- March 30, 2026Business
Simberi Operations Well Stocked with Fuel
St Barbara Limited (“ St Barbara ” or the “ Company ”) (ASX:SBM) advises that its Simberi Operations is well stocked with diesel fuel. This relates to recent inquiries about Simberi’s fuel stocks given the impact on global diesel fuel supply chains following the shipping restrictions through the Strait of Hormuz. Diesel for the Simberi Operations is supplied by Puma Energy (majority owned by the Trafigura Group) and originates from various refineries in Asia, including Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea and Japan. The Simberi Operations currently use approximately 65,000 litres per day of diesel for the mining fleet and power generation. Current diesel supply stored on Simberi Island is approximately 4.7 million litres (sufficient to cover more than two months’ usage), with another 3.5 million litres in allocated storage in country at Lae and Port Moresby storage locations. These stocks are anticipated to be sufficient to cover well in excess of three months of requirements for mining and power generation. While 1.8 million litres of the diesel in storage at Lae will only be priced at the end of March 2026,the pricing of the balance,6.4 million litres, of diesel in storage has been locked in and paid for based on the Mean of Platts Singapore average price for January (i.e. pre-conflict pricing). St Barbara has been taking the precaution of holding increased diesel storage for several months now. Authorised by Andrew Strelein Managing Director and CEO For more information Investor Relations David Cotterell General Manager Business Development & Investor Relations [email protected] T: +61 3 8660 1959 M: +61 447 644 648 Media Relations Paul Ryan / Russell Quinn Sodali & Co. M: +61 409 296 511 / +61 403 322 097
- March 30, 2026Business
Lingbao Transaction Conditions Precedent Satisfied Completion Planned for 1 April 2026 Anticipated A$0.5 billion Gain on Sale (Unaudited)
St Barbara Limited (“ St Barbara ” or the “ Company ”) (ASX:SBM) is pleased to announce that all conditions precedent have been satisfied or waived in relation to the transaction announced on 10 December 2025 with the Lingbao Gold Group’s (“ Lingbao ”) investment in the New Simberi Gold Project. The final outstanding conditions precedent regarding the Initial Life of Mine Plan and the Construction Work Program and Budget for the New Simberi Gold Project and the finalisation of agreements with Kumul Mineral Holdings Limited (“ Kumul ”) have now been satisfied. Accordingly, Lingbao and St Barbara are targeting completion of the Lingbao transaction (“ Lingbao Completion ”) on 1 April 2026. Lingbao and St Barbara have also committed to making a Final Investment Decision on the New Simberi Gold Project at Completion. Good progress has also been made with the satisfaction of conditions precedent for the transaction with Kumul. Kumul now only requires PNG Government approvals from the Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (“ ICCC ”) and from the National Executive Council (“ NEC ”).Completion of the Kumul transaction is also targeted for 1 April 2026 however any delay with the ICCC or NEC approvals will not delay the Lingbao Completion. The St Barbara Group anticipates recording a gain on sale of approximately A$0.5 Billion (unaudited) upon the Lingbao Completion. Lingbao is acquiring its interest in the New Simberi Gold Project for A$370 million (to be received by St Barbara in cash upon Lingbao Completion). The retention of the equivalent interest by St Barbara realises a total value of at leastA$740 million from the transaction and deconsolidation of the Simberi subsidiaries. This is approximately A$0.5 billion more than the Group’s expected carrying value for the Simberi business unit immediately prior to Lingbao Completion. St Barbara Limited Managing Director and CEO Andrew Strelein said: “The satisfaction of the final conditions precedent on the Lingbao Transaction allows St Barbara and Lingbao to now move forward to Completion. We are targeting the 1st April 2026 for Completion, when we have also committed to the Final Investment Decision.” “We anticipate that the Kumul deal will also close on the 1st April 2026 with only two PNG government approvals now required. Any delay with those final approvals does not impact the timing of the Completion of the Lingbao Transaction.” “This is a pivotal moment for St Barbara as we unlock significant immediate value for the Company, while opening up a new future for our business as we move to execute the New Simberi Gold Project and deliver value to our shareholders and to our stakeholders in PNG.” Authorised by Andrew Strelein Managing Director and CEO For more information Investor Relations David Cotterell General Manager Business Development & Investor Relations [email protected] T: +61 3 8660 1959 M: +61 447 644 648 Media Relations Paul Ryan / RussellQuinn Sodali & Co. M: +61 409 296 511 / +61 403 322 097
- March 30, 2026Business
Hong Kong RISC-V Alliance Officially Launched to Foster Industry-Academia-Research-Investment Cross-Border Collaboration Empowering Open-Source Chip Ecosystem, Establishing an International Exchange Portal and Application Hub
The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited (“Towngas”), together with a number of industry-leading enterprises and institutions, announced the official launch of the Hong Kong RISC-V Alliance (HKRVA) (“Alliance”). Building on this foundation, the Alliance will actively invite and collaborate with other stakeholders in the next phase to advance its development, jointly build the RISC-V ecosystem, and deliver benefits for all parties. The 2026-27 Budget highlighted that, through strategic investments and partnerships with leading enterprises, the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited (“HKIC”) has actively promoted the R&D and industrial implementation of RISC-V technology, including participation in the establishment of the Alliance to facilitate cross-sector cooperation and international collaboration among industry, academia and investment circles in the Greater Bay Area. With Hong Kong as its core pivot, the Alliance aim at creating an open, collaborative, and international RISC-V industrial