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BioOra and Octane Biotech Sign Letter of Intent to Expand Cell Therapy Manufacturing Using the Cocoon(R) Platform

Collaboration builds on CAR-T commercialization in New Zealand and supports expansion across Australia, North America and other international markets.

Wellington, New Zealand and Kingston, Ontario – Newsfile Corp. – April 7, 2026 – BioOra Limited (“BioOra”), a commercial-stage cell therapy company advancing CAR-T therapies for cancer patients, and Octane Biotech Inc., an Octane Medical Group Company (“Octane”), today announced the signing of a Letter of Intent (LOI) to collaborate on the co-development and deployment of advanced cell therapies using the Cocoon® automated cell therapy manufacturing platform.

The collaboration builds upon the existing partnership through which BioOra’s CD19-targeted CAR-T therapy (Atla-Cel) is produced by Octane’s Cocoon Platform for patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell lymphoma in New Zealand as part of the registration trial (ENABLE-2). Under the agreement, BioOra and Octane will work together to expand manufacturing capacity to support BioOra’s regional growth, beginning with Australia and extending to additional international markets.

Octane is advancing the Cocoon Platform to enable efficient, decentralized scaling of cell therapy manufacturing. In parallel, BioOra is constructing a bespoke cell therapy manufacturing facility in Christchurch New Zealand, the BioOra Health & Technology Centre, designed to concurrently operate Cocoon systems to meet growing regional demand for CAR-T and other advanced cell therapies. By leveraging the automated and integrated design of the Cocoon Platform, the collaboration is expected to improve operational efficiency, increase manufacturing throughput, and reduce vein-to-vein time, supporting a new model for delivering personalized cell therapies.

“BioOra has demonstrated that manufacturing using the Cocoon Platform can support the commercial delivery of CAR-T therapy in New Zealand,” said John Robson, Chief Executive Officer of BioOra. “Our new Christchurch facility is designed to scale this model using multiple Cocoon systems. Partnering with Octane allows us to expand into Australia and beyond while improving efficiency and increasing patient access.”

“Octane was founded to unlock the full potential of cell therapy production,” said Timothy Smith, CEO and co-founder of Octane. “BioOra is setting the standard for how this model can be deployed at scale. By combining Cocoon-enabled automation with BioOra’s leading clinical and manufacturing infrastructure, we are building a more efficient, scalable paradigm that has the potential to redefine access to cell therapies globally.”

The collaboration is also expected to expand international patient access through therapy delivery in New Zealand, and potentially in Australia, where BioOra is establishing partnerships to deliver CAR-T therapies to the large number of patients who do not have access in their home countries.

As part of the collaboration, BioOra and Octane intend to develop closed, integrated, end-to-end manufacturing solutions spanning cell collection, automated processing, and final product release for BioOra cell therapy products. These innovations are designed to simplify manufacturing workflows, further improving the accessibility and practicality of CAR-T therapy.

“CAR-T therapies have demonstrated extraordinary potential to cure otherwise lethal cancers, but scaling access has been limited by manufacturing complexity,” said Laurence Cooper, MD, PhD, CAR-T pioneer, and Board Member of BioOra. “Aligning automation with advanced therapeutics through the Cocoon Platform can dramatically expand access. This collaboration fits directly with BioOra’s vision of becoming the first commercial CAR-T company in the Southern Hemisphere, bringing these transformative therapies to far more patients.”

The collaboration will focus on:

  • Scaling BioOra’s CAR-T manufacturing operations in New Zealand using the Cocoon Platform
  • Expanding manufacturing into Australia and North America to support regional patient access
  • Developing additional cell therapy programs for deployment on the Cocoon Platform
  • Co-developing production efficiencies to further automate CAR-T manufacturing solutions

The companies expect to formalize additional development and commercialization agreements following the execution of definitive collaboration agreements.

About BioOra

BioOra is a cell therapy company headquartered in Wellington, New Zealand, focused on bringing transformative immunotherapies to patients across New Zealand, Australia, and beyond. The company is commercializing CAR-T therapies for hematologic malignancies while building regional infrastructure for the manufacturing of advanced cell therapies.

