TORONTO, Sept. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Manulife has appointed Sarah Chapman as Global Chief Marketing & Customer Experience Officer, effective January 1, 2027, reporting to Phil Witherington, President and Chief Executive Officer, and joining Manulife’s Executive Leadership Team.
Manulife appoints Sarah Chapman as Global Chief Marketing & Customer Experience Officer
Chapman will lead Manulife’s Global Marketing organization, with responsibility for the company’s brand, marketing and enterprise customer experience strategies.
“Sarah is a proven global leader with deep knowledge of our business, customers and enterprise strategy,” said Phil Witherington, President and Chief Executive Officer, Manulife. “Her appointment reflects the strength of our internal talent pipeline and is the result of thoughtful succession planning. I’m confident her strategic perspective, creativity and strong track record of leading transformation will help us build on our momentum, deepen our customer focus and advance Manulife’s ambition to be the number one choice for customers.”
Chapman currently serves as Chief Marketing Officer for Manulife Canada and leads the company’s global Digital, Customer Centricity and Sustainability agendas. She previously served as Chief Marketing Officer for Manulife Wealth and Asset Management. Her leadership experience spans marketing strategy, brand, digital, analytics, customer experience and sustainability.
“I’m honoured to take on this role and am excited to help make lives better for more than 37 million customers around the world,” said Chapman. “Manulife has an exceptional Global Marketing team, a trusted brand, and a clear commitment to innovation. I look forward to building on our strong foundation and working with colleagues across the company to deliver meaningful experiences and impact for our customers.”
Chapman succeeds Karen Leggett, who will retire from Manulife at the end of this year, providing for a smooth leadership transition.
About Manulife
Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, helping customers make their decisions easier and lives better. With our global headquarters in Toronto, Canada, we operate as Manulife across Canada, Asia and Europe, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States. Through Manulife Wealth & Asset Management, we serve individuals, institutions and retirement-plan members worldwide. At the end of 2025, we had more than 39,000 employees, over 109,000 agents, and thousands of distribution partners, serving more than 36 million customers. We trade as MFC on the Toronto, New York and Philippine stock exchanges and under 945 on the Hong Kong stock exchange.
Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit manulife.com.
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Fanttik, a leading innovator in high-performance, portable power tools, today announced a new lineup of automotive and DIY tools, led by the Luma K10 Apex 4K dual-channel dash cam and O11 Pro mini cordless circular saw. The new products expand Fanttik’s lineup with solutions for everyday driving, home projects, and precision work.
New Automotive Tools
For drivers, Fanttik is introducing a new dash cam and compact roadside tools designed to help capture the road and handle common emergencies.
Luma K10 Apex: Clearer Imaging, Faster Access
The Luma K10 Apex is a 4K dual-channel dash cam designed to help drivers capture clearer footage, access recordings more easily, and feel more confident on the road. It features a 4K front camera and 2K rear camera, AI-enhanced image processing, 5.8GHz Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, GPS recording, and a 2.8-inch touchscreen.
AI-Powered Imaging for Real-World Driving Luma K10 Apex pairs a 4K front camera powered by the Sony STARVIS 2 IMX678 with a 2K rear camera. An AI NPU and advanced ISP image processing engine work together to optimize image quality across changing road and lighting conditions.
Ultra-Fast Access to Recorded Footage With 5.8GHz Wi-Fi 6 connectivity and a companion app, Luma K10 Apex enables wireless preview and 4K footage downloads at speeds over 20 MB/s.
Flexible Control on the Road Drivers can manage the camera through a 2.8-inch IPS touchscreen, physical smart control dial, or companion app, making it easy to review footage and adjust settings on the go.
Beyond 10 Apex & X11 Pro+: More Than a Tire Inflator
The Beyond 10 Apex combines a car jump starter, tire inflator, power bank, and LED flashlight in a 1.44-pound package roughly the size of a soda can. It can jump-start vehicles with up to 7.0L gasoline or 5.0L diesel engines and inflate an R15 tire from 28 to 33 PSI in one minute.
The X11 Pro+ features 39s Jet-Inflate performance, topping off an R15 tire in just 39 seconds. With a maximum pressure of 150 PSI, it can handle compact cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and more.
