Category: Business

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Asia Pacific strengthens its position as a global trade anchor as Singapore ranks #1 worldwide – DHL Global Connectedness Report 2026

Source: Media Outreach

  • Globalization holds firm at a record level while trade flows in Asia expand and diversify
  • Despite geopolitical tensions and rising uncertainty, countries largely maintain trade and investment ties with their traditional partner countries
  • Record-long trade distances, AI-driven commerce, and resilient cross‑border flows paint a surprisingly robust picture of globalization
  • U.S.–China trade fell to 2.0% of global trade, down from 2.7% in 2024

SINGAPORE / HANOI, VIETNAM / NEW YORK, US – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 March 2026 – Globalization remains at a historically high level at 25% in 2025 – despite escalating geopolitical tensions, rising U.S. tariffs, and uncertainty about future trade policies. Equally, the Asia Pacific region features prominently in this year’s DHL Global Connectedness Report, with Singapore ranked #1 globally. A broad swath of regional economies in the Asia Pacific region has also strengthened its position on cross-border flows. The DHL Global Connectedness Report 2026 is produced with New York University’s Stern School of Business. It examines four ‘pillars’ measuring the depth and breadth of trade, capital, information, and people flows.

DHL Global Connectedness Report 2026

Asia Pacific remains a global anchor in cross-border trade

The Asia Pacific region is one of the world’s strongest pillars of global connectedness with several markets continuing to post strong breadth and depth of international ties. In fact, broad-based gains were observed across the Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, and Oceania regions. The report shows East Asia & Pacific’s share of world trade has climbed from 24% (2001) to 32% (2025), underscoring the region’s long-run momentum. Several other economies in Asia Pacific also advanced sharply in the global connectedness ranking: Malaysia (#16; +13 ranks), Thailand (#27; +7), Korea (#31; +6), Taiwan (#32; +4), and Vietnam (#36; +3).

Intra-Asia trade has also strengthened since 2023. The report’s country profiles show that Asia-Pacific economies are deeply networked within the region, with most major trade and investment flows anchored in Asian partner markets. At the same time, China’s redirected exports to ASEAN markets—up 13% (+USD 79 billion) in 2025 — further cement ASEAN’s position as a fast growing trade corridor.

Singapore leads the country ranking

Singapore has retained the top position among 180 economies – reflecting exceptional depth in trade and capital flows. The country is ranked first on the trade pillar (out of 180 countries) and second on the capital pillar (out of 158 countries). Particularly on trade flows, Singapore ranks first on ‘depth’ (up one place from 2019), with the largest international flows relative to its domestic economy. Additionally, the city-state stands out most for the breadth of its inward foreign domestic investment (FDI) stocks (ranked first worldwide).

“Asia Pacific continues to demonstrate extraordinary resilience and adaptability,” said Ken Lee, CEO of DHL Express Asia Pacific. “The DHL Global Connectedness Report shows that countries across our region – from Singapore to Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and beyond – are deepening their global ties and attracting new trade flows. Even as global patterns shift, Asia remains a central engine of global trade. This is why we continue to invest in and enhance our Asia Pacific network, particularly in the eight fast-growing markets that DHL Group has identified. Our priority is to support businesses to stay connected and diversify their markets.”

AI boom and race to beat tariff hikes fueled trade in 2025

Global trade grew faster in 2025 than in any year since 2017, excluding the volatile Covid-19 period. U.S. importers accelerated shipments early in the year ahead of tariff increases. U.S. imports dropped below prior-year levels, but rising Chinese exports to non-U.S. markets helped sustain global trade volumes.

Trade in AI-related goods surged as countries and companies raced to build AI infrastructure. AI-related products drove 42% of goods trade growth in the first three quarters of 2025, according to WTO figures. In fact, AI hardware and data infrastructure are amplifying Asia Pacific’s trade. Notably, Taiwan, Korea, Singapore and Malaysia’s tech supply chains are benefitting from the surge in demand for AI chips, servers and data center buildouts. In answer, DHL Express has added significant payload capacity for flights out of Hanoi to support Vietnam’s rapidly expanding tech manufacturing sector.

Trade outlook: growth continues, even with higher tariffs

Looking ahead, recent U.S. tariff increases are expected to modestly slow trade growth in 2026 – but not stop it. Global goods trade is projected to expand by an average of 2.6% per year through 2029, in line with the past decade.

One reason trade can keep growing despite U.S. tariff hikes is that most trade does not involve the U.S. In 2025, 13% of imports went to the U.S., and 9% of exports came from the U.S. In addition, many countries are pursuing new trade agreements to secure access to alternative markets, such as the recently minted India-EU free trade agreement.

Information flows face barriers, people flows reach new highs

The report notes that people flows – travel, migration, and student mobility – have fully recovered and reached record highs. This trend is especially pronounced in Asia Pacific, where highly connected hubs such as Singapore and Hong Kong continue to attract substantial cross‑border movement.

Many of the region’s most connected markets, such as Hong Kong SAR, Japan, and Korea – remain deeply tied to global data and digital exchanges as these have risen in ranks in the information pillar since 2019. Capital flows remain resilient overall in the region, where there is no broad shift of investment from foreign to domestic markets.

U.S.–China tensions affect only small share of global flows

The report also finds that ties between the world’s two largest economies – the U.S. and China – continue to weaken. However, these ties are surprisingly small in a global perspective. For example, trade between the U.S. and China accounted for 3.6% of world trade at its peak in 2015, before falling to 2.7% in 2024 and to only 2.0% during the first three quarters of 2025. The U.S.–China share of international business investment is even smaller – less than 1% in 2025.

No global split into rival blocs

Even as the U.S. and China decouple, most countries – including those in Asia – continue to engage with their longstanding partners. Over the past decade, only 4–6% of global goods trade, greenfield FDI, and cross-border M&A have shifted away from geopolitical rivals. Of these flows, most have not moved to close allies but to countries with flexible geopolitical positions, such as India and Vietnam. Overall, the world economy remains far from a broad split into rival blocs.

“The politics and policy surrounding globalization are much more volatile than the actual flows between countries,” said Prof. Steven A. Altman, Director of the DHL Initiative on Globalization at NYU Stern’s Center for the Future of Management. “In Asia Pacific, as in the rest of the world, the data shows that cross‑border flows have remained remarkably resilient despite heightened geopolitical tensions. Sound decision‑making in this region requires a calibrated view of how much global business ties are really changing. The risks to globalization are real, but so is the resilience of global flows, and Asia Pacific continues to play a pivotal role in sustaining that connectivity.”

The DHL Global Connectedness Report

Published regularly since 2011, the DHL Global Connectedness Report provides reliable insights on globalization by analyzing 14 types of international trade, capital, information, and people flows. The 2026 edition is based on more than 9 million data points. It ranks the connectedness of 180 countries, accounting for 99.6 percent of global gross domestic product and 99.0 percent of the world’s population. A set of 180 one-page country profiles summarizes each country’s pattern of globalization.

The report was commissioned by DHL and authored by Steven A. Altman and Caroline R. Bastian of New York University Stern School of Business.

Note to editors:

  • The report and further resources are available at dhl.com/gcr.
  • DHL Group’s “GT20 Initiative” refers to 20 markets worldwide that the Group has identified to benefit strongest from Geographic Tailwind. Eight of them are in Asia Pacific including China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Hashtag: #DHL

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/13/asia-pacific-strengthens-its-position-as-a-global-trade-anchor-as-singapore-ranks-1-worldwide-dhl-global-connectedness-report-2026/

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i-Sprint Corporation Announces Successful Completion of Management Buy-Out in Partnership with KV Asia Capital

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 March 2026 – i-Sprint Corporation today announced the successful completion of a management buy-out (MBO) of all its operating companies, and marks a pivotal milestone as the company celebrated its 25th anniversary last year. The transaction was led by the company’s existing management team in strategic partnership with KV Asia Capital.

This landmark transaction ranks among the significant Identity and Access Management acquisitions in Asia. It underscores i-Sprint’s strategic importance in the region’s cybersecurity landscape as AI-driven threats, machine identity proliferation, and tightening regulatory requirements reshape cybersecurity across the region. The deal positions i-Sprint for its next phase of innovation and global expansion, as it continues to invest in next-generation capabilities, while expanding its footprint across the region.

This milestone firmly establishes i‑Sprint as one of the region’s largest independent IAM, Quantum Safe and Mobile cybersecurity provider.

Dutch Ng, Chief Executive Officer of i-Sprint, commented:
“This Management Buy-Out is a defining moment for i-Sprint and a testament to the strength of the business we have built and our deep belief in its future. Partnering with KV Asia Capital provides us with the strategic tools and capital to accelerate growth while preserving the entrepreneurial spirit and customer focus that define i-Sprint. We are grateful for the trust and support of our clients, partners, and team—and excited about the future we’re building together.”

KV Asia Capital has a proven track record of scaling growth-stage companies across Asia. Their expertise and financial backing will enable i-Sprint to enhance product offerings, invest in cutting-edge R&D, and pursue new market opportunities with greater agility.

Lee Gan Ping, Managing Director, at KV Asia Capital, said:
“We are thrilled to partner with i-Sprint’s founders and management team, whose deep domain expertise and track record has earned the trust of Asia’s leading financial and government institutions. As identity and authentication become increasingly complex and relevant, we look forward to supporting the team in their next chapter of growth. Together, we will scale i-Sprint’s global footprint through accelerated R&D investments and strategic M&A.”

The existing management team will continue to lead the company, ensuring seamless operations and a continued focus on delivering innovative and superior products and services.

Hashtag: #iSprint

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/13/i-sprint-corporation-announces-successful-completion-of-management-buy-out-in-partnership-with-kv-asia-capital/

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Save the date: WindEnergy Hamburg to show its colours in Singapore: RECHARGE Wind Power Summit Asia-Pacific presents a captivating conference and expo

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Newsaktuell – 13 March 2026 – The cooperation partnership is ready for the next round: Following the successful premiere of the RECHARGE Wind Power Summit 2025 powered by WindEnergy Hamburg at the CCH – Congress Center Hamburg last November, the RECHARGE Wind Power Summit 2026 Asia-Pacific powered by WindEnergy Hamburg is about to launch in the Asian metropolis of Singapore. It will take place at the Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre on 19 and 20 May. Supported by Enterprise Singapore and the Singapore Tourism Board, the new event underscores the city state’s role as a key hub for onshore and offshore wind in the APAC region which holds major growth potential.

