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Over 340 young scientists from 49 countries converge at the 2025 Global Young Scientists Summit

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 January 2025 – More than 340 young scientists[1] will have a rare chance to engage with leading experts in science and technology from around the world at the Global Young Scientists Summit (GYSS) 2025. The Summit has drawn participants from 49 countries, a 40 per cent increase from 2024[2], marking the highest number in the past five years and reflecting the GYSS’s increasing global prominence.

2 Taking place from 6 to 10 January 2025 at the National University of Singapore (NUS), the Summit continues to have the highest participant selection rate from Singapore at 100 participants since 2024[3], accounting for about 27 per cent, along with 22 per cent from Europe and 17 per cent from Asia. The Summit was launched on 7 January 2025 at an opening ceremony by Mr Heng Swee Keat, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the National Research Foundation, Singapore (NRF).

Deepening Engagements for Young Scientists

3 Organised by the NRF, GYSS 2025 will offer more opportunities for young scientists to showcase their work and interact with established scientists, engineers, and technopreneurs. These include 18 eminent scientists, including Nobel Laureates, Fields Medallists, Turing Award recipients, and winners of other top international science awards.

4 One of the main highlights of the Summit is the small group sessions, now referred to as Fireside Chats. These sessions allow young scientists to interact with top minds in an intimate setting, typically with around 25 participants. This year, the Summit will feature 26 sessions, an increase from 20 in 2024, including four double-speaker Fireside Chats.

5 Participants will get opportunities to engage in Young Scientists Quickfire Pitch sessions with 16 young scientist presenters and two dedicated Poster Sessions with 100 posters in total, where they can present their research to esteemed scientists and fellow researchers. Part of the Summit experience also includes visits to local universities and research institutions, providing participants with a firsthand look at the research and technologies developed in Singapore.

Other Highlights at the GYSS 2025

6 To champion the values of science and inspire a passion for STEM education, esteemed scientists will engage in talks and workshops at local institutions that are open to the public. These include NUS, NTU, A*STAR, Singapore Science Centre, Singapore Management University, SGInnovate, and SUTD. They will also engage local students at the International Science Youth Forum (ISYF) organised by Hwa Chong Institution.

7 Among the 19 scientists this year, the Summit welcomes four who will be speaking for the first time: Prof Joan Rose, Prof Louis Ignarro, Prof Steven Chu, and Prof Yael Kalai. Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of the Kingdom of Thailand will also attend the opening ceremony and engage with young Thai researchers.

8 The GYSS is the only international summit in Asia that allows young scientists to engage with esteemed experts across various fields, including healthcare, quantum and physics, forensic science, computer science, and engineering. For example, this year, Prof Joan Rose will delve into the evolution of viruses in our environment and their impact on health. The summit also looks ahead at the future of artificial intelligence, as Prof Joseph Sifakis will share more on the current state of AI and its potential to merge with other technologies, highlighting both opportunities and challenges.

9 NRF Chief Executive Officer, Mr John Lim said, “Young scientists are the future of technology, innovation, and enterprise. Initiatives like the Global Young Scientists Summit provide opportunity for young scientists worldwide to gather for a five-day immersion, to engage with groundbreaking ideas, be inspired by world leaders in their fields, learn from each other, and imagine new possibilities for the future of science and humanity.”

10 DPM Heng’s speech will be issued after delivery at the Opening Ceremony on 7 January 2025. Please refer to Annexes A to C for quotes from speakers and participants, the complete list of speakers for GYSS 2024, and the Summit’s full programme.


[1] The young scientists were nominated by 93 institutions and universities worldwide, including local entities such as NUS, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), and Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR).

[2] At GYSS 2024, approximately 350 young scientists from around 35 countries participated.

[3] GYSS 2024 had 96 participant selection rate from Singapore, which was a 70 per cent increase from a steady state of 58 since 2020. The GYSS was conducted virtually in 2021 and 2022 due to COVID-19 and participant profile details for these years are unavailable.

