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Forest City SFZ Releases Updated Tourism Data As Johor Bahru–Singapore RTS Link Nears Completion

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As Malaysia gears up for Visit Malaysia 2026 and Visit Johor 2026, Forest City expects heightened regional interest in eco and golf tourism

JOHOR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 July 2026 – Forest City Special Financial Zone (Forest City SFZ), Malaysia’s pioneering special financial zone and emerging lifestyle and leisure hub, today released updated visitor data and travel guidance ahead of the upcoming 2026 peak travel season. New visitor data now confirms that Forest City has recorded approximately 4 million coastal visitors, over 100,000 golfers and 57 international events at its golf resort, and more than 260,000 guests at its two hotels in 2025, reinforcing its status as a growing cross-border tourism and leisure destination. The figures come as the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link approaches completion, with passenger service expected to begin in January 2027, further enhancing transportation convenience.

An elevated view across Forest City Golf Resort in Johor, Malaysia — home to two 18-hole championship courses whose Classic Course has ranked among the Top 100 Golf Courses in Asia for seven consecutive years.

Forest City SFZ at a glance

Forest City SFZ is a coastal development in Johor, Malaysia, located approximately 2 km across the Tebrau Strait from Singapore. It was then designated a Special Financial Zone by the Malaysian government in August 2023. The Malaysian Parliament passed five federal bills in July 2024 designating Pulau Satu as the country’s fifth duty-free island, and the first that visitors can enter directly by vehicle.

For travellers, Forest City SFZ offers a 4 km publicly accessible coastline, two championship-rated golf courses (including its Classic Course, which has ranked in the Top 100 Golf Courses in Asia for seven consecutive years), guided mangrove eco-tours, sea fishing trips, and duty-free shopping. It is currently the only duty-free island in Malaysia that can be entered by vehicle without a ferry.

The Forest City beach experience with open shoreline, mangroves and sea fishing

The 4 km coastline and surrounding environment are designed to make visitors forget they are only minutes away from the city. Soft sand beaches slope gently into the water, shallow enough for children to paddle and deep enough for kayakers, windsurfers, and other water sports enthusiasts to find their rhythm. It is this unpretentious charm that has drawn approximately 4 million coastal visits in 2025 — offering an open, welcoming, and peaceful place that doesn’t feel too far from home.

The wider development sits within roughly 2.86 million m² of green space — including both golf courses, parks, mangrove corridors, and landscaped public zones — with over 400 documented plant and animal species recorded on‑site. For visitors interested in the island’s natural beauty, guided mangrove eco‑tours run along the development’s green corridor. A one‑ to two‑hour trip with a registered boat operator takes travellers past fish nurseries and bird habitats, with a stop to see the ongoing mangrove restoration work along the Johor coastline. Sea fishing trips depart from the marina with expert guides accompanying guests throughout the journey. Bookings can be made either through the hotel concierge or via official Forest Life app.

Forest City has developed three core commercial districts, bringing together over 100 shops that cover a diverse range of business formats, including international dining, duty‑free shopping, retail, healthcare, finance, and leisure and entertainment. Regular festivals, sports events, and cultural gatherings along the beachfront bring Forest City’s “Eat · Play · Chill by the Sea” concept to life.

Two championship golf courses with a seven-year ranking streak

A journey through Forest City Golf Resort reveals a landscape designed with nature in mind. Two 18‑hole championship courses sit side by side on a single property: the Classic Course, designed by veteran architect Liang Guokun, runs 7,138 yards across 69 hectares; the Legacy Course, a rare collaboration between Jack Nicklaus and Jack Nicklaus II, stretches 7,386 yards across 74 hectares. Both are GEO Certified, a mark of environmental stewardship that audits water use, biodiversity, energy, and waste.

The Classic Course has placed in the Top 100 Golf Courses in Asia for seven consecutive years (2020–2026), a feat few courses can claim. In 2026, it climbed 14 places to No. 36 in Asia and retained its title as No. 1 in Malaysia. The Legacy Course, meanwhile, ranked No. 49 in the Asia‑Pacific Top 100 (2024–2025). In 2025, the resort welcomed over 100,000 golfers, serving as a vibrant hub for both casual golfers and professionals.

