KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Aug. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In an era defined by localized inflation, an escalating global energy crisis, and supply chain disruptions, a distinct class of Malaysian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) is rewriting the playbook. Rather than retreating into survival mode, these trailblazers are actively leveraging economic turmoil to restructure, capture market share, and outpace their competitors.

To honor this strategic mastery and unyielding grit, SAMENTA and Business Media International proudly recognized 170 outstanding SMEs at the latest edition of the Golden Bull Award. The two-night event was officiated by YB Tuan Steven Sim Chee Keong, Minister of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development, and YB Tuan Sim Tze Tzin, Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry. Together, this year’s winners highlight exactly how diverse sectors of the SME landscape are successfully turning macroeconomic pressures into distinct competitive advantages.             

The broader economic data confirms that Malaysian SMEs are acting as the nation’s economic shock absorbers. According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia (DOSM) Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Performance report, the sector achieved an impressive 5.8% GDP growth—outpacing the overall national GDP growth of 5.1%.

The latest cohort of Golden Bull Award winners firmly backs this report and they represent a diverse cross-section of the Malaysian economy, spanning 20 distinct industry groupings. This widespread representation proves that the capacity to adapt and thrive is not confined to a single market segment. According to the award’s winner demographics, the top-performing sectors driving this resurgence include:

• Real Estate & Construction (14.38%): Leading the pack despite facing skyrocketing raw material costs and energy price hikes, these companies are capitalizing on the crisis by pioneering energy-efficient construction methods and capturing market share as less-agile competitors scale back.

• Professional and Business Services (8.36%): This sector highlights a broader market shift toward strategic consolidation, as companies increasingly outsource specialized services to optimize their own operational overheads.

• Industrial Products (7.69%) & IT & Digital (7.69%): These sectors showcase the critical manufacturing-to-digital pipeline. Industrial players are re-engineering supply chains to combat inflation, while IT firms are providing the exact automation, AI, and cybersecurity tools the broader market desperately needs to survive.

• Healthcare, Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology (5.69%) and Trading & Wholesaling (5.69%): Showcasing steady, resilient growth by building highly localized supply chains that bypass global bottlenecks.

Other critical sectors making up the winner’s circle include Retail (5.35%), Transportation and Logistics (5.02%), Media & Creative Industries (4.68%), and Education and Training (4.35%)—demonstrating that proactive adaptation is happening economy-wide.

What separates Golden Bull Award winners from the rest of the market is their ability to treat economic crises as a catalyst for evolution. While others cut costs indiscriminately, these high-performing SMEs are leading the way through calculated innovation.

To combat the energy crisis and inflation, winners are actively integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) values into their core operations to optimize resource efficiency and offset rising utility bills. They recognize that economic dips are the most cost-effective times to acquire new customers, expand their market footprint, and secure premium talent that is suddenly available in a shifting job market.

Datuk William Ng, national president of the Small and Medium Enterprises Association of Malaysia (SAMENTA) emphasized the critical role these winning enterprises play in safeguarding and elevating the livelihoods of Malaysians.

“SMEs are not just the economic engine of Malaysia; they are the very foundation of our nation’s workforce. The Golden Bull Award winners exemplify the forward-thinking leadership needed to drive high-value job creation, upskill our talents for the digital age, and elevate the Malaysian workforce on the global stage”, Datuk Ng said.

“Malaysian SMEs have consistently demonstrated an extraordinary capacity to navigate economic headwinds like inflation and the energy crisis, emerging stronger on the other side. The sheer diversity of our winners across 20 industries reflects a fundamental shift; from merely surviving market disruptions to actively leveraging digitalization, strategic recalibration, and innovation for sustainable growth. The Golden Bull Award stands as a testament to these visionary entrepreneurs who refuse to be defined by adversity, but rather by their relentless courage to adapt and charge forward”, he added.

Since its founding in 2003, the Golden Bull Award has stood as a benchmark of SME excellence across Asia. With expansion into new Asia Pacific markets on the horizon for 2026, it continues to spotlight the region’s most inspiring business stories.

