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Jollibee Opens 200th Store in Vietnam

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Jollibee Group’s flagship brand solidifies position as one of the top restaurant chains in Vietnam

HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 December 2024 – The Jollibee Group, one of the largest and fastest-growing restaurant companies in the world, marks a significant milestone with the grand opening of its 200th Jollibee store in Vietnam. This achievement underscores the company’s success in market penetration and reinforces its commitment to international growth.

Jollibee Group celebrates the opening of its 200th Jollibee Store in Vietnam, solidifying its position as one of the top restaurant chains in the country. The ceremony was led by Jollibee Group executives, including Jollibee Group Global Chief Executive Officer Ernesto Tanmantiong (2nd row, 5th from left); Jollibee Group Philippines CEO and Jollibee Global Head Joseph Tanbuntiong (2nd row, 6th from left); Jollibee Group Global Chief Business Support Officer William Tan Untiong (2nd row, 3rd from left); Jollibee Group Chief Financial and Risk Officer Richard Shin (2nd row, 2nd from left); Jollibee EMEAA President Dennis Flores (2nd row, 4th from left); Jollibee Vietnam Managing Director Lam Hong Nguyen (1st row, 3rd from left).

Jollibee Vietnam’s 200th store was inaugurated on December 12, 2024, at 704 Hau Giang Street, Ward 12, District 6, Ho Chi Minh City, with crowds eagerly awaiting their Jollibee favorites.

Vietnamese customers eagerly await as Jollibee Vietnam celebrates its 200th store on December 12, 2024 at 704 Hau Giang Street, Ward 12, District 6, Ho Chi Minh City.
Vietnamese customers eagerly await as Jollibee Vietnam celebrates its 200th store on December 12, 2024 at 704 Hau Giang Street, Ward 12, District 6, Ho Chi Minh City.

“This incredible 200-store milestone in Vietnam, our largest international market, signifies the acceleration of Jollibee’s global expansion, bringing us closer to our vision of becoming one of the Top 5 restaurant companies in the world,” said Ernesto Tanmantiong, Jollibee Group Global Chief Executive Officer. “What’s significant to us is how Jollibee was able to be a part of the Vietnamese people’s lives and was provided the opportunity to bring them many joyful moments.”

“We are honored that millions of Vietnam citizens have embraced Jollibee, and truly love the food from Chickenjoy, Jolly Spaghetti to Chili Chicken, which was specially made for the Vietnamese. We share this milestone with the Jollibee Vietnam team who rose above many obstacles to fulfill our mission of providing delicious food to bring the joy of eating across the Vietnamese communities,” Tanmantiong added.

“The success we’ve achieved in Vietnam is what we continue to strive for in markets across Asia and the rest of the world where we operate,” said Dennis Flores, Jollibee President for Europe, Middle East, Asia, and Australia (EMEAA). “In Vietnam, almost 100% of the customers are Vietnamese. This is a testament to how Jollibee can appeal to diverse markets and cross borders. By staying true to our commitment to deliver great-tasting food with consistent quality and warm friendly service, while listening closely to each market’s preferences and constantly innovating, we are poised to further accelerate our growth momentum.”

Jollibee greets fans as Jollibee Vietnam inaugurates its 200th store—Jollibee’s biggest store network outside the Philippines.
Jollibee greets fans as Jollibee Vietnam inaugurates its 200th store—Jollibee’s biggest store network outside the Philippines.

Jollibee’s Two-Decade Success Story in Vietnam

Jollibee Vietnam’s journey did not happen overnight. Beginning modestly in 2005 with its first branch in Coop Mart Xa Lo Hanoi, the brand has grown to become a beloved dining destination for Vietnamese customers.

“It is the continuous support of the Vietnamese people, and their fondness for Jollibee’s signature offerings like Chickenjoy and Jolly Spaghetti that has fueled this remarkable growth and inspired us to strive towards becoming the quick-service restaurant (QSR) with the widest network in Vietnam,” said Lam Hong Nguyen, Jollibee Vietnam Managing Director.

