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“BOCHK Green Forum 2026 & Sharing Workshop on Good Practices of Green Finance in Southeast Asia” Promotes Cross-border Collaboration to Advance Regional Green Transition

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Advertorial Desk
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HONG KONG, Sept. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On September 8, Bank of China (Hong Kong) (“BOCHK”) and World Wide Fund for Nature (“WWF”) jointly organised the “BOCHK Green Forum 2026 & Sharing Workshop on Good Practices of Green Finance in Southeast Asia”. Themed “Together for Green: Empowering Corporates and Individuals across Hong Kong and Southeast Asia”, this flagship event of Hong Kong Green Week 2026 attracted over 200 policymakers, representatives of international organisations, experts, scholars and industry leaders from across the Asia-Pacific region to exchange insights on green finance innovation, low-carbon transition and sustainable development, and explore innovative practices in green finance. The forum also provided a practical and efficient platform for green finance cooperation among the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, promoting cross-border collaboration and experience sharing to accelerate the region’s green transition.

Bank of China (Hong Kong) and World Wide Fund for Nature jointly organise the "BOCHK Green Forum 2026 & Sharing Workshop on Good Practices of Green Finance in Southeast Asia"
Bank of China (Hong Kong) and World Wide Fund for Nature jointly organise the “BOCHK Green Forum 2026 & Sharing Workshop on Good Practices of Green Finance in Southeast Asia”

The forum commenced with welcome remarks by Wang Huabin, Deputy Chief Executive of BOCHK, followed by keynote speeches by Li Xia, Deputy Director General of the Foreign Environmental Cooperation Center of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People’s Republic of China; Li Xiaowen, Director of Women Workers Committee at National Committee of Chinese Financial Workers’ Union; Arthur Yuen, Acting Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (“HKMA”); Matteo Marinelli, Asia Pacific Lead of Sustainable Finance at WWF International; and Shane Edwards, Head of APAC Client Coverage at MSCI, on a wide range of topics covering green finance development trends, opportunities for regional cooperation and pathways for sustainable transition.

Wang Huabin, Deputy Chief Executive of BOCHK, delivering welcome remarks
Wang Huabin, Deputy Chief Executive of BOCHK, delivering welcome remarks

During the forum, two research reports were unveiled, namely The Asian Way: Sustainable Finance Market Outlook in Southeast Asia and the Role of Hong Kong (Second Edition), jointly released by the Hong Kong Financial Research Institute of Bank of China, MSCI Institute and HKU Jockey Club Enterprise Sustainability Global Research Institute; and Hong Kong Climate Awareness: Public Understanding, Risk Perception and Readiness for a Low-Carbon Future, published in collaboration between BOCHK and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (“PolyU”). The two research reports focus respectively on the latest trend in green development across Southeast Asia and the Greater Bay Area, and on Hong Kong residents’ understanding of climate change and preferences for green financial products. Together, they provide valuable insights to support green finance and sustainable development. Professor Lin Chen, Vice-President and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Business) of the University of Hong Kong, and Professor Wong Wing-tak, Deputy President and Provost of PolyU, attended the respective research report launch sessions as guest speakers.

The forum also featured a Sharing Workshop on Good Practices of Green Finance in Southeast Asia, where industry leaders from major Southeast Asian banks shared case studies on green finance initiatives. This was followed by an exchange session involving experts from the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People’s Republic of China, the HKMA and the Asian Development Bank, as well as scholars from local and overseas tertiary institutions, who shed valuable insights on the cases presented.

Wang Huabin, Deputy Chief Executive of BOCHK, said, “Climate change remains one of the most pressing challenges of our time, and no country or region can tackle it alone. We must work together through regional cooperation to address this challenge. As cooperation on sustainable development continues to deepen among the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong and Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, as a pioneer in sustainable finance, is well positioned to support its Asian partners with mature solutions and contribute to advancing green finance across Asia. At BOCHK, sustainable development lies at the heart of our strategy. Leveraging our extensive network across nine ASEAN countries, we actively connect regional green projects with international capital, helping to channel financial resources to where they are most needed. We will continue to bring together the efforts of corporates and individuals across the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong and Southeast Asia to advance sustainable development. Together, we can chart the way forward in the global green transition and support climate action in the region and beyond through the power of finance.”

Li Xia, Deputy Director General of Foreign Environmental Cooperation Center at Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People’s Republic of China, said, “Green finance is a critical pillar in achieving global climate goals and advancing sustainable development. Under the theme ‘Together for Green’, today’s forum is not only a timely response to one of the defining challenges of our time for regional green growth, but also a powerful declaration of collective action. Hong Kong, as an international financial centre, possesses unique strengths in green finance and is well positioned to become a leading green finance hub in Asia and beyond, playing an indispensable role in channelling domestic and international capital towards green projects. Looking ahead, the Foreign Environmental Cooperation Center of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment will continue to work with partners, including BOCHK, to support Hong Kong’s development as an international green finance centre and to guide more private capital towards projects and initiatives that generate genuine green value.”