New Home DIY Tools
Beyond the road, Fanttik’s latest releases also include a range of tools for home DIY projects, covering cutting, precision crafting, cleanup, and measurement.
O11 Pro: Compact Cutting for Home Projects
The Fanttik O11 Pro is a 3-3/8-inch mini cordless circular saw built for woodworking, furniture projects, and home renovation. At just 2.31 pounds and 10.75 inches long, it is easy to use one-handed, maneuver in tight spaces, and carry.
Powered by a 4,500 RPM brushless motor, the O11 Pro delivers up to 1 inch of cutting depth. Its built-in CellCore battery provides enough power to cut more than 100 pieces of 1×8-inch lumber per charge.
Pix 3 Master: Pen-Style Detail Sander
Once the cutting is done, smaller details often need a lighter touch. The Fanttik Pix 3 Master is a pen-style electric detail sander designed for 3D printing, model making, crafts, and precision sanding. Its brushless motor delivers reciprocating sanding at up to 6,000 SPM, while the pen-style grip and ring LED light improve control and visibility around gaps, grooves, and corners.
B11 Mix Pro: Powerful Cleaning and Airflow
DIY projects can leave plenty of dust and debris behind. The Fanttik B11 Mix Pro’s 160W brushless motor delivers up to 130,000 RPM and 70 m/s air speed, helping clear dust, debris, and buildup from hard-to-reach areas. Beyond dust removal, it also includes an axial fan attachment for switching from blowing to cooling, and can inflate pool floats and other inflatables.
Neo A11 Pro: Precise Laser Measuring
For accurate measurements, the Fanttik Neo A11 Pro features a 165-foot range and 2.4-inch IPS touchscreen. It supports single, continuous, area, and volume measurements, with an angle sensor and universal bubble level to help reduce tilt errors. It delivers ±1/16-inch accuracy and stores up to 30 measurement groups.
Pricing & Availability
Luma K10 Apex (OBD-II Hardwire Kit version): Available on TikTok Shop and the Fanttik Official Website in mid-September 2026.
Luma K10 Apex (12V Car Charger Kit version): Available on Amazon U.S. in October 2026.
Other new products: Available now on Amazon U.S. and the Fanttik Official Website.
Special launch promotions will be available across all channels upon release.
About Fanttik
Founded in 2020, Fanttik offers a wide range of thoughtfully designed products spanning car maintenance, outdoor exploration, home improvement, and DIY and woodworking tools. Specializing in high-quality automotive tools, outdoor gear, and home-improvement tools built with innovation, durability, and modern design at their core, Fanttik turns ordinary tasks into fantastic experiences. Its products are sold in more than 30 countries and recognized with iF and Red Dot Design Awards, including a 2025 Red Dot “Best of the Best.”
CALGARY, CANADA – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 September 2026 – Colossal Energy Fields Corp. (“Colossal Energy”) is pleased to announce the appointment of Warren Irwin as Special Advisor. With 40 years of financial markets, investment management, corporate finance and capital allocation experience, Mr. Irwin will provide strategic counsel to the Company’s management team and Board of Directors as it evaluates growth opportunities, financing alternatives and disciplined investment in projects related to oil and gas resources.
Mr. Irwin founded Rosseau Asset Management Ltd. in 1998, following several successful years in proprietary investing at Deutsche Bank Canada. Rosseau’s flagship fund, Rosseau LP, was established on December 31, 1998 and has earned a strong reputation for investment performance and disciplined, research-driven decision-making. In his time at Rosseau, Mr. Irwin has had extensive experience investing in offshore oil projects off the coasts of South America and Africa, and onshore projects throughout the world.
Prior to founding Rosseau, Mr. Irwin’s experience also includes corporate finance and mergers and acquisitions at CIBC Wood Gundy, credit analysis and fixed-income management at Scotia Capital Markets, and proprietary trading at Deutsche Bank Canada. Mr. Irwin holds a Bachelor of Mathematics from the University of Waterloo, is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and holds a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Western Ontario.
“Warren’s extensive financial, investment and capital-markets background along with his passion for offshore oil exploration will be a significant asset to Colossal Energy Fields,” said Curtis Cohen, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Colossal Energy.
“His analytical mindset, discipline, governance and professionalism will greatly strengthen funding resource opportunities, as well as capital allocation and long-term shareholder value.”
