Clubhouse, a first-of-its-kind football-themed stay in Kuala Lumpur
Introduced by Guinness, the official beer of the Premier League, Guinness Clubhouse is a football-themed experience created earlier this season to bring fans together around the rituals of matchday, not in a stadium or a pub, but in a shared, home-style setting designed for watching the game together when most places have closed.
Set to run through February 2026, Guinness Clubhouse reflects a broader shift in how football is experienced globally, particularly in countries where fans follow the game across time zones. Since its launch in November 2025, every weekend match night has been fully booked until February, highlighting strong demand for shared matchday experiences built around atmosphere, connection, and togetherness.
Inside Guinness Clubhouse
Set across three immersive storeys, Guinness Clubhouse brings together the worlds of football and Guinness under one roof. From hardcore fans and those cheering on their favourite teams, to friends simply looking for a good night in, every corner is designed to feel like a match night worth staying in for, with football-themed activities, bold Guinness touches, and plenty of moments built to be shared.
Guests who book a night at Guinness Clubhouse can look forward to:
Catch LIVE Premier League matches on a giant projector with surround sound recreating the atmosphere of a football stadium right in the living room. Perfect for those who live for the game.
Share a bite or two from the fully stocked kitchen and pantry, featuring Guinness-infused snacks and match-night essentials, made for the ones who come for the snacks.
Settle old scores upstairs in the Play Zone with foosball, table football, and the pool table, ideal for the friendly rivals in every group.
End the night in comfort in Guinness and football-branded bedrooms that can house up to 20 guests, complete with a starter pack featuring Guinness Draught in a Can for those who want to stay on after the final whistle.
Redefining Matchday Culture “Match nights are more than just about the beautiful game, they’re about the people, the banter, and a pint of Guinness that bring every kind of fan together,” said Joyce Lim, Marketing Manager at Guinness Malaysia. “We created Guinness Clubhouse as a space for different kinds of fans to come together, whether they’re here for the football, the food, or just the company, all over a shared love for Guinness, making every match night a Lovely Day for a Guinness.”
More than a place to stay, Guinness Clubhouse reflects how matchday culture is evolving, particularly in football-fan cities where fans are finding new ways to come together around the game. Through immersive, communal spaces centred on live football, the experience demonstrates how shared rituals continue to shape the matchday experience.
*Items associated with Guinness Clubhouse are subject to availability; first come, first served basis, terms and conditions, and house rules as set by the organiser, sponsor, house manager, and property owner. Guinness and all related promotions and activities are strictly for non-Muslims aged 21 and above only. Guinness Malaysia advocates responsible consumption and urges consumers not to drink and drive.
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 February 2026 – As Asia-Pacific travel continues its strong rebound, Bangkok is reaffirming its status as one of the region’s most compelling cultural and retail destinations—particularly during the Chinese New Year season. In February 2026, Thailand’s capital will transform into a festive hub of heritage, gastronomy, and world-class shopping.
Voralak Tulaphorn Chief Marketing Officer, The Mall Group
While Songkran marks Thailand’s traditional New Year, the Lunar New Year holds cultural significance across the country, shaped by generations of Thai-Chinese heritage. Each year, the festival drives one of Thailand’s most dynamic travel and consumption periods, attracting domestic and international visitors seeking meaningful cultural experiences alongside premium lifestyle offerings.
From 12–22 February 2026, The Mall Group—operator of flagship destinations including Siam Paragon, Emporium, EmQuartier, Emsphere, and The Mall Lifestore—will stage one of Southeast Asia’s largest Chinese New Year celebrations. Developed in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Ministry of Culture, and major global partners such as Trip.com, UnionPay, Alipay, WeChat Pay, and iQIYI, the campaign positions Bangkok as a regional gateway for festive travel, luxury retail, and cultural immersion.
Under the theme Joy, Luck, Love, the festival blends entertainment, tradition, and emotional connection. Highlights include an immersive collaboration with iQIYI, bringing a popular Chinese drama to life through experiential installations designed for today’s social and digital-first travelers. Cultural authenticity takes center stage with the installation of a Guan Yu Heavenly Temple replica, offering visitors an opportunity to engage with auspicious rituals rooted in centuries-old tradition.
