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Cushman & Wakefield responses to the Budget 2025/26

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 February 2025 –

Response to the Budget 2025/2026 by KK Chiu, International Director, Chief Executive, Greater China of Cushman & Wakefield:

Large-scale land disposal for Northern Metropolis

We are pleased to see the government continue to facilitate the development of the Northern Metropolis (NM) and optimize the industrial and spatial layout. We believe that

the “large-scale land disposal” model can accelerate the completion of residential, industrial, and public facilities. The Development Bureau estimates that the engineering costs for each district will be from HK$10 billion to HK$20 billion. Compared to traditional models, the “large-scale land disposal” model can save more than HK$1 billion in public funds.

Historically, construction costs in Hong Kong are two to three times higher than in neighbouring locations such as Shenzhen. We recommend that the government can reduce costs by introducing foreign labor, similar to the approach taken by the Singaporean government, and to plan effective transportation. connections to enhance investor confidence and attract more developers for sustainable growth.

Compared to traditional land sale models, the large-scale land disposal model features a larger scale, longer development period, and extended payback time. This approach shifts high upfront costs and risks to developers, testing their financial sustainability and capacity to manage these burdens. However, during land levelling, developers can also plan and design, which compresses project timelines and increases their autonomy in design and construction. This flexibility enables them to respond effectively to market demands and create diverse residential or commercial projects.

We recommend that the government effectively plan and utilize transportation facilities in new development areas and those connecting to external regions, such as the Shenzhen Bay Bridge and the planned Hong Kong-Shenzhen Western Railway. Enhancing transportation connectivity will improve convenience, boost investor confidence, attract more developers, and ensure the district’s sustainability.

The government’s plan to prepare land for approximately 80,000 private housing units over the next five years

We are pleased to see the proactive efforts by the government to stabilize future private housing supply. However, since more than 65% of the new land will come from new development areas, such as the Northern Metropolis and Tung Chung, it is crucial to prioritize infrastructure development.

We recommend the government to ensure that infrastructure facilities are in place in these areas before the residential projects are completed, to avoid inconvenience for residents upon moving in.

Response to the Budget 2025/2026 by John Siu, Managing Director, Hong Kong, Cushman & Wakefield:

Development of artificial intelligence (AI) and data facility cluster at Sandy Ridge

We urge the government to announce the development details of the data facility cluster at Sandy Ridge as soon as possible, simplify the land approval process, and offer favorable terms to attract developers and data center operators to set up operations in the area.

Rezoning Some Commercial Sites

We are pleased to see the government temporarily suspend the sale of commercial land parcels, allowing the market to gradually absorb current vacant space and new projects under construction. We suggest that the government regularly review market conditions for a well-timed restart to the sale of commercial land parcels.

Response to the Budget 2025/2026 by KB Wong, Executive Director, Head of Valuation and Advisory Services, Hong Kong of Cushman & Wakefield:

The government stated that there will be eight residential sites for sale next year, which can help maintain a stable land supply. We suggest that the government make development conditions in the tender document as clear as possible and avoid putting excessive obligations on the developers as to provision of social or similar facilities, in order to invigorate market activity and to attract more small and medium-sized developers and new entrants to participate in the bidding.

Response to the Budget 2025/2026 by Rosanna Tang, Executive Director, Head of Research, Hong Kong of Cushman & Wakefield:

We are pleased to see the government’s emphasis on attracting high-caliber talent and students, and that initiatives such as the Northern Metropolis University Town and the Belt and Road Scholarship will play a crucial role in attracting diverse global talent and students to Hong Kong in the long term. This influx will bolster demand in the local rental apartment sector and stimulate growth in the residential leasing market.

However, there is currently a significant shortage of student accommodation in the market. Our latest estimates indicate that, on average, three university students are competing for a single bed across Hong Kong, with projected future demand for student beds potentially exceeding 50,000. This shortage has led some students who are unable to secure dormitory housing to seek alternative arrangements in private residential units.

