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Vantage Introduces 24/7 Gold CFD Trading with XAUUSD247

Eligible clients can now trade Gold CFDs beyond the traditional trading week, including weekends, through MT5, TradingView and the Vantage App.

PORT VILA, Vanuatu, July 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Vantage Markets (“Vantage”), a multi-asset CFD broker, today announced the launch of XAUUSD247. CME Group recently announced plans to expand trading of certain gold futures products to 24/7, subject to regulatory review. XAUUSD247 is a separate OTC CFD product offered by Vantage.


“XAUUSD247 provides eligible clients with access to gold CFDs beyond standard market hours, supported by transparent product mechanics and clearly defined trading controls,” said Marc Despallieres, Chief Executive Officer at Vantage.

XAUUSD247 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including Saturdays and Sundays, subject to scheduled platform maintenance and regional availability. The product uses a one-ounce contract size, compared with the 100-ounce contract size of Vantage’s traditional XAUUSD product. No separate trading commission applies, although spreads, financing charges and other applicable costs may apply. Tiered leverage of up to 100x may be available, subject to position size, account type and applicable trading conditions. One-sided margin calculation for eligible accounts holding both long and short positions.

XAUUSD247 also incorporates net and gross exposure limits at account level as part of its risk-management framework. When the applicable exposure threshold is reached, accounts enter close-only mode until exposure returns below the relevant limit. Applicable spreads, financing charges, leverage, exposure limits and other trading conditions may vary depending on the client’s account type, region and applicable Vantage entity.

The page will be officially launched on 6 July.

About Vantage

Vantage Markets is a multi-asset CFD broker offering access to Gold, Forex, Commodities, Indices, Shares, ETFs, and Bonds.

With over 17 years of experience, Vantage provides a reliable trading platform, an award-winning mobile app, and a user-friendly trading experience.

Risk Warning: CFDs are complex leveraged products and carry a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Trading CFDs may not be suitable for all investors. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Availability of products and services described in this release is subject to jurisdictional restrictions and may not be available to residents of certain countries or regions.

 

VinFast honored for investor relations excellence at the Asian Excellence Awards 2026


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 July 2026 – At the Asian Excellence Awards 2026 ceremony held in Hong Kong, VinFast was recognized with three prestigious awards, including Best Investor Relations Company and two individual honors. The achievement underscores VinFast’s growing stature and capabilities as a global electric vehicle company listed on Nasdaq.

VinFast honored for investor relations excellence at the Asian Excellence Awards 2026

The Asian Excellence Awards is one of Asia’s most prestigious accolades in the fields of corporate governance, ESG, and investor relations. Organized annually by Corporate Governance Asia since 2011, the awards are recognized for their rigorous evaluation standards and stringent selection criteria.

This year, VinFast received recognition in three major categories: Best Investor Relations Company, Asia’s Best CFO awarded to Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh, and Best Investor Relations Professional awarded to Ms. Amandae Baey.

VinFast was the only Vietnamese company recognized at the 2026 awards. Other recipients this year were leading corporations from several key Asian markets, including Hong Kong, Mainland China, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

In the Best Investor Relations Company category, VinFast was highly regarded for its transparency in information disclosure, its ability to maintain regular engagement with investors and analysts, and the effectiveness of its communication and outreach initiatives with financial communities.

For the Asia’s Best CFO award, the organizers recognized the critical role of corporate finance leaders in maintaining strong financial foundations, developing effective capital-raising strategies, and navigating market volatility. The award honors CFOs who demonstrate exceptional leadership in guiding their companies toward stable and sustainable growth across varying economic conditions.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh, Chief Financial Officer of VinFast, said: “This series of recognitions at the Asian Excellence Awards 2026 is a meaningful acknowledgment of VinFast’s journey in building a global enterprise founded on advanced and sustainable governance standards. VinFast will continue to strengthen governance capabilities, enhance transparency, and foster open dialogue with stakeholders to build long-term trust in international markets.”

Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh has served as Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of VinFast Auto Ltd since 2024. Having joined Vingroup in 2020, she brings extensive knowledge of the Company’s operations through her leadership experience across multiple functions, including finance, manufacturing, and supply chain management. She is a Fellow Chartered Certified Accountant (FCCA) and a Certified Practising Accountant of CPA Australia.

Ms. Amandae Baey has served as Vice President of Investor Relations at VinFast since 2024, where she leads the Company’s global investor engagement, analyst relations, and capital markets positioning. She is a CFA charterholder.

The awards highlight VinFast’s increasing integration into global capital markets and reaffirm its commitment to adopting international governance standards, enhancing disclosure quality, and strengthening engagement with shareholders and investors through a professional, proactive, and sustainable approach.

Over the past year alone, VinFast has received dozens of prestigious international awards spanning investment and finance, corporate communications, electric mobility, technology, design, and sustainability. Notable recognitions include the “Outstanding Innovation in Sustainable Electric Mobility” and “Remarkable Contribution to Energy Independence” awards at the CNN Indonesia Awards; the “Best Value Car of the Year” award at the Autocar India Awards 2026; ranking 101st in TIME magazine’s “Asia-Pacific’s Best Companies of 2025” list; and six awards at the APAC Effie Awards.

Hashtag: #VinFast #AsianExcellenceAwards #InvestorRelations

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

About Corporate Governance Asia

Corporate Governance Asia is Asia’s leading publication covering corporate governance, ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance), investor relations, and sustainability. Since its launch in 2002, it has become a trusted source of insights and analysis for corporate leaders, investors, regulators, and financial professionals across the region.

The Asian Excellence Awards, organized annually by Corporate Governance Asia since 2011, recognize outstanding companies and business leaders across Asia for excellence in corporate governance, ESG practices, and investor relations.

JACK’S PLACE CELEBRATES 60 YEARS OF CULINARY HERITAGE WITH A SPECIAL “TASTE OF SINGAPORE” SELECTION

SINGAPORE, July 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Jack’s Place, the pioneer homegrown Western steakhouse chain with roots dating back to 1966, proudly announces its third seasonal menu launch for July and August 2026, marking a special highlight of its landmark 60th Anniversary celebration.

To commemorate six decades of service to the local community, Jack’s Place is rolling out a limited-time seasonal menu for July and August titled “A Taste of Singapore”. This special culinary rollout is launched in alignment with Singapore’s upcoming National Day celebrations on 9th August.

This anniversary celebration serves as a grand tribute to a heritage of flavours crafted specifically for Singapore. The curated menu brings together familiar, deeply loved local dishes that highlight the nation’s vibrant culinary traditions, seamlessly integrated with the classic steakhouse comfort that has defined the brand for generations.

Six Decades of Steakhouse Excellence

Founded in 1966, Jack’s Place began as a modest eatery serving quality sizzling steaks and hearty Western meals. Over the past sixty years, the brand has grown into a trusted household name across Singapore, woven into the fabric of family milestones, celebrations, and everyday gatherings. The 60th Anniversary marks a significant milestone in the brand’s history, celebrating both its classic heritage and its ongoing evolution within Singapore’s dynamic food and beverage landscape.

The upcoming “A Taste of Singapore” menu for July and August represents a purposeful fusion of Western culinary techniques with iconic local flavours. By reimagining traditional Singaporean staples through the lens of a classic steakhouse, Jack’s Place aims to offer a nostalgic yet distinct dining experience that honors its sixty-year history of serving local palates.

An Anniversary Selection Recommended By Celebrity Chef Eric Teo

To elevate this milestone celebration, Jack’s Place welcomes Celebrity Chef & Culinary Mentor Eric Teo as a featured guest for the anniversary celebration. Having closely witnessed the growth and presence of Jack’s Place in the local dining scene over the decades, Chef Eric Teo serves as the guest recommender for this seasonal menu showcase.