WindEnergy Hamburg to show its colours in Singapore: RECHARGE Wind Power Summit Asia-Pacific presents a captivating conference and expo. Credit: Hamburg Messe und Congress/ Alexander Woeckener

On site: market leaders and industry associations

More than 1,000 participants, over 40 top-flight speakers, and around 50 exhibiting companies are expected. “Numerous companies representing all segments of the value chain have secured stand spots already,” says Andreas Arnheim, Director of WindEnergy Hamburg. Confirmed exhibitors include ZF Wind Power, Yixing Huayong Motor, Jiangsu Juxin Petroleum, and Seatrium, a leading Singapore-based offshore manufacturer. The event is supported by key industry organisations including the Asia Wind Energy Association (AWEA), the Association of Singapore Marine and Offshore Energy Industries (ASMI), Bundesverband Windenergie (BWE) and VDMA, Europe’s largest engineering association. Their leaders will use the occasion to network and advance wind power as the world’s key renewable energy source.

Conference will feature top-flight speakers

Headed “From ambition to reality: Why Asia is wind’s next big opportunity,” the conference will spotlight the region’s vast potential. Countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea or India, the latter aiming for 140 GW of wind capacity by 2030, are driving demand for technology and know-how. Experts from politics, industry and science will discuss policy frameworks, regulations, cost management, financing, and new technologies while strengthening cross-border cooperation. “It’s all about building strong industrial partnerships that take wind energy in the APAC region and beyond to a new level,” says Andrew Lee, Corporate Power Editor at DN Media Group’s news publication RECHARGE and co-host of the event.

The Summit builds on the successful 2025 debut in Hamburg and marks another milestone ahead of WindEnergy Hamburg 2026, taking place 22–25 September 2026.

More information: https://www.futureenergy.events/website/18561/

WindEnergy Hamburg: https://www.windenergyapac.com/news-details/article/windenergy-hamburg-to-show-its-colours-in-singapore-recharge-wind-power-summit-asia-pacific-presents-a-captivating-conference-and-expo

Hashtag: #WindEnergyHamburg #RechargeWindPower #WindEnergyAPAC #RenewableEnergy #FutureEnergy

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/13/save-the-date-windenergy-hamburg-to-show-its-colours-in-singapore-recharge-wind-power-summit-asia-pacific-presents-a-captivating-conference-and-expo/

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BusinessNZ – Gas report highlights urgency of securing NZ’s energy transition

Source: BusinessNZ

The BusinessNZ Energy Council (BEC) welcomes new analysis providing greater transparency on the future of New Zealand’s natural gas sector, saying it reinforces the scale and urgency of the supply challenge facing the economy.
BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich says a new report commissioned by natural gas industry body Gas Industry Co confirms that New Zealand faces a rapid and unprecedented decline in domestic gas supply.
“BEC has been raising concerns about declining natural gas availability since its Gas Users Forum last year, warning of the risks to businesses and the wider economy if supply continues to fall without credible alternatives.
“Evidence of the strain is already emerging. This latest report notes that high gas prices and supply uncertainty are forcing some users to cut production, raise prices or close operations. These trends were also identified in BEC’s gas users survey last year. Introducing LNG imports from 2028 could materially ease the pressure.”
Rich says a pathway combining local gas with LNG imports would support a smoother transition, giving the energy sector time to build additional renewable generation and network capacity, while allowing consumers and businesses to move away from gas at a manageable pace.
“But even with LNG imports, without viable transition pathways for businesses, reductions on that scale risk economic contraction, job losses and business closures.
“Ensuring New Zealand has a realistic transition pathway is critical. Businesses need time, certainty and workable alternatives if they are to adapt while continuing to invest, produce and employ New Zealanders.”
The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/13/businessnz-gas-report-highlights-urgency-of-securing-nzs-energy-transition/

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Events – 24 hours to go: Hamilton gears up as Jim Beam Homegrown prepares to burst into song

Source: Brainchild for Jim Beam Homegrown

“Climb over your mates if you have to but don’t miss out on tickets for Jim Beam Homegrown in Hamilton this weekend.”

That’s the message from local businessman, entrepreneur, hotelier and ultimate Jim Beam Homegrown fan Pienaar Piso as the Festival enters its final hours before gates open on Saturday.

In just over 24 hours’ time, one of Aotearoa’s most iconic music festivals will return to Hamilton for the first time after 18 years on Wellington’s waterfront, transforming Claudelands Oval in Kirikiriroa into a full-scale Kiwi music playground.

And Hamiltonians are ready!

“We have been counting down to this since the day it was announced,” says Vanessa Williams, General Manager of the Hamilton Central Business Association. “Events like this bring incredible energy into the city. It is not just about the festival itself, it is about people exploring Hamilton, discovering new places and supporting local businesses along the way. We want every visitor to feel like a local while they are here.”

Jim Beam Homegrown CEO and managing director Andrew Tuck says the festival site has shifted into full festival mode.

“This is the moment where everything comes together,” says Tuck. “The stages are built, the sound systems are firing up and crews are moving at full pace to get every last detail locked in. You can feel the buzz building already. The artists are arriving, the city is humming and the stage is set for an epic celebration of Kiwi music.”

Over the past three weeks, hundreds of crew members, technicians and suppliers have been working around the clock transforming Claudelands Oval into a multi-stage festival destination.

Wherever possible, local Waikato suppliers have been part of the build — from scaffolding and staging to fencing, electricians, lighting, security and food vendors.

“It’s been incredible to see the scale of work going into bringing this event to life,” says Tuck. “We’ve had a huge response from the Waikato community and a lot of local businesses have played a role in getting us to this point.”

While the festival marks a return to its regional roots, the Hamilton event is arriving bigger than ever.

Two additional stages have been added this year, expanding the range of music and experiences for festival goers. The inaugural Precision Live Dance Stage will also add a new dimension, with some of Aotearoa’s best street and break dancers battling it out throughout the day.

With the schedule confirmed, the site nearly show-ready, and the final sound checks underway, the countdown is almost complete.

“Right now it’s all about the final touches,” says Tuck. “Tomorrow the gates open and Hamilton becomes the home of Kiwi music.”

Brainchild on behalf of homegrown.net.nz

About Jim Beam Homegrown

Jim Beam Homegrown is New Zealand’s largest Kiwi-only music festival, celebrating the best of Aotearoa’s musical talent. Established in 2008 in Hamilton, initially as X*Air, an extreme sports festival, Jim Beam Homegrown showcases a wide range of genres, including rock, funk, pop, reggae, hip-hop, and electronic music.    

Tickets to the inaugural Hamilton event can be found at www.homegrown.net.nz

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/13/events-24-hours-to-go-hamilton-gears-up-as-jim-beam-homegrown-prepares-to-burst-into-song/

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Petrol companies warned against unreasonable price hikes

Source: Radio New Zealand

Average retail prices in New Zealand were still roughly what the Commerce Commission would expect. RNZ / Dan Cook

The Commerce Commission is putting fuel companies on notice if they hike prices too high at the pump.

The market watchdog is boosting its scrutiny while the conflict in the Middle East causes volatile global wholesale prices.

Commissioner Bryan Chapple told Morning Report that they were seeing big prices overseas, including refinery and shipping costs, but the average retail prices in New Zealand were roughly what they would expect.

“We’re seeing nothing out of the ordinary.”.

He encouraged motorists to shop around for better fuel prices.

“The best thing that we can all do, and I do too, is look at apps like Gaspy or notice the fuel boards when you’re going past them and look for a better deal,” he said.

“That has the effect of driving competition, which then forces other companies to lower their prices too.”

He believed competition was improving.

Law changes meant it was easier for operators who did not import their own fuel to access fuel, and they were opening often unstaffed sites that tended to offer lower prices, driving down prices of nearby stations, he said.

“You’re seeing some of the existing large companies converting some of their staffed sites to unstaffed sites in order to deal with the competition they’re facing, so I think that’s a good sign for Kiwi motorists.”

The Commerce Commission has been monitoring average fuel prices and how much they had increased since February, and Chapple said the Commission would publish that information weekly.

There were other factors at play including when operators bought their fuel and transport costs.

But Chapple said the Commission would call out operators if unjustified price rises started to appear.

“Prices go up in response to international prices. What we’ll be watching really closely is that they come down at the same rate as they’ve gone up when prices turn again.”

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/13/petrol-companies-warned-against-unreasonable-price-hikes/

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NZ has lined up with ‘MAGA US states’ on oil, former Marsden Point boss says

Source: Radio New Zealand

A former director at Marsden Point says the country has aligned itself with “MAGA US States” in its pursuit of fossil fuels and rejection of renewable energy sources.

David Keat, who was the refining manager at Marsden Point, told Morning Report the hydrocarbons supply chain was particularly vulnerable to geopolitical upheaval, and New Zealand was the last cab off the rank.

“We know that something could blow up in the South China Sea, who knows what [US President] Donald Trump might do next and so on,” he said.

“So those risks come along fairly regularly. When I used to run things … we used to expect something once a decade, you can never predict it.”

RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

He said the country needed to be insulated against such global energy shocks.

Brent crude oil is currently trading at just under $US100 (NZ$170) a barrel, leading to sharp price rises at the country’s pumps.

“If I was running New Zealand we should use this as the impetus to move us to energy self-sufficiency.”

Keat said that had two components; 100 percent renewable electricity generation and slowly electrifying the transport fleet.

“Most other countries in the world outside the MAGA US states are doing that now, at pace. For some reason, New Zealand is going down the 1980s’ path.”

For example, he said South Australia was on track to hit its target of 100 percent renewable electricity generation by 2027.

“As a result their electricity prices have reduced by about 30 percent. Of course we’re looking to go the other way with LNG.”

The Middle East conflict pushing up prices at the pump has sparked bickering between Coalition partners over the refinery’s closure.

Keat said the shut down was a commercial decision based on the company’s bottom-line and not in the interest of New Zealand.

“I would argue if you had your eye on the strategic value of that asset, [it] definitely shouldn’t have been allowed to sell.”

He said the refinery’s closure slashed the country’s options from several sources of crude oil that could be refined, to just a couple of already-refined options.

Keat maintained the current global energy shock should be viewed as a strategic gift by the government.

During debate over the refinery closure this week New Zealand First MP Shane Jones said Labour was at fault because it was wrong to allow the oil refinery to close.

Labour’s leader Chris Hipkins said Jones was being dishonest.

The closure of Marsden Point as a refinery in April 2022 was a business decision, made by its private owners, he said.

ACT Party leader David Seymour is also at odds with his coalition colleague.