collaboration platform. Leveraging Hong Kong’s unique advantages, the Alliance will transcend geographical and industrial barriers, connect global chip design enterprises, terminal application manufacturers, research institutions, investment institutions, and standards-setting bodies, and build a collaboration network featuring “seamless information exchange, shared resources, and joint project execution”. It is committed to positioning Hong Kong as a key global hub for RISC-V industrial exchanges and collaboration. Driven strategically by the HKIC, the Alliance is jointly founded by leading enterprises and institutions from various segments of the industrial ecosystem. The founding members are Towngas, Shanghai StarFive Semiconductor Co., Ltd. (“StarFive”), China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited, xFusion Technologies International Co., Ltd., and Open Source International Technology Innovation Co., Limited. StarFive serves as the Alliance’s inaugural President unit. All members will work in synergy to connect the entire industrial chain, covering industrial investment, chip research and development (“R&D”), ecosystem building, and real-world application, forming a complete cycle from technology development to industrial application. RISC-V technology is currently in a phase of rapid development. In its initial stage, the Alliance will focus on leveraging Hong Kong’s role as an international platform and application hub, including active involvement in the transformation of global chip technology. Together, the founding members will drive forward the following four areas of work: First, Deepening International Linkage and Alignment with Global Standards. The Alliance will strengthen Hong Kong’s role as a bridge for facilitating in-depth cooperation between the Chinese Mainland and the international RISC-V community, and promoting technology exchange through the “going global” and “bringing in” strategies. It will seek to actively participate in setting international rules in this domain to enhance Hong Kong’s international influence in the open-source chip field. Second, Exploring Cutting-Edge Technology and Unlocking New Applications. The Alliance will deepen industry-academia-research-investment collaboration, advance the underlying technologies of open-source chips, and increase Hong Kong’s technological contribution to the international open-source community. Earlier, through the partnership between the HKIC and StarFive, significant breakthroughs have been achieved in the R&D and implementation of RISC-V chips: successfully launched the world’s first RISC-V architecture data centre management chip, “Lion Rock Chip” in Hong Kong, and propelled the adoption of the “TGSE Chip”, a RISC-V smart IoT chip for smart city implementation in Hong Kong. Building on these achievements, the Alliance will collaborate with local universities to organise academic exchange activities and technical workshops, transforming cutting-edge laboratory research results into commercialised industrial solutions and shortening the path from R&D to commercialisation application. Third, Cross-Border Integration and Large-Scale Industrial Application. Guided by the “use case-driven and application-led” approach, the Alliance will seek to unlock the potential of RISC-V across diverse commercial and industrial contexts, while actively exploring, identifying, and advancing real-world use cases. It will establish an “Application Demonstration Zone” to pilot RISC-V-based smart terminals or edge computing solutions, leveraging Hong Kong’s distinctive contexts such as smart city, smart energy, and fintech. Fourth, Professional Education and Talent Cultivation. The Alliance will support the promotion of open-source technologies, by cultivating early interest among young people, and contribute to nurturing specialised talent to strengthen Hong Kong’s technology talent pool. At the university level, the Alliance will collaborate to offer RISC-V-related short-term courses or professional certificate programs, and support students in contributing to the open-source community. At the secondary school and introductory level, chip experience workshops and internship programs will be organised to spark young people’s interest in hardware design and open-source technologies. Ms Clara Chan, CEO of the HKIC, said, “The open-source nature of RISC-V provides an ideal and fertile ground for technological and product innovation. The HKIC will continue to uphold the principles of openness, collaboration, and mutual benefits, driving the development of an end-to-end ecosystem from chip design, packaging and testing, to scenario-based applications. With the establishment of the Hong Kong RISC-V Alliance, the HKIC will continue to leverage the guiding force of patient capital, bringing together leading enterprises across the industrial ecosystem to jointly build Hong Kong into a global hub for open-source chip R&D, talent cultivation, and application. Together, we will contribute ‘Hong Kong’s strengths’ to China’s self-reliance and self-improvement in science and technology and the prosperity of the global open-source ecosystem. In the next phase, the Alliance will actively invite and unite other stakeholders to participate, pooling collective expertise in building a robust RISC-V ecosystem.” Mr Thomas Xu, CEO of StarFive and inaugural President of the Alliance, noted, “The launch of the Alliance marks a new stage of industrial collaboration for Hong Kong’s RISC-V ecosystem. All Alliance members, based on their respective positions in the industrial chain, will fully leverage the technological and commercial innovation advantages of RISC-V's open standards, to drive coordinated development across standards, core technologies, products and applications. As the inaugural President unit, StarFive will actively play its leading role, working alongside other members, research institutions and universities in Hong Kong, and connecting global industry, academia, research, investment resources, to build Hong Kong into a key hub that bridges the Chinese Mainland and the world and drives innovation in open-source chips.” RISC-V is an open standard architecture based on Reduced Instruction Set Computer. Unlike traditional