Media OutReach
Hong Leong Bank Wins Three Awards at Asian Banking & Finance Retail Banking Awards, Affirming its Transformative Journey Towards Becoming the Best Run Bank in Malaysia
Best SME Bank in Malaysia: Driving Innovation and Accessibility for SME Customers
A pivotal aspect of HLB’s bankwide transformation and success story is its established leadership as a prominent SME bank. For the fourth consecutive year, HLB has been named the Best SME Bank in Malaysia by ABF. This recognition directly reflects the Bank’s diverse product offerings, pioneering digital innovations, and personalized advisory services, all meticulously designed to cater to the varied needs of its customers. HLB’s unwavering commitment to customer-centricity has translated into tangible success, with the Bank’s SME loans and financing portfolios achieving an impressive 11.6% year-on-year (“y-o-y”) growth, nearly double the industry average of 6.7%. This significant growth not only reinforces HLB’s strong market position but also vividly demonstrates its dedication to providing a seamless banking experience through increased accessibility and convenience. The Bank achieves this through its extensive branch network, flexible out-of-branch account openings, and intuitive digital platforms, all serving as effective touchpoints to ensure a comprehensive and effortless banking journey for every customer.
Domestic Cash Management Bank of the Year
Continuing its strong performance within the corporate banking sector, HLB has also been recognized as the Domestic Cash Management Bank of the Year. This award underscores how the Bank empowers its corporate and financial institution clients with sophisticated cash management solutions that streamline operations and enhance financial control, further contributing towards HLB’s bankwide transformation plan. By leveraging the Bank’s real-time API integration, businesses can automate fund transfers to beneficiaries on a same-day basis, eliminating manual intervention and ensuring timely access to funds. The Bank’s cash consolidation services also enable clients to streamline cash management by centralizing funds into a single account for better liquidity oversight and easier reconciliation. This comprehensive suite of services has led to the Bank consistently managing over 700 corporate clients with their cash management needs, boasting a remarkable 95.52% customer retention rate and over 99% utilization rate of its cash management platform.
Digital Transformation of the Year: Revolutionizing Credit Collections with Innovative Solutions and Artificial Intelligence
Aligned with its 5 year bankwide transformation plan, HLB has invested significantly in its digital capabilities, leading to the strategic implementation of AI, effective data management, and innovative digital banking solutions. This commitment to digital excellence culminated in the Bank winning the Digital Transformation of the Year award for its groundbreaking collections platform.
Since 2018, HLB has embarked on a pervasive transformation journey within its Collections team, fundamentally reshaping the collections process with an industry-first, fully integrated, web-based collections platform. The platform provides the Bank with a 360-degree view of its customers, strengthened by real-time information sharing, a predictive dialing system, an AI humanized voice bot, and secured remote working capabilities. These innovations have resulted in a 47% surge in monthly call volume and allowed 20% of HLB’s collections officers to be redeployed to higher-value tasks, showcasing the tangible benefits of this digital leap.
HLB’s 5 Year Bankwide Transformation Plan
Kevin Lam, HLB’s Group Managing Director and CEO, commented, “This isn’t just about winning awards; it’s about reimagining the way we do banking. Two years ago, we set out on our bankwide transformation plan, and these three accolades prove that we are on the right track. This vision has defined our operating cadence, where we have reevaluated existing structures, reimagined the customer journey, and unleashed a wave of innovation throughout the Bank that is redefining what we can be to our customers. Looking ahead, we strive to continue on our transformation journey, implementing digital innovations while preserving that human touch to ensure we provide an elevated banking experience for all our customers.”
For more information on HLB’s business banking solutions, please visit: https://www.hlb.com.my/en/business-banking/home.html
Hashtag: #HongLeong #HLBB
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Hong Leong Bank Berhad
Please visit 
www.hlb.com.my
Media OutReach
From Mexico to Hong Kong, Jose Manuel Cervantes Sanchez is Building Bridges Through Media at CUHK
Hong Kong: A Strategic Hub for Global Media
Currently enrolled in CUHK’s Global Communication programme, Jose is part of a growing wave of international students choosing Hong Kong for its strategic role as a cultural and commercial gateway between East and West. Long fascinated by Asian culture and influenced by family ties to the city, he was drawn to its unique position as a bridge between cultures. “I wanted to become a local with time and create bridges between Mexico and Hong Kong,” he said.