Food and shopping remain central pillars of the celebration. Across The Mall Group’s destinations, visitors can explore more than 3,000 auspicious dishes curated from renowned restaurants and Michelin Bib Gourmand-listed establishments, reinforcing Bangkok’s reputation as a global culinary capital. At EM District, the Chinese Boulevard Food Market and Yunnan cultural showcases enhance the experience with regional flavors, crafts, and interactive workshops.
To encourage international travel, The Mall Group will launch exclusive tourist privileges from late January to early March 2026, including shopping rewards and cash incentives tailored for overseas visitors.
By combining cultural heritage, festive celebration, and premium retail, Joy Luck Love Chinese New Year 2026 positions Bangkok not only as a place to celebrate—but as a destination where culture, commerce, and travel converge, inviting Asia-Pacific travelers to begin the Lunar New Year in one of the region’s most dynamic cities.
Neil Gaiman at an event in 2024.Jamie McCarthy / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA
All three US lawsuits accusing author Neil Gaiman of sexually assaulting his children’s nanny in Auckland four years ago have now been dismissed.
Scarlett Pavlovich filed lawsuits against Gaiman and his wife Amanda Palmer in the US states of Wisconsin, Massachusetts and New York last year.
She accused Gaiman of multiple sexual assaults while she was working as the family’s nanny in 2022.
The New York lawsuit was dropped last year, and the Wisconsin lawsuit was dismissed in October, with the judge saying Pavlovich needed to pursue the case in New Zealand.
AP has now reported that US District Judge Nathaniel Gorton in Boston threw out the Massachusetts filing late last week on the same grounds.
The British author has denied the claims, but argued that as the alleged abuses occurred in New Zealand – where Pavlovich is a citizen and Gaiman has permanent residency status – the US had no jurisdiction over the allegations.
Pavlovich sued Gaiman, author of The Sandman comic book series and the novel American Gods, while Palmer was accused of knowing that Pavlovich was vulnerable, and failing to warn that Gaiman had a history of predatory behaviour, according to court papers.
The lawsuits sought unspecified damages that were “reasonably believed” to exceed US$1 million (NZ$1.7m) on multiple claims, Reuters earlier reported.
In his motion to dismiss, Gaiman called the claims a “sham”, saying while he and Pavlovich did engage in “sexual activity”, they never had sexual intercourse and it was always consensual.
“None of Pavlovich’s claims are true,” Gaiman said.
Pavlovich painted a very different picture of the events in an interview last year with Vulture, a US entertainment news page for the New York Magazine.
Pavlovich said she agreed to baby-sit the couple’s child, but soon Gaiman began sexually abusing her, including by raping her, choking her, and assaulting her in the presence of his child, according to court papers.
The abuse allegedly lasted several weeks, until Gaiman and his child left for Europe.
At the time, she was 22 and Gaiman was 61.
Following the publication of the allegations, Gaiman wrote that he had “never engaged in non-consensual sexual activity with anyone. Ever.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
The body was recovered from the Waioweka River in Ōpōtiki on Tuesday morning.
Police say they recovered a body from the Waioweka River on Tuesday morning after a search for a man who was swept downstream after falling from a boat in the Bay of Plenty town of Ōpōtiki last month.
Inspector Nicky Cooney, Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander, said the body was recovered from the river at about 9am.
“This has been a long slow search, hindered at times by the weather as well as impacted by the slips on SH2,” Cooney said in a statement.
Police earlier said that they were called out at about 5.30pm on Friday 23 January after reports that a man had fallen from a boat and a search of the area was carried out with a vessel found nearby.
Cooney thanked all those who assisted in the search efforts including Land SAR volunteers, local jet boat and helicopter operators, the Police National Dive Squad and iwi whose knowledge of the river and surrounding terrain had been invaluable.
The formal identification process is underway, and the man’s death has been referred to the Coroner.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 February 2026 – VinFast today officially announced its entry into Indonesia’s e-scooter market through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with strategic dealers in the country. The milestone marks a significant step in VinFast’s international expansion of its electric two-wheeler business and reaffirms the Company’s long-term commitment to one of Southeast Asia’s largest and most dynamic motorcycle markets.
VinFast signed strategic MoUs with its first e-scooter partners in Indonesia.