closed chip architectures (such as x86 and ARM), RISC-V features open-source, neutrality, modularity, and high scalability, allowing developers to customise freely for specific scenarios. It has now become the world’s third major underlying architecture, leading the global transformation of computing architectures. The development of this technology, combined with the power of artificial intelligence, is expected to accelerate R&D and manufacturing for a wider range of applications and terminal devices. As the sole public utility among the founding members of the Alliance, Towngas aims to accelerate the Group’s digital transformation in smart energy, the Internet of Things (IoT), and smart home applications through its participation in promoting RISC V open source chip technology. The RISC V chip “TGSE Chip”, jointly developed by Towngas and StarFive, has already been successfully adopted in smart gas applications on the Chinese mainland and is now being progressively introduced into Hong Kong’s smart gas meters. Going forward, the Company will further apply RISC V technology to scenarios such as smart kitchens and smart homes, enhancing operational efficiency, strengthening data security, and delivering higher quality services to customers. - END - For media enquiries, please contact: The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited Ms May Tam Assistant Corporate Affairs Manager Tel: 2963 3475 / 9192 0062 Email: [email protected]
- March 30, 2026Business
Weebit Nano announces A$80.0 million Placement
Weebit Nano Ltd ( ASX: WBT , Weebit Nano or Company ) announces it has launched a fully underwritten institutional placement to raise A$80.0 million to new and existing institutional investors ( Placement ), and a non-underwritten placement to raise up to $10.0 million ( Israeli Placement ). Under the Placement, the Company will issue approximately 19.8 million new securities and under the Israeli Placement, the Company is targeting the issue of approximately 2.5 million new securities, each at the issue price of A$4.05 per new security ( New Securities ). Weebit Nano also intends to launch a non-underwritten Share Purchase Plan ( SPP ) to raise up to an additional A$15.0 million (together with the Placement and the Israeli Placement, the Offer ). Funds raised will be used to accelerate Weebit Nano’s path to becoming the market leading ReRAM technology, fast-track the development and delivery of AI offerings and for general corporate purposes. Commenting on the raise, Weebit Nano CEO Coby Hanoch said, “This is a strategic capital raise for Weebit Nano. It significantly strengthens our balance sheet, enabling us to accelerate development and commercial activities to ensure our ReRAM is the clear leader at a time when the industry is moving to adopt ReRAM in next-generation technologies. As the market’s only independent provider of qualified ReRAM, we have the first mover advantage. Still, scaling our R&D activity is essential to continuously improving the technology and solidifying our leadership position for many years to come. “Our recent licensing agreement with leading semiconductor vendor Texas Instruments, following the deals with onsemi and DB HiTek, has reinforced the market perception that ReRAM is the successor to embedded flash, and we are continuing to progress technical evaluations and commercial negotiations with many of the world’s leading foundries, IDMs and product companies. “We also see clear opportunities to expand our offering, addressing genuine memory needs for AI in-memory compute (IMC) applications as well as within the discrete memory chip domain, among others. This Placement enables us to strengthen our newly formed System and AI team.” Placement details The A$80.0 million Placement comprises an offer of 19.8 million New Securities in Weebit Nano, representing ~9.4% of the Company’s current issued capital, and the Israeli Placement is targeting up to A$10 million, comprising an offer of 2.5 million New Securities in Weebit Nano representing ~1.2% of the Company’s current issued capital. The Placement and the Israeli Placement are being conducted at A$4.05 per New Share, which represents: A 10.8% discount to the last close price on 25 March 2026 of A$4.54 and A 14.0% discount to the 5-Day VWAP at 25 March 2026 of A$4.71 New Securities issued under the Placement and the Israeli Placement will rank pari passu with existing shares in Weebit Nano from their date of issue. Macquarie Capital (Australia) Limited, United Capital Partners Pty Ltd and MST Financial Services Pty Ltd are acting as Joint Lead Managers and Bookrunners to the Placement and the Israeli Placement, and underwriters of the Placement. Share Purchase Plan details Following the completion of the Placement and the Israeli Placement, Weebit Nano also intends to launch an offer of New Securities under a non-underwritten SPP to existing shareholders of the Company at 7.00PM on Wednesday, 25 March 2026 (AEDT) ( Record Date ) with an address on the register in Australia or New Zealand. The SPP will provide each eligible shareholder with the opportunity to apply for up to A$30,000 worth of New Shares at the same issue price as the Placement (being A$4.05). Weebit Nano intends to raise a maximum of A$15.0 million under the SPP, although the Company reserves the right to increase the size of the SPP at its discretion. The SPP may also be subject to a scale back of applications at the absolute discretion of the Company. New Securities to be issued under the SPP will rank equally with existing shares in Weebit Nano from their date of issue. The SPP offer document (SPP Offer Booklet) containing further details of the SPP will be released on the ASX separately. For further information regarding the SPP, shareholders can contact the Company’s share registry. Weebit Nano will seek quotation of the New Securities issued under the Placement and the SPP on the ASX. Further information Further details of the Offer are set out in the investor presentation also lodged on the ASX today ( Investor Presentation ). The Investor Presentation contains important information including key risks and foreign selling restrictions with respect to the Offer, and should be read in conjunction with this release. Read more .
