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Anime Goes Mainstream: Driving Fan Economy and Experiential Cultural Spaces

HONG KONG, March 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — For generations growing up in Asia, anime has been more than just entertainment — it has been a defining part of everyday life. In Hong Kong, it is neither unfamiliar nor niche. From television broadcasts and manga bookstores to large-scale conventions that draw thousands each year, anime has long been embedded in the collective memory of multiple generations. Yet despite its strong presence, it has often been categorised as “subculture”— highly visible, but rarely recognised as a cultural domain worthy of long-term development. In recent years, this perception has begun to shift.

With the rise of streaming platforms, Japanese anime and manga have become increasingly accessible across borders, significantly expanding their global audience. At the same time, in markets such as Japan, South Korea and the West, anime has moved beyond the screen, intersecting with exhibitions, art, fashion, music, and broader urban culture. It is evolving into a cultural language that can be experienced, participated in and shared.

For a new generation of fans, anime is no longer just entertainment content. Characters, narratives and the values embedded within these works often serve as vehicles for emotional projection and identity formation. The relationship between fans and content has deepened — from passive consumption to meaningful cultural connection. This shift is also reshaping fan behaviour.

Sion Yip, Founder and CEO of INCUBASE Studio, observes: “Today’s anime fans are no longer satisfied with simply purchasing merchandise, taking photos or consuming content. They want immersive experiences — through exhibitions, events and interactive formats — that allow them to step into the worlds of these works and build deeper emotional connections with the characters and stories.”

From a global industry perspective, a clear trend is emerging: anime-related initiatives are gradually shifting from short-term activations to sustainable cultural platforms and experiential spaces. Fans increasingly seek not a one-time event, but a place they can revisit — where experiences can accumulate and evolve over time.

In Hong Kong, however, such dedicated cultural spaces have historically been limited. Anime-related activities have largely taken the form of one-off consumption experiences: short-term exhibitions, mall pop-ups or large-scale conventions. While effective in generating foot traffic and buzz, these events are inherently transient. Once they end, engagement fades, making it difficult to sustain long-term cultural relationships.

As Sion notes: “Hong Kong has long had a mature anime culture and a large fan base. Yet most local anime activities are tied to shopping malls or exhibition venues and operate on a temporary basis. Many fans have been looking for a dedicated space — whether to experience exhibitions, participate in events, discover merchandise, or simply connect with the culture.”

Against this backdrop, INCUBASE Studio established INCUBASE Arena in Hong Kong in 2024 as a dedicated anime cultural experience hub. By continuously introducing exhibitions, themed events and related experiences under one roof, INCUBASE Arena aims to create an environment where anime culture can thrive over time. This allows for deeper engagement between fans and content, moving beyond one-off consumption toward a sustained and growing community.

Sion Yip, Founder and CEO of INCUBASE Studio, at INCUBASE Arena, a dedicated hub for anime culture and fan experiences.
Sion Yip, Founder and CEO of INCUBASE Studio, at INCUBASE Arena, a dedicated hub for anime culture and fan experiences.

Such spaces can develop into cultural destinations within a city. For local audiences, they become regular spots to visit; for tourists, they serve as entry points to understanding the city’s anime culture.

Sion adds: “When anime culture is anchored in a representative physical space within a city, it becomes more than just a gathering point for fans — it also becomes a cultural attraction for visitors. In many cities, anime landmarks have gradually evolved into tourism destinations, integrating anime into the city’s cultural identity and travel experience.”

Fan culture across the globe increasingly emphasises experience, community and emotional connection. Beyond Hong Kong, INCUBASE Studio has established INCUBASE Arena locations in Kuala Lumpur and Taipei, with plans to expand into South Korea and Thailand, as well as further across Asia and into Western markets.

Anime is no longer just part of the content industry — it is becoming an emotional medium that connects fans, cities and culture. Its future development will depend not only on the creation of new works, but also on whether cities can provide spaces where this culture can be continuously experienced, shared, and sustained.

