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Ascott Expands Resort Portfolio with Multi-Typology Brand Strategy to Tap on Rising Leisure Travel Demand

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  • 11 new signings across high-demand travel markets in Asia and the Middle East bring portfolio to about 50 properties in sought-after resort destinations globally
  • New additions span multiple brands across Phuket (Thailand); Bali and Labuan Bajo (Indonesia); Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, Cam Ranh and Sam Son (Vietnam); Gangneung (South Korea); and Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah (UAE)

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 August 2025 – The Ascott Limited (Ascott), the wholly owned lodging business unit of CapitaLand Investment (CLI), is scaling its global resort footprint through asset-light expansion. Riding on growing demand for experiential stays, Ascott now has around 50 properties in resort destinations in operation and under development worldwide, supported by 11 new signings in the past 10 months secured via management and franchise agreements. These represent about 5% of its global portfolio of over 1,000 properties, reflecting a strategic focus on the fast-growing leisure segment[1]. This momentum is driven by Ascott’s multi-typology brand strategy, which adapts well-loved brands such as Ascott, Citadines, lyf, Oakwood, Somerset, The Crest Collection and The Unlimited Collection for resort settings. This approach enables efficient scaling in high-potential destinations while fulfilling lifestyle aspirations of its growing Ascott Star Rewards membership and delivering brand-led solutions that drive long-term value for property owners.

Capitalising on growing demand for experiential stays, Ascott now has around 50 properties in resort destinations in operation and under development worldwide, supported by 12 new signings in the past 10 months secured via management and franchise agreements. Among these is the upcoming Ascott Abov Patong Phuket Resort (pictured), which marks Ascott’s debut in Phuket. Just 150 metres from the iconic Patong Beach, it features 254 rooms, comprehensive leisure facilities and event venues. Also part of the development is a 227-unit branded residence, Residences at Ascott Abov Patong Phuket.

Recent signings across Asia and the Middle East reflect Ascott’s strategic expansion into key leisure hotspots. These include iconic beach destinations such as Patong Beach in Phuket and Jimbaran Beach in Bali. Ascott is also entering Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah’s premier man-made coral island known for its pristine beaches. In Vietnam, Ascott is growing its presence in Phu Quoc, voted the world’s second-best island[2], and Nha Trang, an established coastal city often dubbed the “Riviera of the South China Sea”. The company is also capitalising on emerging opportunities in fast-growing destinations such as Cam Ranh, an up-and-coming aviation and leisure hub, and Sam Son, a rising domestic and regional tourism hotspot. Additionally, Ascott is entering Labuan Bajo, Indonesia — the gateway to Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In South Korea, it is tapping demand in Gangneung, the leading east coast destination and host of the 2018 Winter Olympics.

Ascott’s push into resort destinations capitalises on robust industry tailwinds. Global leisure travel spend is projected to triple to US$15 trillion by 2040, fuelled by increasing demand from the burgeoning middle class in emerging markets such as China, India and Saudi Arabia, the rise of experience-led younger travellers, and surging domestic and regional tourism1. Notably, over 70% of travellers from emerging markets now combine business and leisure trips, highlighting the growing importance of bleisure travel1. Within this broader trend, the global resort segment – valued at US$300.03 billion in 2023 – is forecast to reach US$945.38 billion by 2030, growing at 18.2% CAGR, driven by rising disposable incomes, increased international travel, and preference for destination-led, experience-rich stays [3].

Ms Serena Lim, Chief Growth Officer, Ascott, said: “As leisure travel continues to outpace global tourism growth[4], we are seeing strong momentum from property owners eager to grow with us in the resort space. Owners are drawn to our flex-hybrid model, which optimises returns and mitigates risk in dynamic leisure markets by serving both short and extended stays within a single operational framework. Complemented by our multi-typology brand strategy, we align the right brand and format to each resort setting, enabling differentiated, locally attuned guest experiences while staying responsive to evolving travel trends. Backed by a loyal and expanding member base seeking elevated leisure experiences, Ascott is well-positioned to deliver long-term value through exceptional resort stays, creating results for owners, delight for guests and impact across the markets we serve.”

