Media OutReach
Global Governance Report Highlights Future Shock Risks as Democratic Accountability Slips and State Capacity Plateaus
The BGI, presented Wednesday by an international group of governance scholars, analyses measurable benchmarks of democratic accountability across 145 countries.
On a 100-point scale, the global score for democratic accountability slipped slightly from 65 in 2000 to 64 in 2023, the most recent data used in the project. The wave of democratisation observed in the closing decades of the last century has stalled in the last 15 years. Democratic accountability fell in 54 countries while it improved in 48 countries.
Yet the BGI — a collaborative project of the Luskin School of Public Affairs at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Berlin’s Hertie School and the Berggruen Institute, a think tank headquartered in Los Angeles — captures remarkably widespread growth in provision of public goods.
Encompassing healthcare, education, infrastructure, environmental sustainability and conditions to foster employment and rising prosperity, public goods improved in 135 of the countries studied, while declining slightly in just four. The global average jumped from 58 to 69 points from 2000 to 2023.
The third component of what the BGI authors refer to as the “governance triangle” is state capacity, defined as the ability to tax, borrow and spend, control territory, operate scrupulous, competent bureaucracies and administer predictable rule of law. The index finds the global average ticking up from 48 to 49 points; 56 countries had increased state capacity while 57 declined.
“What does it tell us about the world ahead?” Prof. Helmut K. Anheier, a Luskin School sociologist and BGI principal investigator, asked during the public release of the 2026 BGI on the UCLA campus.
“Countries are not really improving in their governance performance in significant ways. … We’re not really having forward-looking investment in governance capacity. There is considerable inertia.”
The largest improvements across all three BGI components occurred in Gambia, which the report groups with “low-capacity developing states.” These states score low across the board, particularly in the provision of public goods. This cluster constitutes the poorest countries with the least developed economies, which face the most serious challenges.
“They have the greatest exposure to likely future crises, whether it’s global warming, whether it’s a new pandemic, whether it’s another financial crisis, whether it’s the impact of AI,” Anheier said. “And they have the least capacity to respond to it.”
Bhutan, Georgia, Iraq and Tunisia — which make up the remaining top five countries with the largest improvements in the BGI — are classified as “capacity-constrained states.” They tend to be middle-income with struggling democracies. These countries score higher across the board than the low-capacity developing states, but their state capacity tends to lag compared to public goods and democratic accountability.
The capacity-constrained states risk falling into “a cycle that erodes the institutions they have built,” Anheier said.
“Consolidated democratic states”, a cluster of most of the world’s richest countries, which score highly in all three BGI components, have to confront domestic complacency. Further, in the United States and some others, “political dysfunction” is leaving mounting problems unaddressed and risking erosion of state capacity, Anheier said.
At the other end of the spectrum, the country with the farthest fall on the BGI since 2000 is Nicaragua. Second from last is Venezuela, followed by Hong Kong, Hungary and Turkey. The rest of the bottom 10 are Russia, Iran, Poland, El Salvador and Belarus.
Since 2023, which is the last year of data available for the study, Poland and Hungary have both seen government changes via election, despite serious democratic backsliding. Both had fallen out of the group of “consolidated democratic states” by 2023 and moved into the capacity constrained cluster.
The other eight countries at the bottom of the list are all places that once had some semblance of competitive elections, but by now have little or no remaining pretense of democracy. They are grouped by the authors among the “authoritarian and hybrid states”, which have by far the lowest democratic accountability but outperform even some struggling democracies in delivering public goods.
These regimes have tended toward faster economic growth in the period observed. But that seeming prosperity, typically fueled by extractive industries or overreliance on exports, masks “serious institutional weaknesses in these countries, including divided elites,” Anheier said.
Relatively few countries — 21 of the 145 — changed enough for better or worse to be classified in a new group by the end of the 23-year study period.
“Movement between them is rare, but this is largely what we should expect,” said Stella Ghervas, a UCLA historian on a panel of experts who discussed the BGI findings Wednesday. “Government systems are not created in a moment. They evolve over long periods of time.”
