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NIA Unveils Strategic Insights into Thailand’s FoodTech Startup Ecosystem to Strengthen Its Global “Kitchen of the World” Position
The newly launched “Thailand FoodTech Ecosystem Whitepaper 2025,” developed in collaboration with BioBuddy, highlights Thailand’s key strengths, challenges, and future directions for leveraging innovation to build a resilient and inclusive food future—advancing the nation’s long-standing vision as the “Kitchen of the World.”
Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director of the National Innovation Agency (Public Organization) (NIA), stated citing the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warning that the world must increase food production by more than 60% to meet the needs of a growing population. But food security is not just about quantity — it’s about nutrition, safety, and equitable access, even amid economic crises or climate instability. These challenges position FoodTech as a key solution for the future, offering innovative ways to ensure the planet’s survival through sustainable and inclusive food systems.
“Thailand has the potential to emerge as a global FoodTech hub, driven by the regeneration of resources, the environment, and the economy, FoodTech lies at the heart of Thailand’s ambition to transform how food is produced and consumed. Through innovation, we can ensure that every resource — from water to soil — is used responsibly to create food systems that nourish people while protecting the planet.”
Thailand’s FoodTech ecosystem benefits from strong fundamentals: abundant natural resources, a skilled workforce, and a strategic location as ASEAN’s gateway. Its robust agricultural base, diverse food exports, and commitment to food security further position the country for success.
Rising consumer demand, especially in urban areas like Bangkok, has inspired a new generation of young entrepreneurs entering the food business. Increasing collaboration between the private sector and startups reflects a maturing innovation ecosystem.
However, challenges remain. Much of Thailand’s food production still lacks value-added innovation. Fragmented supply chains, limited access to knowledge among smallholders, and weak collaboration networks slow progress.
Experts also note that Thailand’s R&D investment—currently around 1% of GDP—is relatively low, while complex regulations and limited venture capital hinder early-stage FoodTech startups. Technology transfer between universities, research institutions, and the private sector also remains underdeveloped, constraining deep-tech growth in food science and processing.
Industry analysts warn that without sustained policy support and cross-sector investment, Thai FoodTech startups risk losing momentum to regional peers with stronger financial ecosystems and R&D pipelines.
Dr. Krithpaka added, The Whitepaper identifies seven startup segments at the forefront of global FoodTech innovation — each with potential for Thailand’s ecosystem to expand and attract investment:
1. Innovative Food & Food Science – Developing novel ingredients and food products, including plant-based, cultured meat, and functional nutrition solutions.
2. Supply Chain & Traceability – Digitalizing and automating logistics, ensuring food safety and transparency from farm to fork.
3. Food Waste & Water Rescue – Creating renewable, circular solutions to minimize food and water waste.
4. Food E-Commerce, Delivery & Meal Kit – Transforming food access and consumption through smart logistics, meal prep, and delivery platforms.
5. Future of Retail & Restaurant – Reinventing hospitality with robotics, AI, and cloud kitchen technologies.
6. Consumer Tech – Empowering consumers through smart kitchen devices, personalized nutrition, and digital health integration.
7. PetFoodTech – Innovating pet nutrition through technology-driven product customization and sustainable ingredient sourcing.
Example startups in Thailand’s ecosystem include Advanced Green Farm (Flo), valued at THB 0.93 million with USD 800,000 in fundraising; LINE MAN Wongnai, Thailand’s first food delivery–review platform to achieve unicorn status; and Dernua, a local innovator producing powdered fermented fish.
Together, these seven categories demonstrate Thailand’s readiness to participate in the global transformation of food systems—from production and consumption to sustainability and health innovation.
“Government support for FoodTech innovation is gaining traction. NIA’s flagship initiatives include SPACE-F — Asia’s first global FoodTech startup platform promoting innovation in alternative proteins, sustainable packaging, and food waste reduction — and Thai Kitchen, an accelerator program transforming traditional Thai ingredients and recipes into high-value, export-ready products.
These initiatives reflect Thailand’s growing multi-sector collaboration among startups, corporations, academia, and government agencies. They align with NIA’s strategic framework — “Create the Dot, Connect the Dot, Value Creation” — which drives sustainable innovation across the entire food value chain, reinforcing Thailand’s global identity as the “Kitchen of the World.”
Hashtag: #NIA #NationalInnovationAgency
https://www.nia.or.th/The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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MSIG Hong Kong’s 2025 Claims Report Reveals Growth in Claims Settlement Ratio for Fifth Consecutive Year and Spotlights Award-Winning Travel Insurance Offerings
Launched market-first Door-to-Door Luggage Repair Service for Travel Insurance customers
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 July 2026 – MSIG Insurance (Hong Kong) Limited (“MSIG”) today published its 2025 Claims Report, highlighting a fifth consecutive annual rise in its claims settlement ratio since 2020, strong performance across key classes, and new customer-focused travel innovations.
