From left to right: Ivan Lam, Executive Director for International Business, Charter Keck Cramer; Josh Chye, Partner, Tax Consulting, HLB Mann Judd; Michael Lang, State Director, Residential Projects Melbourne, Savills Australia; Jules Kay, General Manager, PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards and Events; Colin Chee, Creative Director & Founder, Never Too Small; Benson Zhou, Director, CBD & Metropolitan Sales Melbourne, Savills Australia; and Karen Kong, Head of Property Lending, Bendigo Bank

SYDNEY, AU, May 8, 2026 - (ACN Newswire) - The PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Australia) programme returns for its ninth edition in 2026 following two successful launch events in Sydney and Melbourne, announcing a roster of new categories that elevate real estate standards across the country’s booming urban centres.

This year’s winners will be recognised at the gala celebration of the 9th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Australia) to be held on Friday, 4 September 2026, at the Shangri-La Sydney. Entries are now open until July.

Key dates for the 2026 edition are:

• Now – Entries open
• 10 July 2026 – Entries close
• 28-31 July 2026 – Site Inspections
• 4 September 2026 – Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony in Sydney, Australia
• 11 December 2026 – International Grand Final Gala Dinner in Bangkok, Thailand

The expanded PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Australia) programme aligns with transformative market dynamics taking place across cities from Melbourne to Sydney and Brisbane. High-quality built spaces in urban centres nationwide continue to appeal to discerning domestic property seekers and cross-border investors, especially those from Southeast Asia.

Newly introduced categories include Best Condo Developer, Best Housing Developer, Best First Home Development, Best Wellness Hospitality Development, Best Marina Development, Best Landmark Development, Best Sales Gallery Interior Design, and Best Landmark Design.

Asia Connect in Australia

The launch of the 9th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Australia) comes on the heels of two high-profile Asia Connect events in Melbourne and Sydney. Asia Connect brought together thought leaders and industry professionals to discuss market trends set to impact the outlook of urban development in Australia.

From left to right: Watcharaphon Chaisuk, Senior Solutions Manager, PropertyGuru Group; Philip Low, President, AMBC-NSW; Councillor Robert Kok, City of Sydney Council; Josh Chye, Partner, Tax Consulting, HLB Mann Judd; Jules Kay, General Manager, PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards and Events; Ivan Lam, Executive Director for International Business, Charter Keck Cramer; and Udomluk Suwan, Sales Director, PropertyGuru Group.

Asia Connect: Sydney, held on 13 March in the New South Wales capital, served as a prelude to the 2026 awards programme. The launch event at the Four Seasons Hotel gained the support of the City of Sydney Council, led by Councillor Robert Kok, and convened market experts and award-winning developers, including Eterno Property Group and Skyland Group.

Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece, City of Melbourne Council

The launch continued 17 March with Asia Connect: Melbourne, held at the Savills headquarters in the Victorian capital. The gathering featured insights from property experts and was welcomed by Melbourne Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece, who joined developers, design professionals, and industry associations to discuss sustainable urban growth.

Stability and liveability

Jules Kay, general manager of PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards and Events, said: “As we launch the 2026 PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Australia) from Sydney, we turn our focus to a market poised for a resurgence. With airport upgrades and mega-infrastructure coming to life, the city looks set to lead national growth. This complex market demands the capital and innovation that Asia's investors, seeking stability beyond traditional markets, are uniquely positioned to provide. We can't wait to see what the finest real estate in Sydney and, by extension, Australia, looks like this year.”

He added: “As one of the world’s most liveable cities, Melbourne has shown us a flight to quality and a fascinating paradox, characterised by price growth against headwinds. Such a divergence underscores the need to spotlight resilience, from the resurgence of Asian capital to the student accommodation boom, as we contribute to a market that continues to showcase Australia’s best real estate.”

Ivan Lam, Executive Director for International Business, Charter Keck Cramer and PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Australia) chairperson

Ivan Lam, chairperson of the independent judging panel and executive director for international business at Charter Keck Cramer, said: “We are thrilled to honour the finest real estate in Sydney and the rest of Australia this year. We are optimistic about blue-chip suburbs in Australia's largest city as well as the many public works that promise to unlock value across New South Wales. The westward transformation of Sydney especially presents a generational opportunity for astute investors and developers alike while the enduring appeal of the city's eastern and northern suburbs demonstrates the prestige market’s resilience. We call on developers to submit their best and showcase their works to property seekers and peers across Australia and the region.”

He added: “With impressive growth forecasted for Melbourne, we expect a resilient market defined by emerging luxury enclaves and an enduring, inherent appeal to Asian property seekers as well as local buyers. The calibre of this year’s entries will surely reflect the dynamism of this market.”

From left to right: Josh Chye, Partner, Tax Consulting, HLB Mann Judd; Joe Phegan, Managing Director, Savills Victoria; Ivan Lam, Executive Director for International Business, Charter Keck Cramer; Lord Mayor Nicholas Reece, City of Melbourne Council; Karen Kong, Head of Property Lending, Bendigo Bank; Jules Kay, General Manager, PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards and Events; Benson Zhou, Director, CBD & Metropolitan Sales Melbourne, Savills Australia; and Watcharaphon Chaisuk, Senior Solutions Manager, PropertyGuru Group

Organised by PropertyGuru Group, Southeast Asia’s leading PropTech company, Asia Connect: Sydney and Asia Connect: Melbourne were supported by Australia Malaysia Business Council in New South Wales (AMBC-NSW) and Victoria (AMBC-Vic), Malaysian Developers Council of Australia (MDCA), and Savills Australia; official magazine Property Report by PropertyGuru; and official supervisor HLB Mann Judd.

For more information, email awards@propertyguru.com or visit the official website: AsiaPropertyAwards.com.

ABOUT PROPERTYGURU GROUP

PropertyGuru is Southeast Asia's leading1 PropTech company, and the preferred destination for over 32 million property seekers monthly2 to connect with over 50,000 agents3 monthly to find their dream home. PropertyGuru empowers property seekers with more than 2.1 million real estate listings4, in-depth insights, and solutions that enable them to make confident property decisions across Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.PropertyGuru.com.sg was launched in Singapore in 2007 and since then, PropertyGuru Group has made the property journey a transparent one for property seekers in Southeast Asia. In the last 18 years, PropertyGuru has grown into a high-growth PropTech company with a robust portfolio including leading property marketplaces and award-winning mobile apps across its markets in Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand as well as the region's biggest and most respected industry recognition platform - PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards, events, and publications across Asia.

For more information, please visit: PropertyGuruGroup.com; PropertyGuru Group on LinkedIn.

(1) Based on SimilarWeb data between July 2024 and December 2024.
(2) Based on Google Analytics data between July 2024 and December 2024.
(3) Based on data between October 2024 and December 2024.
(4) Based on data between July 2024 and December 2024.

