GUIYANG, China, Aug. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from CNS:
In the mountains of southwest China’s Guizhou Province, industries once unlikely to be associated with a remote inland region are finding their way into global markets.
In Jiangkou County, Tongren, stands what local authorities describe as the world’s largest single-site matcha refining facility. Fully automated production lines process the finely ground green tea for consumers at home and abroad.
According to local figures, one in every five cups of matcha consumed worldwide is produced in Tongren. The city’s matcha products are exported to more than 50 countries and regions, with the industry generating an output value of 750 million yuan (US$105 million).
Gen Z visitors sample matcha products at a matcha production facility in Tongren, Guizhou.
For Mauro, a young visitor from Brazil, the industry raised a broader question: how can globally competitive production create opportunities for rural communities?
Tongren’s matcha industry works with 73 upstream partner companies and around 13,300 hectares of tea plantations. Financial and technical support for growers, alongside links between market demand and production, helps connect local farmers with a wider supply chain.
Matcha is not the only Guizhou product reaching international markets. In Jinping County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, local industry figures suggest that one in every 10 shuttlecocks in circulation worldwide is made there. Production is supported by a supply chain extending from goose farming and feather sorting to intelligent manufacturing.
“I hadn’t realised that some of the key materials used in these vehicles come from Guizhou,” said Thai visitor Nim Jiratchaya, whose family owns a Chinese electric vehicle. Guizhou developed an advanced functional materials industry serving sectors including electric vehicles and renewable energy.
Digitalization is also changing traditional manufacturing. Guizhou Tyre’s intelligent plant was the first in China’s tyre industry to join the World Economic Forum’s Global Lighthouse Network, which recognizes factories deploying advanced technologies at scale. The facility also uses photovoltaic power, purchased renewable electricity, and waste-heat recovery to reduce emissions.
Infrastructure played another role in connecting the mountainous province with wider markets. Nearly half of the world’s 100 highest bridges are located in Guizhou, helping overcome terrain that has long complicated transport and economic connectivity.
For the visiting Gen Z group, the journey offered a view of China beyond its major cities and coastal manufacturing centres. Tea, badminton equipment, advanced materials, and tyres illustrate how specialised manufacturing, infrastructure investment, and local resources are connecting communities in China’s mountainous southwest with national and global markets.
KOTA DAMANSARA, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 August 2026 – Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara (“Thomson”) is the first hospital in Malaysia to introduce a next-generation integrated surgical energy platform into its operating theatres. This innovation strengthens its minimally invasive surgical capabilities and enhances patient experience.
From left: Dr Savitha Dharan, CEO of Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara, Dr Wong Sze Ming, Consultant General & Colorectal Surgeon, Jo-Ann Gan, Commercial Lead (Surgery) Malaysia & Brunei, J&J MedTech, Prof Dr Prasanna Supramaniam, Consultant in O&G, Fertility Specialist, Subspecialist in Reproductive Medicine, Minimal Invasive Gynaecological Surgeon & Ng Yee Voon, Senior General Manager, Thomson Fertility.
Multidisciplinary Tertiary Hospital with Comprehensive Surgical Capabilities
As a multidisciplinary tertiary hospital, Thomson offers minimally invasive surgery across a broad range of specialties through laparoscopic, thoracoscopic (VATS), endoscopic, arthroscopic, and microsurgical approaches.
Thomson has also further expanded to its wide range of surgical offerings with two advanced procedures: the Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Vestibular Approach (TOETVA), a scarless thyroid surgery performed through the mouth that eliminates visible neck incisions, and laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis, a keyhole procedure that enables the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis through small incisions. Together, these procedures provide patients with more treatment options while supporting faster recovery where clinically appropriate.
Dr Savitha Dharan, Chief Executive Officer of Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara, explains, “Our aim is to provide patients with access to comprehensive, outcome driven surgical care under one roof. By continuously expanding our minimally invasive surgical capabilities, we empower our multidisciplinary teams to tailor the most appropriate treatment for every patient while delivering care that prioritises safety, precision and better patient outcomes.”
Advancing Surgical Care Through Technology
This next-generation integrated surgical energy platform brings multiple surgical energy technologies together on one platform, equipping surgeons with advanced technology that supports greater surgical precision and shorten overall procedure times. By combining tissue dissection and vessel sealing on a single platform, it enables more efficient surgical workflows targeted in reducing operating times, tissue trauma and recovery time where clinically appropriate.
“When investing in technology, Thomson’s main priority is delivering value-based care; we want better patient outcomes, operational efficiency and long-term value for both patients and our clinical team. This platform allows us to do just that – perform precise minimally invasive procedures and help deliver safe, effective care tailored to each patient’s clinical needs,” Dr Savitha expanded further.
