Vessels can discharge oily water that causes harm to the oceans and rivers we depend on for our livelihoods and wellbeing.
New Zealand’s latest state of the environment report – Our environment 2025 – outlines how our marine and freshwater environments are being affected by pollution, climate change, and resource depletion. So, please take responsibility for minimising pollution from your vessels.
Even clean bilges can contain oily water mixtures. By taking simple steps, we can protect our precious marine and freshwater environments by minimising any oil being discharged overboard:
maintain your engine to minimise leaks, and have a drip pan to catch any drips
use sorbent pads in your bilge to protect the environment by ensuring any surface oil is ‘mopped up’ (when no longer usable, take sorbents ashore to be disposed of responsibly)
install a float switch in a position where it can automatically stop discharge before any floating oil can be sucked up by a bilge pump.
It doesn’t take much to help keep our waters clean.
A new prospecting permit application in the offshore Canterbury Basin signals renewed sector confidence in pursuing opportunities in New Zealand’s search for oil and gas, Resources Minister Shane Jones says.
New Zealand Petroleum & Minerals (NZP&M) has today opened a three-month competitive process for an application submitted by CBX Energy Limited. The proposal outlines a programme of technical and economic studies, including work on a comprehensive Canterbury Basin development strategy.
“The Canterbury Basin, off the east coast of the South Island, is one of New Zealand’s 18 sedimentary basins with known or potential hydrocarbons. It has long been viewed as a promising but largely untapped opportunity,” Mr Jones says.
“The basin remains far less explored than comparable regions overseas, highlighting how much potential is still to be tested.
“Further prospecting and exploration in the Canterbury Basin could unlock new domestic energy resources, strengthening New Zealand’s long‑term energy resilience and creating valuable economic opportunities.”
NZP&M will accept competing applications until 5pm, 24 June. Applications will be prioritised in accordance with the criteria set out in the Minerals Programme for Petroleum 2025. A permit may be awarded in response to the best application that also meets requirements of the Crown Minerals Act 1991. A petroleum prospecting permit is an early‑stage, low‑impact permit that allows a company to search for evidence of petroleum/oil and gas.
Since the removal of the petroleum exploration ban in late 2025, two exploration permit applications have already progressed through the competitive process and are now under assessment, with decisions expected later this year.
Clear improvements are being delivered across all five Government health targets, with the quarterly results for October to December 2025 showing year‑on‑year gains and more Kiwis accessing care sooner, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
“Across every target, more New Zealanders received care sooner during the quarter, despite sustained pressure on hospitals and services,” Mr Brown says.
“These results show tangible progress in our commitment to putting patients at the centre of the healthcare system, with improved access, timeliness, and outcomes across the health system.”
Key improvements for the October to December quarter compared to the same quarter in the previous year include:
Shorter stays in emergency departments – 74.2 percent of patients were admitted, discharged, or transferred within six hours, up from 72.1 percent.
Shorter waits for first specialist assessment – 62.2 percent of patients were seen within four months, up from 60.6 percent.
Shorter waits for elective treatment – 64.5 percent of patients received treatment within four months, up from 59.2 percent in the same quarter 12 months prior.
Faster cancer treatment – 87.0 percent of patients received cancer treatment within 31 days of the decision to treat, up from 85.9 percent.
Improved childhood immunisation – 82.9 percent of children were fully immunised at 24 months, up from 77.0 percent.
“These improvements were delivered despite significant challenges facing the health system, including disruption to planned care and appointments, a measles outbreak, and high demand in emergency departments.”
More care was also delivered overall:
179,816 first specialist assessments were completed this quarter, up from 167,917 in the same quarter in the previous year.
51,513 people were treated from the elective waitlist, up from 46,841 in the same quarter in the previous year.
4,824 patients received their first cancer treatment, up from 4,546 in the same quarter in the previous year.
12,127 children were fully immunised at 24 months, up from 11,462 in the same quarter in the previous year.
Emergency departments also saw increased demand, with 340,967 attendances this quarter compared to 332,110 in the same period last year.
“Despite this higher demand, a greater proportion of patients were seen within six hours, which is a strong result for both patients and staff.”
Mr Brown says the Government remains focused on continuing to fix the basics and lift performance across the healthcare system.
“While there is more work to do, these results show meaningful progress for patients across the country.
“I want to thank the doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, support staff, and everyone working across our health system who continued delivering care under sustained pressure. Their dedication and professionalism continue to make a real difference for the patients they care for every day,” Mr Brown says.
Raglan Police have arrested one person and impounded their car after reports of illegal street racing around the area over the weekend.
The arrested person was one of multiple drivers seen driving dangerously on Nau Mai Road.
The 19-year-old man was taken into custody around 1.30am on Sunday. He is due in Hamilton District Court on 27 March, charged with operating a motor vehicle causing sustained loss of traction, and excess breath alcohol.
Senior Constable Brendon Richardson, Waikato Road Policing Team, says Police continue to run a dedicated operation focused on responding to and investigating illegal street racing activity that endangers road users, damages roads and causes disturbance to the public.
“We are taking a district-wide approach to this and will take action against those that are putting others at risk.
“Police are also working with our partner agencies and local councils around other measures that can assist us in preventing this behaviour.
“I also want acknowledge Constable Hetal Patel who assisted with this arrest and contributed greatly to the outcome,” Senior Constable Richardson says.
Police are asking anyone that sees illegal or dangerous driving to make reports so officers can follow up and hold offenders to account.
Photos and video footage is helpful for Police to follow up on offenders that quickly speed off when driving unlawfully. These can also be used to identify the vehicles, hotspots and times dangerous driving occurs and helps to identify the drivers.
If you see any dangerous driving, call 111 immediately.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 March 2026 – A principal dinner was held by the Government this evening (March 23), bringing together about 130 family office decision-makers from Asia, Europe, the Americas, Oceania, and Africa to set the stage for the fourth edition of the Wealth for Good in Hong Kong (WGHK) Summit themed “Building Lasting Legacies”, which will take place tomorrow (March 24).
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, speaks at the principal dinner of the Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit today (March 23).
“For many, the future may feel less certain, more complex, than it did when we were at this event a year ago. But rest assured: Hong Kong stands strong and unwavering – a city where capital, institutions and families can keep a firm footing, even as the world around them is shifting,” the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, said in his welcome remarks. “More and more family offices are turning to Hong Kong. We are now home to over 3 380 single family offices – a 25 per cent increase in the past two years. More than half of them have second-generation members, or beyond, in leadership roles. This reflects the confidence that ultra-high-net-worth families have in Hong Kong as a base for wealth transfer between generations.”
The night was highlighted by a magnificent “human-robot lion dance” performance at the start, where traditional lion dancers performed alongside agile robot dogs, bringing the stage to life through vivid movements. The display was a seamless blend of cultural heritage and cutting-edge technology, embodying Hong Kong’s spirit of embracing both tradition and innovation, while echoing the Summit’s focus on frontier themes such as AI and robotics.
