Media OutReach
Singapore-Led Professional Services Centre Opens in Shanghai to Strengthen Cross-Border Business Collaboration
The Alliance comprises the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA), the Association of Small & Medium Enterprises (ASME), the Institute of Valuers and Appraisers, Singapore (IVAS), the Singapore Manufacturing Federation (SMF), the Tax Academy, and The Law Society of Singapore. Together, the Alliance represents a network spanning over 30 industries, from manufacturing, electronics, energy and life sciences to finance, technology, F&B, logistics, legal, tax, accountancy and valuation, bringing over 50,000 professionals and businesses under one collaborative ecosystem for cross-border growth.
This marks a significant milestone in strengthening professional and business ties between Singapore and China. Strategically located in the heart of the Hongqiao Business District, the PS Centre will serve as a gateway for bilateral engagement, providing a platform for Singapore and Chinese businesses to connect, collaborate, and grow.
The PS Centre builds upon the Alliance’s long-term vision to establish up to 10 PS Centres globally under this collaborative initiative with its founding partners. It represents a pivotal step in expanding Singapore’s professional services ecosystem into China through a permanent, on-the-ground presence in one of Asia’s most vibrant business hubs.
Supported by key stakeholders from both Singapore and China, including government agencies, trade associations, and professional bodies, the PS Centre will act as a collaborative platform for knowledge exchange, talent support, thought leadership, and business development, especially for firms seeking new opportunities in China.
The PS Centre exemplifies Singapore’s “hunt in a pack” strategy, where business associations and professional membership bodies expand together as a group to regionalise. This enables:
- end-to-end support for businesses entering new markets covering legal, tax, valuation, accounting, and advisory needs;
- shared resources, know-how, and networks for greater operational efficiency and collective strength; and
- broader regional footprint and deeper market penetration across Southeast Asia and beyond.
The PS Centre is built around three overarching focus areas:
1. A Conduit for International Expansion
Acting as a hub for firms, trade associations, and partners seeking to expand overseas. By connecting them to a curated network of region-specific experts and local partners, firms gain tailored guidance and services to navigate new markets confidently.
2. Business Enablement
The PS Centre provides business opportunities for ISCA Corporate Members and a wide community of professional services firms, including those in accounting, tax, legal, business valuation and corporate advisory. It offers an in-market presence, local expertise, and collaboration spaces for sustained engagement.
3. Fostering a Regional Ecosystem
Serving as a platform for cross-border knowledge sharing, strategic networking, thought leadership, and innovation – laying the groundwork for robust, long-term professional partnerships and a future-ready business community across Asia.
Mr Fuan Kong, Secretary, Party Leadership Group Executive Deputy Director-General, said: “We welcome ISCA’s presence here and are confident that the PS Centre will play a meaningful role in advancing our shared goals of development, innovation and economic exchange.”
This launch signals the start of a new chapter in the internationalisation of Singapore’s professional services in China, paving the way for additional full-scale PS Centres in Ho Chi Minh City, Nanjing, and Johor Bahru in the coming months.
“The establishment of ISCA’s PS Centre in Shanghai reflects the growing demand for trusted, cross-border professional partnerships,” said Mr Loh Tuck Keat, Consul-General of the Consulate General of the Republic of Singapore in Shanghai. “I believe that it will serve as a strong foundation for deeper economic and professional engagement between Singapore and China.”
The Alliance invites businesses and professional services firms to watch for more updates as they continue to expand this regional network – bringing trusted expertise to businesses across Asia and creating new pathways for sustainable growth and collaboration.
“The new PS Centre in Shanghai is an important step forward in our goal to support organisations as they expand overseas,” said Mr Teo Ser Luck, President of ISCA. “Having a physical presence in China helps us build a stronger, Singapore-led network where professional bodies, trade groups, and businesses work closely together to find new opportunities. This ‘hunting in a pack’ approach means companies can get support in critical functions, while allowing us to grow our reach further into the region.”