Li Xiaowen, Director of Women Workers Committee at National Committee of Chinese Financial Workers’ Union, said, “Green finance in the new era has evolved beyond the traditional focus on green lending. Drawing on the experience of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, a number of scalable and replicable green finance models have emerged, demonstrating the value of cross-sector collaboration. A notable example is the alignment of green standards across Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, which leverages Hong Kong’s strengths as an international green finance hub to align with international standards and facilitate the mutual recognition of green projects between the Chinese Mainland and international markets. These efforts provide valuable experience for the development of green finance nationwide.”

Matteo Marinelli, Asia Pacific Lead of Sustainable Finance at WWF International, said, “We live in a nature-based economy – our economies, well-being and prosperity all depend on our most precious asset: nature. To support the acceleration of science-based landscape conservation in places where WWF works, WWF leverages a full set of complementary financial tools and solutions. For instance, applying the Landscape Finance Approach, combining both greening finance and financing green, will require funding for implementation across key landscapes. Unlocking private capital is essential to closing the nature finance gap. Looking ahead, WWF sees strong potential to collaborate with Chinese and ASEAN financial institutions — strengthening dialogue among regulators, promoting financial flows towards climate and nature through innovative facilities, and working with partners such as BOCHK to help companies navigate ESG and compliance requirements in the region. Together, our joint efforts to redirect finance towards nature would ensure a thriving planet for generations to come.”

Shane Edwards, Head of APAC Client Coverage at MSCI, said, “Sustainable finance in Asia is entering its next phase. Investors are becoming more selective about where they deploy capital, while climate and sustainability ambitions are becoming more deeply embedded in investment and financing decisions. The complementary strengths and needs of markets across Asia create significant opportunities for greater regional cooperation. Hong Kong is well placed to connect these opportunities with capital and expertise. At MSCI, our indexes, data and risk models help institutional investors better understand the opportunities and risks involved, supporting more informed investment decisions towards the transition.”

Laos Exempts Residential Electricity Use Up to 300 kWh from VAT

By
Phoudasack Vongsay
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A picture used for illustration purpose only.

Residential electricity users in Laos will be exempt from the 10 percent Value-Added Tax (VAT) on monthly consumption of up to 300 kilowatt-hours (kWh) under a new notice issued by state utility Electricité du Laos (EDL) on September 14.

Households using between 0 and 300 kWh per month will not pay the 10 percent VAT normally applied to residential electricity. VAT will continue to apply to maintenance fees under existing regulations.

The exemption is part of a government subsidy policy aimed at easing electricity costs for low-income households amid continued economic pressure. It will apply nationwide from the September 2026 billing cycle, which covers August electricity consumption, through December 2029.

The measure follows earlier government efforts to use VAT policy to reduce pressure on household electricity costs.

The government previously cut the VAT rate from 10 percent to 7 percent in January 2022 as part of pandemic relief measures, before restoring it to 10 percent in March 2024.

Unlike those broader tax changes, the latest measure specifically exempts residential electricity consumption below a set threshold rather than reducing the VAT rate across the economy.

Electricity Costs Remain High

The measure comes after electricity prices recorded one of their sharpest increases in recent years.

Electricity prices were 91.5 percent higher in July than a year earlier and rose 27.6 percent from the previous month. The increase contributed to a rise in Laos’ inflation rate from 7.6 percent in July to 7.7 percent in August.

Under the government’s 2025–2029 electricity tariff roadmap, household electricity rates are scheduled to continue rising gradually through 2029 as EDL seeks to strengthen its financial position.

A Fresh Start for September: iHerb’s Six Health & Home Reset Essentials

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Advertorial Desk
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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 September 2026 – September offers an opportunity to refresh everyday routines ahead of the busy year-end period. From nutrition and supplements to personal care and household essentials, wellness can take many forms in daily life. Global health and wellness retailer iHerb is highlighting six “Health Reset” essentials across adult nutrition, children’s supplements, personal care and household cleaning to support a range of everyday needs.

iHerb marks September with six adult and children's supplements, personal care and household essentials for an everyday 'Health Reset'
iHerb marks September with six adult and children’s supplements, personal care and household essentials for an everyday ‘Health Reset’

Marking its 30th anniversary this year, iHerb offers a broad selection of health, beauty and everyday essentials to customers around the world.

For consumers ready to turn their Health Reset intentions into action, now is an ideal time to explore iHerb’s selection of more than 50,000 products and discover the items that best suit their individual routines. As part of its 30th Anniversary Spotlight promotion, more than 600 participating brands are offering savings of up to 30% with promo code “IH30YRS” until 17 September at 1:00 a.m Singapore time. New customers worldwide can also enjoy 25% off with code “NEW25”. In addition, up to 200 limited-time product deals will be added daily through 16 September, with selected items available at 40% off or more—giving shoppers even more opportunities to find new favourites for their personal reset.

Reset everyday habits and build a more consistent wellness routine

A refreshed routine can begin with simple, consistent nutritional habits. Alongside a balanced diet, supplements can help individuals meet their nutritional needs. Doctor’s Best Vitamin C, 500 mg provides 500 mg of vitamin C per serving in a vegetarian capsule, making it easy to incorporate into a daily supplement routine for consumers who want to support their everyday nutrition.

