SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 April 2026 – Singapore’s digital marketing industry has a trust problem, and SMEs are feeling it the most.
The pattern is familiar: thousands a month on SEO, reports full of jargon, keyword targets with no real search volume, and a new account manager every quarter because the last one left. It’s an industry-wide problem, and SMEs bear the cost.
SEOExpert, a new digital marketing agency in Singapore, launched in March 2026 to take a different approach.
How SEOExpert Works
Berenice, founder of SEOExpert, brings over six years of experience across three digital marketing agencies in Singapore, where she managed campaigns for clients across diverse industries. She built SEOExpert around the problems she saw firsthand.
The agency has developed proprietary AI-powered systems that automate content publishing, competitor monitoring, campaign optimisation, and client acquisition. But unlike agencies that simply feed prompts into ChatGPT, SEOExpert’s custom workflows keep humans in control of every strategic decision, from brand voice to campaign direction.
“AI should make an agency faster and more precise, not replace the thinking,” says Berenice. “Our team spends more time on strategy and less time on spreadsheets. That’s what clients actually benefit from.”
The result: a lean, remote-first team that delivers at the speed and consistency of a much larger agency, without the overhead. Clients work with a consistent team that stays on their account, not a revolving door of junior staff. “Happy people do better work,” says Berenice. “We hire good people, give them freedom, and measure what matters: results.”
Full-Service Digital Marketing for Singapore SMEs
SEOExpert offers a full range of digital marketing services for Singapore SMEs, including but not limited to SEO, PPC and paid advertising, social media marketing, and web design.
The company has also published over 35 free SEO guides on its blog and built free tools for businesses to use, including a SERP simulator, Google review link generator, and UTM URL builder.
Preparing Singapore Businesses for the AI Search Shift
Google is moving toward AI-generated search results, fundamentally changing how businesses get found online. Traditional SEO alone is no longer enough. Brands now need to appear in AI-powered search results from platforms like ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Google AI Overviews.
SEOExpert is one of the few agencies in Singapore already offering GEO services to help businesses optimise for this shift.
“Most agencies are still focused on where Google was two years ago,” says Berenice. “We’re building for where search is going.”
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 April 2026 – The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) and the Law Society of Singapore (LawSoc) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work more closely together, as more businesses expand across the region and face more complex issues.
What clients need from professional services firms is changing. It is no longer just about meeting compliance requirements. Companies now require coordinated advice across legal, financial and governance areas to support growth, manage risk and execute transactions with confidence. As more work spans multiple jurisdictions, clients are also looking for integrated teams that can support cross border needs seamlessly. This partnership brings the legal and accountancy professions together to meet that demand and create new opportunities for members.
A key focus of the collaboration is building skills that match how professionals learn and work today. ISCA and LawSoc will jointly develop a digital learning platform that allows lawyers to learn anytime, anywhere, through on demand modules that are practical and relevant to daily work. The platform is the first of its kind that will also support cross learning, enabling lawyers to build knowledge in accounting, finance and governance, while accountants strengthen their understanding of legal concepts relevant to risk, transactions and advisory work.
To help more legal professionals benefit from the learning platform, ISCA and LawSoc are working with NTUC LearningHub to enable funding options for eligible legal professionals. Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training courses are also expected to be made available through NTUC LearningHub’s Learning eXperience Platform (LXP) later in the year, with options such as SkillsFuture Credit and the Union Training Assistance Programme (UTAP) funding to help keep training affordable and accessible. This will enable more professionals to upskill more quickly and strengthen capabilities across the profession.
The partnership will also strengthen Singapore’s position as a trusted base for professional services work in the region. Amid an increasingly complex geopolitical and economic landscape, Singapore continues to stand out as a stable and resilient hub for global business. ISCA and LawSoc will advance discussions on setting up a Professional Services Centre in Singapore. The Centre is intended to help two groups. First, it will support investors and companies who want to set up or expand in Singapore. Second, it will support Singapore based companies that want to expand overseas. By connecting businesses to coordinated legal and accountancy expertise, the Centre will help companies deal with cross border requirements, governance expectations, and expansion decisions. This builds on earlier Professional Services Centre efforts in Nanjing, Hongqiao and Ho Chi Minh City.
Mr Teo Ser Luck, President of ISCA, said: “This is a significant partnership for both organisations. Together, we are establishing a Professional Services Centre that connects businesses with the legal and accounting expertise they need, helping them close deals with confidence and manage the risks that come with operating across borders. It is about building real capability, strengthening Singapore’s professional services ecosystem, and giving our professional services firms and businesses, including SMEs, the support they need to pursue opportunities together with confidence.”
Professor Tan Cheng Han, SC, President of the Law Society of Singapore, said: “Clients increasingly face issues that sit across law, finance and governance. Good advice depends on closer teamwork between lawyers and accountants. This partnership supports our members by strengthening training, expanding cross learning, and advancing initiatives such as a Professional Services Centre in Singapore to help firms compete and grow in the region.”
Mr Joe Loy, Assistant Chief Executive and Managing Director of Digital Business, NTUC LearningHub, said: “CPD is essential in ensuring lawyers keep their skills current as practice areas, regulations and client expectations continue to evolve. At NTUC LearningHub, our focus is on making CPD training practical, accessible and affordable, enabling lawyers to fulfil their professional requirements while building relevant capabilities. By working with industry partners such as ISCA and LawSoc, we aim to lower barriers to training and help more lawyers stay competent, compliant and ready for the demands of their profession.”
Ms Junie Fo, Vice President & Head, Professional Services, Singapore Economic Development Board, said: “Singapore is a trusted business hub where professional services firms support global and local businesses in navigating complex global dynamics. The partnership between ISCA and LawSoc strengthens Singapore’s professional services offerings through deeper cross-sector sharing, while helping our accounting and legal talent develop emerging skillsets and enhance capabilities to support businesses in capturing new opportunities across the growing region. EDB looks forward to working with both organisations as we continue to grow Singapore’s Professional Services sector.”
BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 April 2026 – At the invitation of General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam To Lam will lead a high-level Vietnamese delegation on a state visit to China from April 14 to 17, 2026.
This constitutes a diplomatic event of paramount significance, aimed at concretizing high-level common understandings and further enriching the substance of the Vietnam-China Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership. Within this framework, agricultural cooperation is identified as a crucial pillar, contributing to sustainable development and delivering tangible benefits to the peoples of both nations.
Strategic Imprint and a Visionary Roadmap for Agricultural Collaboration
The State Visit unfolds against the backdrop of the finest phase of development in relations between the two Parties and two countries. It leaves a profound strategic imprint and bolsters high-level political trust, an essential prerequisite for substantive cooperation across all sectors.
Within the guiding framework of building a “China-Vietnam Community with a Shared Future of Strategic Significance,” agricultural collaboration is prioritized as a linchpin, playing a pivotal role in the deep economic integration of the two economies and the safeguarding of national food security.
This vision not only strives for balanced trade and sustainable regional development but also embodies the spirit of being “both comrades and brothers.” It serves as a solid foundation for translating practical commitments into reality and generating robust momentum for the agricultural value chain in this new era of development.
Agriculture: A Dynamic Pillar of Bilateral Trade
The strategic vision and shared perceptions of the two countries’ top leaders generate powerful momentum for promoting trade in agricultural, forestry, and fishery products, thereby highlighting the complementarity and comparative advantages of the two economies. Leveraging its abundant tropical agricultural resources, Vietnam is increasingly effective in meeting the diverse and high-quality demands of the Chinese market. Currently, China remains Vietnam’s largest export market for agro-forestry-fishery products and a leading import partner. Reciprocally, Vietnam maintains its position as China’s largest trading partner within ASEAN. These outcomes clearly demonstrate the efficacy of trade promotion policies and the concerted efforts of both sides to facilitate customs clearance and market connectivity.
Impressive growth is substantiated by concrete figures: in 2024, bilateral trade in agricultural, forestry, and aquatic products reached US$17.8 billion (a 14.6% increase year-on-year); in 2025, total trade surged to US$20.94 billion (a 17.6% increase), with Vietnam’s exports to China reaching US$15.97 billion, a remarkable 41.1% jump compared to 2024.
These figures not only affirm the growing importance of Vietnamese agricultural products in the Chinese market but also indicate substantial potential to be harnessed through future cooperation. This provides a solid empirical foundation for both sides to continue fostering in-depth collaboration, striving to build a transparent, safe, and sustainable agricultural supply chain that better addresses the needs and expectations of consumers in both countries.
Realizing Commitments and Expanding Market Access
In implementing the common understandings reached by the high-ranking leaders of the two Parties and States, Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and relevant Chinese agencies have coordinated closely to refine the legal framework, dismantle technical barriers, and broaden market access.
To date, the two sides have signed 33 Agreements and Protocols, establishing an increasingly synchronized and favorable legal corridor for the trade of agricultural, forestry, and aquatic products.
