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CNOOC Limited Brings On-stream Dongfang 1-1 Gas Field 13-3 Block Development Project

HONG KONG, July 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — CNOOC Limited (the “Company”, SEHK: 00883 (HKD Counter) and 80883 (RMB Counter), SSE: 600938) announces today that Dongfang 1-1 Gas Field 13-3 Block Development Project has commenced production.

The project is the first high-temperature, high-pressure, low-permeability natural gas project offshore China. It is located in the Yinggehai Basin, with an average water depth of approximately 67 meters. The main production facility is a new unmanned wellhead platform and it utilizes the existing processing facilities of the Dongfang gas fields for development. A total of 6 development wells are planned to be commissioned. The project is expected to achieve a peak production of approximately 35 million cubic feet of natural gas per day in 2026.

The existing facilities are used to connect the Dongfang 1-1 gas field and Dongfang 13-2 gas field. CNOOC Limited has thereby successfully established an integrated offshore gas production network in the Yinggehai Basin. It will facilitate the stable and reliable supply of natural gas in the region, providing strong support for the economic and social development of Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Hainan.

CNOOC Limited holds 100% interest in this project and is the operator.

— End —

Notes to Editors:

More information about the Company is available at https://www.cnoocltd.com.

*** *** *** ***

This press release includes forward looking information, including statements regarding the likely future developments in the business of the Company and its subsidiaries, such as expected future events, business prospects or financial results. The words “expect”, “anticipate”, “continue”, “estimate”, “objective”, “ongoing”, “may”, “will”, “project”, “should”, “believe”, “plans”, “intends” and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These statements are based on assumptions and analyses made by the Company as of this date in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that the Company currently believes are appropriate under the circumstances. However, whether actual results and developments will meet the current expectations and predictions of the Company is uncertain. Actual results, performance and financial condition may differ materially from the Company’s expectations, including but not limited to those associated with macro-political and economic factors, fluctuations in crude oil and natural gas prices, the highly competitive nature of the oil and natural gas industry, climate change and environmental policies, the Company’s price forecast, mergers, acquisitions and divestments activities, HSSE and insurance policies and changes in anti-corruption, anti-fraud, anti-money laundering and corporate governance laws and regulations.

Consequently, all of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. The Company cannot assure that the results or developments anticipated will be realised or, even if substantially realised, that they will have the expected effect on the Company, its business or operations.

*** *** *** ***

For further enquiries, please contact:

Ms. Cui Liu
Media & Public Relations
CNOOC Limited
Tel: +86-10-8452-6641
Fax: +86-10-8452-1441
E-mail: mr@cnooc.com.cn 

Mr. Cheng Yao
Ever Bloom (HK) Communications Consultants Group Limited
Tel: +852 5540 0725
Fax: +852 2111 1103
Email: cnooc.hk.list@everbloom.com.cn 

Kinder and University of East London explore how shared play strengthens emotional bonds in families

  • New preliminary research supported by Kinder at the Institute for the Science of Early Years (ISEY) at the University of East London explores how play ignites language skills, builds emotional connection, and bridges family disconnect
  • To underpin its global Value of Play initiative, Kinder has convened a panel of leading academic and clinical experts to research how play supports active learning and development

LUXEMBOURG, July 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — In countries across the world, as parents will be preparing for the school holidays ahead, Kinder is releasing findings of new preliminary research conducted by the Institute for the Science of Early Years at the University of East London (UEL), which reveals the extraordinary power of shared play in strengthening family bonds. 

Supported by Kinder, one of the most beloved Ferrero brands, this study used state-of-the-art wearable technology worn by children and family members to capture real-time emotional and physical dynamics during in-home play sessions. The research explores how simple moments of play spark joy, encourage language, reduce stress and nurture emotional wellbeing.