Another popular option is California Gold Nutrition Antarctic Krill Oil, which combines omega-3 phospholipids with naturally occurring astaxanthin. It comes in fish-gelatine softgels with natural strawberry and lemon flavour. From vitamin C to omega-3 supplementation, small and consistent daily habits can provide a practical foundation for a September wellness reset.

Refresh the family routine, from children’s nutrition to personal care

A Health Reset does not need to involve dramatic lifestyle changes. For families, it can start with small habits that are easy to maintain. Nature’s Way Alive! Kids Premium Gummy Multivitamin offers a convenient everyday supplement option for children aged two and above.* Available in cherry, grape and orange flavours, these gummies provide a range of vitamins and minerals and are easy to incorporate into a family’s daily routine. Children aged 2–3 years should chew two gummies daily, while children aged 4 years and above should chew three, preferably with food. (*Not suitable for children under 2 years of age due to the risk of choking.)

For those looking to refresh their hair-care routine, Force Factor Hair Growth Accelerator comes in mixed berry-flavoured soft chews designed for convenient daily use. It is formulated to support fuller-looking hair and can be incorporated into a consistent hair-care routine. Together, these options give families simple ways to identify the everyday habits that work best for them.

Reset the home, from laundry care to the bathroom

A reset can extend beyond personal routines to the home. Nellie’s Wow Stick Stain Remover offers a solid stain-treatment option for everyday marks on clothing and fabrics, while Seventh Generation Disinfecting Bathroom Cleaner is formulated for hard, non-porous surfaces and features a lemongrass citrus scent. Together, the two products offer practical options for refreshing everyday household routines.

iHerb expands its 30th anniversary offers with daily limited-time deals

To celebrate iHerb’s 30th anniversary, the Spotlight promotion will run from 3 September at 1:00 a.m. to 17 September at 1:00 a.m. Singapore time. More than 600 participating brands will be featured, and shoppers can enjoy savings of up to 30% with promo code ‘IH30YRS’. New customers worldwide can also receive 25% off with promo code ‘NEW25’, making it easier to discover health and everyday essentials on iHerb for the first time.

Alongside the Spotlight promotion, iHerb will have up to 200 limited-time product deals each day through 16 September, with selected items available at 40% off or more across supplements, beauty, personal care and household categories. Products, discounts and promotion terms may change; the latest information on the official iHerb website will apply. Consumers in Singapore can also follow the official iHerb WhatsApp account for the latest updates and get access to an exclusive 25% off promo code.

iHerb: A One-Stop Global Health and Wellness Platform

Headquartered in California, USA, iHerb is a global online retailer of health and wellness products. The platform provides Singapore consumers with access to authentic products through a safe and reliable cross-border shopping experience. Products are shipped directly from logistics centres in the United States and Asia, alongside the following delivery and shipping options:

  • Fast delivery: Orders can arrive in as fast as three days.
  • Free shipping: Available on orders over SGD 60. Final availability is subject to the options shown at checkout.
  • Authentic products: Choose from more than 50,000 authentic products across health, wellness, beauty and daily essentials.

The featured products and anniversary preview offers are available through iHerb Singapore at https://sg.iherb.com/.

Hashtag: #iHerb

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

About iHerb

iHerb is a globally recognised US-based cross-border e-commerce platform specialising in health supplements, nutritional products, beauty and personal care, and daily essentials. Offering a curated selection of more than 50,000 items and serving over 180 countries and regions, iHerb is dedicated to helping consumers worldwide access health and beauty options at reasonable prices. All products are shipped directly from multiple logistics centres in the United States and Asia, with cold-chain and temperature-controlled warehousing used where appropriate. iHerb also continues to enhance its multilingual customer service and localised payment methods to provide a safe, transparent and convenient shopping experience.

Top Hiring Industries in Singapore for Fresh Graduates: SIM Highlights Where Opportunities Are Emerging

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Advertorial Desk
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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 September 2026 – Fresh graduates entering Singapore’s workforce continue to find opportunities across financial and insurance services, professional services, information and communications, healthcare and social services, even as employers become more selective and artificial intelligence reshapes entry-level work.

According to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), entry-level professional, managerial, executive and technician (PMET) openings increased from 32,500 in December 2025 to 32,800 in March 2026, despite an overall decline in job vacancies. MOM also reported that around nine in 10 university graduates from the 2025 cohort found employment within 12 months of graduation, suggesting that fresh graduate employment has remained relatively resilient.

Financial services, professional services and technology remain active hiring sectors

Financial and Insurance Services, Professional Services, and Information and Communications were among sectors identified by MOM as experiencing active PMET hiring and wage growth. Together, these sectors recorded approximately 14,200 PMET vacancies as of September 2025, compared with 12,600 a year earlier, including roles suitable for fresh graduates.

Opportunities span finance, risk, compliance, accounting, consulting, software, systems and data functions. Increasing digitalisation also means these boundaries are becoming less distinct, with banks and professional services firms increasingly recruiting technology and data talent.