For more information on the award criteria, past winners, and nomination details, please visit the official Golden Bull Award website https://goldenbullaward.asia/

LIST OF WINNERS OF THE GOLDEN BULL AWARD 2026 IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER

SUPER GOLDEN BULL CATEGORY

1. AA AVIATION SDN BHD
2. AIMS DATA CENTRE SDN BHD
3. BEYOND2U SDN BHD
4. COSMOS INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANCY SDN BHD
5. HS HOHAN COMMERCIAL VEHICLES SDN BHD
6. POLYTAINER INDUSTRIES SDN BHD
7. TONG WOH ENTERPRISE SDN BHD
8. TSA GROUP BERHAD

OUTSTANDING BULL AWARD

1. A PLUS BOSS SDN BHD
2. ABSOLUTION SYSTEM INTEGRATION SDN BHD
3. AI PIXEL ENGINEERING SDN BHD
4. AM LIFE INTERNATIONAL SDN BHD
5. ANGSANA TUNAS SDN BHD
6. ATHROTECH SDN BHD
7. ATITA
8. BE EDUCATION SDN BHD
9. BEARBOOM INTERNATIONAL SDN BHD
10. BEUTEA HOLDING SDN BHD
11. BIO SYNERGY LABORATORIES SDN BHD
12. BIOCHEM LABORATORIES SDN BHD
13. BSSK LOGISTICS SDN BHD
14. BWS SALES & SERVICES SDN BHD
15. CEE INDUSTRIES SDN BHD
16. CHEAPER CONNECTIONS SDN BHD
17. CLG CONSTRUCTION SOLUTIONS SDN BHD
18. CNECC ENGINEERING (MALAYSIA) SDN BHD
19. CNI ENTERPRISE (M) SDN BHD
20. CODEME PRO SDN BHD
21. COMPLETE ELV & ICT SOLUTIONS SDN BHD
22. DCG HOLDING SDN BHD
23. DE SOLAR SDN BHD
24. DNF CABLE SDN BHD
25. DOUBLE E RESOURCES SDN BHD
26. DUNIA SERIMAS SDN BHD
27. EC BINA SDN BHD
28. ECO GREENBUILD INDUSTRIES SDN BHD
29. ENCA CONSTRUCTION SDN BHD
30. FIRST TOUCH BOOKS & STATIONERY SDN BHD
31. GLOBALINK METAL SDN BHD
32. GOLDCOIN STARHILL SDN BHD
33. GOPENG KALTECH SDN BHD
34. GREEN HUT FARMING SDN BHD
35. GREENDEX SDN BHD
36. GUESTONIC PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SDN BHD
37. HOYIYO SHOP INTERNATIONAL SDN BHD
38. HYBRID SOLUTION INTEGRATOR SDN BHD
39. IK TRANS LOGISTICS SDN BHD
40. INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES & SUPPLY SDN BHD
41. JET ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS SDN BHD
42. JIN SAN CONCRETE SDN BHD
43. JJ EXPRESS SERVICES SDN BHD
44. JN AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT ENTERPRISE
45. KIMAGRI CORPORATION SDN BHD
46. LIEP HONG TRADING & TRANSPORT SDN BHD
47. LUXURY SLEEP (M) SDN BHD
48. M.M.B. MARKETING COMPANY SDN BHD
49. MAHA SAWIT SDN BHD
50. MARINE DIESELCARE ENGINEERING SDN BHD
51. MAVERICK EDUCATION SDN BHD
52. MMX SOLUTIONS SDN BHD
53. MODULAR SCALE SDN BHD
54. MS REFRIGERATION SUPPLY SDN BHD
55. MULTIVEST ENGINEERING SDN BHD
56. MYSLEEP
57. NEW EDGE SAFETY DOOR (HQ) SDN BHD
58. NEW KC TRADING SDN BHD
59. ONE AUTO WORLDWIDE (M) SDN BHD
60. ORGABIO MANUFACTURING SDN BHD
61. PARTSASIA SPARE SDN BHD
62. PHP GROUP SDN BHD
63. POLY EDGE SDN BHD
64. QUADROS DESIGN SDN BHD
65. RIMS AUTO SUPPLIES SDN BHD
66. ROCK MAESTRO SDN BHD
67. SC SYSTEMS SDN BHD
68. SENI JAYA CORPORATION BERHAD
69. SHIELD FLOOR SDN BHD
70. SIS INTEGRATED SDN BHD
71. SKY MEDIC GROUP HOLDING SDN BHD
72. SOLARLINK ENERGY SDN BHD
73. SPR MICROTECH SDN BHD
74. SRI UTARA HOLDING (M) SDN BHD
75. STORE N GO SDN BHD
76. SUPER EDUCATIONAL ALLIANCE SDN BHD
77. SURIA SINAR SDN BHD
78. SWEET HOME INTERNATIONAL SDN BHD
79. SYARIKAT CENTRAL BOLTS & NUTS SDN BHD
80. TECHNOLGENT SDN BHD
81. TECHOM METAL SDN BHD
82. TEKUN CONCRETE (M) SDN BHD
83. TRANSWAYS LOGISTICS (M) SDN BHD
84. TYNOX INTERNATIONAL SDN BHD
85. UNITED ENGINE PARTS SDN BHD
86. V CRITICAL ENGINEERING SDN BHD
87. V FIFTH GROUP SDN BHD (VF PROPERTIES)
88. V-WORK SDN BHD
89. VILLY TRADING (M) SDN BHD
90. WEB 123 SDN BHD
91. XIN MARKETING (M) SDN BHD
92. YDG VENTURE SDN BHD
93. YUNA GROUP SDN BHD
94. ZEN VISION GROUP SDN BHD