“Our early studies reveal a striking pattern: many families often share the same physical space, but mentally they are miles apart – one child immersed in a video game, another focused on a toy, and a third lost in drawing. While solitary play has important benefits for children’s independence and creativity, our research shows how shared play can weave families into a unified dynamic. Through shared play, we see family relationships come alive.” said Sam Wass, Director of the Institute for the Science of Early Years at the University of East London, “Our research is looking at the ways play encourages children to form deeper bonds with their siblings and parents, leading to more connected speech patterns and movement patterns within families. Even more remarkable, our research suggests that play might affect the synchronization of families’ moods and stress levels, highlighting play’s powerful role in emotional connection and collective well-being. I’m looking forward to seeing how Kinder’s ongoing research with the Value of Play panel will continue to unearth new insights and areas for exploration.”  

These initial results pave the way for further analysis by researchers at the University of East London and Kinder. Their continued work will explore how joint play influences children’s long-term emotional well-being and stress regulation by strengthening inter-connectedness within families.

Kinder Value of Play panel: ongoing global research

A panel of leading academic and clinical experts has been established to look into the benefits of play in childhood development. For the past year, four internationally recognised experts have been conducting independent research studies on how spontaneous and joyful play contributes to children’s growth – with a particular emphasis on emotional and social development, as well as imagination. The Value of Play panellists are:

  • Sam Wass, Director of the Institute for the Science of Early Years at the University of East London
  • Dr Elizabeth Kilbey, Consultant in Clinical Psychology
  • Victoria Murphy, Professor of Applied Linguistics and Director of Department of Education at the University of Oxford
  • Lynn Ang, Professor of Early Childhood Education, University College London

By promoting the importance of play, Kinder aims to foster a culture where play is valued and prioritised.

At Kinder, we aim at contributing to a society that values time spent in play. We are captivated by the transformative power of play, its ability to foster children’s development joyfully and its role in strengthening family bonds. This new global initiative fills me with pride, as it deepens Kinder’s collaboration with experts within this field” said Emiliano Laricchiuta, Global President of Kinder at Ferrero Group. “Together, we will continue to delve into the profound benefits of play on early childhood development. The research insights will be available for parents and families and will also guide the development of our toys and play experiences to be engaging and fun but also rooted in scientific insights. This way, both children and parents can enjoy and benefit from play in ways that are backed by research.”

Additional research findings from the expert panel will be released later in 2025 and into 2026 and made available on Kinder.com. Upcoming research includes:

  • The Power of Play (PoP) Study: Understanding the Role and Value of Play in Supporting Early Learning and Development, a systematic review and qualitative research conducted by University College London, Institute of Education.  The research explores how play — especially loose-part play and play interactions – support early learning, with a focus on social and emotional development.
  • Young children’s learning through digital technology, including the role of AI

Insights from the LiFT project (Learning for Families Through Technology). The partnership between Ferrero International, Gameloft and the Department of Education at the University of Oxford is now in its sixth year, using Kinder’s Applaydu platform as a research tool to explore how digital technology and mobile applications can support children’s learning – with a focus on creativity and literacy.

For more information please click here.

Notes to Editors

About Ferrero

Ferrero began its journey as a pastry shop in the small town of Alba in Piedmont, Italy, in 1946. Today, it is one of the world’s largest sweet-packaged food companies, with much loved brands sold in more than 170 countries. The Ferrero Group brings joy to people around the world with much-loved products including Nutella®, Kinder®, Tic Tac®, and Ferrero Rocher®. 

About 47,000 employees are passionate about helping people celebrate life’s special moments. The Ferrero Group’s family culture, now in its third generation, is based on dedication to quality and excellence, heritage and a commitment to the planet and communities in which we operate. 

To receive the latest news and stories, subscribe to our newsletter here

For more information, please visit www.ferrero.com 

About Kinder Chocolate

The Kinder® brand was founded in 1968 and is inspired by bringing small but special moments to everyday life. Kinder creates innovative products made for sharing, family and togetherness across all ages. Kinder products include Kinder Surprise, Kinder Chocolate and Kinder Bueno

About ISEY (The Institute for the Science of Early Years)
The Institute for the Science of Early Years (ISEY) is based in East London, in one of the most socio-demographically diverse regions in the world. We have developed innovative, world-leading methods to study how early environments shape early development. We use these insights to provide consultancy, training, and policy advice.

About the University of East London (UEL)
Founded in 1898, the University of East London is a careers-led university at the heart of London’s Docklands, preparing students for the jobs of the future. UEL is committed to driving positive change in its local and global communities.