- March 30, 2026Business
Shui On Land Announces 2025 Annual Results Resilient Operations Amid Market Challenges
Shui On Land Limited (the “Company”, together with its subsidiaries, “the Group”, Stock Code: 272) today announced its audited consolidated results for the year ended 31 December 2025. Amid continued market adjustment and macroeconomic headwinds, the Group maintained resilient operational performance, a stable financial position, and clear strategic momentum. Stable Core Earnings and Prudent Capital Management The operating environment for China’s property sector remained challenging in 2025, with nationwide sales volume and value declining by 8.7% and 12.6% year-on-year, respectively. Despite the market volatility, the Group recorded core earnings of RMB397 million for the year, demonstrating the soundness of its operations. However, primarily due to non-cash fair value adjustments on investment properties and inventory impairment, the Group reported a loss attributable to shareholders of RMB1,782 million. Prudent capital management remained a top priority. As at 31 December 2025, the Group’s net gearing ratio stood at 52%, supported by cash and bank deposits of RMB6,451 million. During the year, the Group fulfilled all of its financial obligations on time, including the USD490 million senior notes due in March 2025. Since 2021, the Group has repaid a total of RMB48.6 billion of offshore debts, significantly reducing the proportion of foreign-currency funding from 77% to 19% and lowering the overall cost of debt. Mr. Douglas H. H. Sung, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Investment Officer of Shui On Land, said, “Our disciplined approach to liquidity and balance sheet management has enabled us to navigate a prolonged market downturn. We have diversified our funding sources, actively managed our debt profile, and maintained a healthy financial position. This solid foundation allows us to support ongoing operations and selectively pursue strategic opportunities.” Xintiandi Communities: Brand Elevation Drives Income Growth In 2025, the Group advanced “Xintiandi” from a commercial brand to an integrated community brand - a natural evolution of its decades-long expertise in urban regeneration and place-making. Embodying a forward-looking lifestyle that blends cultural heritage, innovation, and sustainability, the Group’s Xintiandi communities and its commercial property portfolio continued to deliver growth in recurrent rental income even amid a softening broader commercial market. Total rental and related income (including joint ventures and associates) continued its growth trend for the third consecutive year, rising 2% year-on-year to RMB3,625 million. The retail portfolio remained stable with average occupancy of 94%, achieving double- digit growth of 12% and 15% in shopper traffic and retail sales respectively. The openings of Xintiandi Dongtaili in Shanghai and KIC Park in Wuhan further expanded the recurring income base. The Group’s prime office portfolio in Shanghai maintained high occupancy of 93%, supported by a refined leasing strategy and differentiated community services. Mr. Allan B. Zhang, Chief Executive Officer of Shui On Xintiandi, remarked, “The evolution of Xintiandi into a community brand marks a significant strategic advancement. We create vibrant, culturally rich communities that bring heritage to life. Our resonance with consumer trends, experiential focus, and operational excellence drive our resilience and underpin sustained rental growth.” Lakeville Brand Sets Benchmark in Premium Residential The premium residential segment outperformed the broader market in first-tier and core second-tier cities, supported by sustained demand for high-quality products. Against this backdrop, the Group achieved contracted property sales of RMB7,916 million in 2025, with an additional RMB639 million in subscribed sales expected to convert in the coming months. The Lakeville brand continued to excel. Following the success of Lakeville VI’s high- rise residences, the heritage-inspired villas and townhouses generated significant interest from high-net-worth buyers. All units with pre-sale permits were sold with an average price of RMB311,000 per sq.m.. The remaining units are ready for sales contract signing upon obtaining the required pre-sale permits. In Wuhan, the final phase of Wuhan Xintiandi residential was launched in November 2025 and achieved robust sales, with 72% of units sold and subscribed by year-end. Ms. Jessica Y. Wang, Chief Executive Officer of Shui On Land, said, “The success of Lakeville brand and our premium residential products reaffirms that discerning buyers continue to value exceptional quality and long-term value. Our brand strength also enables strategic asset-light partnerships in the premium segment, such as Yong Xin Li and Yong Nian Li projects within the Shanghai Xintiandi community, which diversify the Group’s revenue streams and further enhance our overall development portfolio.” Strategic Focus: Urban Regeneration and Asset-Light Expansion In light of the ongoing adjustment and correction in China’s property market, the Group is cautious on the near-term business outlook as the overall liquidity for the property industry will likely remain tight. The Group will continue to practice prudent financial management while adopting the most optimal strategies to drive sustainable growth. Despite near-term challenges, China’s 15th Five-Year Plan presents long-term opportunities, prioritising domestic demand stimulation, technological self-reliance and innovation, and the development of smart and green cities. Furthermore, the heightened focus on urban regeneration by provincial and municipal governments nationwide positions us well for the future. Ms. Stephanie B. Y. Lo, Vice Chairman of Shui On Land, commented, “We are capitalising on Shanghai’s new urban regeneration plan to accelerate our urban village renewal projects. Following the commencement of public infrastructure works in July 2025, our urban village renewal project Zhaolou Xintiandi in Shanghai secured its first residential plot in January 2026, with the full project scheduled for completion in 2032.” “Concurrently, under our Asset-Light strategy, we entered into a partnership in November 2025 to undertake another urban village renewal project in Shanghai’s Sanlin area. These initiatives underscore our strategic focus and reflect a balanced approach between property development and asset management.” Mr. Vincent H. S. Lo, Chairman of Shui On Land, added, “The Group will continue to focus on urban regeneration opportunities in top-tier cities within the Yangtze River Delta