Supported by experienced multidisciplinary teams and modern operating theatres, Thomson continues to invest in technologies that enhance surgical capabilities and improve the overall patient journey.
Supporting Sustainable Healthcare
Beyond its clinical benefits, this advanced integrated surgical energy platform aligns with Thomson’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) commitments by reducing equipment redundancy and improving operating theatre efficiency. This enables the hospital to optimise resource utilisation while continuing to deliver high-quality patient care.
The introduction of the advanced integrated surgical energy platform marks another milestone in Thomson’s ongoing investment in advanced medical technologies, reinforcing its position as one of Malaysia’s leading private hospitals committed to innovation, clinical excellence and patient-centred care.
KKLIU 3218 / EXP 31.12.2028
Hashtag: #ThomsonHospital
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara
Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara (“Thomson”), the flagship hospital of TMC Life Sciences Berhad, is a multi-disciplinary tertiary care centre strategically located in the prime alcove of Kota Damansara, Selangor, established in 2008. Thomson holds a capacity for 554-beds including 25 critical care beds, and houses more than 160 consultant specialists across over 60 specialties and sub-specialties.
An award-winning institution, Thomson’s regional accolades include recognition by Newsweek and Statista as one of Asia’s Top Private Hospitals and Clinics 2026, awarded the Specialist Hospital of the Year, and Specialty Hospital of the Year – Malaysia in 2024 for paediatric services and in 2025 for pulmonology services.
Guided by its vision to be the “Premier Provider of Outstanding Value-Based Medical Services in Southeast Asia”, Thomson remains committed to clinical excellence and is poised for continued growth to meet evolving healthcare needs.
For more information, please visit thomsonhospitals.com or follow THKD on social media platforms @thomsonhospitalKD.
NEW TAIPEI CITY, Aug. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Smart Power System (SPS) announced that its independently developed smart energy storage system has achieved IEC 62443-3-3 Security Level 2 (SL2) certification for industrial control system cybersecurity. A certification ceremony was recently held at SPS, where representatives from Bureau Veritas, a global leader in testing, inspection, and certification, formally presented the certificate.
IEC 62443-3-3 SL2 Certification Ceremony: SPS team with representatives from Bureau Veritas.
The certification covers SPS’s Energy Management System (EMS), Gateway Controller (GC), Human-Machine Interface (HMI), and PRP-related networking equipment, demonstrating that its smart energy storage system meets internationally recognized industrial cybersecurity requirements.
As the global energy transition accelerates, energy storage systems are becoming increasingly important to critical infrastructure, making cybersecurity essential to system reliability and resilience. The certification reflects SPS’s capabilities in in-house R&D, system integration, and secure product design, while further strengthening the reliability and international competitiveness of its smart energy storage solutions.
IEC 62443-3-3 focuses on system-level cybersecurity requirements. SL1 provides baseline protection against unintentional or accidental security violations, while SPS’s SL2 certification represents a higher level of cybersecurity protection than requirements commonly adopted in relevant Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) specifications. The certification covers identification and authentication, access control, system integrity, security event logging, and secure communications. SPS has also incorporated industrial cybersecurity principles into its energy management system architecture to strengthen overall security, operational reliability, and cyber resilience.
Certificate Presentation Ceremony: Dr. Huang Lee-Chien, General Manager of SPS (left), and Director of Cybersecurity Testing Div. at Bureau Veritas (right).
Dr. Huang Lee-Chien, General Manager of SPS, said, “Achieving IEC 62443-3-3 SL2 certification is an important milestone for SPS and reflects our continued investment in in-house R&D, secure product design, and system integration. More importantly, these capabilities can be directly applied to customer projects, helping customers build smart energy systems with enhanced security, reliability, and cyber resilience.”
Over the past two years, SPS has also achieved ISO/IEC 27001 Information Security Management System certification, ISO 9001 Quality Management System certification, and Japan’s JC-STAR ☆1 certification, further strengthening its cybersecurity and quality management capabilities.
Looking ahead, SPS will continue advancing key technologies in energy management, system integration, and industrial cybersecurity, while enhancing its end-to-end capabilities from system planning and implementation to operations and maintenance. The company will also continue expanding its presence in Japan, Australia, and Southeast Asia, working with partners to deliver safer, more reliable, and more resilient smart energy solutions worldwide.