For travellers seeking events to experience, the resort hosts more than 50 tournament dates annually, including pro‑am events and corporate days. 57 major tournaments were held in 2025. The wider development hosts more than 100 international events a year — from endurance races to lifestyle festivals, including the Challenge Malaysia triathlon scheduled for October 2026.

Duty-Free Retail on Pulau Satu

Forest City was gazetted as a duty-free island under five Federal bills passed by the Malaysian Parliament in July 2024. This transformation has positioned Forest City as Malaysia’s fifth duty-free island and the first that visitors can enter directly by vehicle, without a ferry crossing.

Shelf prices on the gazetted categories — alcoholic beverages, chocolate and confectionery, cosmetics, perfumes, and other goods — are typically lower than equivalent purchases on the Malaysian mainland or in Singapore retail.

For vehicle access, visitors should take the following into consideration:

  • Identification: Visitors should ensure they bring valid identification for vehicle entry.
  • Import Allowances: Per-passenger import allowances on goods carried back into mainland Malaysia or into Singapore are strictly governed by the respective customs authorities. Visitors are encouraged to check the latest government guidelines and current allowances for Malaysia or Singapore before making purchases.
  • Singapore Residents: GST relief thresholds and specific allowances for alcohol and tobacco are set by Singapore Customs; please verify these against the official live portal when visiting.

Forest City Accommodation: Marina Hotel, Golf Hotel, long-term stays

Forest City Marina Hotel is the development’s flagship beachfront property, offering 283 rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame a 270-degree view across the Strait of Johor. Multiple dining outlets, a swimming pool, and conference facilities make it a versatile base for both leisure and business travellers. For golf-led trips, the Forest City Golf Hotel, winner of the prestigious Agoda 2025 Gold Circle Award, sits within the resort grounds and offers stay-and-play packages bundled with green fees on either course.

Forest City Golf Hotel is a five-star retreat set within the 800-hectare Forest City Golf Resort, offering 298 spacious guestrooms and suites, including Superior and Deluxe Rooms, Superior and Deluxe Suites, a Family Suite and three Presidential Suites, many with views of the surrounding golf landscape. Guests can enjoy Asian, Western and international cuisine at the Tee-Off Restaurant, private dining spaces for family gatherings and business occasions, as well as café and lounge facilities.

The hotel also provides direct access to championship golf, swimming pools, a gym, spa, golf shop, executive lounge, meeting rooms, a grand ballroom and event venues, making it suitable for leisure stays, golf getaways, corporate meetings and private celebrations.

During tournament weekends and major events, the Marina Hotel typically operates at full occupancy, with overflow demand absorbed by short-term rental units.

For longer stays and family groups, Forest City’s residential blocks offer a substantial inventory of professionally managed serviced apartments, ideal for those seeking more space or a home-away-from-home experience. Blue Horizon Suites, a newly launched sea-view serviced residence in 2026, features panoramic ocean views and a comprehensive suite of modern amenities, including a swimming pool, private beach access, and close proximity to the golf course.

Beyond accommodation, Forest City delivers an integrated lifestyle environment, with year-round dining options, the on-site Forest City International School (a CATS Global Schools campus), and the duty-free retail cluster on Pulau Satu.

Accessibility: getting to Forest City SFZ in 2026

Forest City SFZ sits approximately 2 km across the Tebrau Strait from Singapore, closer to central Singapore than most Singaporeans are to Changi Airport. By road via the Tuas Second Link, the drive is roughly 40 minutes from Singapore CBD(Central Business District) and roughly 60 minutes from Changi Airport.

From Johor Bahru CBD, the journey takes approximately 30 minutes by car, while Senai International Airport is about 50 minutes away. This puts travellers at the coast, close enough for a spontaneous weekend escape, yet far enough to feel like a proper getaway. For Singapore-based visitors, hotel shuttles and chartered coaches via the Second Link are the most convenient option, with the journey offering a scenic Strait crossing as a picturesque introduction to the destination.

The RTS Link, targeted for completion in December 2026, will reduce the Bukit Chagar–Woodlands North crossing time to about five minutes, with an expected fare of approximately S$5–S$7 and peak capacity of 10,000 passengers per hour per direction.

