From left to right: Doan Hong Dung, CEO of Kizuna JV Corporation and Dong Mai Lam, country president of NS BlueScope Vietnam and general director of NS BlueScope Lysaght Vietnam at signing ceremony on July 28. Photo courtesy of NS BlueScope

Strategically located in Can Giuoc (Tay Ninh) – a gateway directly connecting Ho Chi Minh City with the Southern Key Economic Zone – Kizuna 5 is a project within the KIZUNA GOLD premium serviced factory product line in the Kizuna ecosystem.

The project stands out as an attractive hub for investment capital due to its commitment to achieving the international LEED GOLD green building certification. Spanning 8.5 hectares with a total investment exceeding VND1.72 trillion ($65.5 million), Kizuna 5 provides a seamlessly master-planned system of factories, offices, and warehouses, aiming for high-standard ready-built factory models that meet the stringent requirements of both domestic and international investors.

Tran Duy Vu, deputy general director of Kizuna JV Corporation, said,"Kizuna 5 demonstrates our commitment to creating a professional service ecosystem, partnering with global investors to achieve environmental, social, and governance and Net Zero targets. Once operational, this 128,000 sq.m LEED Gold-certified facility will generate employment for over 5,000 workers, attract at least 60 international enterprises, and bring over $392.4 million in industrial investment capital to Tay Ninh Province."

Understanding that modern investors demand rigorous standards regarding durability, operational safety, and sustainability – particularly in high-tech, supporting industries, and logistics sectors – KIZUNA goes beyond optimising production spaces and support services to actively set superior technical standards for the structural integrity of leased serviced factories. Consequently, the enterprise sought a prestigious partner to realise a solid foundation for its entire project portfolio.

A strategic handshake to elevate high-quality serviced factories

The strategic partnership signing ceremony between LYSAGHT and KIZUNA marks a powerful step forward in elevating high-quality serviced factory standards in Can Giuoc, Tay Ninh.

The highlight of the agreement is KIZUNA’s deployment of Comprehensive Steel Solutions from LYSAGHT – a premium brand under BlueScope Group with over 165 years of global experience.

Serving as a solid foundation for the Kizuna 5 project, this solution establishes the technical standards for the KIZUNA GOLD product line while enhancing brand value for the Project Owner through key advantages:

The partnership will ensure space maximisation and safe operations The MR-24 roofing system combined with the Butler structural framing optimises usable space, flexibly accommodating complex manufacturing workflows for tenants while ensuring continuous, uninterrupted operations.

It will also maintain long-lasting architectural aesthetics and investment optimisation. The LYSAGHT SPANDEK wall cladding system maintains long-term visual appeal, while the intelligently engineered LYSAGHT BONDEK II composite steel decking system optimises investment efficiency.

This collaboration fulfils the most rigorous quality and aesthetic criteria for high-quality serviced factories and also enables KIZUNA to meet international green building standards, thereby boosting attraction for domestic and foreign investors focused on sustainable development.

A rendering of the Kizuna 5 project, utilising comprehensive steel solutions from LYSAGHT. Photo courtesy of NS BlueScope

A strategic step for the local industrial future

Identified as a strategic locality within the Southern Economic Zone, Tay Ninh is actively transforming into a modern industrial and logistics hub. KIZUNA’s continuous investment in high-end factory ecosystems, combined with LYSAGHT’s international-standard technical expertise, will enhance local competitiveness and actively contribute to modern industrial growth goals.

KIZUNA and LYSAGHT executives gather for a commemorative group photo following the signing ceremony. Photo courtesy of NS BlueScope

Tran Duy Vu, deputy general director of Kizuna JV Corporation, representing KIZUNA said, "As a pioneer in developing the Ready-Built Serviced Factory model in Vietnam, KIZUNA constantly strives to offer investors a safe, efficient, and sustainable production environment."

"Pioneering the application of premium steel structure solutions from LYSAGHT – featuring Butler structures, COLORBOND roofing and wall cladding, alongside the LYSAGHT BONDEK II decking system – reflects KIZUNA's strong commitment to creating sustainable green factories with outstanding technical performance and aesthetics, ready to meet investor expectations and welcome high-quality foreign direct investment flows into Can Giuoc and Tay Ninh."

Dong Mai Lam, country president of NS BlueScope Vietnam and general director of NS BlueScope Lysaght Vietnam, said, "We believe that Australia's superior engineering solutions will set new milestones in rental factory standards, augmenting the competitive edge for industrial infrastructure in Tay Ninh in particular and Vietnam in general."

The signing underscores the long-term vision of both enterprises in driving sustainable value for industrial factory infrastructure, contributing to the strong transformation of the region.

NS BlueScope CEO highlights decade of sustainable steel efforts NS BlueScope Vietnam, a provider of sustainable alloy-coated steel solutions, has spent nearly a decade advancing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices in its operations.

'R&D leader' of the coated steel industry accelerates strategy in 2026 As Vietnam’s steel industry enters a new phase marked by mounting competition, stricter environmental standards, and increasingly demanding quality requirements, NS BlueScope Vietnam is stepping up the pace in 2026 under the leadership of country president Dong Mai Lam.

NS BlueScope launches 2026 Vietnam Steel Architecture Awards NS BlueScope Vietnam has launched the 2026 Vietnam Steel Architecture Awards, a nationwide platform to honour architectural works that apply steel materials and promote sustainable design.

Empire City LLC was established to develop a waterfront site in the Thu Thiem New Area in Ho Chi Minh City, comprising residential and mixed-use developments named Empire City.

Under the agreement, Keppel will divest 20 per cent equity interest in Empire City to Denver Power Vietnam Co., Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Denver Power Ltd, and the other 20 per cent equity interest to Golden Axis Co., Ltd., which is 99.99 per cent owned by Tran Thai Lands Co., Ltd. and Tien Phuoc Real Estate JSC^.

The purchasers will pay over three tranches, with the last to be paid upon receipt of authorities’ approval for registration of the equity transfer.

The aggregate consideration was arrived at on a willing-buyer, willing-seller basis, taking into account, among others, the adjusted net asset value of the 40 per cent stake, based on the agreed value of the Empire City attributable to the 40 per cent stake, which was approximately $267 million as of August 3.

According to Lee Kok Chew, head of Keppel’s Accelerating Monetisation Task Force, the divestment of Empire City, which will realise $267 million in cash this year, reflects Keppel’s concerted efforts to unlock value from non-core assets, as it advances the company’s growth as an asset-light global asset manager and operator.

