SYDNEY, Feb. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Infor, the Industry Cloud Complete company, today announced the appointment of Geoff Thomas as Senior Vice President and General Manager for Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ) to strengthen Infor’s commitment to delivering exceptional value and tailored solutions to customers across the region. Based in Sydney, Thomas will focus on enhancing customer experiences and driving innovation in key markets including Japan, Australia and New Zealand (ANZ), Southeast & North Asia (SENA), and India. Under his leadership to accelerate growth, Infor will focus on deepening local expertise, expanding its trusted partner network, and providing customers with world-class support and industry-specific cloud technologies designed to help their businesses thrive.

Geoff Thomas, Infor Senior Vice President and General Manager for Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ)

Thomas has decades of experience building high-performance teams across Asia Pacific and helping customers drive breakthrough business outcomes. Prior to joining Infor, he spent six years growing Qlik’s business in APJ. Thomas also held senior leadership positions at Microsoft, Juniper Networks, Polycom and OneLogin.

“The APJ market is instrumental to Infor’s overall strategy and home to many dynamic businesses driving technological innovation and growth. We are dedicated to investing in our customers for long-term growth and will continue to invest in top talents, ecosystem and innovative cloud solutions that empower our customers to accelerate digital transformation and achieve long-term success in this fast-evolving region,” said Wolfgang Kobek, Executive Vice President and General Manager, International Business, Infor. “Geoff is an exceptional leader with deep experience in the APJ market, and the ideal person to help our customers in the region thrive. His customer-first approach, coupled with his extensive grasp of the APJ business and ecosystem, will help Infor deliver superior value to organisations quickly, and improve customer outcomes.”

Thomas is off to a fast start, and has made two new appointments in his leadership team — naming Sydney-based Aidan Brecknell to lead the charge for ANZ as Vice President and Managing Director. Victor Ng takes on an expanded scope as Vice President and Managing Director for SENA, a region that includes ASEAN, Greater China and Korea. Victor is based in Singapore.

“Infor’s dynamic and fast-growing customers rely on our solutions to make their business more resilient, efficient and innovative,” Thomas said. “I am passionate about the APJ market as it represents a huge opportunity to help organisations in the region achieve their strategic goals and unlock real business value through industry-specific innovation. I am confident we have the right team and resources in place to help our customers succeed.” 

Infor has customers in 200 countries: these include 10 of the top 10 F&B manufacturers, 8 of the top 10 automotive manufacturers, 11 of the top 15 industrial manufacturers, and 15 of the top 23 supply chain leaders. APJ customers include Sealord, Riverina Water, NCC Limited, My Food Bag, CJD Equipment, Vallen Asia and Spykar Lifestyles, amongst others.

About Infor
Infor is a global leader in business cloud software, specialised by industry. We develop complete solutions for our focus industries. Infor’s mission-critical enterprise applications and services are designed to deliver sustainable operational advantages with security and faster time to value. Over 60,000 organisations in more than 175 countries rely on Infor’s 17,000 employees to help achieve their business goals. As a Koch company, our financial strength, ownership structure, and long-term view empower us to foster enduring, mutually beneficial relationships with our customers. Visit www.infor.com.

Media contact:
Phyllis Tan
Infor Asia Pacific & Japan
Phyllis.tan@infor.com
+65 9799 9133

Aidan Brecknell, Infor Vice President and Managing Director for ANZ

Victor Ng, Infor Vice President and Managing Director for SENA

World-Class CSI5* Speed Stake Finals at AsiaWorld-Expo
180,000 sq ft Lifestyle Shopping Village Celebrates the Year of the Horse

HONG KONG, Feb. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show 2026 concluded in resounding success at AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE). Bringing together the world’s top riders and elite horses, the event delivered thrilling international-level competition alongside festive Lunar New Year celebrations, star-studded entertainment and a vibrant lifestyle marketplace. The Show attracted spectators from Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland and overseas, underscoring Hong Kong’s appeal as the premier hub for mega events and AWE’s proven capability as a world-class venue for mega events.

