For Indocopters, the leading specialist helicopter maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) organization in the Indian subcontinent, the installation marks a natural extension of its safety role. The company supports operators across the region, helping keep helicopters airworthy, available and mission-ready. With Loft Dynamics' simulator, Indocopters will also help prepare the pilots who fly them.

The installation also comes as Airbus Helicopters and Tata Advanced Systems begin producing the H125 in India at the country's first private-sector helicopter final assembly line in Vemagal, Karnataka. More than 80 H125 aircraft are already in service across India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the Maldives, and as more enter service, operators will need pilot training infrastructure that can scale with the fleet.

"The H125 is the backbone of multi-mission helicopter operations across the Indian subcontinent, supporting missions ranging from utility and corporate transport to emergency medical services, disaster response and high-altitude operations, often within the same fleet," said Ajay Shah, CEO of Indocopters Private Limited. "These demanding missions therefore require a very high level of pilot preparedness. The Loft Dynamics H125 flight training device will enable us to deliver realistic, safe and repeatable training for critical scenarios such as emergencies, adverse weather, confined-area landings and high-altitude operations. This project reinforces our commitment to enhancing pilot proficiency, improving flight safety and advancing helicopter training standards in the country."

"The next leap in aviation safety will not come only from better aircraft. It will come from giving pilots better ways to prepare," said Sebastien Borel, CEO of Loft Dynamics. "Advanced helicopter simulation has spent too much time out of reach — something pilots had to travel to, schedule around and use too rarely. That model does not match how operators fly today. Indocopters' investment shows where the industry is going: toward training that sits closer to the fleet, happens more often, reflects real missions and helps operators build readiness before the aircraft ever leaves the ground."

Indocopters will use the simulator for Airbus H125 family type-specific training, emergency procedures, safety training tailored to the region's topography and operating challenges, and selected basic training. The system is expected to support pilots across Indocopters, its affiliates — including Global Vectra Helicorp Limited, India's largest private helicopter company — and other operators across the region. It will be installed at Indocopters' headquarters in Greater Noida, near Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL), the main international airport serving New Delhi and the National Capital Region.

"The H125 plays a leading role in helicopter operations across India and South Asia, and its next growth chapter in the region depends on more than aircraft availability," said Sunny Guglani, Head of Airbus Helicopters, India and South Asia. "It depends on the ecosystem around the aircraft — maintenance, parts, training and pilot readiness. With the H125 final assembly line now operational in Vemagal, India is building more local capability around one of Airbus Helicopters' most successful aircraft. Indocopters' investment in Loft Dynamics' simulator adds an important training capability to that ecosystem and offers critical safety benefits by allowing pilots to safely rehearse high-risk or impractical flight scenarios. As a result, the simulator gives operators the ability to enhance flight safety in the region."

Indocopters' H125 TXi VR full-motion simulator will feature a six-degree-of-freedom motion system and an integrated glass cockpit. The system pairs full-motion simulation with a 360-degree 3D VR environment, force-feedback controls and a compact footprint, helping pilots practice normal operations, abnormal events, emergency procedures and mission-specific conditions in a controlled setting. Loft Dynamics' flight simulation training devices are much smaller than traditional full-flight simulators, making advanced training easier to place closer to operators and pilots.

The announcement comes as India's helicopter sector continues to build local aviation capacity, from aircraft operations and maintenance to training. Through Indocopters and Global Vectra Helicorp Limited, the Vectra Group combines large-scale flight operations with deep technical and maintenance capabilities across the region.

Learn more at LoftDynamics.com.

"As Quantinuum enters an exciting new chapter as a publicly listed company, we are pleased to welcome Robin and Rory to our leadership team," said Dr. Rajeeb Hazra, President and CEO of Quantinuum. "Both Robin and Rory are highly accomplished leaders who bring deep experience guiding technology companies through periods of transformation. Their proven track records of building high-performing organizations and world-class functions will provide an invaluable benefit to Quantinuum as we continue to scale our business and the commercialization of quantum computing accelerates."

Ms. Schulman joins Quantinuum with more than two decades of legal and executive leadership experience guiding high-growth technology companies through periods of rapid expansion, strategic transformation, and public company evolution, with a track record of translating strategy into execution and building the foundations for sustainable growth. Most recently, Ms. Schulman served as Chief Legal Officer and Head of Corporate Affairs at GitLab, where she spent nearly seven years leading the company's global legal, compliance, policy, competition, intellectual property, corporate development, sustainability and privacy strategy. Prior to that, she was the Chief Legal Officer at Couchbase and New Relic and held senior leadership positions at Adobe Inc.

"Quantinuum sits at a fascinating intersection of groundbreaking science and real-world commercial impact, and I could not be more excited to join the team at this important moment in the company's journey," said Robin Schulman, Chief Legal Officer and Company Secretary of Quantinuum. "I look forward to partnering with Raj, our Board, and the leadership team to build a durable foundation that supports Quantinuum's continued growth and long-term success."

O'Byrne brings more than 25 years of global human resources experience leading public and private equity-backed organizations across the technology, energy, mining, and industrial sectors. Most recently, O'Byrne served as Chief People Officer for Advanced Energy, where he led the company's human resources team during a period of integration, transformation, and operational expansion. Prior to that, he served as Chief Human Resources Officer for Jonah Energy LLC and Senior Vice President, Global Human Resources at MRC Global.

"I'm thrilled to be joining Quantinuum at such a pivotal moment for the company and for quantum computing more broadly," said Rory O'Byrne, Chief People Officer of Quantinuum. "Having spent my career helping organizations scale through periods of rapid growth, I'm excited to build the people, culture, and infrastructure that will support Quantinuum's next chapter as a public company. It's a rare opportunity to help shape an organization at the forefront of a technology that will define the coming decades."

For more information, please visit www.quantinuum.com

Frost & Sullivan evaluates companies through a rigorous benchmarking process across two core dimensions: strategy effectiveness and strategy execution. HSI Donesafe excelled in both, demonstrating its ability to align strategic initiatives with market demand while executing them with efficiency, consistency, and scale. "HSI Donesafe has redefined contractor management by embedding contractors into a unified, real-time risk intelligence ecosystem rather than treating compliance as a standalone process. Its no-code architecture, regulatory agility, and integrated approach to workforce risk, position the company at the forefront of the Pacific contractor management systems market," said Shaik Safik, Principal Consultant at Frost & Sullivan.

Guided by a long-term growth strategy focused on digital innovation, customer empowerment, and integrated risk management, HSI Donesafe has demonstrated its ability to adapt and lead in a rapidly evolving regulatory environment. The company's strategic agility and sustained investment in no-code technology, configurable workflows and compliance capabilities have enabled it to scale effectively across organizations of varying sizes throughout the Pacific region.