ANNEX A: ADDITIONAL QUOTES FOR REPORTING

Speakers
1. Professor Louis Ignarro, Nobel Laureate in Physiology or Medicine (1998) has an inspiring story— from his upbringing in New York City as the son of first-generation immigrant parents to his groundbreaking research on nitric oxide as a signalling molecule in the cardiovascular system—highlighting the transformative power of mentorship and support in his scientific journey.
Prof Ignarro shared his thoughts on the importance of perseverance in science: “Science is full of challenges, and the journey is often tough, but it is precisely these struggles that make every breakthrough so rewarding. As young scientists, it’s important to embrace these challenges, knowing that they are part of the process that will eventually lead to discovery. The Global Young Scientists Summit is a place where young researchers can find inspiration, learn from each other, and push the frontiers of science together.”
2. Professor Joan Rose, the 2016 Stockholm Water Prize Laureate, emphasises the critical role of young scientists in addressing global water challenges: “The future of our planet’s water quality and public health rests in the hands of the next generation of scientists.
“Their innovative approaches and designs of novel technologies are essential to developing global water quality data, which is so desperately needed, and their dedication will help achieve sustainable solutions for clean water access worldwide. Platforms such as the Global Young Scientists Summit provide an invaluable platform for these emerging leaders to collaborate, learn, and be inspired to drive meaningful change.”
Participants who attended the GYSS 2024
1. [Singaporean Male] Adolphus Lye, 30, Research Fellow at NUS, said, “Collaboration is an important aspect of science today, especially given that the problems we deal with are interdisciplinary. One cannot simply solve a problem on their own. Through collaboration, we gain access to a wider pool of knowledge from people across different scientific disciplines. The Summit’s discussions help spark better ideas and novel approaches to solving research problems better and more creatively. That is the beauty of GYSS, in that it fosters interactions between participants from different disciplines, generates opportunities for collaborations, and solves problems of today.”
2. [Singaporean Female] Uma Jingxin Tay, 25, Graduate Student at A*STAR, said, “My biggest takeaway is from listening to the Nobel Laureates, which is not an opportunity I get every day. Listening to them has made me more curious and perceptive in my research, such as viewing anomalies as opportunities for discovery and research rather than obstacles.”
3. [Tanzanian Female] Doreen Steven Mlote, 27, Graduate Student at SUTD, said, “Presenting my research at GYSS reignited my confidence in sharing research with other researchers worldwide. Standing in front of thousands of people can be intimidating, but it can also be a turning point and a reminder that anything is possible, which is what GYSS did for me.”

ANNEX B: LIST OF EMINENT SCIENTISTS AT THE GYSS 2025

1. Aaron Ciechanover
o Award: Nobel Prize in Chemistry (2004)
o Field: Biochemistry, for the discovery of ubiquitin-mediated protein degradation
2. Adi Shamir
o Award: Turing Award (2002)
o Field: Cryptography, co-inventor of the RSA algorithm
3. Brian Schmidt
o Award: Nobel Prize in Physics (2011)
o Field: Astrophysics, for the discovery of the accelerating expansion of the universe
4. Dame Sue Black
o Field: Forensic Anthropology, recognised for research into identification from the hand
5. Duncan Haldane
o Award: Nobel Prize in Physics (2016)
o Field: Condensed Matter Physics, for theoretical discoveries of topological phase transitions and topological phases of matter
6. Hartmut Michel
o Award: Nobel Prize in Chemistry (1988)
o Field: Biochemistry, for the determination of the three-dimensional structure of a photosynthetic reaction center
7. Joan Rose
o Award: Stockholm Water Prize (2016)
o Field: Environmental Microbiology, for work on water quality and public health
8. Joseph Sifakis
o Award: Turing Award (2007)
o Field: Computer Science, specialising in the design of trustworthy systems
9. Leslie Valiant
o Award: Turing Award (2010)
o Field: Computer Science, for contributions to computational learning theory
10. Louis J. Ignarro
o Award: Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1998)
o Field: Pharmacology, recognised for discoveries concerning nitric oxide as a signaling molecule in the cardiovascular system
11. Sir Richard Roberts
o Award: Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1993)
o Field: Molecular Biology, for the discovery of split gene
12. Sir Konstantin Novoselov
o Award: Nobel Prize in Physics (2010)
o Field: Condensed Matter Physics, specifically the isolation and study of graphene
13. Sir Tim Hunt
o Award: Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (2001)
o Field: Cell Biology, for discoveries of key regulators of the cell cycle
14. Stefan Hell
o Award: Nobel Prize in Chemistry (2014)
o Field: Physical Chemistry, for the development of super-resolved fluorescence microscopy
15. Steven Chu
o Award: Nobel Prize in Physics (1997)
o Field: Atomic Physics, known for research in laser cooling and trapping of atoms
16. Takaaki Kajita
o Award: Nobel Prize in Physics (2015)
o Field: Particle Physics, for the discovery of neutrino oscillations
17. Wendelin Werner
o Award: Fields Medal (2006)
o Field: Mathematics, for work on stochastic Loewner evolution and the geometry of two-dimensional Brownian motion
18. Yael Tauman Kalai
o Award: ACM Prize in Computing (2022)
o Field: Computer Science, with contributions to cryptography and verifiable delegation of computation

ANNEX C: FULL GYSS 2025 PROGRAMME

Tue, 7 Jan Wed, 8 Jan Thu, 9 Jan Fri, 10 Jan
Media registration at 0830
Opening Ceremony
(0900 – 1030)

Speech by DPM Heng
Opening Plenary by Prof Louis Ignarro

Two Plenary Lectures
(0900 – 1030)

Prof Wendelin Werner, Prof Joan Rose

Two Plenary Lectures
(0900 – 1030)

Prof Adi Shamir, Prof Steven Chu

Two Plenary Lectures
(0900 – 1030)

Prof Leslie Valiant & Prof Hartmut Michel

Morning Break (1030 – 1100)
Panel Huddle
(1100 – 1230)

“Interdisciplinary Approaches to Solving Global Challenges”

Prof Wendelin Werner, Dame Sue Black, Prof Takaaki Kajita

Panel Huddle
(1100 – 1230)

“Future of Medical Research and Healthcare”

Prof Louis Ignarro, Prof Aaron Ciechanover, Prof Richard Roberts

Panel Huddle
(1100 – 1230)

“Human Wellbeing and Sustainability – Physicists’ Perspective”