He said the cost of refining oil at Marsden Point was more expensive than elsewhere, and the decision to close was a business one.

Keeping the refinery open would have meant hiking fuel tax, with little to no improvement in security of supply, he said.

It came after government ministers met on Wednesday night to discuss the country’s fuel security as the ongoing war in Iran puts pressure on supply.

Currently the country has about 52 days worth of fuel supply either in country or en route.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/13/nz-has-lined-up-with-maga-us-states-on-oil-former-marsden-point-boss-says/

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Wattie’s a big name reminder of pressure on NZ manufacturers

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Wattie’s factory in Christchurch. Nathan McKinnon / RNZ

Big names like Heinz Wattie’s closing their doors are high-profile reminders of the pressure many businesses are under, one economist says.

Heinz Wattie’s announced this week it was planning to close some of its manufacturing operations.

The company said about 350 jobs were expected to be affected.

It outlined plans to axe the sale and production of a number of its products and brands, including frozen vegetables and Gregg’s coffee.

It would also no longer produce dips sold under the Mediterranean, Just Hummus and Good Taste Company brands.

Simplicity chief economist Shamubeel Eaqub said it seemed as though every recession or downturn took with it a big-name business.

In recent years, Cadbury has closed its Dunedin factory, several mills have closed, James Hardie shut its Penrose factory and Unilever closed in Petone.

“[Heinz Wattie’s] sounded like electricity prices and the cost of labour were the things they were really struggling with,” Eaqub said.

“Labour issues have always been a thing for New Zealand manufacturing. We can’t compete with Asian countries that have much lower wages,” Eaqub said.

“More recently, we’ve had the pressure of energy costs from various sources from electricity to gas that have made it harder for some processes. It’s partly because a lot of our manufacturing capacity is aged, so they’re not as efficient and effective as what’s available globally.”

He said big manufacturers and “old school” firms were under pressure, but there were also a lot of small manufacturers doing well.

“Sometimes that is a bit hard to see because they are quite small specialised businesses, not necessarily always visible to the rest of us.”

But he said traditional manufacturing was struggling.

“There’s no denial that the hollowing out is not new. It’s been happening for a number of years. Every time there’s a recession, it feels like we lose another bunch and then it’s smaller again. It happens in waves every time when all these pressures mount, these businesses that have been just managing to scrape by just don’t anymore.”

Business NZ chief executive Katherine Rich said the decisions being made were tough.

“From time to time, businesses do have to make changes and respond to markets and I think that’s what’s happened here. That many of the challenges that that company faced have been faced by a lot of food manufacturers, increased costs, increase in all costs, and of course, changing market conditions.”

Some of the Heinz Wattie’s brands, such as Greggs, had been picked-up by other producers and would continue.

“I think it was really a matter of time. You can’t continue to make really significant losses over many years and expect businesses to keep a footprint here, but it is a challenge. Now, over a period of years, we’ve lost a number of the major fast-moving consumer goods manufacturers,” Rich said.

“You think of the large-scale factories such as Unilever, Colgate, Arnott’s, Cadbury, when it was owned finally by Mondelez. Many of them have made similar decisions to reduce their footprint. I think it’s a factor of globalisation and the fact that this is a very high-cost market to try and manufacture in.”

But Rich said she was still confident about food manufacturing in New Zealand generally.

“If you’re looking at some of our manufacturers who export more in the commodity space, they continue to thrive serving markets in Australia, Asia, and across the globe.”

She said there were also entrepreneurs starting businesses with a good idea and pitching them to supermarkets.

“I’m really confident about the future of food manufacturing generally because we’re such a great place for high-quality ingredients. And we do have a growing market, we’ve got 5 million mouths to feed. But the main thing we have to do is not take our eye off the ball when it comes to trying to reduce the costs of doing business here,” Rich said.

“That’s why the work of the Ministry for Regulation and some of the government reforms to reduce business costs and make it easier to do business here are so important.”

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/13/watties-a-big-name-reminder-of-pressure-on-nz-manufacturers/

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Calls to let workers stay home to beat fuel prices

Source: Radio New Zealand

Some countries, such as Vietnam and Thailand, have urged people to work from home to save fuel. 123RF

Government is being asked to let the public sector work from home where possible in the face of rising fuel prices – and some private employers are considering what support could be offered.

Petrol prices have increased rapidly in recent weeks as war in the Middle East put pressure on oil supplies.

Some countries, such as Vietnam and Thailand, have urged people to work from home to save fuel.

Public Sector Association national secretary Fleur Fitzsimons said the New Zealand government should do the same.

“We’re calling on the New Zealand government to take note of these overseas examples and also encourage public sector workers in New Zealand to work from home,” Fitzsimons said.

“Working from home in this environment has lots of benefits. It will reduce the demand on fuel. It will mean more workers are able to get by and don’t suffer the shock of increased petrol prices.”

She said with 91 hitting $3 a litre in some places, many people were struggling to get by.

“Government could easily indicate to the public sector that more workers should work from home and it would overnight have a difference for those people,” Fitzsimons said.

In the private sector, ANZ said its flexible work policy offered options for employees, giving the majority the ability to work remotely up to 50 percent of the day.

“We understand flexibility doesn’t mean the same thing for everyone and flexible arrangements will vary depending on the employee’s role, what part of the business they work in, where they are, personal circumstances, and available technology,” a spokesperson said.

“ANZ staff who need extra assistance can talk to their manager about short-term support options which may be available to them.”

Woolworths said it was monitoring the situation but operating as usual at this stage.

Fonterra said it offered flexible working arrangements for office-based roles and encouraged employees to have an open discussion with their manager about their situation if required.

Employers and Manufacturers Association head of advocacy Alan McDonald said it was likely to be considered by more employers if prices rose significantly further, or the situation continued for longer.

Employment lawyers said even those whose employers were not openly offering work from home solutions could request it, if they were feeling budget pressure.

“You can always ask,” said Alastair Espie, at Duncan Cotterill. “The question is whether they have to say yes and the starting point will be they probably don’t necessarily have to.

“If your contract says your place of work is the employer’s premises or offices or site or whatever, then any deviation from that would need to be by agreement.

“If the employer says no, you can look at making say a formal flexible working request. But that’s a sort of a longer process and it’s not necessarily just going to solve it on a day-to-day basis in the short term.”

Alison Maelzer, a partner at Hesketh Henry, said a formal flexible working application was a more structured way of making a request, and there was a framework within which an employer must consider it.

“Many employers and employees will prefer to have a more informal conversation, at least in the first instance. Obviously, working from home will not be possible for all employees, in all roles. However, where a request can be accommodated, this may help employers with retention, employee engagement, and productivity.”

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/13/calls-to-let-workers-stay-home-to-beat-fuel-prices/

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Vietnam Airlines Steps Up Market Promotion Efforts in Europe

Source: Media Outreach

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 March 2026 – Vietnam Airlines officially marked its entry into the Dutch market today with a high-profile promotion event at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, announcing the much-anticipated launch of nonstop flights between Hanoi and Amsterdam.

Beginning June 16, 2026, Vietnam Airlines will operate three weekly round-trip flights using the state-of-the-art Airbus A350 wide-body aircraft.

The event, joined by the Ambassador of Vietnam to the Netherlands, Mr. Ngo Huong Nam, served as a strategic platform to introduce the new route to key European travel partners. The gathering highlighted Vietnam’s growing appeal as a top-tier destination and reinforced the airline’s mission to bridge Vietnam with Europe’s most vital economic hubs.

Beginning June 16, 2026, Vietnam Airlines will operate three weekly round-trip flights using the state-of-the-art Airbus A350 wide-body aircraft. As the first-ever direct link between the two nations, this service will drastically reduce travel time and position Amsterdam as a primary gateway for passengers traveling from Europe to Southeast Asia.

The flight schedule is optimized for maximum convenience, offering seamless onward connections from Hanoi to Vietnam’s most iconic destinations, including Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc, as well as broader regional networks across Northeast Asia and Australia.

“Europe remains a cornerstone of our international growth strategy,” stated Nguyen Quang Trung, Executive Vice President of Vietnam Airlines. “The launch of the Hanoi–Amsterdam route is a testament to our dedication to the European market. By strengthening our ties with regional travel and tourism partners, we are creating a vital corridor for trade, cultural exchange, and tourism between Vietnam and the Netherlands.”

With the addition of Amsterdam, Vietnam Airlines now operates 12 nonstop services to eight major European cities, including Paris, Frankfurt, London, Munich, Milan, Copenhagen, and Moscow. This expansion solidifies the national flag carrier’s role in connecting Vietnam with global economic centers while showcasing the nation’s culture and hospitality to the world.

Hashtag: #VietnamAirlines

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/13/vietnam-airlines-steps-up-market-promotion-efforts-in-europe/

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VinFast and the Rise of a New Gulf Lifestyle

Source: Media Outreach

As Gulf cities hardwire sustainability into daily life, VinFast is shaping an electric lifestyle that feels like a smart, seamless routine, with its climate-ready design, long-term warranty confidence and software-driven convenience woven into everyday driving.

DUBAI, UAE – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 March 2026 – Over the past five years, GCC countries have made EV adoption a clear priority. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 strategy and Qatar’s National Vision 2030 have moved from policy language to pavement. Master-planned districts in Riyadh are wired for electric charging from day one. Residential towers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi market EV-ready parking as a premium amenity. In Doha and Manama, public chargers now stand in mall basements and along waterfront boulevards, quietly normalizing a different way to refuel.

With that, a new lifestyle is taking shape. The clearest sign is how refueling is moving into the home, often happening quietly overnight. In the not-so-distant future, some drivers may struggle to recall the last time they stood beside a pump in the heat, watching the numbers climb under fluorescent lights.

Into this transition steps VinFast, a young global brand intent on making those new habits stick. Its focus is to make the interactions around them feel at least as convenient as traditional ownership, if not more so. In other words, to make EV living workable at scale, for everyone.

The VF 8 sits at the center of that effort. Fine-tuned for Gulf conditions, it pairs vegan leather seating with ventilation and heating functions suited to dramatic seasonal swings. Dual-zone climate control integrates air-quality management and ionization, a practical feature in cities where dust storms are not rare events. The cabin is anchored by a large 15.6-inch infotainment display, sized generously enough that drivers are not left squinting at navigation prompts or climate settings mid-traffic.

More subtly, the VF 8 encourages new expectations around what a car should do. Over-the-air update capability allows the vehicle’s software to improve over time. Driver profiles synchronize settings and climate preferences, useful in households where one vehicle rotates between work commutes, school runs and weekend trips. Smart modes such as pet mode and camp mode extend the car’s role beyond transport, accommodating both urban density and the region’s fondness for desert getaways.