“With approximately $1.6 billion of monetisation announced year-to-date, we have achieved our target of $2 to $3 billion for 2026. Looking ahead, we will continue to pursue further opportunities to realise value from our $13.7 billion non-core portfolio by end-2030, releasing substantial cash that can be used to invest in higher-return growth opportunities, reduce debt and reward shareholders,” Chew said in his statement.

The completion of the divestment is subject to the satisfaction of conditions precedent, including obtaining authorities’ approval for registration of the equity transfer.

The aforementioned transaction is not expected to have any material impact on the net tangible asset per share or earnings per share of Keppel Ltd. for the current financial year, it cited.

Empire City is one of the largest real estate developments in Thu Thiem – the new financial hub of Ho Chi Minh City, with a total investment of approximately $1.2 billion.

According to the master plan, the 14.5-hectare project is located along the Saigon River and is being developed into a mixed-use complex comprising a shopping centre, a 5-star hotel, office space, high-end residential apartments, and an international-standard underground parking system. The project has a total gross floor area of around 730,000 sq.m.

The centrepiece of the development is an 88-storey mixed-use tower, which was once expected to become Vietnam's tallest building.

However, the project has been largely stalled including the tower since 2019 due to the developer's failure to fulfil additional financial obligations required under the conclusions of the government inspectorate.

Empire City is a high-end residential and mixed-use development located in Thu Thiem New Area. Photo: Le Toan

Keppel officially opens Hanoi Centre retail mall Hanoi Centre, Keppel's first retail project in the capital, has celebrated its grand opening with a ceremony attended by senior officials and executives.

Saigon Centre unveils vibrant world of Japanese culture Saigon Centre, Keppel’s flagship mixed-use development in Ho Chi Minh City, is hosting its annual Japan Festival from July 3 to 19 for the fifth consecutive year.

Eximbank is progressively strengthening its governance framework by completing the structure of the Board of Directors and its committees, reinforcing the executive leadership team, and developing its governance policies to ensure consistent implementation of its long-term strategy.

Following the Extraordinary General Meeting of Shareholders on July 24, where six independent members of the Board of Directors were elected, the board appointed Pham Thi Huyen Trang as the bank’s CEO, effective from August 1.

The State Bank of Vietnam has also approved Trang’s eligibility for the position of non-independent member of the Board of Directors.

At the Extraordinary General Meeting expected in October 2026, shareholders will consider board appointments, including CEO Trang’s candidacy alongside other nominees.

Trang holds a Master’s Degree in Banking and Finance and an advanced diploma in Political Theory, with experience in banking, finance and corporate governance.

Prior to her appointment as CEO, she served as chairwoman of Eximbank’s Board of Directors and contributed to the planning of the bank’s 2026-2030 development strategy and corporate governance.

Trang will work with the executive management team to implement the strategic directions approved by the Board of Directors and shareholders, strengthen executive capability and risk management, enhance operational effectiveness, and deliver the objectives of Eximbank's development strategy in its next phase.

Nguyen Le Quoc Anh, chairman of the Board of Directors of Eximbank, noted the bank’s development strategy was built on a strong corporate governance foundation, aiming to establish a transparent, independent and professional governance model continuously aligned with international standards while fully complying with Vietnamese law.

"Strengthening the Board of Directors and the executive management team is part of a multi-year roadmap, with 2026 serving as the foundation year for the bank’s governance transformation and long-term sustainable development," Anh said. "The appointment of Trang as CEO represents another important step in that roadmap. I am confident that, with her leadership experience, deep understanding of the bank and alignment with our strategic direction, she and the executive management team will successfully drive the bank's transformation.

"Ultimately, our goal extends beyond building a bank that is safe, transparent and efficient. More importantly, we aim to build an institutional capable of safeguarding depositors' trust, delivering outstanding customer service, supporting businesses in enhancing their investment efficiency, and contributing positively to Vietnam's economic development and the financial well-being of its people," he added.

Banks bolster financial strength via M&As and capital hikes Since the start of the year, several banks have been busy with mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and capital hike ventures to bolster financial health and keep up with ever-increasing development needs.

Inspiring business figures underpin Eximbank's future growth Eximbank’s pre-tax profit reached a record $167.5 million in 2024 with exceptional growth indicators despite the financial and banking sector facing numerous challenges.

Banks expect upbeat profit picture for 2025 Several banks have set higher profit targets for this year, expecting more positive credit growth amid improved capital absorption capacity and an acceleration of public investment.

According to the statement on August 5, the transaction will strengthen AllianzGI’s business in Asia-Pacific, bringing the assets it manages for clients in the region to more than €170 billion, and enabling the combined business to develop a market-leading client experience for investors throughout Southeast Asia.

The proposed acquisition of an established on-the-ground asset management platform would provide access for AllianzGI to a number of important high-growth markets, including Vietnam, Thailand and Malaysia. It will also provide an opportunity to further scale AllianzGI’s business in markets where it has an established presence, including Singapore, Taiwan (China) and Indonesia.

AllianzGI and UOB Asset Management's (UOBAM) investment capabilities are highly complementary. UOBAM offers strong Southeast Asian market investment expertise, and AllianzGI has a comprehensive global product suite grounded in active investing. Together, the combination will enable clients to benefit from access to a broader range of innovative investment capabilities and solutions.

The combined platform will offer strengthened Southeast Asia Asian investment expertise, including regional and single-country equity strategies and Sharia-compliant offerings, as well as support the development of further, future differentiated solutions for clients.

The transaction is, importantly, accompanied by a long-term distribution agreement which provides long-term access to the retail client network of UOB, reflecting the bank’s confidence in the combined group’s ability to serve its client base with innovative products.

Tobias Pross, CEO of Allianz Global Investors, said, “UOBAM is one of Southeast Asia’s leading asset managers, with very well-regarded investment capabilities and a strong distribution network. Adding their complementary Southeast Asian investment expertise to our global platform will boost our combined offering and significantly accelerate our growth in this dynamic region.

“Reinforcing our long-term commitment to broadening the reach of our investment offering in Southeast Asia, this deal provides us with deeper market connectivity and opens new opportunities to engage with an expanded base of clients. With a strengthened regional presence, we will be able to serve an even broader range of investors, providing them with access to a wider range of innovative wealth management and retirement solutions that help them meet their investment objectives,” said Pross.

Wee Ee Cheong, deputy chairman and CEO of UOB, said, “UOB serves more than 8 million customers across ASEAN, whose wealth and investment needs are becoming increasingly diverse and sophisticated. This partnership sharpens our focus on wealth advisory and distribution. By combining UOB's advisory expertise and customer relationships with Allianz Global Investors’ investment capabilities, we are well positioned to meet our customers’ evolving needs and support their long-term wealth goals."