Consequently, efforts to expand the portfolio of exportable agricultural commodities have yielded significant positive results. Vietnam has standardized technical procedures for 15 fruit and vegetable export items, nine of which are key staples managed under Protocols. Notably, an additional five new Protocols were concluded in 2025 alone.
In the fisheries sector, China has licensed hundreds of Vietnamese establishments to participate in exports, contributing to an expansion in both scale and product diversity.
Currently, both sides are actively advancing negotiations to open markets for numerous promising products. Concurrently, trade and investment promotion activities during the visit are expected to play a vital role in transforming high-level commitments into concrete outcomes, steering agricultural trade toward stable, sustainable, and efficient development.
Standardizing Production Processes to Align with International Benchmarks
To meet the increasingly stringent quarantine and food safety requirements of the Chinese market and other international destinations, Vietnam’s agricultural sector is accelerating production restructuring in tandem with quality standardization. This represents a strategic pivot, shifting the development paradigm from a focus on “quantity” to one prioritizing “quality and value.”
Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is concentrating efforts on establishing and strictly managing a system of planting area codes and packaging facility codes to ensure transparent traceability. Simultaneously, full compliance with food safety regulations, particularly Orders 248 and 249 of the General Administration of Customs of China, has become a mandatory requirement for exporting enterprises.
These endeavors not only help sustain and expand access to the Chinese market but also lay the groundwork for Vietnamese agricultural products to integrate more deeply into global value chains.
Strengthening Investment and Forging a Modern Agricultural Supply Chain in Vietnam
Attracting investment, particularly Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), is emerging as a key priority in Vietnam-China agricultural cooperation. Vietnam is steadily enhancing its transparent and open investment climate, offering a host of competitive advantages: (i) Locational and Raw Material Advantages: Abundant and stable agricultural inputs, coupled with an increasingly efficient logistics system, exemplified by the “smart border gate” model, optimize transit times and costs; (ii) Attractive Incentive Policies: Projects in high-tech agriculture, deep processing, and green agriculture benefit from preferential corporate income tax rates and favorable land policies; (iii) Gateway to Global Markets: With a network of over 16 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), Vietnam stands as a strategic investment destination, enabling Chinese enterprises to capitalize on opportunities to expand exports to major markets under preferential terms. Notably, investment cooperation in cold chain logistics infrastructure and post-harvest preservation technology is anticipated to be a critical factor in reducing losses, enhancing value addition, and bolstering the competitiveness of agricultural products from both nations.
The State Visit of Vietnam’s General Secretary and President To Lam to China is set to generate significant political momentum, propelling bilateral cooperation into a new phase of development. With strategic consensus from the highest levels of leadership and the active engagement of regulatory agencies and the business community, a modern and sustainable Vietnam-China agricultural supply chain is gradually taking shape, promising to elevate value addition, spur economic growth, and contribute to the overall stability and prosperity of the region.
Hashtag: #MAE
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 April 2026 – In March 2026, French luxury skincare brand KK Éclat hosted a special celebratory dinner at The Pin, an elite private club in Central. The event honored the brand’s major victory at the Vogue Beauty Awards 2026.
KK Éclat celebratory dinner
The gala brought together over 30 distinguished guests, including celebrities, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and influential tastemakers, to celebrate the brand’s UV and Pollution Blocker Cream, which was crowned “Best Everyday Sunscreen” by Vogue Beauty Awards.
The Vogue Beauty Awards are a global benchmark for excellence, recognizing products that define the pinnacle of innovation and efficacy in the beauty industry. KK Éclat’s UV and Pollution Blocker Cream stood out for its revolutionary approach to sun protection, seamlessly blending high-performance defense with an unparalleled sensory experience.
The Vogue Beauty Awards 2026
This success is powered by KK Éclat’s patented Nano Frame Technology. This smart system encapsulates active ingredients for a 72-hour sustained release into the skin. It also creates a breathable moisture shield on the surface, perfectly balancing deep nourishment with long-lasting hydration.
During the event, founder Katherine and Karen detailed the rigorous research and development process, noting the formula underwent hundreds of iterations to achieve perfection.
Founder Katherine and Karen
Addressing the classic sunscreen dilemma, Katherine explained: “Physical blockers often leave a white cast, while chemical filters raise absorption concerns recently flagged by the FDA. KK Éclat offers a groundbreaking alternative.”
By merging Nano Frame technology with high-shearing encapsulation, the formula utilizes sunscreen particles with a slight negative charge matching the skin’s natural state. This creates a precise, repelling “safety layer” that keeps active filters effectively on the skin’s surface without penetration.
Additionally, the cream features Biosaccharide Gum-4, a breathable biological barrier that shields against UV rays, environmental pollutants, including PM2.5 particles. This multi-layered defense specifically combats photo-aging, meeting the high-frequency demands of modern urban life.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 April 2026 – Otis Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: OTIS), the world’s leading company for elevator and escalator manufacturing, installation, service and modernization, and WeMaintain today announced that they have closed an agreement under which Otis will acquire a majority stake in WeMaintain, a fast-growing, technology-enabled service company for the elevator and escalator industry. The investment reflects Otis’ continued focus on advancing service and service technology to deliver the best possible solutions for customers.
Otis and WeMaintain leadership teams. Pictured left to right is Nora LaFreniere, Executive Vice President & General Counsel, Otis Worldwide Corporation; Judy Marks, Chair, Chief Executive Officer and President, Otis Worldwide Corporation; Jade Francine, Chief Growth Officer, WeMaintain; Benoit Dupont, Chief Executive, WeMaintain.
“Service is the foundation of our business, and innovation in how service is delivered is increasingly important as customers seek greater reliability and better visibility into performance,” said Judy Marks, Chair, CEO and President, Otis Worldwide Corp. “WeMaintain has built a strong technology platform and agile operating model that reflects how quality service is delivered in a fast-paced, digital and customer-centric environment. We are confident in their growth potential and believe this investment supports their continued success while creating long-term value for both organizations.”
“Otis’ investment allows us to stay focused on what we do best – continuing to build and advance our technology and scale our business as an independent company,” said Benoit Dupont, WeMaintain CEO. ” With the stability and support of the global industry leader, we are well positioned to strengthen our offering while maintaining the close customer relationships and high standards that have always defined our approach.”
Otis and WeMaintain will operate as separate entities, and WeMaintain will continue to offer its agnostic IoT and AI-based solution to its current and future customers.
Hashtag: #Otis #WeMaintain
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 April 2026 – New Zealand returns to Food and Hospitality Asia (FHA) for the first time since 2018 with a dedicated national pavilion showcasing 15 food and beverage companies at Singapore Expo from 21 to 24 April 2026. The pavilion will spotlight innovative and premium quality products for Asia’s retail, hospitality and foodservice buyers, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted and safe food and beverage producer and supplier to the region. These exhibitors offer a glimpse into New Zealand’s world-class, premium food and beverage sector.
Hero image of New Zealand Food and beverage. New Zealand’s food and beverage is known for its exceptional taste, nutritional value and premium quality – and it reflects a culture of innovation that’s helping to shape the future of food.
New Zealand’s participation in FHA demonstrates long-term commitment not only to Singapore but across the region, showcasing how New Zealand looks to continue its partnership through trade and innovation, while helping to shape the future of food.
New Zealand food and beverage exports to Asia grew from NZ$5.5 billion in 2018 to NZ$8.4 billion in 20251. Notably, New Zealand and Singapore share a strong partnership spanning over 60 years – both are small, advanced economies that depend on international trade for growth. Food and beverage illustrate this relationship: it plays an important part in addressing common challenges between both countries. For New Zealand exporters, Singapore serves as a key market and a strategic gateway to the region.
“FHA is an important meeting point for buyers across Asia, and this pavilion gives interested buyers and partners a direct way to meet New Zealand producers and explore our outstanding, safe, great tasting F&B products for retail, hospitality and foodservice,” said Joe Nelson, Regional Director for South East and East Asia at New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE).
He adds, “We want to showcase the best of what New Zealand has to offer. The 15 companies exhibiting this year have something specific to offer – from dairy and honey, to snacks, beverages and premium ingredients. Several already supply into the region and are here to deepen those relationships, while others are bringing products to Asian buyers for the first time. Either way, buyers who visit will be tasting products and talking directly to the people who make them.”
Companies showcasing their products at the New Zealand Pavilion include Ao Cacao, a New Zealand bean-to-bar artisan chocolate maker with 18 international medals across leading chocolate competitions, including an award in the Club des Croqueurs de Chocolat Guide – widely known as the “Michelin Guide of Chocolate”. The brand will feature its single origin dark chocolate, specialty milk chocolate and foodservice range at the show. Family business Barker’s, founded in 1969, has more than 20 years in exporting and producing fruit and vegetables-based syrups, spreads, chutneys and sauces and will feature its new squeeze relishes and preserves at the tradeshow.