The “Taste of Singapore” July-August seasonal menu highlights comfort-focused creations that celebrate local food heritage while maintaining the core flavours that diners have enjoyed for generations. Chef Eric Teo lends his extensive culinary expertise to endorse and recommend this specific anniversary selection, noting that these familiar flavours hold a special, enduring place in the hearts of many local diners.

The “Taste Of Singapore” Cuisine Line-Up

The “A Taste of Singapore” seasonal menu features an extensive array of individual main courses and premium sharing platters designed for group celebrations, the promotional offerings include:

1. Jack’s Place Sharing Platter Sets for 2 from $63.80++ (Ala Carte & Sets)

For patrons celebrating in groups, the menu features sharing platters available as a la carte dish or as a Set for 2:

Singapore Sharing Platter with Cereal Prawns ($40.80 Ala Carte / $63.80 Set for 2): A robust assortment featuring sambal grilled dory, chicken satay accompanied with a rich peanut gravy, traditional orh-luak (oyster omelette) served with chinchalok chilli, fragrant coconut rice, and a refreshing side of achar-mesclun salad.

Deluxe Sharing Platter – Whole Lobster Feast ($60.80 Ala Carte / $83.80 Set for 2): A premium rendition of the sharing concept, anchoring the platter with a generous garlic butter lobster (±500g). The feast is rounded out with sambal grilled dory, chicken satay with peanut gravy, orh-luak with chinchalok chilli, fragrant coconut rice, and achar-mesclun salad.

When ordered as a Sharing Platter set for 2, both the Singapore Sharing Platter (with Cereal Prawns) and the Deluxe Sharing Platter (featuring the Whole Lobster Feast) come with a curated selection of appetizers, soups, drinks, and desserts.

  • Signature Soups: A choice of two bowls, with options including the classic Lobster Bisque or Cream of Shiitake Mushroom.
  • Cheesy Otah Stuffed Mushrooms: A savoury starter featuring tender mushrooms stuffed with mildly spicy local otah and baked with melted mozzarella cheese.
  • Mao Shan Wang Durian Choux Puffs: A decadent dessert filled with rich, creamy MSW durian pulp.
  • Green Apple Lime Fizz: Two glasses of a refreshing seasonal beverage enhanced with  Osmanthus Popping Jelly.

2. Jack’s Place “Taste of Singapore” Seasonal Menu Main Courses

In addition to the Sharing platters, the July and August menu introduces individual main courses that highlight local-Western fusion elements:

N.Z. Tenderloin Steak with Chicken Satay ($33.80): A premium New Zealand tenderloin steak paired with tender chicken satay, served with a signature Hainanese pineapple satay sauce and a choice of two customizable side dishes.

Grandma’s Beef Ragoût Spaghetti ($18.80): Comfort food featuring spaghetti sautéed with tender braised beef in a rich, slow-simmered ragoût sauce, elevated with a silky onsen egg and finished with shaved Parmesan cheese.

Hainanese Chicken Cutlet ($16.80): A golden, crunchy chicken cutlet prepared in the traditional Hainanese style, served alongside a choice of two sides.

3. Customizable Dining Sides

To complement the individual main courses, diners can select two sides for the N.Z Tenderloin Steak with Chicken Satay and Hainanese Chicken Cutlet, including:
French Fries, Mashed Potato, Signature Baked Potato, Seasonal Vegetables, Achar-Mesclun Salad.

4. Anniversary Promotions And Interactive Engagement

To enhance the dining experience throughout the July and August celebration period, there is the exclusive Add-On Special. Diners who order any promotional main course or sharing platter from the “A Taste of Singapore” menu are eligible to enjoy a 20% discount on the Cheesy Otah Stuffed Mushrooms appetiser.

Furthermore, the brand is launching an interactive Social Media Contest to engage the community. To participate, diners are invited to share their dining experiences by posting photos of their meals or celebrations at Jack’s Place outlets on Facebook or Instagram. Posts must include the official tags (@jacks.place.restaurant or @eatzigourmet.bistro on Facebook; @jacksplacesg or @eatzigourmetsteakhouse on Instagram) and the hashtags #SG61, #jacksplacesg, #GoBeyond, and #eatzigourmetsteakhouse.