and Greater Bay Area, with Shanghai as its core market. Our strategic focus, financial prudence, and strong brands position us to navigate challenges and capture long-term opportunities. We remain committed to creating sustainable, vibrant communities and delivering long-term value to all our stakeholders.” - END - About Shui On Land Founded in 2004, Shui On Land (Stock Code: 272) is a leading urban solution provider in China, offering a diverse portfolio in top tier cities across the country with two core business segments: property development and asset management. The Company specialises in urban regeneration and developing communities that prioritise culture, social engagement, and sustainability. Shui On Land is committed to delivering a best- in-class lifestyle through its well-known brands “Xintiandi” and “Lakeville”. As of December 31, 2025, the Company holds a land bank of 7.2 million sq.m. in prime locations across key Chinese cities. Its wholly owned subsidiary, Shui On Xintiandi, serves as the commercial property investment and management arm, making it one of the largest private commercial property managers in Shanghai. This subsidiary oversees a portfolio of RMB79 billion of office and retail premises in Shanghai, including the flagship Shanghai Xintiandi. Shui On Land was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on October 4, 2006. The Company is included in several key indices, such as the BI China Real Estate Owners and Developers Valuation Peers, and the Bloomberg ESG Data Index. For more information, please visit www.shuionland.com For media enquiries, please contact: Ms. Joyce Zhou/Ms. Jessica Lu Tel: (86 21) 6386 1818 Email: [email protected]
- March 30, 2026Business
Berjaya Sompo Insurance Berhad appoints Soo Wai Har as Chief Executive Officer
Berjaya Sompo Insurance Berhad (“Berjaya Sompo”) today announced the appointment of Ms Soo Wai Har as new Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), effective 1 April 2026. Ms Soo succeeds Mr Tan Sek Kee, who is retiring. Mr Tan has been CEO of Berjaya Sompo since 2017 and was instrumental in strengthening Sompo’s Malaysia business over the last nine years. He will remain with Berjaya Sompo until June 2026 to ensure a smooth and seamless transition with Ms Soo. Ms Soo brings with her more than 30 years of comprehensive industry experience and relationships from global insurance companies. In her new role, Ms Soo will be responsible for driving Berjaya Sompo’s sustainable profitability, scale and capabilities as a key market within Asia Pacific (APAC), while supporting the region’s growth and operational excellence. She will be based in Kuala Lumpur and will report to Kenneth Reilly, CEO, Insurance, APAC. Mr Reilly said: “I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to Sek Kee for his years of outstanding leadership and significant contributions to Sompo. We wish him the very best in his retirement. I am also excited to welcome Wai Har to the Malaysia and Asia Pacific leadership teams. With her wealth of experience and technical expertise from both consulting and insurance industry perspectives, I am confident Wai Har will lead the high performing team in Berjaya Sompo to oversee and execute our strategic plans in this key market for our insurance business.” Ms Soo is a Chartered Accountant from the Malaysian Institute of Certified Public Accountants. About Berjaya Sompo Insurance Berhad Berjaya Sompo Insurance Berhad (“Berjaya Sompo”) is the Malaysian operating entity of the Sompo Holdings, Inc. As one of Malaysia’s leading general insurers, the company employs approximately 570 dedicated professionals and operates through an expanding nationwide network of 15 offices and more than 2,500 agents. Berjaya Sompo offers a comprehensive portfolio of general insurance solutions for both individuals and corporations, delivering protection backed by global expertise and local market insights. For more information, connect with us on LinkedIn or visit berjayasompo.com.my . About Sompo We are Sompo, a global provider of commercial and consumer property, casualty, and specialty insurance and reinsurance. Building on the 137 years of innovation of our parent company, Sompo Holdings, Inc., Sompo employs approximately 10,000 people around the world who use their in-depth knowledge and expertise to help simplify and resolve your complex challenges. Because when you choose Sompo, you choose The Ease of Expertise™ . “Sompo” refers to the brand under which Sompo International Holdings Ltd., a Bermuda-based holding company, together with its consolidated subsidiaries, operates its global property and casualty (re)insurance businesses. Sompo International Holdings Ltd. is an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Sompo Holdings, Inc., one of the leading property and casualty groups in the world with excellent financial strength as evidenced by ratings of A+ (Superior) from A.M. Best (XV size category) and A+ (Strong) from Standard & Poor’s. Shares of Sompo Holdings, Inc. are listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. To learn more, please follow us on LinkedIn or visit sompo-intl.com . If you have any enquiries or require more information, please contact: Daniel Soon PR and Communications Berjaya Sompo Insurance Berhad H/P: +6010 – 279 9775 Email: [email protected] Rachel Loke Head of Brand, Marketing & Communications Berjaya Sompo Insurance Berhad Mobile: +6010 - 287 2740 Email: [email protected]
- March 30, 2026Business
JD.com Announces European Brand Partnerships at Alimentaria Barcelona
JD.com (also known as JINGDONG), a leading supply chain-based technology and service provider, today marked its presence at the landmark 50th anniversary of Alimentaria, the premier international food, drinks, and food service exhibition held March 23-26 in Barcelona. At the event, JD.com showcases its dual capabilities: serving as a trusted gateway for international brands to enter the China market through JINGDONG Cross-border , while simultaneously driving local growth with its new online retail destination in Europe, Joybuy . Empowering Brands via the “10 Billion GigaGrowth Plan” At the heart of its showcase, JD.com highlighted the “ 10 Billion GigaGrowth Plan ,” an ambitious initiative launched in 2025 aimed at introducing 1,000 new international brands to China over the next three years to achieve a cumulative sales target of RMB10 billion (USD$1.4bn). While Alimentaria attracts a diverse range of global participants, JD.com’s cross-border import platform, JINGDONG Cross-border, is focusing on three core strategic actions to empower these partners: promoting Centennial Brands , expanding JD.com’s