Media OutReach
Ascott’s Multi-typology Strategy Fuels Expansion In Asia, Africa And The Middle East, Surpassing 17,400 Ascott-branded Units
The three Ascott-branded properties added in 2025 are Ascott Ortigas Manila in the Philippines, Ascott Shenton Way Singapore in Singapore as well as the first Ascott property in Wenzhou, China. In 2024, signings were secured in Nanjing, Shenzhen, Suzhou, Wuhan and Wuxi, with Ascott Xuanwu Lake Nanjing opening the same year it was signed. The brand also entered Batam, Indonesia with the signing of Ascott Batam, and Nairobi, Kenya in East Africa. Ascott concluded 2024 with the signing of Ascott Residences Batu Ferringhi Penang, reinforcing the brand’s presence in Malaysia.
Growing beyond its origins in serviced residences, the Ascott brand is adopting new typologies, including hotels with MICE facilities and branded residences. This underscores the brand’s commitment to offering a comprehensive suite of high-quality global living solutions, tailored for C-suite executives who value the art of fine living.
Mr Kevin Goh, Chief Executive Officer of Ascott, said: “In the face of increasing economic uncertainty, Ascott’s flex-hybrid operating model is now reinforced with a multi-typology brand strategy. The core strength of the flex-hybrid model lies in its dual capability to serve transient, short-stays as well as extended, long-stay demand from a single operational framework. When strengthened by a multi-typology brand ecosystem, Ascott’s business model gains a unique competitive edge. This enables Ascott to respond dynamically to demand shifts not just by length of stay, but also by owner and guest profiles, and location offerings.”
“As seen from the signing momentum of our flagship Ascott brand across multiple typologies in recent months, this agility in response to dynamic macroeconomic conditions drives sustainable growth. By enhancing operational efficiency, deepening brand loyalty and ensuring adaptability in a dynamic travel landscape, it enables us to match the right brand and typology to each market, meeting demand with precision. For property owners, we offer flexible brand and typology combinations that optimise returns, supported by the strength and recognition of our portfolio for faster market traction. For guests, we deliver diverse accommodation options under the brands they know and trust, creating seamless and rewarding experiences. In a world where agility is the new currency of resilience, this flex-hybrid multi-typology strategy allows Ascott to mitigate downside risk in uncertain times, and to capture growth opportunities and upside potential when new demand corridors emerge,” added Mr Goh.
Expanding the Ascott Experience Across New Typologies
Under the multi-typology brand strategy, the Ascott brand is broadening its horizons beyond serviced residences, with recent signings and upcoming openings that showcase an expanded portfolio of branded residences and full-service hotels with MICE facilities. Amid this evolution, Ascott stays true to its identity through a distinctive set of brand signatures that reflect its quiet expression of luxury. Timeless interiors, curated lobby art installations and elevated service delivered by the Ascott Artisan are hallmarks of the guest experience. Signature offerings such as Themed Suites and the Ascott Soiree – a cultural initiative spotlighting performing, visual, culinary and couture arts – further immerse guests in the soul of each destination. Together, these elements define Ascott as a sanctuary of fine living, thoughtfully designed for C-suite executives.
Ms Tan Bee Leng, Chief Commercial Officer, Ascott, said: “Rather than creating separate brands for each market segment, we extend our well-established brands – including Ascott, Citadines, lyf, Oakwood, Somerset, The Crest Collection and The Unlimited Collection – across diverse accommodation types, ranging from limited select-service to luxury full-service operations. Guided by our brand promise to empower our loyal guests to ‘Stay Your Way’, this multi-typology strategy offers tailored global living solutions to address the diverse travel needs of our guests. It is however more than an operationally adaptive strategy to ensure we deliver a consistent and high-quality brand experience worldwide. It is also a revenue-centric model to extend our market reach and enhance our strategic resilience through yield management and distribution efficiencies. By swiftly tailoring the brand presence and reallocating the service mix based on our multi-typology brand strategy, Ascott is honing our agility to meet the dynamic patterns in travel and guest behaviour.”
Branded Residences
A notable milestone in this expansion is Ascott’s first branded residence, Ascott Residences Batu Ferringhi Penang, located along the picturesque coastline between the prestigious residential area of Tanjung Bungah and the popular resort destination of Batu Ferringhi in Penang, Malaysia. Set to launch for sale this year by Malaysian developer Instant Icon Sdn Bhd, the greenfield development will feature 99 exclusive residential apartments that fuse refined architectural design with artistic expression. Scheduled for completion in 2028, the property will offer a mix of expansive units ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 square feet, topped with an 8,000-square-foot penthouse that epitomises elevated coastal living.
Hotels
The newly signed Ascott Shenton Way Singapore is located within a 29-storey green sanctuary in the heart of Singapore’s central business district. Slated to be the brand’s third Ascott property in Singapore and the second within the central business district, Ascott Shenton Way Singapore will house 137 units spanning a variety of room configurations that accommodate both short- and extended-stay guests. Facilities include bespoke wellness offerings, a resident’s lounge, meeting spaces, an all-day dining restaurant, lobby café, gym, spa and swimming pool, complemented by garden terraces that bring nature into the urban core.