29 AUG 2026 (SAT) 3:00pm & 7:30pm 30 AUG 2026 (SUN) 3:00pm Tsuen Wan Town Hall Auditorium Presented by City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 August 2026 – Space Fantasy – an outer space musical spectacular for all the family – premieres in Hong Kong on 29 and 30 August 2026 at the Tsuen Wan Town Hall Auditorium.This exciting new productionis created by award-winning playwright Leanne Nicholls with music by Luna Pan and Miles Brown. The show tells the story of an alien called Fluto who, after intercepting NASA’s Voyager 1, discovers the Voyager Golden Record. He embarks on a journey to planet Earth in search of Bach’s music and meets Astrid, who is preparing a Bach partita for her school competition. Their encounter leads to a fantastical spaceship ride to Europa, the fourth largest moon of Jupiter, where they perform in the Stars of the Cosmos show.
Space Fantasy promises to delight all ages with an exhilarating mix of live orchestral, theremin and electronic music performances, combined with theatre, song, dance, digital art and circus acts. Three performances will take place on Saturday 29 August 2026, 3:00pm and 7:30pm, and on Sunday 30 August 2026, 3:00pm. The show is performed in English and suitable for ages 3 and above. Tickets are priced at $600, $400, $250 and $120 and available at URBTIX. A 50% discount is applicable for full-time students, senior citizens aged 60 and above, Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) recipients and people with disabilities and their accompanying minder.
CCOHK’s previous musical creations, including Bug Symphony and WILD (The Musical), have garnered international recognition at the YAMawards in Portugal (2017) and Belgium (2022), respectively. Space Fantasy marks CCOHK’s first appearance at Tsuen Wan Town Hall Auditorium under the LCSD’s Venue Partnership Scheme. The project is financially supported by the Arts Capacity Development Funding Scheme of the Government of the HKSAR.
The Creatives Space Fantasy is an original work based on astory by Leanne Nichollswith music by Luna Pan and Miles Brown, a leading performer/composer of the theremin. The performance is produced and directed by CCOHK’s Artistic Director Leanne Nicholls with physical theatre direction by Ines Hu from Vienna. The creatives also include Isaac Wong (set design), Billy Chan (lighting design), Twinny Cheng (costume design), Pattuvelil Prasannan Prasyam (digital video design), Kester Lee (sound design) and Margo Lau and Betty Wan (make-up design).
The Cast Space Fantasy features a stellar cast of actors, singers, musicians, dancers and circus artistsfromHong Kong, Japan, Australia and Germany. Ten-year-old Adeline Wong, a triple-threat harpist-singer-actor from Hong Kong, performs the lead role of Astrid. She appears alongside Gabor Vosteen, a world-acclaimed recorder virtuoso and non-verbal comedian-actor-circus artist who is cast as the Alien Fluto. Other cast members include singer/actress Jessica Peralta (as Astrid’s Mother), actor Christopher Price (as Zerk, Host of the Stars of the Cosmos Show), theremin virtuoso Miles Brown (as Jupiter), mirror ball artist Valerie Murzak (as Neptune), singers Janees Wong (as Venus) and CHANKA (as Mercury) and hoop artist Grace Hoop (as Saturn). The cast also includes two exceptional artists from Japan – popping and animation dancer Kazuho Monster (as Earth’s Moon), a true master of the moonwalk and four arm juggler ON (as Uranus).
Theremin Demonstration by Miles Brown Mon 31 AUG 2026, 7:00pm-9:00pm Philharmonic Club, 21/F Skyway Centre, 23 Queen’s Road West, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Tickets: $100 per person. Walk-in accepted or register by email: info@ccohk.com
Space Fantasy features the theremin, an electronic instrument invented by the Russian scientist Léon Theremin in 1920. It is the only musical instrument in existence todaythat is played without physical contact. The player moves his/her hands around two protruding metal antennae. One antenna controls the frequency (or pitch), the other the amplitude (or volume), and both are motion sensitive. To form a musical line, the player moves his/her hands near the antennae and appears to find the notes from mid-air. The theremin’s eerie sound is often heard on movie soundtracks associated with aliens and science fiction themes. Famous examples include It Came from Outer Space (1953), The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951) and Tim Burton’s Mars Attacks! (1996). Miles Brown, a leading performer of the theremin, studied with theremin virtuoso Lydia Kavina, a direct relative of Theremin himself. He will give a demonstration on how this intriguing instrument works at the Philharmonic Club in Sheung Wan on 31 August 2026, 7:00pm to 9:00pm. Further Enquiries: 2864 2156.
Luna Pan composer Luna Pan is an award-winning screen, advertising and game composer based in Sydney, Australia. She holds a Master of Arts in Orchestration for Film, Games and Television from the University of Chichester where leading industry composers mentored her. Her TV and feature films credits include The Block, Ice Road: Vengeance, My Eyes and Bluey. Luna Pan composed the soundtrack for the Sydney New Year’s Eve 2025 Fireworks Light Up Harbour Spectacular. Her orchestral compositions Evolution (recorded by the RTVE Symphony Orchestra) and The Masquerade (recorded by Smecky Music Studios Prague) received nominations at the Hollywood Music in Media Awards in 2021 and 2022 respectively. In 2021 she won the Contemporary Female Composer Award and Best Orchestration Award at the GEMS Film Score Summer Programme in Spain. She is also the recipient of the APRA AMCOS Professional Development Award and was nominated for the Emerging Composer of The Year at the 2024 APRA AMCOS AGSC Screen Music Awards in Australia.