For more information:
www.incubasestudio.com

2026 Japan Photovoltaic Expo Wraps Up, BiLight Space Solar Technology Powers AI Applications with Full-Scene Commercial Solutions

TOKYO, March 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The premier solar event, PV EXPO 2026, concluded today at Tokyo Big Sight. BILIGHT, a global leader in flexible perovskite technology, delivered a standout performance with its “AI-Powered” product series. By showcasing a comprehensive strategy that merges space-grade photovoltaics (PV) with intelligent applications, the company secured significant partnership agreements and established a new industry benchmark for smart perovskite deployment.

BILIGHT Perovskite Empowers AI, Ushering in a New Era of Full-Scene Commercialization
BILIGHT Perovskite Empowers AI, Ushering in a New Era of Full-Scene Commercialization

Space-to-Earth Synergy: “Solar Wing” Captures Global Industry Attention

Throughout the three-day exhibition, the BILIGHT booth attracted over a thousand visitors, including global merchants, media, and industry experts. The centerpiece was the global debut of the “Solar Wing”—a space-grade perovskite PV product that breaks the rigid and heavy limitations of traditional crystalline silicon.

The “Solar Wing” features real-time sun tracking and adaptive power regulation, ensuring stable and efficient power generation even in extreme environments, such as high-altitude platforms or irregular urban structures. Its ultra-thin, flexible design allows it to adapt seamlessly to complex surfaces, positioning it as an ideal energy solution for the AI era.

Smart Scenarios: Flexible PV Curtains Powering Modern Life BILIGHT also demonstrated its commitment to civil applications with its flexible rollable PV curtains. This innovation integrates high-performance perovskite cells with AI-driven smart home systems. Beyond shading and insulation, the curtains autonomously convert solar energy into electricity to power smart devices and AI terminals directly. This “plug-and-play” solution sparked intensive discussions with architectural developers and AI hardware manufacturers regarding the commercialization of “PV + AI” in residential settings.

Accelerating the Vision: Capital and Industry Recognition

The company’s technical prowess and AI-centric ecosystem earned strong validation from international investors. Analysts noted that BILIGHT’s ability to bridge space technology with civil distribution addresses the core pain points of perovskite commercialization.

As the expo concludes, BILIGHT is accelerating its mission to “Power AI” with clean energy. Through continuous innovation, the company aims to make sustainable power more intelligent and accessible, ensuring it serves as the foundational drive for the intelligent era across all scenarios.

2026 Japan PV Expo Concludes: BILIGHT Empowers AI with Perovskite, Scoring Full-Scene Commercialization Breakthrough

TOKYO, March 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Asia’s leading PV Expo 2026 closed in Tokyo after a three-day run. BILIGHT, a global leader in flexible perovskite solar cells, stole the spotlight with its perovskite-powered product lineup that empowers AI. Centered on its “Space + Home” full-scene strategy, the company secured overwhelming visitor interest and numerous major partnership intentions, emerging as a standout performer and setting a new benchmark for perovskite industry intelligence.

BILIGHT Empowers AI with Perovskite Technology
BILIGHT Empowers AI with Perovskite Technology

The highlight was the world-debut “Solar Wing”—a space-grade perovskite solution. It fundamentally resolves traditional silicon’s weaknesses in weight, rigidity, and adaptability. Supporting real-time tracking and adaptive power regulation, it delivers stable, high-efficiency generation under extreme space conditions and complex terrestrial environments. Its ultra-thin, bendable design perfectly fits curved satellites and irregular buildings, earning high acclaim from global integrators as the premier choice for perovskite-enabled AI energy systems.

BILIGHT also showcased its roll-up perovskite solar curtains, integrating seamlessly with AI smart homes. Beyond shading and insulation, they generate electricity to power appliances and terminals, enabling “self-generation, self-consumption, ready-to-use.” The design attracted heavy inquiries from BIPV, AI hardware, and new energy firms, with several partnerships in the works to bring clean energy from labs to households.

Leading investors praised BILIGHT for building a comprehensive perovskite ecosystem spanning aerospace and civil applications, solving key industrialization challenges. With Expo 2026 concluded, BILIGHT has validated perovskite’s potential to empower AI across all scenarios. Going forward, it will accelerate the deployment of AI-driven clean energy systems, making smart, accessible power a reality everywhere.