EMERGING BULL AWARD

1. ACMETRONICS AUTOMATION SDN BHD
2. AIREMAR WORLDWIDE SDN BHD
3. ANC HUB TAX ADVISORY SDN BHD
4. APGO SDN BHD
5. BEYOND LIMITS CONSULTANCY SDN BHD
6. BULLIONAIRE INTERNATIONAL SDN BHD
7. CARDIOSCAN MALAYSIA SDN BHD
8. CATALYST EDGE AI SDN BHD
9. EASY COR ADVICE SDN BHD
10. ECENTRA SDN BHD
11. EDU ACTION SDN BHD
12. ENVICION STUDIO SDN BHD
13. FENCELINER SDN BHD
14. GAN & SONS PROPERTY SDN BHD
15. HERAMIX ENTERPRISE
16. HM RESOURCES MANAGEMENT SDN BHD
17. I&M SUCCESSION ADVISORY PLT
18. INSPIREN NETWORK SDN BHD
19. JD SMART INFINITE SDN BHD
20. KBM APEX BERHAD
21. KC ASSOCIATES (M) SDN BHD
22. KENT CONCEPT SDN BHD
23. LEO GLOBAL MARINE SDN BHD
24. LEVANZO MARKETING (M) SDN BHD
25. LOGICAL ASIA SDN BHD
26. MR ROVER AUTO PARTS SDN BHD
27. ONEFIT STUDIO (M) SDN BHD
28. OPEN RE SDN BHD
29. RC RENOVATION CONTRACTOR
30. SENG LI COOLING PART SDN BHD
31. SHANZHI CHEMICAL SDN BHD
32. SHIELDO WATERPROOFING SPECIALIST SDN BHD
33. SK GLOBE BUSINESS CAPITAL SDN BHD
34. SL SYSTEM & AUTOMATION (M) SDN BHD
35. SONGHUA TRANSPORTATION SDN BHD
36. STOLZ ENGINEERING SDN BHD
37. SUNNY HOMES DEVELOPMENT SDN BHD
38. SWEET RENT SDN BHD
39. SYN MOH SENG TRADING
40. TR AUTISM BEHAVIORAL CENTER SDN BHD
41. TWH GALLERY SDN BHD
42. VINCI CAPITAL ADVISORY SDN BHD
43. VIRTUAL ECONOMY TECHNOLOGY SDN BHD
44. VSB ACADEMY SDN BHD
45. YCE MANAGEMENT SDN BHD