Miles Brown theremin/composer Miles Brown is an Australian thereminist, composer and producer. Initially self-taught, he received an Australia Council grant to travel to Oxford to study with Lydia Kavina, the world’s leading classical thereminist and grandniece of the instrument’s inventor Leon Theremin. Since 2000 Miles has explored the theremin as a lead instrument in the electronic rock band The Night Terrors, releasing five albums and touring internationally with acts such as Hawkwind, Goblin, Serena-Maneesh, Melt-Banana and Black Mountain. He has released two acclaimed electronic solo albums and collaborates with harpist Mary Doumany as the microtonal experimental duo The Narcoleptor. In 2009 he performed at the “Without Touch” Theremin Festival in Lippstadt, Germany alongside theremin greats Lydia Kavina, Carolina Eyck and Barbara Buchholz. His other festival appearances include the Melbourne and Adelaide Festivals, Laneway, Big Day Out, Bracara Extreme Fest and Denovali Swingfest. Through numerous compositions and collaborations, Miles Brown has pushed the boundaries of the theremin in a wide range of genres including rock, gothic and film music. He has performed in concerts with Lou Reed, Laurie Anderson, Goblin, Marc Ribot, Black Mountain, Mick Harvey and Alexander Hacke and has recorded with Grace Cummings, Sankt Otten, Antoni Maiovvi, Cat Hope, Jess Ribeiro, Little Birdy and Black Lung. His soundtracks for film include Late Night with the Devil (2023), Nosferatu (2022) and Insomnolence (2016). TV credits include Spooky Files (2024), Art Works (2021), Dogstar (2011) and an advert campaign for Telstra (2025). Miles Brown is currently the Curator of Music at the City of Melbourne and runs the Australian record label Heavy Machinery Records.
Gabor Vosteen recorder/comedian Gabor Vosteen tours the world as a recorder player and comedian. Following recorder studies at the Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media, he attended the Circus School in Budapest to focus on clowning. Thereafter he undertook studies in physical theatre at the International School of Theatre LASSAAD in Brussels. His performances combining virtuoso recorder playing and visual non-verbal comedy have taken him to 24 countries including tours with Night of the Proms and Circus Roncalli. He has collaborated with the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, Constance Southwest German Philharmonic Orchestra, Norwegian Arctic Philharmonic Orchestra, Szolnok Symphony Orchestra, Tyrolean Symphony Orchestra Innsbruck and the Youth Symphony Orchestra Bremen, among others. He has also appeared as a guest artist at the Potsdam Sanssouci Music Festival, the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Festival, the International Baroque Festival at Melk Abbey, the Bad Kissingen Recorder Festival, Jazz & the City Salzburg and the Musica Antiqua Festival in Bolzano. Gabor Vosteen is the recipient of numerous international awards including the Audience Prize at Tuttlinger Krähe, the Kleinkunstpreis Herborner Schlumpeweck, First Prize at the Gaukler und Kleinkunstpreis Koblenz and both the Audience Prize and Second Prize at the European Cabaret Competition Niederstätter surPrize in Bozen. Since winning the Best Small Ensemble Award at the YAMAwards in Denmark in 2019, he has enjoyed great success touring his solo programme The Fluteman Show. His credits for the City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong include The Fluteman Show in 2022.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong
City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong (CCOHK) holds a unique position as one of Asia’s leading chamber orchestras. Founded by oboist Leanne Nicholls in 1999, CCOHK has performed with many of the world’s most distinguished artists including Sir James Galway, Dame Evelyn Glennie, Sir Thomas Allen, Sir Neville Marriner, Michala Petri, Sarah Chang, Julian Lloyd Webber, Vladimir Ashkenazy and Alma Deutscher. CCOHK’s progressive programming has been internationally recognized with tour invitations to festivals in London, L’Aquila, Taipei, Beijing, Chengdu and Shanghai. Engagements in Hong Kong include Hong Kong Ballet, French May Arts Festival, RTHK’s Christmas Concerts in the Park and the World Harp Congress. CCOHK’s passion for building young audiences for music has inspired the creation of several newly curated and award-winning productions. Credits include Magnificent Mozart, The Star Bach, The Bonn Man, Haydn & The Prince, Bug Symphony, Shark Symphony and WILD (The Musical) – winner of the Public Choice Award at the YAMawards in Belgium 2022.