Jollibee’s success in Vietnam is largely attributed to its menu of exceptional-tasting products loved by locals. Signature dishes like Chickenjoy, perfectly crispy fried chicken, and sweet-style Spaghetti, a unique and beloved offering, have become iconic favorites. The spicy and flavorful Chili Chicken, developed specifically for Vietnamese customers, further complements the diverse menu and caters to the distinct local palate—an approach that has also won over local customers in other markets such as Hong Kong, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the Spicy Chickenjoy offering; and in the United Kingdom (UK) and Spain with Chicken Sandwich.

To support growing customer demand, Jollibee established its own ISO 22000-certified commissary in Vietnam to produce its fast-moving products. It is the first and only QSR in Vietnam to support its operation through a self-managed commissary, with the capacity to support 400 stores locally.

Ensuring Success in Asia and Across the World

Jollibee Group’s sustained growth in Vietnam is a testament to its strategic approach, operational excellence, and deep understanding of local preferences.

For almost 20 years, its flagship brand, Jollibee, has delighted Vietnamese customers with its unique and joyful dining experience. The company also continues to grow its presence in the country with its homegrown coffee brand, Highlands Coffee.

Highlands Coffee has grown exponentially since Jollibee Group acquired a 50% stake in 2012, expanding from 56 stores to a network of 763 in Vietnam and 815 globally. Today, the company holds a controlling 60% share of the business. Highlands Coffee is the market leader for Vietnamese coffee, known for its commitment to quality, sustainability, and community building. Its strategic growth has solidified its presence, especially in key urban areas, resonating strongly with both locals and visitors.

Looking ahead, Jollibee Group is well positioned for continued expansion in Asia and across the world. It recently entered the South Korean market with its acquisition of Compose Coffee. It has also entered into an agreement to acquire full ownership and control of Hong Kong-based dim sum restaurant Tim Ho Wan from Titan Dining LP (Titan Fund). Jollibee Group has also entered a joint venture with Singapore-based Food Collective Pte. Ltd. (FCPL) to expand the Tiong Bahru Bakery and Common Man Coffee Roasters chains in the Philippines.

The Jollibee Group now has a portfolio of 19 brands with over 9,500 stores across 32 countries worldwide.

Hashtag: #JollibeeGroup

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

About Jollibee Group

Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC), also known as the Jollibee Group, is one of the world’s fastest-growing restaurant companies, with a mission to deliver great-tasting food, bringing the joy of eating through its 19 brands with over 9,500 stores across 32 countries.

The Jollibee Group’s portfolio includes eight wholly owned brands (Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, Yonghe King, Hong Zhuang Yuan, Smashburger), four franchised brands (Burger King, Panda Express, Yoshinoya in the Philippines, and Tim Ho Wan in China), and ownership stakes in other key brands like The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (80%), Compose Coffee (70%), SuperFoods Group that operates Highlands Coffee (60%), and bubble tea brand Milksha (51%). The Company also has membership interests in Tortazo, LLC, along with Chef Rick Bayless, for Tortazo in the U.S. and has recently invested in Botrista, a leader in beverage technology.

Through its subsidiary Jollibee Worldwide Pte. Ltd. (JWPL), the Jollibee Group holds a 92% participating interest in Titan Dining LP. It recently disclosed that it signed an agreement to transfer of ownership and management of the Tim Ho Wan business to the Jollibee Group, subject to certain closing conditions. This transfer will be finalized after these closing conditions have been fulfilled, and Tim Ho Wan becomes 100% owned by JPWL. It also established a joint venture company that holds the franchise rights to operate Tiong Bahru Bakery and Common Man Coffee Roasters in the Philippines. The Company also holds a 90% stake in Titan Dining Partners II Ltd for growing Asia-Pacific food service brands.

The Jollibee Group’s global sustainability agenda, Joy for Tomorrow, underscores its commitment to sustainable business practices across food safety, employee welfare, community support, good governance, and environmental responsibility, among others. These focus areas are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

The Jollibee Group has been recognized as the Philippines’ Most Admired Company by the Asian Wall Street Journal, named one of Asia’s Fab 50 Companies, and listed among Forbes’ World’s Best Employers and Top Female-Friendly Companies. The Company is also a three-time Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award recipient and featured in TIME’s World’s Best Companies and Fortune’s Southeast Asia 500 List.

