Another significant step towards the success of ICVAX®

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 May 2026 – Immuno Cure Group (“Immuno Cure“), headquartered at Hong Kong Science Park, is pleased to announce the inauguration of the research facility for its HIV therapeutic DNA vaccine (“ICVAX^®“) at the Center of International Innovation for Technology and Science (“CIITS”) located in Hetao, Shenzhen. The facility aims for the development and application of key technologies for the clinical research and commercialization of Immuno Cure’s ICVAX^®. ICVAX^® is developed by Immuno Cure with the aim of achieving antiretroviral therapy (“ART“)-free functional cure for HIV infection. This project is carried out in collaboration with Prof. Zhiwei CHEN, the Founding Director of the AIDS Institute of Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong (“HKU AIDS Institute“), and Prof. Hongzhou LU, President of the Third People’s Hospital of Shenzhen, in the capacity as advisors.

CIITS is a national-level achievement transformation platform co-built by Guangdong Province, Shenzhen Municipality, and Tsinghua University, and is located at the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone (“Hetao Co-operation Zone“). It is committed to building a world’s leading major technological innovation and industrialization platform with a global perspective. It focuses on key tracks including biomedicine, high-performance materials, and artificial intelligence (AI). It aims to aggregate global innovation resources, connect with leading enterprises, and conduct organized scientific research and achievement transformation to address national major strategic needs.

Since AIDS was first identified in 1981, 40.8 million people have died from HIV infection, with over 44.1 million people living with HIV globally. While antiretroviral therapy can effectively control HIV replication, it cannot cure the disease, highlighting the critical need for immunotherapies. Designed to enhance the host’s immune response, immunotherapies aim to achieve sustained viral control without lifelong ART, ultimately leading to complete viral suppression and functional cure. Immuno Cure’s proprietary innovative HIV therapeutic DNA vaccine, ICVAX^®, induces broad-spectrum, polyfunctional virus-specific T cells to achieve the ultimate goal of ART-free functional cure of HIV infection.

Immuno Cure completed the first-in-human Phase I clinical trial of ICVAX^® in November 2024, demonstrating excellent safety and promising immunogenicity. Two multi-center Phase II clinical trials—randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled—are scheduled to launch in Q2-2026 to evaluate the vaccine’s mechanism of action and efficacy. The trials will be conducted at Prince of Wales Hospital in Hong Kong, as well as eight top-tier hospitals in China, including the Shenzhen Third People’s Hospital, Beijing Ditan Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing Youan Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University, the Eighth People’s Hospital of Guangzhou, the Second People’s Hospital of Tianjin, the Sixth People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou, Chengdu Public Health Clinical Medical Center, and Chongqing Public Health Medical Center.

Notably, standardized testing systems for evaluating immunological and virological indicators are crucial for HIV vaccine clinical trials. However, the lack of domestic standard operating procedures (SOPs) for infectious samples in clinical trials hinders the clinical development and regulatory approval of novel infectious disease therapies like ICVAX^®. The mission of this research facility at CIITS is to establish an internationally aligned standardized clinical testing system for T-cell immunogenicity and viral reservoirs, as well as identify core biomarkers associated with vaccine efficacy — filling a domestic technical gap. Immuno Cure will offer the ICVAX^® Phase II clinical trial to facilitate the development of this standardized precision testing method for clinical sample analysis.

Dr. Xia JIN, CEO of Immuno Cure, stated, “I am delighted to be appointed to lead this key project of CIITS. I would also like to thank CIITS for the fully fitted modern laboratory space and the RMB10.0m funding support for this 2-year initial phase. My whole scientific team is committed to contributing diligently to the success of this project. I have no doubt that the development of a standardised testing regime would not only enhance the quality of our clinical trials for ICVAX^® but would also eventually be adopted as industry and national standards for the clinical translation of medicine for HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases.