Set against a vibrant blend of heritage and innovation, attendees of the principal dinner had an enjoyable night filled with great food and lively exchanges. They were also impressed by the fascinating world-famous Hong Kong skyline, glamourised by photo spots decorated with neon light and retro Hong Kong vibes set up at an open area of the venue. The beautiful night scene created a more relaxing atmosphere for them to connect and share their ideas of bringing social impacts with their wealth.
Tomorrow, family office decision makers and successors from around the world will engage in thought leadership by speakers on three core themes – “Strategic Asset Management for Family Legacy”, “Cultural Value Foundation for a Thriving Market”, and “Smart Tech Innovation Driving Capital Appreciation”- as well as a fireside chat on “Sports and Philanthropy” at the WGHK Summit. These conversations aim to inspire participants in various ways towards building legacies, reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as the premier hub for global family offices for legacy planning and value creation.
Hashtag: #WGHK
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 March 2026 – Melco Resorts & Entertainment has garnered six diamonds in the 2026 Black Pearl Restaurant Guide, further reaffirming the Company’s status as a global leader in fine dining and underlining its commitment to culinary excellence.
Jade Dragon at City of Dreams – Black Pearl Restaurant Guide Three-diamonds Restaurant
City of Dreams’ signature Cantonese fine dining restaurant Jade Dragon secured the Black Pearl Restaurant Guide‘s coveted Three Diamonds accolade for the seventh consecutive year, upholding its status as Macau’s one and only three diamond Chinese restaurant, and was honored the special “Annual Dish Award” for its signature “Steamed Garoupa Fillet on Egg White Custard with Aged Chinese Hua Diao Wine Sauce” course. Innovative Chinese restaurant Yí at City of Dreams received One Diamond, marking its seventh year of such achievement. Revering the great traditions and savoir-faire of French cuisine, Alain Ducasse at Morpheus maintains its One Diamond status for the third consecutive year, whilst City of Dreams’ tranquil Japanese restaurant Sushi Kinetsu upholds its One Diamond honor in the esteemed guide for the third consecutive year.
Mr. Lawrence Ho, Chairman & CEO of Melco, said, “It is a profound honor for Melco to be recognized once again by the Black Pearl Restaurant Guide in 2026. In addition to the recent achievements in the MICHELIN Guide Hong Kong & Macau 2026, these prestigious accolades are a testament to our unwavering dedication to culinary innovation and our commitment to strengthening Macau’s position as a UNESCO-designated Creative City of Gastronomy.
“This achievement would not be possible without the incredible passion and hard work of our Colleagues. I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to our world-class culinary and front-of-house teams; it is their relentless pursuit of service excellence that allows us to consistently deliver the most memorable and exquisite dining experiences to our guests from around the globe. We remain steadfast in our mission to push the boundaries of luxury hospitality and contribute to the vibrant diversification of Macau’s tourism landscape.”
At the award ceremony which took place today in Singapore, Melco properties’ restaurants received the following honors:
JADE DRAGON – Three Diamonds and Annual Dish Award for “Steamed Garoupa Fillet on Egg White Custard withAged Chinese Hua Diao Wine Sauce” Being the only Cantonese restaurant in Greater China awarded with both Three Black Pearl Diamonds and Three MICHELIN Stars, Jade Dragon showcases exquisite culinary masterpieces created with the freshest seasonal ingredients and delectable delicacies. Jade Dragon sets the benchmark for fine dining in Macau with its spectacular designer décor and superlative personalized service. Recent honors and awards include:
Black Pearl Restaurant Guide Three Diamonds (2020-2026)
MICHELIN Guide Hong Kong & Macau Three Stars (2019-2026)
Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star rating (2014-2026)
Trip.com Gourmet’s Black Diamond award (2021-2023, 2026), Diamond award (2024-2025)
Harper’s BAZAAR HK’s Restaurant of the Year (2026), BAZAAR Taste Elite Macao (2024-2026)
Tatler Best Awards Asia Pacific’s Best 100 Restaurants (2024-2025)
Tatler Best Awards Hong Kong & Macau’s Restaurant of the Year Macau (2025), Best 20 Restaurants Macau (2025)
Tatler Dining Guide’s Top 20 Macau Restaurants List (2024)
South China Morning Post’s 100 Top Tables (2014-2025)
TARGET ELITE SELECT Awards’ Chinese Restaurant of the Year (2025), Cantonese Restaurant of the Year (2024)
TimeOut Beijing Food & Bar Awards’ Cantonese Restaurant of the Year (2025)
China Feast Restaurants Awards’ Annual Influential Restaurants (2025)
La Liste’s Top 1,000 World’s Best Restaurants (2025)
Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence (2014-2025)
World Culinary Awards’ Asia’s Best Hotel Restaurant (2025), Macao’s Best Hotel Restaurant (2022-2025)
Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia’s Macau Tastemakers List (2024-2025)
Three Stars in Golden Phoenix Tree China Restaurant Guide (2024-2025)
YÍ – One Diamond One-diamond award winner Yí, located on the 21st floor Sky Bridge of Morpheus, offers the very heights of innovative fine dining and Chinese cuisine served in a modern seasonal tasting menu format. Its degustation menu is inspired by the 24 Solar Terms of the Traditional Chinese Calendar (Jie Qi), changes 12 times a year and highlights many of the restaurant’s signature dishes. Recent honors and awards include:
Black Pearl Restaurant Guide One Diamond (2020-2026)
Tatler Best Hong Kong & Macau’s Best 20 Restaurants Macau (2025)
Tatler Dining Guide’s Top 20 Macau Restaurants List (2024)
South China Morning Post’s 100 Top Tables (2019-2025)
China Feast Restaurants Awards’ Best Innovative Restaurants (2025)
Food&Wine The Best Awards’ Hotel Restaurant of the Year (2025)
La Liste’s Top 1,000 World’s Best Restaurants (2025)
Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence (2022-2025)
Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia’s Macau Tastemakers List (2024-2025)
ALAIN DUCASSE AT MORPHEUS – One Diamond Awarded One Diamond, Alain Ducasse at Morpheus redefines legendary French classics with a contemporary vision and sentimental approach to cooking. The restaurant located at City of Dreams sources produce from the best regions which is harvested at its optimal time, highlighting a deep appreciation for nature and an intimate understanding of the seasons. Sourcing from small-scale farms and line-caught fish, the restaurant ensures unparalleled quality and a distinctive tasting experience. Recent honors and awards include:
Black Pearl Restaurant Guide One Diamond (2024-2026)
MICHELIN Guide Hong Kong & Macau Two Stars (2019-2026)
Tatler Best Awards Asia Pacific’s Best 100 Restaurants (2025)
Tatler Best Awards Hong Kong & Macau’s Best Service (2025), Best 20 Restaurants Macau (2025)
Tatler Dining Guide’s Top 20 Macau Restaurants List (2024)
South China Morning Post’s 100 Top Tables (2020-2025)
TimeOut Beijing Food & Bar Awards’ French Restaurant of the Year (2025)
La Liste’s Top 1,000 World’s Best Restaurants (2025)
Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence (2019-2025)
TARGET ELITE SELECT Awards’ French Restaurant of the Year (2024)
Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia’s Macau Tastemakers List (2024)
SUSHI KINETSU – One Diamond Bestowed One Diamond, Sushi Kinetsu at City of Dreams offers authentic Edomae sushi across a beautiful, centuries old Hinoki wood sushi bar. The tranquil restaurant serves seasonal delicacies using only the finest ingredients, crafted by Japanese master chefs. Recent honors and awards include:
Black Pearl Restaurant Guide One Diamond (2024-2026)
MICHELIN Guide Hong Kong & Macau One Star (2024-2026)
Trip.com Gourmet’s Diamond award (2024-26), Platinum award (2023)
GUANGZHOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 March 2026 – Trip.com, a leading global travel service provider, reports growing demand for travel to China, with Guangzhou and Zhuhai emerging as popular destinations among international visitors, particularly from Southeast Asia, including Malaysia.