Therefore, we welcome the government’s consideration of rezoning certain commercial sites for residential use. Additionally, we recommend that the government consider permitting the conversion of existing suitable commercial buildings and hotels into student accommodation, and to advocate for the removal of barriers and relaxation of restrictions in the approval process, thereby providing greater flexibility in land use. We anticipate that these measures will increase housing options, alleviate rental pressures, and effectively address the challenges associated with the student bed supply and demand situation.

Response to the Budget 2025/2026 by Edgar Lai, Senior Director, Valuation and Consultancy Services, Hong Kong, Cushman & Wakefield:

We applaud the government’s decision to raise the maximum value of properties chargeable to stamp duty of $100 from HK$3 million to HK$4 million. This adjustment should attract a larger pool of buyers and investors to the market, consequently expediting transactions for small and medium-sized properties. As per data from the Land Registry, in 2024, there were 7,623 residential transactions valued between HK$3 million and HK$4 million, constituting approximately 14% of total residential transactions. We anticipate that this modification will invigorate the property exchange chain, surpassing the government’s estimated 15% and potentially reaching 20% in the number of property transactions benefiting from this initiative.

Response to the Budget 2025/2026 by Tom Ko, Executive Director, Head of Capital Markets, Hong Kong of Cushman & Wakefield:

The Government has stated that it will introduce a series of optimization measures under the “New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme.” We look forward to the Government announcing the details as soon as possible.

We urge the government to lower the investment threshold for residential properties to HKD10 million and to remove the cap on property investments. This will attract small and medium-sized investors, enhancing Hong Kong’s competitiveness as an international financial center and drawing more talent and capital.

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About Cushman & Wakefield

Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK) is a leading global commercial real estate services firm for property owners and occupiers with approximately 52,000 employees in nearly 400 offices and 60 countries. In Greater China, a network of 23 offices serves local markets across the region. In 2023, the firm reported revenue of $9.5 billion across its core services of valuation, consulting, project & development services, capital markets, project & occupier services, industrial & logistics, retail and others. It also receives numerous industry and business accolades for its award-winning culture and commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), sustainability and more. For additional information, visit or follow us on LinkedIn ().

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Apical Strengthens Women’s Health to Support Stunting Prevention in Cilincing, North Jakarta

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 December 2025 – Apical continues to reinforce its commitment to preventing and reducing stunting by prioritising women’s health in Cilincing subdistrict, North Jakarta. Through its business unit, PT Asianagro Agungjaya (PT AAJ), Apical collaborated with the Cilincing Community Health Centre (Puskesmas Cilincing) to implement community-based programmes focused on women’s health and early stunting prevention.

The initiative was launched on 15 December 2025 at the RW 03, RW 09 and RW 10 community offices within the Cilincing public housing complex. Targeting women of reproductive age, the programme was designed as a preventive effort to raise awareness and improve access to essential health services, particularly reproductive health, as a foundation for healthy families and future generations.

Apical’s CSR Manager, Sugiantoro, said the collaboration reflects the company’s long-term, preventive approach to public health. “We believe that healthy women are the pillars of strong families and a key force in shaping healthy communities. Through PT AAJ’s involvement, we aim to create tangible impact by prioritising early prevention, rather than focusing solely on treatment,” he said.

A key focus of the initiative was the early detection of cervical cancer, a serious but largely preventable disease when identified through routine screening and timely intervention. Services provided included IVA screening (visual inspection with acetic acid) and HPV (human papillomavirus) testing.

Dr Kezia Ivana from the Cilincing Community Health Centre explained that IVA and HPV screenings are effective methods for detecting cervical cancer at an early stage.

“Early detection allows us to identify the virus that causes cervical cancer sooner, significantly reducing the risk of disease progression. When detected early, the chances of recovery are very high. However, if left undetected, cervical cancer can lead to severe pain, abnormal bleeding, kidney and urinary tract disorders, swelling of the legs, and fertility problems that may prevent women from having children,” she said.