Renchen LIU, Executive Deputy Dean of Research Institute of Tsinghua University in Shenzhen and Director of CIITS, stated, “Warmest congratulations on the inauguration of the research facility for ICVAX^® at the CIITS. In the future, CIITS will continue to leverage its platform resources to implement full-chain incubation services. Project managers will provide service support throughout the entire project period, ensuring the smooth progress of the project through resource integration, talent recruitment and development, clinical collaboration, and achievement transformation. These efforts will safeguard the steady progress of the project.”

As the project advances, Immuno Cure’s ICVAX^® is positioned to become the world’s first therapeutic DNA vaccine to deliver an ART-free functional cure for HIV infection, bringing new hope to people currently living with HIV. In parallel, the standardized testing platform and collaborative innovation model developed through this effort will provide a scalable, replicable blueprint for R&D of novel therapies targeting other major infectious diseases. Together, these outcomes will strengthen the global competitiveness of biomedicine development in GBA and contribute to the development of national biosecurity capabilities and a more resilient public health system.

Hashtag: #ImmunoCure

https://immunocure.hk
https://www.linkedin.com/company/immuno-cure

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

About the Center of International Innovation for Technology and Science (“CIITS”)

Center of International Innovation for Technology and Science (CIITS), as the international headquarter of the Greater Bay Area National Center of Technology Innovation (GBA NCTI), is operated by Research Institute of Tsinghua University in Shenzhen (RITS). CIITS actively promotes the commercialization of technology and scientific advances with overseas and domestic innovation institutions and teams, as well as industry partners, focusing on areas such as biomedicine, advanced materials and artificial intelligence.

To learn more about CIITS, please follow the WeChat official account: gh_425f503135d5

About Immuno Cure

Immuno Cure is a clinical-stage biotechnology group headquartered at Hong Kong Science Park. Immuno Cure is committed to the R&D of innovative DNA vaccines and antibody immunotherapies for infectious diseases, inflammations, and cancers. Immuno Cure possesses two technologies: the “PD-1 Enhanced DNA Vaccine Platform” and the “Anti-Δ42PD1 Antibody”.

To learn more about Immuno Cure, please visit: www.immunocure.hk

Under the theme “Global Innovation Impact: The Year of Investment,” NIA is bringing together startups, investors, corporates, and global partners to turn innovation into real business opportunity and measurable impact.

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 May 2026 – The National Innovation Agency (Public Organization), or NIA, under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), has officially launched SITE 2026. Organized under the concept “Global Innovation Impact: The Year of Investment,” the event is elevated to serve as a tangible platform of opportunities, bridging Thai innovations with global capital, partners, and networks.

The expo will take place from June 25 – 27, 2026, at Paragon Hall, expanding its footprint to cover Nex Hall on the 5th floor and the SCBx Next Stage on the 4th floor of Siam Paragon to accommodate the continuously growing activities and collaborative networks.

According to Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director of NIA, the goal is to create a platform where opportunity meets capital, and innovation meets global partners. In her view, innovation impact is no longer defined by novelty alone, but by the value it creates and the measurable outcomes it can deliver.

That shift matters in the current regional context. For Thailand, the conversation is no longer only about building promising startups. It is about making innovation more investable, more connected, and more capable of generating real outcomes across business and society.

NIA has framed SITE 2026 around several strategic drivers, including future-focused technologies, investment-readiness innovation, global connectivity, multiplier effects across the economy, and stronger strategic alliances. Together, these are intended to help position Thailand more visibly within the regional and global innovation landscape.

The investment angle is especially significant. NIA’s latest figures indicate that startup investment in Thailand reached approximately USD 120 million in 2025, while capital ready to be deployed within Thailand’s innovation ecosystem exceeded USD 1 billion. Against that backdrop, SITE 2026 is being presented as a timely platform to connect investable innovation with available capital in a more deliberate and market-oriented way.

From a programme perspective, SITE 2026 is structured to appeal not only to startups, but also to investors, corporates, and innovation leaders looking for deal flow, market signals, and partnership opportunities. Key features include:

• global forums and thought-leadership sessions,
• showcases of 100 future-focused startups,
• 100 market-ready innovations,
• startup pitching opportunities,
• Business Matching sessions,
• an International Pavilion,
• youth innovation platforms through Startup Thailand League,
• and cross-disciplinary collaboration through SYNC Design & Innovation and Maker Faire Bangkok.

