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HONMA Golf Announces Interim Results for FY2025/26 Strong Growth in Korea While Other Markets under Pressure

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4 weeks ago

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 November 2025 – HONMA Golf Limited (“HONMA”; together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”; HKEx stock code: 6858), one of the world’s most prestigious golf brands, announces its consolidated interim results for the six months ended 30 September 2025 (the “Period”).

Financial Highlights

  • In the face of a slowing global economy, heightened policy uncertainty and intensified competition across the global golf industry, the Group’s revenue for the Period declined by 18.1% year-on-year to JPY7,867.5 million (equivalent to USD53.9 million), on a constant currency basis.
  • Korea delivered an exceptional performance, achieving comparable sales growth of 44.9% during the Period. Retail sales in Korea surged by 70.8%, on a constant currency basis, driven by continued improvements in retail operations.
  • Outside Korea, sales in China (including Hong Kong and Macau) remained subdued, recording a marginal decline of 0.4% on a constant currency basis. Japan posted a 33.1% decrease on a constant currency basis, reflecting the impact of wholesale channel restructuring.
  • Gross profit margin remained resilient, improving by 0.5 percentage points to 53.5% compared with the same period last year, supported by notable margin gains in Korea and China (including Hong Kong and Macau).
  • Net operating cash flow remained positive at JPY1922.9 million (equivalent to USD13.2 million).

Major Achievements

During the six months ended 30 September 2025, the golf industry faced intensified competition and shifting dynamics in player participation and purchasing behaviour, driven by a slowing global economy and regional challenges. Despite these headwinds, HONMA remained firmly committed to executing its long-term strategy. The group continued to invest in product innovation, expand its distribution network, and strengthen brand marketing initiatives, while maintaining a robust financial position and healthy cash flow.

Korea Market Bucks Trend with Growth

Despite subdued market conditions and weak sentiment, Korea delivered an exceptional performance during the Period, defying broader industry headwinds. Supported by the Group’s continued success in its DTC operations and the renewal of its distribution arrangement, Korea achieved strong growth across both retail and wholesale channels. Sales from self-operated stores surged by 70.8%, while distributor sales rose by 41.5%, both on a constant currency basis. Enhanced consumer experiences and refined merchandising strategies provided additional momentum, driving a marked improvement in profitability. During the Period, gross profit margin expanded to 65.6%, underscoring the effectiveness of HONMA’s channel strategy and its ability to capture demand in this dynamic, premium-performance golf market.

Newly Launched Products Achieved Good Performance

HONMA’s latest product introductions have resonated strongly with golfers, reinforcing the brand’s reputation for Japanese craftsmanship and product performance. On a constant currency basis, country-specific clubs recorded solid comparable growth of 36.9%, while putter sales rose by 39.0%, reaffirming HONMA’s strong brand equity. The Tour World series also gained traction, with sales in the Chinese Mainland, the US and Europe increasing by 19.3%, 130.4% and 19.1% respectively, all on a constant currency basis. In addition, golf balls achieved notable success in China, posting a 52.3% increase following the launch of a multipack series tailored to consumer preferences. These results underscore HONMA’s ongoing commitment to product innovation and its ability to capture demand across key markets.

Re-defining the HONMA Brand

HONMA continued to implement a range of initiatives to reinforce its global brand positioning and deepen engagement with target consumers. To re-establish HONMA as a dynamic, relevant, and premium golf lifestyle brand among digitally savvy younger golfers, the Group has consistently enhanced its global website and social media presence through regular, high-quality visual and content updates, driving brand awareness and product appeal.

Supported by a full-channel approach and increased investment in digital marketing, HONMA’s e-commerce sales grew by 5.1% in the Chinese Mainland and 25.6% in the Taiwan market.