Apical’s participation in this initiative aligns with the company’s 5Cs philosophy that whatever it does must be good for the Community, Country, Climate and Customer, and only then will it be good for the Company, which underpins its commitment to inclusive and sustainable growth. Through partnerships with local stakeholders, Apical, a member of the RGE group of companies founded by Sukanto Tanoto, continues to support government efforts to address stunting while contributing to improved social and women’s health outcomes, particularly in communities surrounding its operational areas.
Hashtag: #RGE #Apical #CSR #Stunting #Indonesia #Women #Health #Communities

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About Apical

Apical is a leading vegetable oil processor with an expanding global footprint. Our vertically integrated mid-stream refining and value-added downstream processing makes us an integral supplier that supports the needs of various industries namely food, feed, oleochemicals and renewable fuel, including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) which enables a great reduction of CO2 emissions.

With integrated assets in strategic locations spanning Indonesia, China and Spain, Apical operates numerous refineries, oleochemical plants, renewable fuel plants and kernel crushing plants. Through joint ventures and strategic partnerships, Apical also has processing and distribution operations in Brazil, India, Pakistan, Philippines, Middle East, Africa, USA and Vietnam.

Apical’s growth is built on the foundations of sustainability and transparency, and motivated by our strong belief that we can contribute to a circular economy for a more meaningful impact, even as we continue to grow our business and deliver innovative solutions to our customers.

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Vingroup Signs Strategic Cooperation with The Government of Uzbekistan, Opening Large-Scale Investment Opportunities in Central Asia

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HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 December 2025 – Vingroup announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan to promote cooperation and implement multi-sector projects in Uzbekistan. The agreement marks the beginning of a long-term cooperation plan between the two sides across multiple key sectors, while opening large-scale investment opportunities for the Vietnamese corporation in Central Asia, contributing to the strengthening of economic and investment ties between Vietnam and Uzbekistan.

Mr. Kasimov Ilzat Ablaxatovich, Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan (left), and Mr. Nguyen Viet Quang, Vice Chairman and CEO of Vingroup (right), at the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).

Under the MOU, the two parties agreed to jointly study and develop strategic cooperation opportunities in areas such as urban development, sustainable transportation, tourism and leisure infrastructure, as well as other investment projects aligned with Uzbekistan’s development orientation, affirming the scale and capabilities of Vietnamese enterprises on the global economic map.

Specifically, in the area of urban development, Uzbekistan is ready to allocate approximately 1,000 hectares of land in a prime location of the capital Tashkent for Vingroup to study, propose, and invest in the development of a large-scale, integrated urban complex. The project would include residential areas, living infrastructure, commercial and cultural facilities, and public infrastructure facilities. The development is envisioned to form a “Vietnam Town”, creating a modern and sustainable urban landmark while enhancing cultural exchange and economic cooperation between the two countries.

In the field of sustainable transportation, Vingroup has proposed studying the deployment of electric taxi and urban mobility services using VinFast electric vehicles in Uzbekistan, together with a charging infrastructure system and support services. The project is expected to contribute to the green transition, reduce emissions, and improve the quality of urban transportation services in major Uzbek cities.

In tourism and leisure infrastructure, the two sides will explore the potential development of integrated tourism and recreational center, including entertainment facilities, hotels, golf courses and related tourism infrastructure, aiming to unlock tourism potential and enhance Uzbekistan’s attractiveness to international visitors.

In addition, this strategic cooperation also establishes a framework for the two parties to identify, assess, and select other potential investment projects that align with the development strategies and long-term priorities of each side.

On the Uzbek government’s side, the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade committed to supporting Vingroup by providing information on the investment environment, legal framework, and incentive policies, as well as coordinating with relevant authorities and local governments in project preparation, including land allocation, licensing, and access to investment support mechanisms in accordance with legislation.

On Vingroup’s side, the Group will propose conceptual proposals, technical expertise and investment plans, participate in feasibility studies and project structuring, and mobilize member companies within the Vingroup ecosystem to implement suitable projects in Uzbekistan.

Mr. Kasimov Ilzat Ablaxatovich, Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan, stated: “We welcome Vingroup’s interest and commitment to cooperation in Uzbekistan. With its experience in urban development, sustainable transportation, and infrastructure projects, Vingroup is considered a strategic partner to jointly explore and implement investment initiatives aligned with Uzbekistan’s socio-economic development priorities in the coming period.”

