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WRISE Academy Charts New Chapter with Changsha Office Launch

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Deepening Footprint in Mainland China to Empower Next-Gen Successors & Wealth Management Elites

HONG KONG SAR / CHANGSHA, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 September 2025 – WRISE Group (“WRISE” or “the Group”), one of Asia’s fastest-growing wealth management firms, announced today the official opening of WRISE Academy Office in Changsha, Hunan province, marking a significant step in its continued expansion in mainland China. This is WRISE Academy’s second location following the successful launch of its Shenzhen office in March this year, which generated substantial industry demand. The new location underscores WRISE’s commitment to provide high-net-worth individuals and wealth management elites in Central China to drive breakthroughs in the wealth management industry.

WRISE Academy Marches into Central China

As a flagship initiative of WRISE Prestige Hong Kong to nurture wealth management talents, WRISE Academy has successfully trained more than 100 undergraduates, graduates, and working professionals since its inception. Through a rigorous selection process, nearly 50% of its trainees have successfully achieved career transitions, evolving from Independent Financial Advisors (IFAs) or entry-level professionals into highly competent Independent Wealth Consultants (IWCs), with significant improvements in both compensation and professional ranking.

Since its launch, WRISE Academy has hosted more than 40 seminars and thematic programs in Shenzhen and Hong Kong, attracting over 300 industry elites. The programme line-up brings together over 20 seasoned industry experts with an average of over 20 years of industry experience across core sectors including wealth management, securities, private equity, trusts, and family offices. They continue to provide participants with valuable industry insights, resource connections, and skills enhancement.

Dr. Jowin Fung, Vice Chairman of WRISE Hong Kong, said, “The launch of our Changsha office is a key milestone in our long-term China strategy. As an economic and cultural hub of Central China, Changsha offers rich talent resources and a favourable policy environment, providing an ideal platform for us to better serve mainland entrepreneurs and wealth management professionals.”

Partnering with Globally Recognised Institutions to Develop Benchmark Programmes

WRISE Academy consistently emphasises the professionalism and international recognition of its courses. It has recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association (CAIA) to introduce the Fundamentals of Alternative Investments (FAI) programme and a series of micro-certification courses to WRISE Academy, covering topics such as private debt, digital assets, real estate, and private equity. These initiatives are designed to help participants quickly grasp global market trends and practical skills, giving them a competitive edge in career development.

Road Ahead: Deepening Roots in China, Expanding Across Asia-Pacific

With the opening of its Changsha office, WRISE will actively pursue strategic partnerships with local chambers of commerce, enterprise associations, and financial industry organisations to foster joint research and co-innovation, promoting standardisation and professional excellence of the wealth management industry.

Moving forward, WRISE Academy will continue to expand its service network in mainland China. After expanding its presence into the Pearl River Delta and Central China this year, WRISE Academy is now setting its sights on South China, West China, and the Taiwan region. These regional hubs will work in synergy with its Hong Kong office to build a Greater China knowledge and advisory network that empowers both affluent clients and wealth advisers.

Dr. Fung added, “We are committed to establishing WRISE Academy as a talent development platform for the family office industry in Asia, while actively participating in shaping industry standards to elevate the overall quality and competitiveness of wealth management services in the region.”

As a regional core hub, Changsha boasts four key advantages: wealth concentration, industrial financing, institutional channels, and talent supply. However, it lacks a systematic international wealth management framework. By transplanting Hong Kong’s mature standards and extensive practical experience to Changsha, WRISE Academy fills the gap in family office and wealth-talent training while replicating the successful Shenzhen model. The initiative will cultivate a first wave of wealth professionals in central China who combine international perspective with Asian-market expertise.

Hashtag: #WRISE #WRISEACADEMY

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

WRISE

WRISE is one of Asia’s fastest-growing financial firms, driven by strategic acquisitions of companies with deep expertise and solid foundations. With a strong presence across key financial hubs including Singapore, Dubai, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Tokyo, WRISE is home to one of the largest network of independent qualified advisors.

With over 400 employees located globally, supported by an ecosystem of over 200 financial intermediaries and access to eight booking centres worldwide, WRISE ensures unparalleled service and expertise in navigating today’s financial landscape.

