Attributable to Detective Inspector Jamie Woods, Wellington Field Crime Manager:
Police can now release the name of the woman found deceased at a Matatua Road, Raumati Beach address on Monday 9 February.
She was 56-year-old Lauraine Margaret Stewart of Raumati.
We acknowledge this is an incredibly difficult time for Ms Stewart’s family and we are providing them with support.
A 24-year-old man has been charged with wounding with intent to grievous bodily harm with further charges being considered. He has been remanded in custody to appear in the Porirua District Court on 4 March 2026.
The investigation into the circumstances of Ms Stewart’s death continues with the primary scene examination expected to be completed in the coming days.
Several search warrants were executed yesterday in support of the investigation and there will be an increased Police presence in the Kāpiti area.
We want to reassure the members of the community that there is no ongoing risk to public safety following this incident.
Police are appealing to the public on information around the incident.
Anyone with information that might help our enquiries can call 105, quoting reference number 260209/8606.
Information can also be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
Attributable to Eastern Bay of Plenty Area Commander Inspector Nicky Cooney
Police and teams searching for a man missing since January have located and recovered a body from the Waioeka River this morning at about 9am.
This has been a long slow search, hindered at times by the weather as well as impacted by the slips on SH2.
Police would like to thank all those who assisted in the search efforts.
In particular we would like to acknowledge Land SAR volunteers, local jet boat and helicopter operators, along with iwi whose knowledge of the river and surrounding terrain has been invaluable.
We are also grateful for the assistance of the Police National Dive Squad.
This has been a true team effort and everyone involved has provided incredible support to the search teams.
The formal identification process is underway, and the man’s death has been referred to the Coroner.
Attributable to Detective Sergeant Ben Rolton, Christchurch Metro Crime:
Police investigating a serious assault on Fitzgerald Avenue around 12.20pm yesterday are appealing to the public for information around the incident.
The investigating team are looking for any photos, CCTV, or dashcam footage along Fitzgerald Avenue between Cambridge Terrace and Bealey Avenue between 12.15pm and 12.45pm on Monday 9 February 2026 to aid in their enquiries.
If you have witnessed the incident or have dashcam footage available covering travel between the section of road, please contact Police and quote file number 260209/0262.
The victim from the incident remains in hospital, in a stable condition.
A scene guard was put in place around the property where the incident occurred overnight, and Police are completing a scene examination which is expected to finish today.
Police will maintain an increased presence in the area as they carry out their enquiries and would like to reassure the public there is not believed to be any further threats to public safety.
Please attribute the following to Acting Sergeant Mike Skates, Foxton Police:
Police in Foxton and Foxton Beach are proactively dealing with reports made over bad driving on dirt and quad bikes in the area.
Three bikes have already been impounded, and several young people have been spoken to in relation to the reports. Charges have not been ruled out.
Police would like to urge all quad bike and dirt bike riders to ride safely. Wear your helmets, drive to a safe speed, and keep in your lane.
Police are asking the public to continue to make reports on dangerous driving so that officers can follow them 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 bikes, hotspots and times dangerous driving occurs and helps to identify the riders.
If you see any dangerous driving, call 111 immediately.
From this week, a new nationally consistent approach will begin to benefit disabled people, families and carers who use supports funded by Disability Support Services (DSS).
Minister for Disability Issues Louise Upston says the new approach is significant and confirms the first tranche of the changes announced in September 2025.
“We listened to the disability community who said that the assessment and allocation processes needed to be easier, more consistent and streamlined,” Louise Upston says.
“We’ve also responded to Independent Review findings that disability support services had become a postcode lottery for disabled people around the country.
“From this week, All Needs Assessment Service Coordination organisations (NASCs) and Enabling Good Lives (EGL) sites will use the same approach to assess needs and ensure supports are allocated fairly and consistently – no matter where people live.
“After their assessment, people will get a clear plan focused on their needs and explaining the purpose of their funding. Support will be available if they need it to help them manage their plan.
“Families and carers can also now be considered as part of the assessment. We recognise that better support for the wellbeing of families and carers also greatly improves the disabled person’s wellbeing and quality of life.
“In April, further improvements mean people with flexible funding will get budgets to manage within and current purchasing rules will be removed (including the March 2024 changes).
“We recognise that disabled people are the experts in their own lives. This will give greater choice and control over their supports and spending to around 38,500 people who already receive flexible funding.
“Throughout this stabilisation period, it’s been important for us to continue to listen. These improvements are informed by what more than 1,800 disabled people, families and carers told us during nationwide consultation last year.
“The changes will also provide a more stable foundation to strengthen the disability support system over the longer term.”
Notes for Editors
Disability Support Services is working with NASCs, EGL sites and hosts to ensure a smooth transition for disabled people, families and carers who use disability supports.
People will receive improved information before their assessment to help them prepare and understand what to expect during the process.
Following their assessment, people and their families will gain a personalised “My DSS” funding plan which sets out the intent of the funding and what’s required to support their disability needs.
The DSS website www.disabilitysupport.govt.nz / Changes to disability support services | Disability Support Services has more information on the changes.
A teenager faces court after failing to give Police the slip after a shoplifting in Te Atatū Peninsula.
Police responded to a dairy on Te Atatū Road just after 8pm on Monday night.
“Two males had entered the dairy, when one allegedly reached over the counter and grabbed a range of vape products,” acting Inspector Nick Salter, Waitematā West Area Prevention Manager, says.
“When challenged by the employee, this young male has managed to get passed and out the front door, fleeing on foot.”