Innovation remains central to HSI Donesafe's approach. Its comprehensive contractor management capabilities are delivered through a modular, cloud-native platform that integrates contractor onboarding, permit management, hazard reporting, audits, investigations, and enterprise-wide risk oversight. By enabling organizations to rapidly configure workflows, forms, approvals, and business processes without traditional development cycles or vendor support, HSI Donesafe helps customers respond quickly to changing regulatory and operational requirements.

"This recognition reflects our commitment to making contractor management more simple, connected and easier to adapt, helping organisations improve safety and respond quickly to changing operational requirements. We're proud that our customers continue to shape the evolution of our platform, enabling us to deliver flexible solutions that grow alongside their businesses." said David Walton, Vice President Customer Experience APAC at HSI Donesafe.

HSI Donesafe's unwavering commitment to customer experience further strengthens its position in the market. Through a customer-led operating model, modular licensing, self-service configurability, and contractor-friendly user experiences, the company empowers organisations to configure and evolve their contractor management processes as their operational needs change, without relying on complex custom development. Combined with regional expertise, proactive customer success management, and extensive training resources, HSI Donesafe continues to deliver long-term value and sustainable adoption across diverse industries, including government, infrastructure, telecommunications, utilities, and services.

Frost & Sullivan commends HSI Donesafe for setting a high standard in technology innovation, execution, and market responsiveness. The company's vision, innovation pipeline, and customer-first culture are shaping the future of contractor management systems and accelerating the evolution of contractor compliance into real-time, intelligence-driven risk management.

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents the Enabling Technology Leadership Recognition to a company that demonstrates exceptional technological innovation and the successful development of solutions that enhance customer value and industry advancement. The recognition honors organizations that enable transformative business outcomes through pioneering technologies and sustained innovation excellence.

The launch introduces two undergraduate programmes:

• Bachelor of Science (Honours) Biomedical and Health Sciences
• Bachelor of Science (Honours) Biomedical and Health Sciences (Top-Up)

These programmes are supported by a comprehensive academic pathway beginning with Diploma and Higher Diploma in Biomedical Science, Healthcare and Social Care Management, giving students multiple entry routes and seamless progression towards a UK honours degree.

The launch comes at a time when Singapore continues to strengthen its position as a global biomedical and healthcare hub, creating increasing demand for skilled professionals in healthcare, life sciences, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.

"The establishment of the School of Health Sciences reflects LSBF's commitment to preparing graduates for one of the world's fastest-growing and most impactful industries," said Dr.Preethi Kesavan, Director of Studies, LSBF Singapore Campus. "Our programmes are designed to equip students with the scientific knowledge, practical competencies and industry relevance needed to contribute meaningfully to healthcare, biomedical innovation and life sciences across Singapore and the wider region."

A distinctive feature of the partnership is the delivery of a full UK curriculum that has been thoughtfully adapted for the needs of learners in Asia. While maintaining the academic standards and quality assurance of the University of Roehampton, the programmes have been structured with an accelerated study pathway, enabling eligible students to complete their honours degree in 24 months—allowing them to graduate sooner without compromising academic quality.

"The launch of our School of Health Sciences represents an important milestone in LSBF's growth strategy," said Sunil Gideon, Senior Vice President of Commercial, LSBF Global. "Through our partnership with the University of Roehampton, we are bringing globally recognised healthcare education to Singapore with programmes that are future-focused, industry-driven and accessible to learners across Asia."

Graduates will be well positioned for careers across healthcare services, biomedical research, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical diagnostics, public health, healthcare administration and related industries. The programmes also provide a strong academic foundation for postgraduate studies and continued professional development.

Applications for the 2026 intake will open soon.

The 24/5 range spans technology, energy, healthcare, finance, and industrials, covering Boeing, SpaceX, Mastercard, and Palo Alto Networks across themes including defence modernisation, cybersecurity, and aerospace innovation.

From 27 July 2026, the 24/7 stock CFD range addresses one of the most persistent constraints in equity trading: exchange schedules. Available from Monday through Sunday, 00:00–24:00 (GMT+3 platform time), it covers CFDs on AI and semiconductor leaders NVIDIA, Apple, Microsoft, and AMD; platform economy giants Meta, Alphabet, Amazon, and Palantir; financial anchors JPMorgan and Visa; and emerging-sector names including Tesla, Circle Internet Group, and AST SpaceMobile.

As market-moving events increasingly occur outside traditional trading hours, the ability to respond without restriction has become one of the most meaningful advantages a broker can offer. STARTRADER's commitment is structural: a product architecture built around the pace at which the world moves and the needs of clients across every time zone.

"Our clients follow markets across time zones, make decisions over weekends, and receive news at midnight. This launch is built around that reality, giving every client equal access, wherever they are and at any hour."
Peter Karsten, Chief Executive Officer, STARTRADER

With a growing global client base and a clear direction toward broader, deeper market access, STARTRADER is actively building the next phase of its product offering, one where the barriers between clients and the markets they want to trade continue to narrow.

Trading CFDs involves a significant risk of loss and may not be suitable for all investors. Please ensure you fully understand the risks before trading.

Trinasolar Vertex S+ G3 515W solar module installed on a residential rooftop in Melbourne

The Vertex S+ G3 delivers up to 515W output and 24.7% module efficiency within a standard rooftop module footprint of 1842mm x 1134mm. Built on Trinasolar's n-type i-TOPCon Ultra technology, the zero-gap, high-density cell layout increases efficiency while its low voltage design supports flexible string sizing.

Its dual-glass structure, low temperature coefficient of -0.26%/°C and mechanical load capacity of up to 5400 Pa for snow and 4000 Pa for wind, support long-term performance and durability in Australia's harsh climate. The modules are backed by a 25-year product warranty and 30-year power warranty.

Edison Zhou, Head of Australia, Trinasolar Asia Pacific said, "In Australia, smaller lots, higher density housing and more complex roof designs are increasing the need for modules that can maximise energy generation from limited rooftop space, while remaining practical for installers to handle. The Vertex S+ G3 was specifically designed in response to these needs."

As part of the product rollout, a field installation test was conducted in Melbourne and Adelaide to assess module handling, installation efficiency and string design in a real residential rooftop environment. Installer feedback was positive.

Trent Dorrington, Installer from Rogue Electrical & Data, said the module offered a practical way to achieve higher rooftop output without the handling challenges often associated with larger-format panels. "Panels rated above 500W are usually considerably larger and hard to swing around on roofs. At under two metres high and only 30mm thick, the module was easier to handle than I initially expected. Fitting 515W into a panel size comparable to a 475W module makes it a great product," he said.

"The ability to connect 18-20 panels on a string is significant. We can effectively halve the installation time and reduce our labour costs by avoiding the need to run as many cables onto the roof. The more efficient the installation, the more cost-effective the work is both for installer and customer."