WRISE Group of companies include WRISE Wealth Management (Singapore), WRISE Wealth Management (Hong Kong), WRISE Wealth Management Middle East Ltd (DIFC, regulated by the DFSA), WeWrise Services, and affiliated companies WRISE Prestige Securities (Hong Kong), WRISE Prestige Asset Management (Hong Kong), WRISE Capital (Hong Kong) and WRISE Financial Services (Hong Kong).

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AECOM and Urban Land Institute launch inaugural Asia Pacific Infrastructure Innovation Index, highlighting region’s evolving infrastructure innovation priorities

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 June 2026 – AECOM, the trusted global infrastructure leader, and the Urban Land Institute (ULI), today announced the launch of the Asia Pacific Infrastructure Innovation Index 2026, a new thought leadership report examining how the infrastructure industry across the region is prioritizing innovation in response to stakeholders’ needs, increasing system complexity, operational pressures and evolving delivery challenges.

AECOM and Urban Land Institute launch inaugural Asia Pacific Infrastructure Innovation Index, highlighting region’s evolving infrastructure innovation priorities.

Developed in collaboration between AECOM and ULI, the report brings together perspectives from stakeholders across infrastructure, government, utilities, investment, planning and development sectors. It draws on a survey of more than 100 senior infrastructure professionals in Asia Pacific, alongside in-depth interviews with industry leaders. As the first edition of the Index, it establishes a baseline for understanding how infrastructure innovation is currently being prioritized and delivered across the region.

“This report highlights how organizations are moving beyond ideas and applying innovation in practical ways to improve delivery, resilience and system performance,” said Ian Chung, chief executive of AECOM’s Asia region. “Infrastructure leaders across Asia Pacific are responding to growing complexity by strengthening digital capabilities, improving coordination across interconnected systems and focusing on long-term operational performance.”

“Our collaboration with AECOM reflects a growing recognition that infrastructure and real estate are increasingly interdependent,” said Alan Beebe, CEO Asia Pacific, ULI. “As cities in Asia Pacific evolve, infrastructure is no longer just a technical consideration, but plays a critical role in shaping how places function, grow and perform. Understanding how innovation is being applied in this context is essential for those involved in the built environment.”

Among the top ten takeaways highlighted in the report, three key themes emerged consistently across both the survey findings and interview insights: the role of AI in infrastructure systems, the integration and growing demands on energy systems, and the need to design and operate infrastructure for climate resilience. Together, these themes highlight a broader shift toward enhancing how infrastructure systems are developed and perform under increasingly complex, real-world conditions.

Read the report here: Asia Pacific Infrastructure Innovation Index | AECOM Insights

Hashtag: #AECOM #AsiaPacificInfrastructureInnovationIndex

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

About AECOM

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle — from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.

About the Urban Land Institute

The Urban Land Institute (ULI) is a non-profit education and research institute supported by its members. Its mission is to shape the future of the built environment for transformative impact in communities worldwide. Established in 1936, the Institute has more than 48,000 members worldwide and over 3,000 members in the Asia Pacific region representing all aspects of land use and development disciplines. For more information on ULI Asia Pacific, please visit , or follow us on , , , , and .

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From Masar Makkah to New destinations: Umm Al Qura for Development & Construction Launches New Five-Year Strategy and announces Its Second Destination in Makkah

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MAKKAH, SAUDI ARABIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 June 2026 – Umm Al Qura for Development & Construction Company, the owner, developer, and operator of Masar Destination, has announced the receipt of two letters of award for the development of the Hindawiya West and Hindawiya South sites – adjacent to Masar Destination, the two projects have been awarded to a consortium comprising Umm Al Qura for Development and Construction Company, Makkah Construction and Development Company, and Rajhi United Real Estate Company, with a combined total area of 1.2 million square meters under the name “Masar Gardens.” This comes in line with the Company’s announcement of the launch of its new five-year strategy for 2026–2030. This step marks a strategic transformation in the company’s business model, reflecting its transition from developing a single flagship destination to becoming a multi-destination urban development platform in the western region of Saudi Arabia.

Umm Al Qura for Development & Construction Company, the owner, developer, and operator of Masar Destination, has announced the receipt of two letters of award for the development of the Hindawiya West and Hindawiya South sites – adjacent to Masar Destination, the two projects have been awarded to a consortium comprising Umm Al Qura for Development and Construction Company, Makkah Construction and Development Company, and Rajhi United Real Estate Company, with a combined total area of 1.2 million square meters under the name “Masar Gardens.” This comes in line with the Company’s announcement of the launch of its new five-year strategy for 2026–2030.