Local conditions shaping governance in each country can rarely be quickly reset through political will or even external shocks, Joseph C. Saraceno, a Luskin School data scientist and BGI co-author, said Wednesday.
“Despite all the talk of major transformations happening in global affairs, the underlying configuration of governance simply doesn’t appear to change very much,” Saraceno said. “We use the term inertia to describe this reoccurring pattern. In other words, the structures of global governance are resistant to movement as the conditions beneath them are quite sticky: political economies, demographics, resource endowments. These are deeply layered, and they push each country toward the world that it already inhabits.”
But the challenges lurking around the world may not wait for the slow and difficult processes of political change and development to catch up.
“With the few exceptions of those countries in the consolidated democratic world,” Anheier said, “the great majority of the countries in the world is ill-prepared for the future.”
The full report, ‘ 2026 Berggruen Governance Index – The Four Worlds of Governance‘, can be viewed and downloaded from the website of the UCLA’s Luskin School.
Frank Fuhrig, DNA
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Media OutReach
CUKTECH 6 Ultra Charger Officially Launches in Indonesia, Delivering Smarter 100W Fast Charging
Compact Design with Powerful Multi-Device Charging
As smartphones, tablets, laptops, and portable gaming devices become everyday essentials, users increasingly seek a single charger capable of powering them all. The CUKTECH 6 Ultra Charger delivers up to 100W MAX fast charging, making it ideal for smartphones, tablets, lightweight laptops, and Nintendo Switch.
Featuring two USB-C ports and one USB-A port, the charger supports simultaneous charging for multiple devices. Its compact form factor is significantly smaller than a traditional 67W charger, while the included 1-meter 6A 240W braided cable offers added convenience and durability.
Equipped with Dynamic Power Distribution and ADC 2.0 fast-charging technology, the charger provides seamless compatibility across both Android and Apple ecosystems
It can charge a Xiaomi 17 Pro to approximately 71% in 30 minutes (100W Max), a Samsung S26 Ultra to around 78% (60W Max), and a MacBook Air (M3) to approximately 53% in 30 minutes (65W Max).
Smart Desk Companion with an Interactive AI Display
The CUKTECH 6 Ultra Charger features a unique 0.96-inch HD smart display with built-in interactive emoji animations. The display changes expressions based on charging status—from standby to charging and nearly full—bringing a fun and engaging element to everyday charging. It also supports 180° screen rotation and provides real-time information, including power, voltage, and current.
Advanced Protection with OPC 2.0
Designed for demanding environments, the charger incorporates CUKTECH’s proprietary OPC 2.0 charging optimization technology, which intelligently recognizes connected devices and adjusts charging current to help extend battery lifespan. Combined with an advanced GaN architecture and 24-hour intelligent temperature control, it delivers stable, efficient performance even under heavy workloads.
As one of CUKTECH’s latest global products, the CUKTECH 6 Ultra Charger combines high-performance charging, portability, and intelligent features to provide Indonesian consumers with a more efficient digital lifestyle.
*All data from CUKTECH internal lab tests. Actual results may vary with device software or ambient temperature.
Hashtag: #CUKTECH
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Media OutReach
VinFast Opens 21 Electric Motorcycle Showrooms in the Philippines, Deepening Its Green Mobility Presence in Southeast Asia
The 21 pioneer dealerships will begin operations in major cities nationwide, expanding consumer access to VinFast products and authorized services. The network is expected to grow further in the coming period, progressively expanding VinFast’s presence across the Philippines.
The simultaneous opening of 21 showrooms comes just over a month after the success of VinFast’s early booking program, which attracted thousands of customers nationwide. The strong market response to VinFast’s battery-swapping electric motorcycles not only demonstrates the products’ appeal but also underscores the company’s investment commitment and rapid expansion in the Philippines.
VinFast aims to develop its dealerships as all-in-one destinations, bringing product displays, energy solutions, and technical services together under one roof. Customers can receive personalized consultations, take test rides, experience a one-minute battery swap, explore home-charging solutions, and choose an ownership option that best suits their needs, with professional support throughout the entire journey, from initial product discovery to after-sales service.
