Ascott accelerates Vietnam expansion with nine signings in 1H 2026, growing portfolio by over 30%
The Ascott Limited (Ascott), a Singapore-headquartered global hospitality company wholly owned by CapitaLand Investment (CLI), has signed management agreements for nine properties totalling more than 3,200 units in Vietnam in the first half of 2026, its fastest pace of growth in the country to date. Four of the projects are with Sun Group, a longstanding partner, and five with owners new to Ascott. The signings expand Ascott’s Vietnam portfolio by more than 30% to about 12,000 units across 42 operational and pipeline properties in 14 cities. Vietnam is now Ascott’s third largest country by pipeline in Asia, and the newly signed properties will open progressively from 2028. Set on the Quang An Peninsula with direct frontage to West Lake in Hanoi, Diamond Crown Westlake by The Crest Collection will offer one- to four-bedroom residences, suites and duplex units in one of Hanoi’s most sought-after lakeside addresses. The property marks the brand debut of The Crest Collection in the northern part of Vietnam. The signings come as Vietnam cements its position as one of Asia’s most dynamic travel markets. International arrivals reached a record 21.2 million in 2025 and grew a further 15% to 12.3 million in the first half of 2026. Domestic tourism adds further depth to the market, with 135.5 million domestic trips in 2025 and 81 million in the first half of 2026 alone. New expressways, airport upgrades and expanded flight connectivity are opening up destinations along the coastline, while companies adopting China-plus-one supply chain strategies are driving extended-stay demand in industrial and administrative hubs. In addition, the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Phu Quoc in November 2027 is accelerating infrastructure investment across the island. The new signings position Ascott across this growth. Four signings deepen its presence in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Hai Phong, where corporate and bleisure travel underpin extended-stay demand. Three signings in Phu Quoc expand its offerings on the island ahead of the summit, while a new property strengthens its position in Da Nang, one of the country’s leading beach destinations. Ascott also enters Quy Nhon, an emerging central coast city named by Tripadvisor among the world’s top 25 trending destinations for 2026. In brand terms, the signings mark the Vietnam debut of The Crest Collection, Ascott’s heritage-focused luxury brand, with one property each in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The remaining signings span Ascott, Citadines, lyf, Oakwood, Somerset and Harris. Mr Kevin Goh, Chief Executive Officer, Ascott, said: “Vietnam is one of the most exciting hospitality growth stories in Asia. Demand is rising in the cities, along the coast and across traveller segments, and our flex-hybrid model gives us the versatility to capture it through asset-light growth. Property owners value that our platform can serve both long and short stays, and operate formats as diverse as serviced residences, hotels, resorts and social living properties. With these new signings, we are reinforcing our leadership in serviced residences and extended stay while extending into the leisure destinations and luxury segments where new demand is taking shape.” Ms Serena Lim, Chief Growth Officer, Ascott, said: “Vietnam’s hotel development pipeline is moving quickly into construction, particularly in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and owners are selecting their operating partners now. In these conversations, Ascott’s operating track record in extended stay is a clear differentiator, offering owners resilient returns through market cycles, while our multi-typology brand strategy allows us to deploy the right brand and format for each opportunity. The depth of owner confidence underscores the opportunity in Vietnam, and with active discussions underway across several markets, we expect the signing momentum to continue into the second half of the year.” A Deepened Sun Group Partnership and New Owner Relationships The four signings with Sun Group deepen a partnership that began with Ascott Tay Ho Hanoi and grew to include Oakwood Ha Long . In Phu Quoc, Ascott will manage three properties totalling 1,400 units within a single integrated development in Sunset Town, set in the Ong Quan Mountain precinct in the island’s south. The properties will serve travellers across generations and lengths of stay: premium serviced residences under Ascott, social living spaces with co-working facilities under lyf, and family-friendly resort accommodation under Harris. Guests will be within easy reach of Bai Kem Beach, Sun World Hon Thom and the fast-developing Harbour District, with direct access to Sun Group’s expanding ecosystem of entertainment, retail and connectivity on the island. The fourth Sun Group signing brings The Crest Collection to Ho Chi Minh City’s premier luxury and commercial district, moments from Nguyen Hue Walking Street and the Saigon Opera House and connected to the city by Metro Line 1. The property will be a flagship for the brand in Southern Vietnam, serving business travellers, affluent leisure guests, diplomatic visitors and long-stay residents. Among the owners new to Ascott, DOJI Group, one of Vietnam’s five largest private enterprises with core businesses spanning gold, gemstones and luxury real estate, will bring Diamond Crown Westlake by The Crest Collection to Hanoi’s Tay Ho district. Set on the Quang An Peninsula with direct frontage to West Lake, in an enclave long favoured by expatriates, diplomats and affluent residents, the property will offer one- to four-bedroom residences, suites and duplex units in one of Hanoi’s most sought-after lakeside addresses. Intertruck Co., Ltd will bring Citadines Riverside Hai Phong to the heart of the city’s new administrative centre in Thuy Nguyen, as Hai Phong grows into northern Vietnam’s industrial and government hub. In Ho Chi Minh City, an Oakwood property enters Thao Dien, one of the city’s most established residential districts. Designed for extended stays in one of North Vietnam’s most dynamic growth corridors – Hai Phong, Citadines Riverside Hai Phong will sit along a landscaped riverside promenade within the Hoang Huy Green River urban development. The property will offer 140 units, ranging from studios to one‑, two‑, and three‑bedroom apartments. Located in the vibrant Thao Dien residential district, Oakwood Thao Dien Ho Chi Minh City is set to offer a contemporary stay in one of the city’s most sought-after expatriate neighbourhoods. Once completed, the property will feature 365 units spanning studios, residences and penthouses among a diverse range of facilities and amenities including dining and meeting venues. Along the central coast, Somerset Non Nuoc Da Nang Resort will sit on the pristine Non Nuoc Beach, with golf courses nearby and easy access to Hoi An Ancient Town. Offering serviced apartments and villas alongside a beach club, specialty dining and children’s facilities, the resort brings Somerset’s residential-style serviced living to the Da Nang and Hoi An coastline. Further south, Citadines Quy Nhon Resort marks Ascott’s entry into a new city, with the beachfront mixed-use resort positioning Ascott early in the destination gaining attention on the back of infrastructure upgrades and rising visitor arrivals. The New Signings at A Glance Ascott property in Phu Quoc, 385 units lyf property in Phu Quoc, 441 units Harris property in Phu Quoc, 574 units The Crest Collection property in Ho Chi Minh City, 154 units Diamond Crown Westlake by The Crest Collection , Hanoi, 181 units Citadines Riverside Hai Phong , 250 units Oakwood Thao Dien Ho Chi Minh City , 356 units Somerset Non Nuoc Da Nang Resort , 549 units Citadines Quy Nhon Resort , 357 units Operating Momentum and Upcoming Openings Ascott currently operates 16 properties across seven cities in Vietnam. The most recent is Lasong Hotel & Villas Sam Son by The Unlimited Collection on the northern coast, where a wellness-focused resort tower opened in April. From 2027, Ascott Tay Ho Hanoi will launch 1,165 guestrooms and 10 food and beverage concepts in phases. Confirmed concepts include Maison Kayser, the acclaimed French bakery and café making its Hanoi debut, and Ukai, the established Tokyo-based dining group with restaurants ranging from Michelin-starred teppanyaki to traditional tofu-focused kaiseki. The property’s International Convention & Wedding Centre is already operational, with 13 event venues including Hanoi’s largest pillarless ballroom. The centre has hosted high-profile events such as the official Michelin Guide Vietnam 2026 Ceremony, and the Vietnam debut of The Famous CFC, the international fan engagement programme of Chelsea Football Club, for which Ascott is Official Hotels Partner. Harris Resort Cam Ranh , a 693-unit all-in-one resort on Cam Ranh’s Long Beach, is scheduled to open in 1Q 2027, introducing the brand’s family‑friendly hospitality experience to one of Vietnam’s fastest‑growing leisure and aviation hubs. The resort will offer a beach club, specialty dining, recreational facilities and dedicated meeting spaces. It will be followed in 3Q 2027 by the 369‑unit Citadines Selavia Phu Quoc , a beachfront property on the island’s southwest coast with an onsen spa and a ballroom for some 500 guests, positioning it to welcome delegations for the APEC summit that November. Mr David Cumming, Regional General Manager, Indochina, Ascott, said: “In more than 30 years in Vietnam, we have moved from investor to asset-light hospitality operator with a strong team on the ground. We share this local expertise with property owners, reading demand early and moving quickly on it. As Vietnam pursues an ambitious growth agenda, Ascott is growing alongside it, from the people and systems that run our properties to the global experiences we bring into the country. With a strong pipeline ahead, our focus now is delivery, opening on schedule and running properties that perform.” Building on Record Southeast Asia Signings Ascott’s growth in Vietnam builds on its strongest year of signings in Southeast Asia, with more than 7,300 units signed across the region in 2025, up 55% from 2024. This placed Ascott among the top three hospitality companies in the region by new signings