Three winners will be selected to receive a complimentary Singapore Sharing Platter Set for two, valued at $63.80 each. The contest closes on August 10, 2026, and winners will be announced by August 14, 2026.

Jack’s Place marks its 60-year milestone, extending heartfelt gratitude to its diners and customers who have been an integral part of its journey. For latest information, please visit www.jacksplace.com.sg

Join the Celebration.
#JP60 #JacksPlaceSG #JPPepperdine

Also available for diners at Eatzi Gourmet Steakhouse & Bistro, the Halal-certified sibling restaurant of Jack’s Place – located at SAFRA Yishun.

Prices stated are subject to GST taxes and services charge.

For more information, visit www.jacksplace.com.sg

Website: www.jacksplace.com.sg
Facebook: www.facebook.com/jacks.place.restaurant
Instagram: www.instagram.com/jacksplacesg
Official hashtag: #jacksplacesg

About Jack’s Place

Established in 1966, Jack’s Place is the trusted favourite known for its Western food. It all started when Mr. Say Lip Hai arrived in Singapore from Hainan Island and started as a cook boy with the British troops in Sembawang. There he learned how to prepare the perfect roast beef and Yorkshire pudding.

Having tasted one of Mr Say’s now famous meals, a British housewife suggested he start a catering business with her husband, Jack Hunt, in his pub at Killiney Road, Jack’s Place, which he started in 1966. Mr Say agreed and commenced that partnership in 1968. Shortly afterwards, Jack Hunt sold his share of the business, but his namesake ‘Jack the Chef’ still runs the kitchen today!

Today, Jack’s Place is the trusted favourite for family and friends to enjoy great value sizzling steaks, speciality meals, and sumptuous cakes. Jack’s Place is committed to serving quality food and creating memorable dining experiences in a cheerful and cosy environment for our guests.

For more information, visit www.jacksplace.com.sg.

About JP Pepperdine

JP Pepperdine is a group of restaurants that started with the popular Jack’s Place Steakhouse in 1966, followed by Eatzi Gourmet divisions (Steakhouse, bakery, and catering).

What inspires JP Pepperdine is to create a unique experience for their guests. Interestingly, it is a lesson that they take from the kitchen itself. Drawing on the admirable qualities of pepper, JP Pepperdine aspires to spice up the dining experience in all ways, big and small. In big ways, JP Pepperdine will be adventurous, sizzling up the F&B scene with fresh concepts and food creations. In small ways, JP Pepperdine dedicates itself to delighting its patrons through its food, service, and ambience, so they are now the JP Pepperdine Group, named after that extraordinary spice itself.

In all that JP Pepperdine does, quality and value will always be their benchmarks. They hope that the guests take home with them a lingering fondness and the knowledge that for the price they pay, they have much more in return.

For more information, visit www.jppepperdine.com.

Issued for and on behalf of Jack’s Place by Olive & Latte-ABS.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Sharon Vu 
Olive & Latte-Abs
https://oliveandlatte.com , https://engagevu.com
https://engagevu.biz
Mobile: (65) 8138 6913
Whatsapp: (65) 9832 8129
Email: sharonvu@oliveandlatte.com

JMGO Offers Special Savings on 4K Projectors Ahead of the Tournament Final

SHENZHEN, China, July 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As the tournament reaches its final stage, JMGO is offering limited-time savings on its award-winning 4K projector lineup through July 19. Featuring the N3 Ultimate, N1S 4K and N1S Ultimate, the promotion gives sports fans an easy way to enjoy every goal, replay and celebration on an immersive big screen with vibrant triple-laser visuals and effortless setup. The offers are available through the JMGO Webstore and on Amazon.