VinFast has also worked to address the psychological side of the green transition. An expectation-surpassing element of the VinFast ownership experience is its warranty package: a 10-year or 200,000-kilometer vehicle warranty, a 10-year unlimited battery warranty and five years of free maintenance up to 100,000 kilometers, all structured to make durability and cost predictability part of the standard equation rather than an added extra. A recently signed Memorandum of Understanding with PlusX Electric in the UAE focuses on portable charging pods, on-demand mobile charging and emergency roadside support.

Taken together, these elements frame sustainability as simply another way of moving through the world, rather than an act of sacrifice, and arguably a more efficient one at that. Fewer service visits. Predictable maintenance costs. Charging woven into the domestic routine.

Across the Gulf, greener living is unfolding in just that manner. The progress can be gradual, almost mundane, yet it is unmistakably forward. VinFast’s role is to ensure that when a driver chooses electric mobility, the surrounding experience feels stable, supported and suited to regional realities.

Hashtag: #Vinfast

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/vinfast-and-the-rise-of-a-new-gulf-lifestyle/

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Regal Partners Completes Share Placement to Support Business Expansion in Southeast Asia

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 March 2026 – Regal Partners Holdings Limited (“Regal Partners” or the “Company”, together with its subsidiaries as the “Group”, stock code: 1575.HK) is pleased to announce the successful completion of a placement of 560,000,000 new shares at a price of HK$0.05 per share, raising net proceeds of approximately HK$28 million.

The net proceeds from this placement will strengthen the Group’s financial position and provide vital resources for ongoing operations and expansion plans. 65% of the proceeds will be allocated to expanding the Group’s production capacity and supply chain in Southeast Asia. This initiative involves purchasing additional equipment, new leasing of the production site, and hiring more personnel and hence expanding floor area and upgrading the production capabilities. By mid-2026, the Group anticipates increasing its capacity to meet rising demand, particularly from the North American market. 15% of the proceeds will be used to develop regional showrooms functioning as sales centres in Southeast Asia to promote products, connect with export buyers, and generate new business opportunities, while the remainder will support the Group’s general working capital.

Following a comprehensive business restructuring in 2025, which included strategic initiatives focusing on overseas production expansion, broadening customer outreach, resource reallocation, and product enhancements, the Group has established a robust foundation for sustainable development. The net proceeds from the placement will accelerate the strategic expansion in Southeast Asia, enhancing offshore manufacturing capabilities and bolstering supply chain resilience. These expansion efforts, targeted for completion by mid-2026, will fortify regional operations and long-term scalability. Concurrently, the Group will continue investing in sales, marketing, and brand visibility, including participation in major trade shows such as High Point Market and the establishment of additional regional showrooms to broaden its global clientele. By increasing production capacity and market presence, Regal Partners aims to enhance competitiveness, attract a diverse customer base, and respond efficiently to global demand.

Mr. Chong Tsz Ngai, Chairman and Executive Director of Regal Partners Holdings Limited, stated, “We sincerely appreciate the support from the capital markets. This placement will significantly strengthen our working capital, enabling us to respond to rapidly changing market demands and advance our next phase of expansion. Following a year of focused restructuring in 2025, we are now accelerating production enhancements while intensifying our business development and marketing efforts. We are also very grateful for the support of our existing and new customers. We anticipate a steady increase in order flow throughout 2026 and onwards, with expansion benefits expected to yield positive results in the near future. We remain committed to solidifying our operational foundation and capturing new growth opportunities to create values our customers and shareholders.”

https://www.theregalpartners.com/hk/

Hashtag: #RegalPartners

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/regal-partners-completes-share-placement-to-support-business-expansion-in-southeast-asia/

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The Caravel Group, International Maritime Institute (IMI), and Fleet Management Celebrate Significant Progress on the 1st Anniversary of Working Together as One to Train a New Generation of Future-Ready Seafarers

Source: Media Outreach

A year of partnership between Caravel, IMI, and Fleet Management delivers strengthened training and expanded career pathways, broadening opportunities for global maritime professionals and providing much-needed talent for a rapidly transforming industry

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 March 2026 – Today marks a significant milestone for the global shipping industry as The Caravel Group, celebrates the first anniversary of the International Maritime Institute (IMI) joining its family. This milestone marks a strategic move by The Caravel Group in addressing the critical talent shortage affecting the global shipping industry, while supporting India’s national goal to grow its share of seafarers to 20% of the global workforce by 2030. By combining IMI’s proud 35-year legacy as a premier maritime institute with sister company Fleet Management Limited’s operational excellence and depth, The Caravel Group has forged an integrated ecosystem that fosters the highest standard in training, broadens career opportunities for seafarers, and supports sustainable operations for the shipping industry.

The Caravel Group has upgraded IMI’s facilities and invested in its curriculum, including adding advanced simulator training and specialised courses in alternative fuels, emissions reduction, and digital navigation. This year, IMI has also initiated 13 Pre-Sea batches and graduated 400 Pre-Sea cadets, sending many into professional placements with Fleet Management, one of the world’s largest shipping management companies.

Dr. Harry S. Banga, Founder and Executive Chairman of The Caravel Group, said: ” With the International Maritime Institute and Fleet Management under The Caravel Group, we have strengthened the connection between education and enterprise. Fleet Management’s global operations provide real world exposure that anchors IMI’s training in practical experience and opens pathways into professional careers.”

To mark the strategic importance of IMI to The Caravel Group and long-term commitment to maritime excellence, IMI has unveiled a new logo that honours IMI’s 35-year legacy while bringing it visually closer to Fleet Management through shared colours and design elements. Its new tagline, “Anchored in Maritime Excellence, Broadening Horizons,” underscores IMI’s core mission of providing seafarers with exceptional training to unlock a world of opportunities.

Pioneering an Integrated Ecosystem that Benefits Seafarers and Shipowners

For Fleet Management, the integration of IMI directly enhances its ability to secure a sustainable and high-quality talent pipeline. The partnership ensures aspiring talents receive unparalleled real-world exposure and mentorships from its senior officers, with training that is aligned with operational requirements. This results in robust career pathways, from classroom to vessel, providing direct access to highly competent seafarers, a significant advantage for its customers. In a sector facing crew shortages, it means a reliable supply of professionals who maintain the highest standards of safety and performance across its managed fleet.

This partnership also ensures that the next generation of seafarers is fully prepared to navigate modern fleets, comply with evolving regulations, and operate the advanced technologies that the industry will need onboard ships in the future.

Elevating Maritime Education through Innovation and Future-Readiness

With global seafarer talent shortages, The Caravel Group, IMI, and Fleet Management will continue to develop the next generation of global maritime professionals and ensure the industry’s long-term sustainability in the years to come.

The Caravel Group is committed to preserving IMI’s legacy in training excellence and ensuring that IMI’s world-class education remains at the forefront of industry changes and advancements, preparing seafarers for the challenges and opportunities of modern shipping. For Fleet’s customers, the quality of training means customers could continue to count on Fleet to deliver quality of manning, operational safety, and vessel performance.

Nurturing a Diverse and Resilient Global Seafaring Workforce

Building on IMI’s proud legacy, Fleet Management is investing in a workforce that embodies competence, character, and confidence. Its commitment extends to championing diversity and inclusion. IMI now offers a scholarship on tuition fees exclusively for women cadets, directly contributing to India’s goal of 12% female representation in technical maritime roles by 2030 and employs over 20,000 Indian seafarers within its 27,000-strong force. Furthermore, Fleet Management implements market-leading initiatives for seafarer wellbeing, including the Fleet Care team for mental health support, Gender Awareness training, a Women’s Network, and women-centric PPE, underscoring its dedication to a psychologically safe and inclusive workplace for all its seafarers.

One year in, Fleet Management stands committed to this strengthened partnership. With a new look for IMI, robust training and professional development pathways, and an unwavering commitment to safety, ingenuity, responsibility, and excellence, Fleet Management continues to shape the future of maritime professionals for its fleet and the global industry.

Hashtag: #FleetManagementLimited

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/the-caravel-group-international-maritime-institute-imi-and-fleet-management-celebrate-significant-progress-on-the-1st-anniversary-of-working-together-as-one-to-train-a-new-generation-of-future-rea/

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Wattie’s supplier fears for industry’s future after proposed closure of factories

Source: Radio New Zealand

The Wattie’s factory in Christchurch. Nathan McKinnon / RNZ

Wattie’s growers and staff are reeling following the company’s announcement of the proposed closure of three factories in Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin.

The move would see 350 workers made redundant, 220 suppliers affected, and the end of Wattie’s frozen vegetables, Gregg’s coffee and other household names.

Methven farmer Hamish Marr supplied Wattie’s with peas for around 20 years, and said the news was devastating for staff and growers alike.

It came as the arable industry was in real trouble, struggling with low prices for crops but record-high costs for inputs like fuel and fertiliser, he said.

“It’s another nail in the coffin for poor old NZ Inc, and the supermarket shopper ultimately will be buying something that’s not produced here.”

If he could not find an alternative buyer, Marr would consider abandoning peas for livestock, given the lack of options for arable crops.

Comments by Wattie’s that energy prices and red tape were behind the move were frustrating.

“It’s a little bit galling – we live in a country with some of the most sustainable electricity in the world, and yet we’re paying record high prices for electricity, so something needs to be looked at there I would think.”

He agreed compliance was an issue, and said it was only getting worse.

Associate energy minister Shane Jones. RNZ / Mark Papalii

Associate energy minister Shane Jones pointed the finger at electricity gentailers – the major companies that both generate and wholesale electricity.

“Look no further than the non-competitive structure, the non-competitive level of cost imposed on our manufacturing sector by the electricity sector. That’s why the electricity sector either has to be regulated or cut in half.”

Jones said job losses would be inevitable until the gentailers were broken up.

Heinz Wattie’s declined an interview, but in a statement managing director Andrew Donegan said the company was deeply aware of the impact the changes would have on people and their families, growers, suppliers and the community.

The decision was not taken lightly, but was a step that company had to take to position it for the future, Donegan said.

‘They’re heartbroken, gutted’

Forklift driver and E tū union delegate Kathy Perrin’s job was facing redundancy after more than 45 years at Wattie’s Hornby factory in Christchurch.

Everyone from young families juggling new babies and mortgages to workers who had been with the company for decades were facing redundancy, Perrin said.

