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Prudential Singapore launches protection plan to help families navigate their health gap years

Source: Media Outreach

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 March 2026 – Prudential Singapore (“Prudential”) announced the launch of PRUActive Life V, a comprehensive and customisable whole-of-life protection plan to support Singapore families in preparing for their health gap years – the period when an individual diagnosed with critical illness takes time away from work to focus on recovery. The plan offers multiplied coverage and lifelong protection with critical illness add-ons. It provides one of the widest ranges of coverage at 182 conditions including mental illness conditions.

As Singaporeans see higher incidences of critical illness (e.g. almost 58 per cent increase in stroke patients from 2011 to 2021[1]), many families will experience a serious health episode and the affected family member may be unable to work during their recovery. During this ‘health gap’ period, the resulting income loss creates a strain on household finances, along with additional costs to care for the patient at home.

Many Singaporean households remain unprepared to deal with such a scenario. According to the 2022 Protection Gap Study by the Life Insurance Association of Singapore, there is a 74 per cent protection gap[2] against critical illnesses such as cancer[3], stroke[1], and heart disease[4]. This gap is especially challenging for young families raising children and the sandwich generation caring for both children and ageing parents.

Insurance plans play different roles in supporting families during a serious health event. While hospitalisation insurance covers eligible hospital and treatment bills, critical illness plans pay a lump sum upon diagnosis and families have the flexibility to decide how they want to use the payout.

Ms Toni Fung, Chief Customer and Marketing Officer, Prudential Singapore, said: “Many families think that hospitalisation coverage is sufficient when a serious illness strikes and may overlook the wider financial impact on the household. For young families and the sandwich generation, a critical illness can disrupt income and add caregiving responsibilities that impact household finances. Critical illness coverage is therefore not just personal protection, but family protection, as it provides a lump-sum payout to take care of these additional costs.

“Families should consider critical illness protection early to ensure they have a safety net in place and the peace of mind to focus on recovery during their health gap years. With PRUActive Life V, families have access to a comprehensive protection plan that stands firmly behind them for life, even when the unexpected happens.”

Protection for families during their health gap years

PRUActive Life V, alongside its critical illness add-ons, provides whole life coverage for death, terminal illness, total and permanent disability and critical illnesses. It covers a wide range of 182 conditions ranging from cancer to accidental fracture of spinal column and includes additional payouts for 27 medical conditions e.g. mental illness and juvenile conditions[5].

Families may enhance their coverage up to five times (Multiplier Benefit[6]) up until age 80, to scale protection in tandem with their growing household income and caregiving commitments. There is also Kinship Booster[7], a 10 per cent boost in basic coverage for free when an immediate family member takes up PRUActive Life V.

Besides young families, critical illness protection is also important for singles with caregiving responsibilities for other family members such as elderly parents or siblings. A serious illness can disrupt their ability to work and continue supporting those who depend on them financially or for care.

Added Ms Fung: “Singles may face added pressure on their personal finances and family obligations during a prolonged period of rest as they do not have a spouse to share the burden. Critical illness coverage becomes an important safeguard to help them stay financially resilient while managing their caregiving responsibilities.”

Understanding the hidden costs of health gap years

Families can face significant financial strain when they take time off to recover from a critical illness. In Singapore, a family with young children has an average monthly household income and expenditure of $21,435 and $8,577 respectively.

Consider a 35-year-old father with two young children who contributes $15,000 to the monthly household income. When he suffers a stroke, the father pauses work and that results in a loss in income. Table A outlines additional ‘hidden’ costs[8] that he may face during his health break.

Ms Fung highlighted: “Many families underestimate the significant financial cost of recovery during their health gap years, which can be as much as 3.9 times[9] of one’s annual income based on the assumption of a five-year recovery period. Apart from the disruption to income, families may face ‘hidden’ costs such as caregiving arrangements, home modifications and therapies, as well as the longer-term reality that their insurance options may become limited after a serious illness. These hidden expenses will continue to accumulate and place added pressure to household finances.”

# Examples of ‘hidden’ costs[7] during health gap years
1. Caregiving support e.g. salary of a foreign domestic worker or day nurse, or enrolment in a day care centre
2. Caregiver impact e.g. caregivers/family having to take no-pay leave, paying for convenience services such as meal delivery or childcare help, and mental load
3. Home modifications to support changes in patient’s mobility and motor skills
4. Therapy e.g. physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, emotional counselling, Traditional Chinese Medicine etc.
5. Costly drugs and alternative treatments
6. Unforeseen expenses which might come up due to complications arising from the diagnosed critical illness

Table A: Hidden costs of health gap years

PRUActive Life V provides families with comprehensive protection against critical illness to manage financial uncertainties during their health gap years.

Other key features include:

For more information on PRUActive Life V, please refer to: https://www.prudential.com.sg/pal-v

[1] Source: https://www.nuh.com.sg/health-resources/newsletter/envisioninghealth—changing-lives-one-idea-at-a-time/delivering-world-class-stroke-care-and-outcomes

[2] Source: https://www.lia.org.sg/news-room/media-releases/2023/singapore-s-critical-illness-protection-gap-narrows-while-mortality-protection-gap-remains-relatively-unchanged-protection-gap-study-2022/

[3] Source: https://www.healthhub.sg/well-being-and-lifestyle/personal-care/cancer-facts-you-cannot-ignore

[4] Source: https://medicine.nus.edu.sg/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Press-release_Obesity-will-become-the-most-important-risk-factor-for-heart-attacks-within-3-decades_For-dissemination.pdf

[5] Includes Antley Bixler Syndrome, Sanfillipo Syndrome, Bile acid synthesis disorder, and Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Complex Deficiency

[6] Multiplier Benefit is applicable only if you chose to have this benefit when you purchase the plan. You may choose from Multiplier Benefit factors of 2x, 3x, 4x or 5x and Multiplier Benefit ages of 65, 70, 75 or 80. The Multiplier Benefit factor and the Multiplier Benefit age will apply to PRUActive Life V and its attached Early Crisis Care and Crisis Care supplementary benefits.

[7] Only applies if the life assured is below age 55 when the immediate family bought the policy. It adds an extra 10% of the death and terminal illness sum assured of the life assured’s policy, up to S$100,000.

[8] References: https://www.snsa.org.sg/post/helpful-information-for-stroke-survivors-and-caregivers; https://edge.sitecorecloud.io/agencyforinb6cc-agencyforin73f5-production08ac-d178/media/agency-for-integrated-care/Files/Caregiving-Support/General-Caregiving-Resources/AIC_AB_Senior-MobilityAids_web.pdf

[9] Source: https://www.lia.org.sg/media/3974/lia-pgs-2022-report_final_8-sep-2023.pdf

[10] The income payout option allows you to receive yearly payouts from the surrender value of the policy over a period of 10 years. As such, this option is like partial surrender. Please note that once you begin receiving the yearly payouts, the sum assured and the long-term value of your policy will be reduced.

[11] Subject to a maximum of 1 claim per policy

[12] This benefit is only available when your policy has acquired a surrender value that is equal to at least two years’ of premiums paid. This interest-free loan amount needs to be paid back at the end of the premium deferment period. If the loan amount is not paid back at the end of the premium deferment period, interest will be charged. The Premium Defer Benefit can only be used once per policy.

[13] The bonuses are NOT guaranteed and will vary according to the future experience of the participating fund.

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Hashtag: #PrudentialSingapore #CriticalIllness #HealthGapYears

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/2026/03/11/prudential-singapore-launches-protection-plan-to-help-families-navigate-their-health-gap-years/

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James Dyson Award 2026: Calling the next generation of problem-solvers

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 March 2026 – The James Dyson Award, a global design engineering competition that has supported more than 400 inventions, opens for submissions today for 2026. The Award invites current and recent design and engineering students across 28 countries and regions to present ideas that tackle real-world problems.

Shortlisted entries will be reviewed by national judging panels of design and engineering experts, including Dyson engineers. National winners will receive £5,000 and a chance to progress to the international stage. Sir James Dyson will select global winners to receive £30,000 and a platform to take their inventions to the next level.

The Award gives winners media exposure, international recognition, and the momentum for these young inventors to accelerate their ideas to commercialisation.