To learn more about Jollibee Group, visit

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Etiqa’s Project Firefly Reinforces Mangrove Ecosystem in Sungai Panjang in Collaboration with Malaysian Nature Society

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SELANGOR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 January 2026 – Etiqa has launched Etiqa’s Project Firefly a new environmental initiative dedicated to conserving one of Malaysia’s iconic firefly habitats while uplifting the livelihood of the communities living along Sungai Panjang in Sabak Bernam, who rely on eco-tourism and the mangrove ecosystem. The programme was carried out in collaboration with the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), and the Sabak Bernam District Council.

(L to R) Raffi Ismail, Marketing & Partnership Manager, Malaysian Nature Society; Fukhairudin Mohd Yusof, CEO of Etiqa General Insurance Berhad; Zaki Parmin, Assistant Agricultural Officer, Sabak Bernam District Council; Amran Hassan, Chief Strategy Officer, Etiqa

Through Etiqa’s Project Firefly, Etiqa is taking proactive steps to preserve and sustain the ecosystem by planting 130 Sonneratia Caseolaris or locally known as Berembang saplings and 200 Sonneratia Caseolaris seeds, undertaking habitat restoration works, and mobilising 50 Etiqa volunteers for a community-driven initiative along Sungai Panjang, covering a total stretch of 10 kilometres. In addition, an awareness session was conducted by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Faculty of Science which aimed to educate participants on the ecological importance of fireflies and the need for long-term conservation.

Fireflies play an important role as indicators of mangrove ecosystem health, which in turn supports environmental balance and benefits surrounding communities. However, across Malaysia, firefly populations are declining due to rapid habitat loss caused by river pollution, deforestation, and increasing light pollution along mangrove-lined rivers. These threats not only endanger native species but also affect the livelihoods of local fishermen and villagers who rely on healthy river ecosystems and firefly-based eco-tourism. Protecting congregating firefly zones through the preservation of adequate vegetation buffers along riverbanks is therefore critical to ensuring the long-term survival of these species and the sustainability of local livelihoods.

Fukhairudin Mohd Yusof, CEO of Etiqa General Insurance Berhad (EGIB) said, “We initiated Etiqa’s Project Firefly as conserving native firefly species is deeply connected to the well-being of the communities that co-exist around them. By conserving firefly habitats, we are not only protecting an irreplaceable part of Malaysia’s biodiversity but also helping sustain the eco-tourism and river-based livelihoods of Sungai Panjang residents. This reflects Etiqa’s purpose in Making the World a Better Place that includes meaningful environmental action which strengthens both nature and society, creating long-term value for future generations.”

Mr. I.S Shanmugaraj, Executive Director of Malaysia Nature Society says, “Fireflies are natural indicators of a healthy mangrove ecosystem, and their presence reflects the overall condition of our rivers and surrounding environments. We commend Etiqa for taking proactive steps through Etiqa’s Project Firefly to address the growing threats of habitat degradation along fireflies corridor. Meaningful conservation requires collective action, and we hope this initiative will inspire more companies to collaborate with environmental organisations and local communities to protect biodiversity while supporting sustainable livelihoods for the long term.”Hashtag: #Etiqamy

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

About Etiqa

Etiqa is a multi-channel distributor of Insurance and Takaful products via its 10,000 agency force, 44 branches and 17 offices, over 490 bancassurance network (via Maybank branches, third-party banks, as well as co-operatives and brokers) through its presence in Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Indonesia and Cambodia.

In striving to make the world a better place, Etiqa’s Sustainability journey focuses on internal initiatives that reduces its carbon footprint and increases its social impact, as well as external solutions that allow its clients to do the same.

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PolyU research teams and startups shine at CES 2026, winning three prestigious innovation awards

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 January 2026 – The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) led 19 startups to the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026, held from 6 to 9 January. Alongside the groundbreaking technologies presented by participating startups, the University also showcased its research achievements, covering fields such as human security, digital health and energy optimisation. PolyU delivered an outstanding performance at this year’s Show, with three projects winning one “Best of Innovation Award” and two “Innovation Awards”. This not only marks the University’s best result since it first took part in this event, but also accounts for two-thirds of all awards received by the Hong Kong startup delegation, underscoring PolyU excellence in research, innovation and entrepreneurship.