In 2025, MSIG honoured HK$359 million in claims in Hong Kong and Macau and achieved a 94.7% claims settlement ratio, up from 91.1% in 2020, reflecting the insurer’s sustained commitment to extraordinary claims service and role as a trusted partner. Employees’ Compensation Hong Kong recorded a 99.87% settlement ratio, followed closely by Helper (97.57%) and Travel (96.27%).
This year’s report shows significant progress in its customer-first approach – with an over 11% year-on-year increase in compliments received from customers, as well as 100% of the insurer’s 2025 Google reviews being 5-star rated.
Philip Kent, Chief Executive Officer of MSIG Hong Kong, said: “In a year of rapid change, our teams have stayed close to our customers and continued to put forward products and services that have truly helped when it mattered most. That’s what a customer-first mindset is all about and the results are clear from this year’s claims report. From innovative travel protection to extraordinary claims servicing, we continue to invest in bringing unique-to-market product features to our customers as their trusted partner, and are fully committed to further enhancing our service experience to deliver the assurance they need at every stage of their life journey.”
MSIG’s innovations in Travel Insurance also earned notable industry recognition in 2025 and 2026, reinforcing the strength of the offerings and the value they are delivering to customers:
- Won the Travel Insurance category at the 10Life 5-Star Insurance Awards 2026
- Top 3 Finalists in “Most Innovative Product/Service Award (General Insurance)” at the Hong Kong Insurance Awards 2025
New Travel Insurance services
In April 2025, MSIG launched two travel services designed to make support faster and more seamless. The market-first Door-to-Door Luggage Repair Service completed 135 luggage repair requests from April to December 2025, equal to 16% of all luggage damage claims, while Overseas Medical Teleconsultation simplifies access to care while travelling abroad. These new services reflect innovation in an area where customers value convenience, speed and reassurance.
MSIG built on that momentum in October 2025 with upgraded Travel Insurance products that added new benefits, including Cancellation of Journey for Any Reason. The enhancement gives travellers greater flexibility and strengthens MSIG’s position in a critical category where expectations are rising around responsive, real-world protection.
Beyond travel, the report highlights a wide range of cases of MSIG’s broader focus on customer-centred claims service across personal and commercial lines – demonstrating a commitment not only to efficient claims handling, but also to helping customers navigate disruption and move forward.
Hashtag: #MSIG
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About MSIG Insurance (Hong Kong) Limited (“MSIG”)
MSIG is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co Ltd and a member of the MS&AD Insurance Group, Asia’s leading general insurance brand with presence in 50 countries and regions globally. The Group is amongst the world’s top 10 insurance groups based on gross revenue and one of Japan’s leading insurers with A+ Stable credit rating. With over 40,000 employees world-wide, MSIG is represented in all ASEAN markets as well as in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Mainland China, Korea, India and Taiwan.
MSIG has been providing general insurance solutions to customers in Hong Kong for more than 170 years, dating as far back as 1855. We offer a wide range of solutions and services through an extensive distribution network including agents, brokers, and strategic partnerships with leading banks as well as growing collaborations with digital and consumer platforms.
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Swiss-Belhotel International Expands Bali Portfolio with the Soft Opening of The 5-Star Ashva Swiss-Belresort Ubud Bali
The launch reflects the group’s unwavering confidence in Bali’s resilient luxury tourism segment. Designed to meet the evolving preferences of modern travelers, Ashva Swiss-Belresort Ubud Bali brings sophisticated international hospitality standards to a sanctuary engineered for multi-generational family bonding, couples’ retreats, and immersive, experience-focused stays.
Sudharman Shetty, President Director of PT Ratna Forever Hospitality, stated:
“The development of Ashva Swiss-Belresort Ubud Bali represents a strategic step in expanding our hospitality business while supporting the growth of quality tourism in Ubud. We believe that Ubud’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and unique attractions can be combined with international service standards to create a destination with strong value and long-term sustainability. Through the presence of the Swiss-Belresort brand, we hope Ashva will grow into a preferred resort choice for both domestic and international travellers, while also making a positive contribution to the local community and economy,” said Sudharman Shetty, Founder & Owner of Ratna Forever Hospitality.”
Gavin M. Faull, Chairman and President of Swiss-Belhotel International, added: “Indonesia continues to be a cornerstone of our global expansion vision. This development not only reflects the deep trust of our partners at PT Ratna Forever Hospitality in our balanced approach to guest comfort and operational excellence, but it also underscores our strong confidence in the market—particularly within the high-growth segment of travelers seeking spacious, lifestyle-oriented resort experiences.”