Mr Ang Yuit, President of the Association of Small & Medium Enterprises (ASME), said, “Shanghai represents a gateway to one of the world’s most dynamic markets. With the launch of the Professional Services Centre here, we are not only deepening cross-border business collaboration but also reinforcing the commitment of Singapore’s trade associations to support SMEs in navigating complex, fast-moving economies. ASME is proud to be part of this Alliance and looks forward to helping our enterprises build trusted partnerships, access in-market expertise, and scale confidently across borders.”
“The opening of the China Shanghai Professional Services Centre marks a significant step forward in strengthening regional collaboration and enabling Singapore enterprises to internationalise with confidence,” said Mr. Dennis Mark, CEO of the Singapore Manufacturing Federation. “As a strategic platform for business enablement and cross-border partnerships, the Centre will play a vital role in deepening professional networks, facilitating market access, and fostering sustainable growth across Asia. The Singapore Manufacturing Federation is proud to support this initiative, which aligns with our commitment to empowering local firms to seize global opportunities through innovation, connectivity, and shared expertise.”
“The Tax Academy of Singapore’s mission is to raise the professional competency of the tax community and develop our standing as a leading centre for taxation and a regional tax knowledge hub,” said Mr Dennis Lui, CEO of Tax Academy of Singapore. “We are delighted to participate in ISCA’s Professional Services Centre initiative, so as to help build a stronger regional eco-system for the growth of businesses in the region.”
“The Law Society of Singapore is pleased to support this cross-profession initiative to deepen collaboration between Singapore and China,” said Ms Lisa Sam, President of the Law Society of Singapore. “The Professional Services Centre in Shanghai provides a valuable platform for professionals and businesses from both countries to connect, share knowledge, and grow together. We look forward to contributing to greater awareness of legal risks, dispute resolution, and ethical business practices, and to working with ISCA and our partners to strengthen Singapore’s professional presence abroad.”
Hashtag: #ISCA #Accountancy #DifferenceMakers #ProfessionalServicesCentre
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About the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants
Air Corporate data reveals 9 in 10 founders incorporated in Hong Kong do so remotely, driven by a 20% surge in Middle Eastern entrepreneurs seeking cost-effective operational alternatives to Dubai.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 May 2026 – Air Corporate registered a 40.5% increase in Hong Kong incorporations in 2025, with the first quarter of 2026 already up 48% year-over-year. This data indicates that Hong Kong is reasserting itself as the leading Asian jurisdiction for company formation, fueled by a new wave of remote founders from the Middle East, North Africa, and Europe.
The prevailing narrative over the past five years suggested that Singapore was eclipsing Hong Kong; however, recent incorporation volumes challenge this. According to city-wide official figures cited by Vivian, Founder of Air Corporate, approximately 195,000 companies were registered in Hong Kong in 2025, compared to around 77,000 in Singapore.
“There was a lot of fuss about Singapore taking over Hong Kong as preferred jurisdiction over the last few years, but for 2025 alone, around 195,000 companies were formed in HK, vs around 77,000 for Singapore,” said Vivian. While city-wide registrations rose roughly 35% in 2025, incorporations at Air Corporate specifically grew by 40.5%. Vivian added, “With a 35% increase in the number of companies registered in 2025, Hong Kong is definitely back in the game as the top jurisdiction to start a company.”
The reality of Hong Kong company formation is increasingly global, lean, and founder-led. Nine in ten founders incorporated in Hong Kong with Air Corporate do not live there.
Key demographic and operational insights from Air Corporate’s client base include:
- Approximately 90% of founders operate remotely from abroad, while 10% or less are based in Hong Kong.
- Entrepreneurs aged 35 to 44 represent the largest age cohort at 38%, demonstrating that Hong Kong attracts founders in their prime career years rather than just younger digital nomads.
