Media OutReach
360 Years of Building the Future: Saint-Gobain Champions Sustainability and Startups in Singapore
Saint-Gobain has built a global legacy of over 300 years, driving innovative techniques in sustainable construction for the green building revolution
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 April 2025 – Saint-Gobain, a global leader in sustainable construction, celebrates its 360th anniversary in 2025 with its ‘360 Years Young’ campaign, marking three and a half centuries of innovation as it continues to drive breakthrough design and light construction solutions that provide sustainability and performance.
With over 30 years of presence in Singapore, Saint-Gobain has been part of the Singapore story since the 1980s, with a strong focus on advancing Singapore’s green building revolution through cutting-edge materials and nurturing startups that drive innovative construction methods through its venture capital and innovation arm, NOVA.
360 Years Young: Continuing a legacy of transformation in the construction sector
For 360 years, Saint-Gobain’s innovative and sustainable materials and solutions have been transforming the built environment, enhancing the way we live, work and play across diverse settings, from homes to offices, schools, hospitals, industrial and recreational facilities. Saint-Gobain has provided its innovative products and solutions for the construction of iconic projects, including Bird Paradise, Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and the recently launched Rainforest Wild Asia, amongst others.
For Saint-Gobain, the number 360 represents more than just its years of business – this also refers to their 360-degree approach around the world, where they develop high-performance, environmentally friendly solutions and optimise its industrial processes.
“At 360 years young, Saint-Gobain continues to be driven by a pioneering and innovative mindset.We are singularly focused on building better for people and the planet with circularity, decarbonisation and reducing environmental impact at the core of everything we do. As we celebrate this milestone over 360 days, we look forward to contributing our expertise to enhance the wellness of communities across 80 countries around the world, including Singapore and Malaysia, with more sustainable habitats and environments,” said Lynette Siow, CEO Saint-Gobain Singapore & Malaysia.
Saint-Gobain cemented this milestone with a gala night that was held on 28 March at JW Marriott Singapore, attended by 260 of its partners, team members and customers, where the company reinforced its commitment to build a healthier, fairer, and more inclusive world and achieve its goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Being at the forefront of the green revolution in Singapore
For over 30 years, Saint-Gobain Singapore has established itself as a trusted partner in the country, providing new and sustainable construction products and solutions, including tile waterproofing, building glass, fireproofing, concrete admixtures, and more. Bolstering its strategy to be a global leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain recently completed the acquisition of FOSROC, a leading construction chemicals company in Asia and emerging markets. The acquisition further expands Saint-Gobain’s construction chemicals portfolio to include cement additives and grinding aids, reinforcing its commitment to providing advanced materials and integrated solutions.
At present, Saint-Gobain Singapore brings together 12 business units under one roof, delivering comprehensive solutions for energy-efficient buildings, healthier living spaces, and industrial decarbonisation that align with Singapore’s Green Mark Certification and 2030 Green Plan.
Saint-Gobain has conducted significant investment in research and development to reduce their existing products’ carbon footprint, through utilising renewable energy and low-carbon raw materials – lowering its overall footprint to 20-25% in 2017.
The company continues to make headway in its sustainability roadmap. This includes incorporating 30% recycled content in its packaging, as well as circularity projects to reduce its reliance on virgin raw materials, as well as offering low-volatile organic compound (VOC) paint and coatings and other light solutions.
Looking ahead, Saint-Gobain plans to expand its collaborations with Singaporean universities and government institutions such as the Singapore Green Building Council and the Building and Construction Authority while continuing to support the nation’s ambitious sustainability targets through its net-zero carbon roadmap.
Accelerating innovation through NOVA
Through its venture capital and open innovation arm NOVA, Saint-Gobain is actively shaping Singapore’s construction technology landscape by investing in and partnering with promising early-stage startups focused on sustainable building materials, circular economy solutions, and construction productivity tools.
NOVA has already nurtured successful Singapore-based startups in its portfolio including Livspace, a tech-driven interior design platform, and C-Cube, which specialises in modular construction solutions.
NOVA continues to grow its collaborations with more startups in Singapore and Southeast Asia through initiatives such as the Sustainability Open Innovation Program with Enterprise Singapore, and through strategic partnerships, such as Saint-Gobain’s collaboration with smart construction solutions provider DaFang AI to promote robotic wall finishing solutions in Singapore.
In 2023, the company launched the “Build the Future” startup challenge in partnership with Enterprise Singapore’s Slingshot competition, scouting for innovative deep-tech solutions to transform the construction industry.
Building on this momentum, Saint-Gobain recently participated as a platinum partner and domain expert judge in the 2024 CapitaLand Sustainability X Challenge, evaluating breakthrough solutions for construction decarbonisation and building wellness.
“Singapore’s dynamic innovation ecosystem and commitment to green infrastructures present tremendous opportunities to be at the forefront of sustainable construction,” said Lynette Siow, CEO of Saint-Gobain Singapore & Malaysia. “As we celebrate 360 years of global expertise, we’re doubling down on our commitment to partner with local startups, researchers and developers to build Singapore’s greener future.”
