Honored for her leadership in driving innovation & growth

SINGAPORE and HONG KONG, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Boston Consulting Group (BCG) is proud to announce that Carol Liao, Managing Director and Senior Partner; Chair, Greater China, has been named to the Fortune Most Powerful Women Asia 2025 list. The recognition honors 100 outstanding women leaders who are shaping the future of business, society, and culture across the region.

In its third year, Fortune’s Most Powerful Women in Asia celebrates diversity – from the region’s most powerful boardrooms to the arenas of culture, sport, and public life, with women leaders setting Asia’s agenda and shaping its future. This year’s honorees include 28 women in global or regional roles at Fortune Global 500 companies and six who serve as CEO, Chairman and other C-Suite roles at Fortune Southeast Asia 500 firms.

“It is an honor to be recognized among so many inspiring and accomplished women who are leading the way in business and beyond,” said Carol Liao, Managing Director and Senior Partner; Chair, BCG Greater China. “This recognition marks a meaningful milestone in a journey shaped by curiosity, resilience, and a constant drive to grow. Through BCG’s CEO Advisory, I’ve had the privilege of learning from and supporting CEOs as they navigate complexity, which reminds me that true leadership is about empowering others. Standing alongside extraordinary women reinforces my belief in what we can build together — more open dialogue, stronger platforms for collective impact, and greater opportunities for the next generation to lead boldly.”

Commenting on her recognition, Yasushi Sasaki, BCG Asia Pacific Chair, said, “Carol embodies the leadership qualities that define the future of business in Asia: resilience, vision, and an unwavering commitment to people and purpose. Her recognition on Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Asia 2025 list is a testament to her impact on clients, colleagues, and the broader business community.”

Carol, the first woman Chair of BCG Greater China, brings three decades of consulting experience to her role. Under her leadership, BCG Greater China has grown to nearly 1,000 professionals and expanding its portfolio of top-tier clients across industries from digital transformation to climate and sustainability. She also spearheaded BCG’s CEO Advisory Program in Asia-Pacific, a premier platform that has supported over 500 CEOs and CXOs globally in navigating strategic challenges during times of volatility. She frequently speaks at top forums including the World Economic Forum, Boao Forum for Asia, APEC Business Council Forums, and China Development Forum, and serves on the steering committee of Mulan Club, China’s leading network for women business leaders.

To celebrate the MPW Asia 2025 honorees, Fortune will be hosting an award ceremony and leaders’ breakfast at the Fortune Innovation Forum in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on November 17 – 18.

The full MPW Asia 2025 list is available at Fortune.com/asia

About Boston Consulting Group
Boston Consulting Group partners with leaders in business and society to tackle their most important challenges and capture their greatest opportunities. BCG was the pioneer in business strategy when it was founded in 1963. Today, we work closely with clients to embrace a transformational approach aimed at benefiting all stakeholders—empowering organizations to grow, build sustainable competitive advantage, and drive positive societal impact.

Our diverse, global teams bring deep industry and functional expertise and a range of perspectives that question the status quo and spark change. BCG delivers solutions through leading-edge management consulting, technology and design, and corporate and digital ventures. We work in a uniquely collaborative model across the firm and throughout all levels of the client organization, fueled by the goal of helping our clients thrive and enabling them to make the world a better place.

BCG’s Longstanding Presence in Asia-Pacific
BCG has been a trusted advisor to leading companies in the Asia-Pacific region for over five decades. Its first office opened in Tokyo in 1966, and since then, the organization has rapidly expanded its presence to 27 offices in the region. With a team of experts dedicated to the region, BCG continues to partner with clients to navigate the complex dynamics of global trade and drive transformation across industries.

PHOENIX, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — SEMICON West — Global 300mm fab equipment spending is expected to reach $374 billion from 2026 to 2028, SEMI reported today in its latest 300mm Fab Outlook. This robust investment reflects fab regionalization and surging AI chip demand for data centers and edge devices, while underscoring the growing commitment to semiconductor self-sufficiency across key regions through localized industrial ecosystems and supply chain restructuring.

300mm_Equipment_Spending

Worldwide 300mm fab equipment spending is expected to surpass $100 billion for the first time in 2025, growing 7% to $107 billion. The report projects investment will increase 9% to $116 billion in 2026, 4% to $120 billion in 2027, and 15% to $138 billion in 2028.