Police units attended the business and reviewed CCTV footage of the offending.
Acting Inspector Salter says a Police dog handler was deployed in the area and were quickly on the scent.
“The Police dog eventually tracked to an address on Imelda Road, where two teenage males were located.
“A packaged vape was also located discarded in the nearby area.”
Following enquiries, a 16-year-old male was arrested and has since been charged with shoplifting.
He will be appearing in the Waitākere Youth Court today.
The second male, a 13-year-old, was transported home.
“It’s a great result by all our frontline staff responding yesterday evening,” acting Inspector Salter says.
“This young man is being held to account for his actions and in the process, we have managed to recover all the stolen property.”
Max Elsmore is building a future in the construction industry after completing a certificate in carpentry at EIT Tairāwhiti.
The 20-year-old from Gisborne completed the NZ Certificate in Construction Trade Skills (Carpentry Strand) (Level 3) last year, and has recently begun a building apprenticeship with Brendan Fry Building Ltd.
“The course prepared me really well. It helped me understand what was going to be happening on site and what would be expected of me.”
Max Elsmore completed the NZ Certificate in Construction Trade Skills (Carpentry) (Level 3) last year, and has recently begun a building apprenticeship with Brendan Fry Building Ltd.
His pathway into trades began while he was in Year 12 at Gisborne Boys’ High School through the Trades Academy – a year-long trades programme for secondary students.
“That gave me a good idea of what I was actually interested in.”
After leaving school at the end of Year 12, Max spent time working in several jobs before deciding to commit to a trade career.
“I tried a few different things, but none of them really stuck. That’s when I decided to go back to EIT and get some proper knowledge behind me.”
Encouraged by discussions with EIT Assistant Head of Trades (Tairāwhiti) Tim Jagusch, Max enrolled in the NZ Certificate in Construction Trade Skills (Carpentry Strand) (Level 3) – a 36-week course focused on core building skills, tool use and worksite expectations.
He said the learning environment at EIT played a key role in preparing him for employment.
“The tutor explained things in a way I could understand, and the class was really good. We shared information and helped each other out, which made it easier to learn.”
Now in the early stages of his apprenticeship, Max says he is enjoying the challenge of working on site and learning from experienced builders.
“I’m enjoying learning everything about it. My workmates are keen to teach me, which makes it even better.”
As part of his apprenticeship, Max will continue completing theory and assessments through EIT’s NZ Certificate in Carpentry (Level 4) alongside his practical training.
For Max, the appeal of building lies in seeing projects take shape.
“Watching something being built from the ground up is pretty satisfying. Knowing you helped create something that will be there for a long time – that’s what I enjoy most.”
Looking ahead, he hopes to become a qualified builder, gain his Licensed Building Practitioner status, and eventually run his own business.
“I’d like to get qualified first, and then maybe one day have my own building business if that’s achievable.”
He encourages others considering trades training to explore study at EIT.
“It’s a great place to learn. And it’s a really good environment.”
Howard Irving, School of Trades and Technology Tutor, said Max arrived on the course genuinely eager to learn, and that enthusiasm showed from day one.
“His consistent attendance and positive attitude made him an absolute pleasure to teach. The supportive environment created by us, along with the encouragement from his fellow ākonga, helped Max thrive throughout the programme. Altogether, these factors contributed to a highly successful pre trade experience and set him up with a solid foundation for his future pathway.”
Got a clever idea to help Aucklanders cut down on food waste? Auckland Council’s Love Food Hate Waste grants are open again, and this year there’s extra funding on the table.
From 9 February to 15 March, individuals and organisations can apply for $500–$6,000 to run projects that teach people how to make their kai go further. The maximum grant has increased this year to help cover the rising costs of running community activities.
Projects can be anything that helps households waste less food. From cooking classes and meal‑planning workshops to digital content, community events, or creative ways of sharing food‑saving tips.
Community ideas making a difference
Photo credit: Ecomatters.
Kaipātiki Project Ecohub ran a series of food‑waste‑minimisation workshops last year using funding from the programme. Fundraising and Programme Manager Joanne Kyriazopoulos says people loved learning new ways to save money and reduce waste.
“Our workshops were well attended and people loved walking away with simple, practical tips they could use straight away. They discovered that making the most of food isn’t hard or time‑consuming and it can be tasty! These workshops wouldn’t have been possible without the support from the Love Food Hate Waste grant.”
Auckland Council General Manager Waste Solutions Justine Haves says the fund helps communities share skills they already have.
“The Love Food Hate Waste grants are designed to support practical, community‑led ideas that help Aucklanders enjoy more of the food they buy and grow. I strongly encourage individuals and organisations to apply. Every initiative, big or small, plays a part in preventing edible food from being wasted.”
Photo credit: WasteMINZ.
At a glance
Applications open: 9 February 2026
Applications close: 15 March 2026
Funding available: $500–$6,000
Best suited for: Projects helping households reduce avoidable food waste
Not covered: Composting or food‑scrap processing (apply to the Waste Minimisation and Innovation Fund instead)
More info: Details are available now on the Auckland Council website.
Auckland Council supports Love Food Hate Waste NZ, a nationwide movement encouraging New Zealanders to reduce the amount of edible food thrown away. The 2025 Rabobank–KiwiHarvest Food Waste Survey found that Kiwis waste around $3 billion of food a year, money that could be saved simply by using more of what we buy.
For more about the national programme, visit the Love Food Hate Waste NZ website.