Sir James Dyson, Founder of Dyson, said: “I established the James Dyson Award to encourage young ‘doers’ in life who are focused on solving the problems they see in the world, not grandstanding about them. It has been inspiring to see so many brilliant ideas from young design engineers, many of whom have gone on to build businesses and take their problem-solving ideas to people and markets all over the world. I look forward to judging this year’s submissions.”

In 2025, the James Dyson Award marked its 20th year and received more than 2,100 inventions from young engineers worldwide. Projects provided solutions in areas such as health screening, household waste, and disaster relief.

The 2025 Hong Kong winner was awarded to Reef of Hope, an modular, 3D-printed artificial reef designed to restore oyster habitats. Invented by Dean Chan, a PhD candidate at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the reef features an innovative topological design and uses a printing substrate infused with oyster shell calcium carbonate.

Since winning, Dean has advanced his project in Tolo Harbour, while delivering R&D services for marine conservation organisations, gaining support from the HKSAR Government and universities to deploy reefs, working with local fishermen in aquaculture areas, and forming a strategic partnership to expand reef deployment to Asia.

“Winning the James Dyson Award has significantly boosted media exposure for my marine conservation mission, providing a powerful platform to connect with much wider audiences and inspire real change.” Dean said.

Another notable past winner is the 2022 Hong Kong winner, O-Oley, which is rethinking eye care with smart-goggle technology designed to support eye health and wellness. Building on the industry exposure and recognition gained through the Award, the team officially launched its product in June 2025 and has since expanded its impact by delivering community screenings with NGO partners. They have also established a dedicated research centre in Tsuen Wan to support ongoing testing and development.

“Honestly, starting a company wasn’t even on our radar,” said Kin Nam Kwok, Minji Seo, Yuen Yin Leung and Kwun Chung Chan. “Winning the James Dyson Award gave us the confidence to take O-Oley from a project to a startup—strengthening our engineering mindset and giving us the credibility to be taken seriously from day one.”

How to enter

Entries can now be submitted via the James Dyson Award website, with the deadline set for midnight on 15th July 2026. University students and recent graduates of design and engineering subjects are eligible to apply.

The best entries tackle a clear global problem, demonstrate a thoughtful design process, and showcase originality and technical feasibility.

Hashtag: #JamesDysonAward

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/2026/03/11/james-dyson-award-2026-calling-the-next-generation-of-problem-solvers/

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Preparing Students for a Fast-Changing Future: Creative Schools Continuum Explores the Future of Learning at “Transforming Education 20/40” Symposium

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 March 2026 – On 13 February 2026, the Creative Schools Continuum hosted its “Transforming Education 20/40” Symposium at Creative Secondary School (CSS), bringing together more than 200 educators, school leaders, and parents to discuss how schools should prepare their students for the age of artificial intelligence and rapid technological change.

The event, held as part of the 20th anniversary celebration of Creative Secondary School and the 40th anniversaries of Creative Primary School (CPS) and Creative Primary School’s Kindergarten (CPSKG), focused on a central question: How can schools equip students to navigate an unpredictable future while also cultivating their character, compassion, sense of purpose, and resilience?

Putting Humanity at the Centre of Learning

Mr. Victor Fong, School Supervisor of the Creative Schools Continuum, opened the symposium by stressing the importance of keeping humanity at the core of education in the AI era. He called for schools to prepare students for a more complex world where values, attitudes, and ethical thinking remain essential.

CSS Principal Stephen Hindes extended this vision, noting that schools should move beyond traditional teaching methods to create environments where young people are motivated to explore, question, and grow.

After a performance by students who took part in the 2025 Kuliang Friendship U.S.-China Youth Choir Week, Dr. Spencer Fowler, Head of Li Po Chun United World College, delivered the keynote address. He discussed the importance of finding purpose in an era of technological acceleration, arguing that while algorithms have their place, a clear sense of purpose remains the most vital element in student development.

From Theory to Practice: Educators and Students Respond

The symposium also featured keynote sessions by Dr. Cecilia Tam, Manager of Ph.D. Research Degree Programmes at City University of Hong Kong, and Mr. Maurice Chong, CSS alumnus and Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia honoree, who founded the sports technology company KNO.

Dr. Tam focused on mindfulness and the importance of staying focused in an information-saturated age, while Mr. Chong explored how students can adapt and grow alongside AI, drawing on his experience as an athlete, AI researcher, and entrepreneur.

Participants also joined two rounds of concurrent workshops led by AI and Ed-tech professionals, exploring topics such as digital mindfulness, character development, innovative classroom integration, and so on.

The student panel, moderated by Ms. Ruth Benny of Top Schools, provided symposium participants with the opportunity to hear from students about their experiences studying at CSS. The students describe CSS as a place where they can learn from mistakes with the support of their teachers, while developing leadership, discipline, and a strong sense of responsibility. They also shared their concerns about staying competitive as AI advances, the anxiety brought on by social media, and the challenge of making ethical choices when using AI tools. Their reflections offered authentic perspectives on how young people are actually experiencing the changes that adults are planning for.

Teachers as Guides, Not Just Instructors

The second panel, moderated by Ms. Ruth Benny, brought together Dr. Cecilia Tam, Principal Stephen Hindes, and Mr. Maurice Chong. Their conversation explored a range of forward-looking issues: the reimagined assessments, AI-accelerated learning, and why human values matter more as automation spreads. The panel concluded that the role of educators must shift from delivering information to guiding students towards self-directed learning.

The “Transforming Education 20/40” Symposium underscored the Creative Schools Continuum’s commitment to preparing students not just for academic success, but for meaningful lives in a rapidly evolving world. As technology reshapes learning, educators are redefining their roles as mentors who prepare young people to understand AI, use it wisely, and contribute meaningfully to society.

Factual Highlights of the Creative Schools Continuum
 Three Schools • One Philosophy • One Continuum

  • The motto of Creative Schools Continuum is “Nurture Future Minds • Build Boundless Capacity”, highlighting the continuum’s foresight and insights into quality education and our commitments to our students and parents.
  • Creative Primary School and Creative Secondary School are award-winning “Inviting Schools”. The award recognizes the schools’ commitments to providing an exceptionally caring, trusting, respectful, and positive learning environment for its students and staff.
  • As International Baccalaureate (IB) World Schools, Creative Primary and Creative Secondary Schools offer the IB Primary Years Programme (IB PYP), IB Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) respectively.
  • Creative Secondary School also offers the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary School Examination (HKDSE) course in parallel with the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) as pathways to university entrances.

Hashtag: #CreativeSchoolsContinuum #CSS #CPS #CPSKG

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/2026/03/11/preparing-students-for-a-fast-changing-future-creative-schools-continuum-explores-the-future-of-learning-at-transforming-education-20-40-symposium/

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KCM Trade Awarded “Best Forex Trading Platform 2026” by FX Daily Info

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 March 2026 – KCM Trade, a leading global CFD broker, has been honored with the “Best Forex Trading Platform 2026” award at the 2026 Industry Awards hosted by international financial media outlet FX Daily Info in March 2026, underscoring the Group’s brand strength and industry influence built over a decade of development.

Regulated by both the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Financial Services Commission (FSC) of Mauritius, KCM Trade remains committed to compliance, operational integrity, and sustainable growth. This latest recognition further reinforces the Group’s accumulated expertise and expanding presence in the global market.

Driven by the Market, Recognised by Industry Authorities

FX Daily Info has long been dedicated to research and evaluation within the global forex industry. Its annual awards are widely respected for their transparency and fairness, carrying significant industry influence.

This year’s selection process engaged forex investors worldwide, with all awards determined through public voting. KCM Trade stood out with a significant lead of over a thousand votes ahead of the runner-up. This accomplishment not only signifies strong industry recognition of KCM Trade’s sustained commitment to technological advancement and continuous optimisation of the trading experience, but also reflects a clear endorsement from the market through an open and transparent voting mechanism. The result further consolidates KCM Trade’s leadership position in the global forex market.

KCM Trade has consistently upheld a client-centric service philosophy. Receiving the “Best Forex Trading Platform” award reflects global clients’ strong recognition of the Group’s trading execution efficiency, system stability, client service standards, and diversified product offering. It also serves as a driving force for the Group’s ongoing refinement and innovation.