for the year, according to Horwath HTL. Frequently Asked Questions When did Ascott sign its nine new Vietnam properties, and how big is the deal? Ascott signed management agreements for nine properties totalling more than 3,200 units in Vietnam in the first half of 2026, its fastest pace of growth in the country to date. The signings expand Ascott’s Vietnam portfolio by more than 30%. Where are Ascott's newly signed Vietnam properties located? The nine properties deepen Ascott's presence in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Hai Phong, expand along the coast in Da Nang and Phu Quoc, and mark its first entry into Quy Nhon. Three of the signings are in Phu Quoc, ahead of the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting held on the island in November 2027. Which brands are included in Ascott's 2026 Vietnam signings? The signings span seven brands: Ascott, Citadines, lyf, Oakwood, Somerset, Harris and The Crest Collection. They mark the Vietnam debut of The Crest Collection, Ascott's heritage-focused luxury brand, with one property each in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. When will the newly signed Ascott properties in Vietnam open? The nine newly signed properties will open progressively from 2028. Ahead of them, Ascott has further Vietnam openings scheduled: Ascott Tay Ho Hanoi will launch 1,165 guestrooms and 10 food and beverage concepts in phases from 2027, followed by Harris Resort Cam Ranh in the first quarter of 2027 and Citadines Selavia Phu Quoc in the third quarter of 2027. How large is Ascott's portfolio in Vietnam now? Following the 2026 signings, Ascott's Vietnam portfolio stands at about 12,000 units across 42 operational and pipeline properties in 14 cities, making Vietnam its third largest country by pipeline in Asia. Ascott currently operates 16 properties across seven cities in the country. Who are Ascott's partners behind the 2026 Vietnam signings? Four of the nine signings are with Sun Group, a longstanding Ascott partner, and five are with owners new to Ascott. The new owners include DOJI Group, one of Vietnam's five largest private enterprises, which is bringing Diamond Crown Westlake by The Crest Collection to Hanoi's Tay Ho district. What is driving Ascott's expansion in Vietnam? Ascott's expansion reflects Vietnam's standing as one of Asia's most dynamic travel markets. International arrivals reached a record 21.2 million in 2025 and grew 15% to 12.3 million in the first half of 2026, while new expressways, airport upgrades and China‑plus‑one supply chain strategies are lifting both leisure and extended‑stay demand. Downloads News Release (PDF) Images (Google Drive)
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- July 30, 2026Top Stories
Ascott accelerates Vietnam expansion with nine signings in 1H 2026, growing portfolio by over 30%
The Ascott Limited (Ascott), a Singapore-headquartered global hospitality company wholly owned by CapitaLand Investment (CLI), has signed management agreements for nine properties totalling more than 3,200 units in Vietnam in the first half of 2026, its fastest pace of growth in the country to date. Four of the projects are with Sun Group, a longstanding partner, and five with owners new to Ascott. The signings expand Ascott’s Vietnam portfolio by more than 30% to about 12,000 units across 42 operational and pipeline properties in 14 cities. Vietnam is now Ascott’s third largest country by pipeline in Asia, and the newly signed properties will open progressively from 2028. Set on the Quang An Peninsula with direct frontage to West Lake in Hanoi, Diamond Crown Westlake by The Crest Collection will offer one- to four-bedroom residences, suites and duplex units in one of Hanoi’s most sought-after lakeside addresses. The property marks the brand debut of The Crest Collection in the northern part of Vietnam. The signings come as Vietnam cements its position as one of Asia’s most dynamic travel markets. International arrivals reached a record 21.2 million in 2025 and grew a further 15% to 12.3 million in the first half of 2026. Domestic tourism adds further depth to the market, with 135.5 million domestic trips in 2025 and 81 million in the first half of 2026 alone. New expressways, airport upgrades and expanded flight connectivity are opening up destinations along the coastline, while companies adopting China-plus-one supply chain strategies are driving extended-stay demand in industrial and administrative hubs. In addition, the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Phu Quoc in November 2027 is accelerating infrastructure investment across the island. The new signings position Ascott across this growth. Four signings deepen its presence in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Hai Phong, where corporate and bleisure travel underpin extended-stay demand. Three signings in Phu Quoc expand its offerings on the island ahead of the summit, while a new property strengthens its position in Da Nang, one of the country’s leading beach destinations. Ascott also enters Quy Nhon, an emerging central coast city named by Tripadvisor among the world’s top 25 trending destinations for 2026. In brand terms, the signings mark the Vietnam debut of The Crest Collection, Ascott’s heritage-focused luxury brand, with one property each in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The remaining signings span Ascott, Citadines, lyf, Oakwood, Somerset and Harris. Mr Kevin Goh, Chief Executive Officer, Ascott, said: “Vietnam is one of the most exciting hospitality growth stories in Asia. Demand is rising in the cities, along the coast and across traveller segments, and our flex-hybrid model gives us the versatility to capture it through asset-light growth. Property owners value that our platform can serve both long and short stays, and operate formats as diverse as serviced residences, hotels, resorts and social living properties. With these new signings, we are reinforcing our leadership in serviced residences and extended stay while extending into the leisure destinations and luxury segments where new demand is taking shape.” Ms Serena Lim, Chief Growth Officer, Ascott, said: “Vietnam’s hotel development pipeline is moving quickly into construction, particularly in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and owners are selecting their operating partners now. In these conversations, Ascott’s operating track record in extended stay is a clear differentiator, offering owners resilient returns through market cycles, while our multi-typology brand strategy allows us to deploy the right brand and format for each opportunity. The depth of owner confidence underscores the opportunity in Vietnam, and with active discussions underway across several markets, we expect the signing momentum to continue into the second half of the year.” A Deepened Sun Group Partnership and New Owner Relationships The four signings with Sun Group deepen a partnership that began with Ascott Tay Ho Hanoi and grew to include Oakwood Ha Long . In Phu Quoc, Ascott will manage three properties totalling 1,400 units within a single integrated development in Sunset Town, set in the Ong Quan Mountain precinct in the island’s south. The properties will serve travellers across generations and lengths of stay: premium serviced residences under Ascott, social living spaces with co-working facilities under lyf, and family-friendly resort accommodation under Harris. Guests will be within easy reach of Bai Kem Beach, Sun World Hon Thom and the fast-developing Harbour District, with direct access to Sun Group’s expanding ecosystem of entertainment, retail and connectivity on the island. The fourth Sun Group signing brings The Crest Collection to Ho Chi Minh City’s premier luxury and commercial district, moments from Nguyen Hue Walking Street and the Saigon Opera House and connected to the city by Metro Line 1. The property will be a flagship for the brand in Southern Vietnam, serving business travellers, affluent leisure guests, diplomatic visitors and long-stay residents. Among the owners new to Ascott, DOJI Group, one of Vietnam’s five largest private enterprises with core businesses spanning gold, gemstones and luxury real estate, will bring Diamond Crown Westlake by The Crest Collection to Hanoi’s Tay Ho district. Set on the Quang An Peninsula with direct frontage to West Lake, in an enclave long favoured by expatriates, diplomats and affluent residents, the property will offer one- to four-bedroom residences, suites and duplex units in one of Hanoi’s most sought-after lakeside addresses. Intertruck Co., Ltd will bring Citadines Riverside Hai Phong to the heart of the city’s new administrative centre in Thuy Nguyen, as Hai Phong grows into northern Vietnam’s industrial and government hub. In Ho Chi Minh City, an Oakwood property enters Thao Dien, one of the city’s most established residential districts. Designed for extended stays in one of North Vietnam’s most dynamic growth corridors – Hai Phong, Citadines Riverside Hai Phong will sit along a landscaped riverside promenade within the Hoang Huy Green River urban development. The property will offer 140 units, ranging from studios to one‑, two‑, and three‑bedroom apartments. Located in the vibrant Thao Dien residential district, Oakwood Thao Dien Ho Chi Minh City is set to offer a contemporary stay in one of the city’s most sought-after expatriate neighbourhoods. Once completed, the property will feature 365 units spanning studios, residences and penthouses among a diverse range of facilities and amenities including dining and meeting venues. Along the central coast, Somerset Non Nuoc Da Nang Resort will sit on the pristine Non Nuoc Beach, with golf courses nearby and easy access to Hoi An Ancient Town. Offering serviced apartments and villas alongside a beach club, specialty dining and children’s facilities, the resort brings Somerset’s residential-style serviced living to the Da Nang and Hoi An coastline. Further south, Citadines Quy Nhon Resort marks Ascott’s entry into a new city, with the beachfront mixed-use resort positioning Ascott early in the destination gaining attention on the back of infrastructure upgrades and rising visitor arrivals. The New Signings at A Glance Ascott property in Phu Quoc, 385 units lyf property in Phu Quoc, 441 units Harris property in Phu Quoc, 574 units The Crest Collection property in Ho Chi Minh City, 154 units