Prof Brian Schmidt, Prof Duncan Haldane, Prof Konstantin Novoselov, Prof Steven Chu

Panel Huddle
(1100 – 1230)

“Ethics of Scientific Research in the Age of AI”

Prof Joan Rose, Prof Yael Kalai, Prof Adi Shamir

Lunch Break (1230 – 1330)
Two Plenary Lectures

(1330 – 1500)

Prof Richard Roberts (TBC), Prof Brian Schmidt

Eight Young Scientist Quickfire Pitches

(1330 – 1500)

Eight Young Scientist Quickfire Pitches

(1330 – 1500)

One Plenary Lecture
(1330 – 1415)

Prof Yael Kalai

Afternoon Break (1500 – 1530) Closing Plenary Lecture
(1415 – 1515)

Dame Sue Black

Five Fireside Chat Sessions
(1530 – 1615)

1. Prof Tim Hunt
2. Prof Richard Roberts
3. Prof Duncan Haldane
4. Prof Konstantin Novoselov
5. Prof Adi Shamir

Two Plenary Lectures
(1530 – 1700)

Prof Stefan Hell

Prof Tim Hunt

Two Plenary Lectures
(1530 – 1700)

Prof Joseph Sifakis

Prof Duncan Haldane

Afternoon Break
(1515 – 1600)
Fireside Chat (x7)
(1630 – 1715)

1. Dame Sue Black & Prof Joan Rose
2. Prof Yael Kalai & Prof Leslie Valiant
3. Prof Wendelin Werner & Prof Louis Ignarro
4. Prof Steven Chu & Prof Takaaki Kajita
5. Prof Hartmut Michel
6. Prof Aaron Ciechanover
7. Prof Brian Schmidt

Travel to Closing Event
(1600 – 1730)
Dedicated Poster Session for Participants
(1715 – 1800)
Five Fireside Chat Sessions
(1700 – 1745)

1. Prof Richard Roberts
2. Prof Louis Ignarro
3. Prof Takaaki Kajita
4. Prof Leslie Valiant
5. Prof Hartmut Michel

Seven Fireside Chat Sessions

(1700 – 1745)

1. Prof Duncan Haldane
2. Prof Brian Schmidt
3. Prof Yael Kalai
4. Prof Tim Hunt
5. Dame Sue Black
6. Prof Steven Chu
7. Prof Joan Rose

Dedicated Poster Session for Participants
(1745 – 1830)
[Speakers & Participants]
Closing Event@Sentosa
(1730 – 2030)

Hashtag: #NRF

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About the Global Young Scientists Summit

The Global Young Scientists Summit (GYSS) is an international gathering of bright young researchers from all over the world in Singapore, who will be mentored by eminent scientists over a five-day Summit. The Summit will discuss the latest advances in science and technology, and how research can develop solutions to address major global challenges. It is a multi-disciplinary event covering the disciplines of chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, computer science and engineering.

Organised by the National Research Foundation Singapore (NRF), GYSS is supported by the Ministry of Education, National University of Singapore, Nanyang Technological University, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore Management University, Singapore University of Technology and Design, and Science Centre Singapore. Other close collaborators for this edition of GYSS include SGInnovate, Hwa Chong Institution, Foundation Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings, Heidelberg Laureate Form, and Technology Academy Finland.

For more info on the GYSS please visit:

About the National Research Foundation

The National Research Foundation, Singapore (NRF), set up on 1 January 2006, is a department within the Prime Minister’s Office. The NRF sets the national direction for research and development (R&D) by developing policies, plans and strategies for research, innovation and enterprise. It also funds strategic initiatives and builds up R&D capabilities by nurturing research talent.

Learn more about the NRF at

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DFI Retail Group Holdings Limited 2026 Half-Year Results For The Six Months Ended 30 June 2026

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The following announcement was issued today to a Regulatory Information Service approved by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom.

DFI RETAIL GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED
HALF-YEAR RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2026

Highlights

  • Underlying profit from continuing businesses1 grew 44% to US$117 million
  • Reported profit was US$118 million, compared to a US$38 million loss in the prior year period
  • Like-for-like (LFL) subsidiary sales growth from continuing businesses2 improved to 3%
  • Health & Beauty sustained strong LFL sales; Convenience and Home Furnishings returned to growth
  • E-commerce and DFIQ Media contributed to approximately 35% of sales growth
  • Return on capital employed improved to 12%, up from 9% as of December 2025
  • Interim dividend of US¢6.20 per share, up 77% year-on-year. Maintain full-year dividend payout of 70%
  • Raised full-year organic revenue3 growth guidance to be between 3.0% and 4.0%, and underlying profit to be between US$285 million and US$305 million
  • Announced 100% interest acquisition of Cody Hong Kong (Cody HK), one of the leading outdoor advertising solution providers in Hong Kong
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 July 2026 – “Our first-half performance, with underlying profit1 growth of 44% and a consistently improving LFL subsidiary sales trend, reflects the strength of our strategy in action – a sharper value for customers, a strong focus on returns and execution with discipline. This was supported by sustained momentum in Health & Beauty, as well as strong recovery in Convenience and Home Furnishings segments. Our acquisition of Cody HK’s extensive outdoor media portfolio, together with its experienced leadership team, strengthens our capability to deliver full-funnel, omnichannel advertising solutions while accelerating the growth of DFIQ Media. As we continue to deepen customer engagement and build new profit pools through the DFI Omni Platform, we are well-positioned to deliver sustainable long-term value with greater earnings resilience.”
Scott Price
Group Chief Executive