DISTINGUISHED BULL AWARDS

1. ALAM-CON SDN BHD
2. ALLIED FORKLIFT (M) SDN BHD
3. AN JU GLOBAL SDN BHD
4. APPLE VACATIONS SDN BHD
5. ARMADA AUTO PARTS GROUP BERHAD
6. CHEVIN SDN BHD
7. CHIANG HENG GOLD & DIAMOND SDN BHD
8. EI POWER TECHNOLOGIES SDN BHD
9. ENGENIOUS SOLUTIONS SDN BHD
10. FITLINE (M) SDN BHD
11. FOREWARD REALTY SDN BHD
12. GOLDSOFT SDN BHD
13. KOIKE (M) SDN BHD
14. L & H CONSULTANCY SDN BHD
15. LMS EDUCATION HOLDINGS SDN BHD
16. MERRY HORTICULTURE INTERNATIONAL (M) SDN BHD
17. PESONA METRO SDN BHD
18. PMX DELIGHT HOLDING SDN BHD
19. REZO GROUP SDN BHD
20. SIACON TECHNOLOGY SDN BHD
21. SWAP LOGISTICS DISTRIBUTION SDN BHD
22. TOGL TECHNOLOGY SDN BHD

DIGITAL 50 AWARDS

1. ALFA-BANK
2. ALLIED FORKLIFT (M) SDN BHD
3. ARMADA AUTO PARTS GROUP BERHAD
4. BEYOND2U SDN BHD
5. BULLIONAIRE INTERNATIONAL SDN BHD
6. GOLDSOFT SDN BHD
7. JIN SAN CONCRETE SDN BHD
8. MMX SOLUTIONS SDN BHD
9. OPEN RE SDN BHD
10. ROCK MAESTRO SDN BHD
11. SWAP LOGISTICS DISTRIBUTION SDN BHD
12. TEKUN CONCRETE (M) SDN BHD
13. V-WORK SDN BHD
14. VIRTUAL ECONOMY TECHNOLOGY SDN BHD
15. ZEN VISION GROUP SDN BHD

GOLDEN BULL INSPIRATIONAL ENTREPRENEUR AWARDS

1. A PLUS BOSS SDN BHD – DATO’ JOE YEW SIN YOO
2. ANGSANA TUNAS SDN BHD – MR. KESTER BOON KAI ONN
3. ARMADA AUTO PARTS GROUP BERHAD – DATO’ MIKE TEH YOONG HOW
4. ATHROTECH SDN BHD – MR. JEFF LUAH
5. ATITA – MR. HUI CHAN YEW
6. BEYOND2U SDN BHD – MR. TAN TI CHYUAN
7. BIOCHEM LABORATORIES SDN BHD – MS. CARIS LEONG SHIAU PING
8. CHEAPER CONNECTIONS SDN BHD – MR. CALVIN HEW YUEN PENG
9. CLG CONSTRUCTION SOLUTIONS SDN BHD – MR. CHIN LEE GUAN
10. COSMOS INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANCY SDN BHD – MR. SUBHA SATHIAMOORTHY MARAIAH
11. EC BINA SDN BHD – MR. ERIC CHIA
12. ECO GREENBUILD INDUSTRIES SDN BHD – MR. LOO MENG HAW
13. ENCA CONSTRUCTION SDN BHD – DATUK TAY AH HUAT
14. GREEN HUT FARMING SDN BHD – DR. FRANCIS WONG KING WEE
15. HM RESOURCES MANAGEMENT SDN BHD – MS. NICOLE TAN LEE HONG
16. I&M SUCCESSION ADVISORY PLT – MR. MARVIN CHONG
17. INTERNATIONAL RESOURCES & SUPPLY SDN BHD – MR. TEH HAU WEI, SHAUN
18. JET ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS SDN BHD – MR. JUSTIN PAPU
19. JIN SAN CONCRETE SDN BHD – MR. BENJAMIN GUNG SIE KAI
20. JN AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT ENTERPRISE – MR. NELSON NG NYE SHEONG
21. KENT CONCEPT SDN BHD – MR. KENT HANG SHENG JEAN
22. KOIKE (M) SDN BHD – MR. NA CHIN TEONG
23. L & H CONSULTANCY SDN BHD – MR. LAW WAH SING
24. MARINE DIESELCARE ENGINEERING SDN BHD – MR. DESMOND TOH KIM HOW
25. ONEFIT STUDIO (M) SDN BHD – MS. NG SIEW LING
26. OPEN RE SDN BHD – DR. LIN HORNG SHENG
27. PARTSASIA SPARE SDN BHD – IS. DR. KENDRICK WONG HOI SANG
28. PESONA METRO SDN BHD – MR. WIE HOCK BENG
29. SIACON TECHNOLOGY SDN BHD     – DR. SIA TIAN POH
30. SK GLOBE BUSINESS CAPITAL SDN BHD – MR. SATHIS KUMAR MUNIANDY
31. SKY MEDIC GROUP HOLDING SDN BHD – MR. JEEVANAND A/L MUNIANDY
32. SRI UTARA HOLDING (M) SDN BHD – MR. TAN YAM HONG
33. STORE N GO SDN BHD – MR. TEE KEE LION
34. TECHNOLGENT SDN BHD – MR. DAVID VONG LIEW
35. TECHOM METAL SDN BHD – MR. TAN YEOW CHUAN
36. TEKUN CONCRETE (M) SDN BHD – MR. VINCENT LEE BOON GIAP
37. TOGL TECHNOLOGY SDN BHD – MR. ROY LIM
38. TRANSWAYS LOGISTICS (M) SDN BHD – DATO’ ALAN TAN
39. TSA GROUP BERHAD – MR. CHEW KUAN FAH
40. V CRITICAL ENGINEERING SDN BHD – MR. WILLIAM CHEN
41. YDG VENTURE SDN BHD – MR. TAN SOO KHIANG
42. ZEN VISION GROUP SDN BHD – MS. CHERYL CHONG XIAO LIN