Diamond Crown Westlake by The Crest Collection , Hanoi, 181 units Citadines Riverside Hai Phong , 250 units Oakwood Thao Dien Ho Chi Minh City , 356 units Somerset Non Nuoc Da Nang Resort , 549 units Citadines Quy Nhon Resort , 357 units Operating Momentum and Upcoming Openings Ascott currently operates 16 properties across seven cities in Vietnam. The most recent is Lasong Hotel & Villas Sam Son by The Unlimited Collection on the northern coast, where a wellness-focused resort tower opened in April. From 2027, Ascott Tay Ho Hanoi will launch 1,165 guestrooms and 10 food and beverage concepts in phases. Confirmed concepts include Maison Kayser, the acclaimed French bakery and café making its Hanoi debut, and Ukai, the established Tokyo-based dining group with restaurants ranging from Michelin-starred teppanyaki to traditional tofu-focused kaiseki. The property’s International Convention & Wedding Centre is already operational, with 13 event venues including Hanoi’s largest pillarless ballroom. The centre has hosted high-profile events such as the official Michelin Guide Vietnam 2026 Ceremony, and the Vietnam debut of The Famous CFC, the international fan engagement programme of Chelsea Football Club, for which Ascott is Official Hotels Partner. Harris Resort Cam Ranh , a 693-unit all-in-one resort on Cam Ranh’s Long Beach, is scheduled to open in 1Q 2027, introducing the brand’s family‑friendly hospitality experience to one of Vietnam’s fastest‑growing leisure and aviation hubs. The resort will offer a beach club, specialty dining, recreational facilities and dedicated meeting spaces. It will be followed in 3Q 2027 by the 369‑unit Citadines Selavia Phu Quoc , a beachfront property on the island’s southwest coast with an onsen spa and a ballroom for some 500 guests, positioning it to welcome delegations for the APEC summit that November. Mr David Cumming, Regional General Manager, Indochina, Ascott, said: “In more than 30 years in Vietnam, we have moved from investor to asset-light hospitality operator with a strong team on the ground. We share this local expertise with property owners, reading demand early and moving quickly on it. As Vietnam pursues an ambitious growth agenda, Ascott is growing alongside it, from the people and systems that run our properties to the global experiences we bring into the country. With a strong pipeline ahead, our focus now is delivery, opening on schedule and running properties that perform.” Building on Record Southeast Asia Signings Ascott’s growth in Vietnam builds on its strongest year of signings in Southeast Asia, with more than 7,300 units signed across the region in 2025, up 55% from 2024. This placed Ascott among the top three hospitality companies in the region by new signings for the year, according to Horwath HTL. Frequently Asked Questions When did Ascott sign its nine new Vietnam properties, and how big is the deal? Ascott signed management agreements for nine properties totalling more than 3,200 units in Vietnam in the first half of 2026, its fastest pace of growth in the country to date. The signings expand Ascott’s Vietnam portfolio by more than 30%. Where are Ascott's newly signed Vietnam properties located? The nine properties deepen Ascott's presence in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Hai Phong, expand along the coast in Da Nang and Phu Quoc, and mark its first entry into Quy Nhon. Three of the signings are in Phu Quoc, ahead of the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting held on the island in November 2027. Which brands are included in Ascott's 2026 Vietnam signings? The signings span seven brands: Ascott, Citadines, lyf, Oakwood, Somerset, Harris and The Crest Collection. They mark the Vietnam debut of The Crest Collection, Ascott's heritage-focused luxury brand, with one property each in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. When will the newly signed Ascott properties in Vietnam open? The nine newly signed properties will open progressively from 2028. Ahead of them, Ascott has further Vietnam openings scheduled: Ascott Tay Ho Hanoi will launch 1,165 guestrooms and 10 food and beverage concepts in phases from 2027, followed by Harris Resort Cam Ranh in the first quarter of 2027 and Citadines Selavia Phu Quoc in the third quarter of 2027. How large is Ascott's portfolio in Vietnam now? Following the 2026 signings, Ascott's Vietnam portfolio stands at about 12,000 units across 42 operational and pipeline properties in 14 cities, making Vietnam its third largest country by pipeline in Asia. Ascott currently operates 16 properties across seven cities in the country. Who are Ascott's partners behind the 2026 Vietnam signings? Four of the nine signings are with Sun Group, a longstanding Ascott partner, and five are with owners new to Ascott. The new owners include DOJI Group, one of Vietnam's five largest private enterprises, which is bringing Diamond Crown Westlake by The Crest Collection to Hanoi's Tay Ho district. What is driving Ascott's expansion in Vietnam? Ascott's expansion reflects Vietnam's standing as one of Asia's most dynamic travel markets. International arrivals reached a record 21.2 million in 2025 and grew 15% to 12.3 million in the first half of 2026, while new expressways, airport upgrades and China‑plus‑one supply chain strategies are lifting both leisure and extended‑stay demand. Downloads News Release (PDF) Images (Google Drive)
- July 30, 2026Blockchain
Stephen Jemal, Founder of Nobody Beats the Wiz, Launches AI-Powered Housing Manufacturing Platform to Address 155 Million Unit Global Deficit
Stephen S. Jemal, the Brooklyn entrepreneur who built Nobody Beats the Wiz into one of the most recognized retail brands in American history, has turned his attention to what his company's own research identifies as the single most urgent humanitarian infrastructure crisis on earth: a global housing deficit of 155 million units that is on pace to reach 240 million by 2030. Through JemRock Organization LLC, Jemal has developed BUILT, an AI-powered, robotic-driven manufacturing platform designed to produce affordable housing at industrial scale. The platform operates from a primary US factory that produces AI-powered robotics machinery deployed to regional factories nationwide and globally. The research behind BUILT draws on UN-Habitat Global Housing Reports from 2020 through 2025, World Bank and IFC housing finance data, national housing ministries across 28 countries, OECD affordable housing databases, and academic research spanning 2022 through 2025. The picture that emerges is unambiguous: the construction industry as currently structured cannot close the gap. "Traditional construction cannot meet this demand," Jemal said. "Innovation is not optional at this point. It is the only path." The Scale of the Crisis The numbers behind the global housing shortage are staggering by any measure. 2.8 billion people currently lack adequate housing worldwide. 300 million are absolutely homeless. The mapped unit deficit across 28 countries stands at 155 million and is accelerating, not stabilizing. Meeting global affordable housing demand requires 96,000 new homes built every single day. The financial dimension compounds the construction challenge. The global financing gap for affordable housing stands at $16 trillion. Housing assets represent 31% of global GDP and $260 trillion in total real estate value, yet 40% of the urban population lives in informal settlements. 1.6 billion people are affordability-stressed, spending a disproportionate share of income on shelter. By 2030, 3 billion people will need housing that does not yet exist. Seven structural forces are driving the crisis faster than any conventional response can address. Urban populations in developing nations are growing at 4% annually. 80 million new people require housing every year. Climate migration is projected to displace 200 million people by 2050. Construction materials and labor costs have risen 45% since 2020. Zoning laws and regulatory barriers restrict supply response in the markets that need it most. The global financing shortfall for affordable housing sits at $16 trillion. And decades of deferred housing infrastructure investment have left no buffer against accelerating demand. Where the Deficit Lives JemRock's research mapped the 155 million unit deficit across 28 countries and five housing categories, producing a granular picture of where the crisis is most acute and what types of housing each market requires. Asia-Pacific carries the largest regional burden at 62.5 million units. Africa follows at 52 million, with 67% of that deficit concentrated in Sub-Saharan Africa where urbanization is driving 4% annual demand growth and informal settlements currently house 55% of the urban population. South America accounts for 13 million units, North America 12.5 million, Europe 9.5 million, MENA 5.4 million, and Oceania 0.1 million. Within the United States, the gateway city housing crunch is most severe in Los Angeles at 520,000 units, New York Metro at 380,000 units, San Francisco Bay Area at 450,000 units, Miami at 210,000 units, Seattle at 180,000 units, and Boston at 160,000 units. Restrictive zoning, NIMBYism blocking new development, median home prices running 8 to 12 times median income, and remote work reshaping demand patterns are all cited as crisis drivers in the US market. The hardest-hit cities globally form a hierarchy of acute need. Mumbai carries a deficit of 5.8 million units. Delhi 4.2 million. Lagos 3.9 million. São Paulo 2.7 million. Dhaka 2.5 million. Jakarta 2.3 million. These are not abstract statistics. They represent families living in conditions that no amount of incremental construction improvement will resolve at the required speed. The Market Segmentation Of the 155 million unit total deficit, affordable housing for low-income and rent-burdened households accounts for 137 million units — 88% of the entire global gap. Social housing represents 8 million units at 5%. Workforce housing for middle-income essential workers accounts for 5 million at 3%. Student housing for university and vocational students represents 3 million at 2%. Middle-income homeownership gap housing in gateway cities accounts for 2 million units at 1%. The affordable housing segment is the largest by an overwhelming margin and requires, as the deck states directly, scalable and cost-efficient construction. No other