Ms Tan Bee Leng, Chief Commercial Officer, Ascott, said: “Resorts represent a powerful extension of Ascott’s brand promise to let guests ‘Stay Your Way’, unlocking a world of leisure-led experiences that elevate our Ascott Star Rewards (ASR) programme to new heights. From sun-drenched beachfront villas and serene mountain retreats to château stays and immersive wellness escapes, each resort adds lifestyle richness to the loyalty journey, deepening member engagement and incentivising cross-destination travel. At the same time, a growing base of loyal ASR members fuels demand for these differentiated resort offerings globally — accelerating our resort expansion strategy with data-backed insights and a ready community of experience-driven travellers. Ascott’s flex-hybrid model and multi-typology brand approach allow us to scale trusted urban brands into resort destinations with local authenticity and operational excellence, creating a virtuous cycle that benefits guests, members and property owners alike.”

Expanding Reach Across Leisure Hotspots

Ascott is expanding into sought-after resort destinations with new property signings that deliver diverse, experiential stays. In Thailand, Ascott Abov Patong Phuket Resort will feature 254 rooms and comprehensive leisure facilities including all-day dining, a swimming pool, rooftop bar, pool bar, spa, gym, kids’ club and event spaces. Located just 150 metres from iconic Patong Beach and surrounded by tourist attractions, the resort enjoys a prime position in Thailand’s leading leisure destination, known for its strong year-round demand and diverse visitor base. Guided by the brand’s understated luxury philosophy, Ascott Abov Patong Phuket Resort will showcase its “Fine Arts Inspired by Nature” concept, blending luxury, tranquility and local artistry in perfect harmony. The project also includes Residences at Ascott Abov Patong Phuket, a 227-unit branded residence, with completion targeted for 2027.

Vietnam is a key focus of Ascott's resort portfolio expansion. Lasong Hotel & Villas Sam Son by The Unlimited Collection (pictured) in Thanh Hoa began operating in phases from April 2025, just six months after signing. Offering an immersive stay along one of Vietnam's most renowned beaches, the resort features boutique rooms, private villas, dining venues, a Korean jjimjilbang and event facilities including a grand ballroom.
Vietnam is a key focus of Ascott’s resort portfolio expansion. Lasong Hotel & Villas Sam Son by The Unlimited Collection (pictured) in Thanh Hoa began operating in phases from April 2025, just six months after signing. Offering an immersive stay along one of Vietnam’s most renowned beaches, the resort features boutique rooms, private villas, dining venues, a Korean jjimjilbang and event facilities including a grand ballroom.

Ascott is also scaling its resort portfolio in Vietnam. Somerset Nha Trang, part of the landmark Libera Nha Trang development, will bring the brand’s trusted family-friendly resort living to one of Vietnam’s most popular beach destinations. Meanwhile, Citadines Selavia Phu Quoc will anchor a mixed-use precinct on the island’s popular southwest coast. Opening in 2027, this 369-unit beachfront development will offer premium amenities including a spa with onsen facilities, all-day dining and expansive event spaces. In Cam Ranh, along Long Beach, Ascott will debut the HARRIS brand in Vietnam with the 693-unit HARRIS Resort Cam Ranh. Designed as an all-in-one resort destination, it will feature specialty dining, a beach club, water park and recreational facilities. Business travellers will also be catered for with a ballroom and dedicated meeting spaces. Slated to open in 2026, HARRIS Resort Cam Ranh marks the brand’s continued expansion beyond Indonesia into high-potential Southeast Asian markets.

Separately, Lasong Hotel & Villas Sam Son by The Unlimited Collection in Thanh Hoa began opening in phases in April 2025, less than six months after signing. The resort offers a distinctive retreat on one of Vietnam’s most storied beaches, blending boutique hotel rooms, private villas, wellness amenities – including a Korean jjimjilbang and dedicated spa – a grand ballroom and culturally inspired dining. As the second property under The Unlimited Collection in Vietnam after Anmira Resort & Spa Hoi An by The Unlimited Collection, it underscores Ascott’s commitment to culturally immersive experiences in fast-growing leisure destinations.

In Indonesia, the 120-key lyf Labuan Bajo marks Ascott’s debut in one of the country’s most sought-after resort destinations, a rising eco-tourism hub and gateway to UNESCO-listed Komodo National Park. Opening in 2027, the property will introduce lyf’s experience-led social living concept to Labuan Bajo, featuring vibrant communal spaces, coworking zones and curated local experiences designed to foster connection and exploration among next-generation travellers.