DFI RETAIL GROUP HOLDINGS LIMITED
HALF-YEAR RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 30 JUNE 2026

OVERVIEW

The Group delivered strong performance in an evolving macroeconomic climate, underpinned by disciplined execution and a focus on driving higher returns. A portfolio built on everyday essentials, combined with a strong value proposition with convenience, continues to resonate with customers against the backdrop of oil price volatility. For the first half of 2026, subsidiary LFL sales growth from continuing businesses4 further improved to 3%. This was driven by sustained strong momentum in the Health & Beauty segment, as well as a return to growth in both the Convenience and Home Furnishings businesses. Price reinvestment, supported by a reset in sourcing strategy, drove Food volume growth with Wellcome’s basket price now trading at a discount relative to the Greater Bay Area5, compared to a premium in the prior year.

The Group’s commitment to retail excellence, a lean overhead structure and expanded omnichannel touchpoints enables us to serve our customers with better pricing and better experience. The DFI Omni Platform further strengthens this by seamlessly integrating our extensive store network with digital capabilities, delivering greater convenience and personalisation while unlocking new value pools through rich, cross-format data insights. Developing and scaling high-margin revenue streams, including retail media (DFIQ Media) and insights monetisation (DFIQ Insights), will diversify our profit base and support long-term value creation.

To enhance operational efficiency and improve productivity of team members, the Group introduced GenAI-powered tools in the first half of 2026, with plans to scale deployment across operating markets in the coming months. In parallel, AI capabilities are increasingly embedded across core retail functions, including assortment optimisation, promotion planning and demand forecasting, to drive better, more data-driven decisions.

The Group undertook a thorough review of the cost structure with the aim of driving sustainable savings and improving long-term cost efficiency. This has led to a reallocation of resources and costs toward format-level operations, driving greater agility and responsiveness to evolving market conditions, while continuing to reduce central selling, general and administrative (SG&A) costs through overhead optimisation. Combined with improving digital economics, underlying operating profit from continuing businesses6 grew 14% year-on-year in the first half of 2026. Improved operating performance and lower financing costs contributed to an 11% increase in underlying profit attributable to shareholders, or 44% from continuing businesses7 only.

The Group maintained a healthy balance sheet with a net debt position of US$22 million as of 30 June 2026. Return on capital employed further improved to 12%, up from 9% as of December 2025.

The Group declared an interim dividend of US¢6.20 per share, representing a significant increase of 77% compared to the same period last year. This enhanced interim dividend distribution underscored the Board’s confidence in the Group’s underlying business momentum and strong cash flow generation, while ensuring sufficient capital for future growth in line with our 70% payout policy.

OPERATING PERFORMANCE

Overall
For the first half of 2026, underlying subsidiary revenue from continuing businesses6 was US$4.1 billion, up 4% year-on-year and 3% on a LFL basis. The growth was driven by strong performance in the Health & Beauty division, as well as a return to growth in the Convenience and Home Furnishings segments. Total revenue, including Maxim’s, was US$5.6 billion. Excluding divestments7, total revenue increased by approximately 4%.

Overall underlying profit attributable to shareholders from continuing businesses7 grew 44% year-on-year to US$117 million, primarily driven by improved operating profit and lower financing costs.

Underlying subsidiary profit from continuing businesses6 was US$101 million, reflecting a 49% year-on-year increase, primarily driven by earnings recovery in the Home Furnishings and Food segment with lower SG&A expenses as a result of overhead reduction.

Underlying profit from associates was US$16 million, down from US$30 million in the prior comparable period, which included share of profits from Robinsons Retail ahead of its disposal. Excluding this, profit contribution from associates was up 22% year-on-year due to robust sales growth and effective cost optimisation at Maxim’s.

The Group reported operating cash flow after lease payments of US$178 million, 16% higher than the prior year period, driven by underlying operating profit growth. Free cash flow for the period was a net inflow of US$85 million, down 5% year-on-year, due to increased capex investment in priorities that will further strengthen the Group’s competitive position while driving long-term value for shareholders.

Digital
Capturing a significant share of daily essential customer missions in Hong Kong, the DFI Omni Platform – powered by yuu – enables deeper customer engagement across offline and online touchpoints, maximises data capture and unlocks incremental margin opportunities beyond core retail through DFIQ Media and DFIQ Insights. Overall digital turned profitable, with e-commerce and DFIQ Media contributing to approximately 35% of total revenue growth in the first half of 2026. This was supported by improved underlying e-commerce economics, a rising online sales penetration8 to 6.9% and 3 times in DFIQ Media revenue compared to first half of 2025. As of June 2026, more than 10,000 digital media-ready screens were available across DFI outlets.