Consolidated net loss attributable to equity holders of the Company: HK$69 million (HK$230million)
Basic loss per share: 3.38 HK cents (11.29 HK cents)
No final dividend (No final dividend)
Pacific Century Premium Developments Limited (“PCPD”, SEHK: 00432) has announced its annual results for the year ended December 31, 2025.
The consolidated revenue of PCPD and its subsidiaries (together, the “Group”) amounted to HK$ 1,046 million, representing an increase of 51% compared to the revenue of HK$ 695 million in 2024.
The consolidated net loss attributable to equity holders of the Company for the year of 2025 was HK$ 69 million, compared to the net loss of HK$ 230 million in 2024.
Basic loss per share for 2025 was 3.38 Hong Kong cents compared to the loss per share of 11.29 Hong Kong cents for the previous year.
The Board of Directors has not recommended the payment of a final dividend for the year ended December 31, 2025.
In 2025, PCPD achieved robust full-year results, driven by the sustained surge in international travel across our key Asian markets, our operational strengths, and the continued recognition of our high-quality portfolio. This performance was underpinned predominantly by contributions from two segments: Park Hyatt Niseko, Hanazono, our hospitality business in Hokkaido, which delivered a notable rise in occupancy and revenue, and our ski and recreation operations in Niseko, Hokkaido, which also saw a surge in demand and revenue.
Park Hyatt Niseko, Hanazono, our hotel operations in Hokkaido, delivered a robust performance in 2025, as the boom in Japan‘s tourism sector continued throughout the year, again with record-breaking tourist arrivals. The average occupancy rate of Park Hyatt Niseko increased by 4 percentage points.
During the winter season of 2024/2025, total ski-lift and gondola rides increased 9% year-on-year. The travel surge continued to drive robust demand for our recreational business in Niseko well beyond the cold months.
In Phang Nga, Thailand, the Group has sold or reserved 40% of Phase 1A villas. The Group’s revenue from its property development in Thailand totalled HK$14 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to no revenue in 2024.
We formed a strategic alliance with Hotel Properties Limited in Singapore to bring a Four Seasons Resort and Branded Residences to the prestigious integrated resort community of Aquella in Phang Nga. The move represents a significant milestone in PCPD‘s long-term vision of transforming Aquella into a visionary integrated resort destination that effortlessly blends luxury living, recreation and exceptional service.
In Jakarta, Indonesia, the occupancy of our premium commercial building, Pacific Century Place, Jakarta (“PCP Jakarta”), was stable throughout the year, and the project remained a consistent revenue contributor to the Group. As of December 31, 2025, the office space committed occupancy was 87%, compared to 85% in the previous year.
Development of the superstructure of the Group‘s project at 3–6 Glenealy, Central, Hong Kong, has been progressing well. We have reached a key structural milestone, with the superstructural work now completed and installation of the curtain walls progressing at pace. The name of the development has also been unveiled as “Central Residence by the Park”, and its completion is scheduled for the first half of 2026.
In the long run, we remain cautiously optimistic about the long-term outlook for property sectors in Hong Kong, Japan, Thailand and Indonesia. With PCPD‘s disciplined execution and proactive risk management, we have confidence in our ability to drive continued growth and deliver sustained value.
Mr. Benjamin Lam, PCPD’s Deputy Chairman and Group Managing Director, said: “We will maintain our prudent yet proactive approach, allocating resources carefully and pursuing value-enhancing initiatives. Our priority remains to drive sustainable growth, improve profitability, and deliver solid returns to shareholders and stakeholders.”
Hashtag: #PacificCenturyPremiumDevelopments
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 February 2026 – Voicecomm Technology Co., Ltd. (“Voicecomm Technology” or the “Company”, Stock Code: 2495.HK), one of the leading enterprises in Conversational Artificial Intelligence (CoAI), is pleased to announce that it has successfully won the bid for the “South Sichuan Intelligent Valley AI Vertical Large Model Innovation Platform (川南智谷人工智能垂直大模型創新平台)- Silver Economy Construction and Operation Project” in Neijiang City, Sichuan Province. The total contract value is close to 300 million RMB, including approximately RMB 150 million for the initial platform construction costs; and approximately RMB 140 million for medium- to long-term project operation costs. This indicates that Voicecomm Technology has successfully established a full-stack service closed loop of “construction + operation”. This project marks a significant breakthrough for the Company in pioneering the new strategic track of “AI + healthcare” and represents its first replicable city-level smart elderly care benchmark project.
According to report from iResearch, as the end of 2024, China’s population aged 60 and above has exceeded 310 million, accounting for 22.0% of the total population. As the first city-level AI elderly care project, this not only affirms Voicecomm Technology’s position in the “AI + Elderly Care” sector but also signals a new trend in government investment towards smart elderly care—shifting from infrastructure construction to pursuing effective operational services.
Mr. Sun Qi, Founder and Executive Director ofVoicecomm Technology Co., Ltd., said: “China is accelerating into a phase of deep aging, and the needs of hundreds of millions of elderly people constitute a vast blue ocean. Faced with the challenges of an aging society today, we aim to leverage artificial intelligence technology to explore a new, scientifically-driven path for elderly care. The Neijiang project is our first demonstration project in the healthcare sector. Its core lies not in stacking hardware but in using AI as the engine to make elderly care services truly intelligent and smooth, thereby enhancing the quality of life and dignity of the elderly. We hope to build this project into a replicable model for more cities to learn from.”