A Decade of Excellence, Looking Ahead

As KCM Trade marks its tenth anniversary, this recognition as “Best Forex Trading Platform 2026” carries special significance. Looking ahead, the Group will continue to drive intelligent technological innovation, further enhancing trading experience and service quality, and remains committed to providing global clients with a more efficient, reliable and trusted trading environment.

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Hashtag: #KCMTrade #Besttradingplatform #2026 #10years #globalbrokers

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/2026/03/11/kcm-trade-awarded-best-forex-trading-platform-2026-by-fx-daily-info/

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AI company Anthropic expands to NZ and Australia

Source: Radio New Zealand

Anthropic insists its technology should not be used for the mass surveillance of US citizens. NIKOLAS KOKOVLIS/AFP

US artificial intelligence company Anthropic is expanding its presence in Australia and New Zealand.

The company, which is in the midst of suing the US government over its retaliation for a dispute about safeguards in its AI technology, says it is opening an office in Sydney.

“The expansion reflects strong demand from businesses in Australia and New Zealand, and will help us better serve the country’s unique AI ecosystem,” says a company statement.

Anthropic says Australia and New Zealand rank 4th and 8th globally in Claude usage, relative to population, according to the company’s latest Economic Index.

It lists current Australia-based clients as Canva, Quantium, and Commonwealth Bank of Australia.

“We’re excited by the ways organizations in Australia and New Zealand are applying AI to areas of national importance-financial services, agricultural technology, clean energy innovation, healthcare delivery, cutting-edge deep tech and scientific research, along with AI transformation in the enterprise,” said Chris Ciauri, the company’s managing director of international.

Anthropic’s court action against the Pentagon comes after it labelled the company a supply chain risk, which affects how it does business with other firms working with the Department of Defense.

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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/2026/03/11/ai-company-anthropic-expands-to-nz-and-australia/

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Media OutReach Newswire Appoints Kitty Lee as Managing Partner, Greater China to Spearhead Chinese Brand Expansion into Global Markets

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 March 2026 – Media OutReach Newswire, Asia Pacific’s first and only global newswire, has appointed Ms Kitty Lee as Managing Partner, Greater China. This is a newly created role designed to accelerate the company’s growth across GBA and Greater China.

Kitty brings over two decades of experience in the PR industry. Having used Media OutReach Newswire’s press release distribution service for several years, she was impressed by the company’s deep understanding of client needs and the quality of its deliverables. “I have seen the important role that Media OutReach Newswire has played in my work and its impact to my clients. I am inspired by the opportunity to contribute my knowledge, drive change, and foster innovation for the advancement and efficiency of the PR industry,” she said.

Through innovation and AI-driven workflow efficiency, Media OutReach Newswire is redefining press release distribution, enabling press releases to serve multi-functional roles. Media OutReach Newswire connects brands with journalists to maximise earned media and build media relationships worldwide. Where PR professionals once pitched stories to secure as many published key messages as possible, Media OutReach Newswire’s verbatim guaranteed online news postings on trusted media websites ensure 100% delivery. This solution helps companies strengthen brand reputation and build trust with customers and investors, while powering SEO and GEO for AI-driven search. Its pioneering multiformat post-release reports deliver data insights and PR Campaign Intelligence on coverage, public reach, and broader communications impact, for C-Suites reporting.

Ms Jennifer Kok, Founder and CEO of Media OutReach Newswire, said: “The growing demand for an authentic newswire partner has created a clear opportunity for us to expand in GBA and Greater China. Kitty brings exactly what we need: deep relationships across the region’s PR and marketing community, and a clear understanding of what brand communications must achieve. Her in-depth industry knowledge will guide our market expansion and product development as we help Chinese companies build their brand reputation across Southeast Asia, ASEAN, Asia Pacific, the USA, Canada, Latin America, UK & Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.”

Founded 17 years ago, Media OutReach Newswire is trusted by government agencies, corporations, and SMEs across Greater China to build their brand reputation globally. Clients that have entrusted their global communications campaigns to Media OutReach Newswire include the Information Services Department Hong Kong, China News Services, New Taipei City Government, Taiwan External Trade Development Council, Huawei, Alibaba, OPPO, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hang Lung Properties, Lee Kum Kee, TVBS, Macau Tourism Board, Galaxy Entertainment Group, and fast-growing enterprises such as XTransfer, Ecovacs, Sleekflow, KPay and Innolux Corporation.

Kitty joins from FleishmanHillard, where she served as Senior Vice President & Partner, advising clients across retail, property, healthcare and travel & tourism sectors. She holds a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Nottingham and a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Hong Kong Baptist University. A Cantonese native, she is fluent in English and Mandarin, and will be based in Hong Kong.

Hashtag: #MediaOutReachNewswire #pressrelease

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/2026/03/11/media-outreach-newswire-appoints-kitty-lee-as-managing-partner-greater-china-to-spearhead-chinese-brand-expansion-into-global-markets/

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Heinz Wattie’s proposes closure of three manufacturing facilities, impacting 350 jobs

Source: Radio New Zealand

(File photo)

Major food company Heinz Wattie’s has proposed changes to discontinue some manufacturing operations in New Zealand.

The company, said the proposal would result in the closure of three manufacturing facilities in Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin. Packing would also cease at the associated frozen lines in King St, Hastings.

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.

Heinz Wattie’s said it would consult with staff on the plan, which it said had come about because of increasingly difficult manufacturing conditions.

‘Huge blow to workers’

E tū Union director Finn O’Dwyer Cunliffe told Checkpoint the proposal was a huge blow to workers and a “grim time”.

“It’s not great – this has been dumped on them this afternoon at very short notice.

“It is a huge blow to workers….it is a tough evening.”

He said some people had worked for Heinz Wattie’s or its subsidiaries for several decades.

The union were given just 45 minutes notice of announcements across various sites, he said.

“It hasn’t been handled in the best way.”

It was a tough time across the country for workers in the industry, O’Dwyer-Cunliffe said, and there’d been many closures.

The union was pushing for more time for feedback on the proposal with Heinz Wattie’s.

“The period they’ve proposed is completely inadequate and I think pretty disrespectful really, on top of pulling workers in on such short notice.”

Last October, Wattie’s announced it would further reduce its fruit and vegetable crops it sourced from its home in Hawke’s Bay, citing an ongoing struggle against cheaper imports.

The month before, it announced it would reduce the production of canned peaches.

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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/2026/03/11/heinz-watties-proposes-closure-of-three-manufacturing-facilities-impacting-350-jobs-2/

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NZ-AU: Minim Martap Project Update

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-NZ-AU)

Highlights

  • Construction work ongoing on ore haulage access road, IRF and site access
  • Locomotives delivery remains on schedule in first quarter 2026
  • Mining contractor has visited site confirming mobilisation schedule with mine development to commence in first quarter 2026
  • Project development timeline remains unchanged
  • Project fully financed to Stage 1 production
  • Incumbent President Paul Biya has been officially re-elected as the President of Cameroon

PERTH, Australia, Nov. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Canyon Resources Limited (ASX: CAY) (‘Canyon’ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to provide a project update for its Minim Martap bauxite project (‘Minim Martap’ or ‘the Project’) in Cameroon, following the confirmation of President Paul Biya’s re-election.

Despite reports of unrest in several Cameroon cities in the immediate aftermath of the election, Canyon has continued to progress its development of the Minim Martap project with minor delays to construction work in key areas.

Upgrades to the Minim Martap haulage road including access to the Daniel Plateau, access to the IRF and by-pass construction is ongoing and whilst some delays have been experienced, works remain on track for completion in Q1, 2026.

Locomotives ordered recently from CRRC Ziyan Co. Ltd1 are being built in China and are on schedule to be delivered to Canyon in the first quarter of next year. Similarly, the rail wagons delivery is also scheduled for Q1, 2026 in line with the forecast first shipment of bauxite ore in Q2, 2026.

The mining contractor appointed to the Minim Martap Project has visited the site and has confirmed it will be in position to commence mining operations in the Q1 2026.

Importantly, with first bauxite shipment scheduled for Q2, 2026, Minim Martap remains fully financed to Stage 1 production, by a combination of both debt and equity facilities. Funding comprises the previously announced ~US$140M facility from AFG Bank Cameroon2 and the recent A$35.6M equity raise3 in September 2025 which saw 56.5% shareholder, Eagle Eye Assets (“EEA”), also commit to exercising approximately 137 million options to raise an additional A$10M.