One of the event’s highlights, the “The AsiaWorld-Expo Speed Stakes – 5* International Showjumping Competition,” was staged as one of the grand finales on 1 February. Classified at the highest level by Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the CSI5* event is on par with Olympic-level competition. Riders were challenged to navigate a demanding course featuring obstacles up to 1.5 metres high, where speed, precision and horse-rider harmony were decisive. After an intense contest, Richard Vogel, rider from Germany claimed the championship with an outstanding time of 45.82 seconds, receiving the trophy from Ms Irene Chan, Chief Executive Officer of AsiaWorld-Expo.

Equestrian Sport Meets Lunar New Year Festivities

In celebration of the approaching Lunar New Year, AsiaWorld-Expo curated the festive interactive zone, seamlessly blending equestrian sport with traditional cultural elements. A striking flower-themed art installation, festive photo spots and New Year activities created a joyful atmosphere throughout the venue. Visitors could enjoy fortune-drawing, wish-making activities and exclusive Year-of-the-Horse decorations, including limited-edition festive couplets co-created by local artists and AWE Bear. The experience proved especially popular with families, young audiences and international visitors, offering a unique opportunity to experience Hong Kong’s New Year traditions alongside world-class sport.

A Lifestyle-Driven, Cross-Generational Spectacle

Breaking away from the traditional sporting event format, this year’s Show embraced a sports-meets-entertainment-meets-lifestyle concept to broaden audience appeal. In addition to elite competitions such as the Shetland Pony Grand National and the Hong Kong Jockey Club Asian Youth Challenge, the event introduced the crowd-favourite “Airport Authority Hong Kong presents: Hong Kong Dog Agility Competition”, adding a playful and interactive dimension.

The 180,000 sq ft Lifestyle Shopping Village featured over 50 local and international brands, complemented by diverse dining options ranging from light bites to chef-curated menus. Highlights included Dog Fashion Show, Hobby Horse Competition, live DJ performances and, on the final evening, a special live performance by Hong Kong pop star Ian Chan (MIRROR), which brought the atmosphere to an electrifying peak.

Transforming Exhibition Space into a World-Class Indoor Equestrian Arena

Behind the spectacle was a remarkable feat of venue transformation. Leveraging its extensive experience in hosting international sports and entertainment events, AsiaWorld-Expo combined six column-free halls, converting over 360,000 sq ft of event space into a fully FEI-compliant indoor equestrian arena within an exceptionally short timeframe. A dedicated hall was purpose-built to serve as stables accommodating more than 70 international competition horses, with meticulous planning for ventilation, temperature, humidity, sound insulation, and odour control to ensure an optimal environment. The venue also featured two international-standard sand arenas for competition and warm-up, a scale and configuration rarely seen in indoor equestrian events across Asia.

Beyond the competition facilities, AWE elevated the overall spectator journey with all-day entertainment, curated lifestyle offerings, and premium hospitality. VIP Dining Tables and Suites, hosted by AWE’s executive chefs, delivered refined dining experiences, redefining the traditional equestrian event as a fully immersive celebration of sport, culture, gastronomy, and entertainment. This integrated approach not only broadened the sport’s appeal but also aligned with Hong Kong’s Tourism Blueprint 2.0, creating a win-win for equestrian development and experiential tourism.

Download more high-res photos:  https://www2.asiaworld-expo.com/2026/PressRelease/LHKIHS.zip

SINGAPORE, Feb. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — DigiFT, a regulated digital asset exchange for institutional-grade real-world assets (“RWAs”), today announced a strategic collaboration with Hines, a leading global real estate investment manager, to support the regulated on-chain tokenization and distribution of an indirect investment in a Hines-sponsored and managed real estate portfolio.

Available exclusively to Accredited Investors, Professional Investors, and Institutional Investors, the offering gives tokenized access to a fund that invests in an over US$6 billion global real estate portfolio sponsored by Hines, reflecting growing alignment between leading asset managers and regulated digital platforms seeking to enhance capital markets infrastructure, without altering underlying fund structures or regulatory safeguards.