The upcoming 57-unit all-villa Oakwood Jimbaran Villas and Residences Bali (pictured) strengthens Ascott's established Bali portfolio, providing direct access to Jimbaran Beach, one of Bali's most coveted destinations known for its pristine coastline, world-class seafood restaurants and breathtaking sunset views.
The upcoming 57-unit all-villa Oakwood Jimbaran Villas and Residences Bali (pictured) strengthens Ascott’s established Bali portfolio, providing direct access to Jimbaran Beach, one of Bali’s most coveted destinations known for its pristine coastline, world-class seafood restaurants and breathtaking sunset views.

Three other resort developments across Indonesia are also slated to open from 2026 to 2028. In Bali, the 57-unit Oakwood Jimbaran Villas and Residences Bali will provide direct access to the renowned shores of Jimbaran Beach, while the 366-unit Oakwood Premier Berawa Beach Bali will offer upscale beachfront living in the trendsetting district of Canggu. In Sanur, the 180-unit Oakwood Sanur Bali will be positioned within the Special Economic Zone, adjacent to the highly anticipated Bali International Hospital – a future hub for medical tourism. Featuring ocean views and convenient beach access alongside diverse accommodation choices, the property will blend coastal charm with wellness-focused amenities, complemented by recreational facilities, event spaces and destination dining experiences.

In South Korea, Ascott is introducing its Oakwood brand to Lagoon Town, a landmark resort complex under development in Gangneung’s Cultural Olympic Special Zone. Overlooking both Gyeongpo Lake and Gyeongpo Beach, the 500-key property will meet rising demand for leisure-led extended stays on Korea’s scenic east coast. Located just five minutes from Gangneung Station and two hours from Seoul via KTX, the property is positioned to become a key coastal retreat for domestic and international travellers.

In the UAE, Al Mahra Resort by The Crest Collection is set to open in 2027 on Marjan Island, Ras Al Khaimah’s flagship beachfront leisure destination. The resort will feature 539 uniquely designed rooms and luxury suites with a comprehensive selection of amenities including all-day dining, specialty restaurants, bars, a spa, swimming pool, gym, kids’ playroom, club lounge and flexible event spaces – making it a standout destination for upscale coastal getaways.

These additions expand Ascott’s growing resort portfolio, which includes ski retreat Oakwood Suites Chongli in China’s premier winter sports hub, the all-villa Oakwood Ha Long near Vietnam’s UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay, Somerset Pattaya on Thailand’s vibrant coast and Château Belmont Tours by The Crest Collection in France’s Loire Valley. Ascott will also debut its Preference brand in the Philippines with Balai Dajao by Preference in Siargao island, the country’s celebrated surfing capital. The 100-unit property featuring suites and villas is expected to operate from late 2027. With over 20 new properties in resort destinations set to open over the next three years, Ascott continues strengthening its lifestyle hospitality presence in key leisure markets worldwide. Explore Ascott’s resort destinations at www.discoverasr.com.

Hashtag: #Ascott


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

The Ascott Limited

The Ascott Limited (Ascott) is driven by a vision to be the preferred hospitality company, enriching global living with heartfelt experiences. With a portfolio of more than 1,000 properties spanning over 230 cities across more than 40 countries, Ascott’s presence spans Asia Pacific, Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the USA. Its diverse collection of award-winning brands includes , , , , , , , , , , , , and .

Ascott specialises in managing and franchising a wide range of lodging options, including serviced residences, hotels, resorts, social living properties and branded residences, catering to the varying needs and preferences of global travellers. Through the loyalty programme, members enjoy exclusive privileges and curated experiences, enhancing every aspect of their travel journey.

As a wholly owned business unit of , Ascott generates fee-related earnings by leveraging its expertise in both lodging management and investment management. It also drives the expansion of funds under management by growing its sponsored and private funds.

For more information on Ascott and its sustainability programme, please visit . Alternatively, connect with Ascott on , , and .

CapitaLand Investment Limited

Headquartered and listed in Singapore in 2021, CapitaLand Investment Limited (CLI) is a leading global real asset manager with a strong Asia foothold. As at 31 March 2025, CLI had S$117 billion of funds under management held via stakes in seven listed real estate investment trusts and business trusts and a suite of private real asset vehicles that invest in demographics, disruption and digitalisation-themed strategies. Its diversified real asset classes include retail, office, lodging, industrial, logistics, business parks, wellness, self-storage, data centres, private credit and special opportunities.