The strategy also strengthens the company’s ability to manage a diversified portfolio of urban and investment destinations with long-term economic and urban impact across Makkah, Jeddah, and Madinah.

The unveiling of the new strategy comes in the wake of the company successfully achieving the objectives of its 2021-26 strategy, which served as a roadmap for its institutional transformation over the past five years. This journey led to the completion of Masar Destination’s main infrastructure and its transition into the operational phase, alongside the development of a mature investment and financial platform and the enhancement of its institutional and operational capabilities.

These achievements were further reinforced by its listing on the Saudi Exchange (Tadawul), strengthening investor confidence and positioning the company for a new phase of large-scale expansion built on its core strengths and focused on creating sustainable, long-term value for communities, people, and investors.

During the period from 2021 to 2026, the company successfully established an integrated and scalable business model driven by its accumulated expertise and strong financial performance. This included a compound annual growth rate exceeding 60% in revenues and more than 45% in net profit, alongside operating cash flows surpassing SAR 2 billion in the most recent fiscal year. The company also attracted approximately SAR 40 billion in development investments for the destination, forged more than 30 strategic partnerships, and developed a comprehensive governance framework. In parallel, it built advanced operational and development capabilities that support sustainable growth and enhance the company’s readiness for its next phase.

The new strategy is anchored in a planned and selective expansion approach that does not seek to increase the number of projects as much as it focuses on delivering sustainable value for place, community, and investors. This will be achieved through the development of high-quality urban destinations in Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah, within a carefully targeted geographic focus that enhances operational integration and maximizes the efficient deployment of resources and expertise.

In this phase, the company is adopting a clearly defined approach to capital allocation, balancing growth with the maximization of returns while maintaining the flexibility of its financial position. It aims to manage an additional development portfolio exceeding SAR 50 billion, alongside deploying incremental capital investments ranging between SAR 3-5 billion over the course of the strategy, further reinforcing its ability to deliver sustainable long-term growth.

In parallel, the company will adopt a flexible operating model that enables it to lead projects as a master developer or to participate as a partner and development manager, in line with defined investment criteria that ensure carefully considered decision-making aligned with its strategic direction.

The company also confirms that Masar Destination will remain a central cornerstone within its future portfolio, with ongoing development of its extensions and expansions in accordance with approved plans. As its flagship project, Masar continues to serve as the primary foundation for the company’s activities and the model through which it will launch new urban destinations that contribute to enhanced quality of life and support economic growth across its target cities.

Commenting on this, Yasser Abdulaziz Abuateek, CEO of Umm Al Qura for Development & Construction, stated: “The launch of our new strategy represents a pivotal turning point in the company’s journey, as we move from a phase of capability building to one of considered expansion. The achievements of the past years have provided us with the confidence, expertise, and readiness to advance toward managing a fully integrated portfolio of urban destinations. Through this, we aim to create sustainable value for place, community, and investors within a robust governance framework that supports continued growth and contributes to generating long-term impact across the western region.”

This strategy reaffirms Umm Al Qura for Development and Construction’s commitment to supporting the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 by developing high-quality urban destinations that enhance quality of life, stimulate investment, and strengthen economic integration within a growth model driven by value creation and sustainability.

For more information, visit: www.ummalqura.com.sa/en/new-strategy-2030

Hashtag: #Development #SaudiArabia

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

Umm Al Qura for development & Construction

Umm Al Qura for development & Construction is the owner and developer of MASAR destination that works with a developmental vision to elevate the urban and investment landscape of Makkah through pioneering the development of Masar destination and exploring new avenues to help improve the quality of life for Makkah residents, pilgrims and visitors.

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Galaxy Macau and Trip.com Group Strike Three-Year Deal to Supercharge Global Live Events Pipeline

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Strategic alliance to drive headline concerts, sports events and premium travel experiences for international audiences, accelerating Macau’s push to become a global “City of Performing Arts.”

MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 June 2026 – Galaxy Macau, the world-class luxury integrated resort, has entered into a landmark three-year strategic partnership with Trip.com Group, the global leading one-stop travel services platform, spanning 2026 to 2029. Anchored in the fast-growing convergence of live entertainment, sports and premium travel, the alliance signals an ambitious push to reshape Asia’s high-value tourism and events landscape.