JMGO N3 Ultimate
JMGO N3 Ultimate

JMGO N3 Ultimate: Premium Home Theater, Ready in Seconds

From kickoff to the final whistle, the N3 Ultimate delivers premium home theater with effortless setup, so you never miss a moment of the tournament final. Featuring the world’s first 3-in-1 optical system, which integrates optical zoom, lens shift and an AI-powered gimbal, the N3 Ultimate automatically delivers an optimized image in seconds. Powered by the latest MALC™ 5.0 triple-laser engine and delivering up to 5,800 ISO lumens, it produces exceptional brightness and cinematic detail for every scene.

The N3 Ultimate is now available at 20% off through July 19. Customers can enjoy an additional 10% off with code JMGOBESTN3U on the JMGO Webstore and Amazon, bringing the final price to $2,159. Every purchase also includes complimentary viewing accessories.

JMGO N1S 4K: A Portable 4K Projector for Match Day

Whether you’re hosting friends in the backyard, relaxing on the patio or taking the projector on a summer getaway, the N1S 4K brings premium big-screen entertainment almost anywhere. Weighing just 2.2 kg (4.9 lbs), it combines 4K resolution, JMGO’s triple-color laser technology, Google TV with licensed Netflix and a built-in 127° gimbal, making premium projection simple wherever the match takes you.

The N1S 4K is now available at 46% off for $699 (MSRP $1,299) through July 19 on the JMGO Webstore and Amazon.

JMGO N1S Ultimate: A Step Up for Home Theater Enthusiasts

For viewers ready to upgrade their home entertainment experience, the N1S Ultimate combines premium 4K projection with JMGO’s triple-laser technology for rich colors, lifelike detail and effortless everyday viewing. Powered by JMGO’s MALC™ triple-laser optical engine, it features 3,300 ISO lumens, 4K resolution and Google TV, delivering immersive visuals across live sports, movies and streaming content. An integrated smart gimbal makes setup quick and easy in virtually any room.

The N1S Ultimate is now available at 46% off for $1,499 (MSRP $2,799) through July 19 on the JMGO Webstore and Amazon, including complimentary viewing accessories.

About JMGO

Founded in 2011, JMGO is a leader in intelligent projection technology, combining innovative design and advanced imaging solutions to create immersive entertainment experiences for consumers worldwide. To learn more, visit JMGO.com

Vantage Introduces 24/7 Gold CFD Trading with XAUUSD247

Eligible clients can now trade Gold CFDs beyond the traditional trading week, including weekends, through MT5, TradingView and the Vantage App.

PORT VILA, Vanuatu, July 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Vantage Markets (“Vantage”), a multi-asset CFD broker, today announced the launch of XAUUSD247. CME Group recently announced plans to expand trading of certain gold futures products to 24/7, subject to regulatory review. XAUUSD247 is a separate OTC CFD product offered by Vantage.

Vantage Introduces 24/7 Gold CFD Trading with XAUUSD247
Vantage Introduces 24/7 Gold CFD Trading with XAUUSD247

“XAUUSD247 provides eligible clients with access to gold CFDs beyond standard market hours, supported by transparent product mechanics and clearly defined trading controls,” said Marc Despallieres, Chief Executive Officer at Vantage.

XAUUSD247 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including Saturdays and Sundays, subject to scheduled platform maintenance and regional availability. The product uses a one-ounce contract size, compared with the 100-ounce contract size of Vantage’s traditional XAUUSD product. No separate trading commission applies, although spreads, financing charges and other applicable costs may apply. Tiered leverage of up to 100x may be available, subject to position size, account type and applicable trading conditions. One-sided margin calculation for eligible accounts holding both long and short positions.

XAUUSD247 also incorporates net and gross exposure limits at account level as part of its risk-management framework. When the applicable exposure threshold is reached, accounts enter close-only mode until exposure returns below the relevant limit. Applicable spreads, financing charges, leverage, exposure limits and other trading conditions may vary depending on the client’s account type, region and applicable Vantage entity.

The page will be officially launched on 6 July.

About Vantage

Vantage Markets is a multi-asset CFD broker offering access to Gold, Forex, Commodities, Indices, Shares, ETFs, and Bonds.