Subsidiaries
Sales for the Health & Beauty division were US$1.4 billion, up 8% year-on-year from continuing businesses9, 7% in constant currency, or 6% on a LFL basis, with continued market share gains across key operating markets. Mannings and Guardian deepened their leadership as the trusted advisors for wellness through an enhanced, wellness-focused assortment and continued roll-out of skin and scalp assessment services across a wider store network. The recently announced exclusive distribution partnership with Holland & Barrett, a leading UK health and wellness retailer, will further expand customer access to trusted wellness solutions in Hong Kong and Singapore, followed by a broader rollout across selected Asia markets in the coming years. In Hong Kong and Macau, Mannings delivered 5% LFL sales growth, driven by increased basket size and robust tourist store sales amid higher visitor arrivals. In Southeast Asia, Guardian achieved strong LFL sales growth of 9%, supported by higher basket sizes and improved promotional efficiency, with Indonesia and Vietnam delivering close to 20% LFL growth. Excluding the impact of cost reallocation and closure of Mannings China offline stores, divisional profit increased moderately by 2% to US$109 million. Margin declined primarily due to increased strategic promotions to drive stronger sales and market share in Southeast Asia, particularly in Malaysia where health & beauty retailers did not benefit from the SARA Cash Aid Programme.

Total Convenience sales were US$1.2 billion, up 4% year-on-year or 2% on a LFL basis, as continued growth in higher-margin categories, including ready-to-eat (RTE) and exclusive collectibles, more than offset the decline in lower-margin cigarette volumes. Hong Kong LFL sales returned to growth in the second quarter following ten consecutive quarters of decline, supported by RTE and an expanded non-food assortment, including limited-edition collectibles and K-pop merchandise. Excluding cigarettes, LFL sales were up 3% for the period. In Singapore, effective promotional campaigns and collectible product launches drove strong LFL sales growth of 8%. In South China, continued store network expansion through a capex-light franchise model – including a net addition of 112 stores since June 2025 to nearly 1,980 locations – contributed to 12% sales growth year-on-year or 6% on constant currency basis. LFL sales were 1% higher compared to the prior year period, driven by the successful launch of Own Brand in key categories of frozen products and packaged drinks. The team remains focused on driving footfall and sales through further expansion of the RTE offering across both offline and online channels. This includes a broader rollout of the Food Bar to 453 stores as of June 2026, up from 325 at year-end 2025, and strong overall online sales growth of more than 35%. Excluding cost reallocation impact, profit for the division increased by 2% to reach US$37 million.

Reported sales for the Food division from continuing businesses10 were US$1.1 billion, up 1% year-on-year. LFL sales returned to positive growth of 0.5% in the second quarter of 2026. In Hong Kong, investment in reduced pricing on core basket items, a stronger fresh proposition, and Own Brand offering drove 2% increase in total volume and 0.5% LFL sales growth in the first half of 2026. As of June 2026, Wellcome’s “Everyday Value” range has expanded to nearly 500 items, offering savings of up to 40%, bringing its basket price down from a premium to a discount relative to the Greater Bay Area. The team also accelerated omnichannel growth with more than 35% growth in online order volume. In Cambodia, Lucky reported strong double-digit sales growth, with profit more than doubling year-on-year. The plan to open 50 new stores over the next few years remains on track. Macau Food sales remained challenging as a result of cross-border grocery shopping. Excluding the impact of cost reallocation and the divestment of Singapore Food, overall divisional profit increased by 27% year-on-year to US$17 million.

The Home Furnishings division delivered strong recovery in performance during the first half of 2026, with LFL sales growth of 4%, compared to a decline of 6% in the prior year period. Price reinvestment in core value SKUs, a stronger focus on locally relevant ranges and IKEA Food innovation drove increased footfall and items per baskets, resulting in a 3% LFL sales growth in Hong Kong and 5% in Taiwan. IKEA Food remains a critical traffic and revenue driver, accounting for 15% of total sales. In Indonesia, while offline sales momentum remained soft, LFL sales trend improved on a strengthening IKEA’s omnichannel proposition with online sales penetration reaching 24%. Sales recovery and effective cost optimisation measures contributed to 85% growth in overall divisional profit, excluding cost reallocation impact.

Associates
The Group’s share of Maxim’s underlying profits was US$16 million for the first half of 2026, up 15% year-on-year, underpinned by continued cost optimisation and operational efficiency measures. Sales for the period increased by 4%, driven by strong restaurant performance in Southeast Asia and a return to growth in the Chinese mainland, partially offset by weaker sales in Hong Kong.

RECENT BUSINESS DEVELOPMENTS

On 30 June 2026, the Group announced the acquisition of 100% interest in Cody Hong Kong (Cody HK), one of the leading outdoor advertising solution providers in Hong Kong, for a cash consideration of HK$30.2 million (approximately US$3.8 million) from ARN Media Network Limited (ASX: A1N), subject to customary adjustments.

The acquisition advances DFI’s strategy to build a full-funnel advertising solution in Hong Kong through DFIQ Media. By integrating Cody HK’s strategic assets – including multi-year exclusive advertising rights with Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB) and Hong Kong Tramways (HKT) – with DFI’s extensive store network, growing online user base, and closed-loop measurement capabilities, DFIQ Media strengthens its ability to deliver high-impact advertising solutions to a broader advertiser base across online, in-store, and outdoor channels.

Subject to satisfaction of third-party consents, the transaction is expected to complete in the second half of 2026.