“The semiconductor industry is entering a pivotal era of transformation, driven by unprecedented demand for AI-enabled technologies and a renewed focus on regional self-sufficiency,” said Ajit Manocha, President and CEO of SEMI. “Strategic global investments and collaboration are driving robust, advanced supply chains and faster deployment of next-generation semiconductor manufacturing technologies. The global expansion of 300mm fabs will enable progress in data centers, edge devices, and the digital economy.”

Segment Growth

The Logic & Micro segment is projected to lead equipment expansion with $175 billion in total investments from 2026 to 2028. Foundries are expected to be the primary drivers of this growth, fueled by sub-2nm capacity build-outs. Key enablers include advanced technologies such as gate-all-around (GAA) architecture and backside power delivery, which are essential to enhancing chip performance and power efficiency for increasingly demanding AI workloads. More advanced 1.4nm process technology is expected to enter volume production by 2028-2029. Additionally, AI performance improvements are anticipated to drive massive growth in edge-devices including automotive electronics, IoT applications, and robotics. Beyond advanced processes, demand across all nodes and various electronics devices is expected to surge significantly, fueling mature process equipment investment.

The Memory segment is projected to rank second with $136 billion in spending over the three-year period, marking the beginning of a new growth cycle for the segment. DRAM-related equipment investment is expected to exceed $79 billion from 2026 to 2028, with 3D NAND investment reaching $56 billion over the same period. AI training and inference have driven comprehensive demand increases across various types of memory. AI training requires greater data transmission bandwidth and extremely low latency, significantly boosting high bandwidth memory (HBM) demand. Moreover, model inference generates higher quality and more diverse AI digital content, creating substantial demand for end storage capacity and driving 3D NAND Flash requirements. This robust demand has sustained elevated levels of supply chain investment in memory over the medium to long term, helping to mitigate potential downturns from traditional memory cycle fluctuations.

Analog-related segments’ anticipated investment is projected to exceed $41 billion over the next three years.

Including Compound semiconductors, the power-related segment is expected to invest $27 billion from 2026 to 2028.

Regional Growth

Mainland China is expected to continue to lead in 300mm equipment spending with $94 billion in projected investments from 2026 to 2028, sustained by national self-sufficiency policies.

Korea is projected to rank second in global 300mm equipment spending over the three-year period with $86 billion invested, supporting industries worldwide in generative AI demand.

Taiwan is expected to invest $75 billion in 300mm equipment over the three years, ranking third. Investment will concentrate primarily on 2nm and sub-2nm capacity to maintain dominance in advanced foundry capacity and technology leadership.

The report projects Americas to invest $60 billion from 2026 to 2028, rising to fourth position. U.S. suppliers are expanding advanced process capacity to meet surging AI application demands while catalyzing domestic industrial and investment upgrades to maintain global technology development leadership.

Japan, Europe & Middle East, and Southeast Asia are projected to invest $32 billion, $14 billion, and $12 billion, respectively, over the three-year period. Policy incentives aimed at alleviating critical semiconductor supply concerns are expected to increase equipment investment by more than 60% in these regions by 2028 compared to 2024.

Part of the SEMI Fab Forecast database, the SEMI 300mm Fab Outlook lists 391 facilities and lines globally. The report reflects 173 updates and nine new fabs/lines projects since its last publication in January 2025.

For more information on the report or to subscribe to SEMI market data, visit SEMI Market Data or contact the SEMI Market Intelligence Team (MIT) at mktstats@semi.org.

About SEMI
SEMI^® is the global industry association connecting over 3,000 member companies and 1.5 million professionals worldwide across the semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain. We accelerate member collaboration on solutions to top industry challenges through Advocacy, Workforce Development, Sustainability, Supply Chain Management and other programs. Our SEMICON^® expositions and events, technology communities, standards and market intelligence help advance our members’ business growth and innovations in design, devices, equipment, materials, services and software, enabling smarter, faster, more secure electronics. Visit www.semi.org, contact a regional office, and connect with SEMI on LinkedIn and X to learn more.

Association Contacts

Christian G. Dieseldorff/SEMI US
Phone: 1.408.943.7940
Email: cdieseldorff@semi.org  

Sherrie Gutierrez/SEMI Corporate
Phone: 1-831-889-3800
Email: sgutierrez@semi.org

Stephanie Quinn/Kiterocket (Media Inquiries)
Phone: 1-480-316-8370
Email: squinn@kiterocket.com  

SINGAPORE, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Neopharma Technologies Ltd (“Neopharma”), a digital health company pioneering AI-driven Digital Drug and Impairment Testing, today announced the appointment of Mr. Joo Seng Wong to its Advisory Board. Mr. Wong will play a key role in strengthening Neopharma’s institutional strategy, execution frameworks, and global commercialization roadmap as the company advances toward its planned NASDAQ listing.