Tourism businesses and industry partners invited to collaborate with JETCO as Visit Johor 2026 gathers momentum.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 August 2026 – Following the successful launch of JETCO Connect in 2025, Johor Economic, Tourism and Cultural Office Singapore (JETCO) is taking the next step with JETCO Connect 2.0, shifting the focus from introducing Johor’s tourism offerings to fostering cross-border collaboration.
As Visit Johor 2026 invites visitors to discover Johor through its diverse mix of cultural, nature, food and island experiences, JETCO Connect 2.0 focuses on the work behind the scenes – bringing together tourism stakeholders to develop and package these experiences into compelling travel offerings for the Singapore market.
Organised in collaboration with Tourism Johor and Tourism Malaysia, JETCO Connect 2.0 brings this collaboration to life through a series of activities:
12–13 August – Familiarisation (FAM) Trip: Around 40 Singapore travel trade representatives, including travel agents, inbound operators, golf specialists and media, will explore Johor’s heritage, culture, eco-tourism, sports and urban attractions through a curated familiarisation programme.
13 August – Tourism Product Development Workshop: Around 80 participants from Johor and Singapore will work together to develop tourism packages across themes such as heritage and culture, gastronomy, eco-tourism, sports tourism, golf, halal experiences and island tourism for the Singapore market.
19 August – Partner Networking Session: JETCO leaders will reconnect with local operators in Singapore to present the tourism concepts developed during the workshop and discussion plans to bring them to market.
Redefining the Road Trip
One notable project that materialized from past discussions is Elevating Road Trip to Desaru. For years, the pristine beaches of Desaru Coast have beckoned Singaporeans seeking a quick, luxurious escape. The rise of world-class resorts has transformed the area into a premier destination. However, a glaring gap remained in the travel experience: the journey itself often lacked the refinement expected by guests bound for five-star accommodations.
Come 1st September 2026, the SVIP 27-Seater Daily Coach service will be launched. The 27-seater provides spacious seating, is equipped with individual USB charging point and offers strategic departure points from Tampines, Suntec City and Jurong East. From 01 Sep 2026 – 31 Oct 2026, bookings will be at $45/pax ($10 upgrade fee waived). More details can be found in Annex.
As JETCO continues to strengthen tourism links between Johor and Singapore, it welcomes tourism businesses, attractions, hotels, travel operators, industry associations and destination partners interested in exploring future collaborations.
Annex
The new SVIP fleet addresses the common pain points of overland travel, focusing entirely on passenger comfort and convenience.
Key Features of the SVIP Experience:
* Spacious Seating: The 27-seater configuration ensures ample legroom and personal space, a significant upgrade from standard, densely packed coaches. The seats are designed for relaxation, allowing travelers to start unwinding immediately.
* Modern Connectivity: Understanding the needs of the modern traveller, each seat is equipped with dedicated USB charging points. Whether you need to catch up on work, entertain the kids with a movie, or simply keep your devices juiced up for the weekend, power is always within reach.
Accessible Luxury: Strategic Departure Points
To cater to travelers across the island, the daily service operates from three strategically chosen departure points in Singapore:
1. Tampines: Serving the East, providing a convenient starting point for those living near Changi and the eastern heartlands.
2. Suntec City: Located in the heart of the city, offering easy access for urban dwellers and professionals heading straight from the office.
3. Jurong East: Ensuring that guests residing in the western part of Singapore have a hassle-free departure option without needing to cross the island first.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About JETCO
Johor Economic, Tourism & Cultural Office Singapore (JETCO) is a Johor State Government agency responsible for connecting Johor agencies with stakeholders in Singapore.
Established in 2021, JETCO plays a key role in promoting Johor’s economic opportunities, tourism offerings and cultural heritage while fostering partnerships between Johor and Singapore.
Through strategic initiatives and industry engagement, JETCO supports cross-border collaboration in line with key state initiatives such as the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) and Visit Johor 2026.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 August 2026 – Artificial intelligence is driving one of the largest infrastructure investment cycles in decades, but the rapid global build-out of data centers is also creating a new era of construction, operational, climate and insurance risks, according to the latest Allianz Commercial The data center construction boom: risks and claims trends report. Annual investment in data centers is projected to double from around US$500bn in 2024 to more than US$1trn as early as 2027. The investment opportunity extends far beyond server halls to electricity generation, grid infrastructure, cooling, networking, and semiconductors. According to Allianz Research, the US and China are expected to account for around 62% of new global capacity additions through 2030, but the next wave of investment is becoming increasingly global. In Europe, Germany, the UK and Ireland remain major markets, but faster expansion is expected in Spain, Finland and Denmark, where power availability and permitting conditions can be more favorable. Across Asia Pacific, excluding China, installed capacity is projected to increase from around 9GW today to more than 28GW by 2030, with Malaysia expected to grow more than tenfold.