- Serial entrepreneurs make up 60% of Air Corporate’s client mix, utilizing Hong Kong as an operational base for multiple companies, while first-time founders account for the remaining 40%.
- A total of 89% of new companies are launched by solo founders (58%) or small teams of two to five individuals (31%).
- Mainland China, Hong Kong, Turkey, India, the UAE, Australia, France, and Morocco rank among the top source markets for these founders.
Furthermore, 73% of new Hong Kong incorporations are directly tied to physical goods trade with China. This consists of e-commerce and dropshipping businesses (38%) and the trading of goods (35%). The recovery of in-person trade flows, including events, such as the Canton Fair and various industrial fairs, is pulling foreign founders back into the Greater China orbit and establishing Hong Kong as the natural entry point and financial layer over the world’s largest manufacturing base.
Air Corporate’s data recorded a 20% year-over-year growth in founders originating from the Middle East. This shift highlights a reverse migration where founders previously incorporated in Dubai are now choosing Hong Kong. Based on Vivian’s observations, founders often arrive in Dubai expecting fast incorporation and low costs, but discover that incorporation and maintenance are significantly more expensive than in Hong Kong, and banking remains difficult. Consequently, many founders move to Hong Kong after 12 to 24 months in the UAE, a trend accelerated by the Hong Kong government’s strategic outreach to the region.
For lean, remote-first businesses, speed-to-market is a critical factor. A founder located anywhere in the world can incorporate in Hong Kong and open a working bank account in approximately 7 days using digital banking partners. Currently, 90% of Air Corporate’s clients utilize these digital banking partners.
“Hong Kong and Singapore are the only places in Asia where you can set up your company, get a corporate account, and be in business in less than a week,” concluded Vivian.
Air Corporate is a service provider facilitating company formation and incorporation in Hong Kong for serial entrepreneurs, first-time founders, and remote-first business owners operating globally.
Media Inquiries
To learn more about Hong Kong company formation, visit Air Corporate’s website or contact their team directly.
Hashtag: #AirCorporate
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Media OutReach
Natural Diamonds Sparkle on The Red Carpet at The 2026 Met Gala Celebrating “Costume Art”
Today’s biggest stars express individuality and confidence with natural diamonds
NEW YORK, US – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 May 2026 – The 2026 Met Gala celebrating “Costume Art” took place May 4th at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, bringing together leading figures from across the globe for an unforgettable evening. These tastemakers showcased the most classic, refined and distinctive diamond jewelry looks of the season. Below, A Diamond is Forever highlights the standout trends from the event.
Desert diamonds
Desert diamonds emerged as a striking throughline on the Met Gala carpet, with a range of hues in distinctive settings taking focus.
Rihanna led the trend in a pair of exceptionally rare old Moghul Golconda fancy brown-yellow diamond earrings by Glenn Spiro, featuring two pear-shaped natural diamonds totaling 51.9 carats. Doja Cat offset her all nude look with a pair of large Leviev Diamonds floral-shaped earrings while Paloma Elsesser made a statement in a 29.5-carat diamond necklace by Bernard James, centered around a 15-carat fancy light yellow pear-shaped natural diamond. Cara Delevingne wore a De Beers London Forces of Nature High Jewelry ring, featuring marquise yellow diamonds set as eyes, while Emma Chamberlain opted for yellow and white diamond earrings by Chopard, underscoring the continued allure of warm diamond hues.
Magnificent Diamond Earrings
A wide variety of captivating silhouettes defined the natural diamond earrings on the Met Gala carpet. Zoë Kravitz delivered a modern twist with oversized diamond flower earrings by Jessica McCormack. Chase Sui Wonders opted for Jean Schlumberger by Tiffany & Co. Sea Fan earrings, bringing an element of sculptural artistry to the look. Gracie Abrams selected gently dangling Chanel earrings, adding understated fluidity, while Connor Storrie selected simple hoop earrings from Tiffany & Co., reinforcing the clean and enduring appeal of natural diamonds.