Companies Struggle to Meet Rising Demand for Personalized Benefits, Aon Survey Finds

Global survey of benefits professionals found only 14 percent of multinationals have global guidelines in place to support personalization

DUBLIN, July 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, today released its 2025 Global Benefits Trends Study, which finds that multinational companies are under mounting pressure to offer personalized, inclusive benefits – yet most lack the governance, tools or frameworks to deliver at scale. The study, based on responses from more than 500 global benefits professionals across 45 countries and 16 industries, reveals that only 14 percent of multinationals have global guidelines in place to support personalization, while 65 percent of employees at multinationals would trade current benefits for more choice.

According to the study, cost management is the top priority for 70 percent of multinationals, with medical inflation cited as the key cost driver. But delivering employee value has surged to the forefront of the strategic agenda, now ranking among the top three objectives for benefits leaders. This disconnect underscores a new challenge for global benefits leaders: meeting rising employee expectations for flexibility while managing escalating costs. Seventy seven percent of survey respondents plan to negotiate their costs with existing benefits vendors and 67 percent plan to issue an RFP for benefits vendors.

“Employees increasingly expect a consumer-grade experience when it comes to their benefits – one that offers meaningful choice, creates innovative solutions and aligns with their individual needs,” said Michael Pedel, head of global benefits at Aon. “Companies are moving in that direction and communicating their progress, but must also manage the realities of cost and complexity. The opportunity lies in designing programs that deliver both value and efficiency at scale.”

Personalization and Inclusion: Expanding the Definition of Employee Value

Personalization increasingly incorporates inclusive benefits that address the diverse needs of today’s workforce. Aon’s study found that nearly two-thirds of leading companies (a select group of respondents with mature governance structures, integrated data strategies and executive-level alignment) plan to expand offerings focused on families (54 percent), aging (39 percent), gender (39 percent) and employees at lower income levels (39 percent). To balance these investments, 25 percent of survey recipients said they would reduce levels for benefits that are less valued by employees. These efforts reflect a broader shift: as employees seek consumer-grade experiences, they also expect benefits that align with their individual circumstances and values.

Personalized and inclusive benefits are also increasingly tied to wellbeing strategies, with 37 percent of companies actively considering initiatives that integrate health and work-life balance.

Overcoming Barriers to Personalization

While demand for personalized benefits is accelerating, most organizations face structural and operational challenges in scaling these offerings. While nearly half of companies have indicated that they already have a global benefits strategy, only 25 percent of global benefits leaders say their governance structure enables them to meet their objectives. By comparison, leading companies are three times more likely to have formal governance committees and twice as likely to centralize data and decision-making resulting in stronger alignment, cost savings and more stable benefits delivery. These top companies are also 67 percent more likely to have Global Benefits Centers of Excellence and three times more likely to have had their global benefits strategy and governance reviewed and endorsed by senior management, resulting in greater buy-in.

Technology, including artificial intelligence, presents a significant opportunity to deliver employee value while creating cost efficiencies. Leading companies are more than twice as likely to use tech to enable personalized experiences. However, only one in six benefits teams currently use AI to support benefits design or delivery. That figure is expected to nearly triple by 2027, but adoption is still limited by legacy systems, governance challenges and organizational readiness.

“This year’s study confirms what many global benefits leaders already feel, expectations are rising, but the tools and governance structures to meet them haven’t kept pace,” said Pedel. “To deliver real value, organizations must think beyond cost containment. That means embracing personalization, investing in inclusive benefits, leveraging data and analytics, and using technology and governance as strategic enablers. The companies that do this well aren’t just managing benefits, they’re shaping the future of work.”

About the Study

The 2025 Global Benefits Trends Study surveyed 518 global benefits professionals across 45 countries and 16 industries between January 27 and February 28, 2025. Read the full study here.

About Aon

Aon plc (NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise, and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues provide clients in over 120 countries with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that protect and grow their businesses.

Follow Aon on LinkedInXFacebook and Instagram. Stay up-to-date by visiting Aon’s newsroom and sign up for news alerts here.