approach closes a 137 million unit deficit. The BUILT Solution BUILT addresses the crisis through AI-powered robotic manufacturing. A primary US factory produces the AI-powered robotics machinery. Those robots are then deployed to regional factories nationwide, anchoring manufacturing capabilities locally, creating jobs and economic opportunities, and enabling affordable housing production while reducing material costs through efficiency. The platform delivers construction timelines more than 50% faster than conventional methods through rapid automated assembly. Cost savings of up to 50% are achieved through efficiency gains, reduced labor, and material optimization. Factory-controlled precision produces millimeter-level accuracy and consistent production quality that eliminates human error. Localized production minimizes transportation costs, emissions, and environmental impact. The manufacturing and systematic impact runs in parallel. AI-powered robotics machinery ships globally. Overseas regional manufacturing factories deploy to target markets. Logistical complexity is eliminated through local production. The result is scalable affordable housing delivery that functions across jurisdictions, regulatory environments, and income levels. The US financial incentive environment supports the model directly. The manufacturing renaissance push to reshore critical industries, bipartisan political support for domestic job creation, CHIPS and Science Act funding for advanced technology manufacturing, manufacturing tax credits of up to 25% under Section 48D, Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System depreciation for robotics equipment, and the alignment of BUILT's model with federal Industry 4.0 advancement priorities all reduce the cost of building and operating the platform in the United States. About Stephen S. Jemal Stephen S. Jemal is a Brooklyn-born entrepreneur and the founder of Nobody Beats the Wiz, the consumer electronics chain that grew from a single Fulton Street storefront to 110 locations across six states, ranked 13th among America's most recognized retail brands, and generated annual sales exceeding $2.5 billion before its sale to Cablevision in 1998. He subsequently founded JemRock Organization LLC, a New York-based real estate development and construction innovation company and employed 6,000 people. Jemal serves as Founder, President, and CEO of JemRock alongside his sons Norman, Solomon, Richard, and James. Media and investor inquiries may be directed to Stephen S. Jemal at [email protected]
- July 30, 2026Charity
Empowering Women, Strengthening Communities: Allianz Malaysia Collaborates with RSMC for the 9th Women Street Crime Awareness Campaign
Allianz Malaysia Berhad (Allianz Malaysia), via its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, continued its partnership with Kelab Marshal Keselamatan Jalan Raya Kuala Lumpur (RSMC) through the 9th Women's Street Crime Awareness Campaign (Initiative). The Initiative held at the Wisma Huazong YTL Hall in Seri Kembangan, Selangor, benefited 200 women, equipping participant with practical safety knowledge, emergency preparedness skills and greater awareness of personal safety risks, while encouraging them to become advocates for safety within their families and communities. Designed for women aged 16 and above, the programme focused on raising awareness of street crime and road-related risks through a combination of educational talks and practical demonstrations. Participants gained valuable insights into topics such as home break-ins, handbag snatching, road scams, stalking, carjacking, accident response, self-defence and emergency preparedness. This year's programme introduced a dedicated awareness and dialogue session, complementing the practical training elements that have been a hallmark of the campaign. The enhanced format provided participants with an opportunity to discuss real-life experiences and safety concerns directly with RSMC experts, who offered practical guidance and actionable solutions to address everyday safety risks. Allianz Malaysia Chief Executive Officer, Sean Wang said, “One of the most encouraging outcomes from this year's programme was seeing community leaders step forward and express interest in bringing similar initiatives to their own neighbourhoods. That is exactly the kind of impact we hope to achieve. Success is not measured solely by the number of participants we reach, but by how far the knowledge travels beyond the event itself.” Founder and President of RSMC, Captain K. Balasupramaniam said, “Street crime awareness is about empowering individuals with the knowledge, skills and confidence to make informed decisions when faced with uncertainty. Through this programme, we hope participants will leave with practical takeaways that not only enhance their personal safety but also encourage them to become advocates for safety within their families and communities.” The strong response from attendees and interest from community leaders reinforced the programme's objective of transforming awareness into action and extending its reach beyond the event itself. Participants take part in a hands-on self-defense training session, learning practical personal safety techniques under the guidance of a certified instructor Hands-on first aid training equips participants with practical emergency response skills and greater preparedness for real-life situations Download Press Release
- July 30, 2026Top Stories
Clean TeQ Water Delivers First Commercial PHOSPHIX® (Phosphate Removal) Operating Reference Plant in Europe
Highlights First Full-Scale PHOSPHIX® Plant Commissioned Clean TeQ Water has successfully completed commissioning and contractual performance testing of its first full-scale commercial PHOSPHIX® phosphate removal plant in Europe, delivered in partnership with Enva in Ireland. Performance Exceeds Contract Requirements Independent laboratory testing confirmed phosphate concentrations ten times lower than the contractual requirement of 1 mg/L across all treated water samples. The plant also demonstrated hydraulic capacity above its design rate. European Reference Established for Growth The successful completion establishes Clean TeQ Water’s first commercial operating reference for PHOSPHIX® and provides a strong platform for future growth in Europe. Europe's First Commercial PHOSPHIX® Plant Clean TeQ Water has successfully completed commissioning and contractual performance testing for its first full-scale commercial PHOSPHIX® phosphate removal plant, delivered in partnership with Enva in Ireland. The milestone marks the commercial deployment of PHOSPHIX® following several years of laboratory development, pilot testing and engineering. It also establishes Clean TeQ Water’s first operating PHOSPHIX® reference plant and its first commercial reference installation in Europe. The project, originally announced on 15 November 2024 , was designed to remove phosphate from industrial wastewater generated by Enva’s end-user, a multinational pharmaceutical manufacturer, ahead of tightening European discharge regulations. The contractual performance demonstration was completed following a continuous ten-day operating test during June 2026, extended by mutual agreement from the original five-day test period to accommodate variations in feedwater flow and composition. Independent laboratory testing confirmed phosphate concentrations below 0.1 mg/L P-PO₄, exceeding the contractual specification of 1.0 mg/L by more than tenfold. Online analysers closely matched the independent laboratory results. All treated water quality specifications, including pH, total nitrogen and chemical oxygen demand, were achieved. The plant also exceeded its contracted hydraulic throughput while automatically staging and de-staging ion exchange trains in response to varying feed flows. The plant is designed to operate at 99% water recovery and produces no liquid brine, instead recovering phosphate as a solid hydroxyapatite by-product that can be handled and disposed of safely and cost-effectively. The project has been delivered in accordance with the contracted scope and marks the successful transition of the PHOSPHIX® technology from laboratory test work and on-site piloting through detailed engineering to full operational deployment. The revised European Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive and increasingly stringent industrial discharge limits are expected to drive significant investment in phosphorus removal and recovery over the coming decade. The successful delivery of the Enva project positions Clean TeQ Water to participate in this growing market with a proven commercial reference installation. “Today’s announcement marks the successful commercial deployment of PHOSPHIX® at full industrial scale, consistently delivering phosphate concentrations well below contractual requirements while exceeding design throughput,” says Clean TeQ Water CEO Peter Voigt. “We now have an operating European plant that provides prospective customers with a proven commercial operating reference. A successful operating reference plant provides prospective customers with confidence in the technology’s performance under full-scale operating conditions. “We thank Enva for their outstanding partnership and look forward to building on this success as we pursue further opportunities across Europe.” PHOSPHIX® demonstrates the breadth of applications possible using Clean TeQ Water’s proprietary Moving Bed Ion Exchange (MBIX) platform, joining DESALX®, HIROX®, BIONEX® and CLEAN-IX® as commercial implementations of the technology. Moving Bed Ion Exchange - Clean TeQ Water “The successful handover of this plant marks an important milestone in our partnership with Clean TeQ Water and highlights the value of strong collaboration, innovative technology and operational expertise,” says Enva New Business Director Kieran Staunton. “Working closely with our customer throughout the project, we have delivered the first full-scale PHOSPHIX® tertiary phosphate recovery plant in Europe, demonstrating how advanced treatment solutions can help industrial customers achieve their environmental objectives while providing operational certainty. “Building on this achievement, we look forward to supporting more customers with sustainable treatment solutions that improve environmental performance and help meet evolving regulatory requirements.”