Atla-cel is a CD19-targeted CAR-T therapy for relapsed or refractory B-cell lymphoma, an area of significant unmet medical need. The ongoing ENABLE-2 Phase 2 trial is over halfway enrolled, supporting BioOra’s path toward regulatory approval and commercialization beginning with New Zealand. Atla-cel forms a core pillar of BioOra’s strategy to establish a regional hub for advanced cell therapy manufacturing spanning New Zealand, Australia, and ultimately global markets.

About Octane Biotech Inc., An Octane Medical Group Company

Octane Biotech Inc. is a biotechnology company focused on enabling scalable manufacturing solutions for advanced cell and gene therapies. Through customized solutions enabled by the Cocoon® automated cell therapy platform, Octane works with partners to deploy manufacturing models that expand global access to next-generation therapies.

Headquartered in Ontario, Canada, the Octane Medical Group has locations in the United States and Europe. As a global group of companies, the Octane Medical Group offers the most advanced bioprocesses, biomaterials and bioreactors for regenerative medicine. We power transformative healthcare with game-changing technologies that we develop and turn into proof-of-concept platforms. These innovations are advanced into production within our market-specific Octane ventures and then launched for commercialization with our global partners. Today, our Octane ventures include Octane Innovation, Octane Clinical Systems, Octane Orthobiologics, Octane Exo, Octane Biotech and Octane Biotherapeutics (BioTx).

At Octane, our goal is to make regenerative medicine the standard of care. For more information, visit www.octaneco.com.

For media interviews:

Chris Miranda
Business Development
Octane Medical Group of Companies
613-634-6345
chris.miranda@octaneco.com
John Robson
Chief Executive Officer
BioOra Limited
+64 21 842 960
investments@bioora.com

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

From Old Channel to New Garden: How Chaoyang’s “Sakura River” is Dazzling Spring


BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 April 2026 – As the spring breeze sweeps across the banks of the Beixiao River in Chaoyang District, a spectacle that has captured the heart of the entire city is unfolding. This is Beijing’s first-ever “Sakura River.”

From Old Channel to New Garden: How Chaoyang’s “Sakura River” is Dazzling Spring

Spanning a 4.2-kilometer waterfront, nearly 6,000 cherry blossom trees of 68 varieties are blooming in succession from late March to late April. A continuous tide of flowers—ranging from powdery white and soft pink to crimson and pale yellow-green—has transformed the spring season into a poetic garden inviting exploration.

On April 3rd, the Beixiao River Spring Boat Tour set sail. Sculling boats carve out an oriental charm on the water, car-shaped boats glide steadily between flower-lined banks, and sightseeing boats brim with urban vitality. As these three types of vessels glide along the waterway, the poetic line “boats gliding among flowers, people wandering through a painting” is no longer just a verse—it is a tangible spring experience.

Additionally, five themed stationary flower-viewing boats are moored on the river. Decorated with tulips, hydrangeas, and bougainvillea, they are docked artistically along the banks, offering picture-perfect photo opportunities at every turn.

If you had seen the Beixiao River in its former life, you would appreciate the preciousness of this beauty even more.

Once an ordinary urban flood channel with rigid banks, fragmented spaces, and disconnected paths, the river underwent a comprehensive renovation in 2024. Chaoyang District removed fences and constructed 8.4 kilometers of high-quality greenways. Seventeen new access points now connect 14 riverside communities directly to the water, with the nearest residential compound just 50 meters away. For approximately 80,000 residents, the vision of “stepping out onto a greenway and walking into a park” has become a reality.

This “cosmetic” transformation has turned an inner-city river into a “Waterfront Reception Hall” that integrates ecology, commerce, and leisure. The Beixiao River has achieved a seamless fusion of water and parkland. Visitors can stroll along the banks to admire the blossoms or step directly from the greenway into Beixiaohe Park, Dawangjing Park, and Wanghe Park to continue their search for spring blooms.