Media Contact

mediainquiries@aon.com
Toll-free (U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico): +1 833 751 8114
International: +1 312 381 3024

Aon plc (NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise, and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues in over 120 countries provide our clients with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that protect and grow their businesses. Follow Aon on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram. Stay up-to-date by visiting Aon’s newsroom and sign up for news alerts here.
Aon plc (NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise, and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues in over 120 countries provide our clients with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that protect and grow their businesses. Follow Aon on LinkedIn, X, Facebook and Instagram. Stay up-to-date by visiting Aon’s newsroom and sign up for news alerts here.

 

WuXi Biologics Singapore CRDMO Hub Advances with the Launch of Modular Drug Product Facility Fabrication

  • Innovative modular design will accelerate construction and manufacturing timelines, enabling rapid adaptation of manufacturing capacities across diverse product formats.
  • Finished building will be one of the world’s largest modular biologics Drug Product (DP) facilities, and will enhance WuXi Biologics’ leadership in end-to-end DP capabilities.

SINGAPORE, July 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — WuXi Biologics (2269.HK), a leading global Contract Research, Development, and Manufacturing Organization (CRDMO), announced construction has begun for a new modular Drug Product (DP) facility, which will become part of the company’s CRDMO hub in Singapore. Under a strategic collaboration between WuXi Biologics and Pharmadule Morimatsu, 470 modular components are being fabricated at Morimatsu’s plant in Changshu City, and will be transported to Singapore’s Tuas Biomedical Park for installation. Once complete, the building will be one of the world’s largest modular biologics DP facilities, comprising approximately 30,000 square meters of space.

The new facility will feature state-of-the-art manufacturing lines, centralized Quality Control (QC) labs supporting full release and stability testing, and Manufacturing Science and Technology (MSAT) labs, significantly enhancing the company’s end-to-end DP services capabilities. Equipped with three pre-filled syringe (PFS) production lines and two vial production lines for both liquid and lyophilized products, it will deliver integrated DP manufacturing services — across both clinical and commercial stages — for multiple finished dosage forms. As part of WuXi Biologics’ commitment to sustainability, the facility will incorporate green technologies such as solar panels, and an advanced energy monitoring and analysis system. Operations are expected to commence in 2027.

In addition, the design phase is underway for a Drug Substance (DS) modular facility planned for the Singapore CRDMO hub.

Dr. Chris Chen, CEO of WuXi Biologics, commented, “The growing diversity of the global biologics pipeline and continued advances in bioprocessing call for innovative, highly efficient, and adaptable facilities designed to meet evolving manufacturing needs. We are delighted to be collaborating with Pharmadule Morimatsu on a time-saving modular approach to construction for the DP facility at our Singapore CRDMO Hub. Expanding our global capacity and capabilities underscores WuXi Biologics’ commitment to enabling clients as they pursue innovation and deliver breakthroughs that benefit patients worldwide, and we remain dedicated to making high-quality biologics more accessible and affordable.”

As a key contributor to the global healthcare industry, WuXi Biologics provides end-to-end solutions and services for its clients through an extensive global network, including 5 Research Centers, 8 Development Centers and 8 Manufacturing Centers (with 9 DP facilities and 16 DS facilities in operation). The company’s state-of-the-art DP manufacturing facilities provide formulation, filling, labelling, and packaging of biotherapeutics, vaccines, placebo and parenterals that are filled into either liquid, lyophilized, or PFS dosage forms.

With facilities in Ireland, Germany, the United States, Singapore, and China, and a total planned capacity exceeding 500,000L, WuXi Biologics offers clients access to a reliable and premier-quality global network. Through its Global Dual Sourcing strategy, the company ensures that materials can be sourced and products manufactured at multiple locations around the world, enhancing supply chain reliability and operational flexibility.

About WuXi Biologics

WuXi Biologics (stock code: 2269.HK) is a leading global Contract Research, Development and Manufacturing Organization (CRDMO) offering end-to-end solutions that enable partners to discover, develop and manufacture biologics – from concept to commercialization – for the benefit of patients worldwide.