Discipline shapes M&A environment Experts in Vietnam are cautiously positive in terms of dealmaking for the rest of 2026 after momentum improved in the second quarter, and new acquisitions continue to move forward.

Business confidence rebounds as firms accelerate AI adoption and ASEAN expansion Business sentiment in Vietnam is rebounding strongly despite a challenging operating environment marked by rising costs and heightened global uncertainty, including ongoing geopolitical tensions and trade-related pressures.

New UOB headquarters building highlights long-term confidence in Vietnam UOB Vietnam is developing new headquarters building at the international financial centre in Ho Chi Minh City, underscoring the bank's confidence in the country's long-term growth prospects.

"Skintification" of Hair Care and Common Challenges in Singapore
There has been a growing shift toward the "skinification" of hair care. This refers to the principle that the scalp, as an extension of the face, requires a similarly sophisticated, ingredient-led level of care. Modern hair care is increasingly focused on the scalp microbiome and skin health as the fundamental root of hair quality.

At the same time, Singapore's tropical climate presents a unique set of challenges for scalp health. High humidity levels, combined with daily exposure to sweat, pollutants, and styling products, can lead to clogged pores, excess oil production, and persistent dandruff. These conditions often disrupt the scalp's natural balance, which may contribute to weakened hair roots and slower regrowth over time. While shampoos and conditioners play a role in daily maintenance, they may not always provide the deeper level of cleansing required to remove buildup.

Recognising this gap, Bee Choo Origin developed the Dead Sea Mud Mineral Scalp Detox Mask to complement its holistic hair care philosophy, bridging the gap between daily hygiene and professional-grade mineral nourishment.

Powered by Dead Sea Minerals and Herbal Formulations
The Dead Sea is known for its unique mineral composition, with concentrations of magnesium, calcium, and potassium that are higher than in any other body of water. These minerals play important roles in supporting moisture balance and soothing scalp discomfort by drawing out deep-seated impurities, promoting a healthier scalp environment overall.

What makes this treatment distinctive is the combination of these mineral benefits with Bee Choo Origin herbal formulations. While the Dead Sea minerals help detoxify and replenish the scalp, the herbal blend soothes and nourishes, allowing the scalp to be deeply cleansed without compromising its natural moisture balance.

A Treatment Experience Designed for Simplicity
The treatment process is designed to be straightforward without compromising on care and attentiveness. First, the Daily Barrier Scalp and Hair Defense Oil is applied and a gentle massage is performed to soften and condition the scalp. This is followed by applying the mineral-rich scalp mask, which is left on for a short period to allow the minerals to interact with the scalp and draw out impurities.

Unlike more intensive procedures, the Dead Sea Mud Mineral Scalp Detox Mask does not require steaming and can be completed within a relatively short session, making it suitable for clients who wish to incorporate scalp care into their busy routine. Each session concludes with a thorough cleanse and light conditioning, leaving the scalp feeling refreshed and the hair easy to manage. For some, the scalp mask serves as a standalone reset; for others, it is used alongside the existing herbal treatments from Bee Choo Origin as part of a broader care plan. It also serves as an alternative for customers who prefer the cleansing effects of a professional treatment without the temporary colouring that comes with certain herbal pastes.

A Continued Focus on Holistic Scalp and Hair Care
As Bee Choo Origin enters its 26th year, the introduction of the Dead Sea Mud Mineral Scalp Detox Mask represents an extension of the brand's focus on scalp health. By offering this as both a standalone option and a complementary add-on to its Signature Herbal Treatment, the company continues to provide nature-based solutions tailored to local needs.

For more information about the Dead Sea Mud Mineral Scalp Detox Mask or to find an outlet, please visit their website today.

https://beechoo.com/

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

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

www.wohhupfood.com

In July, VinFast exported more than 5,000 electric vehicles aboard two dedicated vessels.

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

• Lifenol Hops Extract (8-PN phytoestrogen): Shown to lessen hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, restlessness and irritability while helping to maintain total-body bone-mineral density.
• Flax Lignan (SDG phytoestrogen): Provides gentle hormonal support that helps balance oestrogen levels during the transition.
• Soy Isoflavone (genistein and daidzein): Supports bone strength, reduces hot flashes and steadies mild mood swings.

• Musculoskeletal Health: Products categorised under joint supplements to address knee pain and mobility concerns in ageing demographics.
• Immunity & General Health: Daily essentials ranging from Vitamin C tablets and multivitamin supplements to vitamins for the immune system.
• Specialised Care: Targeted formulations including eye health supplements, probiotics supplements, and heart health supplements.
• Beauty & Wellness: Functional supplements such as collagen shots, hair growth supplements, and anti-ageing supplements.

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

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

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

iRad Hospital at Studio City, Macau

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

The final round on August 5 saw the competition between two teams from the capital. Ultimately, U11 Hanoi Football Club became the champions, securing a 2-0 victory over another U11 Hanoi side in the final.

Since the beginning of the competition on June 2, participating teams have delivered a series of exciting matches. Spectators have enjoyed spectacular goals, thrilling end-to-end contests, and, above all, the spirit of teamwork, fair play, and sportsmanship displayed by young players.

Beyond the competition itself, the tournament gave the children valuable new experiences. Some learned how to cope with defeat for the first time, others received formal football training, while many discovered that making the right pass to a teammate can sometimes be more important than scoring a goal themselves.

Many believe the greatest value of the U11 tournament lies in what the children gain from each training session, away trip, and match they play.

Nguyen Phan Khue, head of the Tournament Organising Committee and editor-in-chief of the Teenager and Children Newspaper said, “The most significant value of the tournament lies not merely in achievements, championship trophies, or medals. More importantly, the young participants build physical fitness, willpower, discipline, and team spirit, while also making new friends and creating beautiful memories.”

Over the past three decades, these values ​​have established the tournament as one of the most professional and prestigious youth football competitions in the country. This year’s season attracted a record 53 teams from 27 localities, demonstrating the tournament's appeal and the widespread growth of the youth football movement in Vietnam.

Khue said that each season has seen improvements in the quality of competition. Meanwhile, the tournament has expanded to more localities, giving an increasing number of children the opportunity to foster a passion for sport from an early age. "I believe sport is one of the factors that contributes to children's well-rounded development," he added.

Nguyen Thanh Thao, assistant sports marketing manager of MILO and Dairy Products at Nestlé Vietnam, said, “It is a great honour for us to accompany the Teenager and Children Newspaper and the Vietnam Football Federation this season. Nestlé Vietnam is committed to developing school sports to create healthy playgrounds for children nationwide. We believe that investing in children sports playgrounds for children is an investment in the holistic development of the future generation.”