Information and communications continue to require digital capabilities

Singapore’s technology workforce reached 214,000 in 2024, according to the Infocomm Media Development Authority’s Singapore Digital Economy Report 2025, with AI and Data and Cybersecurity among the fastest-growing technology occupations. The latest MOM data also shows concrete entry-level demand. As at March 2026, Information and Communications recorded 200 vacancies for software developers, 130 for IT support technicians and 80 for computer engineers among its entry-level jobs with higher vacancy counts.

Technology graduates are therefore finding opportunities not only within technology companies but also across finance, manufacturing, professional services and other industries.

Financial and professional services are evolving with technology

Singapore’s financial sector continues to provide opportunities across banking, insurance, investment, risk and compliance. As at March 2026, MOM identified financial compliance officer or risk analyst, insurance sales agent or broker, and financial or investment adviser among the entry-level Financial and Insurance Services roles with higher vacancy counts, with 30 vacancies recorded for each occupation. Technology is also changing the nature of financial services, with institutions applying analytics, automation and AI across areas such as fraud detection, customer service and risk management.

Professional Services provides opportunities across both corporate and technical functions. MOM’s March 2026 data identified 100 vacancies for resident technical officers, 60 for auditors and 50 for IT support technicians among the sector’s entry-level jobs with higher vacancy counts. As AI increasingly assists with research, analysis and routine processes, graduates who combine professional knowledge with digital capabilities, communication and judgement may be better positioned for changing roles.

Healthcare and social services continue to offer graduate pathways

Health and Social Services continues to provide entry-level opportunities for graduates. As at March 2026, MOM identified 210 vacancies for social workers, 190 for registered nurses and other nursing professionals, and 80 for social work associates among the sector’s entry-level jobs with higher vacancy counts. These roles demonstrate that graduate demand extends beyond digital careers. Specialised professional knowledge and interpersonal skills remain important in sectors where human interaction and service delivery are central.

AI is changing entry-level roles rather than simply removing them

Generative AI has raised concerns among students and parents about its impact on graduate employment. MOM data presents a more nuanced picture. Among firms that had adopted AI, 6 per cent reported reducing headcount and 8 per cent lowering hiring activity, while 19 per cent redesigned roles and 14 per cent created AI-related jobs. The impact of AI has therefore been more visible in job redesign than broad-based hiring reductions. Fresh graduates may increasingly be expected to use AI tools, interpret data, assess AI-generated information and focus on areas requiring judgement, communication and problem-solving.

Skills-based hiring is changing how graduates compete

Employers are also looking increasingly beyond qualifications alone. MOM’s Job Vacancies 2025 report found that academic qualifications were not the main consideration for 79.6 per cent of vacancies.

This places greater emphasis on what graduates can demonstrate alongside their qualification, including internships, technical capabilities, communication, teamwork and analytical thinking. For students choosing a degree, employability is therefore not only about entering a growing industry but also about developing skills and experience that employers value.

SIM graduate outcomes reflect employment across diverse industries

Graduate employment data provides another way for students and parents to assess career outcomes. According to the Private Education Institution Graduate Employment Survey 2024/2025, 81.0 per cent of SIM fresh graduates surveyed secured employment, while 47.0 per cent were in full-time permanent employment. The median gross monthly salary was S$3,565. Across all private education institutions surveyed, 78.9 per cent of fresh graduates secured employment, with a median gross monthly salary of S$3,500.

SIM’s Graduate Employment Survey also shows graduates entering sectors including banking and financial services, ICT and cybersecurity, consulting and professional services, aviation and engineering, healthcare and social services, logistics and transportation, retail and manufacturing. Employment outcomes remain dependent on factors including programme choice, individual skills, work experience and labour-market conditions.

Parents can consider employability alongside programme fit

For parents supporting higher education decisions, current hiring trends provide useful context, but today’s strongest industry may not necessarily offer the greatest opportunities several years from now. A broader assessment can include a student’s interests and strengths, programme curriculum, awarding university, recognition, fees, career support and graduate employment outcomes.

The SIM Parent Resource Hub brings these considerations together, covering degree pathways, programme recognition, fees and financial support, student care and graduate employability. Its Graduate Outcomes & Employability resource provides information on SIM’s PEI Graduate Employment Survey results, industries and organisations where SIM graduates have worked, and career and internship support available to students.

These resources can help parents consider not only where jobs are available today, but how a higher education pathway can help their child develop relevant knowledge, experience and transferable capabilities.

Career resilience increasingly depends on transferable skills

Singapore’s labour-market data shows that opportunities for fresh graduates remain spread across multiple industries. Financial Services, Professional Services and Information and Communications continue to offer professional opportunities, while Healthcare and Social Services, also show meaningful entry-level demand.

For students entering higher education, career preparation may therefore be less about identifying one “future-proof” industry and more about developing disciplinary knowledge, practical experience and transferable skills that can remain valuable as employment needs change. Parents and students can refer to the SIM Parent Resource Hub, including its Graduate Outcomes & Employability resource, when evaluating degree pathways, employability, recognition, fees and student support.