The collaboration reflects one of the first on-chain distribution implementations for an indirect investment in institutional-quality private real estate—an asset class historically characterized by high minimum investment sizes and complex operational requirements. The offering is also among the first instances in which a tokenized representation is directly linked to an underlying investment in a multi-billion dollar global real estate portfolio managed by a leading global real estate investment manager.

Modernizing How Individual Investors Access Private Markets

Private real estate has long been a cornerstone of institutional portfolios, but evolving investor expectations around access, efficiency, and cross-border participation are increasingly shaping how such strategies are distributed.

Global private real estate represents one of the largest asset classes in institutional portfolios, with total market size estimated at US$1.48 trillion globally as of September 2025 (Source: Ocorian). Private wealth allocations to real assets have continued to grow as investors seek income, diversification, and resilience across market cycles. As private markets expand, leading global asset managers are increasingly exploring innovative models to improve access, efficiency, and cross-border reach.

“Innovation has been a key driver in elevating Hines’ investment strategies, product development, and distribution approaches,” said Paul Ferraro, Global Head of Private Wealth Solutions at Hines. “We aim to expand global access to institutional-quality global real estate through modern and regulated channels while maintaining strong governance and investor safeguards. Our collaboration with DigiFT marks an important step in exploring tokenization and on-chain distribution, while advancing more efficient and diversified access for private wealth investors.”

“Across Asia, investors are embracing more efficient and technology enabled ways to access real estate opportunities,” said Hao Zhan, Head of Asia, Private Wealth Solutions at Hines. “Working with regulated digital platforms like DigiFT strengthens our ability to offer secure and innovative channels tailored to the region’s evolving needs. This initiative enhances accessibility and reflects our commitment to delivering institutional grade solutions to individual investors in Asia Pacific.”

DigiFT’s regulated digital infrastructure enables asset managers such as Hines to support digital issuance and ownership tracking alongside existing fund structures, without changing how strategies are managed, governed, or regulated.

“This collaboration reflects a broader shift we’re seeing across institutional markets,” said Henry Zhang, Founder and Group CEO of DigiFT. “Tokenization isn’t about changing the asset. It’s about improving how institutional strategies are distributed, administered, and accessed within an increasingly open and interconnected global financial system.”

Institutional Alignment, Regulated Infrastructure

This collaboration reflects how tokenization is moving up the institutional capital stack – from short-duration and highly liquid instruments toward core private market assets such as global real estate—supported by compliant, institution-ready on-chain infrastructure.

The structure supports:

• Digital issuance and ownership records
• Streamlined distribution to eligible investors across jurisdictions
• A foundation for compliant secondary transfers over time

For DigiFT, the initiative reinforces its role as an institutional bridge between traditional asset managers and next-generation capital markets infrastructure.

Hines brings decades of global real estate investing and operating expertise, while DigiFT provides licensed issuance, distribution, and secondary market infrastructure across global capital markets. The collaboration reflects growing alignment between established asset managers and regulated digital platforms seeking to enhance capital markets infrastructure, without compromising investor protections or regulatory expectations.

About DigiFT

DigiFT is a next-generation platform for tokenized real-world assets (RWAs), regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC). The platform offers end-to-end digital asset services—including tokenization, issuance, distribution, trading, and instant liquidity provision—purpose-built for institutional RWAs. Trusted by global financial institutions, DigiFT is the on-chain tokenization and distribution partner for leading asset managers such as Invesco, UBS Asset Management, DBS Bank, CMBI Asset Management, Taikang Asset Management (Hong Kong), and Wellington Management. Learn more at www.digift.io

About Hines

Hines is a leading global real estate investment manager. Hines owns and operates $91.8 billion¹ of assets across property types and on behalf of a diverse group of institutional and private wealth clients. Every day, Hines’ 4,600 employees in 30 countries draws on its 68-year history to build the world forward by investing in, developing, and managing some of the world’s best real estate. To learn more, visit www.hines.com and follow @Hines on social media.

