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Esperanza Securities Introduces the First SFC-permitted Tokenized Investment for Live Entertainment in Asia Pacific

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 February 2026 – Esperanza Fintech (Securities) Limited (“Esperanza Securities“, or “Company“) announced today that, following the granting of the formal permission on its tokenized investment business by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong (“SFC“) on 13 February 2026, the Company is introducing an innovative financing and community engagement model for the live entertainment industry.

The tokenized investment model enables Esperanza Securities to issue investment tokens (also known as security tokens) through an investment fund it manages, allowing eligible investors to participate with a significantly lower entry barrier and trade the tokens in secondary markets.

Against the emerging tokenized real-world-asset (RWA) trend worldwide, Esperanza Securities is among the first platforms with a systematic focus on the live entertainment industry. Following the granting of the permission by the SFC, two upcoming tokenized entertainment investments will include the Chris Wong 40th Anniversary Concert which will take place in Hong Kong on 6 to 7 March 2026 and a Korean boy band concert which will take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 11 April 2026.

Innovation beyond technology: a focus on product structure

Entertainment industry assets have long benefited from a clear business model and income structure, which include box office receipts, sponsorships and merchandise revenue. Through tokenization, Esperanza Securities offers a new path for asset owners such as concert organizers to access capital without altering their operational models, while enabling investors to directly participate in opportunities linked to real economic activities.

The application of the tokenized investment model spans beyond the live entertainment industry. In fact, opportunities with clear business models and easily valuated underlying assets possess immense potential for tokenization. For instance, cultural and experiential projects with clear community monetization models and assets with stable and predictable cash flows, such as commercial properties, can all benefit from tokenization.

Bridging global investors to Asian assets through a 24×7 platform

Through the proprietary platform, espetopia.com (“Platform“), Esperanza Securities enables eligible investors to back real economy linked Asian projects, anytime and anywhere, without geographical limitations.

Eligible investors from all over the world can access all investment-related information, trade investment tokens and redeem utilities and experiences associated with the underlying assets through the Platform. This infrastructure enhances the visibility of Asian opportunities in global markets and effectively pools global capital to fund real economic developments, across verticals from cultural intellectual properties to the broader experience economies.

Looking ahead: charting a digital financing path for high-quality real assets

Looking forward, Esperanza Securities will continue to advance its asset-backed tokenized investment model under a prudent and compliant framework. The Company aims to progressively build a sustainable digital investment ecosystem centered on real assets with clear economic foundations.

As market acceptance of RWA digitization continues to grow, the Company sees promising potential for asset-backed tokenization to become an integral financing option alongside traditional public listings and private placements.

Hashtag: #EsperanzaFintech

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

About Esperanza Fintech (Securities) Limited

Esperanza Securities is a licensed corporation under the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap 571 of the law of Hong Kong) with permission to carry out Type 4 (advising on securities) and Type 9 (asset management) regulated activities. On 13 February 2026, Esperanza Securities received a “no further comment” letter from the SFC in relation to its proposal to tokenize managed funds, effectively granting formal permission for Esperanza Securities to conduct tokenized investment businesses.

About Esperanza Fintech Group

Esperanza Fintech Group is a fintech group headquartered in Hong Kong. The group’s licensed businesses include (i) gold trading and tokenized gold services operated by Esperanza Fintech (Commodities) Limited, a DPMS (dealers in precious metals and stones) Category A Registrant (No. A-B-25-03-08913) with the Hong Kong Customs with permitted businesses including the issuance, redemption and trading of gold backed instruments on ; (ii) client asset custodian service operated by Esperanza Fintech (Nominees) Limited, a licensed Trust or Company Service Provider in Hong Kong (Licence No. TC010260), regulated by the Hong Kong Companies Registry; and (iii) tokenized investment services operated by Esperanza Securities, an SFC-regulated asset manager with permission to carry out tokenized investment businesses.