Her colleagues were fearful of the tough job market and of what happened after the factory doors closed, she said.

Some had been there for several decades, and thought they would see out their working lives at Wattie’s.

The prospect of job hunting was daunting.

“My last interview for a job was in 1979.”

She wanted to see the government and union work alongside the company to support those who were made redundant with counselling, assistance with financial planning or help meeting rent or mortgage payments.

The union and local Wattie’s management were being supportive.

“This didn’t come from within New Zealand, it comes from outside – we’re globally owned.”

She said everyone was rallying around each other, but there was only so much the workers could do.

“They’re heartbroken, gutted.”

The closures came on the back of a wave of redundancies in the past year, including at Sealord, Griffins, Carter Holt Harvey and Smiths City amid economic downturn.

Company liquidations hit a 15-year-high last year.

‘I can’t make business stay in a district’

A “substantial” number of the suppliers were based in Canterbury’s Selwyn district, said mayor Lydia Gliddon.

She said the news had came as a surprise, and she been left with more questions than answers.

There was little the council could do to sway Wattie’s, but Gliddon said she would work to get more details.

“I can’t make business stay in a district, but I think it’s about advocacy, and connecting in and seeing actually what’s going on, trying to get some clarity about those contracts and what happens to them.”

Selwyn MP and associate minister of agriculture Nicola Grigg said the government has been focused on reducing unnecessary red tape and regulation for growers and farmers.

The decision would come as a blow for growers and distributors who were already grappling with rising fuel prices due to the war in the Middle East, and who had experienced losses in recent storms.

Wattie’s was founded in 1934 in Hawke’s Bay, starting with jams and expanding to fruits and vegetables.

H.J. Heinz Company, as it was known at the time, purchased the company in 1992.

In September 2025, Wattie’s reduced its peach production, cutting the contracts of around 20 Hawke’s Bay suppliers in the face of what it claimed was dumping from cheaper markets.

The Minister of Commerce confirmed that last month, after an investigation found Chinese company J&G International Co. Ltd had been dumping peaches, causing “material injury to the New Zealand industry.”

The company also announced in 2025 that it would also source fewer tomatoes, beetroot and corn from local growers due to a drop in demand.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/12/watties-supplier-fears-for-industrys-future-after-proposed-closure-of-factories/

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Bridge Data Centres Plans Major Investment with Global Partners to Strengthen Singapore’s Position as Asia Pacific’s Leading AI Hub

Source: Media Outreach

  • Strategic Investment of S$3-5 billion in Singapore to advance AI-ready data centre developments, supporting over 2 GW of AI-ready capacity globally, and driving technological innovation with international ecosystem partners.
  • First-mover advantage as one of Asia Pacific’s top three hyperscale data centre developers, with proven track record delivering large-scale campus developments in Malaysia, Thailand and India, supporting regional AI and cloud demand.
  • Pioneering sustainable energy solutions, including Singapore’s first floating hydrogen power generation model leveraging the nation’s strengths in maritime transport, port infrastructure and global energy supply chains and research into nuclear energy as a future clean power source for data centres.
  • Building an integrated innovation ecosystem in Singapore through partnerships with universities, research institutions and global technology companies, while supporting job creation and talent development initiatives for around 3,000 students and professionals.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 March 2026 – Bridge Data Centres (BDC), a Singapore-headquartered digital infrastructure platform backed by Bain Capital, has announced ambitious plans to invest S$3-5 billion in Singapore to advance next-generation digital infrastructure and strengthen the country’s position as a leading AI and cloud hub in Asia Pacific.

BDC had announced its new strategic brand identity in early 2026 that reflects the Company’s position of being a leading hyperscale and AI-infrastructure builder with a growing network of mega-campus developments in Asia Pacific. With close to a decade of experience developing high quality data centres, BDC’s new brand identity reflects BDC’s reputation as platform built on disciplined execution, certainty of delivery, and the ability to scale with customers.

As AI and high-density workloads accelerate across Asia Pacific, customers are looking for partners who can offer world-class capabilities and local agility, provide bespoke solutions at scale, and deliver and operate with a proven track record.

With Singapore serving as its global headquarters, BDC is uniquely positioned to support hyperscale customers and global technology companies seeking high-performance, sustainable and scalable data centre platforms across Asia Pacific, while enabling global technology companies to establish and expand their presence in Singapore as they develop AI and digital capabilities in the region.

Over the past decade, BDC has established itself as one of Asia Pacific’s leading digital infrastructure developers and operators. The Company currently operates and develops hyperscale campuses across Malaysia, Thailand and India.

Building on strong relationships with global hyperscale customers and ecosystem partners, BDC is on track to expand its regional capacity to approximately 2 GW by 2030.

By deepening its investments in Singapore, BDC aims to support customers seeking world-class digital infrastructure expertise, strong technology partnerships and integrated energy solutions that enable the sustainable growth of AI workloads.

First-mover advantage

BDC is among the first data centre developers to foray into Malaysia, where the Company has several large-scale data centre campuses – both operational and under development.

BDC’s flagship MY06 campus is the Company’s first project in Johor, as well as the state’s first hyperscale data centre development. In addition, BDC is the first data centre developer in Southeast Asia to adopt a build-to-suit (BTS) model for hyperscale data centre construction. BDC was also among the first hyperscale operators in the region to deploy advanced liquid cooling technologies at scale, including cold plate liquid cooling, to support high-density and AI-driven workloads. BDC’s suite of sustainability initiatives at MY06 enabled the facility to achieve an annualised Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of below 1.2.

BDC is also the first in Southeast Asia to incorporate Prefabricated, Prefinished Volumetric Construction (PPVC) construction, an innovative method that assembles large building sections off site. This enabled BDC to complete MY06 within eight months, which is 40 per cent faster than traditional methods, while reducing on-site dust, waste and noise. This strategy is one of BDC’s key competitive advantages to support the growing needs of hyperscale customers in the region, including Singapore, who need to rapidly scale to meet increasing demand for more capacity to power AI-workloads.

BDC has built Malaysia’s first large-scale Water Treatment Plant (WTP) to treat effluent and convert it into high grade effluent water to cool its upcoming 400MW campus in Ulu Tiram, Johor. The WTP applies advanced Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) and Reverse Osmosis (RO) technologies to deliver superior water recovery and quality. Since commencing operations in 2025, the WTP has been significantly reducing reliance on potable water. It further strengthens the long-term resilience of BDC’s operations and supports Johor’s broader environmental agenda.

The WTP has also attracted interest from regional public agencies. In 2025, BDC hosted a technical visit by representatives from PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency, who were presented with an overview of the plant’s design and its use of advanced membrane technologies for sustainable water reuse in data centre operations.

BDC’s MY-06 Campus (Building 1) has achieved Singapore’s BCA Green Mark Platinum Award granted under the BCA-IMDA Green Mark International for Data Centres 2024 (GMDC: 2024) framework. The BCA Green Mark Award recognises developers, building owners and individuals who have made outstanding achievements in environmental sustainability in the built environment. BDC is the first data centre operator to achieve this recognition for a facility based outside of Singapore. Beyond project certification, BDC has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with BCA International (BCAI) to support the international adoption of Singapore’s Green Mark standards in global data centre developments. Through this partnership, BDC will promote Singapore’s sustainable building standards globally while reinforcing the country’s position as a leading AI and green digital infrastructure hub in the region.

These capabilities are aligned with Singapore’s Green Data Centre (DC) Roadmap, which emphasises energy efficiency, sustainable resource use and the integration of green energy to support the growth of digital infrastructure. BDC’s experience in delivering high-efficiency campuses positions it well to contribute to these objectives through practical, deployable solutions.

Pioneering energy solutions

As AI workloads drive the rapid expansion of digital infrastructure, energy resilience, data security and sustainability are becoming increasingly important. BDC is advancing a range of initiatives to explore alternative energy pathways and strengthen long-term power strategies.

A key collaboration is with Concord New Energy (CNE), where the partners are jointly developing Singapore’s first floating hydrogen power generation solution tailored for next-generation AI digital infrastructure, marking a significant milestone in advancing low-carbon energy pathways for the data centre sector.

BDC and CNE will also collaborate with Nanyang Technological University (NTU) to support the development of Singapore’s hydrogen ecosystem, accelerating research, engineering and the deployment of scalable clean energy technologies for digital infrastructure applications.

In addition, BDC is working with Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research Institute of High Performance Computing (A*STAR IHPC) and HY to evaluate the potential of nuclear energy as a long-term clean power source for data centres.

BDC’s alliance with A*STAR IHPC and HY will leverage advanced modelling and engineering expertise to explore innovative low-carbon energy pathways that will support Singapore’s sustainable digital growth while reinforcing the nation’s position as a trusted global technology hub.

BDC has also established partnerships with global leaders in energy and energy storage technologies, including CATL, EcoCeres, SK Innovation. Through these collaborations, the partners will jointly explore the establishment of innovation and research platforms to advance the development and pilot deployment of clean energy solutions such as hydrogen and biomass energy, as well as next-generation energy storage technologies designed for tropical climates. These initiatives aim to enhance thermal management, improve safety performance and increase the power density of data centre energy storage systems.

These collaborations and pilot initiatives will also contribute to talent development and workforce capability building in Singapore’s digital infrastructure and energy sectors. Through joint research programmes, technology pilots and knowledge exchange with universities, research institutions and industry partners, BDC aims to support the development of specialised expertise in areas such as advanced energy systems, sustainable data centre design, and next-generation cooling and energy storage technologies.

The initiatives are also expected to create high-value job opportunities in Singapore, spanning engineering, energy systems research, digital infrastructure operations and advanced technology development. By nurturing local talent and strengthening cross-disciplinary capabilities, these efforts will help build a robust talent pipeline to support Singapore’s growing AI and digital infrastructure ecosystem.

These partnerships represent a strategic step in BDC’s long-term roadmap to diversify power sourcing pathways, enhance energy security, and future-proof its Singapore data centre portfolio amid evolving grid constraints and decarbonisation dynamics. They also reinforce Singapore’s position as a regional hub for AI-ready digital infrastructure, while supporting the nation’s broader ambitions in sustainable energy innovation and green economic growth. Furthermore, these advancements accelerate Singapore’s ambition to achieve its net zero emissions goal by 2050.

Advancing technology and ecosystem growth

BDC is also pushing the envelope in innovative and sustainable cooling solutions through collaborations with ecosystem technology partners such as Vertiv, Terahop and Teracule, which are subsidiaries of Zhongji Innolight, as well as Delta Electronics and Supermicro.