With over 17 years of experience, Vantage provides a reliable trading platform, an award-winning mobile app, and a user-friendly trading experience.

Risk Warning: CFDs are complex leveraged products and carry a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. Trading CFDs may not be suitable for all investors. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Availability of products and services described in this release is subject to jurisdictional restrictions and may not be available to residents of certain countries or regions.

Straits Forum | Taiwanese Youth Tells: Six Years Rooted in the Mainland – From Starting a Business to Ringing the Bell at HKEX

XIAMEN, China, July 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — This is a news report by Hong Kong Ta Kung Wen Wei Media Group Limited:


The 18th Straits Forum was held on June 13 in Xiamen, Fujian, China. At the forum, three Taiwanese youths from different fields shared their wonderful stories of working and living in the mainland. “Our success benefits from the mainland’s very complete innovation system, abundant data resources, high-quality talent pool, active capital market, and comprehensive policy support.” Chris Lai, co-founder, chairman and CEO of Metis TechBio Co., Ltd., shared how, after graduating with a PhD from MIT, he returned to the mainland and received full support from the governments of Hangzhou and Beijing in terms of funding, talent, and industrial chains. By integrating artificial intelligence with biomedicine, after six years of hard work, Metis TechBio Co., Ltd. successfully rang the bell at the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in May this year, becoming the world’s first AI-driven drug delivery listed company.

The germ of scientific research aspiration gives rise to entrepreneurial ideas

Chris Lai’s connection with gene editing and biomedicine began in high school. After graduating from university, he went abroad to pursue a doctoral degree. Upon graduation in 2017, at a café in Massachusetts, he discussed the development prospects of AI in manufacturing with his now-partner, Professor Hongmin Chen, a member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering. At that time, the new nano-drug developed by the other team had just been successfully launched. Right there, they sketched out their entrepreneurial blueprint on a napkin: to build a professional laboratory in the pharmaceutical field, relying on AI technology to achieve precise nano-delivery of drugs, repair diseased cells, and explore anti-aging directions for cells.

Rooting in the mainland for entrepreneurship, deepening technology to achieve breakthroughs

But limited by the technology level at the time, and with the industry generally taking a wait-and-see attitude, this plan did not officially materialize until 2019. “That year, our project won the second prize in the Hangzhou Maker Competition and received RMB 10 million in funding support.” In Hangzhou, the local government provided concierge-style services, assisting with company registration, site selection, providing talent apartments and various subsidies, and proactively connecting industry resources to fully support the technology team’s development. It took less than three months to complete the renovation of the experimental site, helping to quickly build an experimental platform. “These made us determined to root our entrepreneurship in the mainland.”

The entrepreneurial journey was full of challenges. In the early stages, various AI-developed drug carriers failed repeatedly in animal experiments, putting tremendous pressure on the team. Fortunately, Hangzhou continued to connect various R&D resources, supporting Chris Lai’s team to experiment repeatedly and iterate continuously. Over three years, Chris Lai’s team built a globally leading dry-wet experimental data platform and a tens-of-millions-level industry knowledge base.

“With AI technology, we dramatically reduced costs and improved efficiency, compressing the clinical R&D cycle for nano-materials from several years to several months, completely disrupting the traditional industry model.” With policy support and multiple rounds of financing, in just a few years, Chris Lai’s company grew into an industry unicorn. The nucleic acid drug design platform project led by Chris Lai was also selected as a national key biomedical technology breakthrough project.

Mainland’s AI leads globally, young people become the main force

Chris Lai remarked that starting a business in the mainland is vastly different from doing so overseas. “In the U.S. pharmaceutical industry, young scientists like me, though technology leaders, can usually only work at the technical level and are unlikely to be involved in company management; the industry ceiling is very low. But in China, it’s completely different. This is an era of young people. Entrepreneurs born after 1985, 1990, or even 2000 have become the main force, achieving various breakthroughs in deep AI application development, which deeply moves me.” Chris Lai said that China has already taken the lead globally in artificial intelligence, and AI is now transforming every industry and has become an innovation booster in biomedicine.