Blue Frog, New Zealand’s leading premium granola brand, known for its bold flavour combinations and high nut content, will showcase their breakfast cereals, made using premium natural ingredients for an indulgent granola experience. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s only certified organic chicken producer Bostock Brothers & Waitoawill be featuring its naturally lean, halal-certified organic Smoked Applewood chicken rashers, among other products.
Producers of high-quality, premium dairy products Canary Foodswill be showcasing its double-churned pastry butter sheets and butter medallions known for its deliciously creamy texture and spreadability, while international specialty coffee icon and B-Corp Certified Coffee Supremewill be showcasing its Supreme Blend in different formats, from whole beans and espresso roast to drip bags.
Comvita, the global leader in UMF-certified Mānuka honey and science-backed bee-based health products will introduce its limited edition MānuKaya and Bird’s Nest Mānuka Honey drink, alongside its Kids Mānuka Honey Eye Health Jelly and Mānuka Honey Pops. Meanwhile, the number one supplier of retail natural cheese and cheese manufacturer in New Zealand Dairyworkswill showcase its creamy cheese and cracker snack packs, along its natural, orange-coloured cheddar burger slices.
New entrants to Singapore and the region, family-owned juice brand Eden Orchards, will be showcasing its Pure Blueberry and Pure Cherry juice. Its blueberry juice is rich in antioxidants; while its cherry juice, which naturally contains melatonin, is becoming a go-to addition to evening routines. Meanwhile, Griffin’s, New Zealand’s largest snack food company since 1890 will spotlight its high quality and premium snacks – from natural snack bars and biscuits – to crisps and crackers across its 4 brands.
Leading New Zealand protein snack business Jack Link’swill feature its high protein meat snacks, renowned for bold flavours – perfect for those who are active and health conscious. Southern Fresh, New Zealand’s leading growers and processors of premium fresh produce will introduce its airfreight, popular and crunchy baby spinach and baby coloured carrots at the pavilion.
Stock Shop Co., premium New Zealand producer of chef-made stocks, glaces, jus and sauces for professional kitchens, will feature its two globally recognised products, Veal and Lobster Stock, while Tatua,world-class manufacturer of specialty dairy ingredients and products made from New Zealand grass-fed certified milk, will showcase its newly launched indulgent Crème Custard. Not forgetting Whittaker’s, New Zealand’s beloved chocolate and confectionery brand will feature its 100% bean-to-bar, palm-oil free chocolates at the pavilion.
Don’t just visit the booth – experience New Zealand’s finest at your table. For a limited time this April and May, Singapore restaurants Artichoke and Magpie will launch specially crafted menus using premium ingredients from several innovative New Zealand companies.
Taste the difference. Visit the New Zealand Pavilion at Hall 8, Booth 8D4-01 at Food & Hospitality Asia 2026 from 21 to 24 April 2026 at Singapore Expo, and our exclusive website to find out more about our exhibiting companies.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 April 2026 – Media OutReach Newswire, Asia Pacific’s first and only global newswire, has appointed Ms Pamela Phua as Managing Partner, Southeast Asia. This newly created leadership role is designed to accelerate the company’s growth across Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines – and to serve the growing demand from Southeast Asian brands seeking to build their corporate reputation and brand trust in global markets.
Media OutReach Newswire Appoints Pamela Phua as Managing Partner, Southeast Asia
Pamela brings over 20 years of experience in public relations and integrated communications. Having engaged Media OutReach Newswire’s global press release distribution, she developed a first-hand appreciation of the newswire’s core promise: guaranteed news posting on real media with domain authority, direct access to over 200,000 real journalists and editors through a proprietary international media database to achieve earned media coverage, post-release reports with data insights, as well as its pioneering PR Campaign Intelligence reports for C-suites that give clients a clear, measurable picture of communications impact.
“I have seen how Media OutReach Newswire has genuinely changed the way brands communicate beyond their home markets, reaching journalists to build cross-border media relations and garner earned media coverage. The newswire’s ability to guarantee verbatim placement on authoritative news sites with high domain trust – ensures that key messages are cited by the AI models that now shape how the world discovers brands. This is a capability that is much needed now by PR, communications and marketing professionals,” said Pamela.
“With guaranteed news posting on real news sites, there is full control in delivering campaign key messages to maximise PR impact, in addition to achieving quality earned media coverage on top of that. I am inspired by the newswire service as a key partner for Southeast Asia’s most ambitious companies and strategic communicators in telling the region’s growth story,” she added.
The appointment follows the recent naming of Ms Kitty Lee as Managing Partner, Greater China, signalling a strategic push by Media OutReach Newswire to connect Asian brands, companies and governments to global journalists and audiences.
Powering the “East-to-Global” Narrative with SEO, GEO, AI Citation and Earned Media
Southeast Asia is producing a new generation of regionally confident, globally ambitious brands. At the same time, deepening trade and investment ties between Greater China and Southeast Asia are driving a surge in East-to-East communications, alongside growing East-to-global expansion.
Ms Jennifer Kok, Founder and CEO of Media OutReach Newswire, said: “We are witnessing a structural shift where Asia is increasingly driving global innovation, with Asian brands expanding their business across Southeast Asia, ASEAN, Asia Pacific, as well as international markets. Media OutReach Newswire’s Total PR and Communications Solution is focused on supporting these brands as they develop corporate and brand messaging that builds trust with journalists, editors, investors and customers.”
Recognising the importance of AI-citation, Media OutReach Newswire recently launched JSON-LD (JavaScript Object Notation for Linked Data) Schema Markup to enhance the technical infrastructure of clients’ press releases and optimise AI visibility. The company continues to focus on adopting AI across its press release distribution network, workflows, and post-release reporting.
As AI algorithms trust news posted on real media, Media OutReach Newswire’s guaranteed news posting empowers AI discoverability. The newswire’s guaranteed news posting partners in Singapore and Asia Pacific (APAC) include leading media Asia News Network (ANN), AsiaOne, CNA, Vulcan Post, MoneyFM89.3 , Malay Mail, The Sun Daily, Dagang News, MySinchew, Vietnam News, Vietnam Plus and The Manila Times to name a few.
“With a global press release distribution network spanning APAC, USA, Canada, UK, and Europe, as well as Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa, we are uniquely positioned to help Southeast Asian companies and governments build lasting brand equity and trust globally. I am excited to have Pamela on board to help our clients leverage our unique ability to power both SEO and GEO, as well as earned media, internationally,” Jennifer added.
Before her senior management roles at consultancies including Ruder Finn, Ogilvy PR and Omnicom PR Group over the past eight years, Pamela held in-house leadership roles heading Marketing and PR at airline HK Express, as well as Communications and Guest Relations at airline Scoot (under the SIA Group).
JAKARTA, INDONESIA/ MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 April 2026 – Green and Smart Mobility Joint Stock Company (GSM) today announced the launch of its shared business platform, Green SM Platform, in Indonesia and the Philippines. This marks a strategic milestone following more than two years of international expansion, while opening up attractive livelihood opportunities forpeopleacross Southeast Asia’s urban centers.
From April 13, 2026, VinFast EV owners and renters in Indonesia and the Philippines can register to operate on the Green SM Platform.
Starting from April 13, 2026, owners and renters of VinFast electric vehicles in Indonesia and the Philippines can register to become service partners on the Green SM Platform. Developed within GSM’s fully electric mobility ecosystem, the platform is designed to expand driver and vehicle supply, while ensuring all operations are delivered under consistent, professional service standards.
Upon successful registration, driver partners will undergo structured training programs covering operational procedures and service standards to ensure a consistent and high-quality customer experience. The platform offers a competitive revenue-sharing model of up to 90%, along with performance-based incentive schemes, enabling driver partners to maintain stable income and pursue long-term development opportunities.
In parallel, Green SM Indonesia and Green GSM Philippines are introducing comprehensive support policies to help partners access vehicles more easily through VinFast electric vehicle purchase and rental programs. These initiatives reducebarriers to entry and accelerate the expansion of the driver network.
In Indonesia, partners can register for the program and quickly gain access to VinFast electric vehicle models such as VF 5, VF e34, VF 6, and Limo Green, enabling them to begin operation as soon as the required procedures . are completed. The model requires no loans or significant upfront investment, enabling drivers tobuild stable income streams.
In the Philippines, Green GSM is rolling out the program with VF 5 and Limo Green models, supported by comprehensivepolicies covering registration, insurance, and operations. This enables drivers to join the platform with ease and gradually build stable operations, with income potential aligned with local market conditions and business needs.
Notably, drivers operating VinFast electric vehicles will continue to benefit from free charging policies through March 31, 2029, significantly reducing operating costs and improving income efficiency.
Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh, Global CEO of GSM, said: “Green SM Platform is not only a step forward in service expansion, but also a solution to accelerate the transition to green mobility across Southeast Asia. By building an open platform with high service standards, we aim to rapidly increase the number of electric vehicles in operation, delivering a sustainable, modern, and reliable mobility experience for the community. This is a strategic move toward shaping a comprehensive green transportation ecosystem across the region.”
Amid growing demand for flexible employment in major cities, the Green SM Platform enables workers to quickly access vehicles, start earning, and generate stable income withoutlarge upfront investments or complex financing schemes. The platform rollout in Indonesia and the Philippines not only strengthens Green SM’s regional presence but also helps shape a sustainable urban mobility model, where technology, environmental responsibility, and livelihoods can grow in parallel.
Hashtag: #GreenSM #GSM
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Partnership opens pathway for joint product development and regional expansion
Osborne aligns interests by taking S$5m equity stake in Octopus
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 April 2026 – Spain-based Grupo Osborne (“Osborne”), one of Europe’s oldest producers of wines and spirits, has appointed Octopus (APAC) Holdings Limited (“Octopus” or “Company”) as its principal distributor in Singapore under a five-year mandate, alongside a S$5 million strategic equity investment, marking a step towards extending the Company’s business model beyond distribution into brand creation.
Founded in 1772, Osborne is an international food and beverage group with a portfolio of premium brands and a presence in over 70 countries, supported by production facilities across Spain. It owns and manages more than 30 brands across wines, spirits and gourmet products, including global labels such as Carlos I brandy, Nordés gin, Cinco Jotas ham and Bodegas Montecillo wines.
As part of the partnership, Osborne will invest S$5 million in Singapore-listed Octopus by subscribing for new shares at S$0.0680 each, representing a 13.33% premium to the Company’s last closing price of S$0.0600 on 9 April 2026. The investment will give Osborne a 6.40% equity stake, aligning its interests with Octopus’ regional growth strategy.
Osborne, a family-owned business now led by the sixth generation, in 2024 reported net sales of €251 million (S$372 million) and net profit of €16.1 million.
Under the five-year agreement, renewable for successive three-year periods, Octopus will manage Osborne’s distribution value chain in Singapore. This includes distribution across retail, on-trade and e-commerce channels, alongside marketing, trade execution and brand positioning.
From distribution to product development
Beyond distribution, the partnership opens a pathway for Octopus to develop its own wines and spirits by leveraging Osborne’s production expertise. Products developed under this collaboration will be tailored for Asian palates, drawing on Octopus’ on-the-ground understanding of consumer preferences, pricing dynamics and route-to-market execution.
Through its wholly owned Octopus Distribution Networks, established in 2011, the Company has built a regional wholesale platform specialising in the import, distribution and marketing of beverages across Southeast Asia. Its portfolio spans both local and international brands with established provenance and heritage, supplying a customer base ranging from high-end cocktail bars to mass-market retailers.
The Osborne partnership marks a natural extension of this model. It positions Octopus to move upstream from distributor to brand creator, with the ability to originate and scale products designed for regional markets. Economic benefits from jointly developed products will be shared equally between both parties.
Scalable platform for regional expansion
The partnership is structured as a scalable regional platform, enabling Octopus to extend Osborne’s distribution footprint across Asia-Pacific. Expansion beyond Singapore will be carried out via separate local distribution agreements with existing and newly acquired distribution companies. This allows the network to scale progressively as Octopus builds its regional presence.
Mr Fernando Terry Osborne, Chief Executive Officer of Osborne, said: “This partnership with Octopus represents a decisive step in Osborne’s international growth strategy. Asia-Pacific is a priority region for our brands, and Singapore provides a solid platform from which to strengthen our presence in high-potential markets. The investment in Octopus reflects our confidence in their operational capabilities and business vision. We share the same ambition: to bring the excellence and authenticity of our brands to new consumers across the region. We are convinced that, together, we can accelerate our expansion and develop value propositions adapted to the preferences of the Asian market.”
Mr Paul Hopkins, Chief Executive Officer of Octopus, said the collaboration expands the Company’s role within the value chain.
“This partnership goes beyond distribution. By combining Osborne’s production expertise with our market knowledge, we will be able to develop products built for Asian consumers from the outset,” he said. “It marks a step forward in our strategy to become not just a distributor of global brands, but a creator and owner of brands in our own right.”
The distribution agreement is expected to contribute to Octopus’ revenue growth and enhance margins through a greater mix of premium, brand-led products.
Octopus intends to replicate this model across future partnerships, combining distribution mandates and strategic investments, where appropriate, with product co-development to build a regional, brand-led platform.
MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 April 2026 – The Asian Mind Sports Association (AMSA) is pleased to announce the signing of a Strategic Cooperation Agreement with the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) on 30 March 2026. This Agreement establishes a formal framework for long-term collaboration, aimed at advancing the development of mind sports in the Philippines.
Under this partnership, AMSA and POC will work closely to align competition structures with international standards, including the standardisation of rules, formats, and regulatory systems. Both parties will also work to integrate online and offline competition platforms, while jointly developing a sustainable digital ecosystem encompassing user engagement, ranking systems, and data-driven capabilities.
The collaboration will cover a broad spectrum of AMSA-recognised disciplines, including chess, go, xiangqi, bridge, speed cubing, and poker where permitted under applicable laws, and may extend to additional disciplines upon mutual agreement. In parallel, both parties will undertake capacity-building initiatives and nationwide awareness programs to strengthen institutional capabilities and expand participation in mind sports across the Philippines.
This Agreement reflects AMSA’s ongoing commitment to fostering structured, internationally aligned development of mind sports and to strengthening partnerships with National Olympic Committees and governing bodies across Asia.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 April 2026 – The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) will unite the global lifestyle industry with its seven lifestyle and licensing events from 27 to 30 April 2026. Encompassing gifts, houseware, fashion, printing, packaging, and licensing, these events offer buyers a streamlined and cross-sector sourcing journey. The Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair and Home InStyle will be hosted at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, where exhibitors will showcase curated international collection, enabling efficient and diverse sourcing across key lifestyle categories in one central location.
Connecting global suppliers and buyers with trending lifestyle products and innovative ideas.
In 2026, the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair will spotlight four key focuses – personalisation, sustainability, health & wellness, and culture & creativity – guiding buyers to discover products that reflect the latest market trends and consumer preferences.
The fair will once again feature the highly acclaimed Hall of Fine Designs, a convergence point of reputed brands. First time exhibitors include Alpha Art Gifts LLC (United Arab Emirates), known for its unique and high-quality gift solutions; Crown Decor Pvt Ltd (India), a leading manufacturer for premium laminates. And the distinguished Hong Kong brands Camel and RedA will continue showcase their products at the fair. In addition, the Shanxi Pavilion will make its debut at the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair 2026. This year, the Zhejiang Pavilion, for the first time led by the Department of Commerce of Zhejiang Province, will bring a large number of exhibitors. Meanwhile, the Korea Pavilion and Busan Pavilion will return with even greater presence.
Furthermore, the Hong Kong Exporters’ Association will assemble Hong Kong companies to form a pavilion, showcasing the design skills and branding excellence of Hong Kong’s product designers. The Smart Design Global, organised by Hong Kong Exporters’ Association, will also showcase shortlisted entries and signature products from its participating companies at the Gifts & Premium Fair, leveraging the fair as a platform to promote Hong Kong original designs to international markets.
Running concurrently, Home InStyle will focus on new materials, culture & creativity, and gerontechnology for silver‑age living, aligning with emerging lifestyle and consumer trends. The fair completes the sourcing journey by fostering meaningful connections and spark fresh inspiration across the design and lifestyle community.
A key highlight remains the signature Cultural and Creative Avenue, which will showcase distinguished designs from around the world and welcome international brands that blend unique design concepts with cultural heritage. The fair’s collaboration with Pantone will be elevated, with the Colour of the Year 2026 “Cloud Dancer” prominently featured in this zone. Through trend-focused displays and real-life applications, visitors will see the colour brought to life, helping buyers and exhibitors visualise its use in contemporary home and lifestyle products.
Furthermore, funded by the Innovation and Technology Commission, Home InStyle will launch the Gerontech and Innovative Material Pavilion, where nearly 20 local enterprises will present a wide range of innovative technology products and solutions designed for senior living, while highlighting the application of new materials in home spaces.
“Adding to the fair’s design-led highlights, the 2nd MOTIFX – Embracing the Beauty of Chinese Culture exhibition, organised by the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI) under the Vocational Training Council (VTC) and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), invites emerging designers to reinterpret traditional Chinese elements for contemporary contexts. The project seamlessly integrating historical components into modern objects, interiors, and lifestyle products while deepening new generations’ engagement with their cultural heritage.”