Business Outlook

In the years ahead, HONMA will continue executing its long-term growth strategy to position itself as a world-leading golf lifestyle brand. This strategy builds on the Group’s rich heritage, expanding distribution network, cutting-edge technologies, and traditional Japanese craftsmanship. Key priorities include enhancing and transforming brand value to strengthen customer loyalty, consolidating leadership in the super-premium segment, and driving meaningful progress in the fast-growing premium-performance category. HONMA also aims to deliver sustainable growth in North America and Europe through an updated product and distribution strategy, while expanding complementary non-club product lines to offer a complete golf lifestyle experience. Additionally, the Group will maintain its focus on product innovation to align with evolving market trends and consumer preferences.

Mr. LIU Jianguo, Chairman of the Board, President, and Executive Director of HONMA Golf Limited, stated: “Despite ongoing market challenges, HONMA has demonstrated resilience, maintained strong gross margins, and expanded its direct-to-consumer channels. By anchoring our strategy around the super-premium and premium-performance segments, enhancing digital capabilities, and optimizing our distribution network, we have established a solid foundation for sustainable growth and are well-positioned to deliver long-term value for our stakeholders.”

Hashtag: #HONMAGolf

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

About HONMA Golf Limited

HONMA is one of the most prestigious and iconic brands in the golfing industry. Founded in 1959, HONMA combines the latest innovative technologies with traditional Japanese craftsmanship to offer golfers around the world premium, high-tech, and high-performance golf clubs, balls, apparel, and accessories.

As the only vertically integrated golf company with extensive in-house design, development, and manufacturing capabilities, as well as a broad retail footprint in Asia, HONMA is perfectly positioned to continuously grow its business in Asia and beyond, benefitting from the return of golfers in mature golf markets such as the US and Japan, and from increased participation in emerging markets such as Korea and China.

In recent years, HONMA has actively undertaken brand and marketing campaigns with the goal of redefining the HONMA brand as a dynamic, relevant, and premium golf lifestyle brand among today’s golfers. HONMA maintains a team of young professional players from Asia who are considered rising stars or upcoming challengers in the golf industry. HONMA has also collaborated extensively with coaches and key opinion leaders in major Asian markets and made significant investments in its retail distribution network and digital capabilities in Japan and China to unify and elevate the consumer experience and purchase journey for its loyal consumers and the younger golfing community.

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AEON Bank Helps Ease Festive Season’s Budget Constraints with No-Hassle Personal Financing-i

Published

2 days ago

on

24/12/2025

By

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 December 2025 – As Malaysians gear up for multiple financial commitments in the upcoming weeks and months, especially during the year-end holidays, back-to-school and double festive season, AEON Bank (M) Berhad, Malaysia’s first digital Islamic bank, strengthens its commitment to financial inclusion by offering accessible support through its Personal Financing-i (PF-i).

From December 2025 till March 2026, the bustling seasons present convergence of multiple spending needs for many households. Acknowledging that this might raise the need for flexible liquidity, AEON Bank provides a solution to address such budgetary constraints in the form of the PF-i; an inclusive, hassle-free financing facility, easily accessible via its digital banking app.

Optimising a Risk-Based Pricing (RBP) framework to determine a competitive and personalised profit rate, AEON Bank ensures that customers can seamlessly apply for PF-i online, as long as they are Malaysian citizens aged 18 to 55, with a minimum monthly gross income of RM2,500 – be it salaried employees or self-employed individuals, freelancers, as well as gig economy workers.

Aligned with Shariah banking principles, PF-i offers financing facility from RM1,000 up to RM100,000 with flexible tenure options ranging from 3 to 84 months, allowing for repayments tailored to individual budget needs. The Flat Profit Rate starting from 3.88% p.a. and a nominal Wakalah Fee of RM1 is applicable upon acceptance.

The entire process, from the application to fund disbursement are all managed online via the AEON Bank app. This simplifies the process and eliminates the need for physical paperwork or branch visits. To apply for PF-i, customers simply need to follow these steps :

  • Step 1 : Activated Savings Account-i pre-requisite

Download the AEON Bank app and activate the Savings Account-i, prior to applying for PF-i.

  • Step 2 : Eligibility check and employment details

Applicants must be Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above, earning a minimum monthly gross income of RM2,500 – either as salaried employees, self-employed or gig workers.

  • Step 3 : Financing selection

Select the preferred financing amount ranging from RM1,000 up to RM100,000 and flexible repayment tenure, with options between 3 to 84 months.