A notable example is the Active Vietnam programme, jointly implemented by Nestlé Vietnam in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Training, the Vietnam School Sports Association, and local authorities. Through a range of activities, the programme gives children more opportunities to participate in sports activities to foster an active lifestyle as an integral part of their holistic development.

Nestlé Milo continues National U11 Football Championship 2026 On April 6, the Teenager and Children Newspaper, the Vietnam Football Federation, and Nestlé MILO, announced the sponsor for the National U11 Football Championship – Nestlé MILO Cup 2026.

Nestlé accompanies Ho Chi Minh City's student sports event Nestlé's Milo brand has sponsored the opening ceremony of the Ho Chi Minh City Student Sports Competition for 2025-2026 to promote active lifestyles, health, and well-rounded physical development for Vietnamese students.

Nestlé MILO backs Vietnam's oldest marathon in Nha Trang Nestlé MILO has continued its sponsorship of the Tien Phong Marathon National Championship, the oldest running event in Vietnam, first held in 1958.

She added that, if such a resolution is passed by the National Assembly, ministries, agencies, and localities will have a unified legal framework, clearly defining the handling of past violations with the task of focusing on overcoming consequences and removing difficulties to continue implementing projects. This will be an important tool to help clear about 3,000 backlog projects across the country, contributing to freeing up resources and creating new momentum for economic growth.

Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan. Photo: The MoH

Regarding science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation, Minister Lan suggested that the drafting committee consider adjusting the terminology used in the draft resolution.

According to the minister, using only the word "application" in the phrase "application of science and technology, innovation, digital transformation" does not fully reflect the nature of the innovation process. The concept of "application" is easily understood as simply adopting and applying existing achievements, while the demands of practice and the spirit of Resolution 57-NQ/TW of the Politburo require proactive research, innovation, and mastery of technology.

She analysed that the process of developing sci-tech does not stop at the application stage but also includes research, advising on mechanisms, building policies, implementation, technology transfer, and creating strategic products for Vietnam. This is a chain of tasks, requiring proactivity and innovation at all stages.

Sharing more about the implementation process, the minister added that it still faces many difficulties due to the lack of a synchronised legal framework.

She noted that the lack of consistency in the system of guiding documents shows that the early issuance of a specific resolution is absolutely necessary, both to create a legal basis for resolving difficulties and to protect officials in the process of implementing tasks while the legal system is still being perfected.

Experts urge stronger maternal care to protect infants from RSV The Vietnam Association of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, with scientific support from Pfizer Vietnam, has hosted a roundtable on care strategies for pregnant women to better protect infants.

An Khang Pharmacy records four consecutive profitable months An Khang Pharmacy, a retail pharmacy chain, announced on July 28 that it recorded four consecutive profitable months from March to June.

Vietnam Medi-Pharm Expo spotlights healthcare innovation amid market growth Vietnam Medi-Pharm Expo 2026 is bringing together leading healthcare and pharmaceutical companies to unleash new opportunities for innovation, technology transfer, and international collaboration.

Amalga makes debut in Vietnam to accelerate digital transformation in healthcare On August 3, Amalga, a hospital information systems provider in New Zealand and Southeast Asia, established its enterprise in Vietnam, marking a major milestone in its more than two decades of supporting digital transformation in Vietnamese hospitals.

Business travel has never offered more opportunity or more complexity. New content sources, evolving distribution models, AI, and an expanding ecosystem of travel technologies are creating tremendous new possibilities, but they are also fragmenting how organizations access travel content, data, and service. As information becomes dispersed across multiple systems, travel managers face growing challenges delivering consistent experiences, gaining timely insights, and effectively managing their programs.

Avenir was built to change that. Rather than requiring travel managers to work across disconnected systems, Avenir brings together the content, data, insights, tools, and expertise organizations need to manage modern travel programs through a single experience. The result is fewer obstacles between travel managers and the information they need, making it easier to access insights, manage travel programs, and support travelers throughout their journeys.

At the core of Avenir is Spotnana's next generation cloud-based travel infrastructure, providing the modern booking and servicing infrastructure for enterprise travel. Direct Travel brings that technology to life through global implementation, enterprise travel expertise, and outstanding service, creating an enterprise ready solution for organizations around the world.

Avenir is built to grow beyond traditional travel management through an expanding ecosystem of connected capabilities. Rather than requiring organizations to adopt additional standalone tools, Avenir will provide more direct access to the services and technologies they need through a single experience. This release marks the first step with the introduction of Juno for guest travel. By connecting guest travel with managed travel, organizations gain more complete visibility across total travel activity and richer insights to support better decisions.

"As technology continues to reshape business travel, our focus has remained the same: helping travel program owners run better travel programs and deliver better experiences for their travelers," said Christal Bemont, Chief Executive Officer of Direct Travel. "Avenir gives organizations more direct access to the content, data, and service they need to manage modern travel programs. By removing many of the obstacles between travel managers and the information they need, we help them spend less time navigating systems and more time making strategic decisions that improve their programs."

The latest release introduces several new capabilities designed to help travel program owners work more efficiently and make more informed decisions.

One place to manage your travel program

Avenir now provides a single destination for reporting, travel resources, program insights, and integrated partner capabilities through one secure login, reducing the need to move between multiple systems.

Ask better questions. Get better answers.

Avenir is built on a modern, AI-ready data foundation that brings together trusted travel data from across the program into a secure, governed environment. Rather than relying on static reports, travel managers can ask questions in natural language through Ask Avenir and receive trusted answers, build reports on demand, and analyze complex travel spend in minutes. Combined with new dashboards, trend analysis, proactive insights, and actionable recommendations, Avenir helps organizations identify opportunities, make more informed decisions, and continuously improve their travel programs.

A more intelligent travel experience

Avenir is evolving to deliver AI throughout the travel experience by combining Direct Travel's own AI innovations with the power of Spotnana's new multi-agent AI architecture and an expanding ecosystem of specialized AI capabilities. As Spotnana introduces new AI experiences for travelers, travel managers, and travel advisors, Direct Travel will bring those capabilities to customers through Avenir while continuing to automate routine workflows and simplify servicing.

At the same time, Avenir's open architecture allows organizations to take advantage of focused AI solutions from trusted partners. Whether interacting with the platform through natural language, receiving intelligent recommendations, or using specialized assistants like Otto for focused travel experiences, customers will benefit from AI that works together through a single connected platform.

Built for what's next

Avenir's open architecture creates a connected foundation that allows Direct Travel to continuously expand the platform with new capabilities and best in class partner solutions. As customer needs evolve, organizations will gain access to additional experiences across travel management, analytics, automation, meetings and events, expense, duty of care, and other connected services without replacing the technology at the core of their travel program.

