Bringing Together Leaders from Politics, Business, and Academia to Advance Sustainable Development

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 31 July 2026 – The “Youth Sustainable Development International Summit Launch Ceremony,” organised by Mytheast Youth Club, was held on 31 July 2026 in Hong Kong. The event brought together the Consuls-General and representatives of Zimbabwe and Nigeria, several Legislative Council members, the Deputy Head of the Chief Executive’s Policy Unit, and leaders and elites from a wide range of sectors — including politics, property development, aviation, banking, trade and commerce, tourism, finance, innovation and technology, healthcare, law and education. Together, they explored how Hong Kong can effectively implement the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and showcased the achievements of Hong Kong youth in international affairs.

UN Programme Nurtures Young Talent for National Development

In his welcoming speech, Mr. Lam Chi Wing, Hong Kong Deputy to the National People’s Congress and Chairman of Mytheast Youth Club, highlighted that Mytheast Youth Club has long been dedicated to youth development. With the support of the Hong Kong SAR Government, Mytheast Youth Club has organised numerous youth programmes and partnered with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and GBAMUN to deliver the United Nations Youth Development Programme (UNYDP), which provides young people with immersive training at the UN European Headquarters in Geneva, equipping them with international perspectives and diplomatic skills. The Launch Ceremony serves as a follow-up initiative to the UNYDP, enabling participants to transform their UN learning into tangible contributions to society and to offer policy recommendations for the development of Hong Kong and the nation. He reaffirmed that Mytheast Youth Club will continue to support youth development and contribute Chinese wisdom and solutions to global sustainable development.

International Perspective I: Zimbabwe’s Experience in Sustainable Development

H.E. Mr. Ellias Mutamba, Consul General of Zimbabwe in Hong Kong, shared his country’s valuable experiences in sustainable agriculture and community-based natural resource management. He noted that Zimbabwe faces challenges including land degradation, climate change, and recurring droughts. Through initiatives such as the “Pfumvudza/Intwasa” climate-smart agriculture programme, the promotion of drought-tolerant traditional grains, improved water management, and integrated farming systems, Zimbabwe has successfully enhanced agricultural productivity and ensured food security. He emphasised that sustainability is not a cost but an investment — it creates jobs, ensures food security, attracts responsible investment, and protects the ecosystems we all depend on. He welcomed Hong Kong enterprises to explore partnerships with Zimbabwe in climate-smart agriculture, food processing, renewable energy, and eco-tourism.

International Perspective II: Nigeria’s Sustainable Development Practices

Mrs. Millicent U. Onuoha, Consul (Head of Chancery / Education) of the Consulate General of Nigeria in Hong Kong, delivered a speech on behalf of the Consul General, sharing Nigeria’s practical experiences in advancing sustainable development. She noted that Nigeria, with its vast natural resources and diverse ecosystems, has long recognised the urgency of balancing development with environmental stewardship. In sustainable agriculture, Nigeria has invested in climate-smart farming practices, promoting drought-resistant crops, efficient irrigation systems, and agroforestry initiatives that not only secure food supplies but also restore degraded lands and strengthen resilience against climate shocks. In renewable energy, Nigeria has embarked on ambitious projects to expand solar and wind power, particularly in underserved regions. Its “Solar Power Naija” initiative aims to deliver clean electricity to millions of households, reducing reliance on fossil fuels while creating green jobs for youth. She emphasised that sustainable development is not a distant aspiration, but a practical pathway to prosperity, and encouraged Hong Kong youth to embrace innovation and collaboration in building a sustainable, inclusive, and just future.

Youth Participants Share: From UN Learning to Local Action

Mr. Mac Mai, Academic Director of GBAMUN, recalled his experience of participating in his first Model United Nations conference at the age of twelve, noting that this formative experience inspired his lifelong dedication to youth international education. He also introduced UNYDP, a strategic initiative jointly launched by GBAMUN and UNITAR. The UNYDP is one of the few youth training programmes worldwide that grants young people direct access to core United Nations resources. He remarked, “If visiting global institutions opens the door to the world of multilateralism, our expert training gives young people the keys to walk through it with confidence.” He emphasised that through the UNYDP, GBAMUN hopes to light the path for young to step onto the international stage and cooperate with global partners to jointly build a more peaceful and inclusive world.

Several UNYDP participants from diverse professional backgrounds shared their learning outcomes and future action plans at the event.

Delegate Chu Wai Lun detailed how he integrates his United Nations training into Hong Kong True Light College, an institution long dedicated to forward-looking holistic education that expands students’ global horizons and instils social responsibility. As the Biology Panel Head of the school, he leads initiatives centered on experiential learning, the conservation of endangered Chinese species, and citizen science programs—translating abstract global conservation challenges into concrete action that elevates traditional science education. “Education is not merely about imparting knowledge,” He emphasized. “It is about cultivating empathy, evidence-based thinking, and the agency to change the world.” By grounding grand global visions into everyday student actions, he aims to equip the next generation with the awareness and capability to safeguard our planet.