Colossal Energy’s commitment to sustainable, inclusive growth shines brightest in nations where its investments in energy access, community empowerment, and equitable development directly advance energy equity for all.
Hashtag: #ColossalEnergyFieldsCorp.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Colossal Energy Fields Corp.
Colossal Energy Fields Corp is a Canadian oil and gas exploration company focused on exploration and production opportunities in Africa. Proven Upstream Pedigree. Colossal Energy has deep expertise in exploring offshore opportunities and developing near-to-producing field opportunities.
The HRTA 2026 EOR VendorFit Matrix highlights G-P’s technology leadership, AI-driven innovation and commitment to delivering exceptional customer experience
BOSTON, Sept. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — G-P (Globalization Partners), the leader in AI-driven global employment, ranked No. 1 by industry analysts, today announced it has been named the top technology leader in the 2026 EOR VendorFit Matrix by HR Technology Advice (HRTA).
HR Technology Advice Employer of Record (EOR) VendorFit Matrix
“As the EOR market matures, G-P stood out — earning the top score in HR Technology Advice’s 2026 EOR VendorFit Matrix, driven by leadership in customer experience and global offering breadth, backed by strong AI-powered compliance capabilities,” said Chris Harvey, Chief Research Officer, HR Technology Advice.
This inaugural report recognizes G-P’s maturity in the Employer of Record (EOR) category, emphasizing the company’s commitment to providing compliance confidence and fostering long-term strategic partnerships through advanced platform capabilities:
Unmatched Infrastructure: Supports compliant hiring in 180+ countries, with 100+ wholly owned legal entities.
Proprietary AI & Global Compliance Engine: Pairs real-time regulatory monitoring via G-P Gia™ with in-country legal and HR experts to deliver proactive compliance guidance.
Agentic AI Workflows: Uses G-P Assist agentic AI to enable employers and employees to initiate and complete complex workflows within the platform, significantly reducing administrative burden.
“Being recognized (again) as a top technology leader in the EOR space validates our strategy of putting cutting-edge innovation at the center of global employment,” said Nat Natarajan, Chief Operating Officer, G-P. “We built our platform to transform how companies scale internationally by embedding intelligent AI and automated compliance into every workflow. We will continue to push the boundaries of global HR technology to solve our customers’ most complex global employment and compliance challenges.”
The 2026 HR Technology Advice EOR VendorFit Matrix offers a comprehensive evaluation of the leading Employer of Record solutions available to organizations of all sizes. This report assesses the top vendors across four dimensions – Global Coverage and Offering Breadth, Customer Experience and Outcomes, Technology and Integration, and Pricing Transparency – and places them within a two-axis analytical framework that reflects both the breadth of a vendor’s global capabilities and the quality of customer experience.
Download the full report and learn more about how G-P is leading the EOR industry here.
About HR Technology Advice HR Technology Advice is an analyst firm exclusively dedicated to HR technology. Their research is designed to help HR, Finance, and Global Operations leaders make confident, data-backed technology decisions —grounded in independent evaluation. Their reports and analysis are produced without financial influence from any participating vendor.
About G-P G-P (Globalization Partners) is the recognized leader in global employment, ranked No. 1 in every industry analyst report. G-P’s global employment platform delivers everything companies of all sizes need to manage the full employee lifecycle with its trusted Global HR Agent, G-P Gia, and AI-powered Employer of Record (EOR) and Contractor products. G-P supports teams in 180+ countries with more than a decade of global employment experience, the largest team of in-country HR, legal, and compliance experts, and its unmatched proprietary knowledge base.
G-P: Global Made Possible™ To learn more, please visit: g-p.com or connect with us via LinkedIn, X, Facebook or check out our Blog.
Research from UN Global Compact Networks in Canada, Mexico, and the USA and GlobeScan reveals companies are becoming more selective and strategic as pressure on corporate sustainability commitments grows
TORONTO, Sept. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Despite mounting economic, political and regulatory pressure on corporate sustainability, ambition among sustainability professionals across North America is proving more resilient than widely assumed. A new tri-national study finds that only 10 percent of respondents expect their organization’s sustainability ambition to decrease, while most expect it to increase, remain stable, or become more targeted.