CLI aims to scale its fund management, lodging management and commercial management businesses globally and maintain effective capital management. As the investment management arm of CapitaLand Group, CLI has access to the development capabilities of and pipeline investment opportunities from CapitaLand Group’s development arm. In 2025, CapitaLand Group celebrates 25 years of excellence in real estate and continues to innovate and shape the industry.

As a responsible company, CLI places sustainability at the core of what it does and has committed to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions for Scope 1 and 2 by 2050. CLI contributes to the environmental and social well-being of the communities where it operates, as it delivers long-term economic value to its stakeholders.

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SCOPE’s Ultra-Luxury Residential Performance Underscores Strong Investor Confidence in Thailand’s Prime Market

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BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 January 2026 – Amid heightened volatility across global luxury real estate markets driven by geopolitical tensions, trade policy uncertainty, and persistent inflationary pressures, Thailand’s ultra-luxury residential sector continues to demonstrate notable resilience. Within this context, SCOPE, a Bangkok-based ultra-luxury residential developer, reported total sales exceeding THB 2.6 billion in 2025, underscoring sustained confidence from high-net-worth individuals and international investors.

SCOPE Langsuan

Despite global headwinds including escalating trade disputes, rising commodity prices, and shifting monetary policies, Thailand’s prime residential market remains structurally strong. Bangkok, in particular, continues to attract foreign buyers seeking long-term residential assets that combine lifestyle quality with capital stability. Demand in this segment has been driven less by short-term speculation, and more by purchasers prioritizing quality, identity, and long-term livability.

Value Proposition in a Global Context
One of the defining strengths of Thailand’s ultra-luxury market lies in its compelling value proposition when compared to global gateway cities such as London, New York, Tokyo, or Hong Kong. Prime residences in Bangkok remain significantly more accessible in terms of price, while offering comparable and in some cases superior, standards of design, space, and lifestyle.

Performance-Driven Luxury Development
SCOPE’s 2025 performance provides a clear illustration of how well-executed ultra-luxury developments can outperform broader market trends. Despite a general slowdown in Thailand’s property market, the company achieved over THB 2.6 billion in annual sales, reflecting consistent demand within the ultra-luxury segment.

Commenting on the market outlook, Mr. Yongyutt Chaipromprasith, Chief Executive Officer of SCOPE Company Limited, said: “Thailand offers exceptional value when compared with global cities, not only in pricing but also in quality of life, project standards, and long-term livability. Many international investors view Thai ultra-luxury residences as a safe haven asset, supported by competitive rental yields, lower holding costs, and a lifestyle proposition that few markets can replicate.”

Among its flagship developments, SCOPE Langsuan recorded over 90% sales completion within 2025, reflecting strong demand from discerning buyers. The project’s success highlights a clear shift in buyer behavior: ultra-luxury purchasers are increasingly focused on authenticity, design integrity, and long-term residential value rather than speculative gains.

Central to this appeal is SCOPE’s collaboration with internationally acclaimed designer Thomas Juul-Hansen, whose portfolio includes prominent residential development in New York, notably along the iconic “Millionaire’s Row.” By engaging designers of this caliber, SCOPE reinforces its role as a developer of globally competitive, non-replicable residential projects, rather than locally derivative offerings.

This approach further emphasizes the “value for money” proposition of Thailand’s luxury market. Achieving equivalent design pedigree and spatial quality in global financial capitals would require significantly higher development and acquisition costs.

Beyond Assets: Designing for Real Living
Beyond financial performance, SCOPE’s developments are conceived as long-term homes rather than transactional assets. The company’s development framework is anchored on three core pillars: Product Excellence, Lifestyle Integration, and World-Class Hospitality.

This philosophy guides every stage of development — from spatial planning and material selection to service design and community environments — ensuring that residences are built to support genuine, long-term living.

Elevating Living Through Hospitality
A defining component of SCOPE’s ultra-luxury positioning is its proprietary ACQUA Hospitality Service, designed from the perspective of real homeowners. The concept integrates five-star hotel service principles into everyday residential living, redefining luxury as thoughtful attention to detail that enhances quality of life.

From curated common spaces designed as well-being hubs, to personalized residential services and collaborations with world-class architects and designers, SCOPE aims to establish new benchmarks for service-driven, timeless luxury in Thailand’s residential market. This evolution reflects a broader industry shift from competing on physical specifications alone to competing on holistic living experiences.

