Media OutReach
ONYX Hospitality Group Partners with LH Bank to Advance Development of “EQ Phuket”, a New Luxury Hotel in Phuket
The signing ceremony took place on 7 May 2026 at Oriental Residence Bangkok. The agreement was signed by Mr. Yuthachai Charanachitta, Chief Executive Officer of ONYX Hospitality Group; Mr. Donald Lim, Chief Executive Officer of Equatorial Group; and Mr. Shih Jiing-Fuh, President and Chief Executive Officer of LH Bank, in the presence of senior executives from all three organisations. The ceremony reflects the strategic collaboration between the project developer, hotel management company and financial institution in advancing the project into its full development phase.
Mr. Yuthachai Charanachitta, Chief Executive Officer of ONYX Hospitality Group, said, “EQ Phuket marks an important step in ONYX Hospitality Group’s strategy to expand its portfolio of luxury resorts. We see strong long-term potential in the Phuket market, and we are confident that this collaboration with strong partners in both development and finance will help drive the project towards successful completion in line with our plans, while creating long-term value for all stakeholders.”
More than simply a new luxury hotel, EQ Phuket also represents a strategic initiative reflecting ONYX Hospitality Group’s long-term growth strategy. The development aims to strengthen the Group’s portfolio within the upper-upscale and luxury resort segment across the region. The project is expected to open in the second quarter of 2028 and will play an important role in supporting the Group’s long-term growth.
Mr. Donald Lim, Chief Executive Officer of Equatorial Group,said, “We are delighted to be working on this project, which brings our EQ brand to one of the world’s foremost tourist destinations. In 2019, the opening of our first EQ hotel in Kuala Lumpur re-energized the industry by quickly establishing itself as a landmark in the city. As a boutique brand, the combination of its elegance and chic aesthetics with exceptional warmth and hospitality was incredibly well-received. EQ continues to garner international recognition: for example in 2025, was named in Travel + Leisure magazine’s list of Top 100 Hotels in the World, placing at No. 22. We are incredibly excited to be working with ONYX Hospitality Group to introduce our EQ brand to Thailand.”
Mr. Shih Jiing-Fuh, President and Chief Executive Officer of LH Bank, revealed, “The bank has extended the loan facility of Baht 1,800 million to support the development of the EQ Phuket project, a luxury hotel located on Kata Beach, Phuket. LH Bank believes Phuket continues to stand as one of the world’s premier tourist destinations. We are confident that the EQ Phuket project will further enhance the island’s tourism potential and strengthen Thailand’s competitiveness in the global tourism market.”
This signing marks another significant milestone for the project following the joint venture agreement signed between ONYX Hospitality Group and Equatorial Group on 18 November 2024 to jointly develop the project. The development has a total investment value of approximately THB 2.8 billion. The financial support secured through this loan agreement reflects the confidence of the financial sector in the project’s potential, as well as in the continued growth of Phuket’s luxury tourism market.
Phuket remains one of the region’s leading destinations for high-spending travellers from Europe, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region, particularly within the upper-upscale and luxury resort segment, which continues to see strong growth potential. This is reflected in the island’s average hotel occupancy rate, which has increased to 69%, while the average daily room rate (ADR) rose from THB 4,717 in 2023 to THB 5,241 in 2024.
At the same time, the structure of Phuket’s international visitor mix has become increasingly diversified. Chinese travellers continue to represent the largest visitor segment, while arrivals from Russia and India have increased significantly. Combined with the continued recovery of long-haul travel and growing demand for high-quality leisure experiences in distinctive destinations, Phuket remains a highly attractive market for long-term luxury resort development.
The EQ Phuket project will be located on a beachfront site in the northern area of Kata Beach, Phuket, covering approximately 32 rai of land. The resort will feature approximately 170 keys, comprising 11 pool villas, 27 suites and 132 standard guest rooms.
Luxury facilities will include an all-day dining restaurant, pool bar, two swimming pools, kids club, spa, fitness centre and large-scale event and banquet spaces. The beachfront area is planned to be developed into a beach club and sports and lifestyle hub, further enhancing the luxury resort experience and offering a comprehensive range of leisure facilities.
The project is designed to cater to high-end travellers seeking a premium hospitality experience in a distinctive and private beachfront location.