PROPERTYGURU CONTACTS:

General Enquiries:

Richard Allan Aquino, Head of Brand & Marketing Services
M: +66 92 954 4154
E: allan@propertyguru.com 

Media & Partnerships:

Nate Dacua, Senior Manager, Media and Marketing Services
M: +66 92 701 2510
E: nate@propertyguru.com 

Sales & Nominations:

Watcharaphon Chaisuk (Jeff), Solutions Manager
M: +66 95 797 0595
E: jeff@propertyguru.com

Piyachanok Raungpaka,
Senior Media & Marketing Services Executive
M: +66 94 887 5163
E: piyachanok@propertyguru.com 

HONG KONG, May 7, 2026 - (ACN Newswire) - Nissin Foods Company Limited (“Nissin Foods” or the “Company”, together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”; Stock code: 1475) announced today that the Group and Itochu Hong Kong Limited (“Itochu HK”) have signed agreements to jointly invest in Nissin Marketing and Sales (H.K.) Limited (“NMS”). The transaction was completed through capital contributions from both parties. Nissin Foods remains the controlling shareholder of NMS.

The joint capital investment will enhance the Group’s product procurement capabilities, allowing for the exploration and development of new agent brands, including new and third-party brands, not only from Japan but also from other overseas markets to delight local consumers in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland. Nissin Foods and Itochu HK will leverage their partnerships with major retail chains and experience with e-commerce platforms to expand sales channels both online and offline. Additionally, utilising advanced logistics networks in the Chinese Mainland will improve operational efficiency, ensuring the Group’s sustained growth and competitiveness in the markets. 

Mr Kiyotaka ANDO, Executive Director, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nissin Foods, said, “ITOCHU Group possesses extensive resources and invaluable experience in the distribution business sector. This joint capital investment will create beneficial synergies for both parties. The agreement reflects Nissin Foods’ ongoing commitment to bringing high-quality and diverse brands and products to local consumers in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland, ultimately supporting the Group’s distribution operations and ensuring sustainable growth.”

Nissin Marketing and Sales (H.K.) Limited (“NMS”, formerly Hong Kong Eastpeak Limited) was established to manage two distribution subsidiaries in Hong Kong and Shanghai. NMS wholly owns the two distribution arms, unifying management and enhancing the Group’s ability to attract brand partners. The Hong Kong subsidiary distributes beverages, confectionery, snacks, Japanese-branded seasoning sauces and chilled products in Hong Kong, experiencing growth due to revived inbound tourism and expanded sales channels, including a new Japanese chocolate and cookie brand. The Shanghai subsidiary oversees the distribution of confectionery and beverages in the Chinese Mainland, expanding its product portfolio with new offerings, such as European bottled water and Japanese carbonated beverages, which further strengthens the Group’s presence in the premium imported products segment.

About Nissin Foods Company Limited

Nissin Foods Company Limited ("Nissin Foods”, together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”; Stock code: 1475) is a renowned food company in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland, with a diversified portfolio of well-known and highly popular brands, primarily focusing on the premium instant noodle segment. The Group officially established its presence in Hong Kong in 1984 and is the largest instant noodle company in Hong Kong. The Group primarily manufactures and sells instant noodles, high-quality frozen food products, including frozen dim sum and frozen noodles, and also sells and distributes other food and beverage products, including retort pouches, snacks, mineral water, sauce and vegetable products under its two core corporate brands, namely “NISSIN” and “DOLL” together with a diversified portfolio of iconic household premium brands. The Group’s five flagship product brands, namely “Cup Noodles”, “Demae Iccho”, “Doll Instant Noodle”, “Doll Dim Sum” and “Fuku” are also among the most popular choices in their respective food product categories in Hong Kong. In the Chinese market, the Group has introduced technology innovation through the “ECO Cup” concept and primarily focuses its sales efforts in first- and second-tier cities. In addition, Nissin Foods operates business in other regions including Vietnam, Taiwan, Korea and Australia markets.

Nissin Foods is currently a constituent of five Hang Seng Indexes, namely: Hang Seng Composite Index, Hang Seng Composite SmallCap Index, Hang Seng Composite Industry Index - Consumer Staples, Hang Seng SCHK Consumption Index and Hang Seng SCHK Consumer Staples Index. Nissin Foods is eligible for trading under Shanghai-Hong Kong and Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect. For more information, please visit www.nissingroup.com.hk.

MUMBAI, INDIA, May 6, 2026 - (ACN Newswire) - KPMG in India and CleverTap today announced a strategic alliance to embed advanced customer engagement capabilities into enterprise transformation programs. The alliance brings together KPMG in India’s Connected Enterprise and advisory capabilities with CleverTap’s customer engagement and retention platform, enabling organisations to explore greater personalisation, while staying aligned with governance, security, and key business priorities.

The alliance will focus on organisations across the BFSI (Banking and Financial Services), retail, and consumer markets. By integrating CleverTap’s analytics and orchestration capabilities into KPMG in India–led initiatives, the alliance is intended to provide organisations with pathways to more effectively connect customer data with execution and to explore more coordinated, lifecycle-based approaches to engagement.

Together, KPMG in India is expected to contribute its consulting experience across operating model design, governance, risk, and compliance, alongside CleverTap’s integrated platform capabilities including  real-time analytics and AI-driven engagement enablement, aimed at supporting organizations in strengthening customer engagement, retention initiatives, and customer lifetime value.

Building on these complementary strengths, the alliance is designed to support companies in their efforts to reduce churn, strengthen customer engagement, and pursue sustainable revenue growth, while also helping them navigate and align with relevant regulatory requirements.

“Our alliance with CleverTap strengthens our ability to help organisations activate insights responsibly and scale customer engagement in a measured, sustainable way. By bringing together our transformation-led consulting approach with CleverTap’s analytics-driven platform, we aim to support companies as they work to deepen customer relationships in a rapidly evolving digital and regulatory environment,” said Ram Seshadri, Partner, Digital Cloud Solutions, KPMG in India.

“Enterprises don’t just need more data; they need intelligence to deliver personalized experiences. By combining KPMG in India’s transformation expertise with our all-in-one customer engagement platform, powered by CleverAI™, we’re equipping brands to deliver true 1:1 personalized journeys that increase customer lifetime value,” said Anand Jain, Co-founder and Chief Marketing Officer, CleverTap.

By combining strategic advisory insights with advanced engagement technology, the alliance aims to help organisations develop stronger, more resilient customer ecosystems for the future.

About KPMG in India

KPMG entities in India, are professional services firm(s). These Indian member firms are affiliated with KPMG International Limited. KPMG was established in India in August 1993. Our professionals leverage the global network of firms, and are conversant with local laws, regulations, markets and competition. KPMG has offices across India in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Calicut, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Gandhinagar, Gurugram, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Noida, Pune, Raipur, Trivandrum, Vadodara and Vijayawada.

KPMG entities in India offer services to national and international clients in India across sectors. We strive to provide rapid, performance-based, industry-focussed and technology-enabled services, which reflect a shared knowledge of global and local industries and our experience of the Indian business environment.

About CleverTap

CleverTap is the world’s leading AI-first, all-in-one customer engagement and retention platform, helping brands turn data into lasting customer relationships. Powered by its proprietary CleverAI™: Decisioning Engine and Agentic AI-verse, CleverTap enables organizations to maximize customer lifetime value at scale. Its unified platform brings together AI-powered segmentation, personalization, experimentation, journey orchestration, and deep analytics—seamlessly integrated with 100+ leading martech solutions.