Outlook: Thailand’s Luxury Market at a Turning Point
Bangkok continues to rank among the world’s leading lifestyle destinations, recognized for its blend of global connectivity, healthcare standards, infrastructure, and cultural vibrancy. These fundamentals support its growing role as both a primary residence base and an investment within Southeast Asia.

Looking ahead, Thailand’s ultra-luxury real estate market is transitioning from price-based competition toward differentiation driven by design excellence, development standards, service quality, and long-term livability. This shift strengthens the country’s positioning on the global stage and reinforces ultra-luxury residential assets as stable, long-term investments amid ongoing global uncertainty.

Hashtag: #Scope #Scopecollection



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

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“No Data, No Talk”: How Data Fundraising Is Redefining SME Growth in ASEAN

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KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 January 2026 – In an era where investors are more selective than ever, SMEs can no longer rely on vision, passion, or static pitch decks alone. The new rule of fundraising is clear: No Data, No Talk.

Participants of the Data Fundraising Masterclass gather on Day 3 of the programme in Kuala Lumpur, where SME owners presented investor-ready pitch decks built using CapitalOS, BizPal’s data-driven corporate finance platform.


This message took centre stage at the
Data Fundraising Masterclass (12–14 December 2025) organised by BizPal by Simplyfi™, where close to 80 SME owners, founders, and senior leaders gathered to learn how technology, branding, and corporate finance must be integrated into a single, data-driven narrative to unlock capital and sustainable growth.

The three-day masterclass was designed to help SMEs move beyond siloed decision-making. Participants were guided through structuring their business models, identifying value drivers, and translating strategy into investor-ready financial narratives using CapitalOS — BizPal’s data-driven corporate finance platform that consolidates operational, strategic, and financial data into a coherent dashboard designed to speak the language of investors.

“I thank the team for their tireless preparation for the masterclass. Our mission is simple — SMEs should never walk into a funding conversation unsure of their numbers,” said Ms. Anya Tan, CEO of BizPal by Simplyfi™.

Rather than treating technology, brand, and finance as separate initiatives, CapitalOS demonstrated how these elements work together to form one credible, measurable story of enterprise value.

Technology as a Measurable Growth Strategy
As part of the programme, guest speaker Mr. Chris Teng, Sales Director of FSBM Holdings Berhad, shared insights on the role of technology in enterprise scalability.

“Every business today needs a clear technology blueprint — not just to operate efficiently, but to attract investors. Technology is the foundation of scalability. When you can demonstrate how your tech investments drive data, efficiency, and market access, your enterprise value naturally grows.”

This session reinforced a core principle of data fundraising: technology only creates value when it produces measurable outcomes. Within CapitalOS, participants learned how technology investments can be translated into operational metrics and long-term financial impact — moving technology from a backend function to a valuation driver.

Turning Brand and IP into Recognised Assets
In another session, Mr. Tee Lin Yik, CEO and Co-founder of Tee IP Sdn Bhd, addressed the growing importance of brand and intellectual property (IP) valuation in fundraising.

“Your marketing, design, and digital assets are not just expenses — they represent intangible value. When structured properly, these can be recognised as brand assets, contributing directly to enterprise valuation.”
Participants explored how branding and IP, when properly documented and governed, can be captured within CapitalOS as value-creating assets, strengthening credibility during fundraising discussions and due diligence.

Finance, Governance, and the Investor Lens
Concluding Day 2, Mr. Dylan Woon, Director of Sparta Haus, highlighted the importance of live data, governance, and transparency from an investor’s perspective.

“In the modern business environment, static reports are no longer enough. Investors expect live dashboards and clear governance trails. Platforms like CapitalOS help SMEs manage and present their data dynamically — aligning business strategy with financial credibility.”

Through guided exercises, participants learned to view their businesses from an investor’s lens — understanding how data consistency, governance discipline, and financial clarity directly influence valuation and funding decisions.

From Learning to Real Conversations
Beyond theory, the programme delivered tangible outcomes. Participants were guided to develop investor-ready pitch decks using AI-assisted tools, with many completing their decks during the three-day programme.

Several selected participants presented their pitch decks to investors and judging panelists on Day 3, leading to follow-up discussions and early expressions of interest.