Hashtag: #SaintGobainSingapore
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Saint-Gobain
Worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and services for the construction and industrial markets. Its integrated solutions for the renovation of public and private buildings, light construction and the decarbonization of construction and industry are developed through a continuous innovation process and provide sustainability and performance. The Group’s commitment is guided by its purpose, “MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME”.
€46.6 billion in sales in 2024
161,000 employees, locations in 80 countries
Committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050
For more information about Saint-Gobain Singapore, visit
www.saint-gobain.sg
Media OutReach
Hong Kong Company Formations Surge 40.5% in 2025, Outpacing Regional Competitors
Air Corporate data reveals 9 in 10 founders incorporated in Hong Kong do so remotely, driven by a 20% surge in Middle Eastern entrepreneurs seeking cost-effective operational alternatives to Dubai.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 May 2026 – Air Corporate registered a 40.5% increase in Hong Kong incorporations in 2025, with the first quarter of 2026 already up 48% year-over-year. This data indicates that Hong Kong is reasserting itself as the leading Asian jurisdiction for company formation, fueled by a new wave of remote founders from the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe.
The prevailing narrative over the past five years suggested that Singapore was eclipsing Hong Kong; however, recent incorporation volumes challenge this. According to city-wide official figures cited by Vivian, Founder of Air Corporate, approximately 195,000 companies were registered in Hong Kong in 2025, compared to around 77,000 in Singapore.
“There was a lot of fuss about Singapore taking over Hong Kong as preferred jurisdiction over the last few years, but for 2025 alone, around 195,000 companies were formed in HK, vs around 77,000 for Singapore,” said Vivian. While city-wide registrations rose roughly 35% in 2025, incorporations at Air Corporate specifically grew by 40.5%. Vivian added, “With a 35% increase in the number of companies registered in 2025, Hong Kong is definitely back in the game as the top jurisdiction to start a company.”
The reality of Hong Kong company formation is increasingly global, lean, and founder-led. Nine in ten founders incorporated in Hong Kong with Air Corporate do not live there.
Key demographic and operational insights from Air Corporate’s client base include:
- Approximately 90% of founders operate remotely from abroad, while 10% or less are based in Hong Kong.
- Entrepreneurs aged 35 to 44 represent the largest age cohort at 38%, demonstrating that Hong Kong attracts founders in their prime career years rather than just younger digital nomads.
- Serial entrepreneurs make up 60% of Air Corporate’s client mix, utilizing Hong Kong as an operational base for multiple companies, while first-time founders account for the remaining 40%.
- A total of 89% of new companies are launched by solo founders (58%) or small teams of two to five individuals (31%).
- Mainland China, Hong Kong, Turkey, India, the UAE, Australia, France, and Morocco rank among the top source markets for these founders.
Furthermore, 73% of new Hong Kong incorporations are directly tied to physical goods trade with China. This consists of e-commerce and dropshipping businesses (38%) and the trading of goods (35%). The recovery of in-person trade flows, including events, such as the Canton Fair and various industrial fairs, is pulling foreign founders back into the Greater China orbit and establishing Hong Kong as the natural entry point and financial layer over the world’s largest manufacturing base.
Air Corporate’s data recorded a 20% year-over-year growth in founders originating from the Middle East. This shift highlights a reverse migration where founders previously incorporated in Dubai are now choosing Hong Kong. Based on Vivian’s observations, founders often arrive in Dubai expecting fast incorporation and low costs, but discover that incorporation and maintenance are significantly more expensive than in Hong Kong, and banking remains difficult. Consequently, many founders move to Hong Kong after 12 to 24 months in the UAE, a trend accelerated by the Hong Kong government’s strategic outreach to the region.
For lean, remote-first businesses, speed-to-market is a critical factor. A founder located anywhere in the world can incorporate in Hong Kong and open a working bank account in approximately 7 days using digital banking partners. Currently, 90% of Air Corporate’s clients utilize these digital banking partners.
“Hong Kong and Singapore are the only places in Asia where you can set up your company, get a corporate account, and be in business in less than a week,” concluded Vivian.
Air Corporate is a service provider facilitating company formation and incorporation in Hong Kong for serial entrepreneurs, first-time founders, and remote-first business owners operating globally.
Media Inquiries
To learn more about Hong Kong company formation, visit Air Corporate’s website or contact their team directly.
Hashtag: #AirCorporate
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Media OutReach
Natural Diamonds Sparkle on The Red Carpet at The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating “Costume Art”
Today’s biggest stars express individuality and confidence with natural diamonds
NEW YORK, US – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 May 2026 – The 2026 Met Gala celebrating “Costume Art” took place May 4th at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, bringing together leading figures from across the globe for an unforgettable evening. These tastemakers showcased the most classic, refined and distinctive diamond jewelry looks of the season. Below, A Diamond is Forever highlights the standout trends from the event.
Desert diamonds
Desert diamonds emerged as a striking throughline on the Met Gala carpet, with a range of hues in distinctive settings taking focus.