Tranche 2 of the equity raise, comprising a placement of A$100M to EEA and a A$70M placement to CEMAC investors being undertaken by Afriland Bourse & Investissement (“Afriland”), remains conditional on shareholder approval. In addition, the AfriLand tranche requires approval from the Banque des États de l’Afrique Centrale, the central bank for the Central African Economic and Monetary Community, the Commission de Surveillance du marché financier de l’Afrique Centrale, the market regulator for the Central African Economic and Monetary Community and the Government of Cameroon, which is still ongoing. The Annual General Meeting is to be held on the 25th of November 2025.

Commenting on project funding, EEA stated: “We look forward to maintaining our strong partnership with Canyon as it continues to advance key project milestones in the near term and to completing the next phase of A$100M of equity funding under Tranche 2.”

Canyon Chief Executive Officer Peter Secker commented: “Following the recent presidential election in Cameroon, work on the Company’s Minim Martap project has continued without any significant disruptions and we remain on schedule for the first bauxite shipment from Minim Martap to be completed in Q2 of next year.

Canyon is well funded following the recent capital raisings, which allowed us to secure commitment of key long lead items such as locomotives and wagons, which will be delivered on time in the first quarter of 2026. 

This announcement has been approved for release by Canyon’s Board of Directors.


Forward looking statements
 This announcement contains “forward-looking statements” and “forward-looking information”, such as statements and forecasts which include (without limitation) financial forecasts, production targets, industry and trend projections, statements about the feasibility of the Project and its financial outcomes (including pursuant to the DFS), future strategies, results and outlook of Canyon and the opportunities available to Canyon. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “is expecting”, “budget”, ‘outlook”, “scheduled”, “target”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, or “believes”, or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might”, or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Such information is based on assumptions and judgments of Canyon regarding future events and results. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements and information involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, targets, performance or achievements of Canyon to be materially different from any future results, targets, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements and information.

Forward-looking statements and information are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, sensitivities, contingencies, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are beyond the control of Canyon and its directors and management. Past performance is not a guide to future performance. Key risk factors (including as associated with the DFS) are detailed (non-exhaustively) in this announcement or in Canyon’s previous ASX announcements). These and other factors (such as risk factors that are currently unknown) could cause actual results, targets, performance or achievements anticipated (including in the DFS) to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements and information.

Forward-looking statements and information (including Canyon’s belief that it has a reasonable basis to expect it will be able to fund the costs of the Project for its estimated life of mine) are (further to the above) based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of Canyon made in light of its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that Canyon believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date such statements are made, but which may prove to be incorrect. Although Canyon believes that the assumptions and expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements and information (including as described throughout this announcement) are reasonable, readers are cautioned that this is not exhaustive of all factors which may impact on the forward-looking statements and information. Canyon does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements or information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Investors should note that there is no certainty that the Project will be feasible and there can be no assurance of whether it will be developed, constructed and commence operations, whether the DFS results will be accurate, whether production targets will be achieved or whether Canyon will be able to raise funding when it is required (nor any certainty as to the form such capital raising may take, such as equity, debt, hybrid and/or other capital raising). It is also possible that such funding may only be available on terms that dilute or otherwise affect the value of Canyon’s shares. It is also possible that Canyon could pursue other ‘value realisation’ strategies such as sale, partial sale, or joint venture of the Project. Risk factors which are set out (non-exhaustively) in this announcement, or in Canyon’s previous ASX announcements, highlight key factors identified by Canyon which may cause actual results to differ from the DFS or may otherwise have material detrimental impacts on Canyon and its business.  

Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves
This announcement contains estimates of the Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves estimated for the Project. This information in this announcement that relates to those Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves has been extracted from Canyon’s accompanying ASX announcement entitled “Definitive Feasibility Study Results and Reserves Upgrade Confirms Minim Martap as a Tier-One Bauxite Operation” dated 1 September 2025, a copy of which is available at www.asx.com.au. Canyon confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in that announcement and, in relation to the estimates of Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves, confirms that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates in that announcement continue to apply and have not materially changed. The Competent Person for the Mineral Resources estimate in the announcement was Mr. Rodney Brown and the Competent Persons for the Ore Reserve estimate in the announcement was Mr. Donald Eld.

1 Refer to ASX announcement dated 26 June 2025
2 Refer to ASX announcement dated 26 May 2025
3 Refer to ASX announcement dated 25 September 2025

– Published by The MIL Network

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/11/nz-au-minim-martap-project-update/

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Heinz Watties proposes closure of three manufacturing facilities, impacting 350 jobs

Source: Radio New Zealand

(File photo)

Major food company Heinz Wattie’s has proposed changes to discontinue some manufacturing operations in New Zealand.

The company, said the proposal would result in the closure of three manufacturing facilities in Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin. Packing would also cease at the associated frozen lines in King St, Hastings.

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.

Heinz Wattie’s said it would consult with staff on the plan, which it said had come about because of increasingly difficult manufacturing conditions.

“Globally high inflation and various industry challenges have all placed ongoing pressure on the commercial performance of the business,” the company said.

Suppliers would also be affected with pea and other vegetable growers, specifically 220 growers in Canterbury supplying the Christchurch site, losing their contracts.

“The decision to start this process was not taken lightly,” Heinz Wattie’s Managing Director Andrew Donegan said.

“Numerous alternatives and options were explored before reaching this phase. It is a necessary step to position our company for the future.”

The proposal is subject to a two-week consultation period with staff, union representatives, growers, suppliers, retail partners and other local stakeholders.

Last October, Wattie’s announced it would further reduce its fruit and vegetable crops it sourced from its home in Hawke’s Bay, citing an ongoing struggle against cheaper imports.

The month before, it announced it would reduce the production of canned peaches.

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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/2026/03/11/heinz-watties-proposes-closure-of-three-manufacturing-facilities-impacting-350-jobs/

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Under-35s buying less vapes could be result of tighter regulations

Source: Radio New Zealand

Justin Lester, director of Dot Loves Data said this trend was likely a consequence of tightening restrictions around marketing and flavours. 123rf

Under-35s are spending less on vapes each year, according to an analysis of bank transactions by Dot Loves Data.

Eighteen to 24-year-olds spent $90 million on vape products throughout 2025, down from $105 million in 2024.

And among those aged 25 to 34 – historically the largest spending cohort – spend was down from $122m in 2024, to $113m in 2025.

Justin Lester, director of Dot Loves Data, said those numbers had been trending down since 2023 – and so far, were continuing to fall in 2026.

Dot Loves Data, based in Wellington, was bought by ANZ in 2022, giving it exclusive daily access to ANZ transactions on credit and eftpos cards, which made up 35 percent of transactions nationwide.

Overall, Lester said, vape spend was down, after peaking at $34 million a month in 2025. By this January, that figure had dropped to $32 million.

Annually, New Zealanders spent a total of $401 million on vaping products in 2025, compared with $417 million in 2024.

It was not possible to see what products people were buying based on the data, Lester said, and they didn’t collect data for under-18s.

Lester said this trend was likely a consequence of tightening restrictions around marketing and flavours.

The government had made a range of regulation changes in recent years, including a ban on disposable vapes and a restrictions for marketing and flavours.

However, it was a different story among older demographics. For age groups over 35, spending remained comparatively steady, even increasing in line with price increases.

In general, men spent more on vapes than women.

According to the 2024/25 New Zealand Health Survey, 11.7 percent of adults were daily vapers, with the highest rates found among those aged 18 to 34, Māori and Pacific people, and adults living in the most deprived neighbourhoods.

Jonathan Devery, chairperson of the Vaping Industry Association (VIANZ), said the figures were encouraging, and pointed to those restrictions targeting young people having an effect.

While data wasn’t available for under-18s, the ASH Year 10 Snapshot Survey of up to 30,000 students each year, showed regular vaping was on the decline.

Devery said those who didn’t experiment with vapes as teenagers were less likely to carry the habit into their twenties.

“Daily and experimental use amongst that age group has been on a steady decline for five years now, so I think you’re seeing a relationship between those under-18s not experimenting or using those products as they were five or so years ago, and those Kiwis falling into the new dataset no longer using those products.”

Devery said, according to retailers, the disposable ban had had the largest impact on sales.

He said research had shown the older generation tended to be the ones who had replaced a smoking habit with vaping, and were not such big users of the disposable, fun-flavoured alternatives.