From Mode Approx. time Notes
Singapore CBD Car via Second Link ~40 min Tuas Checkpoint; allow weekend buffer
Singapore Changi Airport Car via Second Link ~60 min Most direct from arrival
Singapore Woodlands RTS Link (passenger Jan 2027) ~5 min crossing + transfer S$5–S$7 fare; confirm onward connection
Johor Bahru CBD Car ~30 min Local taxi or e-hailing
Senai International Airport Car ~50 min Domestic + regional gateway

Itinerary options: weekend getaways, family breaks and corporate stays

Singapore weekend visitors can arrive on Friday evening via the Second Link, with the journey from Singapore’s CBD taking approximately 40 minutes. The stay-and-play package offers a low-friction entry point: two nights’ accommodation at the Forest City Golf Hotel, daily breakfast, and one round of 18 holes on the Classic Course. Saturday and Sunday can be split between golf and the 4 km public coastline, with duty‑free shopping and a long brunch on Pulau Satu before the return crossing.
Malaysian families on a long weekend can fill an unhurried two‑day itinerary with the 4 km coastline, mangrove eco‑tours and water sports. The coastline has drawn approximately 4 million visitors in 2025, with school‑holiday weeks bringing the most coastal events. For families with children, the Forest City Water Park offers gentle water play zones and casual aquatic recreation suitable for younger visitors.

Corporate groups, MICE planners and cross‑border professionals can utilise the Forest City Hotel’s conference facilities and block-booking capabilities. The resort’s 57 major golf tournaments in 2025 demonstrate its capacity to absorb large groups. The Marina Hotel spans over 830,000 sq. ft with 283 rooms, multiple dining outlets, a fitness centre and a swimming pool. Once the RTS Link begins passenger service in January 2027, Forest City will become viable as a same‑day cross‑border meeting venue for Singapore‑based groups, with the Bukit Chagar–Woodlands North crossing reduced to approximately five minutes.

A destination backed by policy, infrastructure, and visitor data

A single weekend at any leisure destination can tell only a small part of the bigger story. But the data — 4 km of public coastline, two championship golf courses with a seven-year Asia’s Top 100 streak, status as Malaysia’s fifth duty-free island, more than 100 events a year, and located just 2 km from Singapore, with an RTS Link offering passenger service from January 2027 — point to a growing travel destination backed by infrastructure and policy support.

Hashtag: #ForestCity

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

About Forest City Special Financial Zone

Located in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, Forest City Special Financial Zone (FCSFZ) is Malaysia’s pioneering special financial zone and the financial-services flagship within the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone. It is positioned to attract financial institutions, multinational corporations, high-net-worth individuals and businesses operating in wealth management, financial technology and global business services.

Its incentive framework includes a 0% income tax rate for qualifying Single Family Office Vehicles for up to 20 years , a preferential 5% corporate tax rate for approved qualifying activities, and a special 15% personal income tax rate for eligible knowledge workers, subject to the applicable conditions, regulatory approvals and prevailing legislation. Forest City also holds duty-free island status, further strengthening its appeal as a regional investment, business and wealth-management destination near Singapore.

Notes to editors

Public-sector figures or policies referenced in this release are drawn from the Land Transport Authority of Singapore, Singapore Customs, Royal Malaysian Customs Department, and previously published media reports. Forest City-specific visitor or activity figures are based on company data and should be reconfirmed against the final reporting cut-off before distribution.

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Chinese company YingShen Intelligence’s 4D World Model–Powered Embodied Robots Enter Vietnamese Factories, Pioneering a Token-Based Service Model for Global Expansion

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HANGZHOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 July 2026 – Several footwear manufacturers in Vietnam have entered into strategic partnerships with Hangzhou Yingshen Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. (Yingshen Intelligence), a Chinese artificial intelligence company specialising in 4D world models and embodied intelligence.

Under the agreements, Yingshen Intelligence will export hundreds of flexible embodied robots to footwear factories in Vietnam, with the combined order value reaching tens of millions of yuan. Powered by the company’s proprietary 4D world-model technology, embodied intelligence algorithms and robotic systems, the products will be used to support the flexible and intelligent upgrading of footwear production lines.