Galaxy Macau and Trip.com Group formulate a three-year strategic partnership that focuses on scaling live events and unlocking value through integrated membership ecosystems. Pictured at the Galaxy Auditorium (trom right) Mr Jeffrey Jiang, Executive Vice President of Entertainment Services of Galaxy Entertainment Group, and Ms Echo He, Vice President of Trip.com Group, marking the collaboration.

At the core of the collaboration lies a shared commitment to scale world-class live experiences, leveraging Trip.com Group’s expansive global membership ecosystem alongside Galaxy Macau’s proven expertise in venue operations and large-scale event execution. This includes the flagship Galaxy Arena, a premier destination for international concerts, sporting spectacles and marquee entertainment programming.

Celebrating 15th Anniversary in 2026, Galaxy Macau cements its position as Asia's market-leading leisure and entertainment hub.
Celebrating 15th Anniversary in 2026, Galaxy Macau cements its position as Asia’s market-leading leisure and entertainment hub.

Through this partnership, both parties will deepen integration across event curation, execution and distribution, while unlocking new layers of value through cross-platform membership privileges. The result is designed to deliver a more seamless, diversified and elevated experience for audiences — from ticket access and travel planning to on-ground entertainment delivery.

The agreement marks a pivotal step forward in advancing the integration of culture and tourism, a priority theme shaping the next phase of regional tourismdevelopment. By combining digital reach with physical destination excellence, Galaxy Macau and Trip.com Group are positioned to explore a broader spectrum of co-branded initiatives, immersive event formats and destination-led campaigns that extend beyond conventional travel offerings.

As the collaboration evolves, Galaxy Macau and Trip.com Group will jointly shape emerging trends at the intersection of luxury tourism and cultural entertainment, injecting fresh momentum into Macau’s ambition to strengthen its standing as a world centre of tourism and leisure.

For more information about Galaxy Macau, please visit www.galaxymacau.com.

Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau

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

ABOUT GALAXY MACAU INTEGRATED RESORT

Galaxy Macau, world-class luxury integrated resort, delivers the “Most Spectacular Entertainment and Leisure Destination in the World”. Developed at an investment of HK$43 billion, the property covers 1.1 million-square-meter of unique entertainment and leisure attractions that are unlike anything else in Macau. Nine award-winning world-class luxury hotels provide close to 5,000 rooms, suites and villas. They include Banyan Tree Macau, Galaxy Hotel™, Hotel Okura Macau, JW Marriott Hotel Macau, The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, Broadway Hotel, Raffles at Galaxy Macau, Andaz Macau, and Capella at Galaxy Macau. Unique to Galaxy Macau, the 75,000-square-meter Grand Resort Deck features the world’s longest Skytop Adventure Rapids at 575 metres, the largest Skytop Wave Pool with waves up to 1.5-metre high and 150-metre pristine white sand beach. Two five-star spas from Banyan Tree Spa Macau and The Ritz- Carlton Spa, Macau help guests relax and rejuvenate.

As the dining destination in Asia, Galaxy Macau offers a wide variety of gastronomic delights, exquisite experiences and ingredients of the finest quality with over 120 dining options from Michelin dining to authentic delicacies; Galaxy Promenade is the hottest shopping destination featuring the latest in fashion and curated experiences in Macau. Spanning over 100,000-square-meter, luxury flagship stores, lifestyle boutiques and our selection of labels are among the more than 200 world-renowned brands for a world-class shopping journey; Galaxy Cinemas, immersive thrills and luxurious comfort go hand in hand at Galaxy Cinemas. All 10 theatres are equipped with the latest audio-visual technology; CHINA ROUGE, one-of-a-kind deluxe lounge that evokes the glitz and glamor of Shanghai’s golden era with entertainment in luxury and style; and Foot Hub presents the traditional art of reflexology to make you feel more relaxed and revitalized. For Authentic Macau Flavours & Vibrant Asian Experiences, Broadway Macau – just a 90-second walk via a bridge from Galaxy Macau, has over 35 Authentic Macau & Asian Flavours at its Broadway Food Street. The 2,500-seat Broadway Theatre plays host to world-class entertainers and a diverse array of cultural events. Meeting, incentive and banquet groups are also well looked after with a portfolio of unique venues in Galaxy Macau and a professional service staff.

Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) is the latest addition to the Group’s ever-expanding integrated resort precinct and will usher in a new era for the MICE industry in Macau. GICC is a world- class event venue featuring 40,000-square-meter of total flexible MICE, and a 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena – the largest indoor arena in Macau.

For more details, please visit and

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