Chris Lai introduced that the team has set up a new R&D center in Beijing’s Zhongguancun, bringing together top talents from Peking University, Tsinghua University, the National Center for Nanoscience and Technology, and others, with a well-established medical investment system and industry guidance funds. “Within just a few months after settling in, the local authorities helped us connect with international pharmaceutical companies, vaccine enterprises, and clinical hospitals, empowering our hard-tech breakthroughs along the entire chain.” Today, Chris Lai’s AI nano-drug delivery platform can precisely deliver drugs to multiple organs such as the liver, lungs, heart, and gastrointestinal tract, like building a dedicated “drug rocket” inside the body, opening up a brand-new technological track.

The mainland has sincerity, policies, and warmth

On May 13 this year, Metis TechBio Co., Ltd. was listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, becoming the world’s first AI drug delivery listed company. Chris Lai also became the first Taiwanese youth to take a hard-tech enterprise from zero to IPO in mainland China. Looking back, the partners who studied with Chris Lai at the time are now starting businesses in different cities. The small team of six people has now incubated four listed and pre-listed companies.

“As a beneficiary of cross-strait integrated development, I want to say to Taiwanese youth: the mainland has sincerity, policies, and warmth for Taiwanese youth. As long as you are willing to come, stay down-to-earth, and combine your expertise with the industrial advantages here, you will surely find your own stage.” Chris Lai encouraged Taiwanese youth, saying that artificial intelligence is a young cause and also a cause for young people. This is a critical stage for building a strong country and achieving national rejuvenation. He hopes that young people on both sides of the strait will join hands, transform technological creativity into tangible products, and realize personal value in the journey of national rejuvenation.

Hong Kong Hosts Lions International Convention for the Third Time

Over Ten Thousand International Delegates Gather in Hong Kong Confirming City’s Status as World’s Meeting Place


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 July 2026 – The Hong Kong Tourism Board is proud to support the 108th Lions International Convention 2026 in Hong Kong. Having previously hosted the convention in 1992 and 2005, Hong Kong has once again been chosen by Lions Clubs International as the venue for its flagship event, attracting around 17,000 delegates from across the globe. Hong Kong has thus become one of the very few cities among more than 200 Lions member countries and regions worldwide to have secured hosting rights three times. This underscores Hong Kong’s status and appeal as the Events Capital of Asia and the World’s Meeting Place.

The opening ceremony was attended by more than 10,000 representatives from Lions Clubs worldwide.
The opening ceremony was attended by more than 10,000 representatives from Lions Clubs worldwide.

Hosting Same High-Profile Event for the Third Time Cements Hong Kong’s Title as Asia’s World City

HKTB Chairman Dr Peter Lam said, “HKTB is delighted to partner with the Lions Clubs International District 303 Hong Kong and Macao, China, to bring this Convention to Hong Kong for the third time. Its return affirms Hong Kong’s position as the World’s Meeting Place and a top-of-mind destination for MICE tourism. It also showcases Hong Kong’s integrated strengths in world-class MICE infrastructure, global aviation connectivity, diverse and distinctive tourism offerings, and quality hospitality services. These are the key factors in attracting international MICE events and encouraging business travellers to return time and again. We extend our warmest welcome to Lions from around the world and, together with our industry partners, have curated exclusive itineraries and experiences to encourage delegates to stay longer and discover the unique appeal that can be found only in Hong Kong.”

HKTB Chairman Dr Peter Lam delivered the opening remarks at the 108th Lions International Convention, held at AsiaWorld-Expo.
HKTB Chairman Dr Peter Lam delivered the opening remarks at the 108th Lions International Convention, held at AsiaWorld-Expo.

Lions Clubs International is one of the world’s largest service organisations, with more than 1.4 million members and around 50,000 district clubs across over 200 countries and regions. Since 1917, the organisation has supported communities worldwide through a wide range of social service and community aid initiatives.