According to Trip.com, improved accessibility, a vibrant food scene, and the availability of first-timer-friendly destinations are contributing to this trend.
Among the key drivers is Chimelong Resort, a leading entertainment and hospitality brand in China, known for its integrated resort model combining theme parks, marine attractions and safari experiences. These offerings position the resort as a one-stop destination for travelers seeking diverse experiences ranging from thrill rides to wildlife encounters.
At Chimelong Ocean Kingdom in Zhuhai Hengqin, visitors can explore marine attractions through a panoramic aquarium viewing panel measuring 8.3 meters in height and 39.6 meters in width. Signature experiences include the “Polar Explorer” roller coaster, which simulates travel through icy terrain, and the interactive “Battle of the Pirates” water-based attraction, offering seasonal family entertainment.
The Chimelong Spaceship, a space-themed indoor marine science park, is marketed as one of the world’s largest indoor amusement parks, combining marine life exhibits such as orcas with immersive attractions including the “Bermuda Storm” motion simulator and “Deep Sea Submarine.”
In Guangzhou, Chimelong Safari Park features over 300 species of animals, including the world’s only surviving giant panda triplets — Mengmeng, Shuaishuai and Kuku, representing a milestone in panda conservation. In late 2024, Mengmeng gave birth to a cub, Mei Zhu, further enhancing the park’s appeal to visitors.
Trip.com data indicates increasing interest in family-friendly attractions, edutainment experiences and wildlife tourism, with integrated resorts playing a central role in itinerary planning.
Through its platform, Trip.com enables seamless booking of transportation, accommodation, attraction tickets and travel packages, offering a one-stop travel solution. Indicative pricing available on the platform includes:
Chimelong Safari Park one-day ticket: RM240.19
Chimelong Ocean Kingdom one-day ticket: RM315.69
Booking information available via Trip.com
Accommodation options across Chimelong resorts further support diversified travel needs. In Guangzhou, visitors can choose from Chimelong Hotel, Chimelong Xiangjiang Hotel and Chimelong Panda Hotel, featuring themes such as wildlife, Lingnan culture and family-oriented panda experiences.
In Zhuhai Hengqin, accommodation options include Chimelong Spaceship Hotel, Chimelong Penguin Hotel, Chimelong Hengqin Bay Hotel and Chimelong Circus Hotel, catering to a wide range of traveler preferences.
As demand for experiential and integrated travel continues to grow, Trip.com expects destinations such as Chimelong Resort to remain key drivers of China’s tourism development.
Hashtag: #Tripcom
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 March 2026 -Galaxy Macau proudly celebrates a new milestone in its culinary journey, as Yamazato makes its inaugural appearance in the 2026 Black Pearl Restaurant Guide with a prestigious One Diamond rating. This recognition marks Yamazato‘s first inclusion in the influential dining guide and positions it alongside two of the Group’s acclaimed restaurants — 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA and Feng Wei Ju at StarWorld Hotel — both of which have once again been awarded One Diamond. Together, the accolades reaffirm Galaxy Macau’s unwavering commitment to elevating Macau’s gastronomic landscape through excellence, innovation and culinary artistry.
Galaxy Macau celebrates its gastronomic achievements as Yamazato debuts in 2026 Black Pearl Restaurant Guide with One Diamond, in addition to 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA and StarWorld Hotel’s Feng Wei Ju retaining their One Diamond distinctions.
The results were announced today at the 2026 Black Pearl Restaurant Guide Awards Ceremony for Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and overseas regions, held in Singapore.
Yamazato: A Refined Expression of Japanese Culinary Craftsmanship
Yamazato at Galaxy Macau debuts in the 2026 Black Pearl Restaurant Guide with a One Diamond rating, recognising its seasonal Japanese seafood, premium ingredients and refined kaiseki artistry framed by serene resort views.
Located on the 28th floor of Hotel Okura Macau, Yamazato showcases the pinnacle of Japanese fine dining, anchored by its artisanal kaiseki and complemented by impeccably sourced seafood, pristine sashimi and sushi, and thoughtfully curated premium beef selections. Under the guidance of Executive Chef Hideaki Hayashi, each dish is crafted with precision to express the purity and beauty of the season.
With its understated Japanese design and sweeping views of Galaxy Macau’s landscaped gardens, the restaurant offers a serene and elegant setting. A main dining room, intimate sushi counter and a private room for up to 12 guests create a versatile yet immersive dining experience.
Yamazato‘s One Diamond debut is a strong testament to its culinary vision, craftsmanship and commitment to exceptional service.
Culinary Icons Continue Their Legacy of Excellence
Feng Wei Ju at StarWorld Hotel is honoured with One Diamond distinction once again in the 2026 Black Pearl Restaurant Guide
At StarWorld Hotel, Feng Wei Ju continues to set the benchmark for Hunan and Sichuan cuisine in Macau. Under the leadership of Executive Chef Chan Chek Keong, the restaurant—renowned for its bold flavours, technical finesse and modern interpretations of regional classics—celebrates its continued recognition with a One Diamond rating in the Black Pearl Restaurant Guide. This achievement complements its exceptional distinction of holding Two MICHELIN Stars for ten consecutive years, underscoring its longstanding leadership in regional Chinese cuisine.
8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA, Italian fine-dining at Galaxy Macau, extends its One Diamond accolade for the third year in one of China’s most authoritative restaurant guide.
Meanwhile, 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA at Galaxy Macau continues to uphold its distinguished One Diamond standing. Guided by Executive Chef Marino D’Antonio, the restaurant remains celebrated for Italian cuisine that marries heritage with contemporary finesse. Its unwavering emphasis on exceptional ingredients, precise technique and disciplined consistency has earned it an impressive eleven consecutive years of MICHELIN starred recognition, securing its place as one of Macau’s most enduring and admired fine dining destinations.
Reaffirming Galaxy Macau’s Culinary Excellence
Collectively, these honours underscore the depth, diversity and consistency of Galaxy Macau’s award-winning portfolio, spanning globally recognised fine dining, regional Chinese cuisines and a spectrum of diverse experiences shaped with passion and precision. Together, the achievements reflect the resort’s continued commitment to advancing its culinary offerings and elevating its offerings, reinforcing Galaxy Macau’s role in shaping an exceptional dining scene that resonates with guests from around the world.
The Black Pearl Restaurant Guide is shaped through anonymous assessments by seasoned gastronomes and culinary experts, who evaluate restaurants on culinary excellence, service quality, dining environment and the balance of heritage and innovation. It is regarded as one of the most influential and respected rating systems in China’s dining landscape.
Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Through the journey of Men’s National Team Head Coach Gavin Lee, from boyhood dreams to leading the Lions
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 March 2026 – The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) has launched a new brand film that captures the universal love for football, inviting Singaporeans to see themselves in the Lions’ journey and rally behind the national team.
A scene from FAS’ brand film, capturing Singapore coming together in support of the national team
At its heart, the film tells a deeply human story through the Men’s National Team Head Coach, Gavin Lee. From a young boy discovering the game to leading the national team on the touchline, his journey reflects the enduring connection many Singaporeans share with football across generations, backgrounds, and walks of life.
Developed by FAS, the film moves beyond the pitch to spotlight the emotions, memories, and meaning that define football’s place in Singapore’s identity. It is a reminder that football is more than a game. It is a shared language that brings people together. The film has been released on FAS social media platforms and is also available on the FAS YouTube channel.
Set against the backdrop of the Lions’ ongoing journey, the film underscores a unifying message that in every Singaporean, there is a spirit of the Lion. Whether in the stands, on the streets, or on the pitch, that spirit is carried through belief, resilience, and pride.
The launch comes at a special moment for the Lions, who return home after making history on the road, qualifying for the AFC Asian Cup on merit for the first time.
Unleash Your Roar at the National Stadium. For Football. For Singapore.
With their place secured, the team will play their final qualifier against Bangladesh on 31 March at the National Stadium, offering fans the opportunity to celebrate this milestone together.
For supporters cheering on the Lions live at the National Stadium, gates will open from 6pm. Pre-match fan zone and stadium activities will include Shopee Sure-Win Scratch Card digital giveaways, airbrush tattoos, sticker stations, on-site jersey customisation, dedicated photo installations and welcome boards.
From 7pm, the atmosphere inside the stadium will build further with freebie drops from the stands, a live Kallang Roar Noise Meter, a matchday grand draw, and a live pre-match performance by Shazza.
Entertainment will continue at half-time with a live performance by Iman Fandi, while supporters in attendance can also receive a complimentary Playback Asia AFC Qualifying Campaign Commemorative Card, available at the in-stadia merchandise booths while stocks last.
Following the final whistle, the Lions will return to the pitch to thank supporters before the evening concludes with a stadium-wide pyrotechnic display celebrating Singapore’s successful qualification campaign.
Moments like these reflect FAS’ commitment to growing a vibrant football culture, bringing Singaporeans together in shared pride and support for the Lions.
As the Lions take to the field on 31 March, FAS calls on all Singaporeans to stand together, wear red, make their voices heard, and be part of the roar.
Tickets for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers match between Singapore and Bangladesh on 31 March at the National Stadium are available via Ticketek. Official Lions merchandise is also available on the FAS Official Store on Shopee. For more information about matchday festivities, please visit: https://fas.org.sg/road-to-riyadh/.
HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 March 2026 – On March 20, 2026, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vincom Retail hosted the event “The New Era – Partnering to Shape the Future”, welcoming more than 500 domestic and international partners. The large-scale forum served as a platform for stakeholders to exchange market perspectives, update on emerging trends, and explore collaboration opportunities as Vietnam’s retail sector enters a new growth cycle.
The event brought together 500 key partners, including leading international retail brands such as UNIQLO, MUJI, Decathlon, Pandora, CGV, AEON Beta Cinema, SuperPark, KOHNAN, Central Retail, WinMart, Starbucks, Dookki, Guardian, and MEDICARE, alongside major domestic brands and chains including ACFC, Maison, Phoenix Group, Golden Gate, Aladdin Group, Takahiro, RuNam, Highlands Coffee, and The New Playground…
At the event, Vincom Retail’s leadership emphasized the rapid transformation of the retail industry, where shopping malls and commercial streets are evolving beyond traditional retail spaces to become lifestyle destinations. These destinations integrate immersive experiences, foster community connections, and lead modern consumption trends. This shift reflects changing consumer behavior, with a growing preference for experience, emotion, and interaction over mere purchasing and ownership.
Setting the direction for future growth, Vincom Retail unveiled its strategic vision toward 2030, focusing on developing world-class destinations. The company aims to position itself as a leading retail real estate developer and operator in Asia, setting benchmarks in trend leadership and customer experience, with a diverse and expansive asset portfolio and an extended international footprint supported by a global ecosystem. This unique platform enables pioneering brands and concepts to converge and co-create breakthrough experiences, many of which are being introduced in Vietnam for the first time, delivering fresh value to consumers while shaping the future of retail and establishing new regional standards.
In terms of product strategy, Vincom Retail is focusing on two core formats. Vincom Mega Mall is positioned as a “Mega Shoppertainment Destination”, a large-scale experiential hub that leads market trends. Meanwhile, Vincom Collection is developed as a “Retail-tainment Destination”, combining shopping and tourism, built around five key pillars: Play – Discover – Shop – Savor – Relax.
A prime example is the “super destination” model integrating Retail – Tourism – Entertainment at Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio, featuring 15 next-generation retail complexes. Among them, Vincom Mega Mall Can Gio and Vincom Collection Cosmo Bay are the first projects to be unveiled, promising multi-layered experiences that harmonize with nature and prioritize sustainable operations.
Beyond strategic insights, the forum also featured real-world success stories and forward-looking perspectives from pioneering brands that have helped shape Vietnam’s evolving experiential retail landscape. Mr. Vu Ngoc Thuan, Founder of restaurant chains Longwang, Tianlong, Bo To Quan Moc, and GMaster, shared: “Partnering with platforms like Vincom provides a strong launchpad for brands to accelerate growth, expand further, and professionalize according to international standards.”
Mr. Shin Jae Hyuk, representative of Dookki, also highlighted growth strategies to capture market opportunities: “Together with our trusted partner Vincom, we will continue to create new milestones for Vietnam’s F&B market. Our goal is not only to sell tteokbokki, but to deliver the joyful culture of Korean cuisine to customers at an accessible price point.”
Vincom Retail plays a critical role as a developer, platform, and connector, bringing international brands to Vietnam while supporting Vietnamese brands in their journey to expand globally.
Additionally, SuperPark, a global indoor activity park brand, shared insights into the development of family-oriented active entertainment, one of the fastest-growing trends in next-generation shopping malls. These real-world examples highlight the strong opportunities for brands to collaborate with Vincom Retail to scale operations, develop innovative retail concepts, optimize performance, and enhance customer experience.
As the market enters a new phase of growth, the event not only facilitated strategic dialogue but also strengthened sustainable partnerships between Vincom Retail and its stakeholders. As a market pioneer, the company continues to support brands in scaling up, elevating business models, and capturing long-term growth opportunities. Notably, emerging super destinations such as Can Gio – envisioned as a future national tourism hub – are expected to serve as powerful growth drivers, contributing to the transformation of Vietnam’s retail landscape.
Vincom Retail is currently the largest retail real estate developer in Vietnam and ranks among the top three in Southeast Asia by scale. The company operates 90 shopping malls with a total gross leasable area of 1.9 million square meters, and manages 5,500 shophouses totaling 1.5 million square meters across 31 out of 34 provinces and cities nationwide, partnering with more than 1,000 brands.