A school adviser first introduced him to CUHK as a strong option, and while he also considered universities in Canada and the United Kingdom, Hong Kong remained his first choice. Receiving the CUHK University Admission Scholarship confirmed his decision.
Academic Excellence and Creative Exploration
Jose’s experience in the Global Communication programme has met his expectations and more. What stands out most to him are the creative courses, which give students hands-on access to professional media equipment and the freedom to experiment. “Being encouraged to explore creativity by some professors has led me to discover new sides of myself,” he noted.
Outside the classroom, Jose has embraced life in Hong Kong with enthusiasm. From cultural events and student society gatherings to exploring local food streets, he has found the city lively and inspiring. The campus MTR station also makes it easy to travel to Shatin, Hong Kong Island, and even the Shenzhen border, adding to the convenience of student life.
A Creative Career Taking Shape in Hong Kong
Looking ahead, Jose hopes to take part in a semester exchange and a media production internship to further strengthen his practical skills. His post-graduation plans remain open, with possibilities in both Mexico’s rapidly growing entertainment industry and Hong Kong’s dynamic market.
For international students considering their options, Jose’s message is clear: CUHK offers academic quality, financial support, and a valuable foothold in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.
CUHK’s Global Communication Programme
CUHK’s Global Communication programme prepares students for an evolving media landscape by combining communication studies with a guaranteed overseas exchange and a curriculum built around real-world experience.
- Cutting-Edge Facilities: Access to a 4K-UHD Virtual Set Studio, Digital Radio Studio, and VR Lab.
- Guaranteed Global Exchange: One semester at a partner university in Asia, Europe, or North America.
- Hands-On Learning: Real-world experience through journalism projects and overseas study tours.
- International Classroom: A 1:1 ratio of international to local students with all courses taught in English.
For more information about CUHK’s Global Communication programme, visit https://admission.cuhk.edu.hk/programme/gcomn/
Hashtag: #CUHK
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Media OutReach
Singapore’s Largest Pet Event Returns Bigger Than Ever with Singapore Pet Festival 2026
Featuring Cesar Millan’s Singapore Debut, Over 300 Exhibitors, 800+ Brands, International Competitions, and Four Halls of Pet Experiences
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 July 2026 – Pet lovers can look forward to the return of SG Pet Festival 2026, Singapore’s largest pet exhibition, happening from 31 July to 2 August 2026 at Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre, Halls A, B, C & D.
Spanning across four exhibition halls, this year’s festival promises its biggest edition yet, bringing together over 300 exhibitors representing more than 800 local and international brands. Visitors can expect an exciting three-day celebration filled with shopping, education, competitions, interactive experiences, exclusive launches, and entertainment for pets and their families.
“Singapore Pet Festival has always been about bringing the pet community together while creating opportunities for brands, businesses, and pet lovers to connect. As the festival continues to grow, we are committed to raising industry standards, supporting education, and introducing new experiences that benefit both consumers and businesses. This year’s festival is our biggest and most exciting edition yet, and we look forward to welcoming everyone to Marina Bay Sands,” said Angie Lim, Managing Director of Citrus Media.
Event Highlights
Shop, Save & Win
Visitors can enjoy:
- $30,000 worth of Cash Rebates & Lucky Draw Prizes
- Exclusive event-only product launches, promotions, and deals
- Official TikTok LIVE shopping sessions featuring exclusive festival promotions and participating exhibitors
- Complimentary Limited Edition Singapore Pet Festival Tote Bag (while stocks last)
- Complimentary themed photobooth print-outs for qualifying spenders
- Exclusive giveaways and brand activations throughout the festival
Singapore’s Largest Pet Marketplace
With over 300 exhibitors showcasing 800+ brands, visitors can explore the latest products and services for dogs, cats, birds, small animals, aquatics, and more.
A specially curated Food Street featuring 18 food booths will also offer a delicious selection of food, refreshing beverages, and indulgent desserts, giving visitors plenty of dining options throughout the festival.
International & Industry Highlights
Singapore Pet Festival continues to strengthen its position as a leading regional pet event by welcoming exhibitors and industry professionals from across Asia.