 

Belief BioMed announced BBM-H901 (Dalnacogene Ponparvovec Injection), China’s first hemophilia B gene therapy, was officially approved in Macao, China

SHANGHAI, March 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Belief BioMed (“BBM”) today announced that BBM-H901 (generic name: Dalnacogene Ponparvovec Injection), has been officially approved by the Pharmaceutical Administration Bureau of Macao Special Administrative Region of China for the treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe hemophilia B (congenital coagulation factor IX deficiency). This product is developed and manufactured by BBM, and Takeda China is responsible for its commercialization in mainland China, Hong Kong, China and Macao, China. Following its approval in mainland China in April 2025 as the country’s first gene therapy for hemophilia B, [1] the recent approval of BBM-H901 in Macao, China, not only addresses the previously unmet medical need for such treatment in the region but also marks a crucial step in accelerating the global availability of this breakthrough gene therapy.

Dr. Xiao Xiao, Co-founder, Chairman and Chief Science Officer of BBM, said: “As the first gene therapy drug for hemophilia B in both Mainland China and Macao, China, [1],[2] we are delighted to leverage Macao’s position as an international gateway to extend the reach of this innovative achievement to the Macao region and even broader markets. This approval reflects the Macao Special Administrative Region Government’s forward-looking support for cutting-edge medical technologies and provides patients in the region with a breakthrough treatment option that keeps pace with international standards. BBM-H901 is a gene therapy designed to enable sustained and stable expression of coagulation factor IX in the body through a single administration, [3] potentially freeing patients from the physical, psychological, and economic burdens associated with lifelong frequent injections required by conventional therapies. Looking ahead, BBM will continue to collaborate with Takeda China to accelerate the accessibility of innovative therapies, and hope this approval is an opportunity to deepen our integration with the international market and enable China’s advanced gene therapy to benefit more patients worldwide.”

Hemophilia B is an inherited bleeding disorder caused by the deficiency of factor IX (FIX). [4] For a long time, patients can only rely on prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) or coagulation FIX drugs as a replacement therapy. [5],[6] Persistent and frequent bleeding frequently leads to damage of joint structure and function, resulting in a high disability rate. [7] This not only brings great physical pain and severe restrictions on normal daily lives to patients, but also comes with the risk of infection, blood clots, etc. [5],[6] The high medical treatment costs also bring a heavy and constant economic burden on the patient’s family.

BBM-H901 is a gene therapy drug based on a recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vector. It can precisely deliver the high-activity FIX gene into the liver cells of patients, enabling the sustained and high-level expression of human FIX within the patients’ livers and its subsequent secretion into the bloodstream, thereby exerting the procoagulant activity of human FIX. The capsid of BBM-H901 is AAV843, an engineered liver-tropic capsid for targeted delivery. The functional transgene of BBM-H901 is FIX-Padua variant, a mainstream therapeutic gene for hemophilia B gene therapy, and is driven by a robust liver-specific promoter developed by the BBM to enable high-level FIX expression specifically in the liver. Furthermore, the product adopts a double-stranded AAV (dsAAV) genome design, which facilitates rapid transgene expression following intravenous administration. [3]