Mr. Nguyen Viet Quang, Vice Chairman and CEO of Vingroup, shared: “Uzbekistan is a market with strong potential, supported by a clear development direction and an improving investment environment. Through this Memorandum of Understanding, Vingroup aims to gradually explore suitable cooperation opportunities and work alongside the Government of Uzbekistan in developing urban areas, sustainable transportation, and sectors that bring positive contributions to local communities.”

Uzbekistan holds a strategic position in Central Asia, with a growing economy and strong potential in urban development, infrastructure, tourism, and services. The Government of Uzbekistan is actively promoting reforms and attracting foreign investment to drive sustainable economic growth and international integration.

Vingroup is Vietnam’s leading private multi-sector corporation, operating across six core pillars: Industrials & Technology, Real Estate & Services, Infrastructure, Green Energy, Culture, and Social Enterprises, with the vision “To create a better life for people”. With its proven reputation, scale and capabilities, Vingroup is steadily expanding globally, contributing to elevate the global standing of Vietnamese enterprises.

Hashtag: #Vingroup

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Vietnam Is Shining, and Can Gio Is the Hidden Jewel Awaiting Its Moment

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CAN GIO, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 December 2025 – In 2024, when Hines released its seminal report Why Asia Now, the message was simple yet profound: The world’s most compelling growth story was shifting eastward. At that time, global markets were turbulent but still predictable.

Vinhomes Green Paradise: A Hidden Gem Poised to Shine in Vietnam’s Real Estate Market.

A year later, the landscape has morphed into something far more complex, rippling with tariff shocks, persistent inflation, rising bond yields, and growth downgrades across traditional economic powerhouses. The world feels as if it is moving through a narrow channel, buffeted by waves from every direction. And yet, amid all the noise, Asia has not only held its ground but stepped forward with a clarity and confidence that few regions can match.

Why Asia Now: A New Era of Resilience, Growth, and Opportunity

The forces shaping Asia’s rise have been gathering momentum for decades. What we are witnessing now is their convergence. Asia is not simply adapting to global volatility, it is redefining the foundations of resilience and growth. Its economies are becoming wealthier, stronger, and more self-reliant, and its real estate markets are revealing layers of opportunity that long-term investors have waited years to see.

The near-term picture, though challenged, underscores this resilience. Tariffs have uneven effects, and countries with strong domestic engines such as Australia are absorbing shocks with surprising ease.

But it is the longer horizon that illuminates Asia’s true arc. The region’s working-age population and middle class have expanded at a breathtaking pace, setting the stage for decades of consumption-led dynamism. Education levels are rising, service sectors are flourishing, and manufacturing capabilities are climbing the value chain.

Meanwhile, intra-Asia trade has quietly become the backbone of global commerce, with Asia-to-Asia routes now forming the largest share of world trade. As the region turns inward, not in isolation, but in self-reinforcing collaboration, Asia ex-China is projected to contribute more to global growth than the United States and Europe combined.

Real estate, often seen as a mirror for economic sentiment, is telling a similar story. Transaction volumes across Asia have been less volatile than those in Western markets, and pricing has remained more stable, offering a predictable return profile. Supply constraints, elevated construction costs, and a decade-low pricing position relative to long-term trends are creating what can only be described as an extraordinary entry window.

Why Capital is Flowing into Vietnam

If Asia’s trajectory could be captured in a single idea, it would be the beginning of a Value Uprising, a structural rise in long-term asset worth, powered by demographics, policy, and economic integration, rather than speculation.

From this continental narrative emerges Vietnam, a nation whose ascent is increasingly impossible to ignore. Over the past decade, Vietnam has transformed from a rising star into a gravitational force for global investors. Supply chain diversification has accelerated its role as a manufacturing and logistics nexus. Even with global tariffs shifting, Vietnam’s logistics sector continues to expand in sophistication, efficiency, and international relevance. Its demographic profile, marked by a median age years younger than China, offers a demographic dividend that many Asian economies have already spent. And as Southeast Asia’s digital backbone grows, Vietnam is stepping into the spotlight as one of the region’s next major data-center markets, a signifier of future industrial depth.