The Vertex S+ G3 515W module will be available to Australian residential and C&I installers through Trinasolar's local distribution network.

Delivered in partnership with Deloitte, the solution is designed to support workers employed across a broad range of services which look after the wellbeing of individuals and communities across NSW, such as housing and homelessness support, mental health services, and family and domestic violence support. Work in the sector often involves short-term employment contracts, multiple employers, and career breaks, making it difficult to maintain the continuous service traditionally required for long service leave. The new application helps approximately 250,000 workers and their 2,400 employers more easily track and manage their accrued service, ensuring they can access the entitlements they have earned over time.

Since the launch of the Appian-powered Community Services Industry portal in April 2026, more than 5,800 service returns have been submitted by nearly 2,000 employers, representing an approximate 80% completion rate. In the same period, more than 180,000 workers have been nominated into the scheme, enabling them to begin accruing portable long service leave.

LSC has already received over $57 million in levy payments, with total collections projected to exceed $100 million by 1 September 2026, highlighting the scale and momentum of the scheme. These results demonstrate the platform's rapid impact in streamlining participation and delivering value to employers and workers. Lauren Nagel, Executive Director, LSC, said the application was designed to improve accessibility and reduce administrative complexity for both workers and employers.

"Workers and employers now have dedicated self-service portals and Long Service Corporation can also manage the scheme more efficiently and at scale," said Nagel. "Using the application, workers and employers can securely interact with LSC through their MyServiceNSW accounts, complete identity verification, receive digital notifications, and manage service return payments online."

The end-to-end application incorporates multiple NSW Government shared services to provide a streamlined and consistent customer experience. It also enables LSC to reduce manual administration through improved worker matching, guided self-service functionality and greater visibility across employer-worker relationships.

Kal Marshall, Area Vice President for Australia and New Zealand at Appian, said LSC has demonstrated how government agencies can modernise essential community services while improving access for workers.

"Long Service Corporation's use case highlights how technology can help simplify highly complex administrative processes while improving outcomes for the people who rely on them most," said Marshall. "For many community services workers, long service leave is a meaningful benefit that can be difficult to access under traditional employment models. By building a streamlined and scalable digital experience, Long Service Corporation is helping ensure workers can more easily receive the entitlements they have earned."

Deloitte worked closely with LSC to align legislative requirements, operational processes and technical delivery throughout the project.

LSC also uses Appian Process HQ to monitor adoption, compliance and operational performance across the scheme, with future phases expected to include additional case management functionality.

Adam Karasiewicz, Partner, Deloitte, said the project combined legislative expertise with rapid technology delivery to support the rollout of the new scheme within tight timeframes.

"Portable long service leave schemes are highly specialised and require strong alignment between legislation, policy and operational delivery," said Karasiewicz. "By combining Deloitte's workplace integrity and policy expertise with Appian's platform capabilities, we were able to help LSC deliver a secure, accessible and scalable solution quickly."

NSW: https://www.nsw.gov.au/
Deloitte: www.deloitte.com.

"We delivered another quarter of solid execution while making meaningful progress on our growth strategy," said John Rim, President and CEO of Samsung Biologics. "Our continued investments in global operations and future capabilities are strengthening the foundation of our business and preparing us for the next phase of industry growth. As the biopharmaceutical landscape evolves, we remain committed to providing the scale, flexibility, and expertise our clients need to bring next-generation therapies to patients."

Financial Highlights

Samsung Biologics reported revenue of KRW 1,321 billion and operating profit of KRW 586 billion for the second quarter of 2026. Performance during the quarter reflected stable manufacturing operations across Plants 1 through 4 and disciplined execution across ongoing client programs. The company posted revenue of KRW 2,578 billion and operating profit of KRW 1,167 billion for the first half of 2026.

Cumulative contract value reached USD 21.6 billion, reflecting sustained demand from global clients for the company's integrated development and manufacturing services.

[Consolidated earnings for CDMO business, KRW billion]

Business Updates and 2026 Outlook

Alongside stable business performance, Samsung Biologics made further progress on initiatives supporting its long-term growth strategy.

Following the acquisition of its Rockville manufacturing facility in Maryland, U.S. earlier this year, the company continued to integrate the site into its global manufacturing network while maintaining ongoing commercial manufacturing operations. Plant 5 remained on track for its planned ramp-up, with Process Performance Qualification (PPQ) activities gaining momentum during the quarter. Together, these milestones further expand Samsung Biologics' manufacturing network and reinforce its readiness to support future client programs.

Samsung Biologics also broadened its global presence through the opening of its Netherlands sales office in the third quarter of 2026, enhancing client proximity while strengthening regional support across Europe.

The company continued efforts to foster innovation across the biopharmaceutical ecosystem through the Life Science Fund, created jointly by Samsung Biologics, Samsung Bioepis, and Samsung C&T, and managed by Samsung Venture Investment. In May, the fund invested in Cartography Biosciences to support global collaboration in genomics-based antigen discovery and oncology drug development, and the following month, an additional investment worth KRW 200 billion was made to create the third Life Science Fund.

Samsung Biologics also plans to further advance its proprietary platform technologies to strengthen its core CDMO capabilities and expand expertise across diverse modalities, supporting changing industry needs and future innovation.

On the sustainability front, Samsung Biologics was included in the Dow Jones Best-in-Class Indices for the fifth consecutive year, a recognition of the company's ongoing commitment to responsible business practices. During the quarter, the company also published its annual ESG report, further strengthening transparency and stakeholder engagement.

Samsung Biologics remains on track to achieve the upper end of its previously announced 2026 guidance. Looking ahead, the company will continue executing its expansion strategy through ongoing investments in its manufacturing network, global operations and future capabilities. The recently announced all-cash public tender offer to acquire PolyPeptide Group, which is expected to be completed toward the end of 2026, represents another strategic step toward broadening the company's portfolio into peptide therapeutics, expanding its global network, and reinforcing operational resilience in the face of evolving market demand.

For more details on performance and financials, please refer to the Earnings Release.

For more information, visit https://samsungbiologics.com/.

The facility will include a large-scale ammonia plant and two parallel ultra-low energy (ULE) urea trains, each with its own granulation unit, with a combined capacity of 6,000 metric tons per day (2.1 million tons per year), making it the largest urea plant in Latin America by production. It will occupy an 80-hectare site within the Bahía Blanca Industrial Complex, in the Buenos Aires Province. The location is adjacent to Pampa's existing power generation assets, benefiting from direct access to key infrastructure, including gas pipelines, high-voltage transmission lines, water intake systems, and a deep-water export port, enabling efficient logistics.

Tecnimont's scope of work includes engineering, procurement, commissioning, and start-up activities. Nextchem has been selected as technology provider, leveraging Stamicarbon's market-leading urea melt and granulation licensing technologies and Process Design Package (PDP), as well as associated proprietary equipment, and the supply of the primary reformer for syngas production by KT Tech. KBR will provide ammonia technology.