With backing from global investors including Accel, Peak XV Partners, Tiger Global, CDPQ, and 360 One, CleverTap has presence across US, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and Asia. Leading brands such as TD Bank, Burger King, Paytm, Levi’s, IKEA, Decathlon, Vodafone, Domino’s, Jio, Carousell, Banco Azteca, Zomato, StockX, and Emirates NBD,  rely on CleverTap to drive measurable growth through meaningful customer engagement.

For more information, visit clevertap.com or follow us on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/clevertap/
X: https://twitter.com/CleverTap

Forward-Looking Statements

Some of the statements in this press release may represent KPMG in India’s and CleverTap's belief in connection with future events and may be forward-looking statements, or statements of future expectations based on currently available information. Both KPMG in India and CleverTap caution that such statements are naturally subject to risks and uncertainties that could result in the actual outcome being absolutely different from the results anticipated by the statements mentioned in the press release.

Factors such as the development of general economic conditions affecting our business, future market conditions, our ability to maintain cost advantages, uncertainty with respect to earnings, corporate actions, client concentration, reduced demand, liability or damages in our service contracts, unusual catastrophic loss events, war, political instability, changes in government policies or laws, legal restrictions impacting our business, impact of pandemic, epidemic, any natural calamity and other factors that are naturally beyond our control, changes in the capital markets and other circumstances may cause the actual events or results to be materially different, from those anticipated by such statements. KPMG in India and CleverTap does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or updated or revised status of such statements. Therefore, in no case whatsoever will KPMG in India and  CleverTap and its affiliate companies be liable to anyone for any decision made or action taken in conjunction.

For more information:

ADITYA SANYAL
Director, Digital Marketing, CleverTap
+91 9177110080
aditya.sanyal@clevertap.com

ASHMIT CHAUDHARY
Associate Consultant, Archetype
+91 8850752121
ashmit.chaudhary@archetype.co

West Palm Beach, FL, May 6, 2026 - (ACN Newswire) - USPA Global, the company that manages U.S. Polo Assn., the official sports brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), today announced that the global sports brand has delivered a record $2.7 billion in worldwide retail sales in 2025, reflecting strong momentum across global markets, channels, and product categories. U.S. Polo Assn. is advancing toward a long‑term goal of $4 billion in global retail sales and 1,500 branded stores worldwide.

Record Growth and Global Momentum

U.S. Polo Assn.'s 2025 record-breaking performance was driven by continued expansion across both established and emerging markets. North America, the brand's largest region, delivered steady gains, while strong momentum continued across India, the Middle East, Western Europe, and Latin America. Emerging regions, including Asia Pacific and Eastern Europe, also contributed to meaningful growth for the global multi-billion-dollar brand.

India remains the brand's fastest-growing market, where U.S. Polo Assn. is widely recognized as the largest sports-casual menswear brand in the country, with a long‑term path toward $1 billion in retail sales. The brand will also be activating several strategic markets in 2026, including Australia, Poland, Argentina, Brazil, Thailand, Vietnam, and certain African markets.

Today, U.S. Polo Assn.'s footprint. spans 190 countries, with some 1,200 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores, and thousands of other locations, including department stores, specialty retail, sporting goods channels, and e-commerce. U.S. Polo Assn. continues to climb the retail ranks as one of the largest global licensed sports brands in the world, ranking in the top five alongside the NFL, MLB, and NBA, according to License Global's annual ranking.

"U.S. Polo Assn. experienced another milestone year in 2025, driven by strategic global growth, consistent execution, and the strength of our authentic connection to the sport of polo," explained J. Michael Prince, President and CEO of USPA Global, the company that manages and markets the multi-billion-dollar U.S. Polo Assn. brand globally. "Our performance reflects our winning strategy and deep connection to our sport, which is engaging young consumers all over the world."

DTC Expansion and 135th Global Campaign

Direct‑to‑consumer channels continued to be a primary growth driver globally, supported by the expansion of U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores, enhanced in‑store experiences, and a growing digital ecosystem.

"Our direct‑to‑consumer strategy is a powerful global growth engine as we target 1,500 U.S. Polo Assn. stores and 100 digital sites over the long term," Prince added. "By investing in our sport‑inspired retail footprint and branded e‑commerce ecosystem, we are building stronger consumer relationships while advancing the scale, consistency, and long‑term momentum of U.S. Polo Assn."

U.S. Polo Assn. expanded and elevated its retail footprint during 2025 by enhancing flagship and key strategic locations worldwide with a more refined, sport‑focused brand concept. These stores are designed to reflect the brand's authentic heritage while delivering a consistent and elevated shopping experience across markets. Each location features thoughtfully curated collections for men, women, and children, supported by updated store design elements, storytelling, and product presentation that strengthen consumer engagement and reinforce the global strength of the U.S. Polo Assn. brand.

Further supporting the brand's consumer engagement strategies, U.S. Polo Assn. successfully executed a series of 135th Anniversary global events and brand campaigns for sports fans and consumers in 2025. The U.S. Polo Assn. Anniversary Campaign celebrated the 135th year of the USPA, founded in 1890 and one of the oldest governing bodies of sports in America. These featured activations were executed across major markets such as the USA, India, Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Throughout the year, consumers participated in unforgettable moments with exclusive polo events, in-store events, digital experiences, capsule collections, and collaborations with influencers, polo players, and other athletes, all celebrating the sport's legacy and future.

In addition, the brand also delivered continued record growth across digital channels, operating over 60 branded e‑commerce sites in 20 languages. New site launches, including in Norway, Poland, Kuwait, Albania, and Algeria, further contributed to momentum. U.S. Polo Assn. has further expanded its digital presence across the top social media platforms, with over 12 million followers worldwide, demonstrating additional global momentum.

Global Sports Visibility

U.S. Polo Assn.'s long‑standing relationship with ESPN, now extended through 2026, continues to elevate global awareness of the sport of polo and its premier events. ESPN broadcasts the U.S. Open Polo Championship®, hosted at the USPA National Polo Center and anchored by legendary ESPN commentator Chris Fowler, bringing the sport to millions of households across linear and digital platforms. Other premier games and the award-winning series, Breakaway, are broadcast on ESPN as well.

Globally, U.S. Polo Assn. maintains other landmark broadcast partnerships, including TNT and Eurosport in Europe, Star Sports in India, and BeIn Sports in the Middle East, placing elite polo competitions alongside global sporting properties such as Wimbledon, Premier League Soccer, and the Indian Premier League (IPL) Cricket - significantly expanding the sport's reach across key growth markets and young sports enthusiasts.

The USPA National Polo Center (NPC), the sport's premier destination in North America, brought record crowds and sellout Sundays for the 2025-2026 American High-Goal Polo Season, with the best polo in the world from January through April. The stunning venue, owned by the USPA, is situated in beautiful Palm Beach County, Florida, spans 160 acres, and encompasses multiple grass polo fields, fine dining, tennis courts, stadium seating, swimming pool, and the newly renovated USPA Global Flagship Shop. The USPA Shop location is an elevated consumer experience filled with rich polo heritage and fashion, boasting a diverse curated collection of sport-inspired and luxury merchandise. At the centerpiece of the USPA Shop is the "Halo," a 360-degree circular screen that showcases the most exciting polo highlights of the season, for an overall immersive experience.