This project is expected to become a powerful engine for activating the silver economy in Neijiang City. Guided by national Smart Elderly Care policies, the project is anticipated to drive an annual output value exceeding 1 billion RMB in the local elderly care service industry and create a large number of job opportunities. By establishing a unified smart health and elderly care service platform, the project will strive to build a “15-minute elderly care service circle,” achieving deep integration between technology and people’s livelihoods.
Since its establishment in 2005, Voicecomm Technology has been committed to the research and application of Conversational Artificial Intelligence and unified communications technologies. Its solutions cover multiple scenarios in fields such as city management and administration, automotive and transportation, telecommunications, finance, healthcare, and energy management. This successful bid once again unveils Voicecomm Technology’s commitment to promoting technological progress and social development.
Hashtag: #Voicecomm
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Advances multi-typology brand expansion into more than 10 new cities in Asia Pacific and Europe, including lyf in Wellington and Ascott in Taipei
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 February 2026 – The Ascott Limited (Ascott), the wholly owned lodging business unit of CapitaLand Investment (CLI), signed a record 19,000 units across 102 properties in 2025, marking 27% year-on-year growth in new signings. Its asset-light expansion was led by higher-fee segments such as resorts, supported by accelerating franchise momentum and strong conversion activity. Ascott entered more than 10 new cities across Asia Pacific and Europe, growing its global footprint to over 230 cities in more than 40 countries. The company now operates and has under development more than 1,000 properties[1] with over 176,000 units globally.
Ascott marked its entry into Taipei with the signing of the 185-room Ascott Nangang Taipei, located in a prime mixed-use development within Nangang Software Park, one of the city’s premier business districts. The partnership agreement was signed by Ms Jocelyn Wang, Chairman, The GAIA Hotel and Mr Kevin Goh, Chief Executive Officer, The Ascott Limited and Lodging, CapitaLand Investment.
Mr Kevin Goh, Chief Executive Officer, Ascott, said: “2025 marked a key milestone for Ascott as we accelerated asset-light signings and strengthened revenue visibility. With these new signings, we now have the embedded income to exceed our S$500 million fee target as pipeline projects turn operational. Our flex-hybrid model and multi-typology brand strategy enable us to optimise performance for property owners across market cycles, while disciplined investments in loyalty, technology and business development position us to capture growth in higher-fee segments including resorts, branded residences, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions) and wellness. I thank our global teams and partners for their continued support as we advance our ambition to be the preferred hospitality company.”
Ms Serena Lim, Chief Growth Officer, Ascott, said: “As travel evolves into a lifestyle, consumers are seeking greater flexibility and choice in how they live, work and explore. Guided by insights from our owners and guests, we have pursued a deliberate growth strategy anchored in our flex-hybrid model and a differentiated suite of flexible living offerings. We are heartened by the robust growth in 2025, driven by strong owner commitment as reflected in portfolio deals across multiple brands. Approximately 30% of new signings came from existing partners expanding with us, underscoring trust in Ascott’s platform and our ability to meet diverse traveller and resident needs worldwide.”
Strategic City Expansion In 2025, Ascott entered more than 10 new cities in Asia Pacific and Europe, including notable first properties in Wellington and Taipei, resort destinations such as Phuket, Phu Quoc and Langkawi, as well as emerging Tier-2 cities like Lucknow and Thanjavur in India.
Key milestones included the company’s expansion into New Zealand beyond its Quest franchise, with lyf making its debut in Wellington. Construction is expected to commence by the end of 2026, with the 108-room property set to transform six floors of a commercial building in the CBD, incorporating lyf’s signature social spaces and interconnected rooms for group travellers. With its strategic location in the heart of the capital’s business hub, the property embodies lyf’s experience-led social living philosophy, providing an accessible base for travellers, professionals and long-stay guests to connect with Wellington’s vibrant urban energy.
Ascott also entered Taipei, launching its flagship brand with the 185-room Ascott Nangang Taipei in Nangang Software Park, one of the city’s premier business districts. Scheduled to open in 1Q 2027, the serviced residence is part of a prime mixed-use development that also houses Taiwan Fertilizer Co., Ltd.’s headquarters and multinational companies including HP, Yahoo, Philips and Intel. It is further supported by a vibrant MICE and tourism ecosystem, with direct footbridge access to the Nangang Exhibition Centre, Taipei Nangang Exhibition Centre metro station and LaLaport shopping mall. The Nangang High Speed Rail station is also within walking distance. Designed for both short and extended stays, the property builds on Ascott’s expertise in transit oriented, mixed-use developments and supports its continued growth in the market.
Resort Portfolio Expansion Capitalising on strong leisure travel demand, Ascott’s multi-typology brand strategy drove 15 resort signings in prime locations such as Phuket, Phu Quoc, Nha Trang and Bali, expanding its portfolio in resort destinations to over 50 properties. Notable additions include the 693-unit HARRIS Resort Cam Ranh, marking the brand’s first entry into Vietnam, alongside a 250-unit lyf and a 120-unit Somerset at Lagoon City Seville, Spain, a mixed-use development anchored by an 18,000-square-metre man-made lagoon.
In 2025, Ascott expanded its branded residences portfolio by partnering with quality developers on two new properties, adding over 1,000 units. These include the 227-unit Residences at Ascott Abov Patong Phuket (pictured), adjacent to Ascott Abov Patong Phuket Resort and just 150 metres from the iconic Patong Beach.