Many of these partners are established leaders in data centre cooling, power systems and high-performance computing infrastructure, and are active participants in the broader AI infrastructure ecosystem, working closely with leading chipmakers to support next-generation compute environments.

Through its collaboration with Teracule and Terahop, the subsidiaries of Zhongji Innolight, BDC is exploring opportunities to jointly develop next-generation liquid cooling modules and high-performance optical connectivity solutions tailored for AI data centre environments. By combining Innolight’s expertise in optical modules and high-speed interconnect technologies with BDC’s experience in hyperscale data centre design and operations, the partners aim to advance integrated solutions that enhance thermal efficiency, data transmission performance and system reliability for high-density AI workloads.

The collaboration will also explore the establishment of joint research and development initiatives in Singapore, bringing together industry, academia and research institutions to support innovation in AI infrastructure technologies. Through this industry–academia-research collaboration model, the partners aim to accelerate the development and commercialisation of advanced cooling and connectivity technologies while contributing to Singapore’s broader push to strengthen research, talent development and innovation within the digital infrastructure ecosystem.

Together, these alliances focus on the development of advanced liquid cooling architectures, high-density GPU cooling solutions, and energy-optimised HVAC systems designed to support increasingly compute-intensive workloads. These technologies are critical in enabling the efficient operation of AI infrastructure, particularly as rack densities and thermal loads continue to rise in next-generation data centre environments.

Driving regional connectivity

As a Singapore-headquartered digital infrastructure platform, BDC continues to strengthen Singapore’s position as a regional hub for digital infrastructure and AI-driven innovation. With its highly developed connectivity ecosystem, robust regulatory environment and strong international network links, Singapore plays a central role in enabling the growth of the digital economy across Asia Pacific.

In this context, Singapore serves as one of the primary regional hubs, supporting high-value and latency-sensitive digital services such as edge computing deployments, international data traffic management and regional digital service platforms.

To support the burgeoning demand for AI and cloud computing across the region, complementary infrastructure resources across Asia Pacific can help provide additional capacity for compute-intensive workloads, including AI inference, machine learning and large-scale data processing. This cross-border model enables Singapore to remain the connectivity and innovation anchor of the ASEAN digital ecosystem, while regional infrastructure supports the scaling of digital capacity.

BDC’s collaborations with ecosystem partners, including major telecommunications companies and global technology firms, also help expand connectivity networks beyond Asia Pacific, further reinforcing Singapore’s role as a key regional interconnection hub.

One such ecosystem partner is Zenlayer, a leading global edge cloud and connectivity provider with a well-established customer base across Asia Pacific, North America and Europe. Through this partnership, BDC continues to strengthen its regional and international network connectivity anchored in Singapore.

This expanded network reach supports low-latency cross-border digital infrastructure integration, enabling hyperscalers to scale efficiently across markets while leveraging Singapore as one of the core regional gateways for digital services.

Catalysing Singapore’s AI-driven digital growth

Looking ahead, BDC will continue to leverage its operating model as a glocal platform, combining regional scale with deep local execution capabilities to expand across Asia Pacific. The Company’s strategy focuses on connecting key economic corridors, developing high-density, utility-integrated campuses, and working with ecosystem partners to align digital infrastructure growth with evolving energy pathways.

Anchored in Singapore as its strategic regional hub, BDC’s investments and partnerships contribute to the development of a robust digital infrastructure ecosystem that supports AI-driven workloads and cross-border connectivity.

BDC is also adopting an industry–academia–research collaboration mode， bringing together industry partners, universities and research institutes to accelerate innovation in AI infrastructure, advanced cooling technologies and sustainable energy systems. This integrated approach supports the development of new technologies while nurturing local talent and strengthening Singapore’s innovation ecosystem.

BDC’s initiatives in hydrogen, low-carbon power solutions and energy storage further contribute to the growth of Singapore’s green economy, catalysing investment in sustainable energy infrastructure and support the transition towards lower-carbon digital operations.

BDC’s efforts support the creation of high-value jobs and the development of specialised technical expertise in Singapore, spanning engineering, digital infrastructure and advanced energy systems. In addition, BDC will work with universities, research institutes and industry partners to support talent development initiatives, including internships, training programmes and collaborative research opportunities, contributing to the development of a strong local talent pipeline for Singapore’s AI and digital infrastructure ecosystem.

Collectively, these contributions reinforce Singapore’s position as a leading AI and digital infrastructure hub in Asia Pacific, underpinned by resilient, efficient and sustainable infrastructure.

Hashtag: #BridgeDataCentres #Singapore

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/bridge-data-centres-plans-major-investment-with-global-partners-to-strengthen-singapores-position-as-asia-pacifics-leading-ai-hub/

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Seoul Restaurant San Named One To Watch By Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026

Source: Media Outreach

The new French-influenced, modern Korean fine-dining spot in Gangnam demonstrates exceptional culinary talent and potential for future glory

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 March 2026 – Restaurant San, Seoul’s most outstanding new fine-dining restaurant, has been named the winner of the One To Watch Award 2026 by Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, sponsored by S.Pellegrino and Acqua Panna. The award singles out a restaurant which has recently started making a big impact and has the potential to secure a spot in the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list in the coming years.

San’s nomination comes just over a year since opening in 2024 to widespread admiration in the South Korean capital. Located in the fashionable Gangnam district, San is acclaimed for its refined, French-influenced, modern Korean tasting menu conceived by chef Jo Seung-Hyun.

Chef Jo brings exceptional credentials to the venture, having honed his culinary skills at three distinguished restaurants – starting under the tutelage of Thomas Keller at The French Laundry in Napa Valley and La Maison Troisgros in France, before going on to helm the kitchen at Korean-American celebrity chef Corey Lee’s fine-dining restaurant Benu in San Francisco. After eight years as chef de cuisine at Benu, he finally returned home to Seoul to realise his dream of opening San. The sophisticated tasting menu explores a vibrant range of seasonal dishes presenting his creative interpretation of classical French cuisine with a Korean twist.

A spokesperson for Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants says: “San has quickly become one of the most talked-about fine-dining restaurants in Seoul. With richly deserved recognition as the winner of One To Watch Award, the team is raising the bar for culinary excellence, complexity and respect for national tradition – following an inspiring trend of innovative restaurants to emerge from the capital in recent years.”

On winning the One To Watch Award 2026, Chef Jo says, “I’m incredibly grateful and honoured for San to receive the One To Watch Award. San is still a young restaurant and to be recognised in this way so soon after opening means a great deal to us. Thank you to Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants for this encouragement.”

Showcasing Korean flavours through refined technique, Chef Jo’s cuisine focuses on familiar dishes reimagined with depth and precision. Signature creations include a prawn dish paired with a shrimp-gochujang crafted from a deeply concentrated broth extracted from shrimp heads, delivering intense umami, and a reinterpretation of ojingeo sukhoe, a classic Korean poached squid, using delicately prepared spear squid accompanied by squid-ink chojang. Drawing from his childhood memories growing up in Busan, Chef Jo also presents a refined interpretation of dwaeji-gukbap, traditionally enjoyed with salted shrimp but finished with caviar, offering a sense of familiarity while introducing an unexpected modern expression of Korean cuisine.

Beyond these innovations, signature dishes paying homage to iconic tradition include chamoe dongchimi, a water kimchi twist on Korea’s national dish. The wine pairing, led by Ju Jaemin, meanwhile enhances the dining experience at San. Guests can choose between a five or eight-glass pairing, with each wine meticulously selected to complement the multi-layered dishes.

San is the first restaurant from Seoul to win the award since 2017. Recent winners include Farmlore in Bengaluru (2025), a celebration of hyper‑local Indian ingredients; Lamdre in Beijing (2024), a sustainability focused restaurant inspired by Tibetan philosophy; and August in Jakarta (2023), which reinterprets Indonesian flavours through modern fine‑dining techniques.

The One To Watch Award is the final of three pre-announced awards ahead of the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026 awards ceremony, which will announce the region’s premier restaurants. The ceremony is being held for the first time in Hong Kong at the Kerry Hotel on 25 March 2026. The awards ceremony will also be streamed live on the 50 Best YouTube channel via the link here, beginning at 20:00 Hong Kong time.

50 Best works with professional services consultancy Deloitte as its official independent adjudication partner to help protect the integrity and authenticity of the voting process and the resulting list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026. See more details on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants voting process here.

How the voting works

The list is compiled by votes from the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy, an influential group of more than 350 leaders in the restaurant industry across Asia, each selected for their expert opinion of Asia’s restaurant scene. The Academy is divided into seven regions: India & Subcontinent; South-East Asia – South; South-East Asia – North; Hong Kong, Taiwan & Macau; Mainland China; Korea; and Japan. Each voter casts ten votes based on their best restaurant experiences of the previous 18 months, with at least four of these from outside their home country/SAR. Voters are required to remain anonymous and voting is confidential, secure and independently adjudicated by professional services consultancy Deloitte.

About the host destination partner: Hong Kong Tourism Board

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is a government-subvented body tasked with maximizing the contribution of tourism to Hong Kong’s economy and upholding Hong Kong as a world-class travel destination. The HKTB works in partnership with relevant government departments and organisations, the travel-related sectors, and other entities related to tourism, to market and promote Hong Kong worldwide, while enhancing visitors’ experiences through providing diverse and high-quality tourism products and services. The HKTB has a worldwide network of 15 offices and has representatives in seven different markets.

About the main partner: S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna

S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna are the main sponsors of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants. S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna are the leading natural mineral waters in the fine dining world. Together they interpret Italian style worldwide as a synthesis of excellence, pleasure and well-being.