Leading Through Uncertainty: The Evolving Role of Sustainability Professionals in North America, published by UN Global Compact Networks in Canada, Mexico and the USA, in partnership with GlobeScan, draws on survey responses from corporate sustainability professionals across all three countries, conducted in English, French and Spanish. The research finds that sustainability leadership in North America is evolving, with organizations becoming more selective in where they focus, how they communicate, and demonstrate progress. Other key findings include:
Business value is the defining test for sustainability leadership. 76 percent of respondents identify the ability to connect sustainability to business value as a crucial capability, meaning that industry leaders are expected to translate environmental and social priorities into strategy, operations, and finance.
Sustainability is moving closer to core business strategy. 61 percent of respondents say embedding sustainability into strategy and capital allocation should be a priority for sustainability leaders, pointing to a shift toward deeper business integration.
The role of sustainability professionals is expanding. Beyond technical expertise, the research also surfaces the growing importance of influencing leadership, working across functions and driving organizational change.
The research is based on a survey of 276 sustainability professionals with responsibility and expertise in corporate sustainability across North America. Conducted in English, French and Spanish, the results are weighted equally across Canada, Mexico and the USA. The full findings were presented at the virtual launch event on September 10, 2026. The complete report is now available to download here.
About UN Global Compact As a special initiative of the United Nations Secretary-General, the UN Global Compact is a call to companies worldwide to align their operations and strategies with Ten Principles in the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. Our vision is clear: to mobilize business to transform sustainability ambition into action at the scale the world demands. With more than 25,000 participants and a presence in over 100 countries through 5 Regional Hubs and more than 70 Country Networks and expansion territories, the UN Global Compact is the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative.
About GlobeScan GlobeScan is an insights and advisory firm specializing in trust, sustainability, and engagement. We equip clients with insights to navigate shifting societal and stakeholder expectations, crafting evidence-based strategies that reduce risks and create value for their organizations and society. Established in 1987, we have offices in Cape Town, Dubai, Hong Kong, Hyderabad, London, Paris, San Francisco, São Paulo, Singapore, Tokyo, and Toronto. GlobeScan is a participant of the UN Global Compact and a Certified B Corporation. Learn more here.
SALALAH, OMAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 September 2026 – On September 7, local time in Oman, witnessed by Bater, Executive Vice Governor of Hainan Province, and Khamis bin Mohammed Al-Shamakhi, Undersecretary for Transport at Oman’s Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT), Maple Leaf and MTCIT signed a comprehensive agreement on the next phase of cooperation in autonomous driving. Officials from relevant Hainan provincial authorities and the Chinese Embassy in Oman attended the ceremony. Earlier that day, Maple Leaf founder and Chairman Liang Yi joined His Excellency Eng. Said bin Hamoud Al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, and executives from Oman Airports for a test ride in a Maple Leaf autonomous shuttle at Salalah International Airport, completing all on-site validation procedures. Led by Maple Leaf and jointly organized by MTCIT and Oman Airports, the test represents an important official step in Oman’s deployment of smart and sustainable mobility technologies and a milestone for the operation of Chinese autonomous driving technology in the country. Future Fund Oman under the Oman Investment Authority (OIA) and Temple Water Capital are also accelerating Maple Leaf’s Series B financing round, worth tens of millions of US dollars.
The cooperation demonstrates how Hainan Free Trade Port technology companies can leverage local advantages to expand internationally. Maple Leaf previously received strategic investment from Chengmai, Hainan, and key policy support from Haikou, using Hainan as a base to expand its new energy vehicle and technology businesses overseas. At the Salalah Airport test site, officials from various Omani authorities experienced the vehicle firsthand. The test covered key functions including sensing and real-time monitoring, route recognition, environmental perception, and obstacle handling, comprehensively assessing the vehicle’s ability to operate safely and intelligently under real-world conditions using autonomous driving technology. After confirming the vehicle’s stable operation and efficient dispatching, His Excellency Al Maawali praised Maple Leaf’s technical capabilities and rapid deployment, describing it as “China speed.” From domestic trials and vehicle commissioning to airfreighting the vehicle to Muscat and quickly launching on-site tests, Maple Leaf’s execution efficiency earned strong recognition from the Omani side and led to a clear path for deeper cooperation.