In 2019, the first Investigator-initiated Trial (IIT) of BBM-H901 was launched, and in 2021, the pivotal clinical trials was accepted for initiation in China. The related research results were successively published on international authoritative journals, The Lancet-Hematology, [7] The New England Journal of Medicine [8] and The Nature Medicine. [9] The Phase 3 clinical study was a multicenter, single-arm trial designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a single injection of BBM-H901 in adult patients with moderate to severe hemophilia B, enrolling a total of 26 eligible participants. The results of Phase 3 showed that after 52 weeks follow-up, the mean annualized bleeding rate (ABR) in participants was only 0.6 (95% CI: 0.18-1.99), with a significant decrease compared to the superiority margin, an average ABR of 5.0 for Chinese hemophilia B patients receiving prophylactic treatment. The mean FIX:C level at week 52 after gene therapy was 55.1 IU/dL (SD35.9) (OSA, SynthAsil). The average number of infusions of coagulation FIX drug decreased from 58.2 times/year (SD 30.67) before gene therapy treatment to 2.9 times/year (SD 10.71) after that. The number of joint bleeding frequency significantly decreased with the result that the number of target joints was reduced to zero. [9] The earlier-initiated IIT was a single-center, single-arm study that enrolled 10 adult participants with moderate to severe hemophilia B. These patients received a single injection of BBM-H901 and were subsequently followed for long-term observation. Five-year follow-up results of the 10 participants showed that, as of the final visit [median time to the last visit was 210 weeks (range: 159-270 weeks)], 70% of the participants maintained FIX:C levels greater than 35 IU/dL, with 40% achieving FIX:C levels above 50 IU/dL (one Stage Assay actin FSL aPTT reagent). [9] In addition, BBM-H901 exhibited good safety in clinical trials, with no grade 3-4 adverse events (AEs), serious adverse events (SAEs), or inhibitors observed. [9] The studies are still in the process of continuous follow-up.

Due to BBM-H901’s positive efficacy and safety data, the follow-up results of the IIT study were also presented as oral reports at the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) Congresses in 2024 and 2025 [10] respectively. The results of the Phase 3 clinical study were released at the 66th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) in 2024. [11]

BBM-H901 obtained the Breakthrough Therapy Designation by the Center for Drug Evaluation, [12] the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) in 2022, and was approved by NMPA in Mainland China in April 2025. Additionally, BBM-H901 was granted Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2022, received FDA Rare Pediatric Disease Designation (RPDD) as well as Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product (ATMP) classification from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in 2024, and was granted ODD by the Saudi Food and Drug Administration (SFDA). [13]

References

[1] Up to April 2025. https://www.nmpa.gov.cn/yaopin/index.html

[2] Up to March 2026.https://www.isaf.gov.mo/

[3] https://www.beliefbiomed.com/newsd-825.html

[4] Thrombosis and Hemostasis Group, Chinese Society of Hematology, Chinese Medical Association / Hemophilia Treatment Center     Collaborative Network of China. Chinese guidelines on the treatment of hemophilia (version 2020). Chin J Hematol.2020;41(4):265-271

[5] Mortensen GL, et al. Haemophilia. 2018;862-872

[6] Srivastava A, et al. Haemophilia. 2020;001-158.P95

[7] Xue F, et al. Lancet Haematol. 2022 Jul;9(7):e504-e513

[8] Xue F, et al. N Engl J Med. 2022 Oct 27;387(17):1622-1624

[9] Xue F, et al. Nat Med. 2025 Nov 20

[10] Mankai Ju, et al. 2025 ISTH. OC 69.2

[11] Feng X, et al. 2024 ASH. Poster 3582

[12] https://www.cde.org.cn/main/xxgk/listpage/da6efd086c099b7fc949121166f0130c

[13]    https://www.beliefbiomed.com/newsd-852.html

About Belief BioMed                                                 

Belief BioMed Inc. (BBM) is a global biotech company that integrates the research and development, manufacturing and clinical application of gene therapy products. The company is committed to providing innovative and more effective gene therapies for severe genetic and chronic diseases through safe and efficient viral vector technology. BBM has developed hundreds of key vector technologies, including HEK293 cell suspension serum-free culture process and full-scale chromatography purification process, and has established a commercial production platform for gene therapy drugs. The company has been building up its capabilities in a variety of fields including novel AAV capsids targeting different tissues, efficient transgene expression cassette design, and advanced clinically applicable vector manufacturing process. It has also established an extensive R&D pipeline covering a wide range of unmet clinical needs in different therapeutic areas such as hemophilia, DMD, Parkinson’s disease, osteoarthritis, etc. Several product pipelines have entered clinical studies or submitted IND filings. The Biologics License Application (BLA) of a gene therapy for the treatment of adult patients with hemophilia B, has been approved in Mainland China and Macao China.

For more information, please visit: https://www.beliefbiomed.com/.