Accordingly, VinFast has signed strategic MoUs with its first partners in Indonesia, including K3, Citra Abadi Sedaya, PT Bevos Auto Mandiri, PT Sapta Jaya, MotorArt, PT Sinergies Dua Kawan, and PT HINU. These partners have long-standing experience in the distribution of automobiles and motorcycles, strong professional operational capabilities, deep market understanding, and the ability to rapidly deploy operations in line with VinFast’s standards.
VinFast will begin rolling out its distribution network in the Jabodetabek area — Indonesia’s largest economic and urban center — from the second quarter of 2026, with plans to expand to other regions nationwide.
In Indonesia, VinFast plans to introduce a portfolio of battery-swapping e-scooters, including VinFast Evo, VinFast Feliz II, VinFast Flazz and VinFast Viper, alongside additional new models to be launched in due course. The product lineup has been carefully engineered and calibrated to suit Indonesia’s tropical climate, dense urban traffic conditions, and everyday commuting patterns.
Throughout 2026, VinFast aims to further expand its footprint to hundreds of authorized dealerships and service workshops nationwide. The Company’s development strategy in Indonesia is designed as an integrated ecosystem, combining retail and after-sales networks, financing solutions, charging and battery-swapping infrastructure through cooperation with V-Green, and partnerships with leading financial institutions.
Prior to this announcement, VinFast had unveiled its strategy to internationalize its electric two-wheeler business and signed agreements with dealers in the Philippines. According to its roadmap, the Company will accelerate expansion across five priority markets in 2026, namely the Philippines, Indonesia, India, Thailand, and Malaysia. These countries represent high-growth economies with substantial urban mobility demand and a clear transition toward sustainable transportation solutions.
Ms. Vo Thi Cam Tu, Managing Director of VinFast E-Scooters Overseas Market, stated:“Indonesia is a strategic market in VinFast’s global e-scooter expansion journey. Partnering with leading local dealers underscores our partners’ confidence in VinFast’s product quality, service standards, flexible battery-swapping model, and long-term vision. We are committed to accompanying Indonesian consumers on their transition toward a greener, smarter, and more sustainable future of mobility.”
Indonesia stands among the world’s largest motorcycle markets, characterized by rapid urbanization, high population density in major cities, and increasing policy and consumer momentum toward environmentally friendly transportation. These structural factors create substantial headroom for the growth of the e-scooter segment. Indonesian dealers have expressed strong confidence in VinFast’s long-term potential in the country, citing its comprehensive green mobility ecosystem, large-scale manufacturing capabilities, and proven ability to execute swiftly across multiple international markets.
After two years of presence in Indonesia, VinFast has introduced a broad range of electric vehicles, from electric SUVs to models optimized for transportation services, and has commenced operations at its Subang facility. Concurrently, the Company has expanded its integrated ecosystem, including dealership and after-sales networks, charging infrastructure in collaboration with V-Green, and partnerships with leading banks and financial institutions. Through pioneering and customer-centric policies, VinFast continues to lower barriers to EV adoption and enable Indonesian consumers to participate in the global green mobility revolution.
Hashtag: #VinFast
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Mt Albert Aquatic Centre.Supplied / Community Leisure Management
Worksafe will revist an Auckland aquatic centre after a boy smashed his front teeth while on a hydroslide – the second recent injury involving the same slide.
A man was injured at the Mt Albert Aquatic Centre in late December, losing his finger when a ring caught on a bolt inside the slide, the NZ Herald reported.
Worksafe was notified following the incident.
Less than a week later, the 12-year-old boy was injured.
According to the NZ Herald, the boy was thrown around inside the slide, knocking his front two teeth on its inside joiners on 2 January.
The boy’s mother told the media outlet an emergency dental appointment the next day showed he had hit a nerve on the tooth and it “could be problematic the rest of his life”.
She said the tooth would now be “covered under ACC for life”.
WorkSafe said improvements had been made when its inspector visited the centre two days after the man was injured. But a spokesperson said an inspector would go back to the aquatic centre this month following the boy’s injury.
Auckland Council said the slide had been inspected twice within the last six months.
Head of service partner delivery, Garth Dawson, said the council would continue to work with operator Community Leisure Management and the slide manufacturer to ensure it was safe.
Community Leisure Management’s director Kirsty Knowles said it was improving signs at the hydroslide.
The NZ Herald reported the man’s finger was able to be reattached by a surgeon.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand