KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 June 2026 – Malaysia’s wellness market is moving beyond traditional competition over ingredients, dosage, and pricing toward product-format experience, sustained use, and differentiated innovation. The Global Wellness Consumer & Product Trends Forum 2026 will hold a forum on June 23, 2026, in Kuala Lumpur. Under the theme “Defining the Next Generation of Health Industry,” the event will bring together Malaysian trade associations, leading distribution channels, and Taiwanese R&D teams to jointly explore market opportunities.
As a core component, James Pereira, general manager of MADSA, will share insights on Malaysian health industry regulations. Adrian Toh, CEO & Executive Director of R Pharmacy, will provide frontline retail channel observations regarding shifting consumer demands. Alex Liao, General Manager of Welbloom Bio-Tech, will represent Taiwan to share how format innovation effectively responds to brand differentiation, consumption experiences, and market compliance needs.
Faced with brands’ attention toward differentiated experiences, Welbloom Bio-Tech will showcase its proprietary, Halal-certified FRESH-Jelly® technology on-site, demonstrating the innovative application to make supplements more food-like. Through ingredient payload capacities, zero- or low-sugar designs, and customized flavor development, FRESH-Jelly® allows supplements to maintain functionality while becoming more enjoyable to consume regularly, providing Malaysian brands with a distinctive option beyond capsules and tablets.
With the rapid rise of Malaysia’s wellness consumer market, its mature distribution channels and exceptional potential for regional expansion are accelerating the country’s growth as a critical hub for the Southeast Asian health industry. Welbloom Bio-Tech states that this forum is a bridging platform connecting Taiwan’s manufacturing capabilities with Malaysian market insights, aiming to unlock commercially viable partnerships for both regions.
The event is organized by The PAGE, co-organized by Welbloom Bio-Tech and SEAbizs, and supported by NTBSA, MATRADE, R Pharmacy, and MADSA.
【Event Information】 Time: June 23, 2026, 09:30 – 14:00 Venue: The Zenith – Connexion Conference & Event Centre, Kuala Lumpur
Hashtag: #WelbloomBioTech
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Welbloom Bio-Tech
Welbloom Bio-Tech focuses on health supplement R&D, manufacturing, and dosage form innovation. Through forward-looking market foresight and robust R&D technologies, it provides one-stop services from formulation design and flavor development to manufacturing, assisting clients in Malaysia and Singapore to build highly competitive health supplements.
In the 2026 edition of its flagship policy report the Doing Good Index, the Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society (CAPS) finds that Asia’s capacity to deploy private capital for social good is not keeping pace with its potential.
Asia’s social sector is under strain: 78% of the 2,166 social delivery organizations (SDOs) surveyed report insufficient domestic funding.
Asia is one of the fastest-growing regions for wealth creation, yet the policies and incentives needed to channel it toward social good are not keeping pace.
Singapore has become the first economy to enter the “Doing Excellent” category, demonstrating what alignment across regulations, tax incentives, government partnerships and efforts to create a culture of giving can achieve.
84% of Asian SDOs surveyed apply the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in their operations, pointing to their enduring value as a shared framework for coordination and collective action beyond 2030.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 June 2026 – Asia’s social needs are intensifying, and official development assistance is declining. Yet, while the region’s wealth is growing dramatically, the policies, incentives and partnerships needed to channel private capital toward social good are not keeping pace. That is a key finding of the Doing Good Index 2026, the fifth edition of CAPS’s flagship policy report, which assesses the enabling environment for private social investment across 17 Asian economies.
The report finds that while the enabling environment for private social investment is in place across much of the region, its effectiveness remains uneven. Improvements in registration processes and accountability mechanisms have been accompanied by persistent barriers, including restrictions on foreign funding, regulatory complexity, and inconsistent government engagement. In many cases, policies exist on paper but are not fully implemented in practice, limiting their impact.
At the same time, although trust in SDOs remains high across the region, broader ecosystem conditions, such as media sentiment, talent pipelines, and institutional support, are showing signs of strain. 81% of SDOs struggle to secure unrestricted funds for their work, while 73% report difficulty recruiting staff, constraining the sector’s ability to turn trust into impact.
“Asia has the wealth, the will, and in many economies, the foundations of a strong enabling environment. What is needed now is concerted, aligned effort to bring them together. The potential is enormous,” said Ruth Shapiro, Co-Founder and CEO, Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society.
Even as Asia’s wealth continues to grow, the region faces significant and intensifying challenges across climate, education and health. Official development assistance is declining, and there is increasing pressure on domestic resources at precisely the moment demand for social services is rising.
If Asian economies were to contribute just 2% of GDP to philanthropy, as the United States does, it could generate an estimated US$753 billion annually for social good. That represents 15 times the official development assistance flowing into the region, and almost half the financing needed to hit the UN’s SDGs in Asia. But realizing that potential depends on strengthening the policies, incentives and partnerships that enable private capital to flow toward social good. The Doing Good Index 2026 finds that across much of Asia, those conditions are not yet in place.
“The world has changed dramatically, and Asia can no longer rely on others to address its social challenges. The Doing Good Index 2026 shows the region has the potential to meet this moment, but only if governments and philanthropists act together to build the conditions that make it possible,” said Ronnie Chan, Chairman, Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society.
Singapore Shows What Alignment Can Achieve Singapore has, for the first time, entered the top “Doing Excellent” category in the Doing Good Index 2026, reflecting years of deliberate effort to build a strong culture of philanthropy and civic engagement. Clear regulations, generous tax incentives, openness to foreign funding, and close collaboration between government and the social sector have created a strong enabling environment.
Singapore’s achievement demonstrates that when regulations, fiscal policy, ecosystem conditions and procurement work in concert, the outcomes are stronger. While no two economies will follow the same path, Singapore’s experience highlights the conditions that matter, such as the active promotion and alignment of philanthropy and giving across the whole of society.
The SDGs: Falling Short but Still Relevant in Asia In the run-up to 2030, global progress toward the SDGs has fallen short of ambition, and Asia is no exception. Yet the Doing Good Index 2026 finds that 84% of SDOs continue to apply the SDGs in their work. Further, the rise of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting has not displaced them, because most SDOs see the two frameworks as complementary rather than competing.
As the deadline approaches, the Index points to their enduring value not as a target but as a shared framework for strategy, coordination and collective action in the years ahead.
Other Findings from the Report
Talent shortages persist for Asia’s social sector: more than 70% of SDOs face difficulty recruiting and retaining staff across Asia.
AI adoption is happening, but usage remains limited: only 13% of surveyed SDOs report using AI regularly.
39% of SDOs say claiming tax benefits is difficult, suggesting administrative barriers may be limiting the impact of existing incentives for giving.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About the Doing Good Index
Released biennially and now in its fifth edition, the Doing Good Index is CAPS’s flagship policy research that assesses the enabling environment for doing good in Asia: the systems, policies and practices that facilitate or constrain philanthropic giving and the deployment of this capital.
CAPS’s research team surveyed 2,166 social delivery organizations (SDOs) and conducted 132 interviews with sector experts across 17 Asian economies to provide a comparative, evidence-based view of where environments are supportive, where gaps persist, and how systems can be strengthened to better mobilize private resources for public good.
The Index looks at indicators under four sub-indexes: regulations, tax and fiscal policy, ecosystem, and government procurement, which provide an understanding of the specific measures economies have taken to catalyze philanthropic giving and promote social sector development.
Since its inception, the Index has been an essential resource for policymakers, philanthropists, and nonprofit leaders seeking to understand and improve the conditions for giving across the region.
About the Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society (CAPS)
Established in 2013 and working across more than 17 economies in Asia, the Centre for Asian Philanthropy and Society (CAPS) is a nonprofit organization committed to improving the quantity and quality of philanthropic and private giving throughout Asia. Our mission is to maximize private capital for public good, conducting research, advisory, convening and capacity building to engage philanthropists, foundations, family offices, corporates, government bodies, social sector organizations and experts on best practices, models, policies and strategies to facilitate private giving and social investment in the region. For more information, visit www.caps.org and LinkedIn.
Recognising a Shared Commitment to Employee Experience
NLCS (Singapore) HR team receiving the Bronze award for Best HR Digital Transformation Strategy at the Employee Experience Awards 2026
NLCS (Singapore), an international school in Singapore, has been awarded Bronze in the Best HR Digital Transformation Strategy category at the Employee Experience Awards (EXA) 2026, one of Asia’s most prestigious pan-regional HR accolades.
Held at Shangri-La Singapore, the awards brought together leading organisations from across a range of industries to celebrate progress and recognise initiatives that support people in the workplace. Guided by an esteemed panel of judges, the Employee Experience Awards focus on four key areas – leadership, learning, engagement and talent acquisition.
What the EXA 2026 Award Recognises
NLCS (Singapore)’s bronze win in the Best HR Digital Transformation Strategy category reflects the school’s ongoing work in modernising its HR processes through digitisation and digitalisation, with the goal of streamlining operations, improving the employee experience, and better supporting the needs of the wider school community.
This recognition speaks to the work taking place behind the scenes to improve the staff experience, ensuring colleagues are supported by systems and processes that free them to focus on what matters most – supporting students and delivering an outstanding education.
Elvin Goh, Senior HR Manager at NLCS (Singapore), shared that receiving this recognition is meaningful for the team, not because of the award itself, but because of what it reflects.
“This is a shared achievement, and one that speaks to the consistent work that has gone into ensuring our people feel supported. Our vision has always been to put staff experience first, and this is an encouraging sign that we are heading in the right direction.”
A Better Staff Experience Across the School
Danielle Lim, Personal Assistant to the Senior School Principal added, “Having clearer systems and easier access to support has freed us up to focus on what we are here to do. It is encouraging to see continued efforts to simplify processes and make it easier for staff to access the support and information they need.”
Experiences like these reflect the broader impact of the work on employee experience. When the right systems and processes are in place, the difference is felt across the whole school community.
A Reflection of Collective Effort
While the award was received by the Human Resources team, it reflects the contributions of many colleagues across the school who have embraced new ways of working and supported ongoing improvements.
For NLCS (Singapore), this recognition represents a continued commitment to putting people first, fostering a workplace where staff feel supported and where the conditions are in place for great teaching and learning to thrive.
About North London Collegiate School (Singapore)
Founded in August 2020, North London Collegiate School (Singapore) is a British international school in Singapore offering the academically ambitious NLCS curriculum, followed by the International Baccalaureate’s Middle Years Programme and culminating in the IB Diploma Programme.
Drawing upon 175 years of educational heritage from its founding school in the UK, NLCS (Singapore) nurtures individuals to be intellectually curious, socially confident, and grounded in compassion. Every student is known, challenged, and celebrated through a rigorous academic framework, rich co-curricular opportunities, and exceptional pastoral care.
Situated on Depot Road, the school is part of a global family of schools committed to educational excellence and developing global citizens.
To learn more about NLCS (Singapore), please visit our website and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.
For media queries, please contact the NLCS (Singapore) Marketing Team
Melbourne and Sydney Icons recognised by a panel of leading hospitality voices
63% of Australian diners are more likely to try a restaurant if it has an award or appears on a ‘best restaurants’ list**
SYDNEY, June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — OpenTable has announced its Melbourne and Sydney ‘Icons’, venues recognised for their contribution to furthering Australia’s world-class dining offering.* Alongside this, OpenTable’s Inaugural Restaurant Awards have recognised the favourites of Melbourne’s dining scene, as voted by both diners and industry professionals.
Selected by a panel of respected hospitality figures, critics, and creatives, the Icons recognise restaurants that have achieved ‘Icon‘ status for their contribution to shaping Australia’s dining culture.
OpenTable’s inaugural Restaurant Awards were announced off the back of new research revealing that 63% of Australian diners are more likely to try a restaurant they haven’t visited yet if it has an award, or is named on a ‘best restaurants’ list**.
Drew Bowering, General Manager Australia at OpenTable, said, “Melbourne and Sydney are home to some of the world’s most exciting hospitality venues. Restaurants play an important role in how people experience a city and OpenTable Icons is an opportunity to recognise the restaurants helping shape Australia’s dining culture and setting the standard for hospitality experiences globally.”
Melbourne-based Chef, Food Writer, and Cookbook Author, Rosheen Kaul said: “Melbourne’s dining scene has always been defined by its creativity, diversity and willingness to evolve. What stood out most throughout the judging process was the calibre of venues consistently delivering memorable experiences while continuing to shape the culture of dining out in this city.”
Industry professionals and diners vote on Melbourne’s top venues
Beyond the Icons list, OpenTable’s inaugural Restaurant Awards, hosted in Melbourne by Australian comedian and presenter Merrick Watts, also honoured standout venues voted for by both diners and industry professionals. The winners for the Industry Choice and People’s Choice Awards are as follows.
Industry Choice Awards (Voted by the Hospitality Industry):
Find the full list of Icons here and the award winners linked here. Imagery can be found here.
About OpenTable:
OpenTable, a global leader in restaurant tech and part of Booking Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG), helps more than 65,000 restaurants worldwide fill 1.9 billion seats a year. OpenTable’s world-class technology empowers restaurants to focus on what matters most – their team, their guests, and their bottom line – while enabling diners to discover and book the perfect restaurant for every occasion.
NOTES TO EDITORS
*Icons Methodology: The “Icon” designation and associated restaurant nominations are determined by an OpenTable-appointed industry panel via a qualitative assessment of a pre-determined shortlist. This shortlist is generated through a combination of data-informed insights (diner reviews, ratings, and platform signals) and expert input from local specialists. This process represents a subjective assessment rather than an objective ranking or exhaustive list. Eligibility is merit-based and requires no purchase or commercial participation, and payment to OpenTable does not influence the likelihood of nomination or selection. All selections are discretionary, final, and binding.
**Consumer Research Methodology: An online survey was conducted by Ripple Research among 1000 Australian diners, with a geographical focus of 500 Sydney and 500 Melbourne diners. Fieldwork was carried out between March 13th, 2026, and March 17th, 2026. All data was collected in accordance with MRS (Market Research Society) and ESOMAR guidelines, ensuring ethical standards and robust data quality.
Transaction expands Bull Moose Tube’s manufacturing footprint and strengthens its ability to serve customers across key end markets
CHESTERFIELD, Mo., June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Bull Moose Tube Company (“Bull Moose”), a leading manufacturer of steel pipe & tubing products, announced that it has reached an agreement to acquire Hanna Steel Corporation, a leading producer of structural and mechanical steel tubing with operations in Alabama and Illinois, a coil-coating facility in Alabama, as well as Hanna Truck Line, Inc., Hanna Steel’s in-house trucking fleet. The transaction is expected to close in early Q3 2026, subject to customary closing conditions. Following the completion of the transaction, Hanna Steel will operate as a division of Bull Moose Tube Company.
“The acquisition of Hanna Steel is a strong strategic fit for Bull Moose Tube as we continue to expand our capabilities and enhance value for our customers,” said John Krupinski, Chief Executive Officer of Bull Moose Tube Company. “Hanna adds complementary assets, experienced teams, a respected reputation and culture, along with a product portfolio that supports our long-term growth strategy.”
The combination brings together two organizations with a shared commitment to safety, customer service, quality and growth – creating a stronger, more aligned platform than either company could achieve as separate entities. With aligned values and complementary cultures, Bull Moose and Hanna will operate as one team, accelerating the sharing of best practices and delivering best in class service across our customers, employees, and partners.
“This transaction enhances our flexibility in servicing our customer base and Hanna’s capabilities allow us to better meet evolving market requirements while strengthening our ability to execute on complex, large-scale projects,” said Andy Annakin, Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer.