Outlook

Entering 2026, the brand is well-positioned for continued growth, supported by global expansion, focused execution, and sustained consumer demand spanning 190 countries worldwide.

U.S. Polo Assn. will also execute its Global Polo Shirt Campaign, An Icon Born from the Game™. The global campaign is a powerful tribute to the iconic polo shirt's authentic sports origins and its evolution into one of the world's most enduring style essentials. As the official sports brand of the USPA, U.S. Polo Assn. occupies an authentic place in the history of the polo shirt. Launching globally across 190 countries in 2026, An Icon Born from the Game will come to life through a coordinated, multi‑channel presence designed to make the U.S. Polo Assn. polo shirt unmistakably visible wherever consumers engage with the sport-inspired brand.

"Our global team and strategic partners delivered exceptional results across retail, digital, product, marketing, and sport initiatives in 2025," said Prince. "I have never been more confident in the trajectory of the U.S. Polo Assn. business as we continue to expand our global footprint and strengthen our leadership position."

"With sustained momentum and clear strategic focus, we remain firmly on track toward our long‑term objectives, including surpassing $4 billion in worldwide retail sales, 1,500 U.S. Polo Assn. stores, and 100 U.S. Polo Assn. country-specific digital sites globally," Prince concluded.

About U.S. Polo Assn. and USPA Global

U.S. Polo Assn. is the official sports brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA), the largest association of polo clubs and polo players in the United States, founded in 1890. With a multi-billion-dollar global footprint and worldwide distribution through more than 1,200 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores as well as thousands of additional points of distribution, U.S. Polo Assn. offers apparel, accessories, and footwear for men, women, and children in more than 190 countries worldwide. The brand sponsors major polo events around the world, including the U.S. Open Polo Championship®, held annually at NPC in The Palm Beaches, the premier polo tournament in the United States. Historic deals with ESPN in the United States, TNT and Eurosport in Europe, Star Sports in India, and BeIn Sports in the Middle East now broadcast several of the premier polo championships in the world, sponsored by U.S. Polo Assn., making the thrilling sport accessible to millions of sports fans globally for the very first time.

U.S. Polo Assn. has consistently been named one of the top global sports licensors in the world alongside the NFL, PGA Tour, and Formula 1, according to License Global. In addition, the sport-inspired brand is being recognized internationally with awards for global growth and sport content. Due to its tremendous success as a global brand, U.S. Polo Assn. has been featured in Forbes, Fortune, Modern Retail, and GQ as well as on Yahoo Finance and Bloomberg, among many other noteworthy media sources around the world. For more information, visit uspoloassnglobal.com and follow @uspoloassn.

USPA Global is a subsidiary of the United States Polo Association (USPA) and manages the multi-billion-dollar sports brand, U.S. Polo Assn. USPA Global also manages the subsidiary, Global Polo, which is the worldwide leader in polo sport content. To learn more, visit globalpolo.com or Global Polo on YouTube.

For Additional Information, Contact:
Stacey Kovalsky - Vice President, Global PR & Communications
Phone +001.561.790.8036 - E-mail: skovalsky@uspagl.com

Kaela Drake - Senior PR & Communications Specialist
Phone +001.561.530.5300 - E-mail : kdrake@uspagl.com

SOURCE: U.S. Polo Assn.

TransNusa Becomes First Indonesian Airline To Be Recognised For Registering Highest Passenger Growth Within Southeast Asia

• PT TransNusa Aviation Mandiri (TransNusa) sets a milestone as the first airline to earn an award within such a short time of operations at Changi Airport
• TransNusa’s becomes first Indonesian airline to win a Changi Airline Award
• TransNusa recognised by the international aviation community for the strategic development of its regional network connectivity

JAKARTA, May 6, 2026 - (ACN Newswire) - Three-year old TransNusa, the new aviation player with new rules, has yet again set a new benchmark by securing the top airline award for passenger growth in Southeast Asia.

At the annual Changi Airline Award 2026, organised by the Changi Airport Group, TransNusa received the esteemed Top Airline By Absolute Passenger Growth In Southeast Asia award, besting, both Low-Cost Carriers and full-fledged airlines operating within the Southeast Asia region from Changi Airport.

The airline, led by prominent aviation veteran, Datuk Bernard Francis, made history as the first Indonesian airline to be recognised by Changi Airport Group for registering the highest passenger growth within the Southeast Asia region. The award reflects TransNusa’s strong performance and rapid growth since commencing operations at Changi Airport on 20 November 2023. It also underscores the effectiveness of TransNusa’s customised business model, which has been instrumental in driving passenger demand and operational successes since the airline’s inception in 2023.

TransNusa Group Chief Executive officer, Datuk Bernard Francis said that the award is a worldwide recognition by the international aviation community on TransNusa’s strategic and focused development of a regional network connectivity that has enabled the airline to increase and grow its passenger base.

“Our regional and domestic network connectivity expansion is based on the needs and demands of our passengers, among other variables,” said Datuk Bernard, adding that TransNusa had developed new routes specifically to meet the changing needs and demands of its passengers.

“We created and introduced new routes from Bali to Manado. We are the first Indonesian airline to have scheduled flight to Guangzhou, China, from three locations in Indonesia, which is Bali, Manado and Jakarta. In fact, we are the second Indonesian airline to operate scheduled flight to China,” Datuk Bernard explained, adding that Datuk Bernard continued that TransNusa will continue to grow and enhance its network connectivity in response to the evolving passenger demands.

On the Changi Airline award, Datuk Bernard said that the award recognises TransNusa for its rapid growth and its role in creating and starting new scheduled flight routes while enhancing its regional network connectivity.

Datuk Bernard added that the award further reinforces TransNusa’s position as one of the fastest growing airlines in Southeast Asia reflecting the collective efforts of the TransNusa team, the unwavering support of the airline’s partners, and the confidence of its passengers.

“TransNusa has always claimed that we provide competitive and quality air travel services and this award acknowledges our commitment towards the affordability, safety and comfort we offer our passengers,” Datuk Bernard further explained.

CAG Chief Executive Officer, Yam Kum Weng presented the esteemed award to Datuk Bernard, on April 29, at the award ceremony, which was attended by about 90 airlines and aviation partners.

A MOMENTOUS EVENT… Datuk Bernard with the Top Airline By Absolute Passenger Growth In Southeast Asia award

TransNusa, started its operations in 2023, under the leadership of Malaysian-born Datuk Bernard. The airline created history by launching its first international scheduled flight within six months of operations. TransNusa, which operates on a customised business model, which was spearheaded and developed by Datuk Bernard, was the first in the region to rebrand itself as a Premium Service Carrier on 14th April 2023 in conjunction with the launch of its first international scheduled flight from Jakarta to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In the same year, TransNusa launched scheduled flights between Jakarta and Singapore on 20 November, 2023.

Meanwhile, on the domestic front, the airline rebranded itself as a Premium Service Carrier on 1 April, 2025. 