Home InStyle will also host a selection of international brands known for their craftsmanship and creativity. Highlights include vibrant hand-blown Bohemian glassware, handmade baskets and bags woven from wild grapevines alongside classic bamboo steamers, and licensed DC Comics illuminated signs.
Throughout the fairs, a series of seminars and forums will bring together leading industry experts to share forward-looking insights on key trends and future developments, from creative thinking and the silver economy to sustainability and beyond. These sessions are crafted to foster meaningful dialogue and equip attendees with the latest market intelligence. As a comprehensive one-stop sourcing platform, the fairs unlock exciting business opportunities and deliver a diverse, world-class selection of lifestyle products and services tailored to every buyer’s needs.
Digital platform creates efficient exhibition experience Under the EXHIBITION+ model, the fairs integrate offline and online elements. Buyers can continue searching for products and services on the hktdc.com Sourcing platform and network through the Click2Match smart business-matching platform. During the physical fair, buyers can use the Scan2Match function of the HKTDC Marketplace App to scan exhibitors’ exclusive QR codes, bookmark favourite suppliers, browse product information and continue discussions with exhibitors online during or after the show.
One stop registration for HKTDC trade fairs: https://tinyurl.com/yc8jvdpp
QUANG NINH, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 April 2026 – The People’s Committee of Quang Ninh Province, in coordination with Vingroup and the People’s Committees of Hanoi, Hai Phong, and Bac Ninh, today officially launches the Hanoi– Quang Ninh high-speed railway project, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2028. With a maximum design speed of up to 350 km/h, the project will shorten travel time between the two localities by five to seven times, to approximately 23 minutes.
Rendering of Ha Long terminal station at Vinhomes Global Gate Ha Long urban area (Quang Ninh).
The launch ceremony for the Hanoi – Quang Ninh high-speed railway project is part of a series of activities celebrating the successful election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels for the 2026-2031 term, aimed at creating momentum for a new phase of development.
The event was attended by Mr. Le Minh Hung, Politburo Member and Prime Minister; Mr. Pham Minh Chinh, former Politburo Member and former Prime Minister; Mr. Pham Gia Tuc, Politburo Member and Standing Deputy Prime Minister; Mr. Nguyen Hoa Binh, former Politburo Member and former Standing Deputy Prime Minister; Mr. Luong Tam Quang, Politburo Member and Minister of Public Security; along with leaders of central ministries, agencies, and localities.
The Hanoi – Quang Ninh high-speed railway project is developed by VinSpeed High-Speed Railway Investment and Development Joint Stock Company, a member of Vingroup, with a total investment of over VND 147 trillion, equivalent to more than USD 5.6 billion, excluding land clearance costs.
The project spans four localities: Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Hai Phong, and Quang Ninh, with a total length of 120.2 km. It is designed as a double-track, standard-gauge (1,435 mm), fully electrified railway, with a maximum operating speed of up to 350 km/h. The section passing through Hanoi will operate at a maximum speed of 120 km/h. The project is expected to deploy the latest generation of high-speed trains, alongside world-class signaling, communications, and equipment systems supplied by Siemens Mobility (Germany), with a roadmap for technology transfer to VinSpeed during operations.
The starting point of the line will be at Co Loa Station, located within the Vietnam National Exhibition Center, Vinhomes Global Gate Hanoi urban area. The terminal station will be Ha Long Station, located within Globe Forest Park, Vinhomes Global Gate Ha Long, Quang Ninh. The route will include three intermediate stations at Gia Binh (Bac Ninh), Ninh Xa (Hai Phong), and Yen Tu (Quang Ninh), as well as one depot located at the Ha Long terminal station.
Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and delegates perform the project launch ceremony for the Hanoi – Quang Ninh high-speed railway project.
According to plan, the project is expected to be completed and enter commercial operation in 2028, reducing travel time from Hanoi to Quang Ninh by five to seven times, from over two hours to approximately 23 minutes.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Bui Van Khang, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the People’s Committee of Quang Ninh Province, stated: “The Hanoi–Quang Ninh high-speed railway is a mega-project that carries significant expectations. It demonstrates the capacity and strong commitment of the investor, and stands as clear evidence of the increasingly deep participation of the private sector in critical national infrastructure. We are committed to continuing close coordination with central ministries and the investor throughout project implementation; proactively addressing any arising challenges; and ensuring land clearance, resettlement, and all necessary conditions are in place for the project to be delivered on schedule and to the highest quality standards.”
As the first inter-regional high-speed railway project to be implemented in Vietnam, the Hanoi –Quang Ninh line is expected to create strong momentum for the Northern Key Economic Region, while marking a significant step toward a new era of accelerated development, contributing to the realization of the Party’s and Government’s determination to enhance national competitiveness.
Representing the investor, Mr. Nguyen Viet Quang, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Vingroup, shared: “Today’s launch ceremony for the Hanoi–Quang Ninh high-speed railway affirms Vingroup’s strong commitment to contributing to infrastructure development, steadily building a modern, internationally-standardized transport infrastructure system, thereby supporting socio-economic growth and improving the quality of life for the Vietnamese people.”
Mr. Michael Peter, Global CEO of Siemens Mobility, shared: “We are committed to bring to Vietnam the world’s most advanced, safest, and most efficient high-speed rail system with proven track record across the globe. Every day, our trains run around one million kilometers, three times the distance to the moon, with an unbeaten safety record. Each train is developed fully digitally, delivering maximum energy efficiency and a superior passenger experience. Siemens is committed to deliver a close and sustainable partnership with Vingroup, where we envision a true win-win partnership, including an extensive technology transfer program. We will build and service these trains together, creating a new railway ecosystem in Vietnam.”
The Hanoi – Quang Ninh high-speed railway is the second project undertaken by VinSpeed. In December 2025, VinSpeed officially broke ground of the Ben Thanh – Can Gio railway line in Ho Chi Minh City, which is also expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2028.
The consecutive rollout of two high-speed railway projects in both the northern and southern regions not only affirms VinSpeed’s strong execution capabilities, but also lays the foundation for the development of a multi-billion-dollar railway and supporting industries ecosystem, contributing to elevating Vietnam’s position and competitiveness on the global stage.
Hashtag: #Vingroup #VinSpeed
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
TURIN, ITALY – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 April 2026 – XEV today announced the European rollout of its new Customer-to-Manufacturer (C2M) ecosystem, a direct-order model designed to lower the cost of entering the electric vehicle market by separating vehicle ownership from battery service. Through the program, customers can purchase an XEV vehicle while leasing its battery capacity, reducing upfront costs and addressing two of the biggest barriers to EV adoption in Europe: high purchase prices and concerns over battery depreciation and residual value. XEV is currently in discussions with capable partners, and many well-known large enterprises are hoping to get an early foothold in the new energy industry. This move will allow them to quickly enter the new energy sector.”
XEV Will Launches A New “Hardware + Service” EV Model in Europe, Cutting Entry Costs and Expanding Access to Battery Swapping
The launch marks a major shift from the traditional dealership model, which relies on costly inventory and standardized vehicle stock. With XEV’s C2M approach, drivers can configure vehicles directly online, enabling personalized production while reducing the capital burden typically built into retail pricing.
“We are not just manufacturing cars. We are redefining vehicle ownership,” says the XEV leadership team. “Our goal is to make car production as flexible as smartphone manufacturing. We give users exactly what they need for city living without the financial weight of traditional ownership.”
Built for European cities, customized by users
XEV’s vehicles are designed specifically for dense urban environments. With a compact footprint of approximately 2.5 meters, the YOYO is built to navigate narrow streets and congested city centers while still offering a high degree of personalization.
Through XEV’s online platform, customers can configure their vehicles by selecting exterior colors, interior materials, wheel designs, and other features. These choices feed into XEV’s flexible production model, which supports mass customization rather than one-size-fits-all inventory.
3 Minutes to Full Power: Solving the Charging Crisis
Range anxiety remains a critical hurdle for European EVs. This is particularly true for drivers without private home charging infrastructure. XEV addresses this with its proprietary battery swapping network.
The XEV YOYO and the upcoming XEV XPRESSION are engineered with a modular battery system. Instead of waiting hours at a charging point, drivers pull into a dedicated station. They complete a fully automated battery replacement in approximately three minutes.
This “SWAPPING” technology does more than save time. It improves operational efficiency for commercial users and ensures the vehicle is immune to battery degradation. Since the driver does not own the battery, they never have to worry about the cell’s lifespan affecting the car’s resale value. This creates a “Zero Usage Anxiety” experience for the owner.
Commercial Application: Powering the Last-Mile Economy
The flexibility of the XEV platform extends well beyond personal commuting. It is designed to serve the booming last-mile economy. The platform supports last-mile delivery vehicles and shared mobility fleets.
XEV provides specialized enclosed cargo options for logistics companies. The vehicle can even be customized for small business applications, such as mobile coffee carts or retail trucks. For small business owners, the vehicle serves as a mobile asset that can be configured for specific trades, effectively lowering the barrier to entry for entrepreneurs.