With over 12,000 skilled employees in China, the United States, Ireland, Germany and Singapore, WuXi Biologics leverages its technologies and expertise to provide customers with efficient and cost-effective biologics discovery, development and manufacturing solutions. As of December 31, 2024, WuXi Biologics is supporting 817 integrated client projects, including 21 in commercial manufacturing (excluding COVID CMO projects).

WuXi Biologics regards sustainability as the cornerstone of long-term business growth. The company continuously drives green technology innovations to offer advanced end-to-end Green CRDMO solutions for its global partners while consistently achieving excellence in Environment, Social and Governance (ESG). Committed to creating shared value, it collaborates with all stakeholders to foster positive social and environmental impacts and promote responsible practices that empower the entire value chain.

For more information about WuXi Biologics, please visit: www.wuxibiologics.com.

Thailand MICE Momentum Brews in Chiang Rai at Global Coffee and Tea Forum

CHIANG RAI, Thailand, July 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The vision of the northern Thai city of Chiang Rai to become a destination for tea and coffee took a significant leap forward with the successful hosting of the “Global Coffee and Tea Association Forum 2025: Shaping the Future Together” from 17 to 20 July. Showcasing the city’s MICE potential, this landmark event featured a combination of insightful presentation and discussions, dynamic exhibitions, and immersive site visits. It brought together 211 delegates consisting of 165 Thais and 46 overseas participants from 11 territories – Australia, Cambodia, Mainland China, Colombia, Denmark, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Myanmar, Japan, Singapore and Vietnam.

Thailand MICE Momentum Brews in Chiang Rai at Global Coffee and Tea Forum
Thailand MICE Momentum Brews in Chiang Rai at Global Coffee and Tea Forum

During the forum, participating industry professionals engaged in knowledge exchange, networking, and business development. Participants also engaged directly with local plantations, processing facilities, and tasting experiences, brewing substantial opportunities to drive growth across Chiang Rai’s tea and coffee sectors.

Building on the momentum of two international Tea and Coffee symposia in 2023 and 2024, the forum was supported by strong multi-institutional collaboration among the Tea and Coffee Institute of Mae Fah Luang University, Singha Park Chiang Rai Co., Ltd., and the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB).

According to Mr. Puripan Bunnag, Acting President of TCEB, Chiang Rai has proven its capacity as a secondary city capable of hosting major business events. He stated, “MICE is serving as a powerful driver for the local economy. The success of the ‘Global Coffee and Tea Association Forum 2025’ not only reinforced the city’s ambition to become a destination for quality tea and coffee on domestic and regional levels but also supported Chiang Rai’s goal of emerging as a center for national and international tea and coffee festival events.”

Convention Highlights Global Industry Dialogue

The forum commenced with a convention at Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort, bringing together experts and entrepreneurs from China, Japan, Indonesia, Myanmar, Singapore, Denmark, Australia, Vietnam, and Thailand. Key topics explored a broad spectrum of issues, ranging from prevalent challenges and product innovation to sustainability, carbon footprint, blending and flavoring, and wellness-oriented consumption. Sessions were complemented by showcases of product development, processing research, and production solutions.

Exhibition Showcases Regional Excellence and Innovation

Following the convention, “Chiang Rai Brewtopia Green Season” exhibition at Mae Fah Luang Art and Cultural Park, held from July 18 to 20, was inaugurated by Mr. Rutisak Rangsri, Vice Governor of Chiang Rai; Mr. Puripan Bunnag, Acting President of TCEB; and Asst. Prof. Dr. Piyaporn Chueamchaitrakun, Head of the Tea and Coffee Institute at Mae Fah Luang University. The exhibition featured around 40 coffee and tea entrepreneurs providing overseas delegates with direct access to uniquely blended teas and coffees crafted by ethnic hill tribes, emerging local talents, and artisanal creators. Complemented by workshops, business talks, and product showcases, the event highlighted Chiang Rai’s growing influence and innovation within the industry.