National Pavilion program , and stepping up a Global Goods Recruitment drive to source trending, high-quality products worldwide. “Our mission is to simplify the complexity of entering the Chinese market,” said a spokesperson for JINGDONG Cross-border . “Our end-to-end support, from logistics and marketing, to operations, helps ensure premium international products can scale with precision and speed. Consumers in China are discerning, they increasingly prioritize quality, variety, and authentic heritage from the brands they choose. This is why we are targeting to introduce 1,000 new brands worldwide.” For international sellers, JINGDONG Logistics , JD.com’s logistics arm, provides an integrated bonded solution, managing everything from port pickup and customs to nationwide doorstep delivery across China. By overseeing the full B2C journey, JD.com ensures premium goods arrive in perfect condition, helping brands build lasting trust with consumers. Strengthening the Spain-China Economic Bridge Ernesto Negredo Pascual , Commercial Counsellor of the Embassy of Spain in China, highlighted the positive prospects for collaboration with JD.com, noting that the platform offers valuable opportunities to showcase Spanish excellence to the Chinese market. He emphasised the potential for continued synergies and joint promotional initiatives to help increase the visibility of Spanish brands and further support their growth on JD.com. Building on this momentum, JD.com solidified its commitment at Alimentaria through a partnership signing with BayMar , a renowned Spanish food brand. This collaboration focuses on bringing premium canned seafood to Chinese consumers with maximum efficiency. “Partnering with JD.com allows us to leverage world-class logistics and deepen consumer insights,” said Javier Coll , Director of Operations at BayMar. “Their reputation for authenticity and their superior fulfillment network ensure that our products reach Chinese tables with the same quality and freshness they have in Spain. To seamlessly connect exhibition interests with JD.com’s over 700 million active customers, the “ Spanish Food & Drinks Festival ” is launched online on JD.com at the same time. The campaign offers limited-time promotional trials and curated gift sets of Spanish wines and culinary specialties. By leveraging JD.com’s extensive traffic and localized marketing channels, the festival effectively helps new arrivals of premium imported goods gain traction in China. Driving Retail Innovation and Enhanced Shopping Experience in Europe Beyond its cross-border capabilities, JD.com’s European online retail brand, Joybuy , is now available in six countries: the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Belgium, and Luxembourg. It features a brand-led platform for both international and local brands, with direct sourcing from reputable global partners. Supported by JoyExpress, its dedicated last-mile delivery service, Joybuy customers in select cities can enjoy “Double 11” delivery. This means orders placed by 11am arrive the same day before 11pm. By integrating source procurement, global fulfillment, and local European retail, JD.com is building more efficient trade pathways at this milestone 50th edition of Alimentaria. As a leading importer and retailer, JD.com continues to support the global food and drinks industry by strengthening brand partnerships and ensuring that high-quality products from around the world are more accessible to professional buyers and household consumers alike. ([email protected])
- March 30, 2026Charity
FCTG Launches Global Giving Initiative
Flight Centre Travel Group has partnered with The Intrepid Foundation, the not-for-profit arm of Intrepid Travel, to launch a global giving program, FCTG Gives. The partnership will expand Flight Centre’s philanthropic reach beyond its current long-term local charity partners by tapping into The Intrepid Foundation’s strong network of more than 50 grassroots not-for-profit organisations across 40+ countries. Through FCTG Gives, Flight Centre’s global team of more than 12,000 employees will be able to fundraise, volunteer and give back to communities around the world. Agents will also be able to participate in Intrepid’s annual industry campaigns, such as the Blue Dragon Marathon Walk, which raises funds for Blue Dragon Children's Foundation, a Vietnam-based partner of The Intrepid Foundation supporting vulnerable children and communities. Flight Centre employees will also be able to launch their own fundraising campaigns for partners around the world they feel connected to. Michelle Degenhardt, Global Sustainability Officer for Flight Centre Travel Group said the partnership strengthened the company’s commitment to responsible travel. “As an industry, we have both an opportunity and a responsibility to ensure tourism benefits local communities. This partnership is a practical step forward in that direction,” she said. “This partnership gives our people around the world a practical way to give back to the destinations they care about." Biheng Zhang, General Manager of The Intrepid Foundation, said the partnership highlights the growing opportunity for travel companies to work together to create positive change in the destinations tourism depends on. “Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has disbursed more than $20 million to communities around the world. We know many travel companies share the same ambition to support the places their travellers visit, but building trusted partnerships and managing responsible giving globally can be complex. “By sharing our network and over two decades of experience, we can help more travel companies connect with credible grassroots organisations and create meaningful impact on the ground. We are thrilled to launch this model with Flight Centre through FCTG Gives. It deepens a long-standing relationship between Intrepid Travel and FCTG and we hope it inspires others in the industry to think about how they can support the communities that make travel possible,” Zhang said. Earlier this month, The Intrepid Foundation released its 2025 Impact Report, marking its biggest year of global giving to date. In 2025, the Foundation disbursed more than AUD $3.4 million to 58 not for profit partners across 45 countries, made possible by 16,293 donors, including 9,739 travellers. The funding supported six new partners and delivered more than AUD $650,000 in grants for mission-led initiatives on the ground. The year also marked a major milestone, with total funds disbursed since the Foundation’s establishment in 2002 surpassing AUD $20 million. Read The Intrepid Foundation’s full Impact Report here .