Ms. Pang Hing Man Mecissa has long been working on the frontlines of youth mental health services, having encountered many young people who have suffered from hidden bullying or sexual violence. She hopes that society can build a consensus and that people from all walks of life can become attentive companions, bringing the UN’s inclusive values back to Hong Kong and illuminating every forgotten corner with empathy and kindness.

Mr. Ng Siu Yuen shared his profound understanding of the interconnectedness of the SDGs. He drew on the “Imacocollabo” simulation game at the UN and Geneva’s experience in low-carbon living and waste sorting to call for stronger public education and social consensus in Hong Kong to drive sustainable development.

Ms. Yau Ho Laam summarised the UNYDP in Geneva. Her team presented the “H.E.A.L.” initiative — which stands for Healing, Education, Arts, and Livelihood — aimed at supporting female refugees and victims of domestic violence through online courses, art therapy, and craft creation.

Ms. Wan Man Yan, Silver and Ms. Xiao Ting shared their visions on animal conservation and youth development, respectively. Ms. Wan called for education to change societal values towards life at the source, promoting a society of human-animal coexistence. Ms. Xiao, meanwhile, emphasised the importance of youth development and the need to empower young people to influence their peers in driving mental health awareness and social participation.

Looking Ahead: Building Bridges for International Cooperation

The Launch Ceremony marks the official commencement of a series of youth sustainable development forums. Future forums will bring together representatives from enterprises, organisations, and young people across different regions and industries to share their efforts and contributions to sustainable development. The event has fully demonstrated the pathway for Hong Kong youth to actively participate in international affairs as Chinese citizens.

Mytheast Youth Club reaffirmed its commitment to deepening exchanges and collaboration with UNITAR and other partners to promote global sustainable development and youth empowerment, ensuring that the voice of Hong Kong youth is heard on the international stage.

Hashtag: #MytheastYouthClub

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SHIHEZI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 31 July 2026 – On July 30, the 2026 “Xinjiang, A Land of Wonders” themed exhibition supporting Xinjiang through intangible cultural heritage opened in Shihezi City, Xinjiang. Running through Aug. 3rd, this year’s event is the largest edition to date. It features an innovative exhibition hall centered on “integration and co-creation,” vividly embodying the idea of beauty in diversity and harmony through mutual appreciation.

At the main venue, the Shihezi Convention and Exhibition Center, six sections have been set up: “Intangible Heritage: Music and Dance,” “Intangible Heritage: A Feast of Local Flavors,” “Intangible Heritage: Technology and Innovation,” “Intangible Heritage: Learning and Transmission,” “Intangible Heritage: Cultural and Creative Market,” and an interactive exhibition and performances themed “Intangible Heritage in Poetry.” Together, they offer a diverse range of experiences, including Chaoshan Yingge dance, Xinjiang Muqam, heritage food tastings, XR digital experiences and interactive educational activities. At the sub-venue, the Bayi Sugar Factory Cultural and Creative District, seven intangible cultural heritage items, including Nanjing Yunjin brocade and Hainan Li brocade, will be featured on a permanent basis, helping move intangible cultural heritage presentation beyond short-term exhibitions toward sustained transmission.

Using intangible cultural heritage as a bridge, the event promotes interaction, exchange and integration among all ethnic groups. By encouraging intangible cultural heritage practitioners to learn from one another and collaborate, it injects new vitality into the safeguarding and transmission of intangible cultural heritage. The exhibition brings together more than 650 representative intangible cultural heritage items and is expected to receive 200,000 visits.

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

Johor has established itself as Malaysia’s second-largest residential market in 2025, based on both transaction volume and value, according to JLL.

JOHOR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 31 July 2026 – From 1 January 2026, foreign purchasers of residential property in Malaysia are subject to a flat 8% stamp duty rate on the transfer, replacing the previous fixed 4% rate. Meanwhile, a separate stamp duty remission continues to apply within the Forest City Special Financial Zone (SFZ), subject to defined eligibility conditions. Forest City has published a property verification guide for prospective foreign buyers, providing a detailed overview of the ownership framework, foreign-purchaser requirements and applicable tax treatment for property acquisitions within Forest City in Johor.

Forest City is a master-planned development in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, with many residential units held under freehold tenure. Foreign buyers may purchase residential property in Forest City subject to Malaysia’s foreign-ownership rules. Under the Forest City Special Financial Zone framework, eligible individual purchasers who buy completed residential or commercial units directly from the developer may receive a 50% stamp duty remission on the instrument of transfer and the loan or financing agreement. To qualify, the sale and purchase agreement (SPA) must be executed between 1 September 2024 and 31 December 2034, and construction must have been completed before 1 September 2024.