XEV has already initiated pilot projects with major European logistics firms to prove the model’s viability for high-frequency urban commuting and commercial delivery. For car-sharing services, the high utilization rates and low maintenance needs of the YOYO make it an ideal asset for time-based rental fleets. The modular design further supports this eco-friendly lifecycle by facilitating easy repair and part upgrades. This extends the product lifespan and reduces waste compared to traditional vehicles that are often scrapped when a single major system fails.
A Strategic Supply Chain for a New Era
XEV achieves this level of flexibility through a strategic manufacturing model. The company adopts a capital-light approach that relies on deep collaboration with mature Asian automotive supply chains. This ensures rigorous quality control and cost efficiency without the bloating of traditional manufacturing.
Simultaneously, XEV is committed to European localization. The company is currently establishing assembly hubs and battery swapping networks across Europe to better serve local demand. This dual approach allows XEV to combine global manufacturing power with local market responsiveness. It ensures that while the technology is global, the support and infrastructure are local.
Availability
Sales and deliveries of the XEV YOYO have commenced in whole European markets, including major countries of Italy and Germany, Spain and France and Argentina of South America, Peru of Africa etc.. The company continues to expand its infrastructure to support the growing network of users who demand a smarter and cleaner way to move through their cities.
For more information on the YOYO and the battery-swapping network, visit https://www.xev-global.com/yoyo or explore the upcoming XPRESSION model at https://www.xev-global.com/xpression.
Hashtag: #XEV
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 April 2026 – Modern beauty has a new enemy, and it’s right in our hands: the mobile phone. Endless scrolling keeps us hooked, but it also keeps our heads down. With content so addictive, one ends up spending hours slouching. So, all that main character power and energy vanish—replaced by slumping and hunching. Over time, posture slips, presence shrinks, and bold beauty follows. “Text neck” isn’t just a physical issue; it’s quietly changing how we carry ourselves.
LUX, the iconic global beauty brand, knows true radiance is about how you show up. That effortless “it girl” energy starts with posture. That’s why the brand is launching LUX Chin Up—a digital tool designed to tackle “Text Neck” and help women keep their heads high and their bold beauty even higher. It’s the perfect modern solution for the modern beauty problem.
“LUX always inspires women to boost their presence and own their beauty power,” said Gaurav Datta, Global Brand VP. “Our phones are amazing for self-expression, but there’s a catch. While they elevate our digital selves, they often shrink our real-world presence. That constant downward scroll quietly chips away at posture, poise, and bold beauty. With ‘Chin Up,’ we’re offering a simple way for women to realign, lift up, and step back into their power.”
LUX has a brilliantly simple, tech-forward solution. Forget complicated downloads or wearable tech. LUX Chin Up is a smart web page that taps into your phone’s own motion sensors. When used with the split-screen option, it stays on screen as a small tab, reminding you of the right angle to be maintained while you doomscroll.
The Sweet Spot: The tool encourages you to keep your screen at an optimal 90-degree angle.
The Gentle Nudge: If you start to slouch and the angle drops (and with it your head), the sensor detects it and the screen blinks, prompting you to raise your phone and go chin up.
The Reset: Straighten up, bring your phone back up and carry on scrolling with boldness.
LUX believes this can be an essential modern-day beauty ritual that extends beyond the shower to solve a modern-day problem. By habituating women to hold the right posture, LUX is naturally lifting their chins, opening their posture, and instantly restoring that vibrant, room-commanding presence. It’s a small shift that brings Main Character Beauty to life, on screen and off.
Make LUX Chin Up a habit, try it for a week and improve your posture. Visit lux.com/chinup
Hashtag: #LUXChinUp #LUX
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Soap giant LUX is bringing its cleansing power to social media feeds.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 April 2026 – LUX has launched LUX My Algorithm, a new global initiative that reimagines the role of social media advertising by transforming ads into tools designed to influence the algorithms that shape what people see. Instead of simply competing for attention, the campaign introduces a new approach where advertising generates behavioural signals that can help redirect and diversify users’ feeds over time.
Developed in partnership with VML, the campaign transforms LUX’s ads into what it calls “algorithm cleansers”, content engineered to generate behavioural signals that help redirect and diversify users’ feeds over time.
Feeds aren’t as personal as they feel
Social media feeds are often seen as a reflection of personal taste. In reality, they are shaped by behaviour. Every pause, watch, save, or share becomes a signal that determines what appears next.
Over time, these signals can narrow feeds into repetitive loops, built not from what they actively choose, but from what they momentarily engage with.
While users may not fully control their feeds, they are constantly influencing them.
An ad that doesn’t just reach you, but teaches your algorithm
LUX’s approach is built on a simple shift in thinking. An ad is not just a message. It is a behavioural event.
Every interaction with an ad generates signals, and those signals influence the algorithm to evolve.
This is the first time a brand has designed advertising not just to influence people directly, but to influence the algorithms that shape what people see.
It also introduces a new dynamic between paid and organic content. Behaviours driven by ads can influence what platforms recommend beyond them.
From interruption to intervention
LUX My Algorithm turns advertising into something more active. Not just appearing in feeds, but acting on them.
Developed in consultation with algorithm experts, the campaign reflects a deeper understanding of how digital systems can be influenced through behaviour.
Dr. Catherine Ball, Scientist and Futurist, said: “This campaign is doing something fundamentally different. It repurposes advertising from interruption to intervention.”
From cleansing skin to cleansing feeds
The campaign extends LUX’s long-standing association with cleansing into the digital world. LUX My Algorithm addresses the accumulation of signals that shape content, mood, and self-expression over time.
Judy Zu, Global Brand Director, LUX, said: “LUX has always stood for self-expression. ‘My Algorithm’ starts from a simple truth: what we engage with shapes what we see, and how we feel. This is about helping people take a more intentional role in that process, and creating a more positive relationship with their feeds.”
Tested in real feeds
Before launching globally, LUX tested the idea through a real-world experiment. Participants engaged consistently with LUX content over time, resulting in observable shifts in their feeds as new recommendation patterns emerged.
As part of the campaign, LUX continues to document how feeds evolve through sustained interaction, observing how content exposure can gradually redirect and diversify.
A global rollout
Now live across seven markets, LUX My Algorithm spans multiple platforms through a mix of branded films, creator collaborations, and culturally responsive content, all designed to drive intentional engagement at scale.
In doing so, LUX is redefining advertising, turning social media ads into tools that influence not just what people think, but what they see next.
Hashtag: #LUX #LUXMyAlgorithm
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 April 2026 – Vinhomes Green Paradise – Can Gio is introducing a new concept to Vietnam’s real estate landscape: critical mass. Located immediately adjacent to a mega-city (Ho Chi Minh City), with nearly 3,000 hectares, an integrated all-in-one model, and a professional commitment to ESG principles, the developer is building not just a township, but a lasting legacy for both people and the planet.
Troy Griffiths, Deputy Managing Director of Savills Vietnam, underscored Vietnam’s growing prominence in Asia’s competitive investment landscape at the forum “Foreign Capital Inflows – Opportunities for Vietnam’s Real Estate Market”.
International experts have increasingly identified a defining distinction within Southeast Asia’s real estate landscape. While some countries host numerous fragmented, small-scale developments, the ability to achieve true critical mass – a fully integrated, large-scale urban ecosystem – remains rare.
Critical mass refers to master-planned environments where residential, educational, healthcare, retail, and leisure components coexist and are seamlessly linked by robust transport infrastructure. This model has become the defining competitive advantage of Vinhomes-led developments.
Simultaneously, ESG considerations have evolved from a compliance checkbox into a strategic differentiator, increasingly shaping capital allocation. Institutional investors are no longer driven solely by short-term yield but are prioritizing long-duration assets that demonstrate sustainability, resilience, and measurable societal impact.
Vietnam continues to stand out due to its stable political framework, consistent macroeconomic management, and strong FDI performance. In Q1 2026 alone, FDI inflows rose approximately 22% year-on-year, with Ho Chi Minh City recording an exceptional 220% surge. Experts at the forum reached a consensus: global capital is entering a new allocation cycle, concentrating in developments capable of generating intrinsic value through operational sustainability and integrated urban functionality.
The Rise of ESG-Driven Integrated Ecosystems
Geopolitical instability and energy market disruptions have accelerated demand for next-generation urban models, specifically green, smart, and sustainable mega-urban developments structured as holistic ecosystems. Stephen Higgins, Director of Capital Markets at Cushman & Wakefield, noted that contemporary capital flows increasingly target assets with sufficient scale to form comprehensive ecosystems, what he describes as “urban marvels.”