PEOPLE

On 6 July 2026, the Group announced four senior leadership appointments effective from 1 August 2026. These moves reflect the Group’s continued focus on strengthening its leadership pipeline and driving the next phase of growth with experienced, proven leaders.

Andrew Wong will be appointed Chief Executive Officer, DFI IKEA. Formerly CEO of Health & Beauty, Andrew brings extensive experience in driving customer-led growth, operational discipline and in-store digitalisation across multiple markets. His earlier leadership of franchise operations at Jardine Restaurant Group positions him well to lead the IKEA business into its next phase of development.

Curtis Liu, having most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of Food, will be appointed Chief Executive Officer, Health & Beauty. His proven leadership in driving customer value repositioning in Hong Kong, combined with deep operational retail knowledge and digital experience at JD.com, positions him well to drive continued momentum and omnichannel growth in Health & Beauty.

Tom van der Lee will be appointed Chief Executive Officer, Food. Tom has played an instrumental role as Group Chief Financial Officer, driving financial discipline and supporting key strategic decisions across the Group. His prior experience at FrieslandCampina, a global food company, and his broad financial leadership across DFI banners in Southeast Asia supported his strong commercial grounding to lead the Food business.

Kaizhi Wu will succeed Tom as Group Chief Financial Officer. Kaizhi currently serves as Group Finance Director, Planning & Reporting, based in Hong Kong. Prior to joining DFI, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Yonghui Superstores Co., and earlier held senior roles at Jardine Matheson, Fosun Group and PwC in London. Kaizhi will join the Group’s Management Committee upon assuming his new role.

OUTLOOK

The Group remains confident in our ability to navigate the evolving trading environment, supported by sharpened business priorities, a strong balance sheet and low-cost operating model. Financial outlook outlined at the Investor Day in December 2025 remains intact as DFI continues to execute our multi-year strategic initiatives that are critical to driving sustainable revenue and earnings growth. These initiatives include strengthening our value proposition, strategically expanding store network, enhancing omnichannel capabilities and accelerating digital asset monetisation through data-driven insights. In particular, the growing DFI Omni Platform will deepen our customer engagement, further reinforce our core retail strength and enhance overall earnings resilience in the long term.

Despite an elevated oil price outlook for the remainder of the year, the Group expects to deliver stronger profitability supported by enhanced operational efficiency. As a result, the Group revises up its full-year organic revenue growth11 outlook to be between 3.0% and 4.0% (up from previously 2.0% to 3.0%), and underlying profit attributable to shareholders to be between US$285 million and US$305 million (up from previously US$270 million and US$300 million).

Scott Price
Group Chief Executive

—————–
1 Excluding impacts of divestment of Singapore Food business, closure of Mannings China and disposal of minority stake of Robinsons Retail
2 Excluding impacts of divestment of Singapore Food business and closure of Mannings China
3 Excluding Singapore Food and Mannings China
4 Excluding impacts of divestment of Singapore Food business and closure of Mannings China
5 Based on a third-party assured price comparison of a 200-item comparable basket between DFI and Shenzhen
6 Excluding impacts of divestment of Singapore Food business and closure of Mannings China
7 Excluding impacts of divestment of Singapore Food business, closure of Mannings China and disposal of minority stake of Robinsons Retail
8 Excluding cigarettes under Convenience and IKEA Food
9 Excluding Mannings China
10 Excluding Singapore Food business
11 Excluding Singapore Food and Mannings China
Hashtag: #DFIRetailGroup #Mannings #Guardian #7-Eleven #Wellcome #MarketPlace #IKEA #yuu #Maxim’s

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

DFI Retail Group

DFI Retail Group (the Group) is a leading Asian retailer, driven by its purpose to ‘Sustainably Serve Asia for Generations with Everyday Moments’.

At 30 June 2026, the Group and its associates operated 7,659 outlets across 12 markets, of which 5,593 stores were operated by subsidiaries. The Group, together with its associates, employed over 81,000 people, with more than 43,000 people employed by subsidiaries. The Group had reported revenue of US$8.9 billion in 2025.

The Group is committed to delivering quality, value and service to consumers across the region through trusted brands, strong local market positions, and a broad retail ecosystem supported by extensive store networks, digital capabilities and efficient supply chains.

The Group and its associates operate a portfolio of well-known brands across five key divisions. The principal brands are:

Health and Beauty

  • Mannings in Hong Kong and Macau S.A.R.; Guardian in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam.

Convenience

  • 7-Eleven in Hong Kong and Macau S.A.R., Singapore and Southern China.

Food

  • Wellcome and Market Place in Hong Kong S.A.R.; San Miu in Macau S.A.R.; Lucky in Cambodia.

Home Furnishings

  • IKEA in Hong Kong and Macau S.A.R., Indonesia and Taiwan.

Restaurants

  • Hong Kong Maxim’s group on the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macau S.A.R., Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

The Group’s parent company, DFI Retail Group Holdings Limited, is incorporated in Bermuda and has a primary listing in the equity shares (transition) category of the London Stock Exchange, with secondary listings in Bermuda and Singapore. The Group’s businesses are managed from Hong Kong. DFI Retail Group is a member of the Jardine Matheson group.