Connecting the Wangjing and Donghu districts and linking five major business hubs, the river has turned flower viewing from a short trip into a vibrant part of daily urban life. Whether jogging, cycling, walking the kids, or simply sitting idly, cherry blossoms are now right outside your window, by the roadside, and along the riverbank—offering healing snapshots and moments of joy anytime, anywhere.

New York has the Hudson River Park, reshaping dilapidated industrial banks into a world-class waterfront green corridor; London’s Thames riverbanks see spring flower seas contrasting beautifully with classical architecture. Now, Beijing has its own Sakura River—the Beixiao River. It is not a copycat, but a story of a megacity “grooming” a forgotten waterway to give it back to its citizens and to spring.

This spring, come to Chaoyang, Beijing. Take a boat and glide through a 4.2-kilometer sea of pink blossoms to experience the ultimate oriental romance.Hashtag: #Chaoyang #SakuraRiver

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

Totaria Celebrates World Health Day 2026: Harnessing Science to Advance Global Wellness

Science-backed high-absorption health supplements for everyday nutritional support

AURORA, Colo, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Totaria, a premium American nutritional supplement brand, is introducing its full lineup of high-absorption health supplements on the occasion of World Health Day 2026 under the theme of “Together for health. Stand with science.” Backed by scientific research and advancements, Totaria’s product line is designed to support daily immunity, digestion, sleep, energy and overall wellness.

Totaria Celebrates World Health Day 2026: Harnessing Science to Advance Global Wellness
Totaria Celebrates World Health Day 2026: Harnessing Science to Advance Global Wellness

As a premium health and nutrition brand rooted in the U.S., Totaria was founded on the philosophy of integrating modern scientific principles with traditional wellness wisdom. It is dedicated to developing safe, effective, and highly absorbable nutritional solutions, strictly adhering to cGMP manufacturing standards to ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements and earn the trust of consumers worldwide.

Every Totaria product leverages advanced delivery systems and high‑quality ingredient blends to maximize bioavailability, meeting the growing global demand for science‑driven daily nutritional support. In alignment with the 2026 World Health Day theme “Together for Health, Stand with Science,” Totaria continues to advance the science of everyday nutrition, translating the latest research findings into high‑performance formulations that contribute to the holistic well‑being of people, communities, and the planet.

Whether it’s boosting immunity through seasonal shifts, supporting restful sleep, aiding digestion, or enhancing energy and emotional balance, Totaria’s full line of health supplements is designed to fit seamlessly into modern lifestyles, delivering trusted, everyday nutritional support.

“We believe that everyone should have access to quality nutrition. On this World Health Day, we reaffirm our commitment to helping people live healthier lives through thoughtfully formulated supplements,” said Dr. Vivian Reed, Clinical Nutrition Expert of Totaria.

Backed by science, Totaria’s new full-series launch features:

  • 12in1 Magnesium Complex Capsules for muscle, bone, heart, and relaxation support with a unique, highly absorbable blend that contains 12 different types of magnesium to help support overall health;
  • Multivitamin Gummies for Women, which are sugar- and gelatin-free, 100% natural, pectin-based, and filled with 36 key nutrients to support immunity, energy, hair, and nail health;
  • Probiotic, Prebiotic & Postbiotic Capsules, acid-resistant capsules with a powerful and comprehensive formula for digestive and immune health;
  • Magnesium Glycinate D3 & K2 Complex Capsules to help with stress relief, sleep support, bone strength, and energy;
  • Vitamin B Complex Plus Capsules, which are gluten-free, contain 10 B vitamins and vitamins C and D3 and K2, for the nervous system, mood, and skin health.

All products are available on Amazon.com, for more information and purchase, please visit www.totaria.com and Amazon Store.

About Totaria 

Totaria, a high-end nutritional and health brand originating from the United States, has been committed to developing science-backed, high-absorption and safe nutritional supplements dedicated to providing quality daily health support for consumers worldwide.