The company also expanded its branded residences portfolio by partnering with quality developers on two new properties, adding over 1,000 units: Residences at Ascott Abov Patong Phuket, next to Ascott Abov Patong Phuket Resort, and Oakwood Premier Branded Residences Luohu Shenzhen, co-located with Oakwood Premier Luohu Shenzhen. Leveraging its hospitality expertise and brand recognition, Ascott is well-placed to deliver lifestyle-oriented residences that meet growing demand in Asia Pacific while generating fee growth. Co-locating branded residences with its hotels enhances operational and marketing synergies, diversifies revenue streams and strengthens Ascott’s value proposition to owners and investors.
Ascott’s second branded residence project in 2025, Oakwood Premier Branded Residences Luohu Shenzhen, will feature 792 residential units in the vibrant Luohu district, sharing the same building as the 450-unit Oakwood Premier Luohu Shenzhen.
Franchise Growth Momentum More than a quarter of the units signed in 2025 were under franchise agreements, supporting Ascott’s asset-light expansion. Franchise momentum in East Asia accelerated as the company strengthened its regional pipeline. Five Quest properties were secured in China through Ascott’s joint venture with Jin Jiang, alongside four franchise agreements to expand Citadines’ presence in the country. The largest franchise signing of the year was the 510-key Oakwood in Gangneung, South Korea, a resort-led development in Gangneung’s Cultural Olympic Special Zone with strong connectivity to Seoul, demonstrating Oakwood’s scalability in leisure and extended-stay markets.
In other regions, Ascott’s Quest franchise contributed five new signings in Australia, while franchise agreements for the Oakwood, Somerset and The Unlimited Collection brands in Europe and Africa further strengthened the company’s global footprint.
Conversions-led Growth Over 38% of units signed in 2025 were conversions, reflecting owners’ preference for faster, lower-risk routes to market and Ascott’s ability to execute conversions efficiently across its diversified brand portfolio. Recent conversions, including Citadines Antasari Jakarta, Oakwood Bencoolen Singapore and lyf Zhangjiang Shanghai, were completed within months of signing, demonstrating Ascott’s capability to reposition assets swiftly and accelerate revenue generation for owners.
Brand Performance and Expansion Ascott’s brands achieved milestones in scale and geographic reach in 2025. Citadines surpassed 200 properties globally with 17 new signings, boosted by its conversion-friendly positioning, while Oakwood secured 16 signings, maintaining strong owner appeal across business, leisure and extended-stay segments. Ascott’s collection brands continued their geographic expansion, with The Unlimited Collection expanding in Africa and Europe, while The Crest Collection entered the Middle East. Following the signing of The Unlimited Collection in Casablanca, Morocco, Ascott’s portfolio in the country now comprises 10 operational and pipeline properties across Casablanca, Tangier and Marrakech. This underscores Ascott’s strong momentum in Morocco, one of Africa’s most dynamic hospitality markets.
The flagship Ascott brand recorded 10 new signings, expanding its global portfolio to 87 properties including operational and pipeline assets. Notable additions include Ascott Coronation Square Johor Bahru, which secures a flagship position at the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone with direct connection to the upcoming Rapid Transit System Link, and Ascott Shenton Way Singapore, the brand’s third property in the city-state. Opening as a dual-format hotel and serviced residence, Ascott Shenton Way Singapore will integrate wellness-driven experiences with sustainable operations, showcasing the brand’s evolution in a prime CBD location.
[1] Includes Managed, Franchised, Leased, Owned and Other properties (including those under funds and JVs).
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 February 2026 – The consortium composing Centurium Capital, Temasek and True Light successfully completed the privatization of ANE (Cayman) Inc. (“ANE”). With its delisting from the Hong Kong Stock Exchange effective 4:00 PM today, ANE begins a new chapter as a privately held company.
Immediately after completion of the privatization, Centurium Capital, Temasek, and True Light indirectly hold approximately 51.78%, 17.35%, and 17.35% in ANE respectively. The remaining indirect equity interests in ANE are held by the trustee of the Equity Incentive Plans of ANE and the past shareholders of ANE that validly elected to roll over.
Mr. Michael Chen, Managing Director of Centurium Capital, said, “Building on our long-standing partnership with ANE, the completion of this privatization sets the stage for deeper collaboration and accelerated strategic execution. As the industry undergoes profound changes, moving into the private domain provides the agility and efficiency needed to navigate market changes and focus on long-term value creation. Alongside our consortium partners, Temasek and True Light, we are honoured to guide and support ANE in its pursuit of greater competitiveness and new opportunities in China’s dynamic logistics industry, and grow together with ANE’s employees and network partners.”
Ms. SHEN Ye, Deputy CEO of China, Temasek, said, “The completion of the privatization marks an important milestone as ANE embarks on a new chapter of transformation. As a global investment firm with over 20 years of experience in China, Temasek remains confident in the country’s long-term growth and the structural evolution of its logistics sector. ANE has built a high-quality national platform with a scalable franchise network and robust operational capabilities. Together with our consortium partners and ANE’s management team, we look forward to supporting the company in driving operational efficiencies and pioneering sustainable logistics solutions for the future.”
Hashtag: #ANE
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
NANCHONG, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 February 2026 – On February 4, at a briefing on cultural and tourism activities for the 2026 Spring Festival hosted by the Sichuan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, Nanchong City announced an extended Spring Festival holiday (from the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month to the sixteenth day of the first lunar month of the following year, that is, from January 26 to March 4 of the solar calendar), inviting visitors from around the world to Langzhong, known as the “Ancient City of the World and Birthplace of the Spring Festival”, to experience the most authentic and abundant traditions of the Chinese Lunar New Year.
The “Old Man of the Spring Festival” parades through the streets of Langzhong Ancient City while offering blessings.