His Excellency Al Maawali stated on site that Oman would fully support Maple Leaf’s participation in smart city, airport electrification, and energy transition projects. He set a specific target for the company to establish last-mile passenger and logistics networks across Muscat and Salalah within one year. MTCIT has also set an official timetable requiring Maple Leaf to begin commercial operations of autonomous vehicles in the third quarter of 2027. Under the plan, Maple Leaf will deploy 30,000 to 50,000 autonomous shuttles and driverless logistics vehicles across Oman over the next five years. The broader cooperation is expected to help Oman become the first of the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries to achieve transport electrification, commercial deployment of autonomous driving, and energy transition. The plan aims to position Oman as a regional benchmark for transport transformation in the Middle East, support the implementation of Oman Vision 2040, and align with the country’s 2050 net-zero target and the goals of the Sustainable Dhofar initiative.
Following the tests, Maple Leaf Chairman Liang Yi said that with investment from OIA, Oman’s sovereign investment fund, and Temple Water Capital accelerating, together with progress toward commercial operating licenses, Maple Leaf will use Oman as a regional hub to bring China’s successful autonomous driving experience to the wider Middle East and establish a proven model for smart mobility.
Hashtag: #MapleLeaf
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
HONG KONG – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 September 2026 – Sohar International has officially opened its Asia Pacific Office in Hong Kong, marking an important milestone in the Bank’s international growth journey and establishing an on-the-ground presence to deepen relationships with financial institutions, investors, businesses and strategic partners across Hong Kong and wider Asian markets.
The opening was marked by an official gala ceremony at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, held in the presence of The Honourable Paul Chan Mo-po, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, as Guest of Honour; His Excellency Sheikh Abdulaziz Abdullah Al Hinai, Ambassador-at-Large, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; His Excellency Pankaj Khimji, Advisor for Foreign Trade and International Cooperation, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion (MoCIIP); His Excellency Muneer Ali Nasser Al-Muneeri, Deputy President of the Oman Investment Authority for Operations; Mr. Said Mohamed Al-Aufi, Chairman of Sohar International; and Mr. Abdulwahid Mohamed Al Murshidi, Chief Executive Officer of Sohar International, alongside the Board of Directors and other senior representatives from Oman and Hong Kong, regulators, financial institutions, corporate and institutional clients, investors, trade organisations and members of the business community.
Senior representatives from Sohar International, Oman and Hong Kong gather to celebrate the opening of Sohar International’s Asia-Pacific Office in Hong Kong.
The Honourable Paul Chan Mo-po, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, joins senior representatives of Sohar International and Oman in striking the ceremonial gong, marking the opening of the Bank’s Asia-Pacific Office in Hong Kong and a new chapter of connectivity between Oman and Asia.
The launch follows Sohar International’s receipt of approval from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority in April 2026, followed by final approval from the Central Bank of Oman in May 2026 to establish the Asia Pacific Office. The new presence provides Sohar International with a platform to strengthen institutional relationships, deepen its understanding of Asian markets and develop greater connectivity between opportunities across the region and its clients and relationships in Oman.
On the sidelines of Sohar International’s participation in the 11th Belt and Road Summit in Hong Kong, the Bank signed two strategic Memoranda of Understanding, further demonstrating its commitment to strengthening business and investment connectivity between China, Asia, Oman and the wider GCC. The Bank signed an MoU with Templewater, an Asia- and GCC-focused alternative asset manager with a presence across Hong Kong, Singapore and Muscat. The partnership provides a framework to explore investment opportunities for eligible Sohar International clients, potential co-investments, project-financing opportunities, and banking services for Templewater’s portfolio companies operating in Oman.
Sohar International also entered into a strategic and reciprocal partnership with E-Fund, one of China’s leading asset management institutions, with a broad investment platform and a significant presence across China and international markets. The partnership positions Sohar International as E-Fund’s exclusive partner in Oman and the wider region, facilitating the marketing of E-Fund’s investment products through the Bank’s Asset Management and Origination & Placement businesses, while E-Fund will promote Sohar International’s investment and capital markets offerings to its client network in China.