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Foresight in volatility: APAC executives’ early pivot to regional trade provides critical buffer against global shocks

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11 minutes ago

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16/03/2026

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 March 2026 – Months before the current geopolitical crisis hit global markets, Asia Pacific (APAC) executives had begun shielding their businesses by shortening supply chains and focusing on regional trade. Forvis Mazars’ C-suite barometer 2026: Adapting in uncertainty shows this proactive approach, alongside with efficiency-driving AI investments, is now key to navigating today’s global challenges.
While the number of APAC leaders expecting revenue growth had dropped to 67% (down from 80% in 2025) ahead of this year, underlying business confidence had notably strengthened to 41% (up from 30% in 2025). This contrast, lower growth expectations yet stronger confidence, highlights a resilience paradox: leaders are separating financial outlook from global turmoil, actively reinventing their operations to endure anticipated shocks rather than waiting for conditions to improve.
Key findings for APAC:
  • Measured confidence amidst geopolitical volatility: Amidst ongoing geopolitical volatility, APAC leaders remain acutely aware of the shifting landscape. Notably, 29% cite geopolitical instability and social unrest as a top trend impacting their organisation over the next 12 months, outpacing the global average of 26% and tying with regulatory pressures. Consequently, growth expectations are tempered: while 83% still anticipate positive growth in 2026, this trails the global average of 92% and marks a decline from 84% in 2025.
  • Expansion turns inward: Driven by geopolitical and tariff risks, expansion plans have shifted to regional neighbours, with China (36%), Australia (29%) and Hong Kong (29%) as the top destinations.
  • AI is a net job creator: Defying global displacement fears, 43% of APAC leaders say AI has created new roles in their organisation, significantly outpacing the 28% who say it replaced them.
  • The sustainability gap: While 91% are confident in meeting reporting compliance, only 73% feel prepared to manage the actual physical impacts of climate change.
The APAC resilience paradox: Building structural resilience despite lower revenue expectations
The anticipated dip in revenue expectations was primarily driven by converging pressures that have only intensified: economic uncertainty, political instability and intensifying competition. Yet, this foresight did not dampen investment. In a clear sign that businesses are fortifying their foundations, investment in human capital remains strong across the region, with 63% of APAC respondents plan to increase spending on acquiring new talent and 68% intend to upskill their workforce.
APAC’s underlying optimism is supported by a high level of operational readiness. Even as geopolitical instability remains a top concern, 76% of executives express confidence in their organisation’s preparedness to manage it. This sentiment extends to navigating supply chain challenges (85%) and new regulatory requirements (91%), showing that leaders are turning global disruptors into manageable areas of control.

Rick Chan, Managing Partner Singapore, Head of Audit & Assurance APAC and Member of Group Governing Board, Forvis Mazars, observed, “Asia Pacific has always had to move fast. The region’s businesses are built on agility – on reading the market, adjusting quickly and staying close to customers. That DNA is proving invaluable right now. The data shows leaders are transitioning from short-term firefighting to building lasting resilience. By investing in localised supply chains and AI, they are taking highly practical steps to insulate their operations against escalating geopolitical risks and secure long-term growth.”
The strategic pivot: strengthening intra-regional trade
The barometer reveals a fundamental change in how APAC firms plan to grow. Rather than facing global trade barriers head-on, executives are pivoting to markets closer to home. The top three expansion destinationsareChina (36%), Australia (29%) and Hong Kong (29%).
This inward shift is a direct, data-driven response to rising global tensions. A striking 67% of APAC leaders who revised their expansion plans this year cited geopolitical instability as the primary driver, making it the top catalyst for changing global strategies. Furthermore, 42% cite costs and operational issues due to tariffs as their biggest challenge when entering new markets. Facing these dual threats, APAC businesses have pragmatically shortened their supply chains to secure growth in neighbouring markets where geopolitical and tariff risks are more manageable.

The growth engine: AI as a workforce catalyst
In an environment where operational margins are under pressure, AI has become a critical tool for efficiency. Notably, the data indicate that AI is a net job creator in the region. 43% of APAC C-suite leaders report that AI has already prompted the creation of new roles, compared to 28% who report job replacements.