For more information about ONYX Hospitality Group, please visit: www.onyx-hospitality.com
Hashtag: #ONYXHospitalityGroup #HospitalityIndustry #AsiaPacificTravel
https://www.linkedin.com/company/onyx-hospitality-group/
https://www.facebook.com/ONYXHospitalityGroup
https://www.instagram.com/onyxhospitalitygroup/
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About ONYX Hospitality Group
ONYX Hospitality Group, a reputable force in Southeast Asia’s hospitality industry, operates a collection of comprehensive yet complementary brands – Amari, OZO, Shama and Oriental Residence – catering to the distinctive needs of discerning business and leisure travellers in Southeast Asia where their expertise lies. In addition to its brand portfolio, ONYX Hospitality Group also operates additional hospitality services across spa and food and beverage. With over five decades of management experience, the company extends its innovative solutions throughout the region, upholding internationally recognised standards and ensuring optimal operational manoeuvrability. By fostering enduring relationships with like-minded business partners, ONYX Hospitality Group delivers unparalleled experiences in a dynamic and competitive market, meeting the ever-evolving demands of travellers.
More information: 
www.onyx-hospitality.com
About Equatorial Group
Equatorial is a renowned Malaysian hospitality brand having played a leading role the country’s modern hotel industry. The introduction of its EQ brand elevated that reputation with its take on stylish lifestyle travel.
Excellence in food & beverage services is another distinctive hallmark: in addition to several famous restaurants, its Kampachi holds the distinction of the oldest Japanese restaurant in Malaysia. The Group is also the master licensee of top restaurant franchises such as Ippudo ramen and MAiSEN tonkatsu from Japan.
More information: equatorial.com
Find us on social media:
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eqkualalumpur/
Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eq-kuala-lumpur/
Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eqkualalumpur
New boutique separates luxury brand collections across two dedicated spaces, giving collectors a more focused buying experience
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 May 2026 – Watchbook Singapore has opened a second boutique at Far East Plaza, separating its curated collections across two dedicated spaces on the same floor to give collectors a more focused buying experience.
The expansion allows Watchbook to organise its inventory by brand family. The main boutique at #03-139 focuses on Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet and Cartier. The new boutique at #03-55 features contemporary luxury watches including Tudor, Omega, Hublot and other brands.
“By giving each collection its own dedicated space, we can offer collectors a sharper, more personalised experience,” said Anson Toh, chief executive officer at Watchbook Singapore. “This expansion reflects the growing interest in both neo-vintage and modern luxury watches, and our commitment to serving collectors at every level.”
Watchbook enters this next phase as Singapore’s second-highest-reviewed watch dealer, with more than 2,400 verified Google reviews reflecting thousands of successful transactions. Both boutiques are backed by the company’s end-to-end model: in-house authentication, a dedicated service centre staffed by certified watchmakers, and curated inventory under one roof.
Far East Plaza is well-established as a destination for watch enthusiasts and luxury retailers in Singapore. The opening of a second boutique on the same floor reinforces Watchbook’s position at the centre of that community.
Boutique Details
Main boutique
14 Scotts Road,
#03-139 Far East Plaza,
Singapore 228213.
New boutique
14 Scotts Road,
#03-55 Far East Plaza,
Singapore 228213.
Hashtag: #watchbook #fareastplaza
https://watchbook.sg/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/watchbook-singapore/
https://www.facebook.com/watchbooksg/
https://www.instagram.com/watchbooksg/
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Watchbook Singapore
Watchbook is Singapore’s Neo-Vintage Rolex Specialist and a trusted destination for authenticated pre-owned luxury watches. The company offers one of Singapore’s deepest curated selections of certified neo-vintage Rolex timepieces from the 1980s to 2000s, alongside a broader portfolio including Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Cartier, Omega and more.
As an independent luxury watch dealer, Watchbook operates a fully in-house service centre staffed by certified watchmakers, delivering complete authentication, servicing and warranty support. Recognised as Singapore’s second-highest-reviewed watch dealer, Watchbook serves collectors and enthusiasts who value heritage, character and certified quality.
Short Courses Structured for Busy Professionals
For working adults who want targeted upskilling, SIM Academy’s course listing includes instructor-led programmes that are typically offered in short formats. The 1-day or 2-day course structure may appeal to professionals seeking to build capability while balancing work and personal commitments.