Full-Service Hotels with MICE Facilities
Ascott will open its first all-villa hotel, Ascott Villas Riyadh, in Saudi Arabia in July 2025. Located near King Abdullah Financial Street, Riyadh’s financial hub, the property will offer a curated collection of two-, three- and four-bedroom villas, some with private pools. The hotel will also feature four versatile meeting rooms and executive boardrooms, a restaurant, swimming pool, gym and tennis court – blending business functionality with luxury living.

In Vietnam, Ascott Tay Ho Hanoi is set to host meetings and events ahead of its grand opening in 2026. Located by the iconic West Lake in Hanoi’s Tay Ho District, the venue features The Sense Tay Ho Convention Centre, offering 14 flexible event spaces, including the city’s largest pillarless hotel Grand Ballroom, with a capacity for 2,000 guests. The property will also house 618 hotel rooms and serviced apartments, along with premium wellness amenities such as a spa, gym, swimming pool and yoga rooms. Guests will enjoy an exceptional culinary experience at the upscale dining destination, featuring over 10 diverse cuisines, expertly crafted by Michelin-starred and world-renowned chefs. The venue will also feature a stunning sky bar, providing a perfect setting to unwind and take in breathtaking views.

Further expanding in the full-service hospitality service space, Ascott signed Ascott Ortigas Manila in March 2025, marking a strategic addition in the Philippines. Located in the heart of Metro Manila’s Ortigas business district, the property will re-open under the Ascott brand after full renovation, offering 232 units and 1,700 square metres of event space, alongside a spa, gym, swimming pool, resident’s lounge and two dining concepts.
Bringing Destinations to Life Through Art with Ascott Soirée
Amidst a wave of exciting growth, Ascott is presenting a new annual edition of its signature brand programme, Ascott Soirée, an immersive celebration of art, culture and refined living. Designed to elevate the guest experience, the programme transforms each property into a living gallery through curated in-property experiences and exclusive local collaborations. From live performances and visual art to haute couture and world-class cuisine, guests enjoy a multi-sensory journey into the art of living well by celebrating fine craftsmanship.
Added Ms Tan: “With the growing demand for experiential travel, today’s guests are looking for more than just a place to stay – they seek meaningful cultural connections. Ascott Soirée reflects our commitment to delivering immersive experiences that go beyond the stay. The programme offers privileged access to exclusive performances, bespoke culinary moments and one-of-a-kind artistic encounters. Just as importantly, it celebrates the visionaries behind them – the artists, curators and craftspeople who bring each destination’s story to life. Through creative collaborations around the world, Ascott Soirée brings heartfelt, arts-inspired experiences that enrich every stay with authenticity and soul. Surrounded by culture and refinement, Ascott guests find themselves at the intersection of artistry and elevated living, where every moment is thoughtfully designed.”
In Singapore, guests of Ascott Orchard Singapore can immerse themselves in Singapore’s vibrant performing arts scene through a Mother’s Day Concert that will be performed by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra at the nearby Singapore Botanic Gardens. The concert will offer an evening of classical music by local talents, fostering a deeper connection with the city’s fine arts landscape. Over in Tokyo, Japan, Ascott Marunouchi Tokyo has collaborated with Tokyo Takahashi Kobo and Traditional Woodblock Print Craftsmen’s Association, on an art exhibition. Guests will discover the refined beauty of Edo-period prints and the masterful craftsmanship behind them alongside modern interpretations that breathe new life into this cherished tradition. At Ascott Fengyishan Shenzhen in China, the art of tea takes centrestage as guests will enjoy opportunities to learn traditional tea making techniques and tea culture as an intangible cultural heritage.
For the full list of activations and upcoming experiences under Ascott Soiree, please visit: https://www.discoverasr.com/en/ascottsoiree.Hashtag: #TheAscottLimited #Hospitality #Growth #Strategy #Brand
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About 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 990 properties across 230 cities in over 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
Ascott,
Citadines,
lyf,
Oakwood,
Somerset,
The Crest Collection,
The Unlimited Collection,
Fox,
Harris,
POP!,
Preference,
Quest,
Vertu and
Yello.
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
Ascott Star Rewards (ASR) loyalty programme, members enjoy exclusive privileges and curated experiences, enhancing every aspect of their travel journey.
As a wholly owned business unit of
CapitaLand Investment Limited, 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
CapitaLand Ascott Trust and private funds.
For more information on Ascott and its sustainability programme, please visit
www.discoverasr.com/the-ascott-limited. Alternatively, connect with Ascott on
Facebook,
Instagram,
TikTok and
LinkedIn.
About 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 December 2024, CLI had S$136 billion of assets under management, as well as 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.
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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