Together, these partnerships represent early tangible outcomes of the Bank’s growing presence in Hong Kong and demonstrate its role in building institutional relationships, facilitating investment and capital flows, and creating new opportunities connecting China and Asia with Oman and the wider GCC.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, highlighted that Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government warmly welcomes the opening of Sohar International’s representative office – the first presence of an Omani bank in Hong Kong, and Sohar International’s first office in Asia. Its arrival affirms confidence in Hong Kong as an international financial centre and a gateway connecting the Middle East, the Chinese Mainland and Asia. Oman’s strategic position along the maritime Belt and Road, combined with Hong Kong’s strengths in capital markets, asset and wealth management, banking, professional services and offshore Renminbi business, can facilitate trade, investment and project financing. Hong Kong-Oman collaboration is already taking good shape, including the Oman Investment Authority’s plan to participate in Hong Kong’s vibrant startup ecosystem by investing up to HK$250 million as a partner to the Innovation and Technology Venture Fund. Under the “one country, two systems” framework, Hong Kong serves as a “super connector” and “super value-adder”. HKSAR Government looks forward to deepening financial links with Sohar International, helping businesses find the right opportunities in the Gulf and across Asia, and turning new connections into lasting, mutually beneficial partnerships.
Commenting on the milestone, Mr. Abdulwahid Mohamed Al Murshidi, Chief Executive Officer of Sohar International, said: “Oman has looked east for centuries, building strong commercial and cultural connections across Asia, with Sohar playing an important role in this history. Today, we are building on that legacy in a modern economic context. Our presence in Hong Kong is a strategic step in Sohar International’s international growth, giving us closer access to one of the world’s most important financial and commercial centres and a stronger platform from which to engage with investors, financial institutions, businesses and strategic partners across China and Asia. Our objective is to turn this connectivity into tangible opportunities for Oman and our clients — attracting investment and capital into the Sultanate, supporting Omani businesses seeking to access Asian markets, and creating stronger channels for investment, trade, knowledge and business between Asia, Oman and the wider GCC. Hong Kong therefore represents more than a geographic presence for us; it is an important gateway through which Sohar International can build meaningful relationships and create value across these interconnected markets.”
The Director-General of Investment Promotion, Ms Alpha Lau, said that InvestHK is proud to have facilitated Sohar International’s setup in Hong Kong, from its business delegation to Oman in May 2025 to high-level government exchanges and local regulatory alignment. Beyond enriching Hong Kong’s banking sector, Sohar International’s arrival enables businesses to reimagine what the stronger investment ties between the Middle East and Asia can achieve, capitalising on the city’s strengths in fundraising, risk management, and professional services. Sohar International will also serve as a key partner for Chinese enterprises seeking to expand into Oman and the wider GCC.
Sohar International’s presence in Hong Kong also reflects a much broader history of engagement between Oman and Asia stretching back more than a thousand years. Oman’s geographical position and maritime tradition placed its sailors, merchants and ports within extensive trading networks connecting the Arabian Peninsula with India, Southeast Asia and China. These routes formed part of the wider maritime networks now referred to as the Maritime Silk Roads, facilitating not only the movement of goods but also the exchange of knowledge, ideas, culture and commercial relationships between East and West.
Sohar played an important role within these historic networks. Historical research documented by UNESCO identifies Sohar as an important Omani trading port and entrepôt for vessels travelling between East and West. By the tenth century, it had developed into one of the region’s most significant trading centres, with archaeological evidence demonstrating commercial links with markets including China.
This historical context provides a meaningful backdrop to Sohar International’s presence in Hong Kong today. While the nature of connectivity has evolved from maritime trade to modern flows of capital, investment, technology, knowledge and enterprise, the importance of building enduring relationships between markets remains central to the Bank’s international strategy.
Hong Kong’s position as one of the world’s leading international financial centres, together with its connectivity with the Mainland and global markets, makes it a strategically important platform for Sohar International’s engagement with Asia.
Through its Asia Pacific Office, Sohar International aims to strengthen relationships with financial institutions, corporates, investors and strategic partners, while promoting greater awareness of the investment and business opportunities emerging within the Sultanate of Oman. The presence will also support the Bank in developing deeper market understanding and relationships that can benefit Omani clients and businesses seeking greater engagement with Asian markets.
The initiative reflects Oman’s broader economic direction under Oman Vision 2040, which places emphasis on private-sector development, international cooperation, investment and greater integration with the global economy. Sohar International’s international growth supports this direction by creating stronger financial and institutional links between Oman and strategically important international markets.