  • Step 4 : Supporting document submission

Upload the latest EPF (KWSP) statement, reflecting the latest consecutive 6-months contributions (for salaried workers) or latest consecutive 6-month bank statement (for self-employed/gig workers).

  • Step 5 : Approval and fund disbursement

Applications will be processed immediately and upon approval, funds will be disbursed directly into the applicant’s AEON Bank Savings Account-i. Repayments will be automatically deducted via monthly auto-debit.

PF-i enables Malaysians to access a Shariah compliant financing facility to ease their needs; be it an emergency financial support, family budget constraint, small renovation, vehicle repair or a much needed financial aid to bridge the temporary cashflow gaps.

For comprehensive details on the Personal Financing-i (PF-i), including full terms and conditions, click here to browse the website and scan the QR Code to download the AEON Bank app: https://www.aeonbank.com.my/api/qr-handler

Hashtag: #AEONBank #DigitalBanking #IslamicDigitalBank #ShariahCompliant #FinancialInclusion #IslamicFintech #PersonalFinancing





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

AEON Bank (M) Berhad

AEON Bank (M) Berhad is the first digital Islamic bank in Malaysia, licensed and regulated by Bank Negara Malaysia and the Ministry of Finance. Officially launched on 26 May 2024, we currently offer a suite of Shariah-compliant products and services under the Personal Banking and Business Banking (AEON Bank Biz).

Our Personal Banking offerings are 100% accessible via the AEON Bank app, namely the deposit Savings Account-i, AEON Bank x Visa Debit Card-i, Personal Financing-i, Term Deposit-i, Savings Pots, DuitNow QR, utility bill payments, personal financial management and budgeting tools with Neko Sensei, and a range of digital payment services with strategic partners and merchants, as well as Neko Missions, Malaysia’s first gamified digital banking interactive rewards programme.

On 8 August 2025, AEON Bank (M) Berhad officially launched AEON Bank Biz, anchored by the Current Business Account-i and integrated cash management capabilities, with the initial onboarding of vendors from AEON Credit Service (M) Berhad and suppliers within the broader AEON ecosystem. The targeted approach is designed to create an integrated value chain linking AEON’s retail and financial services networks, supporting strategic growth and greater inclusivity. AEON Bank Biz offers streamlined processes for account onboarding, credit assessments and financial services, utilising AI-driven fintech solutions to enable simplified procedures, faster approvals, and an enhanced digital banking experience for business owners and entrepreneurs. AEON Bank Biz’s products and services will soon be extended to more local businesses and entrepreneurs across Malaysia.

Being part of the AEON Group conglomerate, AEON Bank (M) Berhad is equally held by AEON Financial Service Co. Ltd. (AFS Japan) and AEON Credit Service (M) Berhad (ACSM). AFS Japan is responsible for the AEON Group’s financial services businesses, with strong roots in the retail sector which operates in Japan and 10 countries across Asia and it is. AEON Group is Japan’s largest retail group and it is a pure holding company that comprises eight core businesses.

AEON Group Malaysia consists of several entities, namely, AEON Co. (M) Bhd, AEON Credit Service (M) Berhad, AEON Bank (M) Berhad, AEON BiG (M) Sdn Bhd, AEON Fantasy (M) Sdn Bhd, AEON Delight (M) Sdn Bhd, AEON Global Supply Chain Sdn Bhd and Malaysian AEON Foundation (MAF). AEON Group has been a recognizable household brand with more than 200 years of history and evolution in Japan since the Edo era, along with 4 decades of growth in Malaysia, providing consumers with daily financial solutions and diversified retail convenience.

Our cloud native agility and AI optimisation, combined with the strength of our Shariah DNA, Malaysian roots and Japanese heritage are our distinguishing factors, while the integration with the AEON ecosystem gives us a competitive advantage of being the only bank in Malaysia with its own nationwide retail network. On top of that, AEON Points loyalty programme offers customers value-added benefits and meaningful rewards, as the AEON Points can be redeemed into cash value, deposited directly into customers’ AEON Bank Savings Account-i.