Statement

1.This information is only for the purpose of introducing the company’s news, events and information on that date, and is not intended to promote any company’s products and/or services, nor should it be construed as providing any advice or recommendation on the selection of any drugs, medical devices and treatment options.

2.For information about any company products, diseases and/or treatments, please consult a healthcare professional.

 

TVB Unveils Artiste-Creator Network (ACN) at MarketingPulse 2026

How TVB’s ACN is shaping the creator economy by empowering brands to leverage premium talent-turned-creators for authentic, multi-platform storytelling


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 March 2026 — As the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI) matures, cross-media platforms must innovate at pace to meet the demand for forward-looking marketing solutions. Today, at the Hong Kong Trade Development Council’s (HKTDC) flagship events, MarketingPulse and eTailingPulse, themed “Generate New Growth,” industry leaders gathered to explore the frontiers of agentic AI, phygital commerce, and the evolution of content creation.

The sharing session titled “Beyond Broadcast, Beyond Borders: The Social Appeal and Commercial Value of TVB Artiste-Creators” was moderated by Mr. Kevin SHUI, Chief Marketing Officer of Starry (1st left), and featured in-depth exchanges with Ms. Alexandra LO, CEO of TaRa Innovation Limited & TaRa Bloom (HK & Asia), and Assistant Adjunct Professor at HKU Business School (1st right); popular TVB artistes Bowie CHEUNG (2nd left), and Tony HUNG (2nd right).
The sharing session titled “Beyond Broadcast, Beyond Borders: The Social Appeal and Commercial Value of TVB Artiste-Creators” was moderated by Mr. Kevin SHUI, Chief Marketing Officer of Starry (1st left), and featured in-depth exchanges with Ms. Alexandra LO, CEO of TaRa Innovation Limited & TaRa Bloom (HK & Asia), and Assistant Adjunct Professor at HKU Business School (1st right); popular TVB artistes Bowie CHEUNG (2nd left), and Tony HUNG (2nd right).

Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB), a world renowned cross-media platform, marked the occasion by introducing the TVB Artiste-Creator Network (ACN). This strategic initiative integrates TVB’s robust marketing ecosystem with its extensive roster of talent to offer a digital-first, influence-driven solution for modern brands.

Mr. SIU Sai Wo, General Manager (Business Operations) of TVB, stated, “With the largest talent pool of artistes in Hong Kong and an unparalleled, loyal audience, TVB remains at the forefront of influence. In this new AI-driven landscape, we are capitalizing on the inherent credibility our artistes have built on the TV screen and extending it across digital and social ecosystems through the Artiste-Creator Network.

This represents more than a new career trajectory for our talent; it is a sophisticated, integrated marketing engine. By precisely matching brands with the right creators, we provide seamless coverage across every consumer touchpoint—from primetime television to personal mobile screens—enabling brands to scale effectively within the Greater Bay Area and beyond.”

Industry Leaders and Artiste-Creators Convene to Explore the Path to Brand Conversion

At MarketingPulse 2026, TVB hosted a high-level sharing session titled “Beyond Broadcast, Beyond Borders: The Social Appeal and Commercial Value of TVB Artiste-Creators.” Addressing an audience of marketing industry leaders, the session was moderated by Mr. Kevin SHUI, Chief Marketing Officer of Starry and a digital marketing veteran with over 20 years of Asia-Pacific expertise.

The panel featured Ms. Alexandra LO—former Head of Digital at Nestlé HK, current CEO of TaRa Innovation Limited, and Assistant Adjunct Professor at HKU Business School—alongside popular TVB artistes Bowie CHEUNG and Tony HUNG. Together, they explored the strategic cultivation of “cross-platform hybrid content creators,” focusing on how to extend an artiste’s broadcast authority into a powerful, multi-channel digital influence.

Bowie CHEUNG and Tony HUNG shared their first-hand insights on navigating dual identities as traditional artistes and digital creators, highlighting how they engage diverse regional audiences.