The total value is approximately €1.3 billion, of which €140 million related to Nextchem's technology package[1].

Overall execution of the project will involve SACDE S.A., a leading Argentinean company, for the construction. Completion is expected in 41 months.

The initiative is expected to generate socio-economic benefits in the Province of Buenos Aires, supporting local employment and contributing to the growth of the fertilizer supply chain, with positive spillovers for Argentina's role in regional markets. In particular, at peak construction, the project is expected to create more than 3,500 direct jobs, in addition to a significant number of indirect jobs throughout the supply chain.

Alessandro Bernini, CEO of MAIRE, commented: "This award marks our entry in Argentina, further diversifying our geographical footprint, and highlights our ability to integrate Tecnimont's recognized project execution capabilities alongside Nextchem's technology portfolio to deliver large-scale industrial projects worldwide. We are proud to contribute to the development of this strategic fertilizer complex in the region, which will support the monetization of natural gas reserves in the domestic downstream sector, and also strengthen the country's fertilizer production."

[1] Awarded in Q2 2026.

During the panel discussion, Thammasak noted that geopolitical uncertainty continues to reshape global supply chains and energy markets, directly affecting production costs and industrial competitiveness. He stressed that the transition to clean energy should be viewed not only as a sustainability agenda but also as a strategic approach to strengthening economic resilience and long-term competitiveness.

He highlighted ASEAN's strong potential to lead the energy transition, supported by abundant renewable resources, including solar, wind, and bioenergy. Unlocking this potential, however, requires closer collaboration between governments and businesses to accelerate energy infrastructure, enable investment, and create an ecosystem that supports innovation and low-carbon industries.

Thammasak also underscored the importance of investing in innovation, Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, and low-carbon technologies to improve productivity, optimize energy use, and enhance industrial competitiveness across the region.

Drawing on SCG's experience, he cited low-carbon cement as an example of how sustainability can create business value. When green products deliver comparable quality and competitive pricing, customers are more willing to adopt them, accelerating the transition toward a low-carbon economy.

"The transition toward a low-carbon society can become a reality only when sustainability is not an option for a few, but an opportunity that all sectors can access and benefit from together."

This vision reflects SCG's Business Purpose, Inclusive Green Growth, which integrates economic growth, environmental responsibility, and social well-being through innovation and collaboration, creating shared value and supporting a more sustainable future for ASEAN.

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

• Optical frames
• Sunglasses
• Optical and related inventory

Interested parties are invited to obtain detailed inventory listings and tender documentation and submit offers in accordance with the tender sale process.

This opportunity may be of interest to companies seeking to expand their product offerings, replenish inventory, or secure eyewear stock for regional and international markets.

For enquiries, inventory listings, and tender documents, please contact:

Robert Khan & Co Pte Ltd
Tel: +65 6333 5668
WhatsApp: +65 8223 0954 ; WeChatID: RobertKhanCo
Email: tender@robertkhanco.com ; Website: robertkhanco.com

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

• rapid growth of the Company's principal businesses;
• a substantial improvement in sales expenses as a percentage of revenue compared with the same period last year, resulting in a healthier cost structure; and
• a sharp year-on-year increase in net other income and gains, mainly due to an increase in the fair value of the Company's investment projects.

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.

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

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

Whereas steel structures were once regarded primarily as a technical solution during construction, they have now evolved into a key element of the overall design process, influencing spatial planning, structural systems, and project execution strategies from the earliest stages.

In response to this trend, BMB Steel – a global steel structure contractor serving industrial, commercial and infrastructure projects – goes beyond providing steel structure solutions by working alongside project owners and design consultants from the outset of a project.

Na Duong II Thermal Power Plant Project

Early coordination among architectural, structural, and construction teams helps optimise space utilisation, shorten project schedules, and reduce design changes during construction.

Drawing on extensive experience delivering large-scale industrial and infrastructure projects, BMB Steel provides effective structural solutions that meet the demands of faster project delivery, future expansion, and long-term operational performance.

Several projects undertaken by BMB Steel, particularly in the heavy industrial sector, reflect the evolving approach to collaboration among project stakeholders.

At the Na Duong II Thermal Power Plant in northern mountainous province of Lang Son, BMB Steel delivered approximately 3,800 tonnes of structural steel for the turbine building, coal storage facility, and auxiliary structures across a 7.4-hectare site.

The project required close coordination between design, fabrication, and construction to ensure seamless execution and overall schedule alignment. As a large-scale industrial facility, it required a high level of precision, as even minor deviations during design or construction could affect the entire project's progress.

Building on its involvement in large-scale energy projects, BMB Steel also delivered approximately 5,000 tonnes of structural steel for the Quang Trach I Thermal Power Plant in Quang Binh province.

The project involved a substantial structural steel scope and required rigorous quality control throughout every stage, from fabrication to erection, while ensuring the timely delivery of one of Vietnam's key national energy infrastructure projects.

Alongside its project delivery capabilities, BMB Steel has developed an integrated approach that combines design, fabrication, and construction.

Steel components are fabricated at the company's manufacturing facilities under a standardised quality control process before being delivered to the construction site.

This approach helps minimise discrepancies between design and on-site execution while improving schedule control for large-scale projects.

BMB Steel’s steel structure fabrication plant with integrated quality control

The demanding schedules of today's industrial and infrastructure developments are also raising expectations for steel structure contractors.

Their role now extends beyond construction alone, with companies such as BMB Steel becoming increasingly involved in optimising technical solutions from the earliest stages of a project, particularly for complex developments where efficient coordination and technical expertise are essential to successful project delivery.

Overall, the evolving approach to industrial and infrastructure development is increasingly blurring the boundaries between design and construction.

In this context, structural steel is no longer viewed solely as a technical solution during the construction phase but has become an integral part of project planning from the earliest stages of development.

Practical experience gained from projects such as the Na Duong II Thermal Power Plant and the Quang Trach I Thermal Power Plant highlights BMB Steel's increasingly important role in the modern construction value chain, particularly in delivering large-scale industrial and infrastructure projects.

Minh Cuong mct JSC A steel structure and construction pioneer that builds in trust As a pioneer in Vietnamese pre-engineered steel building and industrial construction for 25 years, Minh Cuong Mechanics-Construction-Trading JSC is a prestigious high-tech provider of steel structure solutions for both foreign and local partners at home and abroad.

THACO raises the bar for steel industry THACO Industries has significantly intensified its investment in steel structures and Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems, aiming to become the top general contractor in Vietnam.

ATAD Steel Structure Corporation honoured at Manufacturing Asia Awards ATAD Steel Structure Corporation was named the winner of the Vietnam Excellence Award – Steel at the Manufacturing Asia Awards 2025 on November 18 at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore.