Following its rebranding, TransNusa operates as a premium air service provider focusing on passenger comfort, flexible booking options (Seat, Seat-Plus, Flexi-Pro), and offering meals and more legroom.

TransNusa’s SEAT passengers will enjoys check-in baggage of 20kgs, over and above the 7kgs limit offered as a passenger’s hand carry. For the highest package, FLEXI-PRO, TransNusa increased its baggage allowance to 30kgs, free to choose seats, free food, and drinks, and priority boarding. In addition, TransNusa also provides its FLEXI-PRO passengers with the flexibility to change their flight schedule without restrictions and obtain refund.

About TransNusa

TransNusa Airline, is a Premium Service Carrier. In February 2024, the airline rebranded itself to a Premium Service Carrier in line with its upgraded aircrafts that offers better comfort as well as based on the flexibility and quality of the services offered. TransNusa, which received its AOC certification on 9th September 2022, launch its first three A320 operations on 6th October, 14th October and 12th December, 2022.

In 2023, TransNusa introduced a new business model making it the first Premium Service Carrier in the Asia Pacific region. TransNusa introduced its first international flight on 14th April, 2023. The airline is currently based in Jakarta and Bali.

On the international front, TransNusa flies to Singapore, Guangzhou, Kuala Lumpur, Perth, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. The airline became the second Indonesian airline to fly to China and the first Indonesian airline to launch a Premium Service Carrier business model. Passengers can book their flights on the TransNusa website at www.transnusa.co.id, through any secure online travel agent, through authorized travel agents in Singapore and Indonesia.

Primary International Media Contact:
Trina Thomas Raj
Mobile: +6012 4992672
E-mail: trina@myqaseh.org

Collie, Western Australia, May 5, 2026 - (ACN Newswire) - Holista Colltech Limited (Holista; ASX: HCT) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a binding Joint Venture Agreement with Swang Chai Chuan Limited (SCC; HKEX: 2321) for the funding, development and operation of an ovine nano-collagen production facility in Collie, Western Australia.

Key Commercial Terms

The Joint Venture (JV) will operate through Ovicoll Pty Ltd, with an initial ownership structure of 50:50 between Holista and SCC.

SCC will contribute RM5,000,000 (approximately A$1.6 million) to fund commissioning and initial working capital requirements of the JV.

As part of the commercial terms of the JV, Holista will make payments equivalent to 3% per annum on SCC’s initial funding contribution for a period of two years.

Holista retains a contractual option to increase its interest in the JV to 75%, exercisable between the second and fifth anniversaries of SCC’s initial capital contribution, based on a pre-agreed valuation methodology.

In connection with the JV, Dr. Rajen Manicka, a substantial shareholder of the Company, has provided a personal guarantee in favour of SCC in respect of certain financial obligations of the JV. This guarantee is secured by the shares he holds in Holista and is provided in his personal capacity. The guarantee does not constitute an obligation of the Company.

Operations and Governance

Holista will be responsible for the day-to-day management and operation of the JV. The Board of Ovicoll Pty Ltd will comprise an equal number of directors appointed by Holista and SCC.

Intellectual Property and Commercial Terms

Holista will retain ownership of all pre-existing and newly developed intellectual property, with the JV granted a licence to utilise this technology for its business.

The JV will pay Holista a royalty of 8% of gross sales, capped at 20% of the JV’s profit before tax.

Strategic Rationale

The Joint Venture represents a significant step in the commercialisation of Holista’s collagen technology and supports the Company’s strategy to establish scalable production capabilities and expand into international markets.

The Collie facility is expected to provide a platform to produce high-value nano-collagen products for use in nutraceutical, food, cosmetic, and biomedical applications.

SCC is expected to play an active role in supporting the Joint Venture’s market development activities, leveraging its regional network and experience in distribution and consumer markets to facilitate product commercialization.

Additional Information

There are no material conditions precedent to the Joint Venture Agreement.

The Company will provide further updates on development milestones and timing of commissioning in due course.

This announcement has been approved by the Board of Holista Colltech Limited.

About Holista Colltech Limited

Holista Colltech Limited (ASX: HCT) is a Perth-based innovator in health and wellness solutions, listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. The Company operates across four core business divisions: Dietary Supplements, Healthy Food Ingredients, Ovine Collagen, and Infection Control Solutions.

Holista’s portfolio includes market-leading nutritional supplements, patented low-GI food ingredients adopted by global food manufacturers, premium disease-free ovine collagen, and all-natural, non-toxic sanitizers for consumer and industrial use. These offerings reflect Holista’s commitment to combining the best of nature and science to support healthier modern lifestyles.

With a strong track record of research, development, and commercialization, Holista has pioneered several proprietary technologies in the global health and wellness sector. The Company remains dedicated to delivering sustainable, science-backed solutions that enrich lives and promote better living worldwide.

Media Contact:
WeR1 Consultants Pte Ltd
E: holista@wer1.net
M: +65 6677 3032

ANNUAL REAL ESTATE HONOURS RETURN AS MARKET SHOWS RESILIENCE

SINGAPORE, May 4, 2026 - (ACN Newswire) - The 16th edition of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Singapore) programme is now open to entries as the market continues to demonstrate resilience and adaptability.

The 2026 edition of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Singapore) will celebrate the country's finest real estate at a gala ceremony on Friday, 30 October at The St. Regis Singapore.

Top winners will later represent Singapore and vie for the “Best in Asia” accolades at the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards Grand Final in Bangkok this December.

Entries are now open. Key dates for the 2026 edition are:

• 21 August 2026 – Entries Close
• 21-25 September 2026 – Site Inspections
• 28 September 2026 – Final Judging
• 30 October 2026 – Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony in Singapore
• 11 December 2026 – Regional Grand Final Gala Dinner in Bangkok, Thailand

Demand and stability

The latest edition of the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Singapore) arrives as the property market shows stability and resilient housing demand. In the first half of 2026, 4,575 private residential units will be tendered under the GLS programme, a figure representing 50% above the decade average. Meanwhile, landed property prices rose 3.4% quarter-on-quarter as of January 2026, outperforming non-landed segments and highlighting buyer urgency for long-term family homes in a tightly restricted market.

Considering the market’s evolution, the 16th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Singapore) introduces several new award categories, including Best Condo Developer, Best Housing Architectural Design, Best Sales Gallery Interior Design, and Best Flexible Work Space.

Jules Kay, general manager of PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards and Events, said: “Despite global headwinds, Singapore's property market has shown resilience, with steady price growth and sustained developer confidence even at premium price points. This year's international awards showcase Singapore's market dynamism, and with several new categories introduced, we invite industry leaders to showcase their finest developments, designs, and ESG initiatives. Whether you've delivered standout projects or driven innovation in a stable but competitive market, now is the time to demonstrate excellence and raise the bar higher for Singapore property.”

Roy Ling, chairperson of the independent panel of judges and CEO, board director, and adjunct professor, FollowTrade, said: “We invite Singapore’s finest real estate developers to showcase their best projects and ESG initiatives at this year’s awards as the market enters a phase of steady, more measured growth. With residential activity stabilising and commercial sectors supported by resilient demand in office and logistics, we look forward to seeing how the industry responds with innovation, quality, and adaptability in this transformative environment.”