Disclaimer: DigiFT and/or its affiliates endeavor to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information provided, but do not guarantee its accuracy or reliability, and accept no liability (whether in tort, contract, or otherwise) for any loss or damage arising from any inaccuracy or omission, or from any decision, action, or non-action based on or in reliance upon the information contained in this material. This information does not constitute an invitation, recommendation, or offer to subscribe for, purchase, or enter into any transaction involving the above-mentioned product/service or any other services mentioned. The above-mentioned product/service is only available to Accredited Investors, Professional Investors, and Institutional Investors through authorized regulated intermediaries.

Before making any investment decision, please seek independent legal and financial advice. Clients intending to trade this product are reminded of the risks associated with such products and should carefully assess their investment objectives, risk appetite, financial situation, and particular needs before making any investment decision. This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, an offer, or a solicitation to buy or sell any product or service. Eligibility to access or invest in any products mentioned is subject to applicable laws and investor qualification requirements. DigiFT products and services are available only through authorized and regulated intermediaries to eligible investors. Readers should seek independent legal, financial, and tax advice before making any investment decision.

MANILA, Philippines, Feb. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Holcim, global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions, has signed a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Peak Energy, to deploy in the Philippines one of the largest behind-the-meter solar installations.

The 25 MegaWatt-peak (MWp) project will power Holcim’s cement manufacturing plants in Bacnotan, La Union (13 MWp), and Norzagaray, Bulacan (12 MWp), generating approximately 40 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean electricity annually. The systems are expected to reduce CO₂ emissions by roughly 28,500 tons per year – equivalent to removing annually 6,000 cars from the road.

Delivered under a 20-year Power Purchase Agreement, the project requires no upfront capital from Holcim. Peak Energy will handle design, construction, and long-term operation and maintenance, while Holcim purchases the electricity throughout the duration of this PPA. This enables Holcim to benefit from significant cost saving on their electricity bill from day one. It also supports the integration renewables directly into its industrial operations, without disrupting production on its sites.

“This project represents a breakthrough not just for Peak Energy, but for the renewable energy and sustainable construction sectors in the Philippines,” said Gavin Adda, CEO of Peak Energy. “Combined, this project is the largest behind-the-meter industrial solar deployment in the country to date. Holcim’s leadership in advancing this type of solution sends a clear signal: clean power is now a strategic asset for industry leaders who wish to get long-term visibility, price stability and cost saving from their energy procurement strategies. We’re proud to enable that shift by delivering technically robust, commercially sound systems that can support both decarbonization and long-term operational resilience.”

“This partnership with Peak Energy strengthens our shift toward cleaner and more resilient operations. By integrating solar power into our La Union and Bulacan plants, we are reducing our carbon footprint while supporting our Net Zero ambition and sustainable manufacturing in the Philippines.” said Saeed Ola Ande, SVP, Head of Supply Chain at Holcim Philippines.

Backed by Stonepeak Infrastructure Partners, a leading alternative investment firm, Peak Energy delivers clean, affordable and reliable energy solutions to industrial clients across.

This collaboration reflects how renewable energy is a core input to business continuity, cost stability, and long-term growth of leading industrial companies in the region. As other industrial players face the same cost pressures, carbon constraints, and grid uncertainty, this project offers a blueprint for how to move fast, at scale, and without compromise.

About Peak Energy

Headquartered in Singapore, Peak Energy develops, owns, and operates renewable assets across Asia Pacific (APAC). With over 300 MW of operating assets and 1 GW worth of projects in development, our portfolio spans Japan, Korea, Australia, Taiwan, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia. With activities encompassing the full range of renewable energy business models – including utility-scale development, off-site PPAs, onsite PPAs, and energy storage applications – Peak Energy is a one-stop partner for corporates seeking to decarbonize their operations in APAC. We believe in establishing long-term partnerships with our corporate customers, to accompany them in their decarbonization journey, through cleaner, cheaper energy.  

An experienced team handles the complete life cycle of our energy assets from origination and development through to operations and decommissioning, employing state-of-the art technology and the industry best practices, respectful of the environment and following world-class HSE standards. 