References

  1. Ministry of Manpower, Singapore. Fresh Graduate Employment – https://www.mom.gov.sg/newsroom/parliament-questions-and-replies/2026/0804-written-answer-to-pq-on-fresh-graduate-employment
  2. Ministry of Manpower, Singapore. Trends in Job Vacancies – https://www.mom.gov.sg/newsroom/parliament-questions-and-replies/2026/0805-written-answer-to-pq-on-trends-in-job-vacancies
  3. Ministry of Manpower, Singapore. Sectors with Active Hiring and Wage Growth – https://www.mom.gov.sg/newsroom/parliament-questions-and-replies/2026/0113-written-answer-to-pq-on-sectors-with-active-hiring-and-wage-growth
  4. Ministry of Manpower, Singapore. Job Vacancies 2025 – https://www.mom.gov.sg/newsroom/press-releases/2026/0320-job-vacancies-report-2025
  5. Manpower Research and Statistics Department, Ministry of Manpower. List of Entry-Level PMET Job Opportunities for Fresh Graduates – https://stats.mom.gov.sg/iMAS_PdfLibrary/List-of-top-entry-level-PMET-job-opportunities-for-fresh-graduates-Q1-2026.pdf
  6. Infocomm Media Development Authority. Singapore Digital Economy Report 2025 – https://www.imda.gov.sg/resources/press-releases-factsheets-and-speeches/factsheets/2025/ar-sgde-2025
  7. Singapore Institute of Management. Parent Resource Hub: Helping Your Child Choose the Right Degree Pathway – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/parent-resource-hub
  8. Singapore Institute of Management. Graduate Outcomes & Employability – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/parent-resource-hub/graduate-outcome-employability

Hashtag: #SIMGlobalEducation #SIMGE #GlobalEducation #InternationalDegree #CareerReady #FutureSkills

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

About SIM Global Education

SIM Global Education (SIM GE) is a leading private education institution in Singapore and the region. We offer more than 140 academic programmes ranging from diplomas and graduate diploma programmes to bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes with some of the world’s most reputable universities from Australia, Canada, Europe, United Kingdom, and the United States. SIM GE’s cohort is made up of 17,000 full- and part-time students and adult learners, of which approximately 41% are international students hailing from over 50 countries.

SIM GE’s holistic learning approach and culturally diverse learning environment aim to equip students with knowledge, industry skills and employability competencies, as well as a global perspective to succeed as future leaders in a fast-changing, technologically driven world.

For more information on SIM Global Education, visit

Starlight Investments Announces Successful Close of UK BTR Fund II

By
Advertorial Desk
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Total capital commitments of £680 million across Fund II and ancillary investment vehicles will support the acquisition and delivery of over 6,000 homes – as Starlight continues to strengthen its position among the UK’s largest BTR operators

TORONTO, Sept. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Starlight Investments (“Starlight”), a leading global real estate investment and asset management firm, has announced the successful closing of Starlight UK BTR Fund II (“Fund II”).

Photograph of Trinity Heights, Starlight Investments' 60-storey BTR community approaching completion in Manchester, UK.
Photograph of Trinity Heights, Starlight Investments’ 60-storey BTR community approaching completion in Manchester, UK.

Fund II, together with capital raised through ancillary investment vehicles, reached £680 million in capital commitments and will support the acquisition and delivery of more than 6,000 build-to-rent (“BTR”) homes across the UK. Fund II is partially deployed and includes three significant rental communities under construction, including two in Manchester and one in Basildon.

Fund II’s successful closing represents a significant milestone in the continued expansion of Starlight’s UK platform and reflects investor confidence in the company’s BTR strategy, operational excellence, and disciplined execution. Fund II attracted strong participation from a diverse group of global institutional investors from across Europe, APAC, and Canada, including both existing limited partners and several new investors. Earlier this year, the Fund also received a major commitment from Homes England’s National Housing Bank, reinforcing the strategy’s alignment with country-wide efforts to increase the supply of much-needed rental housing.

“The successful close of Fund II reflects the strong institutional conviction behind Starlight’s UK residential strategy and the opportunity we continue to see in the market,” said Raj Mehta, President, Global Markets, Starlight Investments. “We are grateful for the continued support of our existing partners and pleased to welcome new investors to the platform. With the capital committed, we are well positioned to continue delivering homes in chronically undersupplied markets across the UK.”

“With Fund II now closed, our focus is on execution and the next phase of growth for our UK residential platform,” said Jonnie Milich, Head of UK Residential, Starlight Investments. “We have built a significant pipeline, an experienced local team and a growing portfolio of communities moving through construction, lease-up and operations. As we continue to advance our pipeline and bring new communities online, our portfolio will place us among the UK’s top four BTR operators by scale.”

Starlight’s broader UK platform is dedicated to the BTR sector, with a vision to deliver thousands of new homes across major regional cities and key London commuter belt markets experiencing pronounced rental housing undersupply. With 12 BTR communities spanning development through to active leasing and operations, the platform is focused on delivering professionally managed rental housing in markets supported by strong rental demand and economic fundamentals.

For more than three decades, Starlight has been a leading global real estate investment and asset management firm, delivering proven performance and responsible management across its real estate strategies. Starlight continues to broaden its global footprint, managing and investing on behalf of institutional partners across several continents.