The celebrations feature a wide range of programs designed to offer residents and visitors alike an immersive cultural experience. Visitors can explore the “Langzhong Stone Rubbing Exhibition for the Lunar New Year”, which showcases precious rubbings of stone inscriptions dating back 1,500 years, and trace the past through their tangible imprints. They may also encounter the “Old Man of the Spring Festival” roaming the streets in traditional costumes to bestow blessings and offer traditional New Year’s greetings.
To enrich the visitor experience, the ancient city has curated a wide array of interactive experiences, with millennium-old folk customs unfolding one after another. A vibrant intangible cultural heritage (ICH) market will present more than 40 nationally and provincially recognized ICH items. Visitors can try their hand at crafting delicate shadow puppets or cutting festive paper window decorations. They may also choose to watch a performance of the Ba Commandery Nuo Opera, a representative ICH item of Sichuan Province that blends ancient ritual practices with folk opera and carries a distinctive sense of regional mystique. Running throughout the festive period, the New Year Grand Temple Fair brings together cultural performances, themed exhibitions, and modern recreational attractions. Whether watching the large-scale cultural stage play Legend of Langyuan or experiencing water tours or low-altitude flights, visitors of all ages are sure to be thoroughly entertained.
Crowds fill the streets of Langzhong Ancient City, Langzhong City, Sichuan Province.
Langzhong’s reputation as the “Ancient City of the World and Birthplace of the Spring Festival” stems from Luo Xiahong, an astronomer of the Western Han Dynasty, who compiled the groundbreaking Taichu Calendar here. Luo was the first to incorporate the 24 solar terms into the Chinese calendrical system and to designate the first day of the first lunar month as the official start of the year, thereby establishing the Spring Festival as a fixed annual celebration. For this historic contribution, he is revered as the original “Old Man of the Spring Festival”. This calendar profoundly shaped Chinese agriculture and folk life for more than two millennia, securing Langzhong’s place as one of the cradles of Spring Festival culture. Today, Langzhong Ancient City stands ready to extend its warmest welcome to every visitor from afar, offering the most authentic New Year customs and the most heartfelt warmth of its people.
Hashtag: #NanchongInformationOffice
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Bora to discuss a recent collaboration with Therapi AI, highlighting its focus on strengthening operational execution across the biopharma development cycle and supply chain through AI-enabled technologies
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 February 2026 – Bora Pharmaceuticals (Taiwan Stock Exchange: 6472.TW; OTCQX: BORAY), a pharmaceutical services company operating under a differentiated “Dual-Engine” strategy that integrates a global contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) with an innovative specialty pharmaceuticals business, announces its sponsorship of UC Berkeley ahead of the “Berkeley Dialogue” in Taipei. The event extends the platform that UC Berkeley has built for connecting executives from promising Asian biotech and medtech companies with global venture capital and academic leaders.
The “Berkeley Dialogue: Biotechnology & Drug Development”, held in parallel with a healthcare conference taking place at Regent Taipei, is designed to address an increasingly central challenge to founders and investors alike: how innovation and capital originating in Asia can be translated into globally executable and commercially scalable programs. The Berkeley Dialogue 2026 is a flagship forum series hosted by the Berkeley Club of Taiwan and supported by Bora Group to bring together academic leadership and industry insights around early discovery, development and scale up. Convened by Bobby Sheng, chairman & CEO of Bora Pharmaceuticals and former president of the Berkeley Club of Taiwan, alongside 8 distinguished UC Berkeley deans, 2 Nobel Laureates Fred Ramsdell and Omar Yaghi, and Chancellor Richard K. Lyons, the Dialogue will address global collaboration, innovation ecosystems, and AI-empowered drug development in the global biomedical landscape.
As an integrated CDMO with operations spanning Asia and North America, Bora supports programs originating in Asia as they advance toward U.S. and global clinical development and commercial manufacturing. The Company positions itself as a de-risking bridge across regions, applying consistent execution discipline and quality standards as programs scale.
“Asia has no shortage of strong science,” said Bobby Sheng. “The differentiator today is whether programs are built early with global execution in mind. Our role is to help emerging companies reduce downstream risk by aligning development, quality, and manufacturing decisions from the outset.” By bringing founders, scientists, and investors into the same conversation early, the Company aims to help address execution risk before it becomes a constraint on valuation, timelines, or scalability.
At “Berkeley Dialogue”, Bora will provide an overview of a recent partnership with Therapi AI, reflecting its focus on strengthening operational execution through technology. Bobby will share Bora’s perspective on the practical application of AI in biotech manufacturing and development, emphasizing the importance of building internal, knowledge-driven systems that enhance decision-making rather than chasing experimental use cases.
“AI will matter most where it improves reliability and execution,” Bobby added. “For us, that means applying it deliberately within our operations to capture institutional knowledge, improve efficiency, and support more predictable outcomes for our partners.”
Bora’s participation reflects a clear view of the next phase of Asian biotech growth where success will be defined less by novelty and more by execution credibility. By engaging early at the intersection of science, capital, and manufacturing, Bora aims to support companies and investors seeking to build globally scalable assets with fewer surprises as programs mature.
Hashtag: #BoraPharmaceuticals
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Register Now for a Chance to Win YF Life Presents: LEON LAI ROBBABA CONCERT 2026 Live Tickets
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 February 2026 -YF Life Insurance International Ltd. (YF Life) is excited to announce the launch of the “YFLink Concert Tickets Lucky Draw”, offering music fans the chance to win tickets to one of the city’s most anticipated concert, inviting music lovers to take a break from their daily routines and immerse themselves in an unforgettable musical experience.