Site Visits Underscore Chiang Rai’s Production Strengths

To highlight the region’s agricultural strengths, the forum featured “A Cup to Village” site visits to renowned tea and coffee plantations. Choui Fong Tea in Mae Chan demonstrated organic hill-terrace cultivation, production process and tastings of its award-winning Oolong tea. Wang Put Tan Tea in Doi Mae Salong showcased community transformation through high-quality Oolong and Black Tea, with the latter winning the Grand Gold Prize at the 2021 World Green Tea Contest. The site provided insights into tea production and tasting experiences. Doi Chang Coffee in Mae Suai illustrated the success of the Arabica crop introduced under the 1969 Royal Project to replace slash-and-burn farming. Now a recognized brand with a unique aroma, forest coexistence, academic support, exports to 10+ countries, and GI certification from the European Union. The visit ended with a cupping session by the Queen of Coffee.

The successful hosting of the Global Coffee and Tea Association Forum 2025 marked another significant chapter of Chiang Rai in MICE’s development. The city made its first-ever entry into ICCA’s global city rankings in 2024 after hosting two ICCA-qualified conferences. It also hosted the Spring Meeting of the International Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) in February 2025 and will be welcoming the PATA Destination Marketing Forum this coming November.

“As part of TCEB’s strategy to diversify Thailand’s event destinations, we are actively promoting cities with unique strengths to boost their competitiveness on the global MICE stage. Chiang Rai, with its rich tea and coffee heritage, exemplifies how we attract international events and strengthen the city’s position on the global MICE map,” added Mr. Puripan.

For more information, contact TCEB at: pr@tceb.or.th

About TCEB

A LEADING AGENCY AT THE FOREFRONT OF THAILAND’S MICE INDUSTRY

Established in 2004, Thailand Convention & Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) or TCEB – the government agency under the supervision of the Prime Minister – has been assigned a role to promote, support and develop business events industry – corporate meetings, incentive trips, conventions, exhibitions, mega events and world festivals. Serving as a strategic partner, TCEB helps deliver creative ideas and solutions to bring success and fulfill the requirements of business events. The overarching goal is to drive Thailand to become a global MICE and mega events destination that can drive the country’s strategic industries and national economy.

Macau’s Oriental Pearl district property market poised for growth, fuelled by LRT East Line

The only private housing area directly adjacent to an LRT station, offering seamless connectivity across Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Macau

HONG KONG, July 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — With phased construction of the East Line of Macau’s Light Rapid Transit (LRT) system commencing this month and full operation scheduled for the second half of 2029, market attention is increasingly focused on the development potential of districts along the route. The Oriental Pearl district, being the only established residential area located directly adjacent to an LRT station on the line, is set to be the primary beneficiary with strong prospects for capital appreciation. It is expected to attract significant interest from both local and international buyers and investors.

The Residencia is one of the upcoming residential projects will be launched in the Oriental Peal district.
The Residencia is one of the upcoming residential projects will be launched in the Oriental Peal district.

One of the upcoming residential projects sale in the district is The Residencia, which located between the A1 and B exits of the Light Rail East Line ES2 station. To optimise the living environment, a 600-meter skyway is being constructed, expected to be completed as early as June 2027, connecting the surrounding streets and light rail stations for residents’ convenience.

LRT East Line to enhance connectivity, boosting property price outlook

Located in the northern part of the Macau Peninsula, the Oriental Pearl district boasts a prime location. Is it the closest private residential area to the Macau Port of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge—just a 4-minute drive— offering direct and convenient access to both Hong Kong and Zhuhai. The district is also in close proximity to several key transport hubs, including the Outer Harbour Ferry Terminal (approximately 5 minutes by car), Macau International Airport, and Taipa Ferry Terminal (both approximately 15 minutes by car). Popular destinations such as Avenida de Almeida Ribeiro, the Ruins of St. Paul’s, and the Cotai Strip are also within 15 to 18 minutes’ drive, enjoying a well-connected air, land, and sea transportation network.

Once the LRT East Line is operational, the transport advantages of the Oriental Pearl district will be further elevated. Residents will benefit from direct, one-stop access from the Border Gate station, and easy connections to New Urban Zones A, Cotai Strip, and the Lotus Border. The improved connectivity will not only enhance daily convenience for residents but also boost the rental appeal and value retention of properties in the area, offering investors more secure medium- to long-term returns.