- July 30, 2026Top Stories
JD.com Rises to No. 41 on the Fortune Global 500, Strengthening Long-Term Competitiveness Through AI, Services and Global Supply Chains
JD.com (also known as JINGDONG) ranked No. 41 on the 2026 Fortune Global 500, marking its 11th consecutive year on the list and its third consecutive year among the world’s top 50 companies. This year, JD.com also remains the highest-ranked private company from the Chinese mainland on the Fortune Global 500. The latest ranking reflects JD.com’s continued investment in technology, supply chain capabilities and long-term value creation for consumers, brands and partners. Over the past year, JD.com has continued to strengthen its position as one of China’s leading retail platforms for brands while expanding the role of its AI-powered supply chain. Beyond enabling more efficient product circulation, the company is applying its technology and operational capabilities to a broader range of consumer and enterprise services, creating new opportunities for sustainable growth. Building the World’s Largest Operational Platform for the Physical World As AI rapidly reshapes industries worldwide, JD.com is focused on applying the technology where it creates measurable value in the real economy. Leveraging more than two decades of supply chain expertise, JD.com is building the World’s Largest Operational Platform for the Physical World , integrating AI infrastructure, intelligent automation, connected devices and real-world operational scenarios across retail, logistics, healthcare and industrial services. Today, the platform supports more than 3,000 supply chain scenarios , helping transform AI innovation into practical applications across industries and everyday life. Across its logistics network, Langzu-Tech —JINGDONG Logistics’ intelligent automation solution—helps optimize warehousing, picking, transportation, sorting and fulfillment operations through highly coordinated Goods-to-Person technologies and intelligent operational systems, improving efficiency, flexibility and resilience across the supply chain. Meanwhile, the JoyInside ecosystem continues to expand AI into everyday life, enabling a growing range of intelligent products—from AI-powered toys and companion devices to smart home appliances and healthcare equipment. Extending Supply Chain Expertise into Modern Services JD.com’s supply chain capabilities are also enabling a growing portfolio of services for businesses and consumers. For enterprises, JD.com provides integrated solutions spanning retail, logistics, healthcare, industrial supply chains, technology and infrastructure services, helping businesses improve operational efficiency and build greater resilience. For consumers, JD.com continues expanding services across everyday life—from home services, automotive care and travel to emerging areas such as senior care, pet services and robotics maintenance. By combining trusted services with supply chain expertise, JD.com is building a modern service ecosystem that supports both industries and households. Expanding Global Capabilities JD.com’s international business continues to make steady progress, helping global brands and Chinese brands connect with consumers worldwide. Joybuy , JD.com’s online retail business in Europe, now operates in the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Belgium and Luxembourg, combining localized operations with JD.com’s supply chain expertise to provide quality products, competitive prices and reliable services. JINGDONG Logistics continues expanding its international fulfillment network. By the end of 2025, the company operated nearly 200 overseas, bonded and direct-shipping warehouses across 25 markets, strengthening cross-border logistics for brands worldwide. Meanwhile, JoyExpress has expanded into Europe and Saudi Arabia, offering same-day and next-day delivery services in major cities across the UK, Germany, France and the Netherlands. Investing in People JD.com’s long-term competitiveness is built not only on technology, but also on its people. By the end of 2025, JD.com employed more than 900,000 people, making it the largest private-sector employer among Chinese companies on the Fortune Global 500. Total investment in employee compensation and benefits reached RMB 157.2 billion during the year. The company recently announced an annual investment of more than RMB 10 billion to provide comprehensive social insurance and housing benefits for its full-time couriers and delivery riders. At the same time, JD.com continues expanding career development opportunities across 183 professions , including robotics maintenance engineers, professional home service specialists, etc., helping employees build new skills alongside the company’s evolving business. JD.com remains committed to creating practical value through AI, supply chain innovation, and trusted services. By helping consumers live better and brands grow more efficiently, the company continues to strengthen its long-term global competitiveness. ( [email protected] )
- July 29, 2026Land & Property
New Platform Finally Gives Home Buyers and Sellers a Real-Time View of Their Property Transaction
Anyone who has sold a home knows the feeling: weeks of near silence, punctuated by phone calls to an estate agent or solicitor who promises to "come back to you" by the end of the day. CentreMove , a new UK property platform, believes that should never have become the normal way to sell a house. The company has launched a platform designed to replace fragmented communication with a single, shared view of every stage of a property transaction. The platform gives buyers, sellers, estate agents, mortgage brokers and solicitors real-time visibility of exactly where a transaction stands, updating automatically whenever progress is made rather than when someone remembers to send an email or make a phone call. Co-founded by Jennifer Sewell, Gordon Sewell and Wayne Quinn, CentreMove has been developed to tackle long-standing inefficiencies in the UK housing market. Up to 24% of agreed sales in England and Wales failed to complete during the early months of 2026, while collapsed property transactions are estimated to cost the UK economy as much as £2 billion every year. Separate research from Santander estimates Britain's "flawed" housing system costs at least £1.5 billion annually. It is not only failed transactions that take their toll. Research published by L&G in 2026 found that 48% of UK homeowners ranked moving house as the most stressful life event they had experienced ahead of divorce (33%) and having a child (19%). The Scale of the Problem The figures behind that stress are significant. Nearly a quarter of agreed sales in England and Wales failed to complete during the first months of 2026, while one widely reported quarter in 2025 saw fall-through rates reach as high as 41%. As recently as 2018, around one in five agreed sales failed to complete. Even when a sale succeeds, the process remains slow. The average UK property takes between five and seven weeks to find a buyer, followed by a further 16 to 22 weeks to complete conveyancing. Other data suggests the conveyancing process alone averages around 120 days, or approximately 17 weeks, from instruction to completion. For homeowners, that often means months of uncertainty while waiting for updates that CentreMove believes should be visible from the very beginning. "We're not trying to replace estate agents or solicitors," said Jennifer Sewell , co-founder of CentreMove. "If anything, we're trying to make their lives easier. Professionals spend far too much time chasing updates that should already be available. When buyers and sellers arrive informed, prepared and able to see exactly where they are, everyone benefits." What It Means for Home Sellers Rather than relying on separate phone calls, emails and updates passed between multiple parties, CentreMove provides every participant in a transaction with access to the same live platform. For sellers, this includes: A real-time transaction tracker showing exactly which stage the sale has reached, complete with automatic notifications whenever a milestone is completed or delayed. The ability to prepare legal documentation, property searches and supporting paperwork before an offer has even been accepted, reducing delays later in the process. Identity verification and Land Registry checks before a property is listed or before buyers can engage, helping reduce fraud and time-wasting enquiries. Secure direct messaging between buyers and sellers without every conversation having to pass through an estate agent or solicitor. A dedicated buyer dashboard providing access to surveys, title information and property-specific documentation, allowing buyers to investigate issues directly rather than repeatedly requesting information through third parties. "I've always believed the biggest opportunities aren't found by improving something by five per cent," said Wayne Quinn , co-founder of CentreMove. "They're found by questioning why everyone accepts the problem in the first place. People don't actually want more technology, they want fewer unknowns. If we can remove uncertainty from property transactions, we don't just make moving home faster, we make better decisions possible." How CentreMove Works CentreMove has been designed to follow the natural progression of a property sale. Before a property is listed, the platform verifies the seller's identity and checks Land Registry records to help prevent fraudulent listings and reduce unnecessary enquiries. Once listed, sellers can begin preparing legal documentation, property searches and supporting paperwork immediately, rather than waiting until an offer has been accepted before starting the legal process. When an offer is agreed, the transaction moves onto a shared live tracker visible to the buyer, seller, estate agent, broker and solicitor, with automatic notifications whenever progress is made or delays occur. Throughout the transaction, buyers and sellers can communicate directly through the platform instead of relying solely on intermediaries. CentreMove's development has been informed by the kinds of issues that arise in real property transactions, where buyers and sellers can be working from different information and important details are not always visible to everyone involved. "Many property disputes stem from a lack of transparency rather than a lack of intent," said Gordon Sewell. "If everyone involved can access the same information at the right time, potential issues are far more likely to be identified and resolved before they become costly disputes. A platform like CentreMove helps ensure buyers, sellers and their advisers are working from a single, up-to-date source of information throughout the transaction." Trialling the Platform CentreMove is inviting buyers, sellers, estate agents, mortgage brokers and solicitors to trial the platform and provide feedback ahead of its wider rollout. "We didn't build this behind closed doors, and we're not going to finish it behind closed doors either," a CentreMove spokesperson said. "If something's clunky, tell us. If something's missing, tell us that too. This platform exists for its users, so their feedback is what will actually shape where it goes next." What's Next The company describes the current launch as the beginning of a longer product rollout rather than a finished platform. Future development will include deeper lender integrations, commercial property functionality and additional automation across the transaction process. CentreMove says it will continue working with estate agents, conveyancers, mortgage brokers, lenders, journalists and everyday buyers and sellers to shape future releases through ongoing feedback. About the Founders Jennifer Sewell is a co-founder of CentreMove and a practising solicitor focused on ensuring the platform delivers a better experience for buyers and sellers throughout the transaction process. Gordon Sewell is a co-founder of CentreMove and a practising solicitor whose experience advising on complex property disputes directly informed the platform's emphasis on transparency and early access to information. Wayne Quinn is a co-founder of CentreMove whose career has centred on building businesses in industries ready for change. He describes the UK property transaction process as "the obvious next challenge." About CentreMove CentreMove is a UK property technology platform that gives buyers, sellers, estate agents, mortgage brokers and solicitors a single, real-time view of every stage of a property transaction. Co-founded by Jennifer Sewell, Gordon Sewell and Wayne Quinn, CentreMove is a product of NBS Technologies , based in Beverley, England.