Institutional Credibility and Strategic Depth

Mr. Wong is one of Singapore’s most accomplished financial and technology leaders. A Fintech Veteran and Serial Entrepreneur, he currently serves as Venture Partner at Vickers Venture Partners, one of Asia’s foremost global venture capital firms, and Venture Partner at True Global Ventures, a leading technology-focused VC.
He is also Chairman of the Singapore International Chamber of Commerce (SICC), Singapore’s oldest chamber of commerce. His deep capital-markets expertise and proven ability to commercialize complex technology platforms will further strengthen Neopharma’s institutional leadership and execution discipline.

Mr. Wong brings over three decades of experience leading and advising institutional-grade enterprises at the intersection of finance, AI, and data infrastructure. As Co-Founder and CEO of Spark Systems, he built one of Asia’s most advanced AI-powered trading platforms. Previously, he co-founded M-DAQ Private Ltd, which achieved a SGD $250 million Series C valuation within six years, and served as Founding CEO of GK Goh Financial Services, transforming it into one of Asia’s largest FX trading houses.
A MENSA Singapore member, Mr. Wong is recognized for strategic execution, risk management, and innovation—qualities critical to scaling Neopharma’s global commercial and regulatory footprint.

Guiding Neopharma’s Institutional Growth

Neopharma’s proprietary NEOVAULT® Platform combines AI, data analytics, and cybersecurity to digitize drug and impairment testing across occupational health, safety, and law-enforcement sectors. The system provides tamper-proof, regulatory-compliant data that enables governments and enterprises to make informed, real-time compliance decisions.

“It is an honour to welcome Mr. Joo Seng Wong to the Neopharma Technologies team,” said Marcus L’Estrange, Executive Chairman of Neopharma Technologies. “Mr. Wong brings exceptional institutional credibility and fintech execution expertise that will help drive our investor engagement, disciplined growth, and global expansion strategy.”

Mr. Wong added: “It is a pleasure to join Neopharma and be part of the team. The wide scope as well as depth of this product makes this one of the key companies to watch, as it will literally force an evolution in this industry.”

About Neopharma Technologies Ltd

Neopharma Technologies Ltd is an Australian-based AI- and cybersecurity-driven digital health company. Its NEOVAULT® Platform secures Digital Drug and Impairment Testing and ensures compliance with ISO 27001, SOC 2 Type II, GDPR, and HIPAA standards. Through partnerships with leading POC manufacturers and system integrators, Neopharma delivers real-time, compliant, and globally scalable diagnostic data solutions.

Contact: Shaun Melville, shaun@neopharmatechnologies.com

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In a landmark collaboration that bridges Islamic finance and emerging technology, Masverse Sdn. Bhd., in cooperation with Lembaga Zakat Selangor (LZS) and under the facilitation of Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), has completed the e-Wakalah Proof-of-Concept (POC). This blockchain-powered platform redefines transparency, efficiency, and accountability in Zakat fund distribution.

The initiative, officially commissioned through a Letter of Engagement dated 7 May 2024, followed a rigorous selection process where Masverse was shortlisted from several technology companies that submitted proposals to participate in this pioneering effort. All the firms were first briefed during an industry engagement session organised by the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) in collaboration with Lembaga Zakat Selangor (LZS).

This selection marked the beginning of a historic milestone — one of Malaysia’s first blockchain-based pilots for Islamic social finance. The project was completed with full data sign-off by Lembaga Zakat Selangor in December 2024, confirming the POC’s validated outcomes and its demonstrated potential to transform the way Zakat is managed and distributed.

Transforming Faith-Based Giving through Technology

The e-Wakalah model digitises the traditional wakalah process, ensuring Zakat funds are distributed securely and verifiably via MasChain, Masverse’s public-permissioned blockchain. Through this innovation, each transaction is immutable, traceable, and auditable — allowing LZS to monitor every fund transfer from Wakalah (appointed representative) to Asnaf (eligible recipient) in real time.