Mark Wong, Senior Director of Valuation and Advisory Services at JLL in Macau, said: “Across the entire East Line, the Oriental Pearl district stands out as the only developed private residential area directly adjacent to a station, positioning it to benefit from the value uplift associated with the LRT network. This will not only support local property prices but also stimulate greater activity in the rental market. We anticipate growing interest from capital across Mainland China, Hong Kong and overseas.”

Economic recovery and policy tailwinds driving market momentum

In addition to the benefits brought by the LRT East Line, the Oriental Pearl district is also set to gain from a broader economic recovery. In June 2025, Macau’s gaming revenue exceeded MOP 21 billion, marking a 19% year-on-year increase and the highest since the pandemic. As the backbone of the local economy, the recovery of the gaming sector is expected to fuel a broader recovery in tourism, retail, and employment, further stimulating housing demand and injecting renewed momentum into the property market.

Meanwhile, residential property prices in Macau are now at relatively low levels—over 30% below their 2018 peak—presenting a compelling entry point for buyers and investors. Given the Macanese Pataca’s indirect peg to the US Dollar, Macau is regarded as a US dollar-based asset zone, offering high asset value stability, making it highly appealing to buyers from mainland China, Hong Kong, and overseas. Historically, Hong Kong buyers accounted for up to 50% of overseas purchasers between 2012 and 2013. Although this figure dropped below 5% in recent years due to market cooling measures, the government’s full withdrawal of such policies last year is expected to attract oversea buyers back to the Macau market in the long term.

Limited supply supports price, with Oriental Pearl district showing strong resilience

Macau has long grappled with limited land resources for private residential development. Although the land reclamation in New Urban Zone A has increased supply, much of the area is earmarked for public housing, leaving extremely limited space for private residential projects. Combined with the lack of large-scale development sites within the existing urban fabric, private housing supply is expected to remain tight, supporting property values over the medium to long term.

Wong added: “The Oriental Pearl district is a mid- to high-end residential neighbourhood with established community amenities. In a market where private housing remains scarce, the district offers strong value preservation potential. Even during recent market downturns, property prices in the area remained relatively stable, with milder declines than elsewhere, showcasing strong resilience and defensive qualities. Currently, mid- to high-end homes in the district are priced at approximately MOP 7,000 to 9,000 per sq ft, significantly lower than comparable properties in Hong Kong, making them an attractive option for prospective buyers.”

“In the first half of 2025, rental levels for private residential properties in Macau stabilised, with a modest upward trend emerging. We anticipate that rental growth for the full year could reach up to 5%. The Oriental Pearl district has long maintained a stable and active rental market, underpinned by strong and consistent tenant demand. As the interest rate is falling and the capital is finding ways for reinvestments, properties in the district are well-positioned to deliver stable and appealing rental returns for investors,” he added.

About JLL

For over 200 years, JLL (NYSE: JLL), a leading global commercial real estate and investment management company, has helped clients buy, build, occupy, manage and invest in a variety of commercial, industrial, hotel, residential and retail properties. A Fortune 500® company with annual revenue of $23.4 billion and operations in over 80 countries around the world, our more than 112,000 employees bring the power of a global platform combined with local expertise. Driven by our purpose to shape the future of real estate for a better world, we help our clients, people and communities SEE A BRIGHTER WAYSM. JLL is the brand name, and a registered trademark, of Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated. For further information, visit jll.com.

Contact: Yvonne Liu                            Jimmy Chan
Phone: +852 2846 5264                      +852 3103 0102
Email: Yvonne.Liu@jll.com                  Jimmy.Chan@cdrconsultancy.com

The Oriental Pearl district, being the only established residential area located directly adjacent to an LRT station on the line, is set to be the primary beneficiary with strong prospects for capital appreciation.
The Oriental Pearl district, being the only established residential area located directly adjacent to an LRT station on the line, is set to be the primary beneficiary with strong prospects for capital appreciation.