Hashtag: #VincomRetail
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 March 2026 – DFI Retail Group (DFI or the Group) is pleased to announce its 2025 Sustainability Disclosure, highlighting the Group’s continued progress and commitment to advancing sustainability across Asia.
DFI Retail Group Sustainability Disclosure 2025
In 2025, DFI delivered strong progress on key sustainability commitments:
22% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions compared to the 2021 baseline, with a target of 50% reduction by 2030.
Waste diversion rate improved to 66%, up from 61% in 2024, with a target of achieving 80% by 2030.
Invested US$3.9 million in community initiatives across markets.
The Group also advanced Scope 3 decarbonisation across supply chain of four key commodities – rice, coffee, dairy and beef. Initiatives included the launch of 380 tonnes of Low-Carbon Rice achieving a minimum 30% on-farm emissions reduction, sourcing 100% deforestation-free certified coffee beans for 7CAFÉ Hong Kong, Macau, and Singapore, and IKEA, and partnering with The Mills Fabrica to launch the DFI Sustainability Innovation Challenge to identify global solutions for beef and dairy emissions.
Scott Price, Group Chief Executive, DFI Retail Group shared, “We remain committed to our purpose of sustainably serving Asia for generations with everyday moments. In 2025, we made clear progress on our pathway to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% by 2030, with investments in refrigerant management, energy efficiency and behaviour change initiatives across our operations. At the same time, we continued to deliver affordable, sustainable products that meet customer expectations, including the introduction of Low-Carbon Rice in Hong Kong and the expansion of our ‘Grounds to Green programme’ at 7Eleven. These efforts, together with disciplined waste and packaging management, keep us firmly on track to meet our 2030 sustainability targets.”
Erica Chan, Group Chief Legal, Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer added, “Strong governance and transparency remain central to how we deliver on our sustainability ambitions. By streamlining our disclosure and enhancing our materiality assessment, climate scenario analysis, and transition plan, we are aligning with global standards such as IFRS S1 and S2. This ensures stakeholders gain a clear, holistic view of our progress and priorities, while reinforcing our commitment to creating long-term value across People, Products, and Planet.”
In 2025, DFI continued to be guided by its Sustainability Framework, centred on the three pillars of People, Products and Planet, with Governance as the cornerstone. This framework remains integral to the Group’s approach, ensuring robust leadership and oversight while driving initiatives that empower people, expand sustainable product choices, and reduce environmental impact across operations and supply chains.
Highlights of 2025 Initiatives:
People: DFI Group and its business formats continued to support communities through Our Community Giveback initiatives, investing US$3.9 million and reaching 1.25 million beneficiaries across 12 markets. The Health and Beauty segment launched professional health services at Mannings and Guardian, extending access across more than 450 pharmacies in all markets. For team members, capability building was strengthened through major initiatives such as the launch of DFILEARN, enhanced leadership programmes, and structured career development frameworks, empowering growth across all levels of the business. At the same time, DFI upheld rigorous standards for suppliers, maintaining 100% ethical audits of Own Brand factories in high-risk countries and reinforcing responsible practices across supply chains through comprehensive assessments, audits, and engagement.
Products: In 2025, 48% in-scope Own Brand products carried third-party sustainability certificates, up from 28% in 2024. At the same time, 83% Own Brand plastic packaging component that is recyclable, reusable or compostable, keeping us on-track to meet the target of at least 85% by 2030. The expansion of the 7Eleven’s ‘Grounds to Green” Coffee Grounds Upcycling Programme further reflected our efforts to embed circularity principles where relevant. The programme repurposed used coffee grounds into natural fertiliser to grow fresh produce, which was then incorporated into 7-SELECT juices and ready-to-eat items.
Planet: DFI recorded a 22% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions in 2025, compared to our 2021 baseline, on track towards our 50% reduction target by 2030. As refrigerant leaks remain one of the primary sources of these emissions, the Group continued upgrading refrigeration systems and, in April 2025, commissioned the first CO₂-based natural refrigerant system in Hong Kong’s food retail sector at the Cloudview Market Place store in North Point. This was followed by the installation of a sub-critical CO₂ refrigeration system in Oliver’s The Delicatessen in Central Hong Kong in September 2025, marking important milestones in advancing low-carbon operations across the portfolio. Waste diversion improved from 61% to 66% in 2025, as part of our efforts to achieve 80% waste diversion by 2030.
By embedding sustainability into our strategy, operations, and value chain, we are not only tackling today’s challenges but also building a resilient, responsible business that creates lasting value for our customers, communities, and the environment.
For detailed information on the various sustainability initiatives undertaken by DFI, please refer to the Sustainability Disclosure in the Integrated Annual Report 2025. To learn more about DFI’s efforts, please visit DFI’s website.
The Government is taking practical steps to strengthen New Zealand’s fuel resilience by temporarily allowing fuel that meets Australian specifications to be supplied to the New Zealand market, Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones says.
“In a tight global fuel market, flexibility matters. Countries that can access a wider range of shipments are better placed to keep fuel flowing. This decision removes unnecessary technical barriers and helps ensure New Zealand isn’t excluded from available supply our neighbours across the Tasman are accessing,” Mr Jones says.
The temporary alignment will open up more options for fuel importers by allowing fuel refined to Australian specifications to be supplied domestically.
“The change reduces the risk of supply disruptions driven purely by technical specification differences. Fuel companies have told us this could allow them to secure shipments more quickly and from a wider pool of suppliers.
“Our fuel specifications are already very similar to Australia’s. Fuel refined to Australian standards is compatible with New Zealand vehicles and meets safety and quality expectations.”
New Zealand will not, at this stage, be following Australia’s lead and relaxing standards to allow higher sulphur fuel. Australia has made the decision so it can access high-sulphur fuel from its Brisbane refinery.
“However, we will keep an eye on whether further changes to fuel specifications could open up further supply channels if necessary,” Mr Jones says.
“This is a sensible, time‑limited step that gives importers access to a broader range of fuel shipments, including those already in our region.
“We are closely monitoring market conditions and will keep under review any further practical measures that could strengthen New Zealand’s fuel supply resilience while global conditions remain uncertain.”
The temporary alignment with Australian specifications could remain in place for up to 12 months if needed.
Editors’ note:
Fuel specifications set the minimum technical and environmental requirements that petrol, diesel and other transport fuels must meet before they can be supplied in New Zealand. Each country has its own fuel specifications.
Where there are differences in fuel specifications for the purpose of catering to different climatic conditions, this is dealt with by the requirement that fuel sold in New Zealand must still be ‘fit for common purpose’. For example, this means diesel for hot climates cannot be sold in very cold ones.
Minister for Racing Winston Peters has congratulated champion jockey James McDonald on his historic achievement in becoming Australasia’s most successful Group 1 rider.
The three-time winner of the world’s best jockey award gained his 130th Australasian Group 1 victory at the weekend beating the previous record held by Australian Damien Oliver.
“James McDonald’s achievement is nothing short of remarkable,” Mr Peters says.