Developed with a contemporary yet culturally rooted resort concept, Ashva Swiss-Belresort Ubud Bali features 90 beautifully appointed guestrooms and suites, alongside 4 exclusive wooden pavilions. Accommodations range from a generous 40 to 106 square meters, perfectly catering to families and groups. Select premium room and suite tiers elevate the stay experience with private heated plunge pools and smart in-room technology.
The culinary landscape introduces diverse dining destinations, including Giwangkara All Day Dining and the renowned Udupi Multi-Cuisine Restaurant, which boasts a strictly separated, dedicated kitchen section for pure vegetarian preparation.
The resort’s striking architectural centerpiece is a terraced swimming pool concept, designed with cascading water elements and a Petanu Pool Bar overlooking Ubud’s layered natural landscape. To accommodate business and celebratory milestones, the property features a grand ballroom, versatile meeting spaces, and scenic outdoor areas beautifully tailored for weddings and social events.
Ilkin Ilyaszade, Senior Vice President – Operations and Development, Indonesia at Swiss-Belhotel International, commented: “As we actively strengthen our footprint across key hubs in Indonesia, Bali remains an essential, highly resilient destination with exceptional growth potential. The soft opening of Ashva Swiss-Belresort Ubud Bali directly supports this trajectory. Beyond creating vibrant leisure experiences, our comprehensive facilities and scenic setting are strategically positioned to capture the rising demand for premium corporate meetings, weddings, and high-profile social events.”
During the soft opening phase in July and August 2026, guests can take advantage of exclusive introductory rates before the resort transitions to its grand launch in September. To discover a new expression of refined living or to secure reservations, please visit ashvaswiss-belresort.com.
SBEC Loyalty Programme: Enjoy 10%–35% OFF on Rooms, Dining, and other services at 165+ hotels globally by becoming an SBEC loyalty member. Sign up for FREE and enjoy instant benefits through the Swiss-Belhotel International App—available in the App Store and Google Play Store.
Hashtag: #SwissBelhotelInternational #UbudResort #5StarResort #IndiaMarket #WellnessResort
https://www.swiss-belhotel.com/
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The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Swiss-Belhotel International
Swiss-Belhotel International operates in 20 countries, managing 165+* hotels, resorts, and projects across New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, with regional offices in Hong Kong, New Zealand, Australia, China, Indonesia, UAE, the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand. Committed to delivering world-class hospitality, the group also offers the Swiss-Belexecutive Card (SBEC), a loyalty program providing many benefits, discounts from 10% to 35% on rooms, dining, and other services, plus priority check-in, complimentary upgrades, and late check-out. No collecting points, no waiting for redemption, with the free-to-join Green Global tier, members can enjoy instant discounts from their first stay! Book stays and access special offers tailored for SBI guests and SBEC members through the Swiss-Belhotel International App – available in App Store and Google Play Store. Stay connected with us on Facebook, Linkedin, Instagram, and 
TikTok for the latest updates and exclusive benefits. Visit swiss-belhotel.com for more information.
*Numbers may fluctuate
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Nota Sign Integrates with Hong Kong’s iAM Smart, Enabling One-Stop Account Opening, Employee Onboarding and Contract Signing for Businesses and Residents
As Hong Kong continues to advance its digital government infrastructure, iAM Smart has become an important gateway connecting public services with digital commercial services. By the first quarter of 2026, the iAM Smart mobile application had recorded more than 10 million cumulative downloads and connected users to over 1,400 online services and electronic forms provided by government departments, public organisations and private institutions.
Through its integration with this digital identity ecosystem, Nota Sign has further strengthened its local digital signing capabilities in Hong Kong.
Designed to support electronic signature and data privacy requirements in more than 100 countries and regions, Nota Sign complies with major international regulatory frameworks, including the EU eIDAS Regulation, the US ESIGN Act, Hong Kong’s Electronic Transactions Ordinance and the GDPR.
The platform has completed ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO/IEC 27701 certifications, as well as SOC 2 Type I and Type II audits. It supports local digital identity systems in markets including Hong Kong and Singapore and operates data centres in key regions worldwide to meet data localisation requirements, fulfilling its commitment to “Sign with Global Trust.”
Through its deep integration with iAM Smart, Nota Sign enables both corporate and individual users to complete trusted identity verification and legally valid digital signatures using their iAM Smart accounts.
The integration connects Nota Sign directly with Hong Kong’s official digital identity infrastructure and further embeds the platform into the city’s digital government ecosystem. It provides government organisations, businesses and individuals in the Greater Bay Area, particularly those in Hong Kong, with a safer, more efficient and standardised one-stop digital signing solution.
Developed by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, iAM Smart is a one-stop digital identity authentication platform. Its compliant digital signing framework is established in accordance with Hong Kong’s Electronic Transactions Ordinance.
The platform serves as a key gateway through which Hong Kong residents and businesses access digital government and commercial services. It provides trusted identity verification, encrypted security and fully traceable records and is widely used across public service applications, commercial transactions and identity verification scenarios.