- July 29, 2026Technology
VDR.ai Launches AI-Powered Virtual Data Room Platform for M&A and Due Diligence
VDR.ai today announced the launch of its artificial intelligence-powered virtual data room platform , designed to help investment bankers, private equity firms, independent sponsors, corporate development teams, attorneys, lenders and business owners manage complex transactions more efficiently. The new platform combines secure document storage and sharing with AI-powered document analysis, automated organization, due diligence management, financial review, contract intelligence and transaction reporting. Unlike traditional virtual data rooms that primarily function as secure file repositories, VDR.ai is designed to actively assist deal teams throughout the transaction process. The platform can review uploaded documents, organize files, extract important information, identify missing materials, flag potential risks and answer questions using information contained within the data room. “Most virtual data rooms have not materially changed the way transaction professionals work,” said Nate Nead, founder of VDR.ai. “They provide a secure place to store files, but the difficult work of organizing documents, reviewing contracts, tracking diligence and identifying risks is still largely manual. VDR.ai was built to make the data room a working member of the deal team.” An Intelligent Data Room for Modern Transactions VDR.ai allows users to create secure, permission-controlled workspaces for mergers and acquisitions, financings, investments, legal matters, audits and other sensitive projects. Users can upload and organize transaction documents, invite internal and external participants, establish detailed access permissions and monitor activity throughout the data room. Administrators can control who is permitted to view, download, print or share individual files and folders. The platform also uses artificial intelligence to help organize unstructured document sets. VDR.ai can classify documents, recommend folder structures, identify duplicates, extract metadata, connect related agreements and detect potentially missing schedules, exhibits, signatures or diligence materials. “Deal teams regularly receive hundreds or thousands of documents with inconsistent names, incomplete folder structures and limited context,” Nead said. “VDR.ai is intended to reduce the administrative burden of preparing and reviewing a data room while helping professionals focus their attention on the issues that could actually affect the transaction.” AI-Powered Due Diligence and Document Analysis VDR.ai includes an AI assistant that allows authorized users to search across the data room and ask natural-language questions about uploaded documents. Responses are generated from the materials contained within the user’s workspace and include links or references to the relevant source documents. The platform can summarize individual files, compare agreements, extract contractual terms and identify provisions involving change of control, assignment rights, termination, renewal, exclusivity, indemnification, liability, payment obligations and other transaction-related considerations. VDR.ai can also support the creation and management of due diligence request lists. Uploaded documents can be matched against specific requests, allowing deal teams to track completed items, outstanding materials, follow-up questions, review status and responsibility assignments. Potential risks and diligence findings can be categorized, prioritized and incorporated into structured red-flag reports, open-item reports and transaction summaries. Financial Review and Preliminary Quality-of-Earnings Analysis In addition to document and legal analysis, VDR.ai includes financial diligence capabilities designed to assist users in reviewing financial statements and transaction data. The platform can extract information from income statements, balance sheets, cash flow statements, spreadsheets and related financial materials. It can help identify revenue and expense trends, customer concentration, vendor concentration, working-capital considerations, unusual transactions, nonrecurring expenses and potential EBITDA adjustments. VDR.ai can also assist with financial reconciliations, preliminary quality-of-earnings analysis and the preparation of financial diligence summaries. These tools are intended to support transaction professionals and qualified advisors rather than replace independent accounting, legal or financial review. Core VDR.ai Capabilities The platform includes: Secure virtual data rooms with granular user, folder and document permissions AI document classification, organization, tagging and metadata extraction Natural-language search and questions across authorized documents Automated diligence request lists, document matching and completion tracking Contract summarization, clause extraction and legal risk identification Financial statement analysis and preliminary quality-of-earnings support Duplicate, missing-document, missing-signature and missing-exhibit detection Internal notes, tasks, approvals, questions and response workflows Dynamic watermarking, document controls and detailed audit logs Data room activity, engagement and transaction progress reporting Custom branding, logos, colors, templates and branded reports AI-generated diligence reports, risk registers, executive summaries and transaction materials Built for M&A and Other Sensitive Workflows VDR.ai is designed to support buy-side and sell-side mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments, independent sponsor transactions, search fund acquisitions, corporate development projects, debt financings, venture capital investments, real estate transactions, legal matters, regulatory reviews and financial audits. The platform can also be used by companies preparing for a future sale or financing. Business owners and advisors can use VDR.ai to organize documents, assess data room readiness, identify missing information and prepare materials before granting access to buyers, investors or lenders. VDR.ai is initially focused on serving lower-middle-market and middle-market transactions, where deal teams often need sophisticated capabilities but may not require the pricing structure or implementation complexity associated with traditional enterprise virtual data room providers. “The middle market deserves more than a basic file-sharing system,” Nead said. “Our goal is to provide institutional-grade transaction tools in a platform that is easier to adopt, easier to use and more closely aligned with the way modern deal teams operate.” Security, Permissions and Auditability VDR.ai was developed with security and document control as foundational platform requirements. The system includes role-based permissions, document-level controls, access revocation, activity monitoring, dynamic watermarking and audit trails covering document uploads, views, downloads, permission changes and user activity. AI-generated answers and analysis are permission-aware, meaning users are limited to information contained in documents they are authorized to access. Organizations can establish separate workspaces for different transactions, customize participant roles and maintain internal-only notes and findings that are not visible to external data room users. Reporting and Transaction Intelligence VDR.ai provides administrators and deal leaders with visibility into how participants are using the data room. The platform can report on document views, downloads, user activity, frequently accessed files, outstanding diligence requests, unresolved risks and transaction progress. These insights can help deal teams understand buyer, investor or lender engagement while maintaining detailed records of data room activity. Users can also generate executive summaries, diligence reports, open-item schedules, risk registers and other transaction materials using information stored within the platform. Reports can be edited, exported and customized with an organization’s logo, colors and branding. Additional platform functionality and integrations will continue to be introduced following the initial launch. About VDR.ai VDR.ai is an AI-powered virtual data room and transaction intelligence platform built for mergers and acquisitions , financings, investments and other sensitive business processes. The platform combines secure document sharing, artificial intelligence, automated due diligence, financial analysis, legal document intelligence, collaboration tools and transaction reporting in a unified workspace. Disclaimer VDR.ai is a software platform and does not provide legal, accounting, investment banking, tax, securities or investment advice. AI-generated analysis should be independently reviewed and verified by qualified professionals before being relied upon in connection with any transaction.