Organised by PropertyGuru Group, Southeast Asia’s leading PropTech company, the 16th PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Singapore) is supported by gold sponsor Mitsubishi Electric Asia; official portal partner PropertyGuru.com.sg; official magazine Property Report by PropertyGuru; media partners D+A Magazine, Gazet International, SquareRooms Magazine, Tatler Asia Homes, and Top 10 of Singapore; supporting association Singapore Estate Agents Association; and official supervisor HLB.

For more information, email awards@propertyguru.com or visit the official website: AsiaPropertyAwards.com.

ABOUT PROPERTYGURU GROUP

PropertyGuru is Southeast Asia's leading1 PropTech company, and the preferred destination for over 32 million property seekers monthly2 to connect with over 50,000 agents3 monthly to find their dream home. PropertyGuru empowers property seekers with more than 2.1 million real estate listings4, in-depth insights, and solutions that enable them to make confident property decisions across Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam.PropertyGuru.com.sg was launched in Singapore in 2007 and since then, PropertyGuru Group has made the property journey a transparent one for property seekers in Southeast Asia. In the last 18 years, PropertyGuru has grown into a high-growth PropTech company with a robust portfolio including leading property marketplaces and award-winning mobile apps across its markets in Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand as well as the region's biggest and most respected industry recognition platform - PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards, events, and publications across Asia.

For more information, please visit: PropertyGuruGroup.com; PropertyGuru Group on LinkedIn.

(1) Based on SimilarWeb data between July 2024 and December 2024.
(2) Based on Google Analytics data between July 2024 and December 2024.
(3) Based on data between October 2024 and December 2024.
(4) Based on data between July 2024 and December 2024.

PROPERTYGURU CONTACTS:

General Enquiries:
Richard Allan Aquino, Head of Brand & Marketing Services
M: +66 92 954 4154
E: allan@propertyguru.com 

Media & Partnerships: 
Nate Dacua, Senior Manager, Media and Marketing Services
M: +66 92 701 2510
E: nate@propertyguru.com 

Sponsorships:
Piyachanok Raungpaka, Senior Media & Marketing Services Executive
M: +66 94 887 5163
E: piyachanok@propertyguru.com 

HONG KONG, May 4, 2026 - (ACN Newswire) - Taozhu New Creation Bureau, the robotics technology experience brand under Shoucheng Holdings (697.HK), is accelerating its entry into core consumer scenarios. On April 30, Taozhu New Creation Bureau’s Beijing apm store officially commenced operations; on May 1, its Beijing Chaoyang Hopson One store subsequently made its debut. The coordinated launch of two stores in prime commercial districts not only expands the brand’s offline consumer touchpoints, but also marks the further extension of Shoucheng Holdings’ robotics industry strategy from the investment and industrial ends to the mass consumer market.

Built around the brand philosophy of “reimagining tradition through innovation,” Taozhu New Creation Bureau targets robotics technology experiences and future lifestyle consumption scenarios. It has created a multifunctional smart living space that integrates robotics displays, immersive experiences, interactive engagement, product sales, after-sales maintenance services, and industrial ecosystem exchange. At the Beijing apm store, demonstrations such as robotic dog walking displays, companion robot Q&A sessions, and smart wearable trials transform cutting-edge technology from static showcases into real consumer experiences, encouraging consumers to move from “watching technology” to “trying technology” and ultimately “buying technology.”

Following the Beijing apm store’s role in opening up consumer touchpoints through immersive interaction, the launch of the Beijing Chaoyang Hopson One store further introduces this experience model into high-frequency commercial scenarios, amplifying its value in commercial conversion and scenario validation. Located in the core CBD area, Hopson One benefits from high foot traffic, a young consumer demographic, and strong family consumption frequency. This collaboration is not merely a single-store opening, but a cross-sector upgrade between a commercial district operator and a robotics industry platform. Through robot performances, technology and innovation interaction experiences, holiday-limited promotions, science education courses, and themed events, the two parties aim to create a new traffic engine for “commercial district + technology.” For the commercial district, Taozhu New Creation Bureau can help generate buzz, aggregate foot traffic, and extend customer dwell time. For robotics companies, it provides channels for real user feedback, market validation, sales conversion, and after-sales reach, supporting the transition of cutting-edge robotics products from exhibitions and laboratories into high-frequency consumer scenarios.

From the perspective of Shoucheng Holdings’ overall robotics footprint, the significance of Taozhu New Creation Bureau lies in completing the commercialization loop. In recent years, Shoucheng Holdings has continued to deepen its presence across embodied intelligence, humanoid robots, medical robots, service robots, and other fields. Its investment portfolio now includes a number of companies such as Unitree Robotics, Galbot, Narwal Robotics, Xinghaitu, Songyan Dynamics, Weici Technology, and R-robot. The robotics industry is currently at a critical stage of moving from technological breakthroughs toward scaled applications. Companies generally require support from real-world scenarios, sales channels, user data, and after-sales systems. Taozhu New Creation Bureau is therefore assuming the dual role of both an “industrial outlet” and a “consumer gateway.”

More notably, leveraging its accumulated capabilities in infrastructure asset operations, industrial space management, fund investment, and the REITs ecosystem, Shoucheng Holdings is building an “investment + application + consumption” industrial model. At the front end, the company secures high-quality robotics enterprises through fund investments; at the midstream level, it promotes technology deployment through industrial spaces and application scenarios; and at the back end, it reaches users and forms a closed loop of transactions and services through consumer channels such as Taozhu New Creation Bureau.

For the capital market, the expansion of Taozhu New Creation Bureau offers a new window through which to assess the execution quality of Shoucheng Holdings’ robotics strategy. The long-term value of the robotics industry depends not only on technological advancement, but also on whether products can enter real-life scenarios, generate stable orders, and support sustained repeat purchases. As diversified scenarios such as Shougang Park, Beijing Capital International Airport, Beijing apm, and Hopson One are gradually rolled out, Shoucheng Holdings is advancing its robotics ecosystem from “investing early and investing accurately” toward “selling effectively, being practically usable, and delivering ongoing services.” Market participants noted that Taozhu New Creation Bureau is expected to become one of the closest links to cash flow, users, and scenarios within Shoucheng Holdings’ robotics industry layout.

HONG KONG, May 4, 2026 - (ACN Newswire) - Commercial competition in the robotics industry is shifting from technology showcases to real-world consumer applications. Taozhu New Creation Bureau, a robotics technology experience brand under Shoucheng Holdings (697.HK), has recently accelerated its rollout in Beijing’s core commercial districts. Following the official opening of its Beijing apm store on April 30, the brand’s Chaoyang Hopson One outlet also debuted on May 1, further strengthening the company’s offline robotics experience network.

At the Beijing apm store, Taozhu New Creation Bureau continues to embody its brand philosophy of “reimagining tradition through innovation,” creating an immersive smart living space that integrates product showcases, hands-on experiences, interactive engagement, product sales, and maintenance services. Consumers can interact up close with humanoid robots, companion robots, smart wearable devices, and other products, experiencing how robotics technology is moving from being merely “watchable” to genuinely “usable” across scenarios such as household service assistance, entertainment interaction, and smart living trials.