HAPPIEST WORKPLACE CERTIFICATION

1. BEYOND2U SDN BHD
2. CHIANG HENG GOLD & DIAMOND SDN BHD
3. ENGENIOUS SOLUTIONS SDN BHD
4. JET ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS SDN BHD
5. SKY MEDIC GROUP HOLDING SDN BHD
6. SWAP LOGISTICS DISTRIBUTION SDN BHD

About SAMENTA

Established in 1986, SAMENTA is Malaysia’s oldest and largest association of SMEs, with over 5,500 members across the country. A multi-racial, multi-sector association, SAMENTA has been at the forefront of championing a SME-friendly business environment and connecting SMEs to regional and global opportunities.

About Business Media International

Business Media International is a subsidiary of Audience Analytics Limited (1AZ.SG), a regional leader in promoting growth for companies in Asia through data-driven brands and initiatives. BMI owns renowned media brands such as SME Magazine, HR Asia, Capital Asia, Energy Asia, Logistics Asia, TruthTV, and CXP Asia as well as business impact assessment brands such as SME100, HR Asia Best Companies to Work for in Asia, Golden Bull Awards and CXP Asia Best Customer Experience Awards. BMI also organises various exhibitions and has the proprietary software-as-a-service — Total Engagement Assessment Model – in its portfolio.

Media Contact:
Adrian Cheng
Marketing Manager
Business Media International
Mobile No.: 012-2692701
Email: adrian@businessmedia.asia

HONG KONG, Aug. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Synology launched the DiskStation neo+ Series, comprising the DS1825neo+, DS1525neo+, DS925neo+, and DS725neo+. This new lineup introduces a more accessible memory configuration, allowing customers to easily balance performance and budget requirements.

“Desktop models remain at the heart of our NAS ecosystem,” said Bie-I Chu, Executive Vice President of the Synology NAS Group. “As memory market dynamics shift, the neo+ Series reinforces our commitment to accessibility, giving customers the freedom to scale hardware according to their immediate budget and future growth.”

Affordable entry point

Built on the same platform as the DS Plus Series, the new neo+ models feature 4GB non-ECC DDR4 SODIMM memory as their default configuration, making the series significantly more affordable for users upfront.

The neo+ Series will coexist alongside the standard DS Plus Series models, providing a broader range of flexible choices in response to market dynamics.

Uncompromising performance

The new lineup is equipped with built-in M.2 slots for SSD caching and 2.5GbE ports, with storage capacity expandable through the DX525 expansion unit. In addition, the DS1825neo+ and DS1525neo+ feature PCIe 3.0 slots for optional 10GbE or 25GbE network adapter cards for further expansion.

To ensure a highly diverse upgrade path for the future, these models fully support existing ECC memory upgrade options, allowing users to expand their capacity up to 32GB as their workloads grow.^[1]

Comprehensive DSM capability

Powered by Synology DiskStation Manager (DSM), the neo+ Series delivers comprehensive solutions for data sharing, synchronisation, backup, and surveillance. Synology Drive turns the system into a private cloud with cross-platform access and site-to-site synchronisation for distributed teams.