Notably, manufacturing remained the primary recipient of foreign investment, accounting for nearly 63 per cent of total newly registered FDI, the report said. The sector also generates the strongest demand for industrial land and integrated logistics infrastructure.

Similarly, analysis by VNDirect Securities noted that the outlook for Vietnam’s industrial real estate sector is becoming increasingly positive as foreign investors resume medium- and long-term supply chain restructuring plans.

It said that the country’s continued investment in transport, logistics, and energy infrastructure, together with ongoing institutional reforms to remove regulatory impediments, will provide a solid foundation for attracting high-quality FDI.

“As Vietnam’s industrial real estate market enters a new growth cycle, the ability to develop eco-IPs that meet environmental standards, alongside infrastructure quality and the capacity to attract high-tech manufacturing projects, will become the key factors determining each developer’s competitive advantage. These trends are also expected to drive an increasingly clear differentiation among developers in the years ahead,” the VNDirect report stated.

The ongoing restructuring of global supply chains is creating significant opportunities for developers with large industrial land banks. In particular, those capable of developing green, smart IPs that comply with environmental, social, and governance standards are expected to gain a decisive competitive edge.

According to CBRE Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City’s industrial market is also witnessing a shift in the composition of FDI inflows. Investment is gradually moving away from traditional labour-intensive manufacturing towards core technology sectors, particularly AI and digital infrastructure.

CBRE data for the first half reveals continued demand recovery within the industrial real estate sector. Total industrial land net absorption reached 124 hectares, representing a robust 125 per cent on-year increase. The southern tier-1 hubs of former Binh Duong province and Dong Nai city captured 83 per cent of this total absorbed area, with demand primarily fuelled by the electronics and logistics sectors.

Beyond absorption growth, the market also recorded a strategic pivot in FDI inflows into Ho Chi Minh City, characterised by a reallocation of capital from traditional manufacturing towards core technologies. The rising investment commitment to AI and digital infrastructure is distinctly evidenced by two landmark data centre projects in Saigon High-Tech Park worth over $500 million and $480 million respectively, both from Singapore. These investments reinforce the ongoing supply chain restructuring towards high-value-added industries in the southern region.

In the ready-built warehouse and ready-built factory segment, southern tier-1 markets recorded approximately 470,000sq.m of net leasable area in new supply during the first half. This met with healthy net absorption of over 370,000sq.m.

Demand for ready-built warehouses continued to be driven by logistics and e-commerce companies, while electronics manufacturers remained the key tenant group for ready-built factories.

A notable transaction in the second quarter of 2026 involved the development of an automated sorting centre of more than 60,000sq.m at Nam Thuan IP from an international logistics and e-commerce company.

Although the project is not included in the total absorption figures for the traditional ready-built warehouse and factory segment, it highlights how the built-to-suit model is becoming an increasingly appealing option for large-scale logistics facilities due to its ability to meet specialised technical requirements.

Thanh Pham, research and consulting director in Ho Chi Minh City at CBRE Vietnam, commented that there is a high volume of new industrial real estate supply, particularly in the ready-built factory segment.

“This is driven by its capacity to offer flexibility in leasable areas and lease terms, whilst optimising capital expenditure and shortening the time-to-market for tenants,” Pham said. “This trend also reflects the strategy of in IP developers to diversify their product portfolios, thereby enhancing their appeal to a broader tenant base. Against the backdrop of mounting supply, warehousing/factory asking rents are projected to experience modest growth of 2-3 per cent per annum as a result of competitive pricing pressures.”

She added that long-term strategic growth catalysts will be led by the progress of key transport infrastructure projects and the planned establishment of free trade zones.

“These flagship infrastructure initiatives are anticipated to reshape the industrial landscape across emerging key clusters, most notably the vicinity of Long Thanh International Airport and the economic corridors along ring roads 3 and 4,” she added.

Pham Binh An, deputy director Ho Chi Minh City Institute for Development Studies

Following the administrative merger last year involving Ho Chi Minh City, the number of operational industrial complexes has risen to nearly 60, and this could exceed 100, covering a combined area of around 50,000 hectares. The city’s development priority is no longer expanding industrial land or increasing occupancy rates but enhancing value-added production and accelerating the green transition.

This has become increasingly urgent as the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism came into effect for carbon-intensive sectors in January, requiring businesses to reduce emissions or face additional carbon costs.

Ho Chi Minh City is pursuing IP transformation at both the national and local levels. Hiep Phuoc IP is one of five pilot eco-IPs under the national programme, while the city is piloting the transformation of five out of its 17 existing areas into high-tech, circular, and green zones. Models such as Phu My 3 Specialised IP and an eco-IP in Binh Duong have already demonstrated encouraging results.

On the policy front, the city now places greater emphasis on supporting high-tech industries and the green transition. However, given fiscal constraints, support is being provided selectively, primarily through preferential financing and interest rate subsidies. Financial assistance is capped at around $7.6 million per project, which remains modest relative to the investment required for technological upgrading and green transformation.

Hardy Diec, COO, KCN Vietnam

From our experience working with manufacturing investors, sustainability has become an increasingly important consideration in site selection and investment decisions. Green development is rapidly becoming a key competitive advantage for both IPs and manufacturers.

As environmental, social, and governance and carbon reduction requirements become more deeply embedded in global supply chains, locating operations in eco-IPs or choosing green certified factories, warehouses enables companies to meet international customer expectations more effectively and operate more efficiently.

In addition, our ready-built projects at DEEP C Haiphong and Nhon Trach 6D, which have achieved LEED Gold certification, the company’s upcoming projects are being designed and constructed in line with green building standards to optimise energy and resource efficiency throughout their operational lifecycle.

At the same time, our roadmap includes integrating renewable energy solutions, such as solar panel, or installing electric vehicle charging facilities, and provide additional services that will help tenants achieve their objectives.

However, developing green industrial spaces is a long-term undertaking that requires collaboration across multiple stakeholders. Beyond developers’ efforts, wider adoption of clean energy, integrated infrastructure, circular economy initiatives, and supportive policy frameworks will all be essential.

According to Minister of Finance Ngo Van Tuan, the draft law introduces a ban on trading nitrous oxide for human inhalation.

“Outside medical purposes, it also replaces the List of Conditional Business Lines under the 2025 Law on Investment, building on the list set out in Government Resolution No.6617 dated May 15, which removes 56 conditional business lines and revises the scope of 14 others compared with the 2025 Law on Investment,” Minister Tuan said.

The government is ramping up efforts to support business development

Based on proposals from the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the revised list further eliminates two conditional business lines: ‘the trading of goods and activities directly related to the trading of goods by foreign service providers in Vietnam’ and ‘petroleum activities.’