 

AT&T Receives Frost & Sullivan’s 2026 US Public Safety Solutions Company of the Year Recognition for Excellence in Mission-Critical Connectivity

AT&T is recognized for advancing public safety communications through ubiquitous connectivity, innovation, and a resilient network architecture through FirstNet, Built with AT&T

SAN ANTONIO, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Frost & Sullivan is pleased to announce that AT&T has been honored with the 2026 US Company of the Year Recognition in the public safety connectivity solutions sector for its outstanding achievements in innovation, operational efficiency, and mission-critical connectivity. This recognition highlights AT&T’s consistent leadership in strengthening public safety communications, delivering reliable nationwide coverage with FirstNet®, and giving first responders advanced, customer-centric solutions.

Frost & Sullivan evaluates companies through a rigorous benchmarking process across two core dimensions: strategy effectiveness and strategy execution. AT&T excelled in both, demonstrating its ability to align strategic initiatives with the evolving needs of public safety agencies while executing with consistency, scalability, and operational excellence.

Guided by a long-term growth strategy focused on ubiquitous connectivity, innovation, customer care, and strategic partnerships, AT&T has demonstrated a unique ability to adapt and lead in a rapidly evolving public safety landscape. The company’s strategic agility and sustained investment in FirstNet, the nationwide public safety network including 5G technology, FirstNet Band 14 spectrum, and Next-Generation 9-1-1 (NG911) infrastructure, have enabled it to scale effectively across the United States while maintaining high standards of reliability and performance.

Working with the federal government in a public-private partnership to build and operate FirstNet—the only network built with and for first responders—AT&T has a mandate to innovate for public safety. Its comprehensive portfolio of public safety solutions and technology through FirstNet, as well as AT&T Emergency Services IP Network (AT&T ESInet™), delivers secure, resilient, and high-performance connectivity for emergency communications.

“As public safety’s partner, we are committed to delivering the most advanced 9-1-1 technology for our communities and the best network for first responders,” said Scott Agnew, president of FirstNet, AT&T. “Covering more first responders than any other network and continuing to commit to innovating for NG911, we are proud to keep public safety—and our communities—safer.”

AT&T’s unwavering commitment to customer experience further strengthens its leadership position. By delivering reliable, mission-ready solutions and maintaining a strong focus on customer care, the company supports a broad and expanding ecosystem of public safety entities, including emergency communications call centers (ECCs), first responders, and extended primary users across healthcare, utilities, and government sectors. Its ability to combine technological innovation with dependable service delivery ensures long-term value and trust among its customers.

Frost & Sullivan commends AT&T for setting a high standard in competitive strategy, execution, and market responsiveness. The company’s innovation pipeline, robust network infrastructure, and customer-first culture are shaping the future of public safety connectivity solutions and optimizing emergency outcomes across the United States. “AT&T’s strategic approach to public safety fosters a cycle of improvement and success, consistently enhancing products, platforms, and solutions to keep pace with rapidly evolving consumer behaviors and next-generation technologies,” according to Brent Iadarola, Vice President, ICT at Frost & Sullivan.

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents the Company of the Year Recognition to a company that demonstrates outstanding strategy development and implementation, resulting in measurable improvements in market share, customer satisfaction, and competitive positioning. It recognizes forward-thinking organizations that are reshaping their industries through innovation and growth excellence.

FirstNet and the FirstNet logo are registered trademarks and service marks of the First Responder Network Authority. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Recognition

Frost & Sullivan’s Best Practices Recognitions honor companies across regional and global markets that exhibit exceptional achievement and consistent excellence in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer experience, and strategic product development. Each recognition is the result of a rigorous analytical process in which Frost & Sullivan industry experts benchmark performance through comprehensive interviews, deep-dive analysis, and extensive secondary research. The goal is to identify true best-in-class organizations that are driving transformative growth and setting new industry standards.
Contact us: Start the discussion.

Contact

Camila Tinajero
E: camila.tinajero@frost.com

Bedsure Introduces Cooling Comforters Designed to Help Hot Sleepers Stay Cool and Sleep Better

 SleepEase Cooling Comforter and CoolOxy Comforter 2.0 combine breathable design, moisture-wicking technology, and enhanced airflow for improved sleep quality

NEW YORK, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Bedsure, a leading online home textile brand, announced the launch of two new cooling comforters designed to address a common sleep challenge: overheating at night. The Bedsure SleepEase Cooling Comforter Set and Bedsure CoolOxy Comforter 2.0 combine breathable construction, moisture-wicking materials, and airflow-focused design to address common sleep disruptions caused by heat and humidity. 