"Avenir has become our one-stop shop for understanding our travel program," said Lisa Kaffenberger, People & Culture Travel Manager, BDO. "Whether I need to track a ticket from beginning to end or get answers to questions that once required hours of manual reporting, it's all right there. It's not just another application. It's becoming the foundation for how we manage our travel program by making the information we need easier to access, and we're excited to see where it goes next."

"In APAC, the real friction in travel management isn't a lack of data - it's an access problem. Avenir cuts through regional complexity by turning fragmented spreadsheets and guest travel into a single system of record, giving leaders immediate, trusted intelligence to optimize spend rather than react to it," added Ali Hussain, Managing Director – Asia Pacific of Direct Travel.

The new release is another step in Direct Travel's strategy to give organizations more direct access to the content, data, expertise, and technology they need to build smarter, more connected travel programs.

To learn more about Avenir, visit www.dt.com/avenir.

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

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

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

This evolution is reflected in long-standing investment relationships with many of the world's most iconic corporations. Global titans like Toyota, Minebea, Delta Electronics, Cargill, Western Digital, Seagate, Microchip and ADI—along with countless other global industry leaders—have not just invested in Thailand; they have thrived, expanded, and innovated within an ecosystem shaped by consistent policy direction and strong government support. Their continued presence underscores Thailand's macroeconomic stability, strategic location, and the BOI's role as a reliable institutional anchor for foreign investment.

As it marks its 60th anniversary, the BOI is drawing on this accumulated experience to frame Thailand's next phase of economic transformation. Guided by the theme – "Shaping Thailand's Future Through Strategic Investment" – the emphasis has shifted towards positioning Thailand as a high-value production base, driven by innovation, sustainability, and future industries that align with long-term structural trends. The strategy places particular weight on regional integration and cross-border partnerships, reflecting Thailand's ambition to remain relevant in a fragmenting global economy.

A Resounding Vote of Global Confidence: Thailand's Unprecedented 2025 Performance

Investor response in 2025 suggests that this recalibration is gaining traction. Record investment figures serve as an early signal of confidence, reflecting both Thailand's revised policy direction and the institutional credibility built over six decades.

In 2025, total investment applications reached USD 60.23 billion (1.87 trillion baht) across 3,370 projects, a 67% increase in value and an 11% rise in project count, both year-on-year — underscoring the BOI's focus on technology-driven investment and Thailand's growing role as a regional hub. This momentum carried into 2026: investment applications in the first half of the year (January–June) alone reached USD 47.47 billion (1.47 trillion baht) across 1,299 projects, up 37% year-on-year, while FDI applications climbed 80% to USD 44.08 billion (1.37 trillion baht) even amid global economic headwinds. Projects approved during the period are expected to generate more than 82,000 jobs, drive over USD 12.46 billion (386,900 million baht) a year in local raw material sourcing, and contribute more than USD 39.94 billion (THB 1.24 trillion baht) a year in export value.

Sectoral trends, especially in high-technology industries and AI, underline this rapid shift. The Digital sector, the Electronics & Electrical Appliances sector, and the AI supply chain are all seeing momentum in advanced manufacturing, including photonics devices, PCB, and semiconductor-related activities. In automotive production, Thailand is consolidating its regional leadership through higher-value components and the build-out of a full EV ecosystem. The Agriculture & Food Processing sector continues to move up the value chain, while petrochemicals and chemicals are increasingly oriented towards specialty products and circular-economy applications. Together, these developments suggest a gradual repositioning of Thailand within global production networks.

Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General of the BOI, reflected on this monumental achievement: "For six decades, the BOI has been instrumental in charting Thailand's economic course, from foundational industrialization to pioneering a technology-driven, sustainable future. Our role transcends merely attracting capital; it is about strategically shaping our economic landscape to respond to a rapidly changing world. The investment figures of 2025 and the first half of 2026 are a clear endorsement of this long-term vision, confirming global trust in our strategic direction and our resolute commitment to forging a stable, innovative, and green economy for generations to come."

The BOI's Vision for Building the Foundation for the Next Decade

Building on its previous success, the BOI's strategy aims to anchor Thailand more firmly within ASEAN's investment geography. Over the next decade, the agency seeks to position Thailand as a center for business across ASEAN, navigating geopolitical uncertainties and fostering deeper collaboration across critical global supply chains.

Key pillars of this ambitious vision include:

• Leading Strategic Industries: The BOI aims to solidify Thailand's global leadership by focusing on six strategic sectors. These include Bio&Green Industries, which encompass the bio-economy, modern agriculture, future foods, and clean energy, leveraging Thailand's strengths and resources for added value and sustainable growth. Also prioritized are Modern Automotive, focusing on all types of Electric Vehicles and their parts, building upon Thailand's robust foundation; Semiconductors and Advanced Electronics, critical for strengthening supply chains; Artificial Intelligence and Digital, serving as fundamental infrastructure; International Business Hubs, fostering high-value jobs and knowledge transfer; and Automation and Robotics, which have gained tremendous investment momentum in Thailand.
• Skill Bridge, a future-ready workforce: Addressing skills development has become a policy priority. The BOI is expanding initiatives to develop talent in data technologies, artificial intelligence, and electronics and semiconductors, among others, reflecting rising workforce demand to support the growth of capital-intensive and technology-led industries.
• Fostering Global Investor Alliances: Beyond individual projects, the BOI is seeking to create a collaborative ecosystem. This involves connecting global investors with local SMEs, governmental agencies, and cutting-edge research institutions to drive shared growth, foster innovation, and integrate Thailand's vibrant domestic businesses into global value chains.
• Thailand FastPass: To accelerate investment decisions and reduce investment friction, the BOI, under the Government's initiative, has introduced Thailand FastPass — a dedicated service channel for investors in targeted industries and large-scale, high-impact projects. This streamlines processes, cuts approval timelines, and assigns a dedicated liaison officer to coordinate permitting, licensing, and regulatory processes across government agencies on the investor's behalf. Thailand FastPass reflects the BOI's commitment to matching the pace of global capital flows and ensuring Thailand remains a competitive, responsive destination for investors who require speed and certainty.

Powering Thailand on the Global Stage: A Hub of Collaboration and Opportunity

Narit emphasized Thailand's strategic goal: to position the nation as an attractive investment destination and a "safe haven" amidst global geopolitical shifts. He highlighted Thailand's inherent geopolitical neutrality, making it an ideal manufacturing base for exports to major global markets. This strategic advantage, combined with proactive cooperation on digital rules, cybersecurity, and the green economy, supports inclusive and sustainable ASEAN growth.