ANZ data far higher than government estimate

The ANZ number was far higher than the Ministry of Health’s estimated total sales for “notifiable products” (vaping, smokeless tobacco, and herbal smoking products).

In 2024, the most recent year available, it was “at least $280 million”, compared to ANZ’s $401 million. The ministry noted its estimate was based on specialist vape retailers reporting their sales data, and was incomplete.

Data for 2025 was not available for comparison.

Devery explained those estimates relied on retailers and distributors accurately reporting their sales, but that wasn’t always happening, and a better, clearer platform for reporting data might help.

“Retailers, distributors, suppliers are all doing their best with the education and platform that they have available to them.”

A Ministry of Health spokesperson said it continued to work with industry to improve the usability and reliability of the annual returns system.

As the law left a relatively short window in which to submit annual returns, it had taken “a pragmatic approach” to ensure industry participants had enough time to submit complete and accurate information by allowing late or corrected submissions.

“This helps ensure that any information released publicly reflects the most accurate picture of the market,” it said.

But Letitia Harding, chief executive of the Asthma Foundation, said there needed to be harsher consequences for retailers for poor reporting. “It’s got to have enforcement, and that’s definitely been lacking,” she said.

The ministry said for the past year its compliance focus had been on retail practices that presented the greatest potential public health risk, like sales to minors, visibility and advertising restrictions.

“Annual returns reporting remains important for regulatory oversight; however, it has not been an area where limited compliance resources have been heavily directed.”

The ministry said it was unable to comment on the reported discrepancy between its number, and ANZ’s, “as we do not have visibility of how ANZ has collected or calculated its information, including what market segments or assumptions may have been included”.

Regulations may be having an effect, but there’s more still to do: Asthma Foundation

Harding said while there was no doubt regulations were having an impact, she was still concerned by other studies which showed 18 to 24 year-olds maintained a high rate of daily vaping. “They’re the ones we’re concerned don’t have the support to quit vaping.”

She was also cautious the data didn’t show what products people were buying, and how many. “It would be interesting to see what’s going out.”

Box mods, or non-disposables – typically favoured by older generations – tended to be more expensive. But you only needed to buy it once, and then the only ongoing expense was vape juice.

The data on locality, however, was well supported by existing evidence, she said, and it was concerning to see vape spend highest in areas of high socioeconomic deprivation.

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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/2026/03/11/under-35s-buying-less-vapes-could-be-result-of-tighter-regulations/

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Money20/20 Asia Unveils Powerhouse Lineup of 250 Speakers to Define the Future of Finance

Source: Media Outreach

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 March 2026 – Money20/20, the world’s leading fintech show and the place where money does business, today announced 250 confirmed speakers from a total of 39 countries taking their stages at Money20/20 Asia happening in Bangkok on April 21–23, 2026 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC).

This year’s theme ‘From Infrastructure to Impact – Where Technology Meets Humanity’, is exploring how the next wave of financial innovation can deliver real outcomes across the APAC region. From digital public infrastructure and embedded finance to AI‑powered services and inclusive financial design, Money20/20 Asia will examine how technology moves beyond capability to create genuine human impact. With a speaker lineup drawn from across Asia, the show will unpack the trends, breakthroughs, and strategies shaping the future of money.

Money20/20 Asia brings togethers speakers from over 40 global and regional banks, including Standard Chartered, HSBC, Bank of America, Citi, Deutsche Bank, EPAA/World Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Tonik Bank, Maybank, J.P. Morgan, KASIKORNBANK, and Trust Bank Singapore to name a few. Experts from leading payment providers including Visa, Nium, Thunes, PPRO, Tazapay, Mastercard, Razorpay, FiServ, Brankas, JusPay and others will discuss the evolution of payments across the region.

“Money20/20 Asia is a platform for ideas that shapes the industry and this year’s lineup of 250+ speakers reflect the extraordinary progress happening across APAC. From digital assets and payments to AI and financial inclusion, the conversations in Bangkok will define the future of money across the region and beyond. We’re excited to bring together the leaders who are not only observing change, but actively creating it.” said Danny Levy, Executive Vice President & MD APAC & Middle East.

The 2026 keynote roster highlights a group of standout leaders shaping the future of finance across Asia and beyond. Some of the keynote speakers include: Faizul Ariff Ali, Governor, Reserve Bank of Fiji, Djasur Djumaev, Founder & CEO, Uzum, Pichet Durongkaveroj, Executive Director, Bangkok Bank, Peng Ooi Goh, Founder & Executive Chairman, Silverlake Group and Anna Liu, CEO, HashKey Tokenisation

“Thailand is emerging as a key financial innovation hub in Asia, and Money20/20 Asia provides a vital platform for us to connect with global leaders, building the future of finance. As digital transformation accelerates across the region, we see tremendous opportunity for collaboration, new business models, and technologies that will strengthen Thailand’s role in the regional financial network.” said, Pichet Durongkaveroj, Executive Director, Bangkok Bank.

New for this year at Money20/20 Asia is the Intersection Stage exploring the convergence of traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralized finance (DeFi), addressing how banks, fintechs, and emerging technologies are reshaping the global financial ecosystem. The stage brings together leaders from major financial institutions and well-known fintech companies to discuss how innovation, regulation, and new financial infrastructure are transforming areas such as digital assets, trust and cybersecurity, and cross-border payments. Speakers include for example Siddharth Gupta of Bank of America, Sabih Behzad of Deutsche Bank, Fangfang Jiang of International Finance Corporation, Kenneth Chan of Webull, and Siva Kumar of Sumsub, who will share insights on regulatory innovation, digital asset adoption, developments in stablecoin, tokenization, blockchain‑enabled settlement, and how new payment rails are enabling faster and more efficient cross-border transactions.

The show includes the Startup & Investor Park, a dedicated space where leading fintech founders from Asia connect with global investors, enterprise partners, and decision-makers. 20 standout startups from across APAC have been selected, highlighting the Park’s commitment to quality, innovation, and real-world impact. Over three days, the Park will host founder-focused sessions, investor meetups, startup showcases, and pitch competitions to accelerate early-stage growth. Startups will also compete for the Golden Ticket to the 2026 Startupbootcamp Sustainability Singapore Accelerator, which offers SGD 70,000 in non-dilutive prize money, access to the Investment Readiness Program, and expert coaching.

Money20/20 Asia will also feature fintech unicorns and high‑growth innovators, including Revolut, Bolttech, Fireblocks, Circle, Bitkub, AppWorks, and Incognia, alongside technology leaders such as Meta, Finastra, FIS, and Publicis Sapient.

“The digital asset landscape across Asia is evolving at remarkable speed, and platforms like Money20/20 Asia play a vital role in bringing together innovators, regulators, and ecosystem builders to shape that future. As the region’s leading blockchain and digital asset company, Bitkub is proud to be part of the global conversation on how tokenization, digital identity, and next-generation financial infrastructure can unlock new economic opportunities and drive inclusive growth for millions across the region.” said Jirayut (Topp) Srupsrisopa, Founder & Group CEO, Bitkub Capital Group Holdings.

Stages

In addition to the Intersection Stage Money20/20 Asia 2026 will feature three more stages, each delivering a distinct lens on the future of money:

  • Summit Stage: headline keynotes and industry‑defining conversations
  • Exchange Stage: deep‑dive discussions on payments, banking, digital assets, AI, and regulation
  • Discovery Stage: spotlighting emerging founders and early‑stage innovation

Program Highlights from the Agenda

The 2026 agenda highlights the show’s core themes of digital assets, cross-border payments, AI, and regulation, and includes several high-impact sessions such as:

  • Day 1: The Future of Tokenised Markets in Asia, featuring HashKey Tokenisation, Fireblocks, Circle
  • Day 1: Real‑Time Cross‑Border Payments: The Next Leap Forward, with Nium, Thunes, Tazapay, Airwallex
  • Day 2: AI‑Driven Financial Inclusion Across APAC, with Kotak Mahindra Bank, Tonik Bank, Trust Bank Singapore
  • Day 2: The Creator Economy Meets Finance at the Intersection Stage, featuring Meta, Publicis Sapient, and leading digital creators
  • Day 3: Regulation for the Next Decade with regulators from Bank of Thailand, MAS, BSP, OJK Indonesia, Bangladesh Bank, Labuan FSA, and the Reserve Bank of New Zealand

Hashtag: #money20/20 #fintech #bangkok

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/2026/03/11/money20-20-asia-unveils-powerhouse-lineup-of-250-speakers-to-define-the-future-of-finance/

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Wattie’s NZ proposes closure of three manufacturing facilities, impacting 350 jobs

Source: Radio New Zealand

(File photo)

Major food company Wattie’s has proposed changes to discontinue some manufacturing operations in New Zealand.