The topics covered reflect a mix of core workplace capabilities and emerging skill areas, including communication skills, cognitive skills, systems leadership, sustainability, as well as broader organisational and leadership competencies. Such short-format training has become a common feature within Singapore’s continuing education landscape, particularly among working adults seeking to remain competitive in a changing job market.
SkillsFuture Funded Training Courses
A number of SIM Academy’s professional development courses are eligible for SkillsFuture Credit and related funding schemes. These funding mechanisms are part of national efforts to encourage lifelong learning and support workforce transformation. The availability of funding-supported courses may lower barriers to participation for individuals and employers, particularly for those pursuing incremental skills upgrading.
Career Switch for mid‑career professionals
SIM Academy offers programmes under the SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme (SCTP). These programmes are designed for individuals considering a shift into new roles or sectors and typically run over 5-6 months. Programme structures may include a combination of classroom learning, practical projects and career support elements such as guidance on job search and career planning.
This reflects a broader trend in Singapore’s training ecosystem, where structured transition programmes are increasingly used to support workforce mobility and adaptation to new job roles.
Flexible Delivery Formats
SIM Academy’s programmes are delivered through a mix of in-person, online and blended learning formats. This allows participants to select learning modes that align with their schedules and professional commitments. Short courses are conducted throughout the year, primarily at SIM Management House, alongside digital learning options that support greater accessibility. Flexible delivery has become an increasingly important feature of professional education, particularly for working adults balancing training with full-time employment.
Part of a Broader Continuing Education Landscape
As industries continue to evolve, demand for continuous skills development remains a key focus within Singapore’s workforce strategy. Short courses, modular training and structured transition programmes are among the approaches adopted by training providers to meet these needs.
SIM Academy’s range of offerings includes shorter, skills-focused workshops and longer-duration programmes designed to support career transitions.
References
- SIM Academy: https://www.sim.edu.sg/professional-development/overview
- Courses offered by SIM Academy: https://www.sim.edu.sg/professional-development/courses/course-listing
- SkillsFuture Courses offered at SIM: https://www.sim.edu.sg/professional-development/courses/skillsfuture-courses
- SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme (SCTP): https://sctp.pd.sim.edu.sg
Hashtag: #SIMAcademy #SIMA
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About SIM Academy
SIM Academy provides leading-edge professional development and enterprise solutions. SIM Academy offers over 300 executive and business programmes that help almost 10,000 professionals annually on average hone their competencies to drive business value and achieve peak personal and enterprise performance.
Our programmes encompass a comprehensive range of lifelong learning opportunities designed to empower professionals with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to become effective change-makers and leaders in today’s volatile and uncertain business landscape.
For more information on SIM Academy, visit sim.edu.sg
Media OutReach
Patented Ingredients Help Malaysian Supplement Brands Stand Out as Wel-Bloom Bio-Tech Expands Market Presence
According to IMARC Group, the Malaysian dietary supplements sector is projected to grow at a CAGR of 4.68% through 2034.Amidst this expansion, Wel-Bloom Bio-Tech emphasizes the importance of leveraging high-barrier patented ingredients. For the beauty and wellness sector, the exclusive ingredient Wel-ROS6® utilizes the “Black Crystal Roselle,” a variety developed over nine years. Through a triple-patented micro-grinding technology, the total anthocyanin content reaches up to 17.7 times that of conventional roselle extracts.
To address the aging population’s needs, Wel-Bloom Bio-Tech also introduces Wel-EGT®, a high-purity ergothioneine extracted through a patented process. This ingredient serves as a core component for cognitive health supplements, offering 5 times the BCAA content of standard chicken essence to support anti-aging and neurological health.
Beyond ingredient innovation, Wel-Bloom’s patented Functional Jelly technology enables preservative-free supplements that maintain 97.8% active ingredient integrity. As an international CDMO and health supplement manufacturer certified under NSF-GMP and HALAL, Wel-Bloom Bio-Tech provides integrated services from R&D to production, empowering Malaysian partners to achieve differentiated positioning in the evolving wellness market.
Hashtag: #Welbloom
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Wel-Bloom Bio-Tech
Wel-Bloom is a globally recognized CDMO expert in the health food industry, dedicated to delivering innovative, one-stop solutions. Guided by forward-looking market insights and supported by robust R&D capabilities, Wel-Bloom empowers clients to develop highly competitive, differentiated health food products.
For partnership opportunities and functional ingredient solutions, visit https://welbloom.com/ or search for Wel-Bloom online.
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