For investors and business decision-makers, the strongest draw may be the event’s ambition to function as a real investment marketplace. SITE 2026 is designed to bring Thai startups together with venture capital firms, corporate venture capital arms, international investors, and strategic business partners in one integrated venue. It also opens broader regional connectivity through participation and collaboration from countries including Japan, South Korea, China, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

That positioning was echoed during the event’s launch discussion, where speakers from government, innovation finance, venture capital, and the startup community shared a common view: innovation today must lead to measurable outcomes— not only in technology development, but in market access, business competitiveness, funding, and international growth.

For Thailand, that means strengthening its role not simply as a place where innovation happens, but as a market where innovation can be funded, scaled, and connected internationally.

For regional investors, corporates, and ecosystem leaders, SITE 2026 offers a closer look at how Thailand is attempting to move in that direction.

SITE 2026 will be held from 25–27 June 2026 at Paragon Hall, Siam Paragon, Bangkok. Admission is free of charge. More information and registration are available at site.nia.or.th.

Exploring Thailand’s Next Wave of Investable Innovation

SITE 2026 brings together startups, investors, corporates, and global partners on one platform to explore business opportunity, market-ready innovation, and cross-border collaboration.

SITE 2026 is positioning Thailand as a regional platform where innovation meets investment, bringing together startups, investors, corporates, and global partners in Bangkok this June.

Hashtag: #SITE2026

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

The First Hong Kong-Listed Baijiu Company Interprets Eastern Distilling Philosophy through a Contemporary Lens

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 May 2026 – ZJLD Group Inc. (“ZJLD” or the “Company”, together with the Company’s subsidiaries, collectively the “Group”) (SEHK stock code: 06979. HK), a leading pioneer in China’s baijiu industry and the first baijiu company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, is pleased to announce that its flagship sauce-aroma baijiu brand, Kweichow Zhenjiu, has staged a high-profile showcase at Vinexpo Asia 2026.

Leveraging Hong Kong’s preeminent position as a global trade hub and a dynamic multicultural crucible, the exhibition convenes top-tier spirits exhibitors and industry authorities from more than 20 countries and regions worldwide. Amid a landscape in which global spirits brands actively pursue cross-cultural breakthroughs, this edition of Vinexpo Asia prominently featured a “Be Spirits Hong Kong” pavilion. Serving as a premier “super-connector”, the platform has established sophisticated dialogue mechanisms and collaborative bridges, seamlessly accelerating the integration of Chinese baijiu into the international spirits market. Kweichow Zhenjiu’s participation marks a profound advancement in the Group’s internationalization strategy, serving as an invaluable window into the cultural essence of Chinese baijiu for global investors and high-end consumer segments.

Full-Spectrum Portfolio on Display: The Seamless Convergence of Craftsmanship Heritage and Modern Expression

Kweichow Zhenjiu curated a comprehensive product lineup tailored to diverse consumption dimensions, including mass consumption, business banquets, high-end collections, and contemporary lifestyle appreciation. Among the highlights, the strategic new offering “News Craft Beer” is masterfully tailored for the next generation of consumers and global audiences. Characterized by its crisp and modern-tasting profile, it pioneeringly explores diversified consumption scenarios, vividly embodying the innovative DNA of this time-honored brand.

As the brand’s pinnacle collector-level masterpiece, the Grand “Da Zhen 2020” impressively features the legendary calligraphy of the Chinese character “Zhen”(珍), penned by Shen Zhou, one of the iconic “Four Great Masters of the Ming Dynasty”. Seamlessly blending classical aesthetic philosophy with modern industrial design, the bottle incorporates intricate 3D hot foil embossing, encased in intangible cultural heritage Xuan paper (宣紙), and a bespoke, handcrafted outer box. The baijiu itself is meticulously master-blended by five national-level baijiu judges, harmonizing years of premium base liquor with exceptionally rare vintage-aged reserves, epitomizing the ultimate value in high-end connoisseurship and collection.