Active Backup Suite protects Windows, Linux, and macOS devices, virtual machines, and cloud accounts, with flexible off-site backup options. Surveillance Station adds an on-premises NVR for multi-site security monitoring.

The Synology DiskStation neo+ Series is now available through Synology’s Hong Kong distribution channels. Please visit the Synology website for more information.

^{1. Mixing non-ECC and ECC memory modules is not officially supported.}

For more information, kindly visit: https://www.synology.com/zh-hk 

About Synology®

Staying at the forefront of data management, Synology innovates and adapts to ever-evolving technologies, and continues bringing new possibilities to the table, including but not limited to solutions for data storage and backup, file collaboration, video management,and network infrastructure – all designed with one goal in mind – presenting a centralized platform to simplify IT administration while driving digital transformation for businesses worldwide.

Contact Us: https://www.synology.com/en-global/company/contact_us 

SINGAPORE, Aug. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda unveils the top locations Indian travelers are keen to explore in the 2026 late summer travel season, with distinct choices based on group size. Agoda’s latest accommodation search data highlights that metropolitan cities continue to feature prominently in solo travellers’ searches, reflecting an interest in flexibility, urban experiences, and independent travel. Meanwhile, group travellers are searching for hill stations, pilgrimage destinations and leisure escapes, pointing to trips centred around shared experiences, relaxation, and spending time with family and friends

Solo Travellers Balance Urban Experiences with Cultural and Nature-led Escapes

Metropolitan cities continued to appear across solo traveller destinations of interest, based on Agoda accommodation searches. Mumbai and New Delhi occupy the top two positions, reflecting their appeal as destinations offering accessibility, vibrant food and nightlife, and the flexibility to explore independently.

Udaipur, with its lakeside palaces and walkable old city, continues to appeal to those seeking heritage experiences, while Tirupati reflects steady demand for solo pilgrimage travel to one of India’s most visited pilgrimage sites. Leh, Munnar and Srinagar highlight growing interest in Himalayan landscapes, tea-country retreats and houseboat stays for travellers seeking slower-paced, solo scenic experiences.

Together, these shifts show that solo travellers are balancing fast-paced city breaks with heritage, spiritual and nature-focused experiences, reflecting a desire for journeys that combine exploration with personal enrichment, mindfulness and meaningful cultural connections.

Group Travellers Prioritise Shared Experiences Across Nature, Leisure and Spiritual Destinations

Puri reflects its enduring appeal as a coastal pilgrimage destination centred around the Jagannath Temple, while Rishikesh, Haridwar and Ujjain underscore sustained interest in destinations with spiritual and cultural significance.

Hill stations including Nainital, Mussoorie and Shimla continue to attract families and groups seeking cooler climates and mountain escapes. Meanwhile, Wayanad points to growing interest in nature-based destinations that offer a slower, more relaxed pace of travel.

Overall, the data highlights a preference for destinations that cater to shared experiences, whether through scenic escapes, spiritual journeys or leisurely getaways. These choices reflect a growing desire to spend quality time together, create lasting memories and enjoy experiences that appeal to travellers across different age groups and interests.

Gaurav Malik, Country Director, Indian Subcontinent & Indian Ocean Islands, Agoda, said “Travel preferences are becoming increasingly personal, with solo travellers drawn to destinations that offer relaxation, self-discovery and flexibility, and groups keen to visit places to create shared memories. Goa in particular has enduring appeal, emerging as a top area of interest for both solo travellers and groups alike. As travellers seek experiences that are uniquely their own, Agoda remains committed to making it easy to discover and book the right stays, flights and activities at great value for every kind of journey.”

Agoda offers access to more than 6 million holiday properties across a wide range of price points and accommodation types, alongside over 130,000 flight routes and more than 300,000 activities that can be booked together in one place. Travellers can explore and book their next trip through the Agoda mobile app or by visiting Agoda.com.

SINGAPORE, Aug. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Seaspan Corporation Pte. Ltd. (“Seaspan”), a leading independent maritime asset owner and operator, is pleased to announce the successful issuance of a RMB 1.5 billion Panda Bond in China’s domestic bond market.