YF Life launches YFLink Concert Tickets Lucky Draw. Register now for a chance to win YF Life Presents: LEON LAI ROBBABA CONCERT 2026 Live tickets
From February 9 to February 27, 2026, Eligible customers can enter the lucky draw by simply logging into the “YFLink” Mobile App and completing a quick registration. Participants stand a chance to win tickets to the “YF Life Presents: LEON LAI ROBBABA CONCERT 2026 Live” to experience the electric atmosphere in person. Each existing customer can enjoy up to five chances to win during the camp. Each eligible customer is eligible for 5 changes at most in the lucky draw.
Prizes:
Grand prize: Two “YF Life Presents: LEON LAI ROBBABA CONCERT 2026 Live” in Hong Kong concert tickets (each ticket is worth HK$1380)
2nd prize: Two “YF Life Presents: LEON LAI ROBBABA CONCERT 2026 Live” in Hong Kong concert tickets (each ticket is worth HK$680)
Existing YF Life customers1 aged 18 or above who successfully completes the “Lucky Draw” registration via the “YFLink” platform within the Campaign Period are eligible to enter into the Lucky Draw. Each eligible participant will earn at least one chance of winning a prize in the Lucky Draw based on the number of in-force YF Life’s individual insurance policy (basic plan) (“Eligible Policy(ies)”) and member accounts of Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) Scheme/ Macau Pension Scheme/ Macau Non-Mandatory Central Provident Fund Scheme (CPS) provided by YF Life they have (“Eligible Member Account(s)”), and fulfilling the relevant requirements. Each Eligible Policy or Eligible Member Account will be counted as 1 entry into the Lucky Draw of this Campaign. Accordingly, holding 2 Eligible Policies or Eligible Member Accounts will be counted as 2 entries, and so on. Each Eligible Participant is eligible for 5 chances at most in the Lucky Draw during the Campaign Period.
The lucky draw will be officially conducted on March 4, 2026. Winners will be drawn by computer system randomly. The results of the lucky draw will be published on the campaign website2,3, The Standard, and Sing Tao Daily (only applicable to Hong Kong) on March 9, 2026. Winners will be personally notified regarding the prize redemption arrangements via “YFLink” and SMS.
For more details about the lucky draw, please visit the campaign website (Hong Kong)/ campaign website (Macau).
Trade Promotion Competition Licence No.: 61079 (Only applicable to Hong Kong)
Terms and conditions apply.
Remark:
Existing YF Life customers refer to existing policyholder holding at least one YF Life’s in-force individual insurance policy as of February 27, 2026 17:30; or existing member of the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF)Scheme/ Macau Pension Scheme/ Macau Non-Mandatory Central Provident Fund Scheme (CPS) provided by YF Life as of February 27, 2026 (with an account balance greater than zero on February 27, 2026).
Families in South Sudan are once again having to flee for their lives due to escalating conflict at a time when hunger is already at catastrophic levels, Oxfam warned.
Renewed fighting, which has spread across Jonglei and into the neighbouring area of Walgak, 100 kilometres from the capital Juba, is deepening an already dire situation, cutting families off from food, clean water and urgent humanitarian support.
Multiple health facilities and aid agencies including Oxfam were looted and staff beaten and forced to flee leading to service suspension and humanitarian staff displacement. Prior to the suspension of life-saving assistance, Oxfam was supporting more than 400,000 people in Jonglei through food security and resilience programmes.
Since December, more than 280,000 people have been forced to flee their homes and are now sheltering in bushes, overcrowded schools and churches where services are minimal to nothing. 75% of those displaced are women and children.
Families who were already severely food insecure, malnourished and dependent upon aid are now reducing their meals even further in order to feed their displaced relatives. Many have had to leave all of their belongings, food and livestock behind.
Even before the latest fighting, more than 700,000 people in Jonglei counties were facing crisis or emergency hunger, including over 11,000 living in catastrophic conditions.
“Families are being forcibly displaced into areas where conditions are already dire,” said Shabnam Baloch, Oxfam’s South Sudan Country Director.
“Some are injured and barely able to move. Many are at risk of starvation and having to drink water from contaminated rivers and swamps. The situation is beyond desperate.”
Population displacement and contaminated water coupled with lack of hygiene supplies is adding another deadly layer to the crisis. Oxfam assessments found that, in some areas, 100% of the population are having to rely on unsafe water, with many forced into open defecation, creating a breeding ground for diseases. In January alone there were more than 400 cases of cholera and the situation is only set to get worse as more people are forced to move.
With the rainy approaching in March, humanitarian access would shrink even further as road access become impassable pushing an already affected communities to the edge.
Shabnam Baloch said: “A frightening number of people in South Sudan are already severely hungry as conflict intensifies; families have abandoned farms at harvest and their cattle are either looted or lost while the fishing grounds remain inaccessible preventing them from planting food crops and feeding their families.
“The people of South Sudan desperately need an immediate end to this conflict so that they can get food. We strongly appeal to all parties to the conflict to allow people to safely reach humanitarian assistance.”
In the 2026 humanitarian response plan for South Sudan, over 10 million people – two-thirds of the population – are projected to require some humanitarian assistance including 7.5 million people who are at risk of starvation. Oxfam is also warning that worsening insecurity is exposing women and girls to violence and driving some families to resort to early and forced marriage as an economic survival strategy.