Notably, Yingshen Intelligence’s export of embodied robots to Vietnam also points to an emerging shift in the commercialisation of Chinese advanced technologies.

Unlike conventional robotics companies that rely primarily on one-off hardware sales, Yingshen Intelligence regards the robot itself as the physical platform through which its world model operates in real production environments. The product’s core value therefore lies not only in the hardware, but also in the model’s ability to perceive its surroundings, understand manufacturing processes, make real-time decisions and continuously improve through operational data.

Under this model, customers receive more than robotic equipment. They also gain access to ongoing model inference, algorithm updates and scenario-specific optimisation services. In effect, the business model is evolving from simply selling robots to providing model capabilities and usage-based, token-powered services.

Industry observers said this model-led approach, with robots serving as the physical carriers of algorithms and computing capabilities, could create greater long-term service value for embodied intelligence products and offer a new pathway for Chinese technological solutions to expand into overseas markets.

The participating manufacturers include Power Loong(Công Ty Tnhh Giày Bảo Long) , Thuan Phi(Công Ty Tnhh Giày Thuận Phi) and Vietnam Garment(CÔNG TY TNHH MAY VIỆT NAM), which plan to deploy Yingshen Intelligence’s robotic products and algorithmic capabilities at their footwear factories in Hai Phong.

Wu Xuewei, Vice-President of Yingshen Intelligence; Mao Zhenwu, General Manager of Thuan Phi; Lin Yonghui, General Manager of Power Loong; and Chen Zhixian, General Manager of Vietnam Garment signed the agreements on behalf of the four companies.

Yingshen Intelligent has signed cooperation agreements with three Vietnamese footwear manufacturers: Thuan Phi (left), Power Loong (center), and Viet Nam Garment (right).

4D World Model Advances Flexible Manufacturing Applications for Chinese Embodied Intelligence

The flexible embodied robots being exported to Vietnam are powered by Yingshen Intelligence’s latest 4D world model.

World models are widely regarded as an important technological pathway towards general-purpose physical intelligence. They are designed to help artificial intelligence understand spatial relationships, object states and dynamic changes in the real world, while predicting the possible outcomes of different actions. In this way, AI systems can gradually learn how the physical world operates.

For embodied robots, this capability enables continuous environmental perception and real-time decision-making during operation. On footwear production lines, for example, the robots can identify differences in shoe styles, sizes, material conditions and adhesive states, and adjust their motion trajectories and operating strategies in response to actual production conditions.

Unlike conventional automation systems that repeatedly execute predefined programmes, world-model-powered robots are designed to respond more flexibly to changing environments. Their operating process more closely resembles that of skilled workers, who assess conditions on site and adjust their actions accordingly.

Yingshen Intelligence attributes this adaptability to its native 4D technological approach.

The company collects and generates 4D data at scale, representing both the three-dimensional structure of objects and their continuous changes over time within a unified framework. The data is then used to train world models with spatiotemporal understanding, reasoning and prediction capabilities.

Compared with approaches that rely mainly on two-dimensional images, videos or static three-dimensional data, 4D data can more comprehensively capture the positions, shapes, movement trajectories and interaction processes of objects in real environments.

Two-dimensional images and videos can record visual changes, but provide relatively limited information about spatial structure. Static three-dimensional data can reconstruct spatial relationships, but cannot fully describe how objects and environments evolve over time. By combining three-dimensional space with continuous temporal changes, 4D data provides a richer foundation for models to learn physical processes.

“Language is the native language of humans, while the native language of machines exists in the three-dimensional physical world,” said Min Wei, founder of Yingshen Intelligence.

According to Min, language, images and videos are all compressed representations of the real world. When physical reality is reduced to lower-dimensional forms, some information is inevitably lost, potentially limiting a model’s ability to understand and predict complex physical interactions.

Real-world interactions involve not only the shape, position and movement of objects, but also contact, force, friction and material deformation. These processes can be more completely observed and modelled when three-dimensional spatial information is combined with continuous changes over time.

A unified spatiotemporal representation based on 4D data can therefore help models learn the relationships among actions, environments and outcomes, and predict how the state of an object may change at the next moment.