In addition, the brand simultaneously presented its flagship classic expressions, including “Lao Zhenjiu” (Classic Zhenjiu), “Zhen 15“, and “Zhen 30“. Also capturing widespread attention was its high-end vantage package-free[PN1] series, featuring “Zhen 2014“, “Zhen 2013“, “Zhen 30” and “Zhen 15“. Embracing a minimalist aesthetic, this sophisticated range transparently conveys the liquor’s intrinsic quality and authentic vintage value, proactively aligning with the evaluation paradigms of the international spirits industry.

Nurtured in the heartland of the core sauce-aroma baijiu production zone in Zunyi, Guizhou, Kweichow Zhenjiu unyieldingly adheres to time-honored solid-state fermentation techniques. Renowned for its elegant, full-bodied complexity, silky texture, and the legendary lingering fragrance that remains in the cup—the definitive “Zhen Style”—the Brand capitalizes on Hong Kong’s status as an international hub to transcend geographical and cultural boundaries, projecting the premium quality of Chinese sauce-aroma baijiu into the global arena.

Strategic Vision from Senior Leadership: Architecting a New Paradigm for Cross-Cultural Dialogue

Mr. Paul Ng, Vice President of International Affairs at ZJLD Group Inc., remarked: “Vinexpo Asia, as a world-class trade and exchange platform, serves as a vital conduit connecting Chinese baijiu with the global marketplace. Blessed with unparalleled strengths as an international financial and commercial hub, Hong Kong has always been a pivotal anchor for ZJLD’s strategic global expansion. In my vision, the global journey of Chinese baijiu extends far beyond regional market penetration; it represents the worldwide resonance of traditional Chinese baijiu craftsmanship, oriental etiquette, and lifestyle aesthetics.

Rooted in the core terroir of sauce-aroma baijiu production, ZJLD consistently prioritizes quality as our foundation and culture. Our successive high-profile appearances at prestigious international events, including Singapore’s TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference, Vinexpo Hong Kong, and the International Wine & Spirits Fair, etc., not only demonstrate the solid execution of the Group’s global layout but also reflect our corporate responsibility as an industry leader to promote Chinese baijiu culture worldwide.

On this occasion, we adopt a more internationalized, concise and contemporary narrative to interpret the vintage value and artisanal aesthetics of Chinese sauce-aroma baijiu to global buyers and institutional investors. Looking ahead, ZJLD will steadfastly anchor our operations in Hong Kong, expand across the Asia-Pacific, and extend our reach to establish a truly global presence. We will actively engage with the global consumption ecosystem, tell compelling stories of Chinese baijiu, and pave the way for sauce-aroma baijiu to grace a broader international stage, commanding genuine prestige, appreciation, and cultural respect in mainstream global markets.”Hashtag: #ZJLD

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

About ZJLD Group Inc. (6979.HK)

Zhen Jiu was established in 1975 in Zunyi, Kweichow, China’s primary production area of sauce-aroma baijiu. In 1988, it was honored with the National Quality Award at the 5th National Wine Appreciation Conference. In the same year, the Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Communication Department of the Ministry of Economy and Trade, and the Great Hall of the People Management Bureau announced that it would become one of the two sauce-aroma baijius served at state banquets. It is also known as one of the “Three Representative Baijiu Brands in Kweichow”.

ZJLD Group Inc. is a leading baijiu group in China that is devoted to offering premium baijiu products, including sauce-aroma, mixed-aroma, and strong-aroma. According to Frost & Sullivan statistics, the flagship brand Zhenjiu has maintained its position for two consecutive years (2024 and 2025) as the fourth-largest sauce-aroma baijiu brand in China and the third largest in Guizhou Province, based on revenue. The Company operates four baijiu brands in China, including two national baijiu brands, Zhen Jiu and Li Du, and two regional brands, Xiangjiao and Kaikouxiao. ZJLD prides itself on inheriting the time-honored baijiu-brewing techniques and reinvigorating them to develop iconic products. It strives to create a wide variety of aromatic and mellow baijiu products to meet diverse consumer preferences, seize broader market opportunities, and promote traditional Chinese baijiu culture.