The company said the proposal would result in the closure of three manufacturing facilities in Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin. Packing would also cease at the associated frozen lines in King St, Hastings.

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

MORE TO COME…

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/11/watties-nz-proposes-closure-of-three-manufacturing-facilities-impacting-350-jobs/

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Celebrate, Rest, and Recharge This Raya With XIXILI’s Sleepwear Collection

Source: Media Outreach

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 March 2026 – Comfort is set to be a defining theme for Raya 2026, and it extends well beyond the festive outfit. XIXILI is bringing that same ease into the downtime between celebrations, with sleepwear designed for the hours when women can finally catch their breath, rest, and simply be.

The Reality of the Raya Rush

The lead-up to Raya is a whirlwind of grocery runs, deep cleaning, and late nights in the kitchen. By the time the first open house begins, most women have already put in an incredible amount of effort for their families. The quiet moments in between are not just a break. They are earned.

XIXILI’s pajamas are made for those moments. Easy to move in, soft enough to wear through the night, and the kind of pieces that make coming home feel like something to look forward to. Designed to fit a wide range of body types, every woman can find something that feels as good as it looks.

“Raya is everything. The food, the family, the laughter. And at the end of it all, she deserves to rest just as well as she celebrated,” says Tara Tan, Marketing Director at XIXILI.

Comfort That Carries Through the Season

Raya may bring the occasion, but the shift happening in Malaysian wardrobes goes further than that. Women are increasingly treating sleepwear as a considered part of their self-care, not just something to change into before bed.

“We often talk about the joy of gathering, but we rarely talk about the exhaustion that comes with it,” Tara Tan adds. “Our goal for Raya 2026 is to ensure that when the last guest leaves, every woman has a high-quality piece of loungewear to retreat into. It is about honouring the work she does by giving her the rest she deserves.”

Quality loungewear for the wind-down, the slow morning, and every quiet moment in between has become one of the most considered purchases a woman makes this season.

Made to Be Worn, Not Just Owned

Good sleepwear should not sit tucked away at the back of a drawer. It should be the first thing she reaches for at the end of a long day, worn in and looked forward to. XIXILI’s range is built for exactly that, styles that settle naturally into her routine and carry her well beyond the festive season.

The full sleepwear collection is available online and at XIXILI boutiques nationwide. To shop the range, visit www.xixili-intimates.com.

https://www.xixili-intimates.com/my/
https://www.facebook.com/XIXILI.OfficialFanPage/
https://www.instagram.com/xixili_intima/
https://www.tiktok.com/@xixili_intima?
https://www.youtube.com/user/xixilipage

Hashtag: #XIXILI

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/2026/03/11/celebrate-rest-and-recharge-this-raya-with-xixilis-sleepwear-collection/

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New Solicitor-General appointed

Source: New Zealand Government

Anna Adams has been appointed Solicitor-General and Chief Executive of the Crown Law Office, Attorney-General Judith Collins announced today.

“Ms Adams is an outstanding lawyer and leader,” Ms Collins says.

“She has extensive experience in public law and has worked for many years at the highest levels of our legal system.

“Ms Adams also brings strong private‑sector leadership, having chaired a major national law firm. That mix of legal expertise and practical leadership makes her exceptionally well suited to the role of Solicitor-General.

“She is widely respected for her judgement, integrity and commitment to the law. I am confident she will provide strong and effective leadership at Crown Law and continue the high standards expected of the Solicitor-General.”

The Solicitor-General is a key constitutional role, serving as the Crown’s principal legal adviser, providing advice to the Prime Minister, the Attorney-General and Cabinet, and leads the Crown Law Office. The Solicitor-General is appointed by, and serves at the pleasure of, the Governor-General.

Ms Adams is an expert in public law with 28 years of experience across advisory work and litigation. She has acted in criminal prosecutions and civil cases for both public and private sector clients and has appeared as lead counsel in more than 100 cases in the District Court, High Court and Court of Appeal, including complex coronial inquests and major inquiries.

Ms Adams is currently a barrister at Bankside Chambers. She previously spent 20 years at Meredith Connell, serving as lead partner for public and health law and later as Chair of the Board. She also holds governance roles, including on the board of PHARMAC.

Ms Adams holds an LLM from Yale Law School, an LLB (Hons) and a BA from the University of Auckland. She has been appointed for five years from 11 May 2026.

MIL OSI

LiveNews: https://livenews.co.nz/2026/03/11/new-solicitor-general-appointed/

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90% of New Zealand homes in need of immedate maintenance

Source: Radio New Zealand

Images showing rot in beams and exposed wood and peeling paint on window frames. Branz/supplied

About 90 percent of homes in New Zealand are in need of immediate maintenance, with the total cost of the work thought to be $27 billion, research has found.

Centre for Research, Evaluation and Social Assessment (CRESA) – with Building Research Levy backing – is running a project aimed at helping owners keep their homes well cared for in an affordable way.

CRESA’s research director Kay Saville-Smith, told Nine to Noon, the 90 percent figure came from a variety of resources including the latest condition survey done by the centre along with other research it had done.

Saville-Smith said any home that did not operate well, for example, losing heat or getting too warm counted as being in need of maintenance.

The risks associated with an unmaintained home were that it could become damaged during any adverse weather events.

Older homes were likely to be in need of repairs, Saville-Smith said, particularly if the home had not been well maintained on a regular basis.

She said while new builds were less likely to need immediate maintenance, they were not always suitable for the conditions and environment of where they had been built.

Old weatherboard homes for example with wooden window frames, were pretty straightforward to maintain, Saville-Smith said, but for many houses things were not so simple.

“Homeowners, particularly as they age, get less and less willing and sometimes less capable of some of the work.”

Over the years, there had been many design periods which used lots of different sorts of cladding and roof tiles, she said, and every different type of cladding on a home moved in a different way.

Different cladding moves in different ways. (File photo) 123RF

“The main thing consumers can do when choosing homes and designs is to understand and think about these things.

“You want a resilient home not one that just looks a bit flash.”

She said it was also important for homeowners to remember low maintenance did not mean no maintenance.

AUT Professor of Construction Management John Tookey, said a lot of general maintenance which needed to be done on homes was relatively small including clearing gutters, touching up paint, checking for gutter cracks and treating surfaces.

He said problems arose “when the outside gets inside.”

“If you don’t maintain, issues can become serious,” he said.

At this stage, Saville-Smith said she did not have data on how much people were paying to keep their homes maintained but they were working with housing providers to get a better idea of this.

She said CRESA wanted to work with designers and housing providers as well as the building industry on how to build better, more resilient homes.

Tookey said the biggest barrier for homeowners with maintaining their houses was finances. Everything from mowing grass to trimming trees came at a cost if someone was being hired to do it.

The next thing it came down to was skills and an ageing population, he said.

“We’ve become increasingly a victim of our sedentary lifestyle.”

His advice for homeowners who did not have access to a lot of funds was to “focus on the small stuff”.

That included using treatments on wood and touching up the house with paint.

He said by the time a problem was big enough to get someone in to fix it, it was going to be expensive.

“Deal with small problems before they become big problems and have a regular budget for maintenance.”

Tookey said it was good to try and set up one day each month where you can do maintenance around your home.

Coming into winter, Tookey said it was good to prepare your home by making sure there were curtains to keep in the heat, along with insulation under the floor and in the roof. He suggested purchasing a dehumidifier to take the moisture out of the air was also good.

Saville-Smith envisioned a checklist of home maintenance for a number of different styles of homes which could be given to homeowners.

She hoped the project would be able to get out the door within 18 months.

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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/2026/03/11/90-of-new-zealand-homes-in-need-of-immedate-maintenance/

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Queenstown-based tech entrepreneur Brian Cartmell donating hundreds of thousands to political parties

Source: Radio New Zealand

Political donations made in an election year must be declared within 20 days if they are more than $20,000. RNZ

Technology entrepreneur Brian Cartmell appears to have donated at least half a million dollars to the coalition parties – and to the Opportunity party.