In addition to the official showcase of the brand’s first product lineup and its full range of available colors, the launch featured test rides and one-minute battery-swapping demonstrations. The brand also shared its official local pricing, battery solutions, and supporting ecosystem, including plans to deploy 30,000 battery-swapping cabinets nationwide in partnership with infrastructure providers.
Following the launch event, a series of public experience activities will take place at the new dealerships throughout August 2026. Customers will be able to see and test ride the three models, learn about battery technology and sales policies, and explore flexible ownership options. Details of the test ride program and applicable terms are available on VinFast’s official website: vinfastauto.ph/en.
To celebrate the occasion, participating dealerships will introduce a variety of exclusive offers and promotional programs, providing additional benefits and value for early adopters.
Ms. Vo Thi Cam Tu, CEO of VinFast E-Scooters & E-Bikes, International Markets, said: “Opening 21 VinFast showrooms alongside the launch of our three electric motorcycle models reflects VinFast’s long-term investment commitment to the Philippines. Beyond offering products that meet diverse mobility needs, we are building a comprehensive ecosystem that makes it easier for customers to access our vehicles, energy solutions, and support services throughout their ownership journey. As our electric mobility ecosystem continues to expand, we believe electric motorcycles can become an increasingly practical and convenient choice in the everyday lives of Filipinos.”
Evo, Feliz II, and Viper each offer distinct characteristics designed to meet a wide range of mobility needs and riding styles. Evo combines elegant styling with everyday agility, offering a top speed of 80 km/h and a range of up to 150 km with two fully charged batteries. Feliz II emphasizes practicality and versatile performance, with a top speed of 90 km/h. Rounding out the lineup is Viper, featuring a sporty design, maximum power output of 5,200W, and a top speed of 90 km/h, aimed at younger riders who value technology and engaging riding experience.
All three models feature two under-seat battery compartments and are compatible with VinFast’s battery-swapping solution, giving riders greater flexibility and convenience in everyday use. Customers can also choose between purchasing their motorcycle with batteries included or subscribing to a battery subscription plan, depending on their needs and usage patterns.
Notably, VinFast electric motorcycle owners will receive free battery swaps at public swapping stations operated by strategic partner V-Green for one year, with up to 20 swaps per month per vehicle. The models are also covered by a 4+2-year or 60,000+12,000-km warranty, whichever comes first, providing customers with greater benefits, lower operating costs, and long-term peace of mind.
VinFast’s entry into the Philippine electric motorcycle market builds on its expansion across key Southeast Asian markets, following the opening of 20 electric motorcycle dealerships in Indonesia in July 2026. By steadily expanding its presence, VinFast is building out a comprehensive green mobility ecosystem across the region, making it easier for consumers to transition to smarter, more modern, and environmentally-friendly transportation solutions.
Hashtag: #VinFast
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From Formula 4 simulation racing excitement to exclusive shopping rewards, at the award-winning luxury resort – Where Summer Comes to Play – exhilarating new attractions extend the seasonal fun well beyond summer
MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 31 July 2026 – Extending the energy of summer, Galaxy Macau turns up the excitement and dials up the heat with a new collection of immersive experiences and exclusive rewards as part of its “Where Summer Comes to Play” campaign. Whether racing on a cutting-edge Formula 4 competition simulator or indulging in rewarding shopping experiences at Galaxy Promenade, guests can create unforgettable summer memories while enjoying thrilling privileges available exclusively at Galaxy Macau.
Be a Racing Legend｜Test Your Skills at the Formula4 Simulators
This summer, Galaxy Macau invites guests to take the driver’s seat and experience the thrill of competitive motorsport with “Racing Legend: F4 Simulators”, an immersive racing experience that brings the excitement of Formula 4 competition to life. Inspired by Macau’s world-renowned Guia Circuit, one of the sport’s most iconic destinations, this high-energy attraction combines cutting-edge simulation technology, realistic vehicle dynamics and action-packed gameplay, placing guests at the centre of a pulse-raising challenge where precision, skill and split-second decisions determine the outcome.