- July 29, 2026Games & Entertainment
Musical Colors Celebrates 35 Years of Transforming Music Education Through Color-Coded Learning
Musical Colors proudly celebrates its 35-year milestone, marking more than three decades of innovation dedicated to making basic music theory for guitar and other musical instrument learning more visual, intuitive, and accessible for learners of every age and experience level. Founded by composer, educator, and visionary Michael John Wiley , the company has spent 35 years developing and implementing a visual music color system that helps students understand music while simultaneously learning to play musical instruments by installing custom color-coded musical instrument note sticker guides, such as ukulele, banjo, mandolin, and holographic guitar fretboard stickers, piano keyboard note stickers, violin fingerboard stickers, and many more. Since its earliest public demonstrations in the early 1990s, Musical Colors has pursued a singular mission: creating a universally accessible and affordable method for learning music through visual recognition. The company's proprietary system applies mathematically determined and organized color-coded notes directly to musical instruments like the guitar, allowing beginners, educators, composers, and professional musicians to recognize musical relationships faster while strengthening long-term understanding and appreciation of music scales, learning guitar music theory chords, understanding musical keys, and much more for other instruments as well. Over the years, that vision has expanded into a comprehensive educational platform featuring custom color-coded fingerboard, keyboard, and fretboard instrument sticker guides, music instruction videos and material resources, an exploratory free online masterclass training , and exclusive one-on-one fretboard mastermind programs designed to support musicians at every stage of their journey. “Thirty-five years have reinforced one simple belief,” says Wiley. “Music should be something people can not only hear, but also see, understand, and experience with confidence from the very beginning. Musical Colors was created to remove unnecessary barriers and replace uncertainty with inner clarity through a visual language that proportionally complements the universal language of music.” Wiley’s background uniquely positioned him to develop such a system. Raised in a family where engineering and the fine arts stood as equal pillars, he ultimately became what he describes as an “engineer of sounds.” His career has combined orchestral composition, education, curriculum development, and decades of research into the historical relationship between music and color. His internationally recognized work as a composer, including award-winning orchestral compositions, informed the analytical thinking behind Musical Colors while reinforcing his belief that creativity flourishes when complex concepts become easier to understand. The Musical Colors methodology scientifically distributes the seven colors of the visible spectrum across the twelve musical notes used in Western music, creating an intuitive visual framework that strengthens visual pattern recognition, internal memory, and external muscle memory. Rather than replacing traditional music education, the system serves as a visual companion that helps visual learners identify and learn music notes, understand harmonic relationships, and navigate their newly transformed and fun instruments to learn with greater efficiency. The company says the approach is the best way to learn guitar music theory for beginners while also offering practical value for experienced musicians seeking deeper fluency with improvisation on guitar, composition, or aural, conceptual, and visual music theory help. Musical Colors has broadened its reach far beyond individual learners. The company continues working toward a larger educational movement that includes music classrooms, private instructors, music schools, songwriters, composers, and future generations of Musical Colors affiliate educators. Its long-term vision also extends into curriculum development and educational resources that encourage visual learning across diverse musical settings. Wiley also sees opportunities for the company's products within the toy industry , offering interactive, affordable color-based musical instrument learning tools that introduce children to foundational musical concepts at an early age. “Color is one of humanity's first visual languages,” Wiley adds. “When learners quickly connect color with sound, they begin recognizing musical patterns more naturally. That recognition becomes understanding, and understanding becomes creative freedom.” Research highlighted by Musical Colors underscores the opportunity. While surveys consistently show that most children and many adults express a desire to learn to play an instrument, comparatively few become proficient. Musical Colors was created to address that gap by helping visual learners develop stronger associations between music notes, musical patterns, and physical movement on their now easy-to-learn instruments. The company believes this visual reinforcement supports greater engagement while encouraging long-term musical growth, and notably within special education as well. The anniversary also celebrates the evolution of Wiley’s decades-long research into the historical relationships between music and color. Musical Colors has documented centuries of attempts by philosophers, scientists, composers, and educators to connect these two proportional expressive languages, positioning its modern system as part of a much broader historical continuum while refining those concepts into a practical educational framework for contemporary musicians and educators. Today, Musical Colors serves beginners discovering their first instrument, parents supporting young musicians, private instructors, classroom educators seeking engaging music teaching aids and curriculum resources, intermediate players looking to deepen their understanding, and professional players or composers and songwriters searching for fresh creative perspectives. The company’s shop page holds a growing ecosystem of innovative educational music tools and resources that reflects its commitment to making music more approachable without sacrificing theoretical depth. “Upgrade your instrument!” says Michael, “It’s simply the best way to learn music theory on many types of musical instruments and play with confidence while having fun!” As Musical Colors commemorates 35 years of innovation, the company remains focused on expanding access to music education tools through visual learning and teaching music guitar theory, strengthening partnerships with educators, and continuing to build a global community united by the belief that understanding and appreciating music can begin with something as universal as color.
- July 29, 2026Business
America’s Family-Owned Businesses Outpace Traditional Corporations in Longevity, New Family Enterprise USA Survey Shows
America’s Family-Owned Businesses Outpace Traditional Corporations in Longevity, New Family Enterprise USA Survey Shows Survey Shows 83% of Family-Owned Business Still Operating after 20 years, with 32% Going Strong Between 50 and 100 Years A new survey found 83% of family-owned businesses have been in business for 20 years or more, a sharp contrast to mature, publicly-traded companies with an average life span of 18 years. The survey, from Family Enterprise USA, details the longevity, ownership, and employee levels of America’s family-owned businesses, a key driver of the U.S. economy. Family-owned businesses contribute $7.7 trillion annually to the U.S. economy and support 83.3 million jobs, according to research. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly half (48%) of all businesses fail within the first five years, while only about one third, or 35%, are still operating after 10 years. Large, mature corporations on the S&F 500 have an average life span of 18 years. This is in sharp contrast to family-owned businesses which last substantially longer, with some 32% in business 50 to 100 years, and 26% in business from 30 to 50 years, according to the family-owned business survey. The study also found 14% of family-owned business have been operating for over 100 years. Results from the 2026 Annual Family-Owned Business Survey by Family Enterprise USA (FEUSA) are based on a survey among 710 family-owned business respondents from 46 states. Employee and Ownership Strength The survey results also show family-owned businesses with 68% having family members working in the business and over half of the businesses (51%) employing more than 51 workers. In addition, the survey shows 11% of the family businesses are big employers, employing over 500 employees. The survey, which covered a wide range of topics, from top tax and economic concerns to cyber-security issues to ownership issues, found family-owned businesses plan to stay family-owned. When asked who they “anticipated being the next owner” of the business, 72% said the business will “stay in the family.” It was found only 9% would sell to “Non-Family Employee” and 3% would sell to “Private Equity.” When it came to “Holding Ownership,” the survey shows 78% are “Pass Through Entities,” such as S corporations, limited liability companies, or partnerships. Some 22% were held in C Corporations, trusts, or other entities, the survey found. “Family-owned businesses are long-term, powerful drivers of our economy,” said Pat Soldano, President, Family Enterprise USA, survey organizers.“We see time and again family business are the most stable economic force we have in our country and yet they have challenges larger, traditional corporations never face, such as paying higher taxes and the threat of large Estate Taxes upon the founder’s death,” she said. “This research is an important annual tool to educate our policy makers, so they understand the importance and size of family businesses in our economy, and to make better policy decisions to help family-owned businesses grow and prosper for generations to come.” For an Executive Summary of the 2026 Annual Family-Owned Business go to: FEUSA 2026 Annual Family-Owned Business Survey . About Family Enterprise USA Family Enterprise USA promotes family-owned business creation, growth, viability, and sustainability by advocating for family businesses and their lifetime of savings with Congress in Washington, D.C. FEUSA represents and celebrates all sizes, professions and industries of family-owned enterprises and multi-generational employers. FEUSA is a 501.C3 organization
- July 29, 2026Business
Swiss Luxury Skincare Brand BILATTE Expands into France’s Premium Beauty Retail Market, Launching Global Offline Growth Strategy and Opening Traceability Experiences Worldwide