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800,000 More Daily Journeys: Copenhagen’s Next Mobility Challenge

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COPENHAGEN, DENMARK – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 July 2026 – There is something remarkable about Copenhagen.Stand in the city centre during rush hour and you will still hear bicycle bells, conversations spilling out from cafés and children walking to school. It is not because the city has fewer people or less traffic. On the contrary, Copenhagen is one of Northern Europe’s most dynamic capitals. What makes it different is that its mobility system is organised so well that it almost disappears into everyday life.

That success has never been built around a single mode of transport. Copenhagen is not simply a cycling city, nor is it defined by its metro or buses. It is an integrated mobility ecosystem where every mode serves a distinct purpose. Bicycles are ideal for short trips. Public transport moves large numbers of people efficiently across the city. Walking remains part of daily life. Taxis fill the journeys that other options do not always serve well, whether it is an early morning airport transfer, an elderly passenger travelling home, a family carrying luggage or visitors arriving in the city for the first time. Rather than competing with one another, each mode strengthens the overall system.

Yet even one of the world’s most successful mobility systems now faces a new challenge.

According to a joint mobility analysis by the Capital Region of Denmark and the City of Copenhagen, the Greater Copenhagen area is expected to generate around 800,000 additional journeys every day by 2035. That growth will be shared across every mode of transport, including approximately 290,000 additional walking trips, 110,000 cycling trips, 80,000 public transport journeys and 310,000 car trips each day.

These figures reveal an important reality. Copenhagen is not expecting people to abandon bicycles for cars, nor is it attempting to replace one mode of transport with another. As the population grows, tourism expands and economic activity increases, demand will rise across the entire mobility system.

The real challenge is therefore not deciding which mode of transport should dominate. It is finding ways to accommodate hundreds of thousands of additional journeys while preserving the quiet streets, public spaces and quality of life that have made Copenhagen one of the world’s most liveable cities.

This philosophy is increasingly reflected in the city’s approach to mobility. Walking, cycling, public transport, cars and taxis are no longer viewed as competing alternatives, but as complementary parts of the same transport ecosystem, each serving different travel needs.

The challenge is not unique to Copenhagen.

According to the European Environment Agency (EEA), road traffic remains Europe’s largest source of environmental noise, affecting around 92 million people. The report concludes that electrification alone will not solve the problem. Cleaner vehicles are essential, but so are better urban planning and a more balanced transport system.

In other words, the future of urban mobility will not be determined by how many electric vehicles a city puts on its streets. It will depend on whether every journey is served by the right mode, at the right time and in the right place.

Even the best transport systems leave certain journeys uncovered.

Not everyone can cycle to the airport before sunrise. Elderly passengers may struggle with luggage on public transport. Visitors arriving in Copenhagen for the first time may not feel confident combining several transport options simply to reach their hotel. These journeys represent only a small proportion of daily travel, but they will always exist. This is where ride-hailing finds its place within the mobility ecosystem. It complements public transport and cycling rather than competing with them.

The quality of that service, however, depends on far more than the vehicle itself.

Ultimately, every journey is shaped by the person behind the wheel. A safe drive, professional conduct, punctuality, a warm greeting or a helping hand with a suitcase all contribute to the passenger’s experience. In a city like Copenhagen, these small moments help shape the city’s reputation just as much as its infrastructure.

This is the context in which Green SM enters Copenhagen.

Over the past three years, Green SM has accumulated experience from millions of journeys every day and billions of kilometres travelled in fully electric vehicles across Asia. Yet in Copenhagen, scale alone means very little. The more important question is whether a mobility service can integrate seamlessly into an already successful transport system and make it work even better.

For that reason, Green SM invests not only in an all-electric fleet, but also in rigorous driver recruitment and training covering safety, customer service, operational excellence and local cultural understanding. The objective is not simply to move passengers from one destination to another, but to deliver journeys that reflect the standards Copenhagen has spent decades building.

Perhaps that is why Copenhagen became Green SM’s first destination in Europe.

The ambition is not to introduce a new model of urban mobility. It is to become a trusted addition to one that already works exceptionally well.

Ultimately, success in Copenhagen will never be measured by the number of vehicles on the road. The city does not need more cars simply to fill its streets. It needs mobility services that are available when people need them, complement the existing transport network and quietly step back once their role is complete, leaving the city every bit as liveable as before.

If Green SM can help make thousands of daily journeys more convenient, safer and more reliable, while preserving the rhythm of life that makes Copenhagen unique, that may be success enough.

Hashtag: #GreenSM

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Centriq PR Champions Purposeful Communication Through Social Impact Initiative

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We.R.Wira Season 4 Equips Youth with Industry Ready Skills Aligned with UN SDGs

SELANGOR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 July 2026 – Centriq PR, independent Malaysian public relations consultancy, marked another milestone in its commitment to purposeful communication as Season 4 of its social impact initiative, We.R.Wira, culminated in the Golden Wira Awards Ceremony at Tan Yew Sing Auditorium, INTI International College Subang.