Soft Launch of Global Mentorship Exchange (GMx)
Wrapping up Day 3 of the Data Fundraising Masterclass, BizPal also announced the soft launch of the Global Mentorship Exchange (GMx), a strategic ecosystem initiative designed to complement CapitalOS by connecting experienced business leaders with high-potential entrepreneurs.

BizPal Head of Innovation, Wayne, announcing the soft launch of the Global Mentorship Exchange (GMx) alongside Dato’ Jacky of Asia Success Media Group during Day 3 of the Data Fundraising Masterclass in Kuala Lumpur.
BizPal Head of Innovation, Wayne, announcing the soft launch of the Global Mentorship Exchange (GMx) alongside Dato’ Jacky of Asia Success Media Group during Day 3 of the Data Fundraising Masterclass in Kuala Lumpur.

The initiative is built on a central premise: the greatest untapped resource in business is experience. GMx aims to make this experience more accessible by providing a structured platform where mentors, entrepreneurs, and investors can engage through data-backed evaluation, technology-enabled assessment, and transparent benchmarking.

GMx is positioned as a global exchange where experienced founders and industry leaders support emerging businesses not only through guidance, but through measurable insights aligned with investor expectations. By integrating mentorship with structured evaluation frameworks, GMx seeks to help high-potential SMEs gain visibility, credibility, and readiness for the global stage.

According to the organisers, the soft launch marks the first phase of a broader effort to formalise mentorship, recognition, and capital access into a single ecosystem — enabling experience, data, and technology to work together in supporting sustainable enterprise growth.

Validated by Participants
The impact of the masterclass was reflected in post-programme feedback:

  • Over 80% of respondents rated their likelihood to recommend the programme 8–10 on the Net Promoter Score (NPS) scale
  • Participants rated the programme an average of 4.52 out of 5 stars for value received relative to investment
  • The results highlight strong validation from SME owners on the programme’s relevance, practicality, and return on learning

Beyond the Masterclass
To ensure continuity and execution beyond the workshop, all participants have been invited to an upcoming online coaching session, where they will further strengthen their teams’ hands-on capability in using CapitalOS.
For SMEs interested in joining future cohorts, BizPal by Simplyfi™ is accepting early expressions of interest for upcoming Data Fundraising programmes in 2026.

Interested businesses can:
– Register interest for 2026 programmes: [email protected]
– Schedule a complimentary CapitalOS consultation: [email protected]

One System, One Story
The masterclass demonstrated a clear framework:

  • Technology generates data
  • Brand amplifies enterprise value
  • Corporate finance translates strategy into investor language

CapitalOS ties these elements together, enabling SMEs to move from intuition-led decision-making to data-backed, investor-ready positioning.

Through its CapitalOS methodology, BizPal by Simplyfi™ is helping canvASEAN SMEs transition from intuition-led decision-making to data-backed, investor-ready businesses — proving that in today’s capital market, the conversation begins with data, or it doesn’t begin at all.

Hashtag: #NoDataNoTalk #DataFundraising #InvestorReady #CapitalReadiness #FinTech #BusinessValuation #ASEANSMEs




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

About BizPal by Simplyfi™

BizPal by Simplyfi™ empowers ASEAN SMEs to become investor-ready through data-driven corporate finance solutions. Its flagship platform, CapitalOS, consolidates operational, strategic, and financial data into a unified system that speaks the language of investors. By integrating technology, brand, and finance into one measurable narrative, BizPal helps SMEs transition from intuition-led decision-making to data-backed growth strategies.

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IIMAKER Speaks at 2026 Chongli Forum: Defining the “Soul” and “Threshold” of Game Content Creation in the AI-Native Era

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CHONGLI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 January 2026 – The “2026 Chongli Forum” entered its core agenda today at the snow resort in northern China. As a high-profile annual thought leadership event in China’s technology and industrial innovation sector, this year’s forum, themed “New Orientation, New Establishment,” attracted numerous industry leaders including Yu Minhong, founder of New Oriental, Zhou Hongyi, founder of 360 Group, and Yang Guang, Chairman of the Alibaba Design Committee. They explored new trends, pathways, and paradigms under the sweeping wave of artificial intelligence. The forum focused on cutting-edge fields such as the digital economy, AI, green low-carbon development, and the ice-snow economy, aiming to build a cross-disciplinary hub for collaborative ideas.