While 47% of executives rank AI as their top technology priority, their approach is disciplined. APAC leaders are prioritising high-impact applications such as forecasting (65%), knowledge acquisition, banking and retrieval (61%), client services, recommendations, relationships (61%), and operational efficiency, including automation (60%). Interestingly, they are achieving these gains with leaner investment; 41% (versus 35% globally) allocate less than 10% of their budget to AI, suggesting a focus on cost-effective, high-return AI adoption.
The blind spot: the sustainability gap – compliance versus operational resilience
While the report highlights strategic maturity in technology and trade, it reveals a critical disconnect in sustainability. Although 91% of APAC executives express confidence in meeting sustainability reporting compliance, only 73% feel prepared to manage the actual physical and operational impacts of climate change. This disparity indicates that while they are confident in meeting regulatory expectations, the priority now is to bridge the gap between compliance and reality, specifically by strengthening supply chains and building physical resilience against tangible climate risks.
Chester Liew, Partner, Head of Risk Consulting & Sustainability, Forvis Mazars in Singapore, said, “High confidence in reporting compliance is an encouraging baseline, but paperwork does not protect operations. The foresight APAC leaders are demonstrating in navigating geopolitical risks must now be urgently applied to climate risks. With regulatory timelines providing some breathing room, the prudent next step is to pivot resources from disclosure to physical defence – ensuring that supply chains and physical assets can actually withstand extreme weather and emerging environmental shocks.”
Forvis Mazars’ 2026 C-suite barometer survey captures insights from 3,012 senior executives worldwide prior to the US-Israeli war with Iran in February 2026. This independent research was conducted in October and November 2025 and captures the views of C-suite leaders at for-profit organisations with annual revenues of over US$1 million across 40 countries, including 260 respondents from seven markets in the Asia-Pacific region: Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Singapore and South Korea. Findings reflect executive sentiments at the time of fieldwork.

Hashtag: #ForvisMazars #ForvisMazarsSingapore #APACBusiness #BusinessOutlook2026 #ExecutiveInsights #LeadershipTrends #AIAdoption #DigitalTransformation #Sustainability #ClimateResilience


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SIM Global Education Highlights Holistic Student Life Experience Beyond the Classroom

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1 hour ago

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16/03/2026

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 March 2026 – The university experience today extends beyond academic programmes and classroom learning. Increasingly, students and parents are paying closer attention to the broader environment that supports a student’s development, including well-being resources, opportunities to build community and access to career preparation. Higher education institutions in Singapore are responding by placing greater emphasis on holistic student development alongside academic rigour. Student life, encompassing campus activities, personal support services and career development initiatives, play an important role in shaping students’ overall university journey.

Over at Singapore Institute of Management Global Education (SIM GE), student life is designed to complement academic learning through a holistic ecosystem known as Life @ SIM. The initiative brings together co-curricular activities, wellness and counselling support, and career development resources to support students throughout their academic journey. Community engagement forms a key pillar of student experience. SIM GE offers more than 80 student clubs and societies across sports, performing arts, cultural groups, entrepreneurship and community service. These student-led activities provide opportunities for students to pursue personal interests, develop leadership and teamwork skills while building connections with peers, across programmes, partner universities and an international cohort of students.

Wellbeing support is another important aspect of campus life. Recognising that university life can present academic and personal pressures, SIM GE provides wellness programmes and counselling services aimed at supporting students’ mental and emotional wellbeing. Workshops and resources are designed to help students manage stress, build resilience and develop essential soft skills that support both academic and personal growth.

Career readiness is also integrated into the student journey. Through SIM Career Connect, students have access to career advisory services, skills workshops and networking opportunities with industry partners. These initiatives aim to help students strengthen their employability while still in university and align their academic pathways with long-term career goals.

Campus facilities and shared spaces further support student interaction and collaboration outside formal academic settings. Study areas, collaborative spaces and venues for student activities provide environments where students can exchange ideas, grow their cultural quotient and build a sense of community.

As higher education expectations continue to evolve, institutions are increasingly expected to support students not only academically but also personally and professionally. By integrating community engagement, wellbeing support and career development into the student journey, SIM GE aims to provide an environment that prepares students for both their future careers and the broader challenges of a highly inter-connected but ever-changing world.

References:

  1. Singapore Institute of Management. – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/overview
  2. Singapore Institute of Management. Co-Curricular Activities and Student Clubs –
    https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/life-at-sim/co-curricular-activities
  3. Singapore Institute of Management. Career Connect / Career Services –
    https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/life-at-sim/career-services
  4. SIM Global Education. Student Life and Campus Experience –
    https://project1095.simge.edu.sg

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 March 2026 -Hashtag: #SIMGlobalEducation #SIMGE #GlobalEducation #InternationalDegree #CareerReady #FutureSkills

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

About SIM Global Education

SIM Global Education (SIM GE) is a leading private education institution in Singapore and the region. We offer more than 140 academic programmes ranging from diplomas and graduate diploma programmes to bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes with some of the world’s most reputable universities from Australia, Canada, Europe, United Kingdom, and the United States. SIM GE’s cohort is made up of 16,000 full- and part-time students and adult learners, of which approximately 36% are international students hailing from over 50 countries.