Women escaping conflict are disproportionately vulnerable to profound traumas, many of which remain hidden beneath the surface of their survival. One group of women, who had to walk for 3 days with their children to Akobo, told Oxfam: “There is a silence that walks beside us on these long roads – a heavy, wordless grief for the things we saw, the things we endured, and the parts of ourselves we had to leave behind just to keep our children moving.
“We live in a state of constant fear, not for our own lives, but for the small ones who look to us for a safety we are still trying to find for ourselves.”
Notes
Before the suspension of its operations, Oxfam was responding in the worst-affected areas of Jonglei and Lakes states, where nearly 80% of displacement is concentrated, with Rapid Response Teams ready to scale up. The response focused on cholera prevention through clean water and sanitation, emergency cash assistance for food and essentials, safe learning spaces for children, and protection services addressing gender-based violence.
According toUNOCHA, more than 280,000 people have been displaced since 29 December 2025. Among the overall displaced individuals, it was estimated that 75% are women and children.
Greenpeace is slamming the Luxon government’s announcement it will build a liquid natural gas (LNG) import terminal, calling it a dirty, dumb and expensive decision that will leave New Zealanders subsidising more climate pollution through higher electricity bills.
“Electricity consumers will pay a Luxon Tax on their electricity bills to subsidize the fossil fuel industry,” says Greenpeace Executive Director Russel Norman.
“Instead of investing in clean energy, this Government is choosing to double down on the very fossil fuels that are driving both high power prices and extreme weather events.
“Every additional tonne of fossil fuels burned makes climate change worse. This LNG decision is yet another fossil fuel subsidy from the Luxon government that will mean more floods, storms, and climate fuelled damage.
“It makes no sense to rely on imported and expensive fossil fuels when we have abundant, cheap energy sources right here at home with wind and solar.”
A report by MBIE in 2024found that there was no need for new fossil fuels to maintain New Zealand’s energy security out to 2050 and reported that wind and solar are the cheapest sources of new electricity generation.
Meanwhile, a2023 Concept Consulting reportfound onshore gas reserves alone can supply all needs out to 2050 if Methanex, the company using between one third to a half of the country’s gas to make methanol for export, were to close, which it inevitably will as gas prices rise.
“This Government has made the energy and climate crises worse by dismantling nearly every initiative to decarbonise the energy system. They ditched the Government Investment in Decarbonising Industry fund, the NZ Battery Project, and the Gas Transition Plan.
“Businesses are closing because the Government believed its own nonsense that the oil and gas exploration ban was the cause of high electricity prices. It never was and the LNG subsidy will solve nothing,” says Dr Norman.
“They even got rid of the Climate Emergency Response Fund set up to help communities recover from climate disasters. Now, they are planning to use more public money to bankroll fossil fuels for more climate emergencies.
“The Government should be investing in cheap, renewable wind and solar, backed by more storage and demand response, not exposing the country to a volatile global LNG market and locking us into more polluting fossil fuels.”
Energy Resources Aotearoa acknowledges the Government’s decision to progress importing liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a practical step to strengthen New Zealand’s energy security.
Today’s announcement to move rapidly with the aim of signing a contract by mid-2026 to build an LNG import facility by 2028 responds to a growing fuel shortage in the energy system, driven by tightened domestic gas supply and intermittent weather-based sources of generation.
Energy Resources Aotearoa Chief Executive John Carnegie says the decision recognises the system’s vulnerability in dry years, when low rainfall or wind and reducing domestic gas supply constrain fuel availability during high electricity demand periods.
“Thermal fuels back our energy security, and LNG gives the system another option when it is under pressure.
This is about giving the system breathing room. LNG isn’t a replacement for domestic gas or renewables, but can help stabilise electricity supply and prices when the sun doesn’t shine, the wind doesn’t blow, and hydro lakes are low.”
The Crown procuring this infrastructure on behalf of electricity users seems a sensible way to protect New Zealanders against future policy changes, Carnegie says.
“The market is best placed to decide how much LNG is needed and when it is used. What matters is keeping the option available so the system has fuel when it needs it.
LNG can act as an insurance policy, but it comes with risks that must be managed, such as exposing New Zealand to international prices and global events beyond our control.”
For that reason, domestic gas remains critical, Carnegie says.
Carnegie also says New Zealand’s energy system will be at its most effective when renewable generation and firming fuels work in harmony.
“Strengthening the system over time will require continued investment in renewables, firming capacity and domestic gas supply, backed by clear and durable policy settings.
Keeping LNG as an option while more wind, geothermal and solar are built, and the gas sector rebuilds, helps manage risk and keep electricity more reliable.”
Attributable to Detective Inspector James Keene, Field Crime Manager, Eastern District Police:
The discovery of a woman’s body at a worksite in Omahu, Hawke’s Bay last week is now being treated as a homicide.
Police were called to the Taihape Road site on Tuesday 3 February after the woman was found on the property.
She was Sharlene Smith, aged 64, from Rotorua. We continue to support her loved ones at this extremely difficult time.
Our early enquiries have established that this was a tragic and avoidable death of a much-loved mother, grandmother and sister, and we are determined to find answers for her whānau.
We have a committed team of investigators working on this investigation, and we are also calling on the public to help.
Police are appealing for sightings of a white Mazda 3 2005 sports hatch on Friday 30 and Saturday 31 January within the Taihape Road/Omahu Road Fernhill area. [Car pictured is similar in appearance]
We would also like to hear from anyone who witnessed any other suspicious activity in the area during that time period.
Anyone with information can get in touch through our 105 service, quoting reference number 260203/9739.
You can also share information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.