With the upcoming 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group in October, Thailand is poised to further solidify its global leadership, showcasing its economic openness and commitment to sustainable advancement.

Invest in Thailand: Your Strategic Advantage in the Heart of Asia

The message from the Thai Government is clear: Thailand is open for business and committed to your success. In a complex global landscape, Thailand offers unparalleled stability, strategic market access, and unwavering policy support.

The BOI has evolved beyond merely offering incentives, transforming into a dedicated strategic partner for a seamless and profitable investment journey. Its role encompasses promoting high-value investments through competitive incentives, integrating businesses seamlessly across government, private sector, and civil society, connecting them to robust global partners and supply chains, and facilitating smooth market entry and sustainable operations with comprehensive, end-to-end services.

As global leaders converge in Thailand, the spotlight is firmly on the country's immense potential. Partner with us to tap into the future of the digital economy, advance sustainable manufacturing, and lead innovation from Asia's premier investment hub.

Discover how your business can thrive in Thailand. Contact the Board of Investment today and let us help you build your future.

Voices of Conviction – Investors Endorse Thailand's Vision

The momentum isn't just in the numbers; it's in the deep conviction of the investors powering this growth.

"The business community consistently sees the BOI's role as an accessible and open platform, crucial for strengthening Thailand's competitiveness. Its focus on skilled labor development, R&D promotion, and regulatory facilitation actively delivers clear pathways for investment, aligning industry with national development priorities. By supporting initiatives such as renewable energy and green manufacturing, it affirms the BOI's unwavering efforts to ensure Thailand remains a premier regional investment hub for all investors, present and future." - Heidi Gallant, Executive Director, AMCHAM Thailand

"For Japanese companies, the BOI stands as an invaluable partner and crucial bridge, adeptly connecting government policies with our evolving needs and tirelessly working to enhance Thailand's investment landscape. Their proactive leadership in Green and Digital Transformation is vital for strengthening global supply chains and fostering new business opportunities, firmly cementing Thailand's position as a premier export and innovation hub. We are deeply committed to deepening this essential collaboration." - ABE Ichiro, President of JETRO Bangkok

"The BOI is more than a facilitator; it is the strategic partner bridging government policies with investor needs, fundamentally driving our continuous growth. Truly, without BOI, we would not have been able to make such stable investments. Their vision, aligning with our pivot into 'Industries of the Future' like AI servers and humanoid robots, is complemented by a robust ESG framework. This has cemented Thailand as our core regional production base, and we are committed to deepening this essential partnership for the next 60 years and beyond." - Yoshihisa Kainuma, Representative Director, Chairman and CEO, MinebeaMitsumi Inc.

"BOI's longstanding support has enabled Nestlé Thailand's continuous business growth. We commend BOI's leadership in championing ESG-driven investments, an approach closely aligned with Nestlé's Creating Shared Value philosophy, which focuses on building a sustainable business while contributing positively to Thai people, society, and the environment. Nestlé remains deeply committed to Thailand and will continue investing, as well as creating value for Thai consumers, farmers, and local businesses across our value chain." - Victor Seah, Chairman and CEO of Nestlé Indochina

A Foundation of Foresight – Six Decades of Strategic Evolution
Thailand's historic investment achievements are not a matter of chance; they are the direct result of a deliberate, forward-looking government strategy continuously honed over 60 years. Established in 1966 under the Industrial Promotion Act, the BOI has consistently demonstrated its capacity for proactive adaptation and strategic leadership, evolving through distinct policy shifts:

Thailand's investment trajectory reflects deliberate policy choices rather than coincidence. Since its establishment under the Industrial Promotion Act in 1966, the BOI has adapted its approach in line with shifting economic conditions:

• 1966–1975: Import substitution.
• 1976–1985: Export-oriented growth and integration into global markets.
• 1986–1995: Accelerated growth and Thailand's regional development.
• 1996–2005: Post-crisis recovery and international trade liberalization.
• 2006–2015: Higher-value investment and technology development.
• 2016–present: Strategic Industries and the Green-Digital Transformation.

Current measures—including green-transformation incentives, the Long-Term Resident visa, investment retention and relocation programmes—extend this policy lineage, underpinning Thailand's push towards a more sustainable and technology-driven economy.

https://www.boi.go.th/en/index/

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

All civil servants, public employees, and those working in child protection in health and education management agencies, medical treatment facilities, social assistance facilities, educational institutions, and other relevant organisations will have their capacity enhanced in child protection, prevention of child abuse, and combating child labour.

Photo: The Ministry of Health

Under the programme, 90 per cent of businesses and service providers will receive information and training on preventing and detecting child labour. All provinces and cities will adopt integrated child protection service models, with 95 per cent of communes implementing inter-sectoral approaches and every commune setting up child-friendly investigation rooms.

The initiative also aims to reduce child violence and sexual abuse by at least 5 per cent annually; bring the child labour rate (for children aged 5–17) below 1.1 per cent; ensure all abused children and those at risk of violence, exploitation, and abandonment receive timely and appropriate support; and guarantee that 100 per cent of requests for legal assistance for children are met according to the law.

The programme requires updating, standardising, and connecting children's data with related database systems, ensuring information security and safety, and protecting children's personal data; researching and implementing IT applications in collecting, connecting, and sharing data on children at risk of violence, exploitation, abandonment, and child labour; children who have been subjected to violence; children who have been sexually abused; and child labour.

To achieve the goals, the programme identifies several key tasks and solutions, with priority given to improving the legal system, mechanisms, policies, and standards for child protection.

Accordingly, the amendments to the Law on Children and related legal regulations will be studied to align with the Party and state's policies and international treaties to which Vietnam is a signatory. Simultaneously, regulations on child protection services will be developed and refined; the procedures, standards, and economic-technical norms for these services will be established; criteria for identifying child labour and children at risk of becoming child labourers will be developed; and inter-sectoral coordination mechanisms will be established to prevent and combat violence, sexual abuse, and child labour.

In addition, communication and legal education on child protection will be reformed to promote the IT application, digital transformation, and the effective use of the online environment. Awareness campaigns will be implemented tailored to different target groups, prioritising remote areas, border regions, islands, disadvantaged areas, and areas inhabited by ethnic minorities.

Regarding the child protection service delivery system, the programme requires research into integrating health, education, justice, legal aid, and social security services, forming a comprehensive and interconnected service delivery network to ensure that children and families have access to support quickly and effectively.

Effective operational models will be replicated nationwide, including the integrated child protection service model, the inter-sectoral child protection model, and the child-friendly investigation room model.

EU opens probe into TikTok, YouTube over child protection The EU announced investigations on Thursday into YouTube and TikTok to find out what action the US and Chinese-owned platforms are taking to ensure the safety of minors.