About Starlight Investments

Starlight Investments is a leading global real estate investment and asset management firm headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. A privately held owner, developer and asset manager of over 70,000 multi-residential suites and over 7 million square feet of commercial property space with CAD $30 billion in AUM, Starlight offers a range of investment vehicles across various real estate strategies. Starlight’s guiding mission is to balance its tenure with visionary curiosity to create positive impact for investors and communities alike. At Starlight, we invest with impact.

Learn more at www.starlightinvest.com or connect with us on LinkedIn.

Contacts: Raj Mehta, President, Global Markets, +1-647-725-0498, rmehta@starlightinvest.com; Jonnie Milich, Head, UK Residential, +44-7930-373-945, jmilich@starlightinvest.com; Gwen McGuire, Director, Communications, media@starlightinvest.com

Photograph of The Mercantile, Starlight Investments' BTR community under construction in Basildon, UK.
Photograph of The Mercantile, Starlight Investments’ BTR community under construction in Basildon, UK.

CGI of Starlight Investments' BTR community under construction in Manchester's Greengate neighborhood.
CGI of Starlight Investments’ BTR community under construction in Manchester’s Greengate neighborhood.

Tencent Music Entertainment Group Announces Closing of US$1,000 Million Notes Offering

By
Advertorial Desk
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SHENZHEN, China, Sept. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Tencent Music Entertainment Group (“TME,” or the “Company”) (NYSE: TME and HKEX: 1698), the leading all-in-one music and audio entertainment platform in China, today announced the closing of its public offering of US$1,000 million aggregate principal amount of senior unsecured notes consisting of US$500 million of 5.050% notes due 2031 and US$500 million of 5.650% notes due 2036. The notes have been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and are expected to be listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited on September 11, 2026.

The Company received net proceeds from the offering of approximately US$991.9 million, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering for general corporate purposes, including refinancing of offshore indebtedness and share repurchases.

The joint bookrunners of the offering are J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Goldman Sachs (Asia) L.L.C. and The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited. The joint lead managers of the offering are UBS AG Hong Kong Branch, Bank of China Limited and MUFG Securities Asia Limited.

The Company has an automatic shelf registration statement on Form F-3 (including a base prospectus) on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and has filed the related prospectus supplement with the SEC for the offering of the notes. The offering is being made only by means of the prospectus supplement and accompanying base prospectus. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus supplement and accompanying base prospectus and other documents that the Company has filed with the SEC for more complete information about the Company and the offering. You may obtain these documents free of charge by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, the Company, any underwriter or any dealer participating in the offering will arrange to send an investor the prospectus if the investor requests it by calling J.P. Morgan Securities LLC located at 270 Park Ave, New York, NY 10017, USA at +1-212-834-4533, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, an affiliate of Goldman Sachs (Asia) L.L.C., located at 200 West Street, New York, NY 10282, USA at +1-866-471-2526 or The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, located at L17, HSBC Main Building, 1 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong at +1-866-811-8049.

This announcement is not an offer of the securities for sale in the United States and shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of, these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the applicable securities laws of any jurisdiction outside of the United States.

About Tencent Music Entertainment

Tencent Music Entertainment Group (NYSE: TME and HKEX: 1698) is the leading all-in-one music and audio entertainment platform in China, operating the country’s highly popular and innovative music and audio apps: QQ Music, Kugou Music, Kuwo Music, WeSing and Ximalaya. TME’s mission is to create endless possibilities with music and technology. Powered by its content-and-platform dual-engine strategy, TME’s expansive offerings extend the value of IP beyond online streaming into offline concerts, artist merchandise, and other IP-centric experiences. TME continuously innovates to deliver a seamless experience where users can discover, listen, sing, watch, perform, and connect across diverse scenarios, while unlocking the enduring value of music and audio IP. For more information, please visit ir.tencentmusic.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “target,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company’s filings with the SEC and the HKEX. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

Investor Relations Contact
Tencent Music Entertainment Group
ir@tencentmusic.com
+86 (755) 8601-3388 ext. 885034

Lancet Publication Marks Important Advance in Influenza Prevention for Older Adults

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Advertorial Desk
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Phase 3 study demonstrates benefits of the first influenza vaccine to combine three proven approaches to enhancing protection for older adults in a single vaccine.

MAIDENHEAD, United Kingdom, Sept. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CSL Seqirus, a business of CSL (ASX: CSL; USOTC: CSLLY), today announced publication of pivotal Phase 3 study results for its MF59®-adjuvanted cell-based higher-dose quadrivalent influenza vaccine (aQIVc) in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, marking an important milestone in the evolution of influenza prevention for older adults.1

The publication follows approval of the trivalent formulation of aQIVc by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the United Kingdom earlier this year for adults aged 50 years and older.2 The vaccine, marketed as AUJEMFLU®, has also been approved by the European Commission for adults aged 50 years and above.