We.R.Wira Season 4 recorded its strongest participation to date, receiving 41 submissions from four institutions. (Below stage, from left): Director of Strategic Communications, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation, Mr. Frank Chan, Managing Director, EVD Berhad, Mr. Norhizam Abdul Kadir, Head of Community Outreach & Collaborations, United Nations Association Malaysia, Ms. Loke Pak-Yen, Managing Director, Centriq PR, Ms. Jacqueline Arnold, Head of Programme, Mass Communications, Centre for University of Hertfordshire Programmes, INTI International College Subang, Mr. Roberto Calleja Fernandez, Dean, Centre of University of Hertfordshire Programmes, INTI International College Subang, Mr. Lai Mun Loon.

At its core, We.R.Wira reflects Centriq PR’s belief that heroism lives in ordinary individuals—the everyday heroes (“Wira” ) who choose to act with passion and purpose for causes they believe in. By empowering youth to uncover and tell these stories, Centriq PR aims to nurture purposeful storytellers and future changemakers.

Equipping Youth with Industry‑Ready Skills
As the communication industry evolves, Centriq PR recognises that practitioners need more than creativity. They must develop a deeper understanding of the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), communicate their relevance to different audiences and connect with collaborators across sectors. We.R.Wira equips students with these industry‑relevant skills by combining real‑world storytelling, SDG alignment and academia‑industry partnerships.

In her opening remarks, Managing Director of Centriq PR, Jacqueline Arnold, shared, “At Centriq PR, we believe storytelling has the power to educate, inspire and bring people together. Storytelling is more than creative expression; it is practice for life. Beyond learning to craft authentic narratives, students gain the ability to identify stakeholders with shared values, build meaningful collaborations and amplify stories across multiple platforms to inspire real impact. This is what PR is all about. Through We.R.Wira, we encourage young communicators to listen with empathy and give voice to everyday heroes who create positive change in their communities.”

Season 4 recorded its strongest participation to date, receiving 41 submissions from four institutions: UOW Malaysia Glenmarie, UTAR Kampar, UiTM Shah Alam, and newcomer INTI International College Subang, which proudly hosted the ceremony. Collectively, participants explored 12 of the 17 UN SDGs, with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) most represented.

Building Skills Through Workshops and Resources
Centriq PR also led a workshop at INTI International College Subang, supported by a video series and workshop deck, to introduce strategic communications, SDG alignment and ESG‑focused narratives. These resources gave students practical skills to connect their stories to sustainability goals and prepare to collaborate with stakeholders as future communicators.

Celebrating Storytelling as a Catalyst for Change
Entries were evaluated by a panel comprising Loke Pak‑Yen (United Nations Association Malaysia), Frank Chan (MDEC), Norhizam Abdul Kadir (EVD Berhad), and Arnold.

The event brought together students, educators and industry leaders to celebrate storytelling as a catalyst for positive change, demonstrating how strategic communications can help advance the UN SDGs.

Academic Dean of INTI International College Subang, Mr. Eric Lee, noted, “This semester, INTI International College Subang aligned its Mass Communication module assessments with the We.R.Wira campaign, encouraging students to submit their coursework to the national competition.”

Honouring Champions and Outstanding Stories
For its compelling storytelling and lasting community impact, the submission titled Anak Pulau: Below the Surface by UiTM Shah Alam emerged champion. Another submission by UiTM Shah Alam, Where Heart Meets: The Story of Tender Hearts Cafe secured the first runner‑up spot, while Beyond the Sirens by UOW Glenmarie took second runner‑up position.

For demonstrating exceptional merit and strong performance, four Honourable Mentions were presented to Colouring Lives (UOW Glenmarie) and Keep Wildlife Wild: Animal Neighbours Project, Sixteen Pillars, One Heritage, and Invisible Citizens: The Fight For A Name, all submitted by UiTM Shah Alam.

In the new Outstanding SDG Alignment category, the submissions titled Invisible Citizens: The Fight For a Name (SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities) and The Lost Food Project: More Than Leftovers (SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production; SDG 2: Zero Hunger), UiTM Shah Alam emerged as winners for their powerful alignment with selected SDGs and ability to inspire awareness and action.

Looking Ahead to Season 5
Through We.R.Wira, Centriq PR is cultivating the next generation of communicators by equipping students with practical experience in strategic storytelling, SDG alignment, stakeholder engagement, and industry collaboration—skills essential in today’s PR profession.

Season 4 leaves a resounding message: Change begins when those who care enough, dare to act. Looking ahead, We.R.Wira will return for Season 5, reaffirming Centriq PR’s long‑term commitment to nurturing future communicators through meaningful storytelling, collaboration and social impact initiatives.

Hashtag: #WeRWira #WeRWiraS4 #SocialImpact #SDG #BeTheChange #SustainableDevelopmentGoals





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About Centriq PR

Centriq PR is a Malaysian independent public relations consultancy, recognised for its expertise in strategic content development, corporate communications, media relations, reputation management, ESG communications, and crisis response.

The consultancy focuses on human intelligence, ethical guidance, and trust-building to provide strategic communications counsel, partnering with organisations across industries to build trust, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and deliver measurable outcomes.

Beyond client work, Centriq PR champions communications as a force for social impact. Its flagship youth initiative, We.R.Wira, equips students with practical storytelling skills and amplifies inspiring stories aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs), showing how communication can drive lasting positive change.

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