AEON Bank (M) Berhad is committed to provide accessible financial solutions for Malaysians and we aim to empower the community in pursuing their financial aspirations and achieve economic independence, hence fostering a more inclusive financial future for all. We will continue to contribute towards the Islamic banking development in the region and the nation’s digital economy.

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Media OutReach

AEON Bank Helps Ease Festive Season’s Budget Constraints with No-Hassle Personal Financing-i

Published

2 days ago

on

24/12/2025

By

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 December 2025 – As Malaysians gear up for multiple financial commitments in the upcoming weeks and months, especially during the year-end holidays, back-to-school and double festive season, AEON Bank (M) Berhad, Malaysia’s first digital Islamic bank, strengthens its commitment to financial inclusion by offering accessible support through its Personal Financing-i (PF-i).

From December 2025 till March 2026, the bustling seasons present convergence of multiple spending needs for many households. Acknowledging that this might raise the need for flexible liquidity, AEON Bank provides a solution to address such budgetary constraints in the form of the PF-i; an inclusive, hassle-free financing facility, easily accessible via its digital banking app.

Optimising a Risk-Based Pricing (RBP) framework to determine a competitive and personalised profit rate, AEON Bank ensures that customers can seamlessly apply for PF-i online, as long as they are Malaysian citizens aged 18 to 55, with a minimum monthly gross income of RM2,500 – be it salaried employees or self-employed individuals, freelancers, as well as gig economy workers.

Aligned with Shariah banking principles, PF-i offers financing facility from RM1,000 up to RM100,000 with flexible tenure options ranging from 3 to 84 months, allowing for repayments tailored to individual budget needs. The Flat Profit Rate starting from 3.88% p.a. and a nominal Wakalah Fee of RM1 is applicable upon acceptance.

The entire process, from the application to fund disbursement are all managed online via the AEON Bank app. This simplifies the process and eliminates the need for physical paperwork or branch visits. To apply for PF-i, customers simply need to follow these steps :

  • Step 1 : Activated Savings Account-i pre-requisite

Download the AEON Bank app and activate the Savings Account-i, prior to applying for PF-i.

  • Step 2 : Eligibility check and employment details

Applicants must be Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above, earning a minimum monthly gross income of RM2,500 – either as salaried employees, self-employed or gig workers.

  • Step 3 : Financing selection

Select the preferred financing amount ranging from RM1,000 up to RM100,000 and flexible repayment tenure, with options between 3 to 84 months.

  • Step 4 : Supporting document submission

Upload the latest EPF (KWSP) statement, reflecting the latest consecutive 6-months contributions (for salaried workers) or latest consecutive 6-month bank statement (for self-employed/gig workers).

  • Step 5 : Approval and fund disbursement

Applications will be processed immediately and upon approval, funds will be disbursed directly into the applicant’s AEON Bank Savings Account-i. Repayments will be automatically deducted via monthly auto-debit.

PF-i enables Malaysians to access a Shariah compliant financing facility to ease their needs; be it an emergency financial support, family budget constraint, small renovation, vehicle repair or a much needed financial aid to bridge the temporary cashflow gaps.

For comprehensive details on the Personal Financing-i (PF-i), including full terms and conditions, click here to browse the website and scan the QR Code to download the AEON Bank app: https://www.aeonbank.com.my/api/qr-handler

Hashtag: #AEONBank #DigitalBanking #IslamicDigitalBank #ShariahCompliant #FinancialInclusion #IslamicFintech #PersonalFinancing





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

AEON Bank (M) Berhad

AEON Bank (M) Berhad is the first digital Islamic bank in Malaysia, licensed and regulated by Bank Negara Malaysia and the Ministry of Finance. Officially launched on 26 May 2024, we currently offer a suite of Shariah-compliant products and services under the Personal Banking and Business Banking (AEON Bank Biz).