The integration brings together the core capabilities of iAM Smart and Nota Sign. Hong Kong users can authorise access to Nota Sign with one click using their iAM Smart accounts, eliminating repeated registration and data entry and significantly simplifying identity verification during cross-border signing processes.
Users can also verify their identities through iAM Smart and use Nota Sign to sign contracts, commercial documents and official records online. Data is encrypted throughout the process, all actions are recorded and signing activities remain fully traceable, helping ensure that the resulting signatures meet applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
For users, the integration between Nota Sign and iAM Smart creates a more convenient and trusted digital signing experience for both businesses and individuals.
Whether handling local transactions in Hong Kong, collaborating across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area or conducting cross-border commercial activities, users can reduce repeated identity checks, paper document circulation and in-person procedures, improving both operational efficiency and the overall digital service experience.
Nota Sign supports a wide range of high-frequency signing scenarios, including business operations, financial services, human resources, commercial collaboration and personal affairs. Typical applications include the following:
Nota Sign can be used for local Hong Kong business activities and cross-border collaboration across the Greater Bay Area, including supply chain coordination, procurement transactions and service partnerships.
Businesses can initiate cooperation agreements, procurement contracts, service agreements, supply chain reconciliation confirmations and other commercial documents through Nota Sign.
Signatories can then use iAM Smart to complete identity authentication and digital signing, improving business collaboration efficiency and delivering a smoother signing experience.
For cross-regional employment, businesses can initiate online signing processes for offer letters, employment contracts, confidentiality agreements, non-compete agreements and overseas or cross-border assignment documents.
Employees can authenticate their identities and sign digitally through iAM Smart, allowing onboarding documentation to be completed entirely online. This reduces the costs associated with manual identity verification and paper document circulation while improving the efficiency of human resources management.
Nota Sign can support digital processes involving account opening, insurance applications, wealth management and corporate services.
Businesses can embed iAM Smart’s identity authentication capabilities into Nota Sign signing workflows. Once customers have completed identity verification, they can immediately sign account-opening agreements, authorisation documents, service agreements and other materials.
This reduces repeated authentication and duplicate data entry, providing customers with a smoother and more efficient online service experience.
Hong Kong residents can use iAM Smart to verify their identities and sign digitally when entering into tenancy agreements, granting personal authorisations or handling cross-border mandates.
Users no longer need to repeatedly enter their identity details or attend multiple in-person verification appointments. This improves the efficiency of a wide range of digital processes and makes signing more convenient and intuitive.
Huang Xiang, Founder and CEO of Fadada, said that the integration with iAM Smart represents an important strategic step in Nota Sign’s continued development in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. It also strengthens the platform’s local compliance service ecosystem and regional service capabilities.
Nota Sign previously established a partnership with Digi-Sign, the first commercial recognised certification authority under Hong Kong’s Tradelink.
Overseas users who do not have an iAM Smart account can use Tradelink iD-One, together with passport-based electronic Know Your Customer verification, to complete identity verification and apply for a digital certificate.
Following the integration with iAM Smart, Hong Kong residents can now complete identity authentication and digital signing directly through their iAM Smart accounts.
These two identity verification channels serve different user groups and further strengthen Nota Sign’s identity authentication network in Hong Kong.
Looking ahead, Nota Sign will continue to leverage its mature cross-border signing technology and compliance framework to provide reliable digital signing infrastructure for Chinese enterprises expanding overseas, Hong Kong and Macao businesses entering the Chinese mainland, and cross-border industrial collaboration across the Greater Bay Area.
Through these capabilities, Nota Sign aims to establish a leading cross-border electronic signing platform rooted in the Greater Bay Area and serving organisations worldwide.
Nota Sign is Fadada’s global electronic signature platform. It is designed to support electronic signature and data privacy requirements in more than 100 countries and regions and complies with regulatory frameworks including the EU eIDAS Regulation, the US ESIGN Act, Hong Kong’s Electronic Transactions Ordinance and the GDPR.
The platform integrates with dozens of recognised overseas certification authorities and provides electronic signature solutions at multiple assurance levels.
Nota Sign has completed ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO/IEC 27701 certifications, as well as a SOC 2 Type I audit. It operates data centres in key regions worldwide to meet data localisation requirements and supports localised signing services such as Singapore’s Singpass.
The platform has also introduced a GxP-compliant electronic signature solution designed to meet international regulatory requirements, including FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11.
Powered by a legal-specific large language model, Nota Sign provides artificial intelligence capabilities such as intelligent contract review and multilingual document comparison.
It also supports integration with mainstream enterprise systems, including Salesforce and SAP, significantly shortening cross-border signing cycles and helping businesses “Sign with Global Trust.”
Fadada
www.notasign.com
ze****@****da.com
Hashtag: #FaDaDa #NotaSign
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