The peer-reviewed publication reports findings from a large-scale study of the first influenza vaccine to combine three proven approaches to enhancing protection in older adults: MF59® adjuvant, cell-based manufacturing, and a higher dose formulation compared to standard influenza vaccines.1,3

Each of these approaches has been used separately in influenza vaccines for many years and is supported by extensive clinical and real-world evidence. This publication provides the first large-scale evaluation of their combination within a single vaccine.1,2

Influenza remains a significant public health challenge, causing substantial illness, hospitalisations and deaths each year despite widespread vaccination programmes.4 

Older adults are particularly vulnerable because the immune system becomes less responsive with age, reducing its ability to mount a strong protective response following vaccination.5 

aQIVc combines three proven approaches to enhancing vaccine protection in older adults, with each playing a distinct and complementary role. Cell-based manufacturing helps preserve a closer match to circulating influenza strains, MF59® adjuvant strengthens, broadens and lengthens the immune response and a higher dose formulation further optimises that response.2,6,7,8

The Phase 3 randomised immunogenicity and safety study enrolled 7,699 adults aged 50 years and older across eight countries and compared aQIVc with two enhanced influenza vaccines. The study met its primary objectives and demonstrated:1

  • Superiority versus the adjuvanted egg-based influenza vaccine comparator across all four influenza strains and age groups assessed.
  • Non-inferiority versus a recombinant influenza vaccine for three out of four strains in the 50+ age group and four out of four strains in those aged 65+.
  • Immune responses that persisted throughout the influenza season.
  • A well-tolerated safety profile. Most reactions were mild or moderate and resolved within three days.1  

The publication also reported exploratory findings of enhanced neuraminidase antibody responses versus comparators. The role of neuraminidase antibodies is an emerging area of influenza research that may contribute to reduced disease severity and broader protection beyond traditional measures of vaccine response.9

The study authors concluded that the findings support further evaluation of the vaccine and provide evidence for National Immunisation Technical Advisory Groups considering enhanced influenza vaccination strategies for older adults.1

Regulatory submissions for the trivalent formulation of aQIVc have been made in multiple markets, with introductions expected to occur through a phased approach aligned to local regulatory, policy and access pathways.

Gregg Sylvester, Chief Medical Officer and Head of Research & Development, CSL Seqirus, said:
“Publication in The Lancet Infectious Diseases is a significant milestone for CSL Seqirus and reflects decades of investment in influenza vaccine innovation.”

“These findings provide important new evidence for healthcare professionals, policy makers and immunisation advisory groups considering future influenza vaccination strategies for older adults.”

Professor Colin Russell, Chair of the European Scientific Working Group on Influenza (ESWI) and Professor of Applied Evolutionary Biology at Amsterdam University Medical Center, said:
“Influenza vaccine innovation has historically progressed through incremental advances in technology and manufacturing. What makes this study noteworthy is that it shows the potential benefit of bringing multiple proven approaches together in a single vaccine.”

“Given the continued burden of influenza-related illness, hospitalisation and death among older adults despite widespread vaccination, these findings represent an important contribution to ongoing efforts to improve protection in this vulnerable population.”

About the Phase 3 Study
The randomised, observer-blind Phase 3 immunogenicity study enrolled 7,699 adults aged 50 years and older across Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Pakistan, the Philippines, the United Kingdom and the United States. Participants received either the MF59-adjuvanted cell-derived higher dose quadrivalent vaccine, an MF59-adjuvanted egg-based quadrivalent influenza vaccine or a recombinant quadrivalent influenza vaccine. The study evaluated immunogenicity, safety and manufacturing consistency.

About aQIVc
aQIVc is an MF59-adjuvanted, cell-based higher-dose quadrivalent influenza vaccine developed for adults aged 50 years and older.  The trivalent formulation has been licensed for use in people aged 50 and above in the UK and by the European Medicines Agency where it is marketed as AUJEMFLU.®

The vaccine combines three proven approaches designed to enhance protection in older adults:

  • MF59 adjuvant technology
  • Cell-based manufacturing
  • A higher dose formulation versus standard dose influenza vaccines
  • Each dose contains 45 micrograms of haemagglutinin per influenza strain and 19.5 mg of MF59 adjuvant2

About CSL Seqirus
CSL Seqirus is part of CSL (ASX: CSL). As one of the largest influenza vaccine providers in the world, CSL Seqirus is a major contributor to the prevention of influenza globally and a transcontinental partner in pandemic preparedness and response. With state-of-the-art production facilities in the US, the UK and Australia, CSL Seqirus utilises egg, cell and adjuvant technologies to offer a broad portfolio of differentiated influenza vaccines in more than 20 countries around the world. For more information about CSL Seqirus, visit www.CSL.com.

Intended Audience
This press release is issued by CSL Seqirus and is intended to provide information about our global business. Information relating to the approval status, product labels, recommendations and availability of CSL Seqirus products may vary from country to country. Please consult your local regulatory authority for information on approval status and local prescribing information.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release may contain forward-looking statements, including statements regarding future results, performance, regulatory milestones, product availability or achievements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Given these uncertainties, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

For more information, please contact:
MEDIA CONTACT 
Alex Kiefer
Alex.Kiefer@Seqirus.com
Director International & Pandemic Communications, CSL Seqirus 