In the highly anticipated “Hardcore AI Hub” sub-forum, a roundtable discussion titled “AI×Everything: The Dreams and Experiments of a New Generation of Entrepreneurs” delved into how AI is reshaping the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Among the participants, Wei Tianrun, co-founder of IIMAKER – an innovative company specializing in AI-powered games and interactive content – shared his unique insights and practical experience on AI empowering the creative industry.

With the rapid development of Generative AI (AIGC) technology, the global gaming and interactive content industry is undergoing an unprecedented productivity revolution. From the automatic generation of characters and scenes to the batch production and precise delivery of marketing materials, AI is drastically reducing the marginal cost of content creation and distribution. Simultaneously, a core question is becoming increasingly prominent: As tools become ubiquitous, how can products avoid homogenization? How can enterprises build unique brand value and competitive barriers that transcend the technology itself? This is not only an issue for the gaming industry but also a “soul-searching” question that all AI-native application fields must confront.

Regarding the rise of “one-person companies,” Wei Tianrun pointed out that AI indeed significantly lowers the threshold from idea to execution, smoothing over the resource-intensive and highly specialized barriers inherent in traditional creation. For example, leveraging its AI toolchain, IIMAKER can compress the production cycle for marketing materials – which originally took weeks and required cross-team collaboration – down to just a few hours, while also enabling rapid localization of content for multiple global markets. However, he simultaneously emphasized that AI also raises new thresholds: Firstly, the threshold for deep insight and top-level design. AI can optimize click-through rates but cannot replace humans in understanding the subcultural emotions and unspoken needs of player communities. This demands stronger cultural sensitivity and sociological thinking from teams. Secondly, the new threshold of compliance and ethics. Issues like copyright and data security associated with AIGC require entrepreneurs to master an entirely new system of norms and regulations.

When discussing how to inject “soul” into AI-native products, Wei Tianrun elaborated on IIMAKER’s core philosophy – “Empowerment, Not Replacement.” He stated that all the company’s technological development serves one goal: to reduce technical friction and unleash creator potential, not to let AI dominate the creative process. “AI is the most powerful ‘brush’ in the creator’s hand, but the one holding the brush will always be the creator themselves.” IIMAKER strives to be the most trusted “first stop” and “spiritual home” for creators entering the AI-native creative era. Its brand distinction lies not in possessing any single, top-tier, isolated AI technology, but in its profound understanding and systematic empowerment of the entire “interactive content creation” process.

Addressing industry concerns that AIGC might lead to homogenization of community content, Wei Tianrun introduced IIMAKER’s “proactive shaping” strategy. The company encourages and protects truly original content imbued with a human soul through a multi-pronged approach: building an AI tool library containing diverse stylistic models, deliberately promoting innovative content within its algorithmic recommendations, establishing an anti-plagiarism content fingerprinting system, and setting up honor and economic incentive systems centered around “creative originality” and “emotional impact.” He emphasized that IIMAKER’s ultimate goal is to catalyze the “from 0 to 0.1” spark of original ideas, while using AI to efficiently solve the “from 1 to 100” problem of scaling.

Finally, Wei Tianrun offered a sincere reminder to young entrepreneurs in the AI field: the most easily underestimated cost is the “Alignment Cost” – namely, the cost of aligning with AI tool intent, the cost of connecting with real market value, and the management cost of internal team cognitive transformation. These are often (implicit) and substantial. Conversely, the part most irreplaceable by AI is precisely the ability to “Ask the Right Questions”discovering and defining those unmet, profound human needs and pain points will always be the most fundamental starting point for innovation.

Hashtag: #IIMAKER

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

About the Chongli Forum

The China Chongli Forum is a technology and industrial innovation dialogue platform grounded in real industry scenarios. Leveraging Chongli’s unique ice-snow ecology and open spaces, it gathers young entrepreneurs, technology enterprises, investment institutions, and cultural talents, aiming to promote cross-border collaboration and long-term value creation. This year’s agenda focused on cutting-edge areas such as the digital economy, artificial intelligence, and the green economy.

About IIMAKER

IIMAKER is an AI-powered game and interactive content company built on the core concept of “Maker.” With game publishing as its current business cornerstone, the company is dedicated to empowering UGC (User-Generated Content) communities through its self-developed AI toolchain, significantly enhancing the efficiency of content generation, asset production, and optimization. Its long-term vision is to build an AI-native interactive content platform that reduces the overall friction of turning imagination into reality, ultimately working towards a future where “everyone can make a world.”

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