Our business practices, technological and HSE standards are standardized across APAC, but we are implemented and operate locally, with teams in seven countries, and lasting partnerships with local customers, EPCs, vendors, channel partners. 

Peak Energy is wholly owned by Stonepeak, a leading alternative investment firm specializing in infrastructure and real assets with approximatively USD 79.9 billion of assets under management. Our financial and technical strength coupled with our relationships in local markets allows us to optimize our capital deployment in high quality assets. 

For more information, please visit https://www.peakenergy.asia. 

About Holcim Philippines

Holcim Philippines, Inc. is the leading partner for sustainable construction in the country. The Company has a deep portfolio of innovative solutions fostered by a full range of products from structuring to finishing applications that can help local builders execute a wide range of projects with high performance and efficiency from massive infrastructure to simple home repairs.

With cement manufacturing facilities in La Union, Bulacan, Misamis Oriental, and Davao, as well as aggregates and dry mix business and technical support facilities for building solutions, Holcim Philippines is a reliable partner of builders in the country.

Holcim Philippines is also committed to the highest standards of sustainable operations and manufacturing excellence with its plants certified under ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management System), ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management System) and OHSAS 45001:2018 (Occupational Health and Safety Management System).

Holcim Philippines is a member of the Holcim Group, a global leader in innovative and sustainable building solutions.

To know more about Holcim Philippines, you can visit our website at https://www.holcim.ph/ and follow us on our social media platforms on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Youtube.

About Holcim

Holcim (HOLN) is the leading partner for sustainable construction with net sales of CHF 16.3 billion in 2024, creating value across the built environment from infrastructure and industry to buildings. Headquartered in Zug, Switzerland, Holcim has more than 48,000 employees in 45 attractive markets – across Europe, Latin America and Asia, Middle East & Africa. Holcim offers high-value end-to-end Building Materials and Building Solutions, from foundations and flooring to roofing and walling – powered by premium brands including ECOPlanet, ECOPact, ECOCycle^® and Elevate.

Learn more about Holcim at www.holcim.com and follow us on LinkedIn. Sign up for Holcim’s Building Progress newsletter here.

Insights from Agoda reveal how integrated, tailored guest experiences and digital partnerships are helping Thai hotels stand out amid rising regional travel

SINGAPORE, Feb. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda, in its latest “Tailored to Win: How Hotels are using Localization to Capture Asia’s Tourism Boom” report focuses on Thailand, revealing that 92% of hotels engaging in early stages of localization strategies are seeing higher guest spend as intra-Asia travel accelerates. The survey found that hotels that are moving beyond standard hospitality and investing in tailored guest experiences may be gaining a competitive edge in an increasingly diverse and dynamic market.

Drawing more than 35 million visitors annually and home to more than 17,000 hotels nationwide^[1], Thailand remains as a regional tourism hotspot and a key hub for intra-Asia travel. The steady inflow of regional visitors, particularly from neighboring Asian markets, is shaping the landscape for accommodation providers. To stand out in this increasingly competitive environment, hotels are adapting their strategies to reflect the specific cultural, linguistic and practical preferences of inbound travelers from respective markets.

Agoda’s report shows that one in four Thai hotels now offer a seamlessly localized journey, with 25% at the “integrated tailoring” stage wherein hotels offer a fully localized experience that reflects deep cultural understanding across marketing, booking and on-site touchpoints. Localization strategies go beyond translation, encompassing marketing, booking processes, payment options and guest services tailored to the preferences of each source market. This approach to localization is reflected in how hotels tailor their offerings for different guest segments and preferences. Based on insights from the Agoda Travel Outlook report:

• Malaysian travelers prioritize value for money and family-friendly options
• Chinese guests seek authentic Thai experiences from food to massages and décor
• South Korean guests prefer long-stay offers and listings that highlight local food and attractions
• Indian travelers value wellness and adventure partnerships

“Thailand welcomes over 33 million visitors each year and the hotels capturing the most value are those going beyond standard hospitality,” said Akaporn Rodkong (Looknum), Country Director, Thailand at Agoda. “Deep localization – such as adapting payments, language and service to each market – can not only lead to stronger performance but also enable partners to better meet guest expectations. Hotels adopting a more data-driven approach and taking the first steps towards localization are already noticing that some guests are more willing to up their spend during stays. They report seeing positive outcomes from pairing competitive pricing with experiences that truly resonate with guests, often starting long before they even arrive at the property.”