Standout Diamond Moments
Natural diamonds appeared in personal, unconventional and eye-catching ways, offering moments of surprise and awe. Power couple Beyoncé and Jay-Z embodied this trend with Beyoncé wearing Chopard’s Queen of Kalahari necklace, named after the rare 342-carat diamond that provided 23 stones for Chopard’s Garden of Kalahari collection. Jay-Z contributed to the narrative with a vintage diamond brooch by Briony Raymond worn at the collar as an unexpected placement that underscored the piece’s versatility. Isha Ambani made the styling of diamonds an art form in itself, wearing her own diamond jewelry featuring approximately 150 carats of old mine-cut diamonds, including a three-strand necklace and chandelier earrings, while also incorporating diamonds sewn directly into the bodice of her sari to represent significant moments in her life.
Together, these looks highlighted a shift toward natural diamonds as vessels of personal expression, styled with intention, individuality, and a sense of the unexpected.
Hashtag: #MetGala #RedCarpet #ADiamondisForever #NaturalDiamonds #Diamonds
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Media OutReach
Turn Your Savings into a Front-Row Experience: HL Bank Singapore Offers Exclusive Passes to AsiaTop Music Festival 2026
The premier music festival will play host to 16 K-pop, regional and Malaysian stars including, in performance order: Day 1 – NexT1DE, Aina Abdul, Belle Sisoski, Win Metawin, NMIXX, WINNER, DAESUNG, KUN. Day 2 – Uriah See, Firdhaus, Butterbear, 82MAJOR, STAYC, CRAVITY, TWS, CxM
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 May 2026 – Your next major K-pop experience is just a savings goal away as HL Bank Singapore (“HLB Singapore”) bridges the gap between financial wellness and the front row. In an exclusive collaboration designed for the ultimate music enthusiast, the bank is offering fans the chance to secure a pair of sought-after AsiaTop Music Festival 2026 tickets, valued at up to RM1,098 (approx. S$355), simply by growing their wealth.
This unique initiative stems from the regional synergy between Hong Leong Bank (“HLB”) and Tencent Music Entertainment Group (JOOX and QQ Music). By aligning with Visit Malaysia Year and Visit Selangor Year 2026, HLB is transforming the traditional banking experience into a gateway for premium entertainment. Scheduled for 30 and 31 May 2026 at the iconic Sepang International Circuit, the festival promises a high-octane weekend featuring an elite lineup of Asian superstars, including the largest K-pop showcase in the ASEAN region.
Securing a spot at the heart of the action has been streamlined through the iSavings Reward Campaign, running from 9 May 2026 to 18 May 2026. To participate, fans first decide on their preferred festival experience, selecting either a pair of Standard Passes with a S$5,000 deposit or the high-energy, nearer-to-the-stars Rockzone Passes with a S$8,282 deposit for their chosen day.
Once a tier is selected, customers can register by depositing the qualifying funds into an iSavings account via FAST or Links transfer. To validate their entry, customers must include the specific Comment Code, such as PALLIR1 for Day 1 Rockzone, within the funds transfer description. The qualifying balance must be maintained within the account for a six-month (182 days) earmarked period.
With only 88 pairs of tickets available for this exclusive campaign, the stakes are high. Allocation is limited to 22 pairs per day for each ticket category and will be awarded strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. Fans are encouraged to act quickly to ensure their savings work as hard as they do while securing a premier seat at the musical event of the year.
For full terms & conditions, and further details, please visit: www.hlbank.com.sg/AsiaTop2026
Hashtag: #HLBankSingapore
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
HL Bank Singapore
HL Bank Singapore is the Singapore branch of Hong Leong Bank Berhad, a leading digital-centric Malaysia-based financial services institution with a rooted heritage in the country spanning over 120 years. Operating under a Full Bank Licence in Singapore, HL Bank offers a comprehensive range of financial services