“To reach 130 Australasian Group 1 victories, and to do so at just 34 years of age, reflects not only his exceptional natural talent, but also his professionalism, discipline, and deep commitment to the sport.
“We hail F1 drivers, All Blacks and Black Caps, but in James McDonald we have a true global superstar and he deserves all the accolades he receives,” Mr Peters says.
“James has become a defining figure in our racing community. His connection with the public, his strong partnerships with leading trainers such as Chris Waller, and his consistently world‑class performances have made him a true ambassador for Australasian racing.”
Returning to her spiritual home of Tokelau was a profound experience for Petty Officer Christina Sola, who visited the island while on deployment with the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) during the recent Operation Calypso in the South West Pacific.
New Zealand-born, but of Tokelauan, Samoan and New Zealand European descent, Petty Officer Sola reconnected with whānau when HMNZS Canterbury arrived in Tokelau.
Incorporated in the operation was the celebration of the centenary of New Zealand’s administration of Tokelau and on board the ship for the occasion was New Zealand Governor-General Dame Cindy Kiro.
“To step ashore alongside my shipmates, and on this occasion in the presence of the Governor‑General Dame Cindy Kiro, was an immense honour and a moment of profound personal and cultural significance,” Petty Officer Sola said.
“Tokelau is my tūrangawaewae – a place where I feel grounded spiritually, mentally and physically. It is sacred and treasured land, richly woven with history, culture and tradition. Each time I arrive, it instantly feels like home.”
Petty Officer Sola’s Tokelauan family hails from Fakaofo atoll. Her husband Penehe, also of Tokelauan descent, comes from the atolls of Nukunonu and Atafu. They have four children and she credits her husband’s unwavering support for being able to continue doing the job she loves in the Navy.
The communications warfare specialist enlisted in 2008 and has worked across a wide range of operational and leadership roles supporting New Zealand’s defence and security efforts, both at home and around the world.
She last visited Tokelau in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. Petty Officer Sola said the situation was entirely different then and the stakes couldn’t have been higher.
“Canterbury was tasked to deliver routine cyclone season support and essential supplies. This included new freshwater tanks, solar equipment, generator maintenance, and most importantly, Covid-19 vaccination supplies.
“Tokelau had no recorded cases of Covid-19 at the time and there was a very real possibility that, if we were not careful, we could have been the ones to introduce the virus to a population of fewer than 1,500 people.
“I was incredibly grateful that our deployable teams completed the mission without any incident and I was still able to see my family, while not touching one another to keep the strict two-metre distancing policy in place.”
This recent arrival was very different from the last, with loved ones from both her own and her husband’s family welcoming her across the three Tokelauan atolls.
“These are moments I will cherish forever. I will always acknowledge the sacrifices they have made – and continue to make – so that our families around the world can pursue opportunities and lives abroad, including those of us living and serving in Aotearoa, New Zealand.”
Petty Officer Sola’s career has seen her sail from the sub-Antarctic to the Pacific, across to Asia and over to the United States.
As part of the Navy’s extensive operation to the South-West Pacific and alongside the Tokelau centenary visit, HMNZS Canterbury crew facilitated an upgrade of critical tsunami and volcano monitoring equipment on Raoul Island, and conducted a successful search and rescue operation near Tonga.
With New Zealand Army and Royal New Zealand Air Force personnel aboard, the military sealift vessel covered 4580 nautical miles, without the ship needing to take on additional food or fuel over 23 days.
Pharmac’s Prioritisation Update provides the latest information about applications for medicines, vaccines, and related products that we’ve assessed for funding. Proactively releasing this information is part of our ongoing commitment to transparency.
Application priority lists
Every year we receive over 100 funding applications from health care professionals, consumer groups and suppliers. These applications include requests to fund new medicines and to widen access to medicines that we already fund.
We ask our clinical advisory committees to assess the available evidence and recommend whether we should fund, defer, or decline the applications. With their advice, we work to complete an assessment, including a health economic appraisal if required.
We apply the Factors for Consideration throughout our assessment of an application. The factors consider four areas: health need, health benefit, suitability, and costs and savings.
Once the assessment is complete, we take the application to a quarterly internal prioritisation meeting and add applications to one of the following priority lists:
The following treatments have been funded, and therefore removed from the OFI, since the last meeting on 3 December.
Options for investment list
We rank applications on our options for investment (OFI) list from highest to lowest priority but keep these rankings confidential so that we can negotiate the best prices with suppliers.
As of 15 March 2026, there are 139 applications on the OFI.
Prioritisation activity in the March quarter
During the March prioritisation quarter, we ranked seven new proposals on the OFI list.
New proposals ranked:
Only if cost neutral or cost saving list
If our assessment confirms an application does not provide any additional health benefit compared to treatments we already fund, it may be ranked on the only if cost-neutral or cost-saving list. We would look to fund these applications if we negotiated a deal that would be cost-neutral or cost-saving.
Prioritisation activity in the March quarter
During the March quarter, we ranked 4 applications on the only if cost neutral or cost saving list):
AEON Protect(external link) – for Dry Eye Disease, a condition where the eyes do not make enough tears, so the eyes are not properly lubricated.
AEON Protect Plus(external link) – for Dry Eye Disease, a condition where the eyes do not make enough tears, so the eyes are not properly lubricated.
AEON Repair(external link) – for Dry Eye Disease, a condition where the eyes do not make enough tears, so the eyes are not properly lubricated.
Pretomanid(external link) – Multi drug-resistant Tuberculosis and Extensively drug-resistant Tuberculosis.
Recommended for decline list
There are a range of reasons a funding application may be added to the recommend for decline list. Our expert clinical advisors may have recommended that the funding application be declined, or they may have recommended we fund the medicine, but during our analysis we’ve found:
There is a more effective medicine for the same condition already funded
the medicine would provide no additional benefits over other treatments we already fund
the medicine may be harmful
the application has been overtaken by another funding application for the same medicine
no company is supplying the medicine in New Zealand.
When applications are added to the recommended for decline list, they become inactive, and we stop working on the application. While applications may be listed on the decline list, they are only formally declined after public consultation to ensure we haven’t missed anything important.
Declining an application doesn’t prevent us from reconsidering funding for the medicine in the future if new information becomes available.
Prioritisation activity in the March quarter
During the March quarter we ranked 9 applications on the recommended for decline list (detailed descriptions of indications available on the Application Tracker):
* The assessment of these applications will now take place as one proposal, fornivolumab or pembrolizumab(external link), for first line treatment of oesophageal or gastroesophageal junction cancer (including squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma) or gastric cancer.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 March 2026 – MSIG Insurance (Hong Kong) Limited (“MSIG”) today announced the launch of its new helper insurance promotional campaign, appointing the esteemed artist, Mr Lam Shing Bun (Bob Lam), as product ambassador. Under the theme “Assured Helper, Confident Employer”, the campaign promotes MSIG Helper Insurance across multiple channels, including television commercials, online videos, outdoor advertising and digital platforms, further cementing the brand’s position as the market leader.