EU launches probe into TikTok over child protection The EU on Monday announced a formal investigation into TikTok over alleged breaches of its obligations to protect minors online, under a landmark new law on policing digital content.

Hanoi encourages community engagement in child protection Hanoi has rolled out various measures to continue effectively implementing policies of caring for, educating, and protecting children.

• The "1+N" Structure: Collaborating with Barings to manage high-quality core bond portfolios "1", while closely partnering with world-class asset management institutions "N" to strategically deploy private equity and alternative investments, providing flexible access to diversified investment vehicles.
• Risk Diversification: Implementing cross-asset strategies to effectively mitigate systemic risks stemming from market volatility.
• Global Allocation: Keeping pace with premier global assets to capture sustainable growth potential across diverse geographical regions.
• Fluctuation Mitigation: Optimizing asset orchestration to help clients navigate economic cycles and realize long-term capital appreciation.

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

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

For more information, please visit https://www.hanglung.com.

From 3–5 September 2026 at Guangzhou Poly World Trade Center Expo, SIAL Guangzhou will bring together 1,500+ exhibitors across 15 food and beverage sectors, showcasing more than 100,000 products covering snacks, beverages, dairy, bakery, frozen food, ingredients, health food, convenience food, and emerging food innovations.

Beyond product sourcing, SIAL Guangzhou is evolving into a platform where international buyers can discover how products create new consumption occasions and unlock new business opportunities.

From Product Discovery to Consumption Scenario Innovation

Today's food industry is no longer driven only by product categories. The next growth opportunities come from understanding where, when, and how consumers enjoy food.

At SIAL Guangzhou 2026, exhibitors and buyers will experience innovative cross-scenario food consumption models, where products are presented within real-life consumption environments to inspire new retail concepts and business opportunities.

Examples include:

• Convenience stores expanding beyond traditional retail, introducing DIY cocktail stations and personalized beverage experiences that appeal to younger consumers and social-media-driven lifestyles.
• Fresh food retailers integrating ready-to-eat experiences, combining fresh ingredients with immediate consumption scenarios such as self-heating hot pot and freshly prepared meals.
• Snack and beverage brands creating new occasions, transforming products from simple purchases into social, emotional, and lifestyle experiences.

These scenarios allow international buyers to identify not only what products are trending in China, but also how Chinese retailers are creating new ways to increase customer engagement, consumption frequency, and basket value.

Dedicated International Trading Services for Global Buyers

As South China's only international food exhibition focusing on global trade connections, SIAL Guangzhou continues to strengthen its support for international buyers.

The upgraded SIAL International Top Buyer Programme will connect qualified retailers, importers, wholesalers, distributors, and foodservice operators with targeted suppliers through:

• Pre-arranged business matchmaking
• Buyer hospitality services
• Dedicated sourcing support
• Access to verified export-ready exhibitors

In addition, SIAL Elite Hour, the exclusive global buyer networking reception, will bring together international buyers, exhibitors, industry leaders, and partners for high-value business connections.

To improve sourcing efficiency, SIAL Guangzhou 2026 will introduce enhanced exhibitor identification services, helping overseas buyers quickly locate suppliers with:

• Export qualifications
• Halal certification
• Clean-label products
• International market experience

These indicators will be displayed across exhibition maps, digital catalogues, and exhibitor booths, enabling faster and more accurate sourcing decisions.

Where Asia's Next Food Business Models Are Discovered

Beyond trade meetings, SIAL Guangzhou will showcase cross-occasion consumption innovations, demonstrating how products can unlock new retail opportunities across different consumer moments, from convenience stores and supermarkets to social gatherings and lifestyle experiences. SIAL Guangzhou 2026 will transform the exhibition floor into a live innovation ecosystem featuring:

• SIAL Innovation – Global food and beverage innovation competition showcasing breakthrough products.
• SIAL Snacking Awards – Celebrating creativity and innovation in the fast-growing snack sector.
• The 13th Chic & Tea Contest – Highlighting tea culture, beverage creativity, and new tea trends.
• SIAL Cup Barista Challenge – Showcasing coffee craftsmanship and professional skills.
• SIAL La Noodle Map – Exploring diverse noodle cultures from China and around the world.
• SIAL Coffee & Tea Market – Connecting specialty beverage suppliers with global buyers.
• SIAL Guangzhou Welcome Party – A new networking event welcoming international exhibitors, government representatives, and global buyers.

With more than 100,000 products showcased, SIAL Guangzhou provides buyers with not only sourcing opportunities but also inspiration for future retail concepts and consumer experiences.

As consumer expectations continue to evolve, winning food businesses are no longer defined only by products — but by their ability to create new experiences, occasions, and connections with consumers.

This September, SIAL Guangzhou invites global buyers to discover not only China's next food innovations, but also the new consumption scenarios shaping Asia's future food economy.

SIAL Guangzhou 2026
3–5 September 2026 | Guangzhou Poly World Trade Center Expo

Free ticket registration: https://dwz.cn/I3xC9VAY

Top buyer registration: https://www.sialchina.com/top-buyer-programme-gz

As one of the most successful Premier League clubs of the 21st century, Chelsea FC boasts a passionate global fan base. This pre-season tour marks the club's return to the Asia-Pacific region, with the Men's First Team set to play high-profile fixtures across Australia, Hong Kong (China), Indonesia and Malaysia. Chelsea FC will face Italian giants Juventus at Hong Kong's Kai Tak Stadium on 5 August before taking on Malaysian champions Johor Darul Ta'zim at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Johor Bahru on 9 August. The two fixtures provide an exciting platform for GAC and Chelsea FC to engage with football fans across the region.

As a Fortune Global 500 company, GAC has continued to accelerate its global expansion in recent years. Through collaborations with renowned football clubs, including Sydney FC (Australia), Deportivo Toluca (Mexico), Flamengo (Brazil), and Millonarios (Colombia), GAC has further enhanced its international brand influence.

This partnership is underpinned by GAC's growing presence in Hong Kong (China) and Malaysia. In Hong Kong, GAC ranked No.1 in the private electric vehicle market in April 2026, while its cumulative market share exceeded 10% during the first half of the year, further reinforcing its leadership in the city's new energy vehicle sector. Meanwhile, the GS3 EMZOOM and EMKOO, locally assembled in Malaysia through CKD production, have continued to gain strong market recognition among local consumers.

GAC stated that the speed, passion and team spirit embodied in football closely align with the brand's pursuit of driving excellence and its unwavering commitment to exceeding customer expectations. By partnering with a world-class football club like Chelsea FC, GAC aims to enhance its brand presence across the Asia-Pacific region and beyond, showcasing its innovation, quality and commitment to smarter mobility. Looking ahead, GAC will continue to strengthen its global footprint through innovation, quality and collaboration, creating greener, smarter and more sustainable mobility solutions for customers worldwide.