PolyU delivered an outstanding performance at this year’s CES, with three projects winning one “Best of Innovation Award” and two “Innovation Awards”, underscoring the University’s excellence in research, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Prof. Christopher CHAO, PolyU Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation), remarked, “PolyU is committed to nurturing innovative research talent with both national and international outlooks. We empower our teams by leading them to major international innovation events and fostering close collaboration among industry, academia, research and investment sectors on a global level, creating opportunities for the overseas expansion of PolyU startups. PolyU was the sole university from Hong Kong to exhibit at the event, with its participating teams making up 30% of the Hong Kong delegation, contributing to Hong Kong’s advancement into an international innovation and technology hub. Our record-breaking performance at this year’s CES affirms international recognition of PolyU research and innovation, propelling our teams to continue striving along the path of innovation and technology to create even more profound social impact.”

PolyU led 19 startups to exhibit at CES 2026. Prof. Christopher Chao (centre) posed with representatives from the award-winning PolyU teams.
PolyU led 19 startups to exhibit at CES 2026. Prof. Christopher Chao (centre) posed with representatives from the award-winning PolyU teams.

Leveraging its robust research strengths and its unique startup ecosystem, PolyVentures, the University actively supports its research teams and startups in developing innovative technologies, bringing Hong Kong research achievements to the global stage. The Smart Firefighting Robot, developed by Mr WANG Meng, a PhD candidate of the Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering as well as Founder of PolyU startup Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited, along with his team, achieved the highest score in the “Products in Support of Human Security for All” category and earned the prestigious “Best of Innovation Award”. The Powered Rehab Skateboard, developed by Prof. Kenneth FONG, Associate Dean of the Graduate School and Associate Head of the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, received an “Innovation Award” in the “Accessibility and Longevity” category. The FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device, developed by a team spearheaded by Prof. ZHENG Yongping, Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, and Founder and Chief Scientist of PolyU startup Eieling Technology Limited, also won an “Innovation Award” in the “Digital Health” category.

The three award-winning innovations aim to enhance human security or health through cutting-edge technologies. The AI-driven Smart Firefighting Robot features autonomous patrol, burning materials classification, fire extinguishing and real-time data sharing functions in smoke-filled environments, protecting firefighters and the public simultaneously. The Powered Rehab Skateboard is a portable and cost-effective robotic system that supports home-based and community rehabilitation for stroke patients. The skateboard facilitates motor recovery in hemiparetic upper limbs and allows users to engage in effective therapy. The FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device is the world’s first lightweight intelligent assessment system for fatty liver detection. Weighs only 120 grams, the device can complete fatty liver assessment within 30 seconds, achieving detection accuracy at medical-grade standards.

Organised by the Consumer Technology Association, CES is one of the world’s largest and most influential consumer electronics exhibitions, spotlighting cutting-edge technologies for modern living. This year, CES attracted over 4,500 exhibitors from around the globe. The PolyU startups participating in the exhibition were as follows:

PolyU Startups Featured Innovations Company Representatives
AniMed Technology Limited Contactless real-time AI-driven health monitoring Dr LYU Weimin
Co-founder and CEO, AniMed Technology Limited
CyanSE Smart Energy Tech Limited AI-powered energy optimisation platforms for smart buildings Ms Amber ZHANG
Co-founder, CyanSE Smart Energy Tech Limited
DRESIO Limited AI-powered physiotherapy assessments software solution Mr Alexander YING
CEO, DRESIO Limited
Eieling Technology Limited FattaLab® Fatty Liver Diagnostic Device
(CES 2026 Innovation Award)
Prof. ZHENG Yongping
Henry G. Leong Professor in Biomedical Engineering, Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, PolyU; Founder and Chief Scientist, Eieling Technology Limited
Entoptica Limited Cutting-edge ophthalmic diagnostic technologies Dr Mukhit KULMAGANBETOV
Senior Research Fellow, InnoHK Centre for Eye and Vision Research; CEO, Entoptica Limited
Feelings Group Limited AI-powered computer vision solution Dr WONG Wing-sze
Research Assistant Professor, Department of Language Science and Technology, PolyU; Clinical Consultant and Co-inventor, Feelings Group Limited

Ms YIP Chi-hay
Partner, Feelings Group Limited

Gembody Limited Next-generation portable AI ultrasound system Ms MAO Qian
CEO, Gembody Limited