The three-year private placement note was issued on July 15, 2026, with a coupon rate of 2.50% per annum. The offering was oversubscribed by Chinese onshore and international investors with a book coverage ratio of 2.3 times.

The transaction is a significant milestone for Seaspan as the first international ship owner and operator to successfully access the Panda Bond market.

Beyond establishing a new funding channel, the transaction supports Seaspan’s strategy to diversify its sources of capital and broaden its access to unsecured debt, strengthening the company’s ability to invest in its fleet, pursue growth opportunities, and create long-term value for customers and stakeholders.

“The issuance demonstrates the confidence that investors have in Seaspan’s credit quality, business model, strong financial profile, and sustainable growth strategy,” said Andreas Brauch, Chief Financial Officer. “Expanding our access to China’s domestic capital markets further diversifies our funding sources and improves our access to cost-efficient capital, enhancing our long-term growth objectives to support our customers with one of the world’s largest and most modern fleets.”

The Panda Bond issuance marks an important highpoint in Seaspan’s participation in Chinese capital markets, where the company has strategic partnerships across the maritime ecosystem, including chartering, shipbuilding, financing, and maritime services.

About Seaspan Corporation Pte. Ltd.
Seaspan is the world’s leading maritime asset-owner and operator focused on long-term, fixed-rate leases to the world’s most prominent shipping lines. As of June 30, 2026, Seaspan’s operating fleet consisted of 247 vessels, pro forma for undelivered newbuilds (including four Pure Car, Truck Carriers, five Very Large Ethane Carriers and four Open Hatch Gantry Crane vessels), with a total fleet capacity of approximately 2.5 million TEU on a fully delivered basis. 

Media Contact: Cailey Murphy, Head of Corporate Communications, Seaspan Corporation Pte. Ltd., communications@seaspancorp.com

The yen has been here before — will history repeat itself, or is this time genuinely different?

LIMASSOL, Cyprus, Aug. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Japanese yen remains a widely discussed currency following a coordinated, record-setting US-Japan intervention that began on 30 July. Before the intervention, USD/JPY was trading near ¥164 – a 40-year low for the yen.

The initial intervention weighed on USD/JPY, triggering losses of more than 400 pips (-2.4%) in a single day, with further intervention on 31 July prompting another 200-pip decline. Despite a tentative recovery from ¥155 to approximately ¥158 – the underside of the pair’s 200-day SMA – market participants are understandably on edge, as both US and Japanese officials have said they are prepared to intervene again if needed.

Japan has intervened on several occasions since 2022, but coordinated action with the US has been rare, most notably in the late 1990s and again in 2011. Both prior joint interventions marked turning points in the USD/JPY trend.

The question is why the US and Japan joined forces now. The US involvement was primarily to prevent a destabilising spike in domestic bond yields. As the largest foreign holder of US government debt, Japan typically finances interventions by selling Treasury holdings. To shield the bond market from a sell-off, the US Treasury financed its share by selling euros from reserves to buy yen.

FP Markets Chief Market Analyst Aaron Hill commented: ‘To prevent the yen from weakening further, intervention alone is unlikely to be sufficient. The BoJ would need to get involved, increasing the policy rate a few more times to send a serious signal to the market. But to keep the JPY structurally bid, it would also likely need an exogenous catalyst that incentivises repatriation back into the yen to put this capital to work on home soil. Without this, USD/JPY dip-buyers could emerge and target pre-intervention levels in the not-so-distant future’.

With volatility expected to remain elevated, access to reliable pricing, 24/7 customer support, fast execution, and an experienced customer support team is key. FP Markets offers competitive spreads, a wide range of FX currency pairs, including an extensive selection of JPY pairs, award-winning trading platforms, and timely market commentary to support traders in responding to fast-moving events such as currency interventions.

About FP Markets:

FP Markets is a global, multi-regulated, award-winning broker established in Sydney, Australia in 2005. The broker offers 10,000+ CFD instruments across seven asset classes, available on industry-leading platforms including MetaTrader 4, MetaTrader 5, TradingView, and cTrader.

FP Markets’ regulatory presence includes the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), the Financial Services Authority (FSA) in the Seychelles, the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) of South Africa, and the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) of Kenya.

For more information, visit www.fpmarkets.com