Cartmell moved to New Zealand in 2010 and gave up his US citizenship in 2015. His former professional background includes working for the Internet Entertainment Group, an online pornography company. It was a pioneer in live webcam shows and subscription services.

In a statement on his website, Cartmell said he had donated equally to the three coalition parties as well as to Opportunity. The ACT Party told RNZ it had received a total of $200,000 from Cartmell last year. The Electoral Commission said a $100,000 donation to Opportunity from Cartmell had been disclosed. Neither National nor NZ First would confirm donations from him.

But Cartmell himself said the current coalition parties represent “the best available chance of navigating” a period of significant economic, technological, and geopolitical change in a way that preserves New Zealand’s sovereignty, prosperity and independence.

He said he chose to donate equal amounts to National, Act and NZ First last year as none of the three represents his thinking, but he believed the three parties complemented each other. The donation to Opportunity was made because he feels healthy democracies need parties willing to put forward ideas major parties won’t.

“New ideas enter the political process from the edges, and parties like Opportunity play an important role in making sure that process doesn’t stagnate.”

Who is Brian Cartmell?

Cartmell lives in Queenstown with his partner. He says he has donated more than $1 million to a range of organisations including Starship Children’s Hospital, Cure Kids, Hato Hone St John and NZSAS Regiment Trust.

In the 1990s, he worked at Internet Entertainment Group helping it to develop live streaming technology.

Cartmell also founded a domain registry firm in 1997 which managed domain names with the .cc extension, associated with the Cocos Islands territory, an island territory with a population of around 600 people. He told the United States Senate Commerce Committee 400,000 domain names were registered to the extension. The Australian Financial Review reported the islands received no benefits from domain name sales, although Cartmell did distribute technology and grants. Cartmell sold the company to Verisign in 2001 for an undisclosed sum.

Cartmell also funded an anti-spam service called SpamAlert. This company won a court case against the food company Hormel, maker of tinned Spam, over the use of the word spam. He was also an early adopter of cryptocurrency Bitcoin and participated in the first funding round of Coinbase.

The Companies Register shows he is a director of three New Zealand companies and a shareholder in an additional 12 companies. These include crowdsourcing platform PledgeMe, food and beverage companies Angel Food and Yeastie Boys. He has a small shareholding in Invisible Urban Charging, an electric car charging company co-founded by former National Party MP Jake Bezzant.

According to Cartmell’s website he is seeking investment opportunities and is looking for innovative start-ups in transformative technologies.

Parties respond

Opportunity party general manager Iain Lees-Galloway said the cash injection, which was declared as being received on 25 February was incredibly helpful for the small party, which is not in parliament.

“We don’t have parliamentary resources to run our campaigns that sitting MPs do. So a donation like this makes a huge difference to us to be able to get our message out.”

Donations would be spent on marketing as well as travel and events. The party has received one other big donation of $50,000 from Phillip Mills, taking its currently declared total for 2026 to $150,000.

Donations made in the 2025 calendar year will be published in early May. Donations made in an election year must be declared within 20 days if they are more than $20,000.

An ACT party spokesperson confirmed Cartmell had made donations in 2025 but had not made any donations this year.

“ACT New Zealand received a donation from Brian Cartmell of $100k in December last year. He donated a total of $200k to ACT in 2025.”

New Zealand First party secretary Holly Howard said donations would be disclosed as required by law.

“Out of respect for our donors’ privacy and due process, we will not provide commentary or confirmation on individual donations ahead of the statutory reporting requirements.”

The National Party said it wouldn’t comment on individual donations, except where required by law through donation disclosures.

Information released on the electoral commission website shows coalition parties have received $750,000 in donations of over $20,000 so far this year. National has received $250,000, ACT $350,000 and NZ First $150,000.

The Greens have received $43,000 and Labour $22,000.

Cartmell’s statement says he supports transparent political donations, but will be making no further statements on the matter.

“These donations were made with that broader objective in mind – with the understanding that it is voters, not donors, who decide the direction of New Zealand.”

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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/2026/03/11/queenstown-based-tech-entrepreneur-brian-cartmell-donating-hundreds-of-thousands-to-political-parties/

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No Stupid Questions: What could the Iran war really mean for your bank balance?

Source: Radio New Zealand

ATTA KENARE / AFP

What will the war in the Middle East mean for the average Kiwi’s finances? How far are fuel prices going to rise? What will happen to interest rates?

And what does it all mean for the price of food – haven’t we had enough increases there, already?

A special episode of the No Stupid Questions podcast out on Wednesday aims to answer these questions – and more.

If you have any questions of your own, send them to questions@rnz.co.nz

Sign up for Money with Susan Edmunds, a weekly newsletter covering all the things that affect how we make, spend and invest money.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/11/no-stupid-questions-what-could-the-iran-war-really-mean-for-your-bank-balance/

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KiwiSaver balances wobble: Is this time different?

Source: Radio New Zealand

Markets have been volatile this week as they digest the impact of the war in the Middle East. RNZ

Worried KiwiSaver members are asking: is this time different?

Markets have been volatile this week as they digest the impact of the war in the Middle East.

But some investors have been concerned the warnings of economic disruption could mean more pain to come for their KiwiSaver balances.

One woman who wrote to RNZ said she was 64 and worrying about her KiwiSaver balance falling.

“I am out of work due to illness and have no other income or support from the government … I am really counting on this money. I’m worried not much will be left.”

KiwiSaver managers say – as ever – the volatility is the price that investors pay for the returns they get on the other side, and for most people, sticking with their investment strategy is the best plan of action.

ASB chief investment officer Frank Jasper said the bank was fielding some inquiries.

“People obviously seeing headlines, especially [Monday] seeing some pretty dramatic market moves and asking questions around what’s going on.”

Jasper said, while riding it out was usually the best course of action, a downturn in markets could sometimes highlight a personality mismatch for investors.

“We do all of this risk profiling when we go into KiwiSaver and we get asked about our attitude to risk.

“And then we live through these experiences and they are visceral experiences, that really test your genuine attitude towards risk.

ASB chief investment officer Frank Jasper. Supplied / LinkedIn

“I think for some people, it’s a learning opportunity … And they realise ‘when I actually experience it, I realise that it does affect me a bit more than I thought’ … every time there’s a dramatic market move, despite the fact the long-term evidence suggests the world gets through it and we do recover, there’s a scenario you can paint where things get worse.

“Sometimes people will lean heavily on that ‘things will get worse’ scenario. Sometimes they will be right, but most of the time the world returns to normal and things are okay.”

He said, since 2009, the S&P500 had fallen more than 5 percent 32 times and continued to record all-time highs through that period. “It’s just a feature of the market.”

He said it typically took 47 days for the market to recover from a shock.

‘And then within 12 months, about 68 percent of the time, the market is higher than it was 12 months ago.”

He said persistently negative markets would usually come only when a shock become a macroeconomic crisis.

But Jasper said it was a good opportunity for people to think about whether their fund was a match for their emotional ability to cope with risk, not just their investment time horizon.

“It’s very easy to think you are relaxed if there are drawdowns or relaxed if there are shocks in the markets. It’s only living through these experiences you get to actually genuinely test what your attitude to risk is. For some people, they will experience this and go ‘you know what? I don’t sleep well at night and I’m genuinely uncomfortable about this’.

“For those people, it may be very rational to think about a different risk profile over time. But for others they’ll go ‘I’ve got 20 years left, I know these things happen. I’m okay with it’.

“If you think about any other thing in our life, if the big screen TV was on special we’d be really happy about it. Or if you could dine at your favourite restaurant bit cheaper than normal, you’d be really happy about it. The minute shares go on sale, they fall a bit, we get the chance to buy more shares in good companies that we can own for the next 120 years, we kind of get nervous about it. It’s strange behaviour in the financial markets we don’t see in any other parts of our lives.”

ANZ, the country’s biggest KiwiSaver provider, said it had been contacted by a small number of people who wanted to switch to a more conservative fund.

“In April 2025, during another recent period of market volatility, we also noticed an increase in customers contacting us to switch into more conservative funds. However, the numbers were again low – a couple of hundred – and a fraction of what we saw in March 2020.