Dr YANG Fan
CTO, Gembody Limited
ImageVector MedTech Limited AI-Vision for Joint Degeneration

Dr JIANG Tianshu

Executive Director, ImageVector MedTech Limited

Immune Materials Limited Innovative long-lasting antimicrobial self-disinfection materials Prof. Chris LO Kwan-yu
Professor, Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies, PolyU; Co-founder, Immune Materials Limited

Prof. KAN Chi-wai
Associate Dean and Professor, School of Fashion and Textiles, PolyU; Co-founder, Immune Materials Limited

Innobound Limited Portable smart terminal for emotional interaction, health monitoring and daily living assistance Ms GAO Lan
CEO and Founder, Innobound Limited
MedVision Limited AI-powered medical imaging solution Prof. CAI Jing
Head and Professor, Department of Health Technology and Informatics, PolyU; Consultant, MedVision Limited

Dr MA Zongrui
Postdoctoral Fellow,Department of Health Technology and Informatics, PolyU; Founder, MedVision Limited

Mirror Caring Limited Knee health management solution Prof. Stephen WANG Jia
Professor, School of Design, PolyU; Founder, Mirror Caring Limited
Nuvatech Limited Next-Gen Fashion OS powered by Multi-modal AI Mr DENG Yanheng
Founder, Nuvatech Limited
On-Skin Wearable Technology Limited Wearable Biomedical Electronic Device Dr Rayman GONG
Founder and CEO, On-Skin Wearable Technology Limited
ReSaTech Limited AI solutions for product reliability Mr Ricky LAW
CEO, ReSaTech Limited
UbiquiTech Innovations Limited Edge-AI robot for autonomous inspection and cleaning in confined spaces Prof. CAO Jiannong
Vice President (Education), Otto Poon Charitable Foundation Professor in Data Science, Chair Professor of Distributed and Mobile Computing, PolyU;
Founder and Chief Scientist, UbiquiTech Innovations Limited

Dr LIANG Zhixuan
Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Computing, PolyU; Founder and CEO, UbiquiTech Innovations Limited

Vcare Vision Technology Limited Non-invasive myopia prevention solution Dr TANG Yuk-ming
Senior Lecturer, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, PolyU; Co-founder, Vcare Vision Technology Limited
Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited Smart Firefighting Robot

(CES 2026 Best of Innovation Award)

Mr WANG Meng
PhD candidate, Building Environment and Energy Engineering, PolyU; Founder, Widemount Dynamics Tech Limited
XOXO Beverages Limited Automated Cocktail Machine for improvements event and hospitality efficiency Mr Nicholas YU Wo-ping
Founder, XOXO Beverages Limited

Hashtag: #PolyU

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

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Starlight Centre Launches New Program For Students with Autism Entering Mainstream Primary Schools.

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SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 January 2026 – Starlight Centre has launched a new program designed for students with autism entering mainstream primary schools, including Pathlight and St. Andrew’s Mission School, next year. This school-readiness program is aimed at preschoolers (around 6 years old) in preparation for the challenges of primary school. Starlight Centre plans to utilise peer modelling and the RISE™ framework to equip these preschoolers with the essential skills needed for the transition to primary school.

Peer Modeling
Starlight Centre has provided specialised care services for children with high-functioning autism from primary 1 to 6 and have supported many students who are now ready to demonstrate positive behaviours from the programmes. Through peer modelling, younger students can observe and learn from their more experienced peers, helping them understand the acceptable boundaries of good behaviour.

RISE™
The Starlight RISE™ Primary School Readiness Program effectively prepares young children for formal education by developing their physical, social, emotional, and cognitive skills through engaging, play-based activities.

By actively involving parents in the process through comprehensive evaluations and strong partnerships, Starlight Centre aims to make parents feel valued and confident that their child’s development is being supported holistically, beyond just basic skills.

Hashtag: #AutismEducation #SpecialNeedsEducation #EarlyChildhoodEducation #ParentingSupport #StarlightCentre

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About Starlight Centre

Starlight was founded by a group of parents and seasoned autism professionals who have experienced first-hand the challenges of finding the most effective therapy programs, preschools, and after-school care services. We understand what you’re going through and are here to help. No matter your child’s needs, come to us, and we will connect you with the right resources.

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