Supported by this technological approach, Yingshen Intelligence’s robots can adjust their motion trajectories and operating strategies when faced with material deformation, deviations in incoming components, or changes in shoe styles, sizes and production processes.

These capabilities have enabled the company’s flexible embodied robots to move beyond laboratory testing and enter real footwear production lines. Their export to Vietnam will further test the technology’s reliability, adaptability and scalability in overseas industrial environments.

Phased deployment across key footwear processes

Cooperation will be implemented in phases. Yingshen Intelligence will initially supply its two flagship footwear-manufacturing robots, ShadowGlue and ShadowPress, for deployment across multiple production lines.

The robots will first be used in gluing and sole pressing, two critical processes that have traditionally depended heavily on skilled manual labour. Their introduction is expected to help the participating factories improve production flexibility, operating consistency and automation levels.

The partners also plan to extend embodied intelligence technologies to additional processes, including sewing, finished-product packaging and automated shoelace threading. The aim is to move gradually from isolated robotic workstations towards coordinated, multi-process production.

In the longer term, the partners intend to build a benchmark factory for embodied intelligence-enabled footwear manufacturing in Vietnam, promoting the transition of entire production lines towards more autonomous and intelligent operations.

Why footwear manufacturing in Vietnam?

Why are embodied robots entering factories and flexible manufacturing taking shape first in Vietnam’s footwear industry?

Industry experts point to two closely related factors. Footwear manufacturing is both highly labour-intensive and one of the most technically challenging sectors for flexible automation. Introducing embodied intelligence into this industry therefore responds to the practical needs of Vietnamese manufacturers while also providing Chinese robotics companies with demanding real-world environments in which to test technological reliability, adaptability and large-scale delivery capabilities.

For manufacturers in Vietnam, the technology can help improve efficiency, stabilise product quality and ease labour shortages. For embodied intelligence companies, footwear production offers an opportunity to move beyond laboratory demonstrations and validate their systems under complex, continuously changing industrial conditions.

The partnership therefore reflects both the demand for more advanced manufacturing capabilities in Vietnam and the broader effort to bring embodied intelligence technologies into international, large-scale industrial applications.

Footwear production presents particularly high technical barriers to automation.

Shoe materials are flexible and easily deformed, while significant differences exist among styles, sizes and material combinations. Processes such as gluing and sole pressing require workers to respond to subtle variations in shape, positioning and material condition, and have therefore long relied on the experience and dexterity of skilled operators.

At the same time, consumer demand for more personalised and diversified footwear products is requiring factories to process a growing number of styles and stock-keeping units, often in smaller batches and with shorter production cycles. Production lines must consequently switch between products more frequently and adjust more rapidly.

Conventional industrial automation systems generally follow predefined programmes and fixed motion paths. When styles, materials or production requirements change, the equipment may need to be reprogrammed, recalibrated or physically reconfigured. This can lead to lengthy deployment cycles and higher production-line modification costs, making traditional systems less suited to multi-product, small-batch and high-frequency manufacturing.

Yingshen Intelligence’s embodied robots combine visual perception, world models and motion-control algorithms to identify production environments, material conditions and process requirements in real time. The systems can then adjust their operating strategies according to differences in shoe styles, sizes, incoming-material positions and other production variables.

Rather than merely repeating preset movements, the robots are designed to interpret the relationships among materials, space, actions and manufacturing processes, allowing them to adapt more effectively to complex and flexible production environments.

ShadowPress is designed primarily for the sole-pressing process. Using visual recognition and algorithmic compensation, the robot can dynamically adjust its gripper posture and movement path in response to differences in material position, placement angle and shoe shape.

Its compact design enables it to be integrated into existing semi-automated production lines. This allows manufacturers to introduce intelligent systems gradually, without carrying out extensive reconstruction of their existing factories.

ShadowGlue is designed for footwear gluing. According to Yingshen Intelligence, the system uses a 4D world model and vision–action coordination technology to learn manufacturing processes by observing videos of skilled workers.

It can respond dynamically to changes in shoe-material deformation, edge paths and adhesive conditions, helping to improve the stability and consistency of gluing operations. The technology is intended to enable robots not only to reproduce a worker’s actions, but also to learn the underlying process logic and adjust their operations when production conditions change.