- March 30, 2026Business
Mandarin Oriental Conservatorium, Amsterdam Unveils Signature Fan by Studio Drift
On 24 March, Mandarin Oriental Conservatorium, Amsterdam unveiled its Signature Fan, designed by DRIFT. With this design, the global symbol of Mandarin Oriental receives a distinctive Amsterdam signature, visually anchoring the hotel's recent rebrand. The interplay of light, air and water, constantly in motion, served as the inspiration for the design. Local interpretation of an international emblem The Mandarin Oriental Signature Fan is a registered trademark and a recognisable symbol of the Group. The fan, composed of eleven elegantly crafted blades, pays tribute to Mandarin Oriental's iconic emblem, expressing the refined interplay between the brand's dual-Asian heritage and the essence of each destination. For every property, this symbol is reinterpreted in collaboration with leading creatives, resulting in a distinctive artwork that captures the spirit, history and cultural narrative of its locale. Internationally, this tradition has led to a variety of notable collaborations: For Mandarin Oriental Mayfair in London, Vivienne Westwood designed an exclusive fan, giving the symbol a distinctly British interpretation. In Singapore, designer Hans Tan shaped the fan in ceramic, inspired by Peranakan traditions and the botanical richness of the city-state. With the unveiling in Amsterdam, this international tradition receives a new translation rooted in the rhythm of the Dutch capital, designed by DRIFT. The artist duo, founded by Lonneke Gordijn and Ralph Nauta, is internationally acclaimed for experimental installations in which technology and nature converge. For the Signature Fan of Mandarin Oriental Conservatorium, DRIFT draws inspiration from the ever-changing interplay of light, air and water that defines Amsterdam. Here, light is in constant motion, casting clouds in hues of gold and copper, reflecting across the canals, and transforming the city into a living backdrop. Gordijn and Nauta interpret this dialogue between sky and water as the city's rhythm, expressed through a subtle gradient that shifts from warm to cool tones. This layered palette also reflects the monumental Conservatorium building, originally designed by architect Daniël Knuttel. Warmer tones echo its distinctive brick architecture, while cooler hues reference the glass and contemporary forms shaping Amsterdam today. Like a city sunset, these tones merge seamlessly, mirroring the play of light across the canals. From left to right: Laurent Kleitman (Group Chief Executive, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group), Amanda Hyndman (Chief Operating Officer, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group), Lonneke Gordijn (Founder DRIFT), Ralph Nauta (Founder DRIFT) The Signature Fan of Mandarin Oriental Conservatorium reflects the essence of the hotel, where heritage and innovation meet. The monumental building, originally designed as a national bank and later transformed into a modern grand hotel, bridges past and future. This layered history forms an important starting point within DRIFT's design. In the Signature Fan, the artist duo distils this dynamic tension into a poised interplay of apparent opposites nature and technology, grounding and movement, rhythm and freedom creating a work that is both rooted in heritage and oriented towards progress. This layered narrative is echoed in the design's structure, composed of seven segments that reference the Seven Provinces of the historic Dutch Republic, the seven canals of the UNESCO-listed canal ring, and the Seven Bridges of the Reguliersgracht. The recurring motif of seven anchors the artwork within Amsterdam's rich cultural fabric. Water, light and air serve as unifying elements throughout—symbols of movement and connection that reflect the city's open, international spirit. In turn, the piece expresses Mandarin Oriental's philosophy of bringing people, cultures and experiences together through exceptional, crafted encounters. About DRIFT Dutch artists Lonneke Gordijn (1980) and Ralph Nauta (1978) founded Studio DRIFT in 2007. With a multidisciplinary team of 45, they work on experiential sculptures, installations and performances. DRIFT manifests the phenomena and hidden properties of nature with the use of technology to learn from the Earth's underlying mechanisms, and to re-establish our connection to it. DRIFT has realised numerous exhibitions and (public) projects around the world. Their work has been exhibited at Milwaukee Art Museum, Chiostro del Bramante, Palazzo Strozzi, Trapholt, LUMA Foundation, Central Park New York, Centre Pompidou, Art Basel, Victoria & Albert Museum amongst others. Their work can be found in the permanent collections of Los Angeles County Museum of Art, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam, Victoria & Albert Museum, Centre Pompidou, and Hessisches Landesmuseum Darmstadt. DRIFT is represented by Carpenters Workshop Gallery and Creative Artists Agency (CAA). DRIFT is currently working on bringing to life their own DRIFT Museum in Amsterdam, Netherlands in 2026. Spanning 8,000 square metres, the museum will present a comprehensive collection of their past works alongside newly developed installations, bringing the full DRIFT vision to life. About Mandarin Oriental Conservatorium, Amsterdam Mandarin Oriental Conservatorium, Amsterdam is Amsterdam's leading luxury lifestyle palace, evoking glamour and elegance for sophisticated, design-literate travellers. Located in the Museum Quarter, the luxury centre and cultural heart of the city, the hotel is an architectural masterpiece that combines a landmark heritage building with a graceful, contemporary design, offering guests a selection of restaurants, a bar, lounge and the 1,000 square metres Akasha Spa. A destination hotel with a real sense of place, Mandarin Oriental Conservatorium is known at home and abroad as 'Amsterdam's Living Room'.