“AI is turning the latest generation of data centers from a specialist real estate asset into mission-critical infrastructure,” says Thomas Lillelund, CEO of Allianz Commercial. “The scale of investment is extraordinary and, as these centers evolve beyond traditional data storage to high-performance compute demands, success will increasingly depend on resilience: access to power, reliable supply chains, robust construction controls, as well as climate-aware site selection and insurance programs that reflect the true accumulation risk. Indeed, comprehensive insurance cover has become a prerequisite for financing many large-scale AI infrastructure projects.”
Resilience must be central to data center operations The sector’s biggest constraints are increasingly physical rather than financial. Competitive advantage is increasingly determined by access to electricity, grid connections, permitting, specialized equipment and skilled labor. In the US alone, the construction industry faces a shortage of around 439,000 skilled workers, while an estimated 349,000 additional workers may be needed in 2026. Climate resilience is increasingly a strategic consideration rather than an operational afterthought. Around 79% of global data center capacity is already located in areas exposed to heightened natural catastrophe risk, while 54% is exposed to chronic heat and drought stress. Some of the fastest-growing AI infrastructure markets are also among the most climate-exposed, including Northern Virginia, US, Johor in Malaysia, and Marseille, France. Acute flood, wildfire and wind exposure is highest in the Americas, affecting 86% of capacity, while chronic heat and drought stress is greatest in Asia Pacific, where 89% of capacity is exposed.
Global data center insurance market will more than double by 2030 Insurance is evolving alongside the sector. As data centers assume a more critical role in infrastructure, comprehensive insurance cover has become a prerequisite for financing many large-scale AI infrastructure projects. Construction costs for a single AI campus can exceed US$20bn, with insured values rising substantially once high-performance computing equipment is installed. The global data center insurance market is projected to grow from around US$11bn today to more than US$24bn by 2030, reflecting rapid capacity expansion, rising insured values and increasing operational complexity. Demand is expected to extend beyond traditional property cover towards integrated solutions spanning construction, engineering, property, business interruption, cyber and liability, while also creating new opportunities in areas such as energy resilience, operational continuity, and technology risk.
Risk and claims trends: fire drives severity; water damage frequency Allianz Commercial analysis of insurance industry data center-related claims shows that fire is the leading driver of loss severity, accounting for well over 50% of around €700mn (US$800mn) worth of losses. Natural catastrophe activity ranks second, followed by willful acts, which include crime and cyber incidents, followed by power failure. Water damage is the most frequent cause of data center claims, followed by willful acts, fire, and equipment breakdown. Business interruption is the primary driver of claims severity by line of insurance, highlighting the significant financial impact of operational downtime.
The data center risk profile is changing as facilities become larger, more complex, and more increasingly interdependent. Hyperscale and colocation of campuses can bring together multiple tenants, construction works, servers, supporting utilities and on-site infrastructure in one physical or operational space. A single event can therefore trigger claims across property, construction, business interruption, liability, cyber, and financial lines. Real-life claims case studies show that in hyperscale facilities, damage to external cooling systems, hot works-related fire damage, and a delay in start-up caused by power disturbances have each resulted in losses in the US$50mn to US$100mn range.
“For insurers, the key question is not only the value of the building, but the concentration of value and dependency inside and around it. Power, cooling, batteries, fiber routes, testing and commissioning, and business continuity planning are all part of the same risk picture. Effective risk mitigation must begin early and continue throughout the data center lifecycle. Resilience must be designed in from the earliest planning stage,” explains Christian Kolbe, Global Head of Construction Claims at Allianz Commercial.
Clarity between policies essential to avoid ambiguity Data center projects encompass different project phases with several stakeholders and interests involved, which can create complications. During the construction phase, stakeholders include the owner, developer, contractor, and subcontractors, whereas in the operational phase, the stakeholders include the owner-operator, and potentially multiple tenants or end users. For example, different policies could respond to a hot works-related fire resulting in damage to a data center nearing completion, and this would impact different stakeholders.
“Clarity is critical with an insurance claim,” says Charlotte Field, Regional Head of Short-tail Claims, Asia, at Allianz Commercial. “Clearly documented handovers are essential between your construction all-risk policy and operational policy. There must be no ambiguity about practical completion, in order to avoid disputes over which policy responds to a particular event and the extent of cover.”