Chairman of Bull Moose Tube Company, the Hon. Ambar Paul, said, “We continue to assess and pursue strategic opportunities that strengthen Bull Moose Tube’s position as a best-in-class steel tube producer. As our third major investment in recent years, Hanna Steel builds on a clear pattern of strategic expansion – adding depth to our manufacturing capabilities and reinforcing our commitment to long-term, sustainable growth.”
Vice-Chair of Hanna Steel, Jill Cunningham, said, “The acquisition of Hanna Steel by Bull Moose Tube marks an exciting new chapter for our customers, employees and suppliers. Joining forces with Bull Moose Tube allows us to pair our legendary commitment to consistency and customer service with Bull Moose’s impressive scale and quality. We are proud of the legacy we’ve built and look forward to the future of Hanna under Bull Moose’s stewardship.”
Brown Gibbons Lang & Company (BGL) served as exclusive financial advisor to Bull Moose Tube Company, and Spencer Fane LLP acted as legal counsel.
Jefferies LLC served as exclusive financial advisor to Hanna Steel Corporation, and Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP acted as legal counsel.
About Bull Moose Tube Company
Bull Moose Tube Company is part of the Caparo Bull Moose Group of Companies. The company operates manufacturing facilities across the United States and offers one of the largest ranges of welded steel tubing in North America. Bull Moose Tube products serve a wide variety of applications including commercial construction, infrastructure, fire protection, heavy equipment, transportation, and engineered products. For more information, visit www.bullmoosetube.com.
About Hanna Steel
Hanna Steel Corporation is headquartered in Hoover, Alabama. Hanna’s southeastern tubing operations are based in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and its Midwestern tubing facilities are in Pekin, Illinois. It operates a coil-coating facility located in Fairfield, Alabama. Hanna Truck Line, known as HTL, rounds out Hanna’s capabilities providing consistent deliveries to our customers. For more information, visit www.hannasteel.com.
SILICON VALLEY, Calif., June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Frost & Sullivan Institute is pleased to present the 2026 Visionary Growth Leadership Best Practices Recognition, celebrating leading enterprises that are redefining the role of business in addressing the world’s most urgent challenges.
This recognition honors organizations that have embedded innovation, measurable impact, and long-term sustainability into the core of their growth strategies, demonstrating that commercial success and societal progress can advance together. The award highlights companies whose solutions are accelerating industry transformation and contributing meaningfully to a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable global future.
The 2026 award recipients represent a new generation of visionary leaders shaping the future through purpose-driven innovation. These organizations pioneer scalable solutions across sectors such as clean energy, climate resilience, sustainable infrastructure, healthcare access, cybersecurity, education, digital inclusion, and resource efficiency.
By leveraging technological advancement, responsible business practices, and market-driven impact models, they are addressing complex global challenges while creating tangible value for communities, industries, and economies worldwide. Their leadership reflects a growing movement in which business excellence is increasingly defined by the ability to generate a measurable positive impact alongside sustained growth.
“The organizations receiving the Visionary Growth Leadership Recognition demonstrate that long-term growth is increasingly driven by the ability to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges,” said David Frigstad, Executive Director of the Frost & Sullivan Institute.
“Through innovation, strategic execution, and an unwavering commitment, these companies exemplify visionary leadership in action. Their success reflects a new paradigm in which sustainable market leadership is achieved through measurable impact, resilience, and value creation for all stakeholders.”
The award recipients were identified through a rigorous evaluation and research methodology conducted by Frost & Sullivan Institute’s research analysts. The assessment process examined organizations across multiple pillars such as Healthcare, Human Rights, Economics, Environment, Education, Security and Infrastructure. Special emphasis was placed on the ability of each organization to deliver responsible solutions capable of driving meaningful changes at both industry and societal levels.
The Frost & Sullivan Institute extends its sincere congratulations to the following 50 recipients of the 2026 Visionary Growth Leadership Best Practices Recognition.