- March 30, 2026Business
Jetstar takes off for the first time from the Sunshine Coast to Bali and Singapore with sale fares from $209^
Jetstar’s first new direct service connecting the Sunshine Coast and Bali began today – and with a seamless onward connection to Singapore, it has never been easier or more affordable for travellers to reach Asia from the Sunny Coast. The low-cost carrier’s first inbound flight from Bali landed into Maroochydore this morning before picking up hundreds of passengers for the inaugural service from the Sunshine Coast to the Indonesian holiday hotspot. The aircraft will stop in Bali for around 90 minutes before continuing onto Singapore and arrive in time for dinner. During the stop in Bali, passengers continuing to Singapore will not need to recheck their baggage. The Lion City offers onward flight connections to global destinations across Qantas’s extensive international and partner airline network. Jetstar is the first carrier to ever offer flights between the Sunshine Coast, Bali and Singapore as part of its commitment to providing more choice and affordability so customers can takeoff more for less. New more comfortable aircraft Jetstar will operate the new route three times a week using its next generation Airbus A321LR aircraft. Quieter and more fuel-efficient, these 232-seat aircraft lift the bar for low-cost comfort, featuring: · larger overhead storage bins · in-seat USB power · seat back device holders for smartphones and tablets · LED lighting to provide improved comfort · And access to stream Jetstar Entertainment+ . Sale fares To mark this important occasion, Jetstar is offering one-way sale fares from midday (AEDT) today from Sunshine Coast to Bali from $209^ and from Sunshine Coast to Singapore from $249^ at jetstar.com. Jetstar’s Bali expansion Sunshine Coast to Bali is one of four new routes between Australia and the Indonesian holiday island announced by Jetstar in the past year. With these new services from the Gold Coast, Newcastle and Avalon (Melbourne), Jetstar offers a total of 11 routes from Australia and up to 210 flights in and out of Bali every week in 2026. Sunshine Coast Airport CEO, Chris Mills said over 200 passengers have boarded the inaugural flight heading off to Bali. “Today is a proud moment for our airport and our community. “Direct services to Bali and through to Singapore strengthens our region’s accessibility and helps unlock new opportunities for tourism, trade and investment. “The new service represents significant planning and investment in our airport to make sure it continues to grow alongside our region. “We’re delighted to partner with Jetstar to deliver this service and look forward to welcoming more visitors to experience everything our region has to offer.” Jetstar’s Head of Network, Fleet Strategy & Planning, Ted Knight said Jetstar’s new service will connect the Sunshine Coast to the world. “Asia is closer than ever for Sunshine Coast locals and visitors with today’s inaugural service from Sunshine Coast to Bali and Singapore. “In the time it would usually take to drive to Brisbane, and get to the boarding gate, Sunshine Coast residents will be halfway to Bali. “We’ll be offering more than 70,000 low-cost seats a year on this route so our customers can afford to take off more for less to Bali or continue to Singapore and beyond. “Importantly, our services also provide a new gateway for inbound travellers to the Sunshine Coast and the surrounding region which will support local hospitality and tourism operators.” Flight schedules Sunshine Coast to Bali and Singapore Effective from 24 March 2026 Effective from 29 March 2026 ^Sale ends 11am QLD time/12pm AEDT 27th March 2026, unless sold out. One-way, excludes checked bags. Prices based on payment by PayID, Jetstar voucher, Jetstar Gift Card, or bookings redeemed only in Qantas Points through jetstar.com. For other options, a Payment Fee applies. See jetstar.com/fees. Travel dates and other conditions apply.
- March 30, 2026Event Announcement
Cathay and Rugby For Good launch inaugural "Cathay GET SET MOVE Carnival"
Cathay was pleased to launch the “Cathay Get, Set, Move Carnival”, celebrating the GET SET MOVE programme in partnership with Rugby For Good. Students and their families were invited to join a fun day that included a tournament, coaching sessions and interactive games. The day also witnessed the unveiling of the Cathay GET SET MOVE Mobile Unit, a new fun and engaging feature of the programme that will expand its reach and accessibility. The “Cathay Get, Set, Move Programme” is a partnership with Rugby For Good that harnesses the power of rugby as a dynamic tool to introduce the government’s 4 Rs charter – Rest, Relaxation, Resilience and Relationships. In collaboration with Po Leung Kuk, the programme is delivered to secondary schools across Hong Kong through physical education lessons, promotion days, and rugby competitions and aims to reach over 10,000 students this year. Beyond school-based sessions, the newly launched “Cathay Get, Set, Move Mobile Hub” is an aircraft inspired mobile classroom that will visit over 40 Po Leung Kuk primary and secondary schools this year. This will enable more students and members of the public to experience the “4Rs” firsthand. Speaking at the launch ceremony, Ivan Chan, Cathay General Manager Corporate Affairs, said: “In celebrating 80 years’ anniversary of Cathay, our ambition is to positively impact 80,000 lives, and the ‘Cathay Get, Set, Move Programme’ plays a pivotal role in achieving this vision. Through rugby, we aim to empower young participants to embrace a healthy lifestyle, while fostering perseverance, confidence, and teamwork.” Ben Harris, Chairman of Rugby For Good, said: “This programme is our way of brining the values of sports to life by immersing the students in a fun, hands-on journey. Alongside six weeks of in-school wellbeing-infused rugby sessions, we are kicking things off with today's special carnival. Through the activities and games, and a unique 'flight experience' inside the Mobile Hub, we want to show that looking after your mental fitness can be as easy and enjoyable as playing a game. It's all about learning to recharge, building connections, and finding balance.” Siobhán Haughey, Cathay Brand Ambassador and Olympic medallist, drew on her own experience to encourage the students: “Whether you play rugby or any other sport, challenges are part of the journey. Remember to take care of yourself, cherish those around you, face difficulties with courage, and learn to relax. You have all worked very hard today — carry this passion forward and I’m sure you will fly higher and further in the future!” Cathay partners with Rugby For Good to launch the “Cathay Get, Set, Move Carnival”, promoting physical and mental wellbeing among students. Cathay Brand Ambassador Siobhán Haughey, Chairman of Rugby For Good Ben Harris, Cathay General Manager Corporate Affairs Ivan Chan, Po Leung Kuk Deputy Chief Executive Officer LAU Chi-chung and Hong Kong China Rugby – Men’s XV Player Matt Worley (from right to left) officiated the opening ceremony of the “Cathay GET SET MOVE Carnival” Cathay Brand Ambassador Siobhán Haughey shares her 4Rs wellbeing tips with students. The “Cathay Get, Set, Move Programme” aims to reach over 10,000 students this year. “Cathay Get, Set, Move Mobile Hub” will visit over 40 Po Leung Kuk primary and secondary schools to promote “4Rs”.
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