Five-star resort and MICHELIN One Key destination emerges from a series of enhancements, featuring a stunning seafront pool, private pools in every villa, reimagined restaurants and bars, an expanded spa, and more — inviting guests to immerse in luxury, serenity, and a renewed island experience.

PHUKET, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 May 2026 – The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Phuket, the five-star sanctuary nestled on a secluded island in the Andaman Sea, has unveiled a series of transformative enhancements that promise to elevate the guest experience. With a renewed focus on luxury, relaxation, and rejuvenation, these upgrades will allow guests to fully immerse in the island’s natural beauty while enjoying unparalleled comfort and world-class service.

The signature Beachside Infinity Pool now unveiled after a transformational renovation. Set against the mesmerizing backdrop of the turquoise sea, this stunning pool has become the resort’s centerpiece —a true icon of luxury and leisure. Guests can bask in the mirror-like waters, which reflect the ever-changing rhythms of the day, from the golden hues of sunrise to the vibrant oranges and reds of sunset. The pool’s shape, inspired by Naka Yai Island and the resort’s logo, invites guests to both swim and soak in the tranquil beachside atmosphere. A chic new deck with cozy cabanas provides the perfect spot to relax in comfort and style.

For those seeking more privacy, the resort’s newly-upgraded Villas offer an elevated experience. Set amid lush gardens or perched on the shores of the Andaman, these private sanctuaries have been enhanced with contemporary interiors, bespoke furnishings, and thoughtful touches that capture the essence of the island. Whether enjoying a serene morning dip or a tranquil evening swim, every moment in these villas is designed to make a lasting impression. The fully air-conditioned, spa-inspired bathrooms have also been reimagined to exude even more indulgence and luxury.

For moments of pure tranquility, Spa Naka by HARNN has been enhanced and expanded with two additional treatment rooms (increasing from six to eight). Wellness seekers can step into a lush, natural oasis with replenished tropical gardens, pathways, and relaxation areas to create a more soothing ambiance, harmoniously connected with the environment and the rhythm of the ocean.

In addition, the resort’s Multi-Purpose Sala has been thoughtfully refreshed to provide enhanced comfort and versatility for guests and groups. Now featuring air-conditioning and a state-of-the-art LED screen, the venue offers an elevated indoor setting for meetings, private activities, workshops, and special occasions. This adaptable space creates a seamless backdrop for intimate gatherings, curated events, and meaningful celebrations, all within the tranquil serenity of the island.

The Naka Island, Phuket, is also set to delight guests with a reimagined culinary experience at its three refreshed restaurants and a chic sunset bar. At Aiyara, the resort’s signature dining destination, guests can savor authentic Thai cuisine. The restaurant’s revitalized design, inspired by the Thai elephant, evokes the spirit of the kingdom’s rich cultural heritage. Here, talented chefs curate dishes using the freshest ingredients from Phuket’s farms and fishing villages, telling a story of Thailand’s coastal traditions with every bite.

At Veranda, the all-day restaurant with sweeping ocean views, guests can indulge in a refined international menu. Influenced by the natural beauty of coral reefs, the design incorporates reclaimed driftwood, rattan, and pottery to celebrate the connection between sea and earth. Whether dining indoors or on the idyllic outdoor terrace, Veranda offers an elegant atmosphere for every occasion., Rum Chapel highlights the flavors of the Mediterranean with a focus on fresh, local seafood and premium imported ingredients like olive oil, burrata, and Italian wines, Rum Chapel’s culinary offerings are both cosmopolitan and comforting.

For the perfect end to the day, guests can unwind at Zbar, the newly reimagined social venue perched on the tip of the island. With its extended open-air terrace overlooking Phang Nga Bay, Zbar offers an exceptional space for relaxation and socializing. As the sun sets, the “Sunset Ceremony” invites guests to light a candle and make a wish, marking a special connection with the island’s coastal heritage. After dark, the venue transforms into an intimate setting for light, Japanese-inspired plates and cocktails.