Foreign Ownership and Title Structure in Forest City
Foreign buyers are permitted to purchase residential units in Forest City, provided the transaction meets Malaysia’s applicable foreign ownership rules, including any state authority approval required for the acquisition.

Foreign buyers should distinguish between Malaysia’s general state-level minimum purchase-price rules and the Forest City SFZ-linked route, as the applicable threshold may depend on the buyer’s intended purchase and residency pathway. Johor’s general minimum threshold for foreign residential acquisition is generally set at RM1 million. The Forest City SFZ MM2H-linked route generally starts at RM500,000 for qualifying purchases from the developer, but buyers should confirm the current threshold, timing and source-of-purchase requirements with a licensed Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) agent and Malaysian conveyancing lawyer.

The majority of residential units at Forest City are held on freehold tenure, meaning the tenure is not subject to a fixed lease-expiry period. Upon conducting a land title search, the buyer’s lawyer will obtain the title document, which clearly indicates the tenure type, whether freehold or leasehold. Marketing materials, project descriptions and buyer summaries should not be treated as substitutes for title verification.

Forest City SFZ Stamp Duty Remission
Within the Forest City SFZ, eligible individual purchasers buying completed residential or commercial units directly from the developer may claim a 50% remission on stamp duty payable on the instrument of transfer and on the instrument of loan or financing agreement.

The remission is subject to gazetted eligibility conditions, including purchaser type, source of purchase, SPA execution period and construction completion date. Sub-sale and resale transactions do not fall within the stated scope of this individual-purchaser remission. Corporate purchasers should assess any applicable SFZ treatment separately against the relevant remission order and professional tax advice.

In practical terms, the remission may reduce two key transaction costs: stamp duty on the property transfer and stamp duty on the loan or financing agreement. The actual saving will depend on the property price, financing amount, buyer category and applicable stamp duty rate. EY Malaysia and Lexology provide additional details from a third-party perspective.

Forest City SFZ Stamp Duty Remission vs Standard Rules for Foreign Buyers:

Element	Forest City SFZ Stamp Duty Remission	Standard Stamp Duty Rules for Foreign Buyers (from 1 Jan 2026)
Stamp duty on transfer	50% remission under the gazetted order	Flat 8% on residential property
Stamp duty on loan/financing	50% remission under the gazetted order	0.5% of loan amount, standard
SPA execution period	1 Sep 2024 – 31 Dec 2034	No specified expiry date
Construction completion required	Before 1 Sep 2024	Not applicable
Eligible buyer type	Individual purchasers only	Applicable to all buyers, subject to the relevant rules
Eligible purchase source	Direct purchase from the developer only	Developer purchase or sub-sale transaction

What the Forest City SFZ Adds Beyond Stamp Duty
The Forest City SFZ offers benefits beyond the stamp duty remission described above. For property buyers, the designation provides three key considerations for property buyers: the 50% stamp duty remission for eligible direct purchases, the SFZ-tier MM2H pathway for qualifying buyers purchasing a Forest City property valued at RM500,000 or above, and the broader policy support associated with Forest City’s role within Johor’s cross-border growth strategy.

While the SFZ MM2H requires applicants to purchase property in Forest City, they are not required to live in it. Approved holders can rent out the property and are free to live anywhere in Malaysia, including Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and other cities. In other words, the SFZ MM2H not only offers a convenient pathway to long-term residency but also gives holders considerable flexibility in where they live. Even without long-term residency in Johor, the SFZ MM2H may offer a comparatively accessible pathway to long-term residency, subject to the applicable eligibility requirements, with lower entry requirements and a clearer approval process, balancing affordability, policy stability, and proximity to Singapore.

Under the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) framework, policy consultations and commitments are turning into approved projects, investment, and employment opportunities, while cross-border facilitation measures continue to improve, supporting greater cross-border mobility between Johor and Singapore. Forest City itself has built a comprehensive ecosystem of amenities, combining daily convenience, residential safety, and international connectivity. Residents can reach Singapore via the Second Link, and Forest City is only about two kilometres from Singapore across the Johor Strait. The upcoming Johor-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS Link) is expected to further improve cross-border connectivity once passenger service begins.

The area is home to residents from over 20 countries, forming a diverse international community. Forest City features international schools and convenient access to a range of healthcare facilities, making it ideal for long-term family residence. Even for those not residing long-term, Forest City’s comprehensive planning, 24-hour property management, and dedicated security system ensure that owners’ assets are well protected. Furthermore, two championship-level golf courses and waterfront facilities offer high-quality leisure options.