The Chaoyang Hopson One store further enhances Taozhu New Creation Bureau’s commercial appeal within high-traffic retail districts. Centered on the theme of “empowering commerce through technology and driving consumption through innovation,” the store will introduce products from ecosystem partners including Unitree Robotics, Booster Robotics, Vbot, and others. Its product offerings cover quadruped robotic dogs, educational programming robots, smart wearables, smart home devices, and other intelligent equipment. Through robot performances, technology and innovation interactions, science education courses, themed events, and holiday-limited activities, the store aims to attract young consumers, parent-child families, and technology enthusiasts, while converting experiential engagement into consumption. It is positioned as a benchmark project for robotics technology consumption experiences and is expected to support the upgrade of traditional commercial districts into integrated “technology + commerce” scenarios.

From the perspective of its Beijing footprint, Taozhu New Creation Bureau has now covered locations including Shougang Park, Beijing Capital International Airport, Beijing apm, and Chaoyang Hopson One, forming a multi-dimensional robotics consumption network that connects industrial landmarks, transportation hubs, and core commercial districts. Shougang Park serves as a venue for industrial showcase and technology experience, the airport store reaches high-mobility traveler groups, while Beijing apm and Hopson One tap into core urban retail consumption scenarios. Together, these locations form the front-end platform for showcasing, experiencing, and selling Shoucheng Holdings’ robotics products.

Meanwhile, Taozhu New Creation Bureau is also promoting nationwide replicability. The brand previously made its debut in Chengdu’s Chunxi Road commercial district, leveraging a key consumption landmark in Southwest China to test a consumer pathway combining immersive interaction, on-site experience, and instant purchase. As the brand expands into more core commercial districts in major cities, Taozhu New Creation Bureau is expected to replicate its Beijing model across the national market.

For Shoucheng Holdings, Taozhu New Creation Bureau will further complete its robotics commercialization value chain. The company invests in high-quality robotics enterprises at the front end, introduces products into diversified scenarios such as industrial parks, airports, and commercial districts at the midstream level, and completes a closed loop of experience, sales, maintenance, and services through offline stores at the back end. As the robotics industry enters a phase of accelerated application deployment, Taozhu New Creation Bureau is becoming Shoucheng Holdings’ robotics consumption gateway closest to users, orders, and cash flow.

HONG KONG, Apr 30, 2026 - (ACN Newswire) - The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) today successfully concluded seven flagship lifestyle and licensing events, attracting over 95,000 buyers from 134 countries and regions for sourcing and business negotiations. Among the lifestyle fairs, the Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair attracted over 32,000 buyers, Home InStyle drew some 20,000 buyers, and Fashion InStyle gathered some 12,000 buyers, while the Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong saw over 9,600 buyers attend the concurrent events. Meanwhile, the Hong Kong International Licensing Show (HKILS) attracted over 21,000 buyers, and the Asian Licensing Conference (ALC) featured over 20 international licensing industry leaders as speakers. Non-local buyers at these fairs came primarily from Chinese Mainland, Taiwan, and Japan, while significant growth was also recorded in buyer numbers from the Philippines, Canada, and Türkiye, underscoring the fairs' strong international appeal.

Jenny Koo, HKTDC Deputy Executive Director, said: “In alignment with the national 15th Five-Year Plan, Hong Kong will continue to actively develop its role as a regional intellectual property trading hub, further enhancing its international competitiveness in the cultural and creative industries and IP transactions. The seven flagship events fully showcased Hong Kong's distinctive strengths in lifestyle, cultural and creative design, brand development, and intellectual property, offering global buyers a rich and diverse array of sourcing options, while connecting exhibitors with international buyers and partners to unlock business opportunities. HKTDC will continue to leverage Hong Kong's unique advantage of connecting Chinese Mainland with the rest of the world, foster cross-sector international trade collaboration, and reinforce Hong Kong's status as an international trade hub."

Nearly half of respondents expect sales growth, industries actively explore new markets

To further gauge the latest trends in the lifestyle products market, HKTDC conducted a questionnaire survey of 1,541 exhibitors and buyers during the Gifts & Premium Fair, Home InStyle, and Fashion InStyle. The key findings are as follows:

Market and industry outlook:

- Nearly half (49.0%) of respondents expected their overall sales would rise in the next one to two years, while 44.6% foresaw that sales will remain stable. The greatest operational challenges identified were fluctuations of global economy (47.8%), conflict-led crisis such as geopolitical tensions, energy and food insecurity, supply chain chaos (37.2%) and growing protectionist measures (33.7%)

- Respondents believed sales prospects are promising or very promising over the next two years in ASEAN countries (69.0%), Taiwan (67.9%), India (66.7%), Korea (65.2%) and Chinese Mainland (63.0%)

- The markets that exhibitor respondents are actively exploring include Europe (34.0%), ASEAN countries (18.3%), North America (16.0%), Middle East (13.6%) and Australia (12.8%)

Product trends:

- In the gifts and premiums market, respondents believed the strongest growth potential lies in: cultural gifts (19.7%), sustainable gifts (18.6%), and tech gifts (18.6%)

- In the furniture and home products market, designer furniture & houseware products (27.3%), interior decoration & handicrafts (27.1%), and smart home technology (23.0%) were considered to have the most growth potential

- In the fashion market, respondents believed designer clothing / branded clothing (42.4%), urban clothing (34.5%), and womenswear (31.9%) have the strongest growth potential

Cross-sector opportunities and synergies help exhibitors tap into new markets

The seven annual lifestyle and licensing events span diverse industries and cultural creativity. Semk Holdings International Limited, a major player in character IP licensing, exhibited at the Gifts & Premium Fair, showcasing a range of B.Duck co-branded IP products. CK Kwok, the company’s Co-founder, Executive Director & VP said the company successfully draw strong buyer interest and connected with buyers from Mexico, Canada, Europe and Southeast Asia.

The UAE made its debut at the Gifts & Premium Fair this year. Mohanmed Alayat, Founder of Dubai exhibitor Alpha Art, said: “On the first day alone, we connected with around 40 new clients from Asia, Europe, the United States and Africa, and received enquiries for customised products. We anticipate potential orders over the course of the fair to total around US$1 million.”

Gifts & Premium Fair seals three MOUs, deepening Hong Kong’s trade ties with the Chinese Mainland and overseas marketsThe Gifts & Premium Fair also highlighted Hong Kong’s role as an international trade platform bridging markets worldwide. The China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Shanxi Provincial Committee and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Fujian Sub-Council signed memoranda of understanding (MOU) with the HKTDC respectively, aiming at encouraging enterprises from Shanxi and Fujian to leverage Hong Kong’s platform to “go global”, while further strengthening their trade ties with Hong Kong. 

In addition, the Busan Economic Promotion Agency also signed an MOU with the HKTDC to promote gift products from Busan, Korea, to international markets through Hong Kong’s platform, unlocking new business opportunities for companies in the gift sectors of both Hong Kong and Korea.