This adaptability is particularly important in footwear manufacturing, where frequent changes in styles, sizes and materials make it difficult for fixed-path equipment to maintain consistent performance.

Vietnam’s manufacturing sector seeks greater flexibility

Vietnam has become one of the world’s leading footwear production and export centres as global footwear and apparel supply chains have continued to expand across Southeast Asia.

However, the competitive priorities of the industry are changing. International brands are placing greater emphasis on shorter delivery cycles, stable quality and the ability to respond quickly to small-batch, multi-product orders.

As a result, Vietnam’s manufacturing sector is gradually moving beyond a development model based primarily on labour, land and production scale. Manufacturers are increasingly seeking to improve efficiency, product quality, technological capabilities and production flexibility.

The introduction of Chinese embodied intelligence technologies by several footwear manufacturers in Vietnam therefore represents more than an equipment upgrade. It reflects local manufacturers’ growing demand for a new generation of intelligent production capabilities.

By deploying robots in technically demanding flexible processes, factories may be able to reduce their dependence on scarce skilled labour, improve production consistency and respond more effectively to frequent product changes and diversified orders.

Industry observers said the move could provide a practical example of how embodied intelligence can be introduced into traditional manufacturing. It may also help Vietnamese footwear producers transition from primarily undertaking large-scale production towards building more efficient, technology-intensive and responsive manufacturing capabilities.

Under the agreements, Yingshen Intelligence will provide integrated services covering equipment delivery, on-site installation and commissioning, personnel training, quality assurance and after-sales support.

The company will also adapt its products to the actual production environments and process requirements of the participating factories in Vietnam, with the aim of ensuring that the systems can operate reliably under real manufacturing conditions.

ShadowGlue and ShadowPress have completed product development and production-line validation. The two products were previously presented at the Jinjiang International Footwear and Sports Industry Expo in China.

The agreement involving hundreds of robots and orders worth tens of millions of yuan marks the formal entry of Yingshen Intelligence’s footwear robotics solutions into the Southeast Asian manufacturing market.

A new link between Chinese technology and Southeast Asian manufacturing

The partnership highlights a growing connection between China’s intelligent manufacturing technologies and Southeast Asia’s industrial transformation.

Chinese companies are accelerating the industrial deployment of world models, embodied intelligence and robotic systems. At the same time, manufacturers in Vietnam and other Southeast Asian economies are seeking more efficient, flexible and intelligent approaches to industrial upgrading.

The intersection of these trends lies in the practical needs of traditional manufacturing industries. Footwear factories provide a particularly valuable application environment because they combine large-scale production demand with complex materials, variable processes and frequent product changes.

Starting with footwear production lines in Hai Phong, the cooperation between Yingshen Intelligence and manufacturers in Vietnam will test how embodied intelligence can be applied across real industrial processes and scaled to multiple factories.

Rather than replacing workers in only one repetitive task, the broader objective is to build flexible production capabilities that can perceive changing conditions, learn manufacturing processes and adjust operations accordingly.

The cooperation offers a new example of Chinese intelligent manufacturing technology participating in Southeast Asia’s industrial upgrading, while signalling the footwear industry’s gradual transition from scale-driven production towards a new stage of flexible and intelligent manufacturing.

Hashtag: #HangzhouYingshenIntelligentTechnology

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Citi Hosts AI Day for Secondary School Students in Hong Kong

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Empowers Hong Kong’s next generation of innovators to responsibly apply AI to drive social impact

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 July 2026 – Citi Hong Kong hosted an AI Day for the winners and finalists of the SEED Foundation IdeaPOP! 2026 social innovation competition earlier this month. The full-day event brought together Citi AI mentors and AI entrepreneurs to guide students on turning their ideas into real-world social solutions.

Aveline San, CEO and Head of Banking at Citi Hong Kong said the AI Day was designed to help students translate innovative ideas into real-world applications, with a strong focus on human-centered design and the responsible use of AI, bringing their purpose-driven ideas one step closer to real-world impact.

With the help of Citi AI mentors and David Kwan, Founder and CEO of AI advisory platform JobsTaylor, student teams from six secondary schools worked on concept testing, building app prototypes and applying AI to enhance user experience. The Citi mentors also shared their own experience in using AI to raise productivity and address business pain points at work.