Highlights include:
- International exhibitors from across Asia, including the Japan Pavilion and Korea Pavilion
- Singapore’s first International Society of Canine Cosmetologists (ISCC) Grooming Certification & Competition
- The 8th TICA Cat Show, featuring pedigreed cats and renowned breeders
- National Dog Obedience Competition, featuring Singapore’s top obedience teams in a live showcase of skill and teamwork supported by Pets Enterprises & Traders Association Singapore (PETAS)
- International judging panels and industry experts
Dedicated Experiences for Every Pet Lover
Visitors can enjoy:
- A dedicated Hall D for Cats & Small Animals, showcasing curated brands, activities, and live animal displays, including birds, guinea pigs and chinchillas
- Interactive pet-friendly activities and experiences
- Exclusive themed pet photo shoot experiences
Education & Community
Beyond shopping, Singapore Pet Festival aims to educate and connect the pet community through:
- Educational talks, workshops, and live demonstrations
- Meet-and-greet opportunities with veterinarians, trainers, groomers, and industry professionals
- Animal welfare groups hosting on-site adoption drives, giving rescued animals the opportunity to find loving forever homes while promoting responsible pet adoption
- A platform connecting pet owners, businesses, and animal lovers across the region
Exclusive Media Preview
Ahead of the public opening, invited media representatives, content creators, VIP guests and industry partners will enjoy exclusive early access to Singapore Pet Festival 2026 during the VIP Preview Session on Friday, 31 July, from 10:00 AM.
The preview offers creators a first-hand shopping experience, early access to new product launches and exclusive deals, opportunities to create content before the crowds arrive, and networking with brands and fellow creators.
Hashtag: #clubpets #sgpetfestival #petevents #petexpo #petfair
https://www.clubpets.com.sg/
https://www.facebook.com/CLUBPETS
https://www.instagram.com/clubpets.sg/
https://www.tiktok.com/@clubpets
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Singapore Pet Festival
Organised by Citrus Media, Singapore Pet Festival is Singapore’s largest pet exhibition, bringing together pet owners, businesses, brands, professionals, and animal lovers under one roof. Through education, innovation, community engagement, and meaningful collaborations, the festival continues to promote responsible pet ownership while supporting the growth of the regional pet industry.
About Citrus Media
Citrus Media Pte Ltd is a Singapore-based events and media company dedicated to connecting communities through innovative exhibitions, digital media, and lifestyle platforms. The company is the organiser of flagship events including Singapore Pet Festival (SGPF), Singapore Cat Carnival, Blissful One-Stop Wedding Show (BOWS), and operates the Clubpets ecosystem, comprising Clubpets Marketplace, VIPaws Membership Programme, and digital media channels. Citrus Media is committed to creating meaningful experiences that bring together consumers, brands, and industry partners.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SwgVyMKMj2M
Spectacular Mountain Scenery, Nature‘s Air Conditioner
From the dazzling urban energy of Guiyang’s Qingyun Market to the starry nightscape of Xijiang Qianhu Miao Village, and from the majestic Huangguestu Waterfall to the sky-high Huajiang Canyon Bridge—the “world’s highest bridge”—every corner of Guizhou is a masterpiece worth pausing for.
“Guizhou’s summer feels like natural air conditioning,” shared a young Vietnamese travel influencer. “The seamless blend of daytime nature and vibrant city life made our journey incredibly exciting and fulfilling”
Link: https://www.guizhoutravel.com/feature/list
Immersive Culture & Play your way Through Guizhou
During their trip, the influencers dressed in exquisite traditional Miao costumes for stunning social media photos against the backdrop of historic wooden stilt houses. They also explored urban landmarks like Qingyun Market and Colorful Guizhou Town, experiencing the fusion of local heritage and modern trends amidst neon lights and bustling night markets. Food-wise, local delicacies like sour fish soup, beef rice noodles, and Siwawa (veggie wraps) continuously delighted their palates, offering a perfect mix of cultural depth and trendy adventures.
Pack your bags and go: Effortless Travel to Your Next Getaway
With direct flights now operating from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to Guiyang—taking just over three hours—traveling to Guizhou has never been easier. Supported by China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy and a safe, welcoming environment, Guizhou is becoming the ideal and ultimate “summer escape” destination for young Vietnamese travelers.
Guizhou is actively building a world-class tourism product system tailored for the international market, centering on the core themes of “Summer Escape + Eco-tourism + Cultural Experience.”
Pack your bags this summer and embark on your own adventure to mystical Guizhou!
Discover more of mystical Guizhou: www.guizhoutravel.com
Hashtag: #Guizhou #Vietnam #SummerEscape
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