MercadoLibre
Samsung Biologics
Google (Alphabet)
AstraZeneca
Eli Lilly and Company
Equinix
Reliance Industries
First Solar
Grab
JSW Steel
Localiza
Adobe Inc.
Ambipar
ARM Holdings
Delta Electronics
EDP Renewables
WEG
Aldar Properties
Aptiv
BYD
Digital Realty
Enphase Energy
Nubank
Access Bank
ACWA Power
Amazon
Amul (GCMMF)
ANSYS
Apollo Hospitals
Autodesk
Fortinet
Genmab
Larsen & Toubro (L&T)
Raízen
Salesforce
Schneider Electric
TSMC
Advantest
Bank Mandiri
Dropbox
GenScript
Hannon Armstrong
Microsoft
Adyen
AMD (Advanced Micro Devices)
Arco Educação
ASM International
Atlas Copco
CATL
Databricks
About Frost & Sullivan Institute
The Frost & Sullivan Institute (FSI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to utilizing business practices to address global priorities. The genesis of the institute goes back to the vision of either creating or becoming part of a solution that addresses threats to humanity. The Institute has identified strategic imperatives for transformation and believes that we can truly accelerate innovation to zero. To learn more about FSI, visit www.frostandsullivaninstitute.org
About Frost & Sullivan
For six decades, Frost & Sullivan has been world-renowned for its role in helping investors, corporate leaders, and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, Mega Trends, new business models, and companies to action, resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success. Contact us: Start the discussion.
SHANGHAI, June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Boqii Holding Limited (“Boqii” or the “Company“) (NYSE American: BQ), a leading pet-focused platform in China, announced today that the Company had become aware of unusual trading activity in its Class A ordinary shares on the NYSE American LLC (the “NYSE American“) on June 10, 2026. The Company is issuing this press release pursuant to Section 401(d) of the NYSE American Company Guide. Following appropriate internal review and consultation, the Company confirms that it is not aware of any material developments in its business or affairs beyond those previously disclosed publicly. Investors should rely solely on the Company’s official filings and press releases for any developments.
About Boqii Holding Limited
Boqii Holding Limited (NYSE American: BQ) is a leading pet-focused platform in China. Boqii is the leading online destination for pet products and supplies in China with a broad selection of high-quality products including global leading brands, local emerging brands, and its own private label, Yoken, Mocare and D-cat, offered at competitive prices. Boqii’s online sales platforms, including Boqii Mall and its flagship stores on third-party e-commerce platforms, provide customers with convenient access to a wide selection of high-quality pet products and an engaging and personalized shopping experience. Its Boqii Community provides an informative and interactive content platform for users to share their knowledge and love for pets.
Forward-looking Statements
This release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements give the Company’s current expectations, opinion, belief or forecasts of future events and performance. A statement identified by the use of forward-looking words including “will,” “may,” “expects,” “projects,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimate,” “should,” and certain of the other foregoing statements may be deemed forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including market and other conditions. More detailed information about the Company and the risk factors that may affect the realization of forward-looking statements is set forth in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC“). Investors and security holders are urged to read these documents free of charge on the SEC’s web site at http://www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements after the date hereof to conform to actual results or changes in expectations, except as required by law.
Partnership with Tokyo Century strengthens credit standing, financing options, and structuring capabilities for hotel owners and brand operators across Japan.
TOKYO, June 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Flat Collaboration Co., Ltd., Japan’s leading independent third-party hotel management company, today announced its first external capital raise in partnership with Tokyo Century Corporation, one of Japan’s foremost financial services and leasing groups. The capital and business alliance, formalized on June 11, 2026, comes as Japan’s hotel investment market surpassed ¥1 trillion for the first time in 2024 — and positions Flat Collaboration to accelerate its expansion at a pivotal moment for the industry.
Japan’s hotel management structure differs fundamentally from most other international markets. J-REITs and institutional investors are legally required to hold hotel properties through lease arrangements, creating demand for specialized management companies that offer a combination of hotel operations, asset-management expertise, creditworthiness and transaction structuring capabilities. Flat Collaboration was purpose-built for this role — functioning as a neutral, white-label operating partner for real estate owners and international and domestic hotel brands — and has built a robust track record with no competitors operating at a comparable scale.