AI Agent Hosts: Co-Optimized with AMD

To address memory bottlenecks, KV cache expansion, and latency challenges in local LLM deployment, Longsys has partnered with AMD to integrate AIDIMM™ high-bandwidth memory, the iSA™ (Intelligent Storage Agent), and AISSD™. A live demo, jointly developed with SixUnion, showed a system running 70B-, 80B-, and 122B-parameter models smoothly using just 64GB of AIDIMM™ memory, with significantly lower memory usage and higher inference efficiency. Longsys also unveiled an AMD Ryzen™ AI Halo platform integrated with AISSD™ and iSA™, now AMD AVL-certified and ready for mass deployment.

AIDIMM™ delivers a native 256-bit interface, up to 307.2 GB/s peak bandwidth, and up to 128GB capacity per module, with a plug-and-play design suited for scaled manufacturing. iSA™, Longsys' proprietary scheduling engine, uses MoE offloading, tiered cache management, and predictive prefetching to dynamically balance memory and storage resources in real time.

AI PCs: Next-Generation SSD Innovations

Longsys' 5nm SPU™ (Storage Processing Unit) powers a DRAM-less PCIe Gen5 SSD achieving 14.8 GB/s sequential read and 13 GB/s write speeds — flagship-class performance at ≤6.3W, roughly 10% lower than comparable controllers. Built-in lossless compression (up to 2:1) expands usable capacity without impacting speed. Longsys' PCIe Gen5 mSSD reaches 11 GB/s read, 10 GB/s write, and 2200K/1800K IOPS. With flexible form factors (M.2 2230/2242/2280 and more) and manufacturing capacity exceeding one million units monthly, Longsys supplies various partners including Lenovo and ASUS.

AI Mobile: HLCache™ and AILPBGA™

Longsys' HLCache™ UFS technology intelligently offloads cold data from DRAM to storage. Tested on a Google Pixel 7a, a 4GB LPDDR5 device saw background app capacity rise 64% (17 to 28 apps) and DRAM usage drop 20% (3.1GB to 2.5GB) — performance approaching a native 6GB configuration, while supporting 13B–20B parameter models. AILPBGA™ complements this with a 256-bit, 307GB/s embedded memory solution in a compact 22×22mm package, purpose-built for space- and power-constrained devices.

Global Operations

Longsys operates a multi-brand strategy — including the consumer brand Lexar and South America manufacturing and operations center Zilia — supporting localized production, delivery, and technical support worldwide.

Looking ahead, Longsys will continue advancing its proprietary technologies and collaborating with global ecosystem partners to deliver efficient, scalable, and customized Edge AI storage solutions, accelerating the adoption of intelligent computing.

Product performance data is based on Longsys internal testing; actual results may vary.

The launch builds on VT Markets' Bold as Gold campaign, introduced in June 2026 to establish a new benchmark in gold trading. The introduction of XAUUSD247 is the next step under this overall campaign, built around the fact that gold markets move even when trading hours are closed.

"Gold doesn't stop moving just because the market is closed," said Dandelyn Koh, Head of Global Marketing at VT Markets. "We've seen how weekend developments, from geopolitical events to economic data releases, can shift gold prices before markets reopen on Monday. XAUUSD247 gives clients a way to stay positioned for opportunities while better managing gap risk through those moments."

XAUUSD247 supports 24/7 trading, including weekends, with a minimum trade size of just 1 ounce (oz), compared with the standard 100x contract size. Weekday spreads start from 15 points, while weekend spreads from 40 points, subject to market conditions, with $0 commission across all account types. In terms of capital allocation, XAUUSD247 is designed to help clients use capital more efficiently when managing hedged trades. With its single-sided margin model, clients holding both buy and sell positions are margined only on the larger side, helping reduce the margin required to maintain hedged exposure.

The product also gives clients greater control as their exposure grows. Tiered leverage gradually adjusts the maximum leverage available for larger open positions, while exposure limits help keep trading activity within defined thresholds.

XAUUSD247 is now available via the VT Markets App and MT5. Full specifications, including regional availability, applicable spreads, leverage, and exposure limits, can be found here: https://www.vtmarkets.com/precious-metals/xauusd247/

Warning: CFDs are complex financial instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Ensure you fully understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

The international expert panel's recommendations are expected to help inform how governments and international development organisations invest in workforce training and skills policies. The panel appointment comes at a time when countries across the world are accelerating investments in workforce reskilling and lifelong learning to remain competitive amid rapid technological change.

Drawing on and sorting through the global evidence, the expert panel will review what works in helping workers and societies adapt to AI, demographic shifts and evolving workforce needs, with its recommendations expected to inform international policy on skills development and employment.

Professor Chan is one of up to 22 experts selected from academia, public policy and professional practice worldwide to serve on the international advisory panel. He was invited to join the panel for his expertise in the social and behavioural sciences and background in evidence-based policymaking, particularly his leadership in research methods and work on how individuals adapt to changes at work.

The global expert panel is independent of but complements the World Bank Group's High-Level Advisory Council on Jobs co-chaired by Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and former Chile President Michelle Bachelet. Both the council on jobs and the expert panel on skills are initiatives operating in parallel under the World Bank Group, but they have distinct roles.

The global expert panel on skills will serve as the analytical and evidence-driven engine for intervention recommendations that directly feeds into the broader objectives of the advisory council on jobs. Similar to the advisory council on jobs, members of the global advisory panel on skills are appointed for an initial two-year term and may be renewed for subsequent terms.

Professor Chan, who has been the first Singaporean and first Asian to receive several prestigious international psychology awards recognising both his scientific achievements and their real-world impact, said:

"I'm humbled and honoured to be invited to serve on this global expert panel for a worthy cause. I hope we can help translate rigorous scientific evidence into practical solutions that enable countries to respond to rapid technological and economic change, particularly by helping people develop the skills and adaptability needed for the future of work."

On what he thinks of the significance of his international reputation and the appointment of a Singaporean to this important global initiative, he said:

"The significance is not only about one individual Singaporean. It is a timely reinforcement of how people with different expertise and background, as individuals and collectively as a team, can play important roles in contributing solutions to challenges and make real, meaningful impact in various ways. Of course, it is good that Singapore has a voice in these important international efforts. But ultimately, a reminder that we must never forget is, whether we are formally recognised or not, what matters is the positive and practical difference we can all help make to people's lives, locally or globally".

www.smu.edu.sg