A New Standard in Cooling Bedding

Unlike traditional cooling comforters that provide only a temporary cool-to-the-touch sensation, Bedsure’s latest designs focus on long-lasting temperature regulation, airflow, and moisture control, key factors for improving sleep quality and reducing overheating.

Bedsure SleepEase Cooling Comforter Set: Instant Cooling Meets All-Night Comfort

Engineered to keep sleepers cool from the moment they lie down throughout the night, the comforter features proprietary Rudolf HYDROCOOL moisture‑management paired with lightweight, breathable, high-tech CASTOR filling fiber that promotes deeper sleep and helps prevent overheating and nighttime sweating. With an impressive Q‑max cooling value of 0.425, well above the industry average, it delivers immediate cooling relief while helping regulate body temperature.

Key benefits include:

  • Advanced cooling technology for hot sleepers and night sweat reduction
  • Lightweight CASTOR fiber fill to enhance airflow and breathability
  • Sanitized odor-control technology for a fresher, cleaner sleep environment
  • Skin-friendly materials, ideal for sensitive skin
  • Stylish seersucker texture available in four modern colors

Perfect for warm climates, humid environments, and year-round use, SleepEase offers a balance of performance, comfort, and elevated design.

Bedsure CoolOxy Comforter 2.0: Breathable Design for Lasting Cooling

Building on customer feedback, the CoolOxy Comforter 2.0 introduces a smarter approach to cooling, prioritizing continuous airflow and moisture management over short-term cooling effects.

Key features include:

  • 7 cm zoned airflow system to release trapped heat
  • Micro-perforated jacquard fabric for enhanced ventilation
  • Breathable fill blend (31% TENCEL™ + microfiber) to wick away moisture
  • Lightweight construction inspired by performance sportswear

Designed to combat nighttime overheating, humidity, and poor airflow, CoolOxy 2.0 helps maintain a dry, comfortable sleep environment throughout the night.

With more consumers searching for cooling bedding, breathable comforters, and solutions for hot sleeping, Bedsure continues to innovate with products that address real sleep challenges. Both the SleepEase and CoolOxy Comforter 2.0 are ideal for anyone struggling with night sweats, heat retention, or disrupted sleep due to temperature.

Both newly launched cooling comforters are part of the “Bedsure New Arrivals” campaign on TikTok Shop. The campaign runs from April 8, 8:00 PM to April 15, 7:59 PM ET (Eastern Time), and consumers can explore and shop here.

About Bedsure

At Bedsure, Get Cozy is more than a slogan — it is at the core of everything we do. We believe coziness is not only a feeling you get from touch, but an experience that enhances the comfort and beauty of your home. Rooted in over 50 years of textile craftsmanship, Bedsure delivers trusted quality, thoughtful innovation, and long-lasting comfort that is easily affordable and accessible. Through products designed beyond expectations, we strive to make every home truly cozy. For more information, visit Bedsure’s official website https://bedsurehome.com/, or Bedsure Amazon Store. Stay in touch with Bedsure on social media @bedsurehome.

Bedsure SleepEase Cooling Comforter Set & Bedsure CoolOxy Comforter 2.0
Bedsure SleepEase Cooling Comforter Set & Bedsure CoolOxy Comforter 2.0

 

Live Cell Observation System Selected for NASA-Supported Project Heading to the International Space Station

Nikon Contributes to Research on the Effects of Microgravity in Drug Discovery

TOKYO, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Nikon Corporation (Nikon) is pleased to announce that the live cell observation system developed by Nikon and its U.S.-based subsidiary Nikon Instruments Inc. (NII) has been selected for “research on the effects of microgravity in life sciences and drug discovery” on board the International Space Station (ISS), supported by the Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS), manager of the ISS National Laboratory. The U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Northrop Grumman Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) 24 mission is set to launch to the space station from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida in early April 2026. On this mission, foundational operational verification will be conducted for an observational microscope system used to culture, maintain, and observe live cells and tissues.