Innovative materials help exhibitors discover new fashion opportunities

Fashion InStyle featured the returning NEXT@Fashion InStyle (NEXT), a key highlighted zone organised by HKTDC, sponsored by the HKSAR Government's Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, with over 60 world-wide new material exhibitors. Textile Library from Hangzhou, returned to NEXT this year after successfully connecting with a Thai exhibitor at last year’s edition. It also collaborated with a Hong Kong designer brand Ponder.er, applying its patented, self-developed epoch-poly fabrics to create dynamic and expressive designs.

Mary Ma, Founder of Textile Library, stated: "This year, we have brought two latest self-developed materials to Hong Kong, warp-print fabrics and the ice-crack series of crackle finishing, showcasing the perfect fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. The materials drew strong interest and praise from international buyers and have already yielded several concrete cooperation intentions and promising follow-up business opportunities.”

Some exhibitors achieved remarkable results on their first participation of Fashion InStyle. Hin Pi, Operations Manager of New High Limited, a local exhibitor specialising in swimwear and sportswear, said: “We connected with some 50 potential buyers from around the world. It was particularly surprising and encouraging to meet buyers from Dubai and North Africa, which will greatly facilitate our expansion into new overseas markets. Four to five buyers have already expressed clear interest in cooperation, with expected total orders totally about US$100,000.”

In addition, Baek Kyunghoon, Procurement Manager of Kolon Industries FnC, a leading Korean fashion group, connected with suppliers from Sweden, Germany, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam at the fair. The company plans to apply sustainable and high-tech materials to its sports collections. Vanessa Tirol Lacerda, Creative Director of Brazilian e-commerce fashion brand Amaro, said the diverse range of innovative materials was highly inspiring, especially the salmon skin leather and pineapple fibre fabrics. She has already established cooperation with exhibitors from India and Chinese Mainland, with an expected initial order of approximately US$100,000.

Many internationally renowned brands and major retailers, including New Zealand’s Karen Walker, the United Kingdom’s The Business Fashion, Thailand’s Jaspal Group, and India’s SD Retail, successfully identified potential business collaborations.

Home InStyle this year introduced innovative materials for homeware and home textiles for the first time. Hong Kong exhibitor Lotux International Holdings Co. Limited presented biodegradable cutlery and food containers made from lotus stems, alongside deodorising cat litter made from lotus fibre. Daphne Wan, the company's Sales Director, said: “Our innovative eco-friendly materials and pet products attracted strong interest from visitors. We are currently in discussions with a houseware company on the joint development of eco-friendly straws. The Hong Kong Furniture and Decoration Trade Association has also expressed interest in using our sustainable materials in furniture production.”

Driving the development of high value-added gerontechnology and cultural & creative design Industries

Home InStyle attracted exhibitors showcasing new products. Exhibitor allcareAI Limited, which specialises in gerontechnology, debuted its infection-prevention mobile toilet at the fair. CEO Phil Woo stated: "In the first two days alone, we received over 20 enquiries, including from local care homes, medical and rehabilitation service providers, as well as potential partners from Chinese Mainland, Japan, Australia, Europe and Southeast Asia. This reflects the sector’s growing demand for gerontechnology and infection-control care solutions."

He also shared that the Reimagine themed floor, which brought together the innovative products of Gifts & Premium Fair and Home InStyle, helped raising the profile of the gerontech industry and showcased its diverse applications to industry players from different sectors, offering a single platform to explore the latest trends in innovative materials and home lifestyle.

In addition, TFE Holdings Limited showcased a distinctive concrete coffee machine at the Cultural and Creative Avenue. Ivan Wong, Executive Director and Product Director, said: “We have engaged with over 20 potential buyers from Hong Kong, France, Dubai, as well as Southeast Asian markets including Malaysia and Thailand. We expect to secure around 15 orders worth about US$1 million in total.”

The Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong attracted global buyers seeking sourcing opportunities. Among them was buyer Hot Packaging LLC from Middle East, which visited the Printing & Packaging Fair to source eco-friendly packaging solutions. Anas Bin Haneef, the company’s Senior Commercial Officer, said: “I connected with around 12 new suppliers from the Chinese Mainland. We expect to place initial trial orders for innovative corrugated paper bags and other sustainable products, with an estimated value of US$35,000 to US$75,000. We plan to introduce corrugated paper bags, biodegradable moulded fibre products and bagasse paper bags to the e-commerce market in the UAE and across the Middle East as greener alternatives to traditional plastic packaging.”

Packaging design also created new opportunities for exhibitors. W.H.Y. Brand Consultancy Limited participated in DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong for the first time this year, connected with printers and design firms, including companies from Southeast Asia and Korea, opening up potential collaboration on branding solutions for major enterprises. Founder William Yeung also shared that a Thai trade media outlet, which had initially approached the company for an exhibitor interview, later expressed interest in becoming a client, a clear demonstration of the fair’s ability to turn exposure into tangible business opportunities. He added that the company's participation is expected to generate around US$400,000 in business.

Buyers also affirmed the fairs as efficient sourcing platforms. Henry Huang, Vice President, Global Product Development at Umbra Ltd, a Canadian buyer at Home InStyle, said: “We identified around 20 potential suppliers from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, Thailand and Taiwan, offering products such as photo frames, desktop novelties and shoe racks. We also joined six business matching meetings during the fair and expect total orders to reach up to US$100,000.” 

Meanwhile, Jaime Gonzalez, Commercial Director of Mexico’s Promo Life and a buyer at the Gifts & Premium Fair, said the Reimagine themed floor brought together cultural creative, innovative and design elements, enabling buyers to capture market trends and evolving lifestyle in one place. He added that featured zones such as the Smart Design Global Awards, Selection of ASEAN and The Bespoke Hub also helped buyers discover design-led, customised and regionally inspired gift ideas. He also revealed plans to spend US$200,000 on keychains and magnets from a Hong Kong exhibitor.

Licensing industry goes global through HKTDC platform

At the Hong Kong International Licensing Show, Hong Kong exhibitor Postgal Workshop has reached an agreement with Malaysia based M&M Creations Holdings Sdh. Bhd., involving its IP “Din Dong”, with the collaboration estimated to be worth over US$200,000. CEO of M&M Creations Holdings Sdn. Bhd. commented that “Hong Kong International Licensing Show has sparked many new ideas. We look forward to collaborate with more Hong Kong IPs for the Malaysia market.”

At the Asian Licensing Conference, industry leaders shared emerging trends in the licensing industry, including shifts in consumer behaviour, and new IP development models. Maura Regan, President and CEO of Licensing International, stated: " We remain convinced that we'll see significant growth across property types.  Overall, the licensing industry is not slowing down. Consumers continue to demand immersive experiences, from theme parks to branded hotels to pop-up shops to retail experiences.”

Photo download: https://bit.ly/4cDT1II

Websites

HKTDC Media Room: https://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en
Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkgiftspremiumfair/en
Home InStyle: https://www.hktdc.com/event/homeinstyle/en
Fashion InStyle: https://www.hktdc.com/event/fashioninstyle/en
Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkprintpackfair/en
DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong: https://www.hktdc.com/event/deluxeprintpackhk/en
Hong Kong International Licensing Show and Asian Licensing Conference: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hklicensingshow/en

Media enquiries

For enquiries, please contact:

HKTDC Newsroom: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en

About HKTDC

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. The HKTDC is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in the Chinese Mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.