Our Personal Banking offerings are 100% accessible via the AEON Bank app, namely the deposit Savings Account-i, AEON Bank x Visa Debit Card-i, Personal Financing-i, Term Deposit-i, Savings Pots, DuitNow QR, utility bill payments, personal financial management and budgeting tools with Neko Sensei, and a range of digital payment services with strategic partners and merchants, as well as Neko Missions, Malaysia’s first gamified digital banking interactive rewards programme.

On 8 August 2025, AEON Bank (M) Berhad officially launched AEON Bank Biz, anchored by the Current Business Account-i and integrated cash management capabilities, with the initial onboarding of vendors from AEON Credit Service (M) Berhad and suppliers within the broader AEON ecosystem. The targeted approach is designed to create an integrated value chain linking AEON’s retail and financial services networks, supporting strategic growth and greater inclusivity. AEON Bank Biz offers streamlined processes for account onboarding, credit assessments and financial services, utilising AI-driven fintech solutions to enable simplified procedures, faster approvals, and an enhanced digital banking experience for business owners and entrepreneurs. AEON Bank Biz’s products and services will soon be extended to more local businesses and entrepreneurs across Malaysia.

Being part of the AEON Group conglomerate, AEON Bank (M) Berhad is equally held by AEON Financial Service Co. Ltd. (AFS Japan) and AEON Credit Service (M) Berhad (ACSM). AFS Japan is responsible for the AEON Group’s financial services businesses, with strong roots in the retail sector which operates in Japan and 10 countries across Asia and it is. AEON Group is Japan’s largest retail group and it is a pure holding company that comprises eight core businesses.

AEON Group Malaysia consists of several entities, namely, AEON Co. (M) Bhd, AEON Credit Service (M) Berhad, AEON Bank (M) Berhad, AEON BiG (M) Sdn Bhd, AEON Fantasy (M) Sdn Bhd, AEON Delight (M) Sdn Bhd, AEON Global Supply Chain Sdn Bhd and Malaysian AEON Foundation (MAF). AEON Group has been a recognizable household brand with more than 200 years of history and evolution in Japan since the Edo era, along with 4 decades of growth in Malaysia, providing consumers with daily financial solutions and diversified retail convenience.

Our cloud native agility and AI optimisation, combined with the strength of our Shariah DNA, Malaysian roots and Japanese heritage are our distinguishing factors, while the integration with the AEON ecosystem gives us a competitive advantage of being the only bank in Malaysia with its own nationwide retail network. On top of that, AEON Points loyalty programme offers customers value-added benefits and meaningful rewards, as the AEON Points can be redeemed into cash value, deposited directly into customers’ AEON Bank Savings Account-i.

AEON Bank (M) Berhad is committed to provide accessible financial solutions for Malaysians and we aim to empower the community in pursuing their financial aspirations and achieve economic independence, hence fostering a more inclusive financial future for all. We will continue to contribute towards the Islamic banking development in the region and the nation’s digital economy.

Continue Reading

Media OutReach

Empowering Website Operations Across ASEAN with AI and Teamwork

Published

2 days ago

on

24/12/2025

By

Japan’s MONJI+—A WebOps Enablement Platform Inspired by Voices from 77 Countries—Launches Its English Edition

OSAKA, JAPAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 December 2025 – ALAKI Inc., celebrating its 15th anniversary, has officially launched the English edition of MONJI+, an evolution of its 2018-born feedback tool MONJI β, now reimagined as a comprehensive WebOps Enablement Platform.

Alongside its free plan, available indefinitely, MONJI+ begins its full-scale expansion into the ASEAN market, helping teams elevate their website operations. In addition, a free Academic Edition is now offered to educational institutions to foster the next generation of web and IT talent.

▶️ Learn more about MONJI+

A Platform Born from 77 Countries of Real-World Insight

Since its launch in Japan in 2018, MONJI β has been adopted by web agencies, corporations, and advertising firms worldwide—across 77 countries and regions—streamlining feedback workflows for website management and development.

In everyday website operations, teams often face:

  • Feedback scattered across tools and channels
  • Miscommunication between internal teams and agencies
  • Unclear priorities that fail to drive results
  • Knowledge loss when members change
  • Valuable learnings buried and forgotten

MONJI+ connects creation, publishing, maintenance, and optimization into a single workflow—eliminating silos and enabling all members to move forward toward shared goals.