SIM GE’s holistic learning approach and culturally diverse learning environment aim to equip students with knowledge, industry skills and employability competencies, as well as a global perspective to succeed as future leaders in a fast-changing, technologically driven world.

For more information on SIM Global Education, visit

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CollectForU Expert and Debt Hunter Jointly Report Critical Credit Risk Management Gaps Among Hong Kong SMEs

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4 hours ago

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15/03/2026

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 March 2026 – Professional credit management firms CollectForU Expert and Debt Hunter today jointly released a comprehensive industry observation report regarding the financial health of local enterprises. The report indicates that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Hong Kong are currently facing significant liquidity risks as payment cycles across supply chains continue to lengthen. This trend has resulted in a critical imbalance between recorded profits and actual cash flow.

CollectForU Expert and Debt Hunter Jointly Report Critical Credit Risk Management Gaps Among Hong Kong SMEs

Widespread Absence of Credit Defense Mechanisms
According to the findings, more than 70% of Hong Kong SMEs lack robust credit defense mechanisms. The report highlights that many businesses fail to perform in-depth credit due diligence on new clients or establish firm payment thresholds.

Alex Yeung, founder of CollectForU Expert, noted that a high percentage of SMEs remain in a state of low defense regarding credit management. Yeung emphasized that bad debts in B2B transactions often have a domino effect. He stated that if a company focuses solely on gross margins while ignoring the operational stability of a counterparty, a single large-scale default could potentially eliminate an entire year of net profit. He recommends that businesses establish standardized defense systems including background checks, credit limit settings, and continuous monitoring to ensure operational safety.

The 90-Day Recovery Threshold
The joint report identifies the 90-day mark as a critical watershed for the successful recovery of overdue accounts. Many SME owners hesitate to take action during the early stages of delinquency to preserve client relationships, which inadvertently increases the risk of asset dissipation or insolvency proceedings by the debtor.

Obis Tsang, founder of Debt Hunter and a professional mediator, stated that the success rate of commercial debt recovery is inversely proportional to the duration of the delinquency. Once a debt is overdue by more than 90 days, the probability of recovery decreases significantly. Tsang suggested that early intervention by specialized third parties should be viewed as a rational tool for commercial negotiation. Engaging mediation-focused professionals can facilitate viable repayment plans and prevent the loss of claims due to excessive delays.

Strategic Recommendations for SMEs
In response to the current economic environment, both institutions advise SMEs to adopt a proactive approach to credit defense rather than waiting for defaults to occur:

  • Strengthen Pre-Contract Screening: Implement standardized credit assessments before finalizing commercial agreements.
  • Establish Warning Mechanisms: Define clear payment deadlines and take immediate action when clients breach these thresholds.
  • Seek Timely Professional Assistance: Introduce expert third-party advice early in the delinquency period to stabilize cash flow.

CollectForU Expert and Debt Hunter intend to continue their collaboration to standardize credit management practices and enhance the financial resilience of Hong Kong SMEs.
Hashtag: #CreditManagement #AccountsReceivable #CollectForU #DebtHunter #DebtCollection #HongKongSMEs




Wechat: DebtHunterHK

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

About Debt Hunter

Debt Hunter is a commercial debt resolution agency founded by professional mediator Obis Tsang. The firm prioritizes negotiation and mediation as its core service philosophy. Debt Hunter was awarded the “Mediate First” Pledge Star Logo Award by the Hong Kong Department of Justice, in recognition of its commitment to mediation practices. Recognized by HackerNoon as a “Startups of the Year 2023” in Hong Kong, the firm employs a strategy involving legal compliance, behavioral insights, and big data to resolve commercial disputes. The agency has processed over 10,000 commercial cases to provide rational asset protection for its clients.

Website:

About CollectForU Expert

CollectForU Expert was founded by Alex Yeung, who possesses over 15 years of practical experience in commercial debt recovery and credit management. The firm provides integrated solutions ranging from credit risk early-warning systems to accounts receivable recovery, with a focus on maintaining corporate reputation and long-term partnerships. CollectForU Expert utilizes behavioral psychological analysis and commercial negotiation techniques to resolve complex financial disputes and helps SMEs optimize internal credit processes.

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