Bowie CHEUNG remarked, “Television provided the foundation of recognition and credibility, but social media allows me to layer in my authentic self—sharing my genuine interests, lifestyle, and personal style. This creates a unique point of resonance for fans across different regions, transforming the ‘out-of-reach’ celebrity persona into a relatable, trusted figure who bridges the distance between the screen and the audience.”

Tony HUNG added, “After years as a TVB artiste and a digital creator, I’ve found these two identities to be deeply complementary. By merging the massive reach of broadcast media with the interactivities of social media, brand collaborations can achieve a broader, more multi-layered reach that speaks to consumers at every level of the engagement funnel.”

Strategic Partnership with Starry: AI-Powered Precision in Talent Matching

In a move to further modernize its commercial offering, TVB announced a strategic collaboration with Starry, a leading KOL marketing platform. By integrating Starry’s proprietary AI-driven engine, TVB now provides brand partners with data-backed, high-precision matching for its Artiste-Creator Network (ACN).

Mr. Kevin SHUI, Chief Marketing Officer of Starry, explained, “Traditional platforms often rely on static, pre-set criteria that fail to capture the nuances of influence. Our AI-powered system makes intelligent, real-time adjustments based on the specific DNA of each brand. By analyzing a comprehensive data set—including an artiste’s personality, specialized talents, content sentiment, and social media performance, alongside their broader media reputation—we ensure a seamless, high-conversion match from within TVB’s extensive talent ecosystem.”

Expert Insight: The Irreplaceable Value of Broadcast Trust

Ms. Alexandra LO, CEO of TaRa Innovation Limited & TaRa Bloom (HK & Asia), and Assistant Adjunct Professor at HKU Business School, shared her strategic perspective on the criteria for selecting high-impact KOLs. Ms. LO observed, “In the current marketing landscape, brands have moved beyond simply chasing follower counts. Today’s priorities are engagement quality, brand compatibility, and cross-platform influence. KOL partnerships now allow brand messaging to become truly multi-dimensional through authentic interactions.

TVB artiste-creators hold a significant advantage across all these metrics. The deep-seated trust they have built with the general public through the television screen translates directly into higher brand affinity and business conversion rates, making them a premium commercial asset that is exceptionally difficult to replicate.”

TVB ACN – A Stellar Lineup of Artiste-Creators, The Catalyst for Business Success

A prominent delegation of TVB’s popular artiste-creators attended the event in person, including Judy KWONG, Niklas LAM, Hilary CHONG, Ellyn NGAI, Andrew CHAN, Lucy LI, Karen WU, Derek WONG, Kris LAM, and Arthur SY. The ACN signifies a strategic evolution for TVB’s talent—spanning actors, singers, and performers—who now leverage their massive public recognition to ensure brand communications carry an elite level of credibility. By bridging their established television profiles with deep social media engagement, these creators drive higher-quality digital discourse and superior conversion rates for brand partners.

At this year’s MarketingPulse exhibition, TVB showcased its innovative e-commerce and marketing technologies, demonstrating a seamless transition from Television Primetime to Personal Screen Time. This one-stop content solution, powered by unparalleled star power and advanced matching technology, empowers clients to seize new growth opportunities and achieve sustainable business success.

Hashtag: #TVB #Artiste-Creator #MarketingPulse

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

Viettel Ranks No.1 Globally in Telecom Brand Strength

HANOI, Vietnam, March 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Viettel Group has been ranked as the world’s strongest telecom brand, achieving a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 89.9/100 and an AAA+ rating, the highest level awarded by Brand Finance.

Viettel Ranks No.1 Globally in Telecom Brand Strength
Viettel Ranks No.1 Globally in Telecom Brand Strength

This milestone marks a significant breakthrough for Viettel after two consecutive years in second place, officially securing the top global position in telecom brand strength. The result is considered notable, as it places a Vietnamese telecom operator ahead of many long-established international brands in terms of customer trust and brand perception.

According to Brand Finance, it is important to distinguish between brand value and brand strength, two concepts that are often confused. Brand value represents the financial worth of a brand, typically linked to revenue, profitability, and expected future growth. In contrast, brand strength reflects how customers perceive and engage with the brand. It measures factors such as trust, reputation, preference, and the likelihood of customers recommending the brand to others. Brand strength is assessed through extensive market research and is a key driver influencing overall brand value.