Since the Apollo 15 mission in 1971, Nikon cameras and lenses have been used in various NASA missions and space shuttle explorations. Most recently, the Nikon Z9, the flagship model of Nikon’s mirrorless camera lineup, is in use on the ISS. This high reliability and technological capability have also been demonstrated in the field of microscopy, where Nikon has a proven track record of providing microscopes for use on the ISS. In 2021, the company was selected for an ISS development support project for private companies, supported by CASIS with U.S. government grant funding. This research focuses on developing equipment that enables long-term visual analysis of cell behavior and biological tissue responses to pharmaceuticals in the limited space of the ISS experiment module. The contract for this project has been concluded between NASA and NII, with NII responsible for project management and Nikon and NII jointly responsible for development of the live cell observation system.

On the ISS, observations using MPS* will be conducted via the Nikon Experimentation Microscope in Orbit (NEMO), a system combining Nikon’s live cell observation system which can observe and evaluate the behavior of cells and biological tissues with high precision, and a cell culture incubator and automated media perfusion system developed by BioServe Space Technologies (BioServe) in Boulder, Colorado, U.S. BioServe’s system maintains an optimal environment for cells, while Nikon’s live cell observation system serves as the microscope, enabling high-precision evaluation and analysis of the effects of microgravity on living organisms through observation of cell behavior and biological tissue responses in space.

Understanding the effects of gravity on biological tissues is an important area of research for accelerating human extraterrestrial activities, and is expected to potentially lead to elucidating the causes of aging phenomena and diseases in living organisms. For this reason, it is attracting attention from global life science companies, including pharmaceutical companies and biotechnology firms aiming to develop pharmaceuticals, as cutting-edge research.

Through this project, Nikon will leverage the technical advantages and insights gained to serve as a bridge connecting space and Earth, continuing to contribute to life science research and technological innovation.

*Microphysiological Systems: 3D culture systems that create an environment mimicking conditions inside living organisms.

 

NEMO Mission Patch
NEMO Mission Patch

 

NYSE Content Update: Starfish Space Adds Over $100 Million in Funding to Boost Growth

NYSE issues a pre-market daily advisory direct from the trading floor.

NEW YORK, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) provides a daily pre-market update directly from the NYSE Trading Floor. Access today’s NYSE Pre-market update for market insights before trading begins. 

 

OceanaGold and Dime Community Bank to begin trading on the NYSE

Kristen Scholer delivers the pre-market update on April 7th

  • Equities are moving lower Tuesday morning ahead of President Trump’s deadline for Iran to make a ceasefire deal.
  • OceanaGold, a global gold and copper producer, begins trading on the NYSE today, under the ticker symbol OGC.
  • Dime Community Bank (NYSE: DCOM) begins trading on the NYSE today after transferring its listing.
  • Starfish space added more than $100 million in a series B funding round recently and Co-Founder Trevor Bennett will join NYSE Live tomorrow to discuss the future of space infrastructure.

Opening Bell
OceanaGold (NYSE: OGC) celebrates listing on the New York Stock Exchange

Closing Bell
VOYA (NYSE: VOYA) celebrates the 10-year anniversary of Voya Cares

For market insights, IPO activity, and today’s opening bell, download the NYSE TV App: TV.NYSE.com

Wichita State University's Barton School of Business rang the closing bell yesterday
Wichita State University’s Barton School of Business rang the closing bell yesterday

 

From Kuala Lumpur to Hanoi: Milken Institute’s 2026 Global Opportunity Index Portrays Resiliency and Encouraging Growth Trend in Emerging Southeast Asia

The 2026 Global Opportunity Index ranks Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and the Philippines as Southeast Asia’s leading investment destinations

WASHINGTON, April 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Economies in Southeast Asia continue to display encouraging trends of calibrated growth amidst global headwinds, prompting renewed attention from global investors, according to the Milken Institute’s latest Global Opportunity Index 2026 report focusing on high-growth markets in emerging and developing Southeast Asia. The Global Opportunity Index (GOI) is an annual ranking published by the Milken Institute that evaluates the investment attractiveness of emerging and developing economies using 101 variables across five categories: Business Perception, Economic Fundamentals, Financial Services, Institutional Framework, and International Standards & Policy.