Mark Wong, Senior Director of Valuation and Advisory Services at JLL in Macau, said the Oriental Pearl district stands out as the only developed private residential area directly adjacent to the East Line station, positioning it to benefit from the value uplift associated with the LRT network.
Mark Wong, Senior Director of Valuation and Advisory Services at JLL in Macau, said the Oriental Pearl district stands out as the only developed private residential area directly adjacent to the East Line station, positioning it to benefit from the value uplift associated with the LRT network.

Laos Draws 2.3 Million Visitors Midway Through 2025

Luang Prabang Province.

Laos welcomed over 2.3 million tourists in the first half of the year, an increase from 2.1 million during the same period last year. The country is now aiming to surpass its target of 4.5 million visitors.

Ericsson announces completion of Aduna transaction

  • Aduna now a 50:50 joint venture: 50 percent owned by Ericsson and 50 percent owned by twelve communications service providers (CSPs)
  • Aduna has been operational since its formation announcement on September 11, 2024
  • Aduna ecosystem comprises CSP, major developer platform companies, global system integrators (GSI), communication platform as a service (CPaaS) companies, and independent software vendor (ISV) partners

STOCKHOLM, July 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Today, Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) announces the completion of the equity investments by twelve global communication service providers (CSPs) into its subsidiary Aduna, formally establishing Aduna as a 50:50 joint venture. Aduna was created to combine and sell aggregated network Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) globally. It has been operational since the deal signed on 11 September 2024.

Aduna is now owned by AT&T, Bharti Airtel, Deutsche Telekom, Ericsson, KDDI, Orange, Reliance Jio, Singtel, Telefonica, Telstra, T-Mobile, Verizon and Vodafone.

In addition to funding and commercial agreements, the shareholders bring to Aduna a wealth of support in the industry, including through telecom operator relationships, knowledge of the developer community, and expertise in network APIs.  Ericsson also contributed its global network platform, on which Aduna will build and refine its offering.

Ericsson holds 50 percent of the venture equity, with the remaining 50 percent held by the above-named CSPs combined.

Aduna CEO, Anthony Bartolo, says: “The closing of the transaction is another important step for Aduna. In just ten months we have built an impressive ecosystem comprising the biggest names in telecoms and the wider ICT industry. The closing provides renewed motivation for Aduna to accelerate the adoption of network APIs by developers on a global scale. This includes encouraging more telecom operators to join the new company, further driving the industry and developer experience.”

In addition to the founding venture partners, the rapidly-expanding Aduna ecosystem includes a diverse range of technology and collaboration partnerships. These span additional CSPs worldwide, as well as major developer platform companies, global system integration (GSI) companies, communication platform-as-a-service (CPaaS) companies, and independent software vendor (ISV) companies.

To date these include: e&, Bouygues Telecom, Free, CelcomDigi, Softbank, NTT DOCOMO, Google Cloud, Vonage, Sinch, Infobip, Enstream, Bridge Alliance, Syniverse, JT Global, Microsoft, Wipro and Tech Mahindra – each playing a vital role in advancing the reach and impact of network APIs worldwide.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Aduna

Aduna Newsroom

Media queries: Media.Relations@adunaglobal.com

Related press release: Global telecom leaders join forces to redefine the industry with network APIs

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ABOUT ADUNA:

Aduna is a landmark venture between some of the world’s leading telecom operators and Ericsson, dedicated to enabling developers worldwide to accelerate innovation by leveraging networks to their full potential via common network Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). Its venture partners include: AT&T, Bharti Airtel, Deutsche Telekom, KDDI, Orange, Reliance Jio, Singtel, Telefonica, Telstra, T-Mobile, Verizon and Vodafone. By combining network APIs from multiple operators globally under a unified platform based on the CAMARA open-source project, driven by the GSMA and the Linux Foundation, Aduna provides a standardized platform to foster collaboration, enhance user experiences, and drive industry growth. To find out more about Aduna, visit adunaglobal.com.

ABOUT ERICSSON:

Ericsson’s high-performing networks provide connectivity for billions of people every day. For nearly 150 years, we’ve been pioneers in creating technology for communication. We offer mobile communication and connectivity solutions for service providers and enterprises. Together with our customers and partners, we make the digital world of tomorrow a reality. www.ericsson.com

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