GL-aTIVc-26-0011

References

1 Essink BJ, Vermeulen W, Andrade C, Mazur M, de Rooij R, Heijnen E, et al. Immunogenicity and safety of an MF59-adjuvanted cell-derived higher-dose quadrivalent influenza vaccine (aQIVc) in adults aged 50 years or older: a phase 3 randomised controlled trial. Lancet Infect Dis. In press 2026. Volume 26. September 2026.  THELANCETID-D-26-00167R3.
2 Aujemflu suspension for injection in pre-filled syringe: summary of product characteristics [Internet]. Maidenhead: Seqirus UK Limited; 4 June 2026 (PL 47991/0020). Available from: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/102343/smpc cited 2026 Aug 2.
3 Ashraf M, Boivin W, Nguyen-Van-Tam JS, Nolan T, Stein AN, Russell CA. Development of an adjuvanted, higher-dose, cell-based influenza vaccine: combining advanced technologies to improve vaccine effectiveness. Expert Rev Vaccines. 2026;25(1):2667732. doi:10.1080/14760584.2026.2667732.
4 World Health Organization. Influenza (seasonal): fact sheet [Internet]. Geneva: WHO; 28 February 2025. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/influenza-(seasonal)  cited 2026 Aug 28.
5 Cadar AN, Martin DE, Bartley JM. Targeting the hallmarks of aging to improve influenza vaccine responses in older adults. Immun Ageing. 2023;20:23. doi:10.1186/s12979-023-00348-6.
6 Essink BJ, Vermeulen W, Andrade C, de Rooij R, Isakov L, Casula D, et al. A randomised phase 2 immunogenicity and safety study of a MF59-adjuvanted quadrivalent subunit inactivated cell-derived influenza vaccine (aQIVc) in adults aged 50 years and older. Vaccine. 2025;51:126791. doi:10.1016/j.vaccine.2025.126791.
7 de Looze F, Essink BJ, van Boxmeer J, Andrade C, de Rooij R, Casula D, et al. Immunogenicity and safety of higher-dose cell-based adjuvanted quadrivalent influenza vaccines: combined results of randomised, controlled dose-finding and dose-confirmation studies. Vaccine. 2026;79:128436. doi:10.1016/j.vaccine.2026.128436.
8 Ashraf M, Stein AN, Youhanna J, Rockman S, McMahon M, McGovern I, et al. The impact of egg adaptation and immune imprinting on influenza vaccine effectiveness. Vaccine. 2025;62:127393. doi:10.1016/j.vaccine.2025.127393.
9 Monto AS, Petrie JG, Cross RT, Johnson E, Liu M, Zhong W, et al. Antibody to influenza virus neuraminidase: an independent correlate of protection. J Infect Dis. 2015;212(8):1191-99. doi:10.1093/infdis/jiv195.

Family Offices are Becoming One of the Most Powerful Forces in Hospitality Investment in Asia-Pacific, Questex’s IHIF Asia Highlights Growing Influence of Private Capital

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Advertorial Desk
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HONG KONG, Sept. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hospitality has become the top real estate asset class for family office capital in Asia-Pacific, highlighting the sector’s growing appeal to private investors. IHIF Asia supports this increasingly important investor segment with dedicated content and networking opportunities for family offices and family office-owned property groups.

Family Offices are Becoming One of the Most Powerful Forces in Hospitality Investment in Asia-Pacific, Questex’s IHIF Asia Highlights Growing Influence of Private Capital
Family Offices are Becoming One of the Most Powerful Forces in Hospitality Investment in Asia-Pacific, Questex’s IHIF Asia Highlights Growing Influence of Private Capital

According to Knight Frank’s Wealth Report 2025, 44% of 150 family offices surveyed said they plan to increase their exposure to real estate over the next 18 months. “Family office capital represents an increasingly formidable investor base, with the ability to write cheques across a range of asset classes and geographies, both debt and equity,” says Cody Bradshaw, Group CEO, Hotels at L+R.

The session “Inside Family Office Capital: Decision Frameworks and Deal Strategy” will dive into how family offices evaluate deals, deploy capital and shape pricing across the region. It will be presented by Richard Zen, Founder & Managing Partner, Trivium Asset Management and moderated by Candice Wu, Co-Founder, Tigris Family Office.

Plus, a networking session on 17 Sep, the second day of the event, will unite attending family offices and family office-owned property leaders in a lounge setting. Attendees will have the chance to exchange perspectives on hospitality investment and connect with peers.

“There is a growing influence of family office capital in the Asia-Pacific hospitality industry,” said IB Saravanan, Vice President, Questex Asia. “IHIF Asia is creating an exclusive platform for these investors to connect, share insights and explore opportunities across the region.”

Hospitality Investor‘s latest report, The Family Office Report 2026 – APAC, showcases why and where family office capital is headed next. Access the exclusive report here.

The Industry Gathers in Hong Kong to Explore What’s Next for Asia Hospitality

IHIF Asia will take place 16-18 September 2026 at Regent, Hong Kong, bringing together more than 500 investors, owners, operators, developers and hospitality brands to explore the region’s next phase of growth.

Register to attend IHIF Asia here.

For media registration, contact Meryl Franzman at mfranzman@questex.com.

About Questex

Questex fuels exceptional business connections—where every buyer and seller interaction matters. Through live events enriched with data insights and active year-round digital communities, we deliver measurable results. It happens here.

Media Contact
Meryl Franzman
IHIF Asia
mfranzman@questex.com

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