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Allianz Commercial
Allianz Commercial is the center of expertise and global line of Allianz Group for insuring mid-sized businesses, large enterprises and specialist risks. Among our customers are the world’s largest consumer brands, financial institutions and industry players, the global aviation and shipping industry as well as family-owned and medium enterprises which are the backbone of the economy. We also cover unique risks such as offshore wind parks, infrastructure projects or film productions. Powered by the employees, financial strength, and network of the world’s #1 insurance brand, we work together to help our customers prepare for what’s ahead: They trust us in providing a wide range of traditional and alternative risk transfer solutions, outstanding risk consulting and Multinational services as well as seamless claims handling. Allianz Commercial brings together the large corporate insurance business of Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS) and the commercial insurance business of national Allianz Property & Casualty entities serving mid-sized companies. We are present in over 200 countries and territories either through our own teams or the Allianz Group network and partners. In 2025, the integrated business of Allianz Commercial generated around €17.3 billion in gross premium globally. https://commercial.allianz.com/
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 August 2026 – Living between cities is fast becoming part of everyday life. People travel from elsewhere in Thailand to Bangkok for health checks and recovery; parents come to care for their children during term time or attend important family occasions; business travellers commute regularly for work; executives and expatriates relocate to begin new roles; and hybrid workers and specialists take on short-term assignments. As the boundaries between travel, work and everyday life continue to blur, accommodation is no longer simply a place to stay. It has become a space where guests can live comfortably, naturally and flexibly, maintaining their everyday routines much as they would at home.
Shama, the serviced apartment brand under ONYX Hospitality Group, a leading management company for hotels, resorts, serviced apartments and luxury residences across the Asia-Pacific region, responds to this evolving way of life through its ‘The Joy of Living’ philosophy. Shama believes that a fulfilling stay comes not only from a well-connected location, but also from an environment that enables guests to live and follow their daily routines in a way that feels true to who they are. Guests are also encouraged to experience the character of each neighbourhood and connect naturally with the surrounding community through a warm, friendly atmosphere and a genuine sense of belonging from the first day of their stay. This reflects Shama’s role as more than accommodation: it is a living space that helps each day unfold smoothly and meaningfully.
This philosophy is reflected across Shama properties in Thailand and overseas. Each is located in a neighbourhood with convenient connections to business districts, leading hospitals, international schools, public transport and key lifestyle destinations, and is surrounded by local restaurants, cafés, shops and communities. Guests can settle naturally into the rhythm of local life, whether staying for a few weeks, several months or many years, or moving to begin a new chapter in a different city.
In Thailand, for those looking to escape the bustle of the city while remaining within easy reach of Bangkok’s business districts, Shama Yen-Akat Bangkok offers the charm of a peaceful residential neighbourhood surrounded by local restaurants, shops and an established community. With convenient connections to Sathorn, Silom and Rama III, guests can enjoy a more relaxed pace of life while balancing work, leisure and everyday living. The property is also pet-friendly.
For those whose daily lives combine work with living in the heart of the city, Shama Lakeview Asoke Bangkok presents another side of city-centre living. Located in Asoke, one of Bangkok’s main transport hubs, the property is well connected by both BTS Skytrain and MRT, making everyday journeys easy and efficient. It is also surrounded by the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Terminal 21 and The EM District, while views over Benjakitti Park provide welcome moments of calm amid the energy of the city. The property is therefore well suited to business travellers, executives and families seeking the convenience of life in central Bangkok.
Meanwhile, Shama Sukhumvit Bangkok captures the energy of city-centre living, surrounded by restaurants, shopping destinations and key business districts. Its proximity to Bumrungrad International Hospital also makes it an ideal choice for guests travelling to Bangkok for work, health checks or time with family.
By contrast, Shama Sukhumvit 101 Bangkok offers a calm, welcoming residential atmosphere in the outer Sukhumvit area, which has been designated as one of Bangkok’s Creative Districts. Close to Cloud 11 and True Digital Park, hubs for young professionals and start-ups, the property offers convenient access via the BTS Skytrain and expressway. It is ideal for guests seeking a balance between work, relaxation and life in a warm, connected community, clearly reflecting Shama’s ‘Connected Neighbourhood’ philosophy.
For guests travelling to Bangkok for medical treatment or a temporary work assignment, Shama Petchburi 47 Bangkok offers comfort and convenience in a quiet yet well-connected residential neighbourhood. Located next to Bangkok Hospital and just five minutes from Phetchavej Hospital, it also provides easy access to Rama IX, Thonglor and Ekkamai. Guests can enjoy a relaxed way of life in peaceful surroundings while remaining close to the city’s main business districts.
Meanwhile, Shama Ekamai Bangkok offers a different perspective on urban living in the vibrant neighbourhoods of Ekkamai and Thonglor, surrounded by popular restaurants, cafés and lifestyle destinations. Despite its prime location, the property provides a peaceful, private retreat amid lush greenery, just minutes from the energy and convenience of Ekkamai and Sukhumvit. It also invites guests to discover the character of the local community, learn about the neighbourhood’s way of life and experience a genuine connection with the people who live there.