During the POC, all the Asnaf successfully withdrew their Zakat funds directly to their bank accounts, with every transaction recorded on-chain. All the participating Wakalah reported positive feedback on the system’s usability and transparency, while Asnaf beneficiaries praised the digital process for its speed and convenience. The fastest withdrawal from onboarding to receipt of funds was completed in under seven minutes.

This milestone directly addresses long-standing issues, such as manual reporting, limited traceability, and potential fraud risks, replacing them with digital audit trails, automated validation, and data integrity at every stage.

A Global Benchmark for Islamic Fintech

The success of e-Wakalah is more than just a technological proof — it is a testament to possibility. It demonstrates that Islamic social finance can evolve through innovation without compromising its core principles of trust (amanah), justice (‘adl), and transparency (shafafiyyah). The e-Wakalah platform also introduces the concept of purpose-bound money (PBM), ensuring that every tokenised Zakat money issued is digitally programmed for its designated recipient and use case. This mechanism safeguards the sanctity of Zakat funds by preventing misuse, guaranteeing that allocations reach the right Asnaf categories in a fully verifiable manner.

Through blockchain technology, the distribution of Zakat now carries a digital signature of trust, ensuring that every ringgit reaches its rightful beneficiary. This model can be replicated globally across Waqf, Sadaqah, and other Islamic philanthropic systems.

“This initiative is a milestone in harmonising syariah-compliant finance with cutting-edge innovation,” said Mr Chew Kian Kok, Chief Executive Officer at Masverse. “With e-Wakalah, we’ve shown that technology can preserve the sanctity of Islamic giving while ensuring every transaction is transparent, accountable, and efficient.”

Towards a Scalable, Inclusive Future

Backed by MDEC’s Blockchain Pilot Programme, the e-Wakalah POC was developed and delivered between May and December 2024, encompassing prototype development, system testing, pilot distribution, and final data analysis.

The system integrates blockchain-based smart contracts, digital wallets, and e-KYC verification for Asnaf — providing a secure end-to-end process for fund management. Feedback from the pilot has also guided proposed enhancements, including automated withdrawals, integration with existing LZS systems, and simplified e-KYC flows for non-tech-savvy users.

A Call to the Islamic Digital Ecosystem

The success of e-Wakalah stands as a call to action for Islamic institutions, fintech vendors, and government bodies to collaborate in building transparent and equitable distribution systems powered by blockchain.

As Masverse continues to advance its MasChain infrastructure and expand e-Wakalah’s capabilities, the platform opens new pathways for global Islamic finance institutions seeking verifiable, scalable, and ethical digital transformation.

“This is Malaysia’s signal to the world,” added Mr Chew Kian Kok. “Islamic finance has always upheld the principles of accountability and trust — and through blockchain, we can now make these values visible. e-Wakalah is not just a project; it’s the beginning of a new era for digital trust and transparency in Islamic social finance.”

About Masverse

Masverse Sdn. Bhd. is a Malaysian blockchain solutions provider developing MasChain, a Layer-1 public-permissioned blockchain designed to power trust-based digital ecosystems. The company develops enterprise solutions for digital identity, supply chain management, ESG tracking, and Islamic finance, including its flagship BlockchainCert.my and e-Wakalah platforms.

About Lembaga Zakat Selangor (LZS)

LZS is the authorised zakat institution for the state of Selangor, Malaysia, responsible for collecting and distributing zakat funds to eligible Asnaf, ensuring equitable and transparent management aligned with Islamic principles.

• Expert jurors from 26 countries select Farizon SV for IVOTY shortlist
• High standards of efficiency and safety are key factors jurors consider
• Winner to be announced at Solutrans Expo in Lyon, France on 19 November

HANGZHOU, China, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The all-new born-electric Farizon SV large van has been shortlisted for the prestigious 2026 International Van of the Year (IVOTY) Award. The news comes ahead of the overall winner being announced at a ceremony to be held at the Solutrans commercial vehicle expo in Lyon, France on 19 November.

An expert panel of jurors from 26 countries have selected the Farizon SV after evaluating numerous new light commercial vehicles (LCVs) that have been introduced to global markets this year. The jurors consider a vehicle’s contribution to high standards of efficiency and safety among other factors when deciding on the final shortlist.

Jarlath Sweeney, Chairman of the International Van of the Year Award, said: “We’re in a very interesting period in our sector, with new players coming into the marketplace, with fresh thinking, creating new segments, and offering new solutions, all with emission free technologies. These new brands are most welcome, and to have them in the contest alongside household names in the trade, makes our job when voting even more difficult.”