Presenting the verification body's assessment, Chairman of the National Assembly's (NA) Committee for Economic and Financial Affairs Phan Van Mai noted that although the bill was drafted under the expedited legislative procedure, its amendments would have a broad impact on citizens, businesses and the investment and business environment.

“The draft law should include policy impact assessments commensurate with the proposed reforms, fully compile and explain comments from affected stakeholders, and undergo a thorough review to ensure consistency across the legal system,” he said. “It is essential to ensure that the reduction of business conditions is genuine, while avoiding any weakening of necessary regulatory safeguards or creating new risks that would be difficult to address in practice.”

Providing further clarification after comments from the NA Standing Committee, Minister Tuan revealed that conditional business requirements should be concentrated only in sectors affecting national security, defence, public health, ethics and the environment. Where sector-specific laws already establish sufficient technical standards and operational requirements, there is no need to impose additional business conditions, he noted.

“For example, in the clean water sector, the Ministry of Construction should issue technical standards defining what constitutes clean water so that projects meet the requirements for operation and commissioning without posing risks to public health,” Minister Tuan said.

Also drafted by the Ministry of Finance, the proposed amendments to the Law on Customs received strong support from the NA Standing Committee.

According to the government's submission, the amendments focus on reducing and simplifying administrative procedures while advancing digital customs.

They replace the requirement for ‘electronic documents’ in customs dossiers with ‘electronic data messages’ to facilitate the operation of digital customs.

The draft law also abolishes licensing requirements for customs brokerage agents and customs brokerage employees.

In addition, the draft reduces reporting obligations for businesses while expanding the application of IT in customs administration.

NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man said the amendments to the Law on Customs should go beyond revising procedures and instead transform the management mindset.

“This amendment is not simply about changing procedures. It must shift customs management from pre-clearance inspection to risk management, from document management to data management, and from administrative control to facilitating development,” he said. “With taxation and customs today, encouraging voluntary compliance is the single most important priority.”

Minister Tuan added that the drafting process had been built on a data-driven approach, with risk management serving as the core management method, while establishing the legal foundation for applying advanced technologies such as AI, big data and other emerging technologies throughout customs administration.

NA Vice Chairman Nguyen Khac Dinh said after incorporating the comments of the NA Standing Committee the draft law was ready to be submitted to the National Assembly for consideration and approval at the NA’s first extraordinary session to be held in early August.

Business support packages in the frame for maximum impact With many businesses becoming gradually exhausted and in critical need of state support, many National Assembly members have asked the government to apply feasible solutions to lift them out of woes. What will the government do to continue assisting them in the time to come?

Hanoi vows to deliver efficient business support Chu Ngoc Anh, Chairman of Hanoi People’s Committee has promised support for businesses at a recent meeting hosted by Hanoi Promotion Agency (HPA) along with relevant sectors and departments to support businesses to steer through COVID-19.

Legal streamlining required for business support package While businesses are thirsty for capital, removing legal obstacles is now essential to enable the confidence of businesses, commercial banks, and local authorities to unlock resources for growth and production.

No year-end easing of focus on business support and stability Vietnam’s year-end direction is focused on maintaining stability in both interest rates and exchange rates while implementing capital support measures for businesses.

VIB Up: a subscription-based model

VIB Up is a financial upgrade solution built on a subscription-based model, enabling customers to select benefit packages that best fit their financial goals, from savings and lending to card spending. For deposits, VIB Up is designed with three packages, namely Plus, Pro, and Elite, corresponding to three different asset levels and three different needs.

Each VIB Up deposit package boasts an exclusive preferential interest rate for the one-month i-1Depo deposit product, along with a corresponding preferential limit based on each membership level.

The Plus package is suitable for customers with an average payment account balance of at least VND100 million ($3,846). It offers additional i-1Depo deposit interest rate of up to 1.1 per cent per annum, applicable to a maximum balance of VND500 million. Customers are in the stable accumulation phase, so they want to optimise the short-term deposits rather than letting money sit idle at the prevailing interest rate.

The Pro package is tailored to customers with an average payment account balance of at least VND200 million. It provides an i-1Depo preferential limit of up to VND1 billion, together with an additional interest rate of up to 1.5 per cent per annum. Customers are typically small business owners or individuals with regular cash flows. They are keen on priority experience as part of added value, not just the interest rate.

The Elite package caters to customers with an average payment account balance of at least VND300 million. It offers the highest i-1Depo preferential limit of up to VND1.5 billion, plus an additional interest rate of 2 per cent per annum. Customers are those who have a large amount of idle funds while waiting for investment decisions or simply yet to find suitable investment channels in the short time.

These individuals have a significant amount of temporarily idle funds while awaiting decisions or simply haven't found a suitable short-term investment channel. For this group, priority privileges and airport lounge access are not merely conveniences, but part of the value that matches the scale of their assets.

Membership privileges

Besides preferential interest rates, each VIB Up deposit package also comes with practical benefits for daily financial life. Customers of the Pro and Elite packages can enjoy trial priority membership privileges, including access to airport lounges four times.

All three packages offer discounts on selected account opening fees, with discounts progressively increasing with each package level, from VND10 million for the Plus package to VND30 million for the Elite package. Also, customers can receive cashback of the Max Card membership fee for up to 3 months, corresponding to the membership tier of each Max Card credit card package.

These benefits set VIB Up apart from simply depositing money and earning returns. The total value delivered by each package far exceeds the membership fees paid by customers.

With its subscription-based model, VIB Up provides an optimal way to manage idle funds that are not immediately needed: customers no longer have to choose between liquidity and interest rates but can upgrade their financial status according to their needs. The three packages, Plus, Pro, and Elite, allow customers to choose the right level of benefits to suit their asset size and financial goals.

Learn more and register for the suitable VIB Up package here.

VIB targets $444 million profit and completion of Basel III approach Vietnam International Commercial Joint Stock Bank announced its 2026 AGM materials, setting a profit target of $444.2 million, proposing a dividend of nearly 19 per cent, and completing Basel III under the standardised approach.

VIB launches subscription-based Max Card On March 30, Vietnam International Bank (VIB) launched Max Card on the Max app.

VIB approves dividend of nearly 19 per cent On April 8, VIB held its AGM in Ho Chi Minh City, approving a dividend of nearly 19 per cent, including cash dividends and bonus shares, along with a pre-tax profit target of VND11.55 trillion ($444.23 million) for 2026.

Under the agreement, Sun PhuQuoc Airways will deploy the SmartKargo platform as the foundation of its cargo management operations, enabling the airline to build a modern, scalable, and fully digitised cargo business.

The partnership reflects Sun PhuQuoc Airways’ strategic intent to establish cargo as a key pillar of its commercial growth, backed by technology that is purpose-built for the demands of the modern air freight industry. SmartKargo’s platform will equip the airline with end-to-end cargo capabilities, delivered through a single, unified cloud architecture.