BILATTE, a prestigious medical skincare brand originating from the renowned Montreux clinic and wellness tradition in Switzerland, has officially announced its entry into MA COSMETIQUES, a leading premium beauty retail chain in France. Following this milestone, BILATTE’s complete range of professional-grade skincare products is now available at the retailer’s offline stores, marking a strategic step forward in the brand’s global offline expansion. This move represents BILATTE’s first major consumer-facing retail presence in one of Europe’s most influential beauty markets, creating a dedicated offline experience hub where consumers can directly discover Swiss professional skincare solutions. As a premier luxury beauty destination of significant influence in Europe, MA COSMETIQUES has long been renowned for its rigorous curation and precision-targeted clientele. The arrival of BILATTE marks a seamless convergence of Switzerland's cutting-edge medical-grade skincare expertise with France's pinnacle of luxury beauty retail ecosystem, offering European consumers an unprecedented opportunity to experience the professional refinement of "bringing Swiss clinic-grade spa care into the comfort of home." Anchored in France, BILATTE Invites Global Creators to Experience Swiss Medical Skincare Firsthand With its presence at MA COSMETIQUES as a strategic European touchpoint, BILATTE has officially launched its global traceability and collaboration program. The brand warmly welcomes leading livestream hosts, distributors, and content creators from around the world to visit the store and experience BILATTE’s professional skincare philosophy in person. Visitors will have the opportunity to: Experience and test BILATTE’s full product portfolio; Explore real consumer feedback from the local French market; Immerse themselves in the brand’s Swiss-inspired therapeutic skincare atmosphere; Receive dedicated support and professional guidance from BILATTE’s brand consultants. Previously, several leading livestream creators have already visited BILATTE’s offline locations and launched live product experiences, generating strong audience engagement through real-time demonstrations and in-depth product discussions. These successful initiatives have highlighted the powerful role of offline experiences in enhancing consumer trust and driving content-based conversion. BILATTE welcomes global partners to join this initiative and work together to build a professional, trustworthy, and effective narrative around medical-grade skincare. Driven by Scientific Innovation, Building a Global Reputation in Premium Skincare BILATTE’s successful entry into France’s premium beauty retail sector is built on years of dedication to professional medical skincare research and innovation. Guided by the philosophy of “Safe, Effective, and Adaptive Skincare,” BILATTE integrates advanced Swiss biotechnology with modern skincare science. Inspired by exclusive skincare formulations historically associated with the Montreux wellness tradition, the brand continuously refines its formulas to bring professional-grade skincare expertise into everyday beauty routines. Recognized for its research capabilities, BILATTE has received prestigious industry recognition, including the 2016 European BSB Innovation Award for Raw Materials and a 2018 European Invention Patent . Its formulation development expertise continues to position the brand at the forefront of professional skincare innovation. Across Europe, BILATTE has earned professional recognition from more than 2,000 premium beauty salons . The brand has also attracted attention from renowned Hollywood makeup artist Austin Jonathan Ryde , who selected BILATTE as a trusted skincare partner. To date, BILATTE has been featured by more than 888 mainstream media outlets worldwide , strengthening its reputation as a Swiss medical luxury skincare brand that combines scientific expertise with consumer recognition. From France to the World: Expanding the Future of Professional Skincare With France serving as a new offline strategic hub, BILATTE will continue expanding its presence across premium beauty markets in Europe and beyond, further strengthening its global retail and consumer experience network. The MA COSMETIQUES store will serve as an important European experience center, allowing consumers to explore BILATTE’s professional skincare solutions without traveling to Switzerland. Through continuous product innovation, scientific research, and immersive offline experiences, the brand remains committed to delivering Swiss-inspired skincare excellence to consumers worldwide. The launch in France marks a new chapter in BILATTE’s international development. Moving forward, the brand will leverage physical retail locations as key consumer touchpoints, supported by authentic traceability experiences and word-of-mouth communication, to further enhance its global influence and redefine the future of professional skincare worldwide.
- July 28, 2026Select
Benifore Announces Launch of X1T PRO Full-Suspension Fat Tire E-Bike Designed for Everyday Mobility
New electric bike combines powerful motor performance, long-range capability, and all-terrain versatility for modern riders Benifore , an electric mobility brand focused on practical and performance-oriented electric bikes, today announced the launch of the Benifore X1T PRO , a full-suspension fat tire electric bike designed to support daily transportation, outdoor recreation, and versatile riding experiences. The X1T PRO introduces an electric bike platform featuring a 1500W peak motor system, 90Nm torque output, extended battery capacity, full suspension, and wide all-terrain tires. The model is now available through the official Benifore online store with pricing starting at $899 USD . Developed through a direct-to-consumer business approach, the X1T PRO reflects Benifore’s focus on creating accessible electric mobility solutions by connecting product development directly with real-world rider needs. Benifore X1T PRO Features Highlights The Benifore X1T PRO was engineered for riders seeking a balance between performance, comfort, and everyday usability. The Benifore X1T PRO is equipped with a 1500W peak motor system and 90Nm of torque, providing power support for daily commuting, inclines, and off-road riding conditions where permitted. The electric bike features a removable 48V 20Ah battery that delivers a maximum range of up to 65 miles, depending on riding conditions and usage. Built with a full-suspension system, 20-inch x 4-inch fat tires, and a reinforced frame supporting up to 400 lbs of payload capacity, the X1T PRO is designed to improve ride comfort and stability across different surfaces, including pavement, gravel, and dirt paths. The Benifore X1T PRO can also reach speeds of up to 35 MPH for off-road and private-property riding environments. Designed for Everyday Riding Conditions The X1T PRO combines performance components with a rider-focused design approach. The full-suspension system helps improve comfort and control when riding across uneven surfaces, while the fat tire configuration provides additional stability for different environments. From daily commuting to weekend outdoor activities, the X1T PRO provides an electric bike option for riders who need additional stability, suspension support, and range for commuting and recreational use. Benifore’s Continued Evolution in Electric Mobility The launch of the X1T PRO represents the continued development of Benifore’s electric mobility product strategy. Building upon years of electric mobility development experience originally established under the Luckeep brand, Benifore continues to develop practical, reliable, and performance-focused electric bikes designed around real-world transportation and recreation needs. “The goal behind the X1T PRO was to create an electric bike that balances performance capability with everyday comfort,” said Mike Shen, Brand Director at Benifore . “Modern riders are looking for products that can support different lifestyles, from daily transportation to outdoor exploration. The X1T PRO represents Benifore’s continued focus on developing practical electric mobility solutions.” Availability and Pricing The Benifore X1T PRO is officially available for purchase through the Benifore online store. The Benifore X1T PRO is available through the Benifore online store at a price of $899 USD. Customer orders are scheduled to begin fulfillment through Benifore’s U.S. distribution network in August 2026 . Additional product specifications and company information are available at: https://benifore.com About Benifore Benifore is an electric mobility brand dedicated to developing practical, reliable, and performance-focused electric bikes for modern riders. Building upon years of electric mobility development experience originally established under the Luckeep brand, Benifore combines product development expertise, manufacturing capabilities, and rider-focused design principles to create electric bikes for transportation, recreation, and outdoor applications. With U.S.-based customer support operations and global product development resources, Benifore continues to expand its electric mobility solutions for riders worldwide.
- July 28, 2026Others
As Travelers Prioritize Outdoor Experiences, The Lodge at Gulf State Park Expands Resort Offerings
As more travelers look for vacations that combine outdoor recreation with full-service accommodations, The Lodge at Gulf State Park is highlighting its approach to Gulf Coast hospitality by expanding guest amenities while building on recent national recognition for its location, sustainability efforts, and connection to Alabama's natural landscape. Beach destinations remain popular, but many visitors now want more than a hotel room near the water. Families, couples, and group travelers increasingly seek places where they can enjoy beaches, dining, outdoor activities, and comfortable accommodations without spending much of their trip driving between attractions. Responding to that demand, The Lodge at Gulf State Park has placed renewed attention on offering an experience that combines resort amenities with direct access to Gulf State Park. The 350-room resort sits between the Gulf of Mexico and one of Alabama's most visited state parks. Guests can step onto sugar-white beaches, explore 28 miles of hiking and biking trails, or enjoy freshwater activities at nearby Lake Shelby. The service focus has expanded with a newly enlarged pool complex that opened earlier this year. The new family pool is three times larger than the previous space and includes a splash pad, private cabanas, and more than 200 lounge chairs. At the same time, the original infinity pool now serves as a dedicated adults-only retreat overlooking the Gulf. The additions allow the resort to better accommodate travelers with different vacation styles while reducing crowding during busy seasons. Dining continues to be another area receiving attention. Multiple on-site restaurants provide options ranging from casual meals to Gulf-front dining, allowing guests to remain on the property throughout their stay if they choose. That flexibility benefits vacationers as well as conference attendees and wedding guests who often prefer accommodations, dining, and gathering spaces in one location. The resort also maintains its sustainability initiatives through its LEED-certified design and environmental practices that reflect its location within Gulf State Park. Those efforts recently received added visibility after Southern Living named The Lodge at Gulf State Park its top recommended place to stay while highlighting Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. The publication recognized the property's eco-conscious design, connection to Gulf State Park, and coastal dining. The resort was also recently recognized by USA Today as one of the nation's best family beach resorts. For travelers planning long weekends, family vacations, meetings, or special events, the resort's location allows visitors to experience Alabama's Gulf Coast without sacrificing convenience. Guests have direct beach access, outdoor recreation, flexible event space, and multiple dining venues in one destination, creating an option for visitors who want both relaxation and easy access to the surrounding natural environment.
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