As the only resort on Naka Yai Island, a glittering gem in the Andaman Sea, The Naka Island, Phuket offers an unparalleled blend of serenity and adventure. With 90 stylish rooms, suites, and pool villas, world-class wellness offerings, dining excellence, curated activities, and island-hopping excursions, this secluded oasis is the ultimate destination for all types of island vacations—from solo retreats and family getaways to romantic escapes, destination weddings, and dreamy honeymoons.

To learn more about The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Phuket, please call +66 (0) 76 371 400, email naka.reservations@luxurycollection.com, or connect with us via these channels:

Website: www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/pyxlc-the-naka-island-a-luxury-collection-resort-and-spa-phuket/overview
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thenakaisland
Instagram: www.instagram.com/nakaislandphuket
Line Official: lin.ee/6wOs1Rw

Hashtag: #TheLuxuryCollection #NakaIsland #Phuket

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

About The Luxury Collection® Hotels & Resorts

The Luxury Collection® is comprised of world-renowned hotels and resorts offering unique, authentic experiences that evoke lasting, treasured memories. For the global explorer, The Luxury Collection offers a gateway to the world’s most exciting and desirable destinations. Each hotel and resort are a unique and cherished expression of its location; a portal to the destination’s charms and treasures. Originated in 1906 under the CIGA® brand as a collection of Europe’s most celebrated and iconic properties, today The Luxury Collection brand is a glittering ensemble of over 130 of the world’s finest hotels and resorts in 42 countries and territories. All of these hotels, many of them centuries old, are internationally recognized as being among the world’s finest. For more information and new openings, visit theluxurycollection.com or follow Instagram and Facebook. The Luxury Collection is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

About Marriott Bonvoy®

Marriott Bonvoy’s extraordinary portfolio offers renowned hospitality in the most memorable destinations in the world, with more than 30 brands that are tailored to every type of journey. From The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis to W Hotels and more, Marriott Bonvoy has more luxury offerings than any other travel program. Members can earn points for stays at hotels and resorts, including all-inclusive resorts and premium home rentals, and through everyday purchases with co-branded credit cards. Members can redeem their points for experiences including future stays, Marriott Bonvoy Moments™, or through partners for luxurious products from Marriott Bonvoy Boutiques®. To enroll for free or for more information about Marriott Bonvoy, visit marriottbonvoy.com.

48% of job seekers now expect upfront salary disclosure before applying

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 May 2026 – As the European Union prepares to transpose the EU Pay Transparency Directive into law by June 2026, employers will soon be required not only to disclose pay scales but to provide unprecedented clarity on how pay decisions are made.

This movement is not confined to Europe. Across the US, UK, Canada, Brazil, Australia, and Japan, a combination of strict regulation and rising employee expectations is pushing organisations toward a new standard of openness.

According to the latest Pay Transparency E-guide from the world’s most trusted talent solutions company Robert Walters, 48% of job seekers say they only apply for roles where salary ranges are disclosed upfront, which reflects salary transparency is no longer a ‘nice-to-have’ but prerequisite for even engaging in the hiring process.

In Hong Kong, where salary disclosure has traditionally remained limited and highly individualised, these global developments are beginning to prompt new conversations around how pay is determined and benchmarked in the hiring process.

Growing public debate over current hiring practice to benchmark offers in Hong Kong

The common practice of requesting candidates’ current or previous salary is beginning to attract more discussion in Hong Kong. While employers have traditionally used this information to benchmark offers, some professionals question whether it places too much emphasis on past earnings rather than the value of the role or prevailing market rates.

“Candidates are increasingly asking how compensation is determined, not just what is being offered,” said John Mullally, managing director at Robert Walters Hong Kong. “Where decisions appear to be anchored to previous salary rather than the scope of the role, it can shape perceptions of fairness during the hiring process.”

At the same time, candidates are also paying closer attention to the amount of personal information requested during recruitment, reflecting broader expectations for transparency and consistency.

Wage secrecy culture under reassessment as Gen Z shows greater openness toward salary disclosure

Traditionally, salary has been a deeply private matter in Hong Kong, often viewed as a “confined personal message” that is rarely shared even with family members, which can make it difficult for employees to understand how pay decisions are made or how they compare with peers in similar roles.