The Asia Pacific Office in Hong Kong also builds on the Bank’s expansion into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and represents a further step in Sohar International’s ambition to strengthen its regional and international presence and support its clients across increasingly interconnected markets.
The official opening ceremony brought together senior representatives from Oman and Hong Kong, reflecting the growing economic and institutional ties between the two markets. The Honourable Paul Chan Mo-po, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, addressed the occasion, followed by Mr. Abdulwahid Mohamed Al Murshidi, Chief Executive Officer of Sohar International.
The ceremony also celebrated the longstanding cultural ties between Oman and Asia, combining elements from both regions while showcasing Sohar International’s growth journey, expanding international presence and ambitions for the future.
Through its presence in Hong Kong, Sohar International aims to support greater two-way connectivity between Oman and Asia, helping bring international investors, institutions and opportunities closer to Oman while developing stronger relationships for Omani businesses across international markets.
The milestone further reinforces Sohar International’s broader ambition to contribute to bringing the best of Oman to the world and the best of the world to Oman.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Sohar International:
Sohar International is guided by a clear vision to become a world-leading Omani service company that helps customers, communities, and people prosper and grow. With a purpose to help people ‘win’ by delivering responsive banking for their ever-changing world, the bank offers innovative solutions across Commercial and Investment Banking, Wealth Management, Islamic Banking, and more. Operating with a strong digital-first approach and an expanding regional footprint—including presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia—Sohar International is committed to driving value through strategic partnerships and a dynamic customer experience. Learn more at www.SIB.om.
BERLIN, GERMANY – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 September 2026 – Following the debut of its SpaceMaster Built-in Oven Series at IFA 2026, Midea concluded its Berlin showcase with live cooking demonstrations and a clearer roadmap for the future of its built-in cooking business in Europe.
At IFA, the SpaceMaster Series put two technologies at the center of Midea’s cooking showcase: temperatures of up to 350°C and Graphene Turbo Hot Air technology. On Midea’s Culinary Stage in Hall 5.1, Michelin-starred chefs used the built-in ovens to prepare dishes live, demonstrating how high-temperature cooking and fast thermal response could translate from technical specifications into real culinary applications.
During an onsite Q&A at Messe Berlin, Midea executives also explained why pizza was selected as a key proof point for the SpaceMaster Series. Pizza places several demands on an oven at once, requiring intense heat, fast thermal response and precise temperature control to achieve a crisp exterior without burning. Midea positioned the 350°C pizza application as a way to address consumer expectations for shorter preheating times and restaurant-quality results at home.
At the core of the SpaceMaster Series is Midea’s Graphene Turbo Hot Air technology. The graphene heating element has a thermal response time of as little as 0.2 seconds, while the oven supports cooking temperatures of up to 350°C. Midea also re-engineered the thermal system, airflow and control algorithms as part of its broader approach to high-performance built-in cooking.
Beyond the technologies demonstrated at IFA, Midea outlined how SpaceMaster fits into its longer-term European product roadmap. Graphene is expected to serve as a common technology thread across its future premium built-in cooking portfolio. Plans include extending the technology to steam-combi models tailored for European artisanal bread baking, followed by space-saving compact formats for urban apartments.
This roadmap reflects Midea’s “design for Europe from Europe” approach. Its European R&D team leads local user research, engineering and compliance while collaborating with global R&D teams to translate regional cooking habits and kitchen requirements into product development.
Midea has set an ambition to become one of Europe’s top-three cooking brands within five years, spanning built-in ovens and freestanding cookers. Following its IFA 2026 showcase, the SpaceMaster Series is planned for market launch in 2027.
Hashtag: #Midea
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Midea & Midea MOA
Midea is a global technology group ranked No. 246 on the 2025 Fortune Global 500 and No. 39 among the world’s most valuable technology brands in the Brand Finance Top 100 2026. Midea has ranked No. 1 globally in microwave appliances for 10 consecutive years (Euromonitor, 2016–2025). Its Microwave & Oven Appliance (MOA) division generated USD 3.05 billion in revenue in 2025.
Midea operates seven global R&D centers, holds more than 5,500 granted patents and serves markets in more than 160 countries and regions.
www.SIB.om