“We think this is a reflection of how ANZ Investments, alongside other KiwiSaver providers and industry participants, have made conscious efforts to remind KiwiSaver members to stay the course.”

Milford head of KiwiSaver Murray Harris. Supplied / Milford

At Milford, head of KiwiSaver Murray Harris said it had not received many calls or questions but was telling members that markets moved up and down and this was no different.

He said investors who stuck to their goals would do better than those who tried to time the markets and switch funds to avoid a downturn, because they would often turn out to have moved at the wrong time. That could mean locking in losses and missing out on the recovery.

Morningstar NZ spokesperson Greg Bunkall said the impact on funds would depend on the performance of equity markets from now.

“To date, the KiwiSaver balanced and growth indexes Morningstar uses to track KiwiSaver funds are flat, and that doesn’t include the bounce back [Tuesday] morning.”

So what can you do if you’re worried?

You should be in a KiwiSaver fund that matches your risk profile.

If you have a long time until you need your money, you can afford to take some more risk and should get through this disruption – and others – by not paying too much attention to your KiwiSaver balance.

If you need the money soon, you should already be in a conservative fund that hopefully isn’t moving around too much.

If you’ve realised you’ve got your settings wildly wrong, and you need money now, you’ll probably need to move your investments, even if it means locking in losses.

Sign up for Money with Susan Edmunds, a weekly newsletter covering all the things that affect how we make, spend and invest money.

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

LiveNews: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/03/11/kiwisaver-balances-wobble-is-this-time-different/

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Vingroup Introduces Special Program to Support Customers Amid Rising Fuel Costs

Source: Media Outreach

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 March 2026 – Amid volatility in global fuel prices, Vingroup has announced the launch of a special “Trade Gas for Electric” program in Vietnam, India, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The program offers an additional 3% discount on VinFast cars and 5% discount on VinFast electric scooters for customers switching from old gasoline vehicles. At the same time, fares for Xanh SM services will be reduced by 10% from March 11 to March 31, 2026, depending on each market.

Specifically, in addition to the existing incentives currently available, customers who switch from old gasoline vehicles to new VinFast electric vehicles during the program period will receive an additional 3% discount for cars and 5% discount for scooters. The program will be applied across all four markets: Vietnam, India, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

In line with VinFast’s pioneering spirit, GSM Green and Smart Mobility Joint Stock Company has also announced an immediate 10% reduction in fares for electric mobility services on the Xanh SM platform in Vietnam and Green SM in Indonesia from March 11 to March 31, 2026. This initiative offers customers a more environmentally-friendly and cost-effective transportation option.

The program may be extended depending on international developments and future fuel price movements.

Ms. Duong Thi Thu Trang, Deputy CEO of Global Sales, VinFast, stated: “The special ‘Trade Gas for Electric’ program launched in March across four key markets is VinFast’s timely response to geopolitical volatility that is affecting socio-economic conditions in many countries around the world. As one of the pioneering manufacturers leading the global electric vehicle revolution, VinFast together with companies in Vingroup’s green ecosystem aims to help reduce the impact of fuel prices on people’s daily lives while also lowering environmental pollution through smarter, more sustainable, and more cost-efficient mobility solutions.”

The special “Trade Gas for Electric” program will be implemented in parallel with and combined with other available incentive programs in each market. Through layered incentives, Vingroup and companies within its ecosystem aim to create favorable conditions for customers to transition quickly to electric vehicles, reduce dependence on gasoline, stabilize daily life, and contribute to building a cleaner and more civilized living environment.

Hashtag: #Vingroup

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/2026/03/11/vingroup-introduces-special-program-to-support-customers-amid-rising-fuel-costs/

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Singapore University of Social Sciences Expands Regional Footprint in China with Launch of Success Academy in Chongqing

Source: Media Outreach

New Academy and Shenyang satellite office strengthen SUSS’ visibility and partnerships across Western and Northeast China.

CHONGQING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 March 2026 – The Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) today launched the SUSS Success Academy in Chongqing in collaboration with Raffles Young Academy (RYA) Pte Ltd and announced the establishment of a satellite office in Shenyang. Building on its Success Academies in Beijing and Shenzhen, the Academy strengthens SUSS’ presence in China and supports its growing engagement across Western and Northeast China.

Guests and partners at the launch event of the Success Academy in Chongqing. (From L-R: Dr Yap Meen Sheng, Assistant Provost, SUSS; Mr Lennon Tan, President, Singapore Manufacturing Federation; Mr Li Xunfu, Deputy Director of Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce; Prof Tan Tai Yong, President, SUSS; Mr Samuel Ng, Executive Chairman, Raffles Young Academy; Associate Professor Justina Tan, Vice President, Strategic & Partnership Engagement)

The launch was commemorated with an opening ceremony at the CCI Gallery, attended by close to 70 guests from China and Singapore, including representatives from institutions of higher learning, and industry and community partners. The ceremony was presided by Vice-Consul (Political) Ms. Mavis Tan, Consulate-General of the Republic of Singapore, Chengdu and Mr. Li Xunfu, Deputy Director of Chongqing Municipal Commission of Commerce.

Success Academy to connect partners from Singapore and China

Anchored in SUSS’ commitment to lifelong learning and creating social impact, the Academy will serve as a key nexus for academic and industry partners from both countries. Through cross-cultural collaboration and practice-oriented learning, it also aims to develop future-ready talent equipped to contribute meaningfully to society and the economy.

RYA is an education and talent development organisation aimed at nurturing future-ready talent through industry-oriented learning and international exposure. RYA will bring its networks and local expertise to support and enhance the Academy’s initiatives.

Through the Academy, SUSS will provide opportunities for students from SUSS and other Singapore pre-tertiary and tertiary institutions to co-learn and co-innovate with peers in China. These include interdisciplinary global learning courses, impact startup and venture builder programmes, industry-based immersions and student exchanges. SUSS students will also gain regional exposure through internships and other workplace learning opportunities. In addition, the Academy will support SUSS in working with universities and organisations in China to jointly design and deliver industry-relevant courses and programmes for students and executives.

Extending engagement into Northeast China with Shenyang satellite office

To further deepen its engagement in Northeast China, SUSS will launch a satellite office in Shenyang on 11 March 2026 under the Success Academy in Chongqing. This office will support SUSS’ initiatives in Liaoning Province and surrounding areas, including Dalian. In addition, three Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) will be signed with the following organisations:

  • Shenyang University of Chemical Technology (SYUCT): Collaborative development of a Master’s degree programme in Social Work, fostering cross-border knowledge exchange, curriculum innovation, and talent development to address evolving social service needs.
  • North-East Institute of Population and Social Development: Joint research endeavours, professional development programmes, and meaningful academia-industry partnerships to generate evidence-based solutions, build capabilities, and promote active ageing ecosystems that benefit individuals and communities.

Professor Tan Tai Yong, President of SUSS, said, “China is an important partner for SUSS as we expand opportunities for our students and strengthen collaboration across Asia. The launch of the Success Academy in Chongqing allows us to work more closely with universities, industry and community partners in Western and Northeast China, and to deliver applied, practice-oriented education that responds to real-world needs. Our partnership with Raffles Young Academy reflects our shared commitment to developing future-ready talent and supporting professional growth across the region.”

Mr. Samuel Ng, Executive Chairman, RYA, said, “Our collaboration with the Singapore University of Social Sciences reflects a shared belief in applied, practice-oriented education and in preparing students and enterprises to navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected world. Chongqing’s strategic position as a gateway to Western China and a hub for industry and connectivity makes it an ideal location for immersive, industry-linked education. This partnership represents a long-term commitment to building enduring bridges between students and industry, between academia and practice, and between Singapore and China.”

The launch of the Success Academy in Chongqing is part of SUSS’ broader expansion across Asia. Since 2023, SUSS has established Success Academies in Beijing, Shenzhen, Ho Chi Minh City Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Manila and Mumbai.

For more information, visit www.suss.edu.sg/success-academy.

https://www.suss.edu.sg
https://www.linkedin.com/school/singapore-university-of-social-sciences
https://www.facebook.com/suss.sg
https://www.instagram.com/suss.sg

Hashtag: #SUSS

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/2026/03/11/singapore-university-of-social-sciences-expands-regional-footprint-in-china-with-launch-of-success-academy-in-chongqing/