In the 2026 rankings, Viettel’s BSI score of 89.9/100 is the highest recorded among leading telecom brands over the past three years. This demonstrates not only strong brand recognition but also a deep level of customer trust and emotional connection. Viettel’s consistent performance across multiple perception metrics has enabled it to surpass competitors and take the top position globally.

Mr. Lorenzo Coruzzi, Valuation Director at Brand Finance, commented:

“Viettel scores exceptionally well across key research metrics, particularly in reputation, reliability, and recommendation. This demonstrates that the brand not only has high visibility but also a strong and meaningful connection with its customers in its home market.”

In terms of brand value, Viettel is currently valued at USD 7.9 billion, making it the largest telecom company in Southeast Asia. The Group is also ranked among the top 20 telecom brands globally and remains the only Vietnamese enterprise included in the Global 500 ranking, further reinforcing its growing presence on the international stage.

Founded in 1996 and headquartered in London, Brand Finance is the world’s leading brand valuation consultancy, with operations in more than 20 countries. Each year, the firm evaluates over 70,000 brands worldwide, providing independent insights into brand performance across industries and markets.

Brand Finance is also the only organization whose valuation methodology complies with ISO 10668, the international standard for brand valuation. Under this framework, brand value is determined based on three key components: the Brand Strength Index (BSI), industry royalty rates, and forecasted revenues. This standardized approach ensures that brand valuations are transparent, consistent, and widely accepted in financial, auditing, and strategic decision-making contexts.

Laos Sets Sights on Stronger Universities With New Round of Education Reforms

Students at National University of Laos during education reform announcement
A picture of the National University of Laos, in Dongdok, Vientiane, Laos. (Photo by National University of Laos)

Laos is investing in its higher education system, with the government announcing a new wave of reforms aimed at raising university standards, modernizing curricula, and strengthening ties with international institutions.

The Ministry of Education and Sports unveiled the plans following a national review meeting at the National University of Laos. 

Minister Thongsalith Mangnomek said the government will upgrade infrastructure, introduce new subjects including artificial intelligence, and deepen partnerships with foreign universities to better prepare Lao graduates for the demands of a changing economy.

The reforms come at a critical moment, however. Despite the ambition, data shows that fewer students are making it to university, a challenge officials acknowledge must be addressed alongside improvements to quality.

Dropout Rates Remain a Key Challenge

In 2025, Laos had 29 higher education institutions, including five universities. A total of 39,780 students were enrolled, a small increase of 2.4 percent from the previous year. However, only 8,797 students graduated, marking a sharp drop of 19 percent. 

At the same time, the number of teachers fell by 7 percent, raising further concerns about the system’s capacity to support students.

The number of students sitting university entrance exams dropped significantly, from 11,976 in the 2022–2023 academic year to just 7,441 in 2023–2024. National Assembly reports also indicate that student enrollment is declining across all levels of education, especially at higher levels.

In the 2023–2024 academic year, only 3,680 students enrolled out of more than 10,000 available university and college places, highlighting a widening gap between supply and demand.

Education officials say several factors are driving this trend. Economic pressure remains a major issue, with many students leaving school early to work or support their families. Limited access to schools in rural areas and ongoing teacher shortages also make it harder for students to stay in education.

Reforms Aim to Modernise Education System

The government’s push to improve universities is part of a wider effort to reform the education system. Laos plans to introduce a new 6+3+3 structure by 2028, extending primary education and aligning the system more closely with regional models.

At the same time, the country is working with international partners through programs such as the Reforming Higher Education in Laos initiative, which focuses on improving quality assurance and modernising university systems.

Officials say these reforms aim to produce graduates with stronger skills that match labour market needs and support economic growth. 