Crafting insurance that delivers shared peace of mind
Philip Kent, Chief Executive Officer of MSIG Hong Kong, stated: “Hong Kong today is home to more than 360,000 foreign domestic helpers, as well as over 20,000 local ‘hourly workers’. As such, there is significant market demand for insurance that specifically caters both to their needs and those of their employers. That’s why we have developed a comprehensive and affordable plan that provides extensive medical coverage for domestic helpers and helps their employers cope with financial burdens associated with illness.
We view helper insurance as one of our flagship offerings and believe it truly embodies our commitment to ‘Assured Helper, Confident Employer’, which is the essence of the campaign. We aim to help the public understand how helper insurance can benefit families and to establish MSIG as the market leader in Hong Kong for this type of insurance.”
Bob Lam set to resonate with viewers
Targeting Hong Kong families as its primary audience, this campaign features the popular celebrity Bob Lam as product ambassador. Bob maintains an active presence across social media and traditional platforms, frequently sharing humorous glimpses into his life with his family of six. His relatable persona has earned him a reputation as an endearing husband and devoted father, aligning with MSIG’s brand ethos. Importantly, as an experienced employer who has long employed domestic helpers, Bob’s first-hand experience significantly enhances the credibility of the product information and strongly resonates with the target audience, making him the ideal ambassador for MSIG’s Helper Insurance.
The campaign video opens with Bob livestreaming from home, seamlessly integrating relatable moments such as his wife prompting him to tackle household chores and netizens asking questions about domestic helpers. This light-hearted, humorous approach captures the everyday realities of employer households, eliciting knowing smiles from viewers while introducing the product’s key features in a natural way:
Comprehensive coverage: Includes outpatient, surgical & hospitalisation, dental, domestic helper liability, service interruption, fidelity guarantee and more
Exceptional value: 2-year premium as low as HK$566 for online applications1
Speedy claims processing: Online claims approval in as fast as 15 minutes
Flexible and adaptable: Suitable for local domestic helpers, post-natal care helpers and home-based elderly carers, accommodating diverse family needs
Multi-channel media campaign to maximise reach
This initiative marks MSIG’s first major promotional campaign for 2026, employing a multi-dimensional media strategy to achieve seamless online and offline coverage. The campaign will be rolled out across television, YouTube, other major social media platforms and digital channels, targeting the intended audience with precision. Outdoor media placements include tram and bus wrap advertising, large-scale billboards in Causeway Bay and digital screens at multiple high-traffic locations. Through this tightly integrated multi-channel network, the campaign will significantly boost brand visibility and message penetration, ensuring the core message of helper insurance is powerfully conveyed to every corner of Hong Kong.
1 Offer applies to designated MSIG Helper Insurance plan, please refer to MSIG website and terms and conditions of relevant product.
Hashtag: #MSIG
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Adyen’s direct acquiring solution boosts performance for Hong Kong’s home carrier in the world’s most dynamic markets
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 March 2026 – Adyen, the global financial technology platform of choice for leading businesses, today announced the expansion of its longstanding partnershipwith Cathay Pacific, Hong Kong’s home airline. This deepening of collaboration marks asignificant milestone, with Adyen now providing direct acquiring services for the airline inmarkets including Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Japan, and mostrecently, India.
Adyen’s partnership with Cathay Pacific, which began in 2014, has evolved from its initial scope to become a core component of the airline’s global commerce strategy. With the successfulimplementation of direct acquiring in Cathay Pacific’s key markets, this expansion underscoresAdyen’s role as a strategic growth partner, using direct acquiring capabilities to increaseauthorization rates, reduce payment fees, and unlock new revenue.
Notably with the recent roll-out in India, Adyen’s acquiring solution ensures performance. Since implementation, Cathay Pacific achieved a 10% increase in authorization rates in the market.
“At Cathay Pacific, we believe that a seamless and trusted shopping experience is essential to elevating ourselves to become the most loved service brand of our customers,” said Kinto Chan,General Manager, Sales and Distribution, Cathay Pacific. “By leveraging Adyen’s singleintegration and trusted extensive global acquiring network, we can ensure our customerstransact securely while allowing us to expand into our target markets with ease.”“Our partnership with Cathay Pacific is centered on turning global payment complexity into acompetitive advantage,” said Warren Hayashi, President, Asia Pacific, Adyen. “By optimizingauthorization rates across diverse geographies, we ensure more bookings take flight, helpingCathay achieve commercial growth on a global stage.”
How would you like to walk or cycle alongside the Whau awa? A key section of Te Whau Pathway is complete and open for Aucklanders and visitors to use and enjoy.
The Northwestern Cycleway to Horowai Reserve section in Te Atatū was completed earlier this year.
More than a hundred people attended the opening ceremony on 20 March, mostly from the local community.
Councillor Shane Henderson has been involved in this partnership project with Te Whau Pathway Environment Trust since it began in 2014. He says this major milestone is an asset for Tāmaki Makaurau, especially those in the west.
“The new boardwalk stage of the Te Whau Pathway is a major piece of infrastructure ready for Aucklanders to walk or cycle on, doubling as a new sustainable transport route or place to exercise.
Councillor Shane Henderson speaks the opening event for a key section of Te Whau Pathway, 20 March, 2026.
“The pathway will particularly benefit the West Auckland community, and is a vital connection between the northwestern cycleway and Horowai Reserve.
“I urge West Aucklanders to embrace this new community asset and use it. All Aucklanders should come and check it out too.”
The shared path is 1.3km of 4m wide boardwalk sections and 3m wide concrete paths connecting the Northwestern cycleway and Horowai / Roberts Field in Te Atatū South. The build went well, delivering ahead of original planned time and under budget.
Te Whau Pathway Environment Trust is a volunteer organisation led by chair Tony Miguel.
“I’m excited to see this quality, well designed, accessible boardwalk section of the pathway open for all Aucklanders to use,” he says.
“Opening this next section is a very big moment for the Trust having started planning in 2014. Since then, the Trust has been championing this project at a grass roots level, alongside Auckland Council”.
“Our hard work is reaping rewards with this key section of the pathway complete, and we are committed to getting more built.”
“We are very grateful for the funding provided by the government and Auckland Council, as without it we would not be opening this section of the pathway for the benefit of the community”
Cyclists cross the new section of Te Whau Pathway.
Chris Carter, chair of Henderson-Massey Local Board, shares his excitement about the completion of the first section.
“Te Whau Pathway is an amazing development right on our doorstep,” Mr Carter says.
“This incredible pathway will connect new areas, provide walking opportunities, offer an alternative transport route for cyclists, and create a chance for people to explore the beautiful Whau River.
“It’s one of the most important projects our board is supporting. With more people moving into the area and medium-density housing increasing, the pathway will give locals a place to walk, cycle and get active.
“I think people are really going to love it – especially as a recreational walkway where dogs on a leash are welcome and cyclists will have a safer way to access sections of Te Atatū Road.”
In September 2025 the government confirmed funding for the next stage of the pathway – a 400m stretch linking Ken Maunder Park and Rizal Reserve via a new bridge. The funding was prioritised from savings on the original planned section of the pathway that opened on 20 March. Construction on this additional section is due to start in April and be completed before November this year.
Whau Local Board chair Kay Thomas is looking forward to the start of construction of this next section of Te Whau Pathway.