These amenities, combined with the MM2H residency status, present a viable solution that balances quality of life and residency planning. More importantly, the financial district is rapidly evolving into a leading financial and digital economy hub, having already attracted 260 investment enquiries and being on track to exceed its RM2 billion investment target this year, as financial institutions and businesses progressively establish a presence there. At the same time, Forest City has secured Malaysian Digital Status and duty‑free island status, contributing to the continued growth of its resident population and consumer market. These policies and infrastructure enhancements significantly reinforce Forest City’s attractiveness and cross‑border connectivity. In particular, the economic activity and population growth supported by SFZ’s tax incentives, industrial clustering, Digital Status, and duty‑free island policies provide robust structural support for the long‑term value of its properties.

Key Considerations Before Entering an SPA in 2026

• Title and tenure: Confirm the title type and tenure of the selected unit through a current land title search conducted by a Malaysian conveyancing lawyer.
• SFZ stamp duty remission: Review eligibility for the 50% remission, including purchaser type, source of purchase, SPA execution period and unit completion date.
• Foreign-buyer threshold: Confirm the applicable minimum purchase, including whether the general Johor threshold or the Forest City SFZ MM2H-linked pathway applies.
• Stamp duty treatment: Request a written breakdown of stamp duty on the property transfer and any loan or financing agreement, before and after the SFZ remission.
• MM2H linkage, if applicable: Where the purchase is linked to an SFZ MM2H application, confirm the current deposit, age, minimum-stay and property-purchase timing requirements with a licensed MM2H agent.

Is Forest City Worth Buying in 2026? Three Buyer Profiles
Forest City properties may serve different purposes for cross-border homeowners, MM2H applicants and institutional or corporate investors.

• Singapore-based foreign buyers: For buyers seeking a freehold cross-border base, the SFZ stamp duty remission is relevant where the unit qualifies. Together with the upcoming RTS Link, Forest City’s cross-border accessibility is expected to improve further.
• MM2H-route buyers: For buyers using the Forest City SFZ MM2H pathway, the RM500,000 entry point for qualifying developer purchases is a key consideration. The property purchase requirement is part of the route, and buyers should confirm the applicable 90-day post-approval purchase timeline with a licensed MM2H agent.
• Institutional and business-linked investors: The SFZ incentives are primarily designed for financial institutions, family offices, fintech operators and related business activity. For this segment, residential investment considerations should be assessed alongside broader SFZ-related economic activity, including family-office activity, the potential inflow of skilled professionals and JSSEZ-related demand.

What Buyers Should Confirm Separately
This guide does not provide fixed price quotations, guarantee rental yields or project future capital appreciation, as these depend on unit type, launch phase, vacancy assumptions, financing terms and market conditions.

Prospective buyers should confirm current pricing with recent market listings and current prices provided by the developer’s sales gallery. They should also verify foreign-buyer rules, unit-level tenure, and title procedures with a Malaysian conveyancing lawyer. A current title search can help confirm the registered owner, tenure, encumbrances and other legal particulars of the selected unit before the buyer signs an SPA or makes a deposit.

Financing should also be assessed separately with Malaysian banks or a mortgage broker, as foreign-buyer loan-to-value ratios, rates and approval conditions vary by borrower profile and lender. Forest City’s investment overview provides broader context, but transaction-specific pricing, financing, title status and yield assumptions should be verified independently.

Conclusion
While no property guide can replace advice from a Malaysian conveyancing lawyer, tax adviser or licensed property consultant, Forest City’s 2026 proposition is now supported by clearer reference points: unit-level title verification, a gazetted 50% SFZ stamp duty remission, and the RTS Link’s expected five-minute Johor Bahru–Singapore rail crossing once passenger service begins.

With the SFZ remission window running until 31 December 2034, 2026 should therefore be viewed not as a deadline, but as an appropriate time for careful due diligence. Purchasers should assess unit-level eligibility, transaction costs and long-term objectives with appropriate professional support. The key consideration for Forest City property buyers in 2026 is that the legal and tax framework for eligible transactions is now sufficiently defined to allow detailed verification before an SPA is signed.

Hashtag: #ForestCity

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

About Forest City Special Financial Zone

Located in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, Forest City Special Financial Zone (FCSFZ) is Malaysia’s first designated special financial zone and a key financial-services component of the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone. It is positioned to attract financial institutions, multinational corporations, high-net-worth individuals and businesses operating in wealth management, financial technology and global business services.

Its incentive framework includes a 0% income tax rate for qualifying Single Family Office Vehicles for up to 20 years, a preferential 5% corporate tax rate for approved qualifying activities, and a special 15% personal income tax rate for eligible knowledge workers, subject to the applicable conditions, regulatory approvals and prevailing legislation. Forest City also holds duty-free island status, further strengthening its appeal as a regional investment, business and wealth-management destination near Singapore.