Ho Chi Minh City, in particular, has entered a new chapter. Its standing among Asia-Pacific cities for investment and development has climbed steadily, reflecting not only macroeconomic resilience but the confidence of global capital. It has become a symbolic frontier, an emerging metropolis where the contours of modern Asia are being redrawn.

At the heart of Vietnam’s momentum lies another extraordinary phenomenon: The consistent and rising flow of remittances. Vietnam ranks among the world’s top recipients, and Ho Chi Minh City alone welcomed over USD 9.46 billion in 2023, USD 9.6 billion in 2024, and more than USD 5.3 billion in the second quarter of 2025.

A remarkable portion of these funds, around one-fifth, finds its way into real estate. But this is not passive investment. It is a gesture of return, of building a future homeland, of preparing for business, family, and retirement. It is long-term capital with long-term intent.

Vinhomes Green Paradise: A Hidden Gem Poised to Shine in Vietnam’s Real Estate Market

Regulatory reform is reinforcing this trust. The revised Land Law and Real Estate Business Law offer stronger protections and broader rights for Vietnamese citizens, including those living abroad. In a period where global currencies fluctuate and deposit rates decline, investors are increasingly confronting a hard truth: Holding cash is, in many cases, a slow erosion of value. As economist Can Van Luc notes, the VND has lost 3.4 percent of its value in two years, even as the USD depreciated. Real estate, therefore, is not merely an alternative, it has become one of the few asset classes capable of preserving and multiplying value in real terms.

Against this backdrop, regions entering new cycles of infrastructure development are drawing accelerated capital inflows. And among them, one name rises above all others: Can Gio.

For decades, Can Gio stood quietly at the edge of Ho Chi Minh City, an ecological jewel, admired but distant. Today, it has become the most powerful symbol of Vietnam’s coastal urban future. Massive infrastructure investment is reshaping its accessibility, and yet its real estate prices remain a fraction of central districts. Compared to Phu My Hung, Can Gio’s price base is nearly half; compared to Districts 1 and 3, just one-fifth. The gap is not a discount, it is untapped potential waiting to be realized.

The emergence of Vinhomes Green Paradise has pushed this transformation into global consciousness. As the first official participant in the New7Wonders “7 Wonders of Future Cities” campaign, the project is channeling the same catalytic energy once witnessed in iconic developments. Internationally, such recognitions do not merely elevate prestige, they accelerate valuation cycles, attract global capital, and redefine a city’s future skyline.

With its one-of-a-kind geographic formation and proximity to Can Gio’s million-year-old biosphere reserve, Vinhomes Green Paradise stands as a once-in-a-century asset. It embodies scarcity in its purest form, an asset class that cannot be replicated, reshaped, or reborn elsewhere.

And that is where the narrative converges. Asia’s rise, Vietnam’s momentum, Ho Chi Minh City’s evolution, and Can Gio’s emergence are not isolated stories. Together, they form a new investment epoch characterized by structural uplift, demographic acceleration, and a rapidly expanding middle class. It is the era of the Value Uprising, a phase in which the forces of economics, policy, population, and global capital align to propel real estate into a new price horizon.

In moments like this, markets rarely wait. History shows that investors who move early define the benchmark for everyone who follows. The question is no longer whether Asia will rise, or whether Vietnam will lead, or whether Can Gio will transform. The question, now, is whether investors will seize a moment that may not return for another generation.

Sources:

https://www.hines.com/asia-real-estate-opportunity-in-the-midst-of-uncertainty

https://knowledge.uli.org/-/media/files/emerging-trends/2026/emerging-trends-in-real-estate-2026-asia-pacific-report.pdf?rev=2036660434a44fa982b1ba913ffc2a2a&hash=87D5584C38EA219C1F1A50DC8E04FC7B

Hashtag: #Vinhomes

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