“Our board has advocated strongly for funding this project for many years, so it’s incredibly rewarding to see it becoming a reality,” says Ms Thomas.
“The pathway will connect communities, schools and people to the Whau River, while creating more opportunities for locals to enjoy and care for the environment.
“It will also be accessible for everyone, including people using wheelchairs or walking frames.”
“We’re very excited to see the construction of the Rizal Crossing section begin soon in the Whau Local Board area. It will be linking Wingate Street to Rata Street in New Lynn, offering a whole range of benefits for our local community.”
Construction on Te Whau Pathway restarted in December 2023 and the Northwestern Cycleway to Horowai Reserve section in Te Atatū is now open. It creates a shared use pathway connection between the Northwestern Cycleway and Horowai Reserve (Roberts Field).
Te Whau Pathway is a partnership between Auckland Transport (AT), Te Kawerau ā Maki, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, , the Whau and Henderson-Massey local boards, Auckland Council, the government as a major funder, and Auckland Council delivering the construction working closely with Te Whau Pathway Environment Trust.
Te Whau Pathway follows a traditional Māori taonga waka (portage). Fully delivered, all sections of the proposed pathway will connect Manukau Harbour at Green Bay to the Waitematā Harbour at Te Atatū Peninsula.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 March 2026 – As cyber threats intensify globally, the World Economic Forum (WEF) projects that the global economic impact of cyberattacks will surge from US$8.44 trillion in 2022 to US$23.84 trillion by 2027[1], exposing a widening gap between escalating risk and cyber readiness.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which form the backbone of most economies, are particularly vulnerable. The WEF’s 2024 Global Cybersecurity Outlook[2]highlights that limited access to cyber services, tools and skilled talent continues to hinder smaller organisations from achieving even baseline resilience, an increasingly urgent concern in today’s highly interconnected digital ecosystem. As a result, SMEs are often more exposed to common risks such as accidental data leaks and unpatched vulnerabilities in the software and open‑source components used to build modern digital applications.
To help address these challenges, three homegrown companies from Singapore, AgileMark, Scantist and StrongKeep are pioneering technologies that make cybersecurity more accessible and effective for businesses, including SMEs without dedicated security teams. Their solutions focus on strengthening data loss protection and mitigating risks from human behaviours like screen photography and unsafe network use, uncovering hidden vulnerabilities in software systems, and simplifying the adoption of essential security measures through easy-to-deploy platforms.
These companies are supported by the S$20 million CyberSG Talent, Innovation and Growth Collaboration Centre (TIG Centre), a joint initiative between the National University of Singapore (NUS) and the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA). The TIG Centre works closely with cybersecurity companies and start-ups to co-develop solutions that help organisations stay ahead of emerging threats while enabling the safe and confident adoption of new technologies.
“Many businesses today, especially SMEs, face escalating cyber risks but often lack the resources to protect themselves effectively. In Singapore, online scams and ransomware attacks continue to be key concerns. At the same time, advances in AI are transforming both cyber threats and cybersecurity and rapidly expanding the attack surface of enterprises. Through the CyberSG Talent, Innovation and Growth Collaboration Centre, we support innovators developing practical solutions to address these challenges, and bring Singapore’s most promising cybersecurity start-ups to the global stage at the RSAC 2026 Conference,” said Mr Willis Lim, Executive Director, TIG Centre.
AgileMark: Preventing data leaks caused by everyday human actions
Many data exposure incidents stem not from sophisticated cyberattacks, but from routine behaviours such as photographing screens, copying sensitive documents or working in unsecured environments.
AgileMark mitigates this risk by introducing visible, dynamic watermarks on corporate screens. These act as behavioural cues to deter unauthorised capture, reinforce employee awareness of data sensitivity, and enable traceability if leaks occur. Designed with a human-first approach, it addresses the reality many SMEs face: limited time, resources and expertise to manage complex tools. By focusing on user behaviour rather than adding new systems, it reduces risk without increasing operational burden. Today, AgileMark protects over 300,000 devices globally, reducing investigation time from weeks to hours and enabling faster response to potential data breaches.
Scantist: Finding security flaws in software before hackers do
As organisations accelerate software development, greater reliance on open-source components and third-party dependencies has increased exposure to supply chain risks and hard-to-detect vulnerabilities.
Scantist provides an AI-powered application security platform that helps organisations manage open-source, software supply chain and AI-related risks across the development lifecycle, from code to deployment. Complementing its defensive capabilities, Scantist also offers an autonomous, agentic penetration testing solution that simulates attacker behaviour, enabling more frequent testing and reducing assessment timelines from days to hours. For SMEs in particular, Scantist makes advanced security testing and risk management more accessible without requiring large in-house security teams, helping businesses strengthen resilience and keep pace with evolving threats in a cost-effective, scalable manner.
StrongKeep: Making cybersecurity simpler and more affordable for SMEs
Many SMEs face barriers to adopting cybersecurity tools due to cost, complexity and the need for specialised expertise.
StrongKeep addresses this challenge with an all-in-one cybersecurity platform tailored for SMEs. The platform integrates essential protections such as device security, website filtering, phishing awareness training and password management into a single, easy-to-use system. Organisations can deploy the platform and begin protecting their systems in under 60 minutes, even without dedicated cybersecurity staff. With subscriptions starting from S$39 per month, the solution enables SMEs to achieve comprehensive protection and compliance up to 10 times faster than traditional approaches.
Showcasing Singapore’s cybersecurity solutions at the RSAC Conference 2026
AgileMark, Scantist and StrongKeep are among eight TIG Centre-supported companies that will showcase their solutions at Singapore’s national pavilion at the RSAC 2026 Conference, held from 23 to 26 March 2026 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, United States.
Organised by the TIG Centre and SGTech, the leading trade association for Singapore’s tech industry, the Singapore Pavilion underscores Singapore’s role as a cybersecurity innovation hub and a strategic gateway to Asia’s rapidly expanding digital economy.
The ACT Party should leave nursing to the professionals and medical evidence, NZNO says.
Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa NZNO Kaiwhakahaere Kerri Nuku says ACT MP Todd Stephenson has dismissed the Nursing Council’s draft code of conduct – which proposes strengthening cultural safety, whānau-centred care and te Tiriti o Waitangi obligations – as political ideology.
“This is not political ideology. It is evidence-based health care which has been proven to be the key to lifting health outcomes for Māori.
“ACT should leave nursing to professionals and medical evidence,” Kerri Nuku says.
“Culturally safe care reduces health inequities, keeps more Māori out of hospital by helping identify the risk of preventable illnesses and enabling early intervention, and saves the health system money – something dear to the ACT Party,” she says.
“Todd Stephenson wants health care based on need not race. There can only be equal health care if there are equal health outcomes. Māori life expectancy is seven years lower than non-Māori and Māori are more likely to suffer heart disease, cancers, diabetes and mental health issues.
“Many Māori fear hospitals and the health system, which has been found to be systemically racist. Without culturally safe health care, Māori will continue to suffer poorer health outcomes and lead sicker and shorter lives than other New Zealanders.
“As well as the devastation to lives and whānau health and wellbeing, it costs Aotearoa more in the long run,” Kerri Nuku says.