Vietnam holds a unique structural advantage: large-scale developments exceeding 1,000 hectares, common in emerging urban corridors, offer rare opportunities for fully integrated master planning, a scale virtually unattainable in many mature markets. ESG standards have become decisive in investment underwriting. While ESG gained traction in the early 2000s, its acceleration post-2020, following net-zero commitments by 2050, has been dramatic. In Vietnam, both investors and multinational tenants prioritize ESG-compliant assets for higher occupancy rate, lower operational risk, and long-term value preservation.
Although Vietnam remains at an early stage in ESG-aligned real estate, it benefits from a “late-mover advantage,” adopting global best practices without legacy constraints. Large-scale projects by established developers can create market-wide spillover effects, raising environmental standards, reinforcing social responsibility and setting new benchmarks for governance.
Infrastructure as the Anchor of Capital Allocation
As Griffiths emphasized, capital tends to “follow infrastructure.” Metro systems, ring roads, airports, and seaports reshape urban geography and redefine growth corridors. Areas once considered peripheral transform into economic hubs, while traditional centers may gradually lose dominance. This dynamic enables forward-looking investment based on anticipated infrastructure-driven value creation.
Can Gio exemplifies this shift. Historically constrained by limited connectivity, it remained excluded from previous growth cycles. However, with major infrastructure projects underway, market fundamentals are changing decisively. Griffiths noted that coastal destinations are globally competitive; to differentiate, Vietnam must offer compelling value in pricing, quality, and integrated experiences within master-planned estates. Few markets achieve the critical mass required for a fully self-sufficient urban ecosystem. Developments led by Vingroup, such as Vinhomes Green Paradise in Can Gio, provide residents with comprehensive amenities (education, healthcare, wellness, entertainment) within a unified urban framework, supported by strong transport connectivity, ensuring accessibility and long-term viability.
A Blueprint for Integrated Living: The Scale and Scope of Vinhomes Green Paradise
Against this backdrop, Vinhomes Green Paradise is emerging as a flagship next-generation asset in Asia. The convergence of evolving investment preferences and infrastructure expansion has created a clear blueprint: large-scale, integrated urban developments capable of sustaining long-term operations and diversified revenue streams.
Strategically located along over 13 kilometers of coastline, close to Ho Chi Minh City, the project serves both residential and tourism demand. Its scale, approximately 2,870 hectares, enables a fully integrated master plan combining residential zones, hospitality assets, commercial centers, and leisure facilities. This multi-layered revenue structure reduces reliance on capital appreciation alone, enhancing income stability, aligning closely with institutional investment criteria, particularly for long-term capital seeking predictable cash flows.
A defining feature is its adjacency to a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve, providing a strong foundation for ESG-aligned development. As global funds tighten sustainability requirements, projects balancing economic growth with environmental preservation hold distinct competitive advantage. Experts have drawn parallels between Vinhomes Green Paradise and global icons like Marina Bay Sands in Singapore and Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. Notably, no other location in Asia currently offers the conditions to replicate such a development so close to an existing major metropolis, positioning this project as a uniquely scarce asset.
Large conglomerates like Vingroup possess the execution capability to deliver such complexity, offering a diverse product mix, villas, high-end apartments, smart urban infrastructure, within a single ecosystem. Capital from markets such as Japan is increasingly focusing on Vietnam, seeking entry opportunities.
Vietnam is entering a new investment cycle, characterized by macroeconomic stability, accelerated infrastructure development, and rapid urbanization. These factors together create a strong gravitational pull for global capital. However, international capital is not merely seeking large markets, it seeks points of convergence where capital can be preserved and compounded over the long term.
In this context, Vinhomes Green Paradise is positioning itself as a new capital “sink” – where scale, location, ecosystem integration, and ESG alignment intersect. As often observed in early-stage investment cycles, the greatest advantages accrue to those who recognize structural growth patterns before they are fully priced into the market. Vietnam, and projects like Vinhomes Green Paradise, are increasingly entering this phase of asymmetric opportunity.
https://vinhomes.vn/en
Hashtag: #Vinhomes
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 April 2026 – AilsynBio, an AI-driven drug discovery company, held an Innovative Project Cooperation Agreement Signing Ceremony today at the Hong Kong Science Park, announcing a project cooperation agreement with Dong-E-E-Jiao Co., Ltd. (000423.SZ). This partnership marks a profound cross-sector integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and traditional medicine, aiming to empower biopharmaceutical innovation through technological means.
The ceremony brought together influential leaders and experts from industry, academia, and research sectors, including senior representatives from China Resources Pharmaceutical Group, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), and The University of Hong Kong (HKU), to witness this significant milestone.
Dr. Bo Chen, ChiefScientific Officerof China Resources Pharmaceutical, noted:
“This collaboration with Dong-E-E-Jiao and AilsynBio is a key initiative for China Resources Pharmaceutical in advancing the modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It represents a deep integration of industry, academia, and research in the field of ‘AI + TCM’ between Mainland China and Hong Kong. We look forward to leveraging scientific research and industrial resources from both regions to overcome the challenges of TCM’s mechanisms of action and to pave an innovative path for TCM to evolve from empirical medicine to evidence-based medicine.”
Mr. Liang Zheng, Vice President of Dong-E-E-Jiao, stated:
“As a core strategic product for Dong-E-E-Jiao, deepening the scientific value of Compound E-Jiao Syrup is crucial for our brand upgrade. This cooperation will strengthen the scientific foundation of our products in the field of women’s health, helping Dong-E-E-Jiao accelerate into a new stage of ‘reshaping TCM wisdom through technological innovation.’”
Mr. Pierre Wang, Managing Director of HKU Versitech Limited, stated:
“HKU Versitech is honored to witness this project cooperation between HKU spin-off AilsynBio Ltd. and China Resources Pharmaceutical subsidiary Dong-E E-Jiao, a partnership that exemplifies the successful translation of Hong Kong’s top-tier academic research into high-impact industrial applications. This cooperation will continue to serve as a vital catalyst for the company’s rapid international growth and its mission to scale cutting-edge biotechnology globally.”
Looking ahead, the two parties will focus on three key collaborative directions:
Advancing AI-driven innovation: Leveraging AilsynBio’s AI drug discovery platform to accelerate biopharmaceutical R&D processes.
Launching specialized research: Engaging in in-depth cooperation on the “Premature Ovarian Insufficiency (POI)” research project.
Promoting cross-border fusion: Exploring the integration of biotechnology, AI, and traditional medicine to jointly create a new paradigm for the health industry.
During the ceremony, AilsynBio and Dong-E-E-Jiao signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organizations. The signing was witnessed by Dr. Bo Chen, Chief Scientist of China Resources Pharmaceutical; Mr. Eric Or, Chief Ecosystem Development Officer of HKSTP; and Mr. Pierre Wang, Managing Director of HKU Versitech.
AilsynBio stated that this cooperation is not only a combination of cutting-edge technology and traditional medicine, but also a strategic layout for future healthcare innovation. By leveraging AI technology, the partnership aims to inject technological vitality into traditional medicine for the benefit of more patients.
https://ailsynbio.com/
Hashtag: #AilsynBio #昂心生物
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 April 2026 – The success and impact of the ASEAN–UK Advancing Creative Economy programme was on show at the recent 2ndASEAN–UK Creative Economy Symposium 2026 in Manila. The Symposium showcased how research, capacity building, and regional collaboration are shaping the future of the creative economy across Southeast Asia, further advancing the goals of the ASEAN Creative Economy Sustainability Framework, adopted at the 46th ASEAN Summit. The Symposium also celebrated the 5th anniversary of the ASEAN–UK Dialogue Partnership, focused on deepening cooperation and connection.
The Department of Trade and Industry of the Philippines, together with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the British Council and the ASEAN Secretariat, convened over 270 leaders, policymakers, creatives, and investors from ASEAN and the United Kingdom in Manila for the ASEAN–UK Creative Economy Symposium 2026, reinforcing the region’s push to harness the creative economy as a key driver of growth, innovation, and cultural identity.
Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), Satvinder Singh, said: “ASEAN is well-positioned to harness the full potential of the creative economy. Six out of eleven ASEAN Member States now rank among the top 70 globally in the WIPO Global Innovation Index’s creative outputs dimension. ASEAN recognises that intangible assets, such as intellectual property, brands, and design as the currencies of modern creative economy. The ideas, expressions, and innovations our creators produce must be protected, valued, and commercialised.”
UK Ambassador to ASEAN, Helen Fazey, said: “The UK and ASEAN are advancing together through trust, cooperation, and shared priorities. This partnership reflects a strong and growing relationship built on mutual respect and a shared ambition to support sustainable economic growth, innovation, and opportunity across the region. Through initiatives like the ASEAN–UK Advancing Creative Economy programme, we are deepening collaboration, strengthening people-to-people links, and supporting the development of vibrant and resilient creative sectors.”
ASEAN-focused research highlights pathways for growth in the creative economy New research under the ASEAN–UK Advancing Creative Economy initiative is providing critical insights into the evolution and economic potential of cultural industries across the region.