Designed to capture the intensity and exhilaration of professional racing, the state-of-the-art simulators challenge players to navigate sweeping bends, master high-speed straights and push their limits in pursuit of the fastest lap. With capacity for up to eight racers to compete simultaneously, the experience delivers an engaging head-to-head contest for friends, families, racing enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike. Whether striving for pole position, setting a personal best or simply embracing the excitement of the track, guests can look forward to an adrenaline-charged experience filled with speed, competition and unforgettable moments.
“Racing Legend: F4 Simulators” will be open daily from 12:00pm to 10:00pm, from July 31 until August 31. Guests who spend MOP500 or above in a single transaction at participating outlets across the resort may enjoy this exclusive summer experience.
Shop, Play and Be Rewarded at Galaxy Promenade
To further enrich the summer experiences, Galaxy Promenade is delighted to unveil an exclusive shopping rewards initiative, inviting guests to Macau’s leading luxury shopping destination to indulge in a one-stop retail journey complemented by exceptional privileges and bespoke rewards.
From now until August 16, guests can enjoy up to 7% shopping rebate at Galaxy Promenade, including shopping vouchers worth up to MOP60,000 with no minimum spending requirement. VIP members can enjoy an additional 2% rebate. Purchases made with designated UnionPay or HSBC credit cards are eligible for extra vouchers. From now until August 31, guests who meet designated spending amounts will be rewarded with a whimsical plush floral bouquet, a complimentary limited-edition floral-inspired coffee, as well as taking part in the interactive “Glitz & Glam Dynamic Video” experience, capturing vibrant and memorable moments through an immersive motion-camera activation.
Elevated Shopping | New and Upgraded Boutiques
The temperature escalates with new shops at Galaxy Promenade, further elevating the shopping fun. Louis Vuitton celebrates the opening of its newly renovated store at Galaxy Macau with an exclusive preview until August 5, highlighting the Fall-Winter 2026 Men’s Collection by the line’s Creative Director Pharrell Williams. Showcasing the Maison’s signature blend of innovation and craftsmanship, the collection reinterprets classic menswear through adaptive fabrics, refined tailoring and exceptional artisanal techniques. Designed to meet the demands of modern living, the collection balances functionality with sophistication.
Simultaneously, Galaxy Promenade welcomes the arrival of Coach, where the brand’s iconic New York spirit meets contemporary design. Featuring warm natural wood elements, refined metallic accents and an open-concept layout, the new store presents a comprehensive selection of products, including the Tabby collection, New York family, and leather accessories. Guests can also discover August highlights, featuring the vibrant new Poppy Colorway handbag collections, a classic line of the brand. To celebrate the opening, guests who purchase any handbag can enjoy a complimentary personalised leather hangtag with monograming service. With any purchase, guests will also receive a complimentary leather bookmark with monograming service.
Beauty enthusiasts can embark on an unparalleled luxury beauty journey at DFS Macau, Galaxy Macau (Beauty), home to an exceptional selection of the world’s leading beauty brands. Throughout August, guests can enjoy “First Class Beauty”, an annual series of exclusive experiences and special rewards, including beauty consultations, hand and hair treatments, makeup masterclasses, as well as immersive brand-led workshops and bespoke beauty services. Guests who meet designated spending thresholds will also enjoy $1,000 shopping vouchers and participate in exclusive interactive games for a chance to win exciting prizes, including a complimentary stay at Andaz Macau.
Adding to the excitement, an exclusive “Beauty Night Out” preview event on August 1, officially kicking off the beauty campaign. Themed “Run the Show, Define Your Glow”, the event will feature celebrity appearances, interactive experiences from luxury beauty brands, creating an unforgettable and immersive celebration of beauty.
Even More Summer Experiences Await
These latest additions further enrich an already exceptional line-up of experiences, exclusive privileges and world-class entertainment taking place across Galaxy Macau this summer.
At the iconic Grand Resort Deck, guests can enjoy spectacular Motorsurf performances by elite international athletes at 4:00pm and 5:30pm every weekend through August 30, set against the backdrop of the world’s largest Skytop Wave Pool, a pristine white-sand beach and an array of exhilarating aquatic attractions. Families can continue to create unforgettable summer memories at Aquatainment Island, while the vibrant seasonal plush floral installations throughout Galaxy Promenade transform the resort into a magical garden oasis, offering immersive encounters, captivating displays and picture-perfect moments tapping the latest robotic-arm technology for maximum fun.