Rihanna led the trend in a pair of exceptionally rare old Moghul Golconda fancy brown-yellow diamond earrings by Glenn Spiro, featuring two pear-shaped natural diamonds totaling 51.9 carats. Doja Cat offset her all nude look with a pair of large Leviev Diamonds floral-shaped earrings while Paloma Elsesser made a statement in a 29.5-carat diamond necklace by Bernard James, centered around a 15-carat fancy light yellow pear-shaped natural diamond. Cara Delevingne wore a De Beers London Forces of Nature High Jewelry ring, featuring marquise yellow diamonds set as eyes, while Emma Chamberlain opted for yellow and white diamond earrings by Chopard, underscoring the continued allure of warm diamond hues.
Magnificent Diamond Earrings
A wide variety of captivating silhouettes defined the natural diamond earrings on the Met Gala carpet. Zoë Kravitz delivered a modern twist with oversized diamond flower earrings by Jessica McCormack. Chase Sui Wonders opted for Jean Schlumberger by Tiffany & Co. Sea Fan earrings, bringing an element of sculptural artistry to the look. Gracie Abrams selected gently dangling Chanel earrings, adding understated fluidity, while Connor Storrie selected simple hoop earrings from Tiffany & Co., reinforcing the clean and enduring appeal of natural diamonds.
Standout Diamond Moments
Natural diamonds appeared in personal, unconventional and eye-catching ways, offering moments of surprise and awe. Power couple Beyoncé and Jay-Z embodied this trend with Beyoncé wearing Chopard’s Queen of Kalahari necklace, named after the rare 342-carat diamond that provided 23 stones for Chopard’s Garden of Kalahari collection. Jay-Z contributed to the narrative with a vintage diamond brooch by Briony Raymond worn at the collar as an unexpected placement that underscored the piece’s versatility. Isha Ambani made the styling of diamonds an art form in itself, wearing her own diamond jewelry featuring approximately 150 carats of old mine-cut diamonds, including a three-strand necklace and chandelier earrings, while also incorporating diamonds sewn directly into the bodice of her sari to represent significant moments in her life.
Together, these looks highlighted a shift toward natural diamonds as vessels of personal expression, styled with intention, individuality, and a sense of the unexpected.
Hashtag: #MetGala #RedCarpet #ADiamondisForever #NaturalDiamonds #Diamonds
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Media OutReach
Turn Your Savings into a Front-Row Experience: HL Bank Singapore Offers Exclusive Passes to AsiaTop Music Festival 2026
The premier music festival will play host to 16 K-pop, regional and Malaysian stars including, in performance order: Day 1 – NexT1DE, Aina Abdul, Belle Sisoski, Win Metawin, NMIXX, WINNER, DAESUNG, KUN. Day 2 – Uriah See, Firdhaus, Butterbear, 82MAJOR, STAYC, CRAVITY, TWS, CxM
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 May 2026 – Your next major K-pop experience is just a savings goal away as HL Bank Singapore (“HLB Singapore”) bridges the gap between financial wellness and the front row. In an exclusive collaboration designed for the ultimate music enthusiast, the bank is offering fans the chance to secure a pair of sought-after AsiaTop Music Festival 2026 tickets, valued at up to RM1,098 (approx. S$355), simply by growing their wealth.
This unique initiative stems from the regional synergy between Hong Leong Bank (“HLB”) and Tencent Music Entertainment Group (JOOX and QQ Music). By aligning with Visit Malaysia Year and Visit Selangor Year 2026, HLB is transforming the traditional banking experience into a gateway for premium entertainment. Scheduled for 30 and 31 May 2026 at the iconic Sepang International Circuit, the festival promises a high-octane weekend featuring an elite lineup of Asian superstars, including the largest K-pop showcase in the ASEAN region.
Securing a spot at the heart of the action has been streamlined through the iSavings Reward Campaign, running from 9 May 2026 to 18 May 2026. To participate, fans first decide on their preferred festival experience, selecting either a pair of Standard Passes with a S$5,000 deposit or the high-energy, nearer-to-the-stars Rockzone Passes with a S$8,282 deposit for their chosen day.
Once a tier is selected, customers can register by depositing the qualifying funds into an iSavings account via FAST or Links transfer. To validate their entry, customers must include the specific Comment Code, such as PALLIR1 for Day 1 Rockzone, within the funds transfer description. The qualifying balance must be maintained within the account for a six-month (182 days) earmarked period.
With only 88 pairs of tickets available for this exclusive campaign, the stakes are high. Allocation is limited to 22 pairs per day for each ticket category and will be awarded strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. Fans are encouraged to act quickly to ensure their savings work as hard as they do while securing a premier seat at the musical event of the year.
For full terms & conditions, and further details, please visit: www.hlbank.com.sg/AsiaTop2026
Hashtag: #HLBankSingapore
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
HL Bank Singapore
HL Bank Singapore is the Singapore branch of Hong Leong Bank Berhad, a leading digital-centric Malaysia-based financial services institution with a rooted heritage in the country spanning over 120 years. Operating under a Full Bank Licence in Singapore, HL Bank offers a comprehensive range of financial services to our business, retail and high networth customers through our 4 core business segments – Business & Corporate Banking, Personal Financial Services, Private Wealth Management and Global Markets.
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