▶️ See how MONJI+ transforms your workflow

Since its official launch in Japan in January 2025, MONJI+ has rapidly spread among enterprises and educational institutions. It is increasingly adopted as a practical standard among agencies and in-house teams, improving productivity and measurable outcomes.

Responding to Global Voices – Official Launch of the English Edition

During forums and seminars held alongside the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, ALAKI engaged with government representatives and industry leaders from around the world.

The feedback was clear: inefficiencies in website operations, lack of improvement cycles, and a shortage of web marketing expertise are universal challenges. But one issue stood out above all—the shortage of skilled web and IT professionals.

Some governments even requested that MONJI+ contribute to national web/IT talent development, not just productivity gains. Following the Expo, inquiries from multiple countries confirmed the demand, prompting the official release of the English edition of MONJI+.

Confidence from SWITCH 2025, and a Vision for What’s Next

As part of its ASEAN expansion, ALAKI visited SWITCH 2025 (Singapore Week of Innovation & Technology), held from October 29–31. Through dialogues with government agencies, corporations, startups, and academic institutions, the importance of website operations productivity and digital talent development was reaffirmed.

Insights from leading ASEAN web and IT innovators will continue to shape the evolution of MONJI+.

Key Benefits of MONJI+

Eliminate inefficiencies and dependency on individuals—enhancing both productivity and performance in website operations.

  • Workflow Efficiency: Centralize feedback and progress tracking to prevent oversights
  • Error Reduction: Detect typos automatically with AI proofreading
  • Results-Oriented: Integration with analytics tools helps identify improvement areas instantly
  • Team Collaboration: Share real-time updates across internal and external members
  • Knowledge Building: Use the Wiki feature to retain expertise and reduce training costs

▶️ Explore MONJI+ features

The Future of “Agentic WebOps” — Powered by Data and AI

MONJI+ evolves beyond a simple management tool—it becomes an AI-driven partner that learns from operational data to support human decision-making and creativity.

Our vision: a human-in-the-loop “Agentic WebOps” environment that helps teams achieve outcomes with AI-assisted decision support.

Available AI Features:

  • AI typo and error detection for feedback
  • AI chatbot assistance

Upcoming AI Features (Examples):

  • Content suggestion and creation
  • Feedback trend analysis and improvement recommendations
  • Design assistance
  • Webpage performance analysis and enhancement
Customer Success Stories
  • Global Marketing Agency (Singapore): “Sharing the same interface greatly improved collaboration across our international offices.”
  • Web Production Agency (Japan): “Centralized feedback management accelerated delivery times by roughly 30%.”
  • E-commerce Company (Japan): “By linking with an analytics tool, we identified key improvement areas instantly—our conversion rate increased by over 20%.”
  • Recruitment Platform (Japan): “With AI detecting typos automatically, our job listing checks became faster and more reliable.”
Vision Video – ‘Pride and Hope for the Web Industry’

Discover how MONJI+ envisions the future of website operations.

▶️ Watch the Vision Video

CEO’s Comment

“Website operations shouldn’t be about chasing scattered messages—it should be about generating results that matter. With MONJI+, we unify feedback, workflow, and analytics, while AI suggests the next strategic move. Our mission is to help ASEAN teams reach outcomes faster and more reliably.”

— Yuji Yamauchi, Founder & CEO, ALAKI Inc.

Getting Started

Getting started is easy, with no credit card required. MONJI+ aims to be the shared foundation for website operations, accessible to everyone.

  • Forever-Free Plan: Access essential functions without time limits
  • 30-Day Free Trial: Experience all features in a live environment

▶️ Start your free 30-day trial now

Free “Academic Edition” for Educational Institutions

To empower the next generation of web and IT professionals, MONJI+ offers an Academic Edition free of charge to universities, vocational schools, and online programs. Students and educators can experience real-world website operations, gain practical skills, and collaborate through shared projects.

▶️ Learn more about the Academic Edition

Hashtag: #MONJI+

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

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