Cook Xue, CEO at Farizon Auto International Company, said: “We set out four years ago to develop and build the world’s best van, and being shortlisted for the IVOTY award is testament to the hundreds of engineers and manufacturing colleagues that produce the Farizon SV. In conjunction with distribution partners around the world, we have successfully launched across Europe, the Gulf region and Asia Pacific through 2025, and to cap off the year with the IVOTY award would be very gratifying. We’re excited to hear the result in November.”

The Farizon SV 

The Farizon SV features a host of advanced innovations, including drive-by-wire technology, a unique hidden B-pillar design, and cell-to-pack battery packaging, which combine to deliver market-leading cargo capacity. With a payload of up to 1,465 kg, load space up to 13 m3, and an ultra-low loading height of just 550 mm, the SV sets a new benchmark for capability and versatility in the global medium / large van sector.

A single highly-specified trim level includes several premium features as standard, including a unique payload monitoring system, heated seats, heated multifunction steering wheel, heated windscreen, and a 360-degree surround view, depending on market. A comprehensive suite of ADAS safety systems is also included. The SV has earned the highest five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP.   

The model line-up includes the option of a 49 kWh, 67 kWh or an 83 kWh battery, or a 66 kWh or 106 kWh battery, depending on market. Depending on the model, peak power is rated at 200 kW (272 PS) and maximum torque at 343 Nm. The SV delivers a WLTP range of up to 551 km (342 miles) on the WLTP city cycle, and up to 398 km (247 miles) on the WLTP combined cycle. A 20 to 80 per cent top-up charge can be completed in as little as 36 minutes.  

About Farizon

Farizon New Energy Commercial Vehicle Group is the commercial business division of Geely Holding Group. With the support of Geely Holding Group’s Central Research Institute, Farizon New Energy Commercial Vehicle Group has founded China’s largest new energy commercial vehicle research institute. It is responsible for the R&D of a new generation of green and intelligent commercial vehicle products based on passenger vehicle technology. Farizon has become China’s first commercial vehicle brand to offer a full range of new energy product. Farizon is committed to becoming a comprehensive intelligent and green transportation technology service provider.

Farizon has doubled its Chinese market share for three consecutive years, with a product market share exceeding 20%, continuously consolidating its leading position in the new energy commercial vehicle industry. In 2024, Farizon has reached the milestone of 300,000 unit sales, becoming the first new energy commercial vehicle brand ever to achieve this goal.

For more information regarding Zhejiang Geely Farizon New Energy Commercial Vehicle Group please refer to the official website at https://global.geelycv.com/ 

BANGKOK, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness (GNH) has captured global attention as a unique development philosophy, emphasizing holistic well-being over mere economic metrics. Yet, as Mr. Namgay Tshering, Former Finance Minister of Bhutan and alumnus of Chulalongkorn University’s Master of Public Health program, points out, the concept often raises questions: “People tend to ask whether every Bhutanese is happy. GNH is not about individual happiness alone—it’s about collective wellbeing, sustainability, and inclusivity.”

When Happiness Meets Real-World Pressures

“People tend to ask whether every Bhutanese is happy.”

Bhutan faces modern pressures that test the resilience of its happiness-centric model. The country remains largely import-driven, leaving it vulnerable to global economic shocks and inflationary pressures. Tourism, once a cornerstone of the economy, is still recovering from the pandemic, and over-reliance on any single sector proved risky. Technological advancements, while offering opportunities, also pose societal challenges. As Tshering notes, youth may struggle to make rational decisions in the digital age, requiring careful oversight and education.

Turning Vision into Sustainable Action

To address these challenges, Bhutan has embraced sustainable policies and diversified its economy. During his tenure as Finance Minister, Tshering developed public financial management and debt policies as well as enacted taxation laws—all evaluated through the GNH framework to ensure meaningful, sustainable growth. Beyond governance, Bhutan has launched visionary projects such as the Gelephu Mindfulness City, championed by His Majesty the Fifth King. The city integrates nature conservation, spirituality, economic growth, and good governance, serving as a global model of mindful urban development.

Moreover, Bhutan invests heavily in youth development programs to ensure that young citizens grow to be healthy, sensible, and responsible individuals, capable of embracing technology while preserving cultural values. Tshering continues to mentor the next generation, guiding them toward balanced, impactful lives.