In addition, every Shama property offers Shama Social Club and Shama Friends, two lifestyle programmes that give guests opportunities to meet, share experiences and build relationships with neighbours and the surrounding community. By gradually becoming familiar with the people and everyday life of each neighbourhood, guests can feel part of the community from the very first day of their stay.
Creating experiences for diverse ways of life reflects ONYX Hospitality Group’s ‘More of What You Love’ philosophy, which focuses on delivering hospitality that meets the needs of travellers across different lifestyle segments. Through a portfolio of distinctive brands, ONYX elevates each stay beyond accommodation with benefits from ONYX Rewards, dining experiences from ONYX Dining, and services that connect guests with local people, communities and destinations, making every journey more meaningful.
As ONYX Hospitality Group marks its 60th anniversary, the company continues to develop its brands and guest experiences, offering a wider range of choices to meet the evolving needs of today’s travellers. Shama, meanwhile, continues to strengthen its role as more than a place to stay by creating spaces that connect people with local communities and fill every stay with the joy of everyday living under its ‘The Joy of Living’ philosophy.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About ONYX Hospitality Group
ONYX Hospitality Group, a reputable force in the Asia-Pacific hospitality industry, operates a collection of comprehensive yet complementary brands – Amari, OZO, Shama and Oriental Residence – catering to the distinctive needs of discerning business and leisure travellers across the region where it has deep expertise. In addition to its brand portfolio, ONYX Hospitality Group also operates additional hospitality services across spa and food & beverage. With six decades of management experience, the company extends its innovative solutions throughout the region, upholding internationally recognised standards and ensuring optimal operational manoeuvrability. By fostering enduring relationships with like-minded business partners, ONYX Hospitality Group delivers unparalleled experiences in a dynamic and competitive market, meeting the ever-evolving demands of travellers.
Leading Australian quick-service restaurant brand leverages Trintech to automate high-volume transaction matching
DALLAS and SYDNEY, Aug. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Trintech, the trusted AI platform for governed autonomous finance, today announced that Hungry Jack’s, one of Australia’s largest quick-service restaurant brands, has selected Trintech to automate and modernize its high-volume transaction matching processes, enabling greater efficiency, visibility, and control across its finance operations.
With close to 500 restaurants across Australia and roughly 300 million transactions processed annually, Hungry Jack’s finance team needed to move beyond manual, spreadsheet-based reconciliations.
“Our goal was to eliminate as many manual matching as possible while giving our finance team clear visibility into the exceptions that require attention,” said Christine Bletsas Chief Financial Officer. “After evaluating multiple vendors, Trintech stood out for its industry-leading transaction matching capabilities and consistently high match rates. Their ability to automate reconciliation across complex payment ecosystems gave us confidence they were the right partner.”
“Today’s finance leaders need more than automation. They need a trusted partner that delivers measurable business outcomes while strengthening governance and control,” said Claudia Pirko, VP & GM APAC, Trintech. “Hungry Jack’s is transforming the way it manages one of the most complex transaction environments in the restaurant industry, and we’re excited to partner with them on that journey. By combining industry-leading transaction matching with deep expertise in high-volume restaurant and third-party delivery reconciliation, we’re helping their finance team automate more, focus on the exceptions that matter, and build a stronger foundation for future growth.”
About Hungry Jack’s
Hungry Jack’s has been the home of the famous flame-grilled Whopper in Australia for over 50 years. Australians enjoy visiting Hungry Jack’s network of close to 500 restaurants nationwide for great tasting, fresh food. From delicious flame grilled 100% Aussie beef burgers, the succulent chicken menu items, brekky wraps or the barista made coffee, Hungry Jack’s is the destination for classic favorites, innovative new menu items and that famous flame grilled smoky BBQ flavour. To learn more about Hungry Jack’s, please visit www.hungryjacks.com.au
About Trintech
Trintech is the trusted AI platform for governed autonomous finance, helping organizations modernize financial operations across the Office of the CFO. Guided by our purpose to give people time back for what matters most, our vision is to create trusted finance that runs itself.
Trintech’s AI platform automates reconciliation, transaction matching, close management, journal entry, intercompany accounting, and compliance, enabling finance teams to reduce risk, strengthen controls, and operate continuously, accurately, and with confidence.
Trusted by thousands of organizations worldwide, Trintech empowers teams to focus less on manual processes and more on strategic impact. Headquartered in Plano, Texas, Trintech supports customers across more than 100 countries through a global network of offices, partners, and strategic resellers — helping shape the future of trusted autonomous finance.
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