Vicky Kong, Head of Wealth for Asia North and Australia at Citi, who served as a judge at the pitch competition final commended the students for their creativity, energy and passion for driving positive change. She encouraged them to stay curious, embrace feedback and build on their ideas beyond the competition as they continue their innovation journey.

In a fireside chat moderated by Sarah O, Head of Digital Growth & Cards and Unsecured Lending Sales at Citi Hong Kong, the students also had the opportunity to learn from Dr. Miles Wen, Co-Founder and CEO of Fano Labs who shared his entrepreneurial journey, experience in navigating the startup ecosystem, as well as advice on dealing with challenges and setbacks.

Organized by the SEED Foundation, the IdeaPOP! program has engaged over 3,000 students in Hong Kong since its inception in 2022. Participants have developed more than 750 technology-based solutions aimed at addressing local societal needs.

Click HERE to download the photos

Photo 1:Aveline San, Citi Hong Kong’s CEO and Head of Banking(middle in the front row) hosted an AI Day for students at Citi’s office alongside Citi AI mentors, Ken Lo, SEED Foundation CEO (left in the front row) and David Kwan, Founder and CEO of JobsTaylor (right in the front row) guiding students on turning their ideas into real-world social solutions.


Photo 2: Vicky Kong, Head of Wealth for Asia North and Australia at Citi (right), Dr. Miles Wen, Co-Founder and CEO forFano Labs (middle) and Sarah O, Head of Digital Growth & Cards and Unsecured Lending Sales at Citi Hong Kong (left)exchanged ideas on the art of pitching and entrepreneurial mindset with student teams during the workshop. Dr. Wen shared his own entrepreneurial journey as well as advice on navigating the startup ecosystem and mastering investor pitches.

Hashtag: #Citi

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Escape to China’s Mysterious Guizhou and enjoy a cool 23°C summer retreat.

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GUIZHOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 July 2026 – Direct flights now connect Malaysia and Guizhou, complemented by visa-free policies between China and Malaysia. Travelers can easily reach Guiyang from Kuala Lumpur in four hours and stay for up to 30 days per visit. With its cool climate, convenient transport, and favorable policies, Guizhou is becoming a preferred summer holiday destination for more Malaysian tourists. Guizhou is also building an international tourism product system centered on “summer retreat + ecology + culture.”

Escape to China’s Mysterious Guizhou and enjoy a cool 23°C summer retreat.

Link: Guizhou in July

In midsummer July, Malaysian travel operators and cultural tourism influencers visited Guizhou, China, a renowned summer retreat, as if stepping into another season. Known as the “Green Karst Kingdom” and a “Natural Air Conditioner,” Guizhou has a mountainous area coverage of 92.5% and an average summer temperature of just 23°C. Beyond its cool climate, Guizhou offers a hidden-gem experience where spectacular landscapes meet diverse cultures, leaving every visitor amazed.

Link: https://youtu.be/nL7ayiYqB-k?si=nfasDLnhaBIFgkqB

Spectacular Landscapes at Every Turn

From the lush peak forests of Wanfenglin to the magnificent Huangguoshu Waterfall; from the emerald waters of Xiaoqikong to the cloud-covered summit of Mount Fanjing; and to the world-record Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge spanning a deep gorge, every landscape in Guizhou is worth a stop. A Malaysian travel influencer remarked, “Before departure, I had only heard that Guizhou was a summer retreat. After visiting, I realized the surprises go far beyond 23°C.”

Cultural Experiences Full of Surprises

Visitors can enter distinctive villages and try intangible cultural heritage crafts such as Miao embroidery and batik; gather around a long-table banquet to taste local specialties such as sour soup fish and spicy chicken; explore cool hidden landscapes within a World Natural Heritage site with children through waterfall play and paddleboarding; or venture deep into ancient caves for an underground adventure. From heritage crafts to nature exploration, Guizhou offers family-friendly experiences for everyone to enjoy.

A Spontaneous Trip Made Easy

This summer, reserve a ticket for Mysterious Guizhou, and begin your “summer escape plan.”

Explore more of Mysterious Guizhou: www.guizhoutravel.com

Hashtag: #Guizhou

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