The newly published report uncovers notable trends in the region. Chief among others, the six growth markets in Southeast Asia has attracted 8.2 percent of total capital inflows to emerging and developing economies from 2021 to 2024. Foreign direct investment (FDI) accounts for more than 70 percent of total inflows to the region, underscoring the region’s growing importance as a destination for global capital. High-performing countries like Malaysia score exceptionally well in nearly every category listed in the GOI, while Indonesia, the largest economy in the group, has seen a dramatic improvement in its financial sector, rising from 78th to 38th in Financial Services since 2022. The Philippines ranks 6th globally in Economic Performance, supported by strong post-pandemic growth, though governance and regulatory challenges continue to weigh on its overall standing. Vietnam achieved an impressive 7.1 percent growth in real GDP, the fastest among the group in 2024. The country ranks 2nd in Economic Performance and 14th in Financial Size and Conditions, reflecting strong growth alongside a rapidly deepening financial sector. Meanwhile, Cambodia and Laos lag behind their regional peers, facing persistent institutional weaknesses that constrain their investment environments.

“Southeast Asia’s growth story remains compelling, but investors are becoming increasingly selective. We are seeing a continued shift in global capital toward high-growth emerging markets, and Southeast Asia is a key beneficiary of that trend. Countries that can maintain macroeconomic stability while deepening their financial systems and strengthening governance will be best placed to attract long-term investment,” said Matthew Aleshire, director of Geo-Economics at the Milken Institute and one of the authors of the report.

Key findings from the Milken Institute’s 2026 Global Opportunity Index:

  • Malaysia ranks highest in the region and 23rd globally, anchored by strong institutions and robust economic fundamentals. It ranks 17th in Financial Services and 18th in Business Perception globally.  
  • Vietnam ranks second in the region and 39th globally, placing 2nd in Economic Performance and 14th in Financial Size and Conditions, reflecting strong economic growth and financial sector development.
  • Indonesia, the region’s largest economy, has made significant gains in Financial Services, rising from 78th place globally in 2022 to 38th place, driven by expanded financial access (28th).
  • The Philippines combines strong growth prospects (5.7 percent projected GDP growth in 2026) with more uneven investment conditions, performing well in Economic Performance (6th), while lagging in Business Perception (56th) and Institutional Framework (59th) globally, highlighting governance and regulatory challenges that may constrain longer-term investment prospects for the country.
  • While not included in the group due to its status as a developed economy, Singapore consistently ranks among the top 20 most attractive countries to investors on the GOI, placing 7th in this year’s ranking. The country stands out in Financial Services, placing 3rd in Financial Size and Conditions and 11th in Financial Access, and performs strongly in Business Perception and International Standards and Policy, ranking 4th in both categories.

How the Global Opportunity Index Evaluates Countries:
To create the index, the Milken Institute evaluates investment opportunities using 101 variables organized into five categories and 14 subcategories. The five major categories are Business Perception, Economic Fundamentals, Financial Services, Institutional Framework, and International Standards & Policy. The variables within these categories measure a broad range of angles of a country’s investment potential, including economic openness and performance, business constraints, and workforce talent and diversity. Data sources include the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund, the United Nations, and Transparency International.

The 2026 GOI also incorporates updated indicators to reflect the evolving drivers of investment trends, including data from the World Bank’s Business Ready project, and expands the GOI’s coverage of the digital economy to capture both the quality and extent of countries’ digital infrastructure and technology adoption.

Access the full 2026 Global Opportunity Index report at milkeninstitute.org

About the Milken Institute
The Milken Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank focused on accelerating measurable progress on the path to a meaningful life. With a focus on financial, physical, mental, and environmental health, we bring together the best ideas and innovative resourcing to develop blueprints for tackling some of our most critical global issues through the lens of what’s pressing now and what’s coming next. For more information, visit www.milkeninstitute.org.