Pop sensation Show Lo will take over the Grand Resort Deck at the Summer Splash Show on August 22 to deliver a captivating performance like no other – get ready to dive into the ultimate bash with the charismatic star!
For those seeking indulgence through Galaxy Macau’s award-winning gastronomic collection of restaurants, cafes and lounges, guests are invited on a remarkable culinary journey, where acclaimed chefs present refreshing seasonal creations crafted with the finest ingredients from around the world.
Whether pursuing adrenaline-fuelled thrills, embracing the excitement of water adventures, discovering luxury shopping experiences or spending quality time with family and friends, guests can find endless ways to celebrate their shining moments at Galaxy Macau. With a host of exciting new attractions, exclusive rewards to unlock more of Galaxy, as well as world-class signature entertainment continuing throughout August, there has never been a better time to experience why Galaxy Macau is the destination Where Summer Comes to Play.
For more information, please visit www.galaxymacau.com
Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau
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About Galaxy Macau Integrated Resort
Galaxy Macau, The World-class Luxury Integrated Resort delivers the “Most Spectacular Entertainment and Leisure Destination in the World”. Developed at an investment of HK$43 billion, the property covers 1.1 million-square-meter of unique entertainment and leisure attractions that are unlike anything else in Macau. Nine award-winning world-class luxury hotels provide close to 5,000 rooms, suites and villas. They include Banyan Tree Macau, Galaxy Hotel, Hotel Okura Macau, JW Marriott at Galaxy Macau, The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, Broadway Hotel, Raffles at Galaxy Macau, Andaz Macau, and Capella at Galaxy Macau. Unique to Galaxy Macau, the 75,000-square-meter Grand Resort Deck features the world’s longest Skytop Adventure Rapids at 575-meters, the largest Skytop Wave Pool with waves up to 1.5-meters high and 150-meters pristine white sand beach. Two five-star spas from Banyan Tree Spa Macau and The Ritz- Carlton Spa, Macau help guests relax and rejuvenate.
As the dining destination in Asia, Galaxy Macau offers a wide variety of gastronomic delights, exquisite experiences and ingredients of the finest quality with over 120 dining options from Michelin dining to authentic delicacies.
Embark on a delightful and rewarding journey at Galaxy Promenade, the one-stop shopping destination boasting some of the world’s most iconic luxury brands. Be the first to get the latest limited-edition items; explore fascinating pop-ups by coveted labels and revel in fabulous shopping rewards and privileges. Our VIPs are entitled to a highly-curated experience with dedicated personal shoppers at guests’ service, and be invited to exclusive luxury brand events. A different caliber of privileges and rewards also await. Discover the joys of fashion and stand at the forefront of style and sophistication—Galaxy Promenade has everything guests need to stay ahead of the style game.
Galaxy Cinemas takes immersive movie experiences to the next level with the latest audio-visual technology, ultra-luxurious facilities and bespoke services; CHINA ROUGE, one-of-a-kind cabaret lounge that evokes the glamor of Shanghai’s golden era with stylish entertainment and customizable surrounds; and Foot Hub, which presents the traditional art of reflexology for authentic relaxation and revitalization. For Authentic Macau Flavours and Vibrant Asian Experiences, Broadway Macau – just a 90-second walk via a bridge from Galaxy Macau, has over 35 Authentic Macau & Asian Flavours at Broadway Food Street. The 2,500-seat Broadway Theatre plays host to world-class entertainers and a diverse array of cultural events.
Meeting, incentive and banquet groups are also catered to with a portfolio of unique venues in Galaxy Macau and an expert service team. Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) is the latest addition to the Group’s ever-expanding integrated resort precinct and will usher in a new era for the MICE industry in Macau. GICC is a world-class event venue featuring 40,000-square-meters of total flexible MICE, and the 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena – the largest indoor arena in Macau.
For more details, please visit 
www.galaxymacau.com, www.broadwaymacau.com.mo and www.galaxyicc.com.