Cushman & Wakefield Ranked No.1 Real Estate Investment Brokerage Firm in Greater China, Hong Kong, and Chinese Mainland Industrial Market in 2025 by MSCI


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 March 2026 – Cushman & Wakefield has been recognized as the top real estate investment brokerage firm in the Greater China* All-sector, Hong Kong All-sector, Hong Kong Office market and Chinese Mainland Industrial market for 2025 by MSCI based on sell-side sales volume. These top rankings highlight the firm’s continued dominance and exceptional performance in the region’s commercial real estate sector.

According to MSCI 2025 Global Broker Rankings, based on sales volume, Cushman & Wakefield represented 28% of all-sector sell-side investment brokerage transactions in Greater China totaling US$2.2 billion. In Hong Kong, the firm secured 36% of all-sector sell-side brokerage volume, worth US$1.2 billion, and 69% of the office sell-side brokerage volume. Furthermore, the team captured a commanding 77% share of the Chinese Mainland Industrial sell-side brokerage market, accounting for US$887 million in transaction value.

*Rankings in Greater China are based on the sum of sell-side brokerage transaction volume in the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong China and Taiwan China.

KK Chiu, International Director and Chief Executive, Greater China at Cushman & Wakefield, said, “The MSCI global brokerage ranking reinforces our leading market share in Greater China and in Hong Kong. We stand out from our peers in our deep local market knowledge and connections with both international and domestic capital, which enables us to serve our investor clients throughout market cycles. In addition, we have fostered strong collaboration between our teams in the Chinese mainland and in Hong Kong, enabling us to swiftly capitalize on cross-border opportunities and ensure seamless deal execution for our clients.”

The Hong Kong market experienced a significant rebound late last year, driven by major end-user acquisitions. Francis Li, International Director, Vice President and Head of Capital Markets, Greater China at Cushman & Wakefield, detailed the market’s momentum. “We saw strong liquidity coming back to Hong Kong in 2H last year, including the acquisition by Alibaba and Ant Group of multiple floors at One Causeway Bay for use as their Hong Kong headquarters, a landmark deal brokered by us,” said Li. “Our data shows that full-year commercial real estate investment volume in Hong Kong grew by 33% year-over-year in 2025. At the same time, Hong Kong’s residential and student housing markets are also garnering significant interest from investors.”

In addition to the success in Hong Kong, Li mentioned, “The Cushman & Wakefield Capital Markets team has completed several large logistics deals in the Chinese mainland in the last three years, totaling more than RMB10 billion. These significant transactions reinforce our strong local team capability and resilience when navigating complex market challenges.”

In addition to en-bloc logistics transactions, Cushman & Wakefield has also played a significant role in facilitating industrial investments, including factories and R&D centers, and particularly in assisting leading international companies in establishing a presence in China. Tony Su, Managing Director, National Head of Industrial & Logistics Property Services, China, said: “Despite the challenges faced by China’s logistics and industrial sectors, our team delivered an exceptional performance in 2025. We successfully completed transactions with numerous high-profile, industry leading clients, particularly in the biopharmaceuticals, new materials, and premium food sectors. These partnerships stimulated the local economy, set new industry benchmarks, and inspired a wave of policy innovations. I am extremely proud of the growth and resilience demonstrated by Cushman & Wakefield’s Industrial team in navigating a complex market environment.”

About MSCI

MSCI is a leading provider of critical decision support tools and services for the global investment community. With over 50 years of expertise in research, data and technology, MSCI power better investment decisions by enabling clients to understand and analyze key drivers of risk and return and confidently build more effective portfolios. MSCI creates industry-leading research-enhanced solutions that clients use to gain insight into and improve transparency across the investment process.

Hashtag: #Cushman&Wakefield

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About Cushman & Wakefield

Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK) is a leading global commercial real estate services firm for occupiers and investors with approximately 53,000 employees in over 350 offices and nearly 60 countries. In Greater China, a network of 23 offices serves local markets across the region. In 2025, the firm reported revenue of $10.3 billion across its core services of Valuation, Consulting, Project & Development Services, Capital Markets, Project & Occupier Services, Industrial & Logistics, Retail, and others. Built around the belief that Better never settles, the firm receives numerous industry and business accolades for its award-winning culture. For additional information, visit or follow us on LinkedIn ().