Tokyo Century’s investment marks a significant step in Flat Collaboration’s development, enhancing the company’s credit profile as a hotel tenant and lessee — a critical factor in J-REIT and institutional transactions — while opening broader financing and structuring options for clients.
What the Alliance Delivers for Hotel Owners and Brand Operators
Stronger credit standing: Tokyo Century’s capital participation directly strengthens Flat Collaboration’s profile as a tenant and lessee, meeting the counterparty requirements of public and private REITs and listed corporations.
Broader financing options: Flat Collaboration will offer integrated proposals combining investment, debt financing, and structured finance solutions — including arrangements with international hotel brands.
Execution capability: Hands-on hotel management, construction and renovation oversight by in-house first-class architects, and on-the-ground specialist support enable smooth execution of investment plans, including GOP and NOI targets.
Cross-property data infrastructure: Proceeds will fund revenue management, guest data, and business analytics systems, enabling data-driven commercial strategies across multiple properties.
Continued neutrality: Flat Collaboration’s white-label, brand-agnostic operating model — maintaining equal, transparent relationships with both owners and brand operators — remains unchanged.
Background: Japan’s Third-Party Hotel Management Market
Japan’s hotel investment market reached a record ¥1,061.3 billion in 2024 (source: JLL), crossing the ¥1 trillion threshold for the first time, driven by accelerating international hotel chain openings across the country. Structurally, J-REITs can only hold hotel properties through lease arrangements — making qualified, creditworthy independent operators essential intermediaries between owners and brands.
Founded in 2017, Flat Collaboration built its core business around hospitality advisory before expanding into direct hotel operations. The COVID-19 pandemic led Flat Collaboration to take over and consolidate operating companies for hotels held by multiple J-REITs, giving them direct hotel-management experience as both tenant and lessee. The company now manages a portfolio spanning luxury, lifestyle, and limited-service segments across Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Okinawa, serving J-REITs, private funds, and listed corporations.
Entering its tenth fiscal year — which management has designated a “second founding year” — Flat Collaboration is formally accelerating its third-party management business, having identified significant latent demand and a scarcity of qualified operators at scale. Flat Collaboration has welcomed Tokyo Century — a leading player in real estate and related financial services — as its first external capital partner.
Use of Proceeds
New funding will be allocated to team-building and operational infrastructure to support third-party management growth, anticipated M&A activity, and the development of cross-property information systems.
CEO Statement
“We are delighted about this capital alliance, which will serve as a major catalyst for advancing our third-party management initiatives. As a hotel management company that bridges property owners and brand operators, our immediate goal is to establish a leading position in Japan. In the medium term, we plan to actively pursue partnerships with overseas third-party management companies and collaborate with global brand operators that adopt a franchise model.”
— Ken Ikeo, Founder / CEO, Flat Collaboration Co., Ltd.
After working in hotel operations at the Westin Tokyo, Ikeo moved to the US, where he graduated from New York University (NYU) with a Master’s degree in Hotel Investment and Finance. He then worked for Goldman Sachs and Fortress Investment Group, where he led the development of a hospitality investment platform for the Japanese market and was involved in numerous turnaround transactions.
Company Profiles
Flat Collaboration Co., Ltd. Founded in 2017, Flat Collaboration Co., Ltd. is Japan’s leading independent third-party hotel management company. Operating on a neutral, white-label model, the company manages a diverse hospitality portfolio spanning luxury, lifestyle, and limited-service segments across Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Okinawa.
Tokyo Century Corporation Tokyo Century Corporation is a leading Japanese financial services group operating in over 30 countries and regions. Integrating finance, services, and business expertise, the company provides high-value solutions across key sectors, including real estate, social infrastructure, transportation, and mobility.
https://welbloom.com/malaysiaforum2026/
download the report
LinkedIn