Our Partners:

  • Hong Kong Tourism Board – Official Host Destination Partner
  • S.Pellegrino & Acqua Panna – Main Partner & Official Water Partner; sponsor of The Best Restaurant in Asia
  • Inedit Damm – Official Beer Partner; sponsor of the Inedit Damm Chefs’ Choice Award
  • SevenRooms – Official Booking Platform Partner; sponsor of the SevenRooms Icon Award
  • Doordash – Official Delivery Partner
  • Aspire Lifestyles – Official Concierge Partner
  • Lee Kum Kee – Official Sauces & Condiments Partner; sponsor of Highest Climber Award
  • Valrhona – Official Chocolate Partner; sponsor of Asia’s Best Pastry Chef Award
  • Vik – Official Wine Partner; sponsor of Asia’s Best Sommelier Award
  • Nongshim Shinramyun – Official Partner; sponsor of The Best Restaurant in South Korea
  • Maison Kaviari – Official Caviar Partner
  • Dassai – Official Sake Partner
  • Langjiu – Official Baijiu Partner
  • Woodford Reserve – Official American Whiskey Partner
  • Cinco Jotas – Official Iberico Ham Partner
  • Kerry Hotel, Hong Kong – Official Hotel Venue Partner
  • The Murray, Hong Kong, a Niccolo Hotel – Official Hotel Venue Partner
  • Grand Hyatt Hong Kong – Official Hotel Venue Partner
  • The Peninsula Hong Kong – Official Hotel Venue Partner
  • Pier 1929 – Official Venue Partner

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/seoul-restaurant-san-named-one-to-watch-by-asias-50-best-restaurants-2026/

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HKFYG presents Hong Kong International a cappella Festival 2026: Voices Unbound

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 March 2026 – This March, voices from around the world enthral the city with the return of the Hong Kong International a cappella Festival 2026. A celebration of vocal virtuosity and a confluence of global artistry, the annual flagship event of The Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG) will take the theme of “Voices Unbound” this year.

Over 20 local and international vocal bands will take audiences on a journey across musical worlds at HKFYG’s Hong Kong International a cappella Festival 2026.

Taking place from 21 to 29 March, more than 20 local and international vocal bands will transform the city into a living soundscape, one where creativity and expression transcend borders. Across nine days, over a dozen stage performances and community showcases will invite audiences on a world-class journey of pure vocal harmony.

As Hong Kong’s only and most celebrated a cappella event, the Festival has brought together globally renowned and locally acclaimed talent since its inception in 2008. Every year, the vocal bands fill the city with rhythms and harmonies of a cappella, from stages to streets.

Spotlight Programmes – Uniting World-class Talents

On Friday 27 March, the highlight of the Festival, the International a cappella Extravaganza, will take centre stage at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium. Featuring the jazz-folk of Spectrum Vocal Band from Bulgaria, the folk and R&B of City Singers from Xiamen and the collegiate vivacity of Pitch, Please! from the United States, the event promises a sonic splendour. These headliners will be joined by Hong Kong’s award-winning Saliva Music, known for their EDM style, and rising young stars, Little by Little Kids, loved for their creative flair. Tickets are now on sale on urbtix.hk and at all URBTIX outlets.

On Sunday 22 March, the a cappella Gala will unfold at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, where audiences can revel in grand performances against the dusk-lit backdrop of Victoria Harbour. On Saturday 28 March, the International a cappella Marathon will take audiences on a four-hour soul-stirring journey at apm, Kwun Tong. Both events are free and open to the public.

Community Resonance – From Streets to Campus

The Festival offers a citywide immersive experience that extends beyond halls and stages. The a cappella Prologue at the Mall and the a cappella Resonance at the Mall will bring a cappella music to the community, treating shoppers and visitors to unexpected musical encounters. The two events will be held at apm, Kwun Tong on Saturday 21 March and wwwtc mall, Causeway Bay on Sunday 29 March, respectively.

From Monday 23 to Thursday 26 March, a cappella On The GO will reel around Hong Kong, taking vocal bands to streets and schools across the city for spontaneous performances. On campuses, performers will engage with students, sharing their love of a cappella, the joy of music-making and the art of vocal mastery. Through interaction and exchange, the series hopes to ignite a passion for a cappella music among the younger generation.

For full programme details, visit the HKFYG Cultural Services Unit website at csu.hkfyg.org.hk.

Hashtag: #ACappella #HKFYG #無伴奏合唱

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/hkfyg-presents-hong-kong-international-a-cappella-festival-2026-voices-unbound/

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The Art Basel and UBS Global Art Market Report 2026: Global art sales rose 4% to USD 59.6 billion in 2025

Source: Media Outreach

The global art market returned to growth in 2025, led by renewed confidence at the high end, with dealer sales up 2% year‑on‑year and public auction sales rising 9% by value.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 March 2026 – The Art Basel and UBS Global Art Market Report 2026, authored by Dr. Clare McAndrew, Founder of Arts Economics, provides a comprehensive benchmark analysis of the global art market in 2025. Co‑published by Art Basel and UBS, the tenth edition of the report examines the performance of key market segments, including galleries and dealers, auction houses, and art fairs, against the backdrop of shifting economic conditions, evolving buyer behavior, and changes in global wealth. The publication is the most comprehensive data-driven overview of the forces shaping today’s art market.

Clare McAndrew, Founder, Arts Economics, said: “The market welcomed a shift in direction in 2025, from the contraction of previous years to modest growth. However, it continued to operate in a volatile geopolitical environment, particularly regarding cross-border trade, the full implications of which are still unfolding in 2026. While some categories of art were relatively insulated from the direct effects of tariffs, broader policy uncertainty and trade fragmentation created challenges for businesses, affecting pricing and supply. A wider shift toward protectionism and more domestically focused sales also poses longer-term risks, as the art trade relies heavily on international circulation and access to global audiences. Early indicators suggest cross-border trade in art remained broadly stable in 2025, but how these flows evolve will be critical to the market’s future growth.“

Adrian Zuercher, Co‑Head Global Asset Allocation and Co‑Head Global Investment Management APAC, UBS Global Wealth Management CIO, said: “The Art Basel and UBS Global Art Market Report 2026 highlights a nuanced picture across Asia Pacific. China maintained its position as one of the world’s leading art markets while Hong Kong continues to play a central role in the Asia art ecosystem with several high‑value sales and early signs of macroeconomic stabilization this year. Singapore sustained its trajectory as a growing regional hub. Against a backdrop of moderating inflation and improving regional fundamentals, these dynamics reinforce Asia Pacific’s growing importance on the global art market stage.”

Noah Horowitz, CEO, Art Basel, said: “2025 marked a return to growth for the art business and a strategic inflection point in its continued evolution. Over the year, dealers refined their programs and client engagement strategies with clear intentionality, while art fair-related sales strengthened. Although elevated costs, geopolitical uncertainty, and tariff concerns are still affecting business, buyer confidence improved as the year progressed and the year closed with a succession of dynamic sales moments. As the market recalibrates within a more disciplined range, sustained growth will depend on bringing exceptional works to market, deepening client relationships, and broadening participation across the global ecosystem – priorities that are guiding our focus in 2026.”

The key findings include:

  • Global sales: The global art market returned to growth in 2025, with sales increasing by 4% year-on-year to an estimated USD 59.6 billion. Aggregate sales in the dealer sector rose to USD 34.8 billion (up 2%) and public auction sales increased to USD 20.7 billion (up 9%), while reported auction house private sales declined to just under USD 4.2 billion (down 4%). The volume of transactions reached an estimated 41.5 million in 2025 (up 2%).
  • Leading art markets: The United States, the United Kingdom, and China accounted for 76% of global art sales by value, in line with last year. The US remained the largest market with a 44% share, followed by the UK at 18% and China at 14%. France increased its global share by one percentage point to 8%, consolidating its position as the fourth‑largest market and the largest within the EU.
  • Mixed regional market performance:
    • Sales in the United States reached USD 26 billion (up 5% year-on-year), with a strong rebound at the high-end of the auction market and despite trade unpredictability.
    • UK sales increased to USD 10.5 billion (up 2% year-on-year), driven by growth in public auctions.
    • In China, sales increased to USD 8.5 billion (up just over 1% year-on-year). The market stabilized despite the real estate downturn and other economic concerns that weighed on consumer confidence.
    • France saw sales rising to USD 4.5 billion (up 9% year-on-year), driven by strong performance in both the auction and dealer sectors. That performance lifted the market above its 2019 level.
    • Across Europe and Asia, performance year-on-year was mixed, with growth in markets such as Switzerland (up 13%), Austria (up 13%), Spain (up 6%), and South Korea (up 6%), and slower conditions in Germany (down 10%), Italy (down 2%), and Japan (down 1%).
  • Dealer market recovery: Global dealer sales reached USD 34.8 billion (up 2% year-on-year). While 42% of dealers reported higher sales, rising operating costs (up an average5%) continued to weigh on profitability. Lower‑end dealers (turning over less than USD 500,000) recorded the strongest growth, while sales among mid‑market dealers (turnover between USD 1 million and USD 10 million) softened slightly. At the top end, dealers with turnover above USD 10 million returned to growth.
  • Dealer resilience and business longevity: A review of published gallery activity based on media announcements showed despite high‑profile gallery closures in 2025, there was no evidence that closures outpaced openings overall. Gallery launches represented 42% of reported activity, compared with 25% closures, underscoring continued adaptation and resilience within the dealer sector.
  • Gender representation: Female artist representation strengthened further in 2025, reaching 50% of total artists among primary market galleries and 45% across all dealers. Works by female artists accounted for 37% of sales by value (up from 28% in 2018), although disparities persist at the highest revenue levels.
  • Growing importance of art fairs: Art fair sales increased to 35% of dealer turnover (up 4% year-on-year), their highest level since 2022. Overseas fairs accounted for the majority of sales, though growth was recorded at both international and local events, particularly among mid‑sized dealers.
  • Auction market dynamics: Combined public and private auction sales reached USD 24.8 billion. Public auction sales increased to USD 20.7 billion (up 9% year-on-year), driven by the ultra-high‑end sales above USD 10 million (up 30%) and record prices in the second half of the year, while private sales declined to just under USD 4.2 billion (down 5%).
  • Online sales moderation: Online art sales declined to USD 9.2 billion (down 11% year-on-year), their lowest level since 2019, as high‑value transactions shifted back to in‑person channels. Online‑only sales accounted for 15% of total market value, down 3% in share year-on-year, remaining an important channel for engaging new buyers.
  • Improving outlook: Confidence strengthened heading into 2026, with 43% of dealers expecting sales to improve and 38% anticipating stable performance. Sentiment also improved among mid-tier auction houses, reflecting greater optimism despite ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainty.

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/the-art-basel-and-ubs-global-art-market-report-2026-global-art-sales-rose-4-to-usd-59-6-billion-in-2025/

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The British Council announces new support for Southeast Asian artisan communities with a 48,000 GBP in funding across the region

Source: Media Outreach

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 March 2026 – The British Council has announced a new phase of support for craft artisans and creative entrepreneurs across Southeast Asia, launching a train-the-trainer programme to support the strengthening local creative economies in Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, and Viet Nam.

Participants take part in a British Council Craft Toolkit training session, designed to equip local trainers with practical business skills to support artisan communities and strengthen sustainable creative livelihoods across Southeast Asia, including Malaysia.