As Sun PhuQuoc Airways continues to expand its international network and strengthen Phu Quoc's role as a new aviation gateway in the region, cargo will become an increasingly important contributor to network efficiency, commercial growth and long-term operational competitiveness.

The airline's introduction of Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft from September 2026 will significantly increase cargo capacity across its international routes – making the deployment of a robust, scalable cargo management platform a strategic priority at this stage of growth. The deployment of SmartKargo also represents another milestone in the airline's broader digital transformation journey, supporting its ambition to become a 5-star international airline.

Vietnam’s air cargo sector is experiencing accelerating growth, underpinned by the country’s booming export economy, rapid e-commerce adoption, and its emergence as a strategic manufacturing and logistics hub in Southeast Asia. By anchoring its cargo operations on the SmartKargo platform from inception, Sun PhuQuoc Airways is positioning itself to capture this momentum with the agility, operational precision, and commercial intelligence that the market demands.

Truong Ngo Quoc, chief information officer of Sun PhuQuoc Airways, said, “We are building Sun PhuQuoc Airways’ cargo business with a clear mandate: to be technology-led, commercially agile, and ready to scale. After a rigorous evaluation, SmartKargo stood out as the partner that could not only meet our requirements today but grow with us as our network and ambitions expand. Their platform gives us the digital infrastructure to compete on a regional and global stage, and we look forward to bringing a new standard of cargo excellence to Vietnam’s aviation market.”

Olivier Houri, chief revenue officer of SmartKargo, said, “Southeast Asia represents one of the most dynamic and high-potential air cargo markets in the world, and Vietnam sits at the very heart of that opportunity. We are proud to partner with Sun PhuQuoc Airways as they chart an ambitious course for their cargo business."

"This agreement is a testament to our shared belief that technology is the most powerful lever for building a cargo operation that is both commercially competitive and operationally excellent. We are committed to being the platform that powers their success.”

Sun PhuQuoc Airways secures AJW Group support for fleet operations Sun PhuQuoc Airways has secured a long-term maintenance and spare parts support agreement with AJW Group to support fleet operations and expansion plans.

Airlines take defensive stance as fuel and FX risks loom Despite robust growth in passenger demand, local airlines are entering the second half of 2026 with cautious business plans, prioritising financial resilience as fuel costs, exchange rate risks and intensifying competition continue to squeeze profitability.

Sun PhuQuoc Airways announces deal for Boeing 787 Dreamliners Sun PhuQuoc Airways has ordered up to 40 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, positioning the widebody jets as the backbone of its long-haul fleet.

This major tactical realignment sweeps through the global auto industry as BEV growth cools. In its 2026 outlook, the International Energy Agency (IEA) highlights this shift, noting that manufacturers are actively prioritizing hybrids. In response, a massive surge in hybrid demand is redefining key regions: in the United States, hybrids neared 20% of new vehicle sales volume by late 2025 according to CNBC, while in Europe, they captured a 24% market share based on International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) data. Concurrently, the Asia-Pacific region asserted its market dominance, capturing 51.67% of the global hybrid vehicle market value across all segments, including mild, full, and plug-in hybrids. The multi-regional momentum is propelling the global hybrid vehicle market from USD 335.21 billion in 2026 to USD 570.78 billion by 2034.

This market shift has profoundly altered battery requirements. Next-generation hybrids demand an unprecedented synergy of sustained energy and explosive power—a profile Molicel delivers by breaking the traditional trade-off between power and density. With a 900W peak power duration of 5 seconds, the INR-21700-P70X enables immediate current delivery during sudden overtaking maneuvers and instant power absorption during heavy regenerative braking. Furthermore, the cell achieves an unprecedented power switching time of under 200 microseconds when ramping up to high-power output. This response speed effectively mirrors a supercapacitor, allowing the vehicle to seamlessly handle high-frequency power pulses without power fading.

"The global automotive landscape is undergoing a profound diversification, where the demand for immediate, high-frequency burst power has become paramount," said Casey Shiue, President of Molicel. "Our next-generation PX series isn't just an evolutionary upgrade; by blending supercapacitor-like responsiveness with the high energy density of lithium-ion, we are redefining what hybrid powertrains can achieve in terms of raw power, safety, and lifespan."

By passing the ultra-stringent UL9540A thermal runaway evaluation—the definitive international safety benchmark for energy storage systems and critical power infrastructure—Molicel sets a new safety benchmark. Through advanced single-crystal technology, the cell slashes exothermal heat release by nearly 50% compared to conventional poly-crystal materials. Crucially, during brutal abuse testing, instead of triggering a simultaneous, catastrophic blowout, Molicel's cells merely smoke, significantly delaying and isolating thermal spread. This tactical containment delivers a premier level of defense valued not only by mission-critical data center BBUs, but now serving as an unprecedented safety guarantee for automakers designing next-generation HEVs.

Furthermore, unlike BEVs that undergo deep daily cycles, hybrids subject batteries to hundreds of thousands of rapid, shallow fluctuations. In testing mimicking this environment under a supercapacitor profile, Molicel's PX series retained an astonishing 96% capacity after 1,000,000 cycles(+10C for 10s / -2C for 110s, cut-off temp. 83°C). This extreme durability ensures the battery powertrain outlives the vehicle itself, eliminating automaker warranty anxieties.

By combining conventional lithium-ion energy density with the microsecond responsiveness, low heat, and million-cycle life of a supercapacitor under high-rate pulse conditions, Molicel stands as the premier technology enabler for the global hybrid transition.

The addition makes FLIN what it calls Indonesia's first credit wellness platform, a single company that can support a borrower through every stage of a debt problem. To date, it has helped more than 800 Indonesians become debt-free.

What Is a Credit Wellness Platform?

FLIN describes credit wellness as covering every part of a debt problem, from the first sign of trouble to a full resolution, all in one place. Rather than approaching one party to arrange a loan and another to handle their debt, a borrower can rely on FLIN to arrange both in one place and escape the debt treadmill.

Understanding Indonesia's Growing Debt Burden

The need for end-to-end debt support is becoming increasingly urgent as household debt in Indonesia continues to rise. Outstanding peer-to-peer (P2P) lending reached Rp 100.69 trillion by February 2026, up 25.75% year-on-year, while Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) balances tracked by Pefindo Biro Kredit surged 86.7% over the same period to Rp 56.3 trillion, according to OJK data reported by Detik Finance.

Behind these figures is a broader economic shift. INDEF Senior Economist Tauhid Ahmad has observed that much of this borrowing is increasingly used to cover everyday living expenses. Among lower-income households, many are taking on new loans instead of relying on savings, creating a cycle where debt becomes a means of meeting daily needs rather than building long-term financial stability.