However, data from the Robert Walters Salary Survey suggests that Gen Z is beginning to dismantle these long-standing cultural roots.

While only 5.5% of Hong Kong professionals overall are comfortable discussing their compensation with colleagues, that openness jumps to 24% among Gen Z. This stands in stark contrast to the 4% of Millennials and 2% of Gen X who are willing to share such information. This shift indicates that as the younger workforce grows, the cultural resistance to pay transparency is starting to fade.

“For Gen Z, transparency is a marker of fairness, equity, and social responsibility,” says John Mullally. “Candidates today have more access to market information and are making more informed decisions. Greater transparency can help build trust earlier in the process and support more constructive conversations around expectations.”

Global standards, local implications

With stricter requirements emerging in regions such as Europe, practices in one location are increasingly shaping expectations in others. Companies that operate across borders may find that consistency in how compensation is communicated becomes more important in attracting and retaining talent.

“For multinationals, this is more than just a compliance task. Operating transparently in one market while remaining opaque in another creates an ‘information asymmetry’ that erodes internal trust. We are seeing forward-thinking firms ‘level up’ by adopting a consistent, global standard of transparency, even before local legislation mandates it.” comments John Mullally.

While standardisation is difficult in industries like sales or professional services, where pay is often tied to commissions and individual portfolios, companies may need to balance flexibility with clearer communication. As expectations evolve, greater openness may become an important factor in securing and retaining talent.

Navigating complexity: how organisations can prepare

To prepare for this shift, Robert Walters advises Hong Kong organisations to move beyond simple disclosure toward building a robust job architecture. This framework must clearly explain the logic behind pay decisions, ensuring that transparency provides clarity rather than confusion when employees compare compensation.

Businesses should also prioritise internal equity audits to resolve any unjustified pay gaps before they lead to friction. Ultimately, the success of this transition depends on communication; managers must be trained to lead data-driven, honest conversations about pay to ensure transparency becomes a foundation for trust and a stronger employer brand.

“While full transparency on pay is still some way off in Hong Kong, expectations are clearly evolving,” Mullally said. “Organisations do not need to replicate other markets overnight but taking steps towards clearer and more consistent communication around pay will become increasingly important in staying competitive.”
Hashtag: #RobertWaltersHongKong #HongKongHiringMarket #HiringTrends #Benefits #Salary #Hiring #2026 #PayTransparency

https://www.robertwalters.com.hk/
http://www.linkedin.com/company/robert-walters

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

Robert Walters Hong Kong

About Robert Walters – Robert Walters is the world’s most trusted talent solutions business. Across the globe, we deliver recruitment, recruitment process outsourcing and advisory services for businesses of all shapes and sizes, opening doors for people with diverse skills, ambitions, and backgrounds. We help organisations find the skills and solutions to reach their goals and assist talented professionals to power their unique potential.

The Hong Kong office specialises in placing high-calibre professionals on a permanent or contract basis in the following specialities: accounting & finance, construction, property & engineering, financial services, HR & business support, legal & compliance, sales & marketing, supply chain, logistics & procurement, and tech & transformation.

About the Robert Walters Pay Transparency E-guide

With landmark legislation going live in Europe this June and conversations around salary openness gaining momentum worldwide, the era of “confidential” compensation is rapidly coming to an end. In its place is a new corporate landscape defined by transparency, clarity, and open dialogue around pay. This comprehensive e-guide explores the practical realities of this global shift, defining what pay transparency actually looks like in practice and examining why open compensation structures matter now more than ever in the modern workplace.

The guide also provides deep insights into how employee and job applicant expectations are shifting on a global scale, highlighting the direct link between pay transparency and a company’s Employee Value Proposition (EVP). Ultimately, it offers actionable, strategic advice for businesses and hiring managers on how to successfully navigate the cultural and structural transitions within their own organisations.

To download the full Robert Walters Pay Transparency E-guide, please contact us or visit: https://www.robertwalters.com.hk/insights/hiring-advice/e-guide/global-pay-transparency.html