Redefining Leadership for a Changing World

Reflecting on leadership, Tshering emphasizes a holistic approach: academic excellence alone does not make a leader. “Embrace a wholesome education—go beyond the curriculum, explore different perspectives, and understand global dynamics,” he advises.

His career exemplifies this philosophy, blending national service with international experience at the World Health Organization, World Bank, and Global Fund.

Shaping Perspectives and Inspiring Action

After his undergraduate studies in Bhutan, Tshering pursued a Master of Public Health at Chulalongkorn University, Thailand’s oldest and most prestigious institution. He credits Chula for providing not just academic knowledge, but a global perspective: “I could discuss policies, meet colleagues from different countries, and hear about their experiences. It has been a driving force behind my success.”

Through his work, Tshering demonstrates how Chula alumni contribute to society on both national and international stages, applying knowledge with purpose, compassion, and a commitment to sustainable development

Read the full article at: https://www.chula.ac.th/en/highlight/260992/

Watch the video for this story: https://youtu.be/a10uzeJb27g 

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About Chulalongkorn University

Chulalongkorn University has made the world’s top 50 university list for employment outcomes, which reflects both the high employment rate and work ability of Chula graduates. The university is also listed as the best in Thailand for the 15th Consecutive Year (since 2009), according to the newly released QS World University Rankings 2024, putting Chula at 211th in the world, up from 244th last year.

Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChulalongkornUniversity

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/chulauniversity

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/school/15101896/

Major Acquisition Deal Originated at 2024 Event Highlights Conference’s Role as Premier Investment Platform

HONG KONG, Oct. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Questex’s IHIF Asia cemented its position as the APAC region’s premier hotel investment forum after three days of intensive deal-making and strategic discussions. The event attracted 520 senior delegates from 33 countries, with investors representing $280B in AUM comprising 40% of attendees – a 33% increase from the $210B represented at the 2024 event.

The conference’s deal-making hub was illustrated by the revelation that Seibu Prince Hotels’ acquisition of Ace Hotel Group – a landmark transaction that reshaped the boutique hotel landscape – originated from meetings at IHIF Asia 2024. This demonstrates the forum’s unique ability to facilitate transformative deals that drive industry consolidation and growth.

Diversified Capital Sources Signal Maturing Market

A standout feature of the event was the significant increase in Chinese and Japanese investor participation, and the emergence of new capital sources that demonstrate the hospitality sector’s evolving appeal to institutional investors. Private equity firms including Blackstone, BlackRock, Brookfield, Bain Capital and Fortress Group were represented alongside investment banks such as Goldman Sachs, signalling the asset class’s growing sophistication.

The event welcomed an increasing number of family offices, multilateral and bilateral institutions, reflecting the sector’s expanding investor base beyond traditional hospitality-focused funds.

Chinese investment groups including Delonix, Huamao, JinJiang, SSAW Group, Funyard Hotels & Resorts, and China Travel Group registered their strong presence with expanded delegations, while Japanese participation reached new heights with institutions representing both inbound capital seeking regional opportunities and outbound capital targeting domestic market expansion. This bi-directional capital flow from Japan demonstrates the country’s evolving role as both a destination and source market for hospitality investment across APAC.

Japan’s real estate developers – Mitsubishi, Indochina Kajima, Takenaka Corporation and Mitsui – brought delegations highlighting the convergence of hospitality and real estate investment strategies.

Key Investment Opportunities Drive Strategic Decision-Making

The forum’s strategic sessions delivered actionable market intelligence influencing capital deployment decisions across the region. Gateway city trophy assets in established markets including Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo, and Sydney dominated investor appetite, with focus on operational upside opportunities.

Emerging markets across Southeast Asia and India emerged as key expansion targets, while technology-enabled hospitality captured attention through measurable AI integration and automation returns. Cross-border partnership structures between Western operators and Asian capital were highlighted for market access and risk mitigation, with third-party operators importing best practices from US and European markets.

Branded residential evolution featured prominently, with hybrid models emerging as preferred structures across diverse Asian markets, creating new revenue streams and enhanced development cycle economics.

IHIF Asia Digital will offer main stage sessions, extending the event’s reach to the broader hospitality investment community. Learn more here.

About Questex

Questex fuels exceptional business connections—where every buyer and seller interaction matters. Through live events enriched with data insights and active year-round digital communities, we deliver measurable results. It happens here.

Media Contact

mfranzman@questex.com