For many borrowers, this marks the beginning of a debt treadmill. New loans are taken to repay existing ones, monthly obligations continue to grow, and persistent calls from debt collectors add further financial and emotional pressure. At that stage, another loan alone is often no longer enough. Borrowers need structured solutions such as debt consolidation, debt mediation, and financial guidance to regain control of their finances.

FLIN's Solution: Credit Wellness, Not Just Credit

This is the world FLIN steps into: a place where borrowers address the full arc of their debt problem, from diagnosis, to consolidation, to mediation, rather than simply take on another loan. It is built for salaried people already deep in a debt trap who still want a way out.

Through OJK-licensed lending partners, FLIN helps borrowers combine existing debts (pinjol, credit cards, paylater, KTA) into one fixed monthly payment, either unsecured or secured via Dana Talangan program. Under the secured option, a pledged asset opens access to a lower rate, longer tenor, or larger amount. Through Mediasi Utang, for debt too large to consolidate, FLIN negotiates directly with creditors to ease the borrower's burden.

How FLIN's Model Works in Practice

Every borrower begins with a structured financial health assessment, one-on-one financial consultation, and cash-flow analysis. This allows FLIN to recommend the most appropriate solution, whether debt consolidation or debt mediation, based on the borrower's financial capacity.

For Dana Talangan programs, FLIN works with OJK-licensed lending partners. These partners transfer the funds directly to creditors rather than to borrowers, so every rupiah goes toward settling the debt it was intended for. The entire process takes place within a regulated financial ecosystem.

"Many Indonesians don't need another loan. They need a realistic way to recover from debt," said Aniruddha Newaskar, Credit Manager and Founding Member at FLIN. "Credit wellness means understanding a borrower's complete financial situation before recommending consolidation, mediation, or another recovery path. Our goal is to help people regain financial stability, not simply postpone the problem."

Future Inclusivity for Credit Wellness in Indonesia

FLIN believes Indonesia's growing debt challenge requires more than financial products alone. Financial education, responsible lending, and accessible debt recovery solutions all matter for long-term financial wellbeing. Through its credit wellness platform, FLIN aims to contribute to a healthier ecosystem.

More at www.flin.co.id.

GXS Group was recognised for its achievement of building and launching new digital banks for two markets in just two years. In giving the Group the accolade, Euromoney noted the impact it has made in the areas of financial inclusion and customer experience with GXS Bank in Singapore and GXBank in Malaysia.

In addition to its digital banks in Singapore and Malaysia, GXS Group also has a strategic minority stake in Superbank, a digital bank in Indonesia.

For its innovations in seamlessly integrating banking and financing within the digital touchpoints of its partnership ecosystem, which includes Grab and Singtel, GXS Bank was also awarded Singapore's Best Digital Bank by Euromoney. More than five million consumers and micro-, small- and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs) in Singapore today use Grab and Singtel for their daily personal and business needs.

With the launch of GXS Bank and GXBank, Grab customers with an account in either digital banks became among the first in Singapore and Malaysia to make banking transactions while on a third-party app. From checking their bank statements to making payments for their rides and food delivery through their GXS Bank and GXBank accounts, these customers enjoy a seamless experience within their Grab app.

GXS Group also created proprietary AI-driven credit assessment models that take into account ecosystem data signals. By layering these models over traditional credit assessment models used by incumbent banks, the Group is able to extend credit to a wider set of customers. This includes platform workers and entrepreneurs who may not be able to qualify for a traditional bank loan as they do not meet their credit requirements, such as a fixed monthly salary. More importantly, ecosystem data enables its digital banks to deliver personalised and relevant support at moments that might matter most to the customer. For example, GXS Bank proactively offers pre-qualified loans to food and beverage businesses within its ecosystem during seasonal periods, when these businesses may need to increase their produce orders or manpower.

As a result of the Group's embedded financing strategy, more than 80 per cent of its retail and business banking customers come from the Grab and Singtel ecosystem.

GXS Group's recognitions at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence in 2026 brings its recent wins to eight awards in just the past month, underscoring the Bank Group's leadership in digital banking.

At the Asian Banking & Finance Retail Banking Awards held in July 2026, GXS Bank was awarded Digital Business Banking Initiative of the Year and Ecosystem Initiative of the Year for its business banking services. Its subsidiary GXBank was recognised as Virtual Bank of the Year. GXBank received an additional three awards in the areas of AI & Machine Learning, Data Governance, and Internal Governance.

Pei-Si Lai, Group CEO, GXS Bank said, "We are honored by the recognitions from Euromoney and Asian Banking & Finance. These awards are an encouragement to our team and the relentless focus we have to meet our day-one commitment towards our customers. From the start, our mission has been to show that banking can be simple, secure, and deeply rewarding for everyday consumers and small businesses.

We will continue to enhance our retail and business banking suite with delightful, customer-oriented solutions that address their banking pain points. We thank our customers for their confidence in us, and to my colleagues who come in every day ready to own the mission and build with bravery and curiosity."

Annex - List of Awards won by GXS Group in July 2026

1. Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2026

• ASEAN's Best Digital Bank for Consumers
• Singapore's Best Digital Bank

2. Asian Banking & Finance Retail Banking Awards 2026

• Digital Business Banking Initiative of the Year – Singapore
• Ecosystem Initiative of the Year – Singapore
• Virtual Bank of the Year – Malaysia
• AI & Machine Learning Initiative of the Year – Malaysia
• Data Governance Initiative of the Year – Malaysia
• Internal Governance Initiative of the Year – Malaysia

SM Investments Corp. (SM Investments), the parent company of the SM Group, received eight awards, including the Sustainable Asia Award, Asia's Best CSR, Best Corporate Communications, and Best Investor Relations.

SM Investments President and Chief Executive Officer Frederic C. DyBuncio was named Asia's Best CEO (Investor Relations), while Executive Vice Presidents Erwin G. Pato and Franklin C. Gomez were recognized as co-awardees for Asia's Best CFO (Investor Relations). Timothy Daniels, consultant and head of investor relations and sustainability, was also cited as Best Investor Relations Professional.

"We are honored to receive this recognition from Corporate Governance Asia. Governance and sustainability remain embedded in how we operate, helping strengthen resilience, support disciplined decision-making, and enable long-term value creation for our various stakeholders," Mr. DyBuncio said.

The awards come as companies across the region navigate heightened economic volatility, geopolitical uncertainty, and growing climate-related risks.

BDO Unibank received nine awards while SM Prime Holdings Inc. received seven awards.

The recognitions were conferred during the 16th Asian Excellence Awards, which carried the theme "Reshaping Asian Leadership in a Changing Global Economic Landscape and Climate Change."

Corporate Governance Asia is a regional publication focused on corporate governance, sustainability, investor relations, and boardroom leadership across Asia.

For more information, please visit www.sminvestments.com