Agoda’s digital suite for localization includes over 6 million accommodations, support for 39 languages, multi-currency payment options and 24/7 customer support. Dedicated programs such as the Agoda Growth Program for visibility in priority markets, country-specific promotions and Agoda Media Solutions for native-language campaigns are just some of the ways Agoda helps partners localize effectively. Through Agoda’s platform and expertise, hotels can overcome barriers, reach new segments and optimize their returns from international demand.

To explore how practical localization tips and actionable insights can help hotels capture more value from Asia’s diverse traveler base, download the full report at https://ago-da.co/4aevFYJ.

Aligned with national priorities, the programme addresses a growing demand for leaders who can translate AI into business strategy

SINGAPORE, Feb. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Singapore Management University (SMU) has launched a new Master of Science in Business AI, aimed at developing a critical but currently under-supplied pipeline of talent: business leaders who are fluent in AI and grounded in cross-functional business knowledge, strategy, and leadership.

The programme is aligned with Singapore’s SkillsFuture and Smart Nation priorities, which emphasise building AI skills and strengthening data-driven decision-making capabilities across the workforce. As AI becomes central to how organisations operate, demand for AI-related skills continues to grow, with companies across Asia-Pacific increasingly adopting AI tools and integrating AI into workflows and operating models.

“The real AI skills gap isn’t merely technical—it’s translational,” said Professor Sungjong Roh, Academic Director of the Master of Science in Business AI at SMU. “While organisations may have access to AI tools, far fewer have leaders and executives who know how to work with them strategically, deploy them responsibly, and ensure they create value while effectively managing risk. This programme closes that critical gap.”

Building a pool of business leaders who can lead with AI

By cultivating a cadre of socially conscious business leaders prepared to take on strategic roles in AI-enabled organisations, the Master of Science in Business and AI programme reflects SMU’s vision for innovation in education.

Developed in close alignment with industry needs, the programme aims to nurture graduates who are fluent in the language of AI technologies and, more importantly, adept in managerial decision-making, business acumen, and strategic transformation within an AI-driven economy.

Unlike traditional programmes that focus either on technical AI development or general management training, SMU’s Master of Science in Business AI is explicitly business-first. The programme emphasises practical leadership and strategic application, and differentiates itself in three key ways:

• Integrated interdisciplinarity: Business strategy, decision intelligence, AI capabilities, and ethics are taught as an integrated whole rather than as siloed disciplines. Students learn to operate at the intersection of senior leadership and technical teams—a capability increasingly demanded by industry.
• Practice-oriented and interactive learning: The curriculum includes distinctive courses such as Human–AI Collaboration, Data Storytelling and AI-Augmented Influencing, Change Management for Disruptive AI, and Innovations and Operations in Intelligent Online Marketplaces. SMU’s hallmark interactive, seminar-style pedagogy fosters deep engagement, peer learning, and close integration with industry practice.
• Strong alignment with national and industry needs: The programme directly supports Singapore’s SkillsFuture and Smart Nation priorities by building capabilities in Business Intelligence, AI-enabled decision-making, and responsible AI governance—areas critical to sustaining competitiveness in an AI-augmented economy.

With strong industry linkages in Singapore and across Asia, SMU aims for the programme to contribute directly to the nation’s pipeline of AI-ready business leaders. By developing “bridge builders” who can connect senior leadership with technical teams and ensure AI investments translate into business value, the University continues to support Singapore’s ambition to remain competitive in an AI-driven global economy.

Applications for the Master of Science in Business and Artificial Intelligence are open from today for the August 2026 intake. Visit the website here.