Arts and Technologies in ASEAN: Interconnected Parts, commissioned by the British Council, examines the fast-growing creative technology landscape across ASEAN. Drawing on more than 60 interviews and case studies, the report explores how artists are using digital tools—from AI to immersive media—while also analysing the regulatory environments shaping innovation. It highlights both the dynamism of the sector and the need for stronger support systems to sustain growth.
Complementing this, the Regional Perception Poll on the ASEAN Creative Economy offers a comprehensive view of how the sector is understood across the region. Based on insights from over 4,000 respondents, including both producers and audiences, the study highlights the interconnected nature of creative ecosystems and the relationships between artists, industries, policymakers, and communities. Its findings underscore the need for tailored, context-specific strategies and stronger regional collaboration to unlock further growth.
Together, these research outputs provide valuable evidence to inform policy, guide investment, and strengthen UK–ASEAN partnerships.Building on this work, a new ASEAN festival research and mapping initiative is underway, expanding earlier studies to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the region’s diverse festival landscape and identify opportunities for future collaboration.
Country Director Indonesia and Director South East Asia, Summer Xia, said: “Through the ASEAN–UK Advancing Creative Economy initiative, we are investing in the research, skills, and partnerships needed to support long-term growth in the creative sector. The symposium in Manila was an important opportunity to share these resources and ensure they are shaped by and for the region. By working closely with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the ASEAN Secretariat, we are helping to build a stronger, more connected creative economy across ASEAN countries.”
Underscoring the broader vision of the initiative, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC) San Lwin has reaffirmed, in separate engagements, that the ASEAN-UK Advancing Creative Economy programme maximises the region’s creative potential to fuel socio-economic growth and cultural exchange. He reiterated the shared commitment to leveraging innovation and creativity as key connectors to drive prosperity, deepen cultural unity, advance social equity, and promote sustainable, inclusive development in order to forge an “ASEAN Community of Opportunities for All.”
Learn more at: ASEAN Creative Economy Initiative
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BANGKOK , THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 April 2026 – A new chapter in Thailand’s cultural and retail landscape is set to debut this April, as The Mall Group introduces “KUDTHAI 2026,” a curated showcase of Thai creativity, launching its first-ever pop-up in Bangkok’s rapidly emerging Songwat district during Songkran.
Presented in collaboration with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the initiative reflects a growing effort to spotlight Thailand’s cultural identity through contemporary retail and experiential tourism.
“KUDTHAI” — derived from the Thai word “Kud,” meaning “to carefully select” — brings together a refined selection of Thai brands, artisans, and culinary talents, highlighting craftsmanship, local wisdom, and modern design for both local and international audiences.
The inaugural “Song Wat KUDTHAI 2026,” taking place from April 9–12 at Lost in Songwat, marks the first time The Mall Group extends its retail experience beyond its flagship developments into one of Bangkok’s most talked-about neighborhoods. Once a historic trading hub along the Chao Phraya River, Songwat is now re-emerging as a vibrant cultural enclave attracting a new generation of creatives and global travelers.
Extending this experience into the city’s premier retail destinations, “KUDTHAI 2026” will also be held from April 8–19, 2026 across the EM District — Emporium, EmQuartier, and Emsphere — creating a connected journey between Bangkok’s emerging cultural quarters and its established lifestyle hubs.
This multi-location approach reflects a broader shift in how visitors experience Bangkok — moving fluidly between heritage neighborhoods and contemporary retail environments.
While Songkran remains one of Thailand’s most globally recognized celebrations, “KUDTHAI 2026” offers an alternative lens — focusing on curated cultural discovery through design, gastronomy, and local creativity.
At the EM District, the “EM District Thai Hansa Maha Songkran: A Summer of Thai Celebration” from April 10–15, 2026 further enhances the experience with immersive installations, signature water attractions, and themed markets including THAI-POP MARKET at Emporium, THAI LOCAL MARKET at EmQuartier, and THAI-TAINMENT MARKET at Emsphere.
A highlight includes “Little Song Wat,” bringing culinary names from the historic Songwat community into the heart of the city, reinforcing the connection between Bangkok’s evolving cultural districts and its modern retail landscape.
Together, these activations position Bangkok as more than a festive destination during Songkran — but also as a city redefining how tradition is experienced through innovation, culture, and commerce.
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 April 2026 – At Elite+ magazine’s 12th anniversary gala dinner on Friday, 3 April 2025, held at the Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok, Lau Yee-Wa of Hong Kong was named the inaugural Chommanard International Literary Award grand prize winner for Lau Yee-Wa’s debut novel, Tongueless. The selection was made after almost a year from the call for submissions by female authors from ASEAN member states and East Asian region, including China, Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Nearly 70 books from 47 publishers representing 10 countries were submitted for this competition. But, for the past 15 years, Praphansarn Publishing, with the sponsorship of Bangkok Bank, has been organising the Chommanard Book Prize, which is given annually for the best book written by a Thai female writer, the winner receiving a cash prize of 100,000 baht and the publication of her book translated into English.
Mr Arthorn Techatada, the Award Program Director, explained, “After holding the Chommanard Book Prize for 15 years, it now seemed this was the right time to expand our programme to include ASEAN and China Region female writers as it is very important to promote outstanding female literary talent throughout the region and the world beyond as Asian female writers don’t get the deserved recognition, and fortunately, Bangkok Bank agreed.”
Mr Arthorn then with the assistance of Associate Professor Dr Trisilpa Boonkhachorn of the Faculty of Arts, Chulalongkorn University, invited and formed a panel of judges from Thailand, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines, France and Germany. All were given the arduous task of reading every submission, followed by deciding on a longlist and then shortlist and country winners from which the grand prize winner would be selected.
The shortlist winners included Li Zi Shu, an award-winning Chinese language writer from Malaysia, for her book, The Age of Goodbyes; Thuận, a Vietnamese author based in Paris who writes in both Vietnamese and French, for her novel, Chinatown. She was also recognised by The New Yorker Best Books 2023. Next are the acclaimed Thai writer Veeraporn Nitiprapha, a two-time winner of the SEA Write Award for her novel, Memories of the Memories of the Black Rose Cat; Isna Marita, an Indonesian author and Environmentalist for her first novel, Mountain More Ancient; Dr Nguyễn Phan Quế Mai of Viet Nam, who has written 13 books in Vietnamese and English, for her book, The Mountains Sing; Leila S Chudori, an award-winning journalist and novelist, for her novel, The Sea Speaks His Name; Yáng Shuāng-zǐ, a writer of fiction, essays, manga and video game scripts, for her novel, Taiwan Travelogue, and Lau Yee-Wa of Hong Kong, who studied Chinese literature and philosophy, for her debut novel, Tongueless.
The two country winners, who along with the shortlisted authors, attended over a week of activities centred around the Bangkok International Book Fair organised by PUBAT (Publishers and Booksellers Association of Thailand) and visits to important media organisations. They include Jemimah Wei of Singapore for her debut novel, The Original Daughter, which was a Good Morning America Book Club selection and New York Times Editors’ pick, and Marga Ortigas, an award-winning journalist from the Philippines, for her novel, The House on Calle Sombria.
When Associate Professor Dr Trisilpa Boonkhachorn, jury chairperson, announced Lau Yee-Wa as the grand prize winner, the audience and especially the shortlisted and country winners erupted in loud cheers and applause. Then, after receiving a 500,000 baht prize presented by Mr Chartsiri Sophonphanich, President of Bangkok Bank, Ms Lau Yee-Wa gave the keynote speech for the gala celebration on the topic, “Deschooling Society for Global Peace”.
Ms Lau Yee-Wa began, “I never expected to receive such an award or to have my novel translated into so many languages, including Thai. I thought the story, written in Cantonese, was too colloquial and based on such a local Hong Kong context, it would be difficult to understand.”
Later, the winning author went on, “Then, I realized I was not writing fiction. I was documenting a quiet, invisible form of violence that happened every day in the classroom, workplace and even daily life in the whole world. This violence is called deschooling, which the philosopher Ivan Illich warned us about more than 50 years ago.”
Ms Lau Yee-Wa closed by saying, “I believe that Tongueless is my own small, stubborn act of deschooling. I refused to wrap the story in comforting, official language. I let the pain, the vanity, the quiet rebellion, and the flnal demand for choice speak in their rawest form. In doing so, I rediscovered my own voice—and I hope every reader who finishes the book begins to hear theirs again.”
The guidelines for submissions for the Chommanard Book Prize for Thai writers writing in Thai and the Chommanard International Women’s Literary Award for writers from ASEAN member and China region countries will be announced in the coming months. You can find additional information by visiting the Chommanard International Women’s Literary Award website @ https://virf.io/chommanard/home or by contacting virf@elitecreative.co.th.