Lions International Convention 2026 Honorary Chairman and Past International President Dr Tam Wing-kun said, “Hong Kong is an international metropolis where Eastern and Western cultures converge. With its well-developed professional services and comprehensive MICE infrastructure, Hong Kong is an ideal host for this international mega event. I am delighted that the Convention has returned to Hong Kong. This year’s edition will provide Lions from all corners of the world with a broad and diverse platform to explore the future development of international services. Delegates will also be able to experience first-hand Hong Kong’s world-class cuisine and rich cultural appeal. I am confident they will be the best ambassadors possible when they return home, telling the good stories of Hong Kong to the world.”

Lions Attempt Tai Chai World Record in Hong Kong
The 108th Lions International Convention is being held for five consecutive days from 3 to 7 July at AsiaWorld-Expo. To celebrate its return to Hong Kong and promote traditional Chinese culture, the organiser will attempt to set a world record with thousands of international Lions practising Tai Chi simultaneously. The activity aims to promote exercise for all and deepen participants’ understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals, creating a meaningful finale to the convention.

HKTB Teams Up with the Trade to Offer Unforgettable Cultural Tourism Experiences

As a supporting organisation of the 108th Lions International Convention, HKTB has teamed up with the local travel trade and major attractions to curate a series of exclusive tourism itineraries and offerings for convention delegates. These include transport offers, attraction tickets and shopping mall discounts, gift redemptions, and theme park deals to encourage delegates to stay in Hong Kong after the convention and explore more of the city’s diverse culture, cuisine, and unique tourism appeal.
HKTB will continue to bring more influential large-scale international MICE events to Hong Kong, further strengthening the city’s competitiveness and appeal as world-class, top-of-mind destination for both business and leisure tourism.

Hashtag: #MEHK #MeetingsandExhibitionsHongKong #HongKong #MICE #Lions #LionsInternationalConvention2026


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

Vietnam, Philippines Reach Upper-Middle-Income Status as Laos Eyes 2035 Target

Vietnam, Philippines Reach Upper-Middle-Income Status; Laos Targets 2035

Vietnam and the Philippines have been reclassified as upper-middle-income economies by the World Bank, leaving Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Timor-Leste as the only ASEAN members still in the lower-middle-income category.

The annual income classifications, released on 1 July, place seven of ASEAN’s 11 members in the upper-middle-income bracket or higher. Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand remain upper-middle-income economies, while Brunei and Singapore retain high-income status.

Vietnam had remained a lower-middle-income economy since 2009, while the Philippines had held that classification since the late 1980s. No economy moved down an income group this year.

The World Bank updates its classifications every 1 July using gross national income (GNI) per capita from the previous calendar year. For the 2026-27 fiscal year, lower-middle-income economies have a GNI per capita between USD 1,176 and USD 4,635, while upper-middle-income economies range from USD 4,636 to USD 14,375.

Vietnam and the Philippines

Vietnam’s promotion marks the culmination of years of export-led growth. Exports expanded by more than 15 percent in both 2024 and 2025, while GDP grew 7 percent and 8 percent respectively. GNI per capita reached USD 4,970 in 2025, pushing the country above the World Bank’s threshold.

The Philippines reached upper-middle-income status after several years of broad-based economic expansion. The World Bank said GDP grew by an average of 5.8 percent annually over the past five years, supported by growth across multiple sectors. GNI per capita reached USD 4,850 in 2025.

Laos’ Next Milestone

The latest reclassification leaves Laos among the four ASEAN economies still below upper-middle-income status.

Laos has been classified as lower-middle-income since 2011 and has set a target of reaching upper-middle-income status by 2035, supported by plans to maintain annual economic growth of at least 6 percent over the next five years.

The country’s economy grew 5 percent during the first half of 2026, while average inflation eased to 5.6 percent, down from 7.7 percent in 2025.

Outside Southeast Asia, Jordan, Micronesia, and Sri Lanka also advanced to upper-middle-income status this year, while Togo moved from low-income to lower-middle-income.