The series of online ‘Craft Toolkit’ trainer programmes were held in early 2026, focused on delivering practical business and skills training to artisan communities. This training was held online and in person with the aim to enhance the sustainability of their practice by teaching business skills.

In new funding support announced, 48,000 GBP will be provided to the Southeast Asian artisan communities to deliver Craft Toolkit training to more artisans across the region. This funding is looking to create lasting local impact in the region to build skills.

Craft Toolkit in Action

Originally developed by the British Council in collaboration with Applied Arts Scotland, the Craft Toolkit is a digital learning platform designed to help craft artisans and entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses. The Toolkit includes five modules covering business planning, product development, sales and marketing, financial management, and sustainability, alongside downloadable resources and train-the-trainer materials.

Between 2019 and 2022, Craft Toolkit training reached artisans in 22 countries worldwide and is available in 12 languages. Ninety-three per cent of participants said the programme helped them find new inspiration, while more than a third reported direct changes in how they design and develop craft products—leading to improved incomes, stronger leadership, and more resilient craft businesses.

Manami Yuasa, Regional Arts Director, East Asia, British Council, said:
 “Across Southeast Asia, craft is both a vital source of livelihood and a powerful expression of cultural identity. By investing in local trainers and providing access to practical, digital learning through the Craft Toolkit, we are supporting artisan communities to strengthen their businesses, preserve their cultural heritage, and build more sustainable futures. This programme is about long-term impact—ensuring skills and knowledge remain rooted in the communities that need them most.”

Training in Southeast Asia

In January and February, the British Council delivered a five-week online train-the-trainer programme. The trainers were selected through British Council partner organisations and craft networks. The trainees who are part of the local craft communities, are committed to delivering Craft Toolkit training within their networks over the following 12 months.

Training was conducted in English, with simultaneous interpretation available in Thai, Vietnamese, Burmese, and Bahasa Indonesia.

The Craft Toolkit modules are currently available in English, Thai, Indonesian, and Malaysian.

By investing in local trainers and digital learning, the British Council aims to support skills development, preserve cultural heritage, empower under-represented communities, and strengthen the creative industries across Southeast Asia.

https://www.britishcouncil.org
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Hashtag: #BritishCouncil #Malaysia #CraftToolkit #CreativeEconomy #CulturalHeritage #SoutheastAsia

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

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

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/the-british-council-announces-new-support-for-southeast-asian-artisan-communities-with-a-48000-gbp-in-funding-across-the-region/

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Celebrating the 10th anniversary of Pasifika TV

Source: New Zealand Government

[Speech to the Pacific Cooperation Broadcasting Ltd (PCBL) conference, 6pm, 12 March, New Zealand International Conference Centre, Auckland]

Good evening –

Our hosts, the Pacific Cooperation Broadcasting Limited, particularly Board Chair Brent Impey and Chief Executive Natasha Melesia; 

Pacific broadcasting partners from across the region; 

Members of the diplomatic corps; 

Members of the media, government, and other partners; 

 It is a pleasure to be here today on the PCBL’s 10th Anniversary, marking 10 years of Pasifika TV on air across our Pacific region. Happy anniversary and warm greetings to you all. 

 It’s great you are all able to come together here in New Zealand to celebrate this momentous achievement. And as with many small broadcasting operations across the Pacific, collegiality, creativity, and the ability to solve problems is essential. 

 We are proud to have been your partner every step of the way. One of our great strengths as a region is our commitment to democratic governance. The work you do, as the Fourth Estate, helps to make our societies more connected and more robust.

New Zealand’s Place in the Pacific 

 We have spoken throughout this term about the importance New Zealand places on our region, the Pacific. This region is a core pillar of New Zealand’s foreign policy. Why? Because New Zealand is a Pacific country – we share history, geography, DNA, culture, sports, and religion. 

 Around one in four New Zealanders have Māori or Pasifika heritage. These connections shape our worldview and the responsibilities we accept as a member of the Pacific family. 

 And we see New Zealanders enriching Pacific countries too – through the expansion of New Zealand businesses into the region, through churches, and sports, our tourists, and those supporting development. This two-way, reciprocal exchange is essential. 

 Travel and Recent Engagements 

 The Pacific Reset reinforces that our identity, our security and our prosperity are inextricably linked with the Pacific. We have not only increased investment through our International Development Cooperation programme in the region, but we have been present, listening to our Pacific partners, and carrying those messages home. 

 Our travel has reaffirmed a simple but enduring truth: in the Pacific, there is no substitute for ‘talanoa’, having face-to-face engagement, listening carefully, and strengthening the bonds shaped by the challenges we face and our shared region and history.  Our recent engagements underscored these priorities and highlighted the deep alignment between New Zealand and our Pacific partners. 

 During our recent visit to Kiribati, our discussions and the signing of a new Statement of Partnership deepened a relationship grounded in respect, cooperation, and a mutual commitment to addressing shared challenges. This visit also marked a significant milestone for us: during the current Parliamentary term, we have now visited all 17 fellow Pacific Islands Forum member states, demonstrating New Zealand’s steadfast dedication to regional partnership.

 During these visits we saw the results of New Zealand’s work with Pacific partners to build better infrastructure, to manage our fisheries, strengthen public financial management, education and health systems, and to improve disaster preparedness. 

The New Betio Hospital, which we visited in South Tarawa in January, is a great example of our approach.  It is a high-quality, fit for purpose facility, built on a strong partnership between the Governments of New Zealand and Kiribati, with support from Japan and the Asian Development Bank.  It stands as a symbol of the impact we can have by working together to support Pacific development. 

Connectivity 

 Everywhere we’ve been, our counterparts have stressed the importance of connectivity: physical and digital. Pacific Leaders are clear to us that secure, resilient, and affordable digital infrastructure is essential to national development and regional cooperation. Digital systems underpin access to education and health, enable financial inclusion, expand economic opportunities, and connect remote communities to essential services. It means people can access online content, including broadcasting. 

 Achieving meaningful digital integration requires investment in undersea cables, satellite connectivity, and cyber resilience. It requires building local digital skills, supporting safe online spaces, and strengthening regional interoperability so systems can work across borders. 

 For New Zealand, partnering on digital transformation is both a practical responsibility and an expression of our Pacific identity. Harnessing digital transformation reduces distances, enhances disaster response, supports transparency, and enables broader participation in the digital economy. Ultimately, digital integration is not simply a technical challenge—it is an investment in sovereignty, opportunity, and the unity of our Blue Pacific Continent. 

 Technology is moving quickly in the region to support broadcasting.  As Pacific broadcasters move to digital, local broadcasters begin to have access to multiple channels. This creates an opportunity for digital transformation platforms as connectivity improves, spreading its reach to wider Pacific audiences. 

 This is important because we know that broadcasting and media in the Pacific play a critical role in fostering democracy, ensuring safety, and preserving culture in communities spread across the vast Pacific Ocean.  Media supports democracy by holding those in power to account, providing public service announcements, and promoting civic education. 

 Our ongoing support to PCBL reinforces the importance that New Zealand places on media freedom and a resilient, vibrant and regionally connected Pacific media sector. PCBL is a critical partner. It connects the world to the region during emergencies. And it supports local broadcasters to produce factual and locally relevant media content. New Zealand has been a proud provider of free-to-air content to the PCBL, and in the spirit of our shared love for sports, we are launching an initiative to support PCBL’s capacity to competitively negotiate and secure rights to show major live sports to Pacific audiences. 

 Talanoa is critical in the Pacific, but distance is a challenge. This has been raised with us on our travels, and we have been determined to break down that barrier, including through supporting leaders get to key regional meetings such as the Pacific Islands Forum. If we want regional responses to our challenges, we need regional leaders and our people to connect. 

 The Government is backing up these words with action. I’m pleased to announce tonight that from the 1st of June this year, we are decreasing the total cost of applying for a visitor visa for Pacific nationals from $216 to just $161, for a 12-month period. This is part of New Zealand’s ongoing work to reduce the barriers, including cost, to Pacific visitors travelling to New Zealand. 

This is another practical update to visitor visa settings that reduces cost, supports easier travel, and helps to strengthen the relationships that matter most. This builds on earlier changes, such as longer visa durations and the current visa-free trial for Pacific travellers coming from Australia. 

 Partnership in difficult times 

 Strengthening our people-to-people connections is important when our strategic environment in the region is increasingly complex. The region is navigating sharper great power competition alongside climate and transnational risks that do not respect borders. In these difficult times, regionalism is essential. 

Pacific leaders are clear: they seek cooperation, stability, and sovereignty — not division.  The Pacific Islands Forum’s 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent remains our shared framework for long-term resilience, security, and prosperity. 

 New Zealand’s position is steady and principled. Pacific countries know they can turn to New Zealand in times of need. We’re continue to invest a range of initiatives that invests in the Pacific preparedness against physical and cyber threats, without adding pressure or duplication. We will also never shy away from having frank, mature, conversations with our Pacific family of nations, and we will continue to advocate for the Pacific – including on the global stage. 

 In an increasingly contested world, values matter. Our collective approaches and our regional architecture, like the Pacific Islands Forum, help guard against the ability of big, powerful countries to divide us. Together we can hold firm to our principles, enhancing the power of the region as a whole. Throughout these challenging times, our guiding principle is unchanged: to work with Pacific partners in ways that honour sovereignty, respond to local priorities, and support long-term resilience. 

 As we look forward to New Zealand’s hosting of the Pacific Islands Forum in 2027, New Zealand will be working to ensure our region is connected and unified. We will use our hosting of the Forum to strengthen the region’s relationships with partners who share our regional values, and who can contribute positively to the region’s prosperity and resilience and to its development. 

 Consensus, respect, and dialogue have defined Pacific diplomacy since the early years of regionalism – they are The Pacific Way. The Pacific Way guides us to engage constructively, to listen carefully, and to move forward collectively even when the issues before us are challenging. At a time of shifting geopolitical currents, the Pacific Way reminds us that partnership is a strength, that sovereignty is to be respected, and that solutions must be Pacific-led and Pacific-owned. 

 Closing 

 The Pacific has a long tradition of navigating vast oceans with courage, vision, and unity. New Zealand is committed to continue working within the Pacific family of nations—listening first, aligning second, and delivering always. 

 In closing, let us reflect on the goal that was established a decade ago by PBCL – to build and support an empowered, resilient and sustainable Pacific broadcasting community which supports informed, open and democratic societies, and regional cohesion. 

 Congratulations again on the first 10 years and all the best for the remainder of your conference. 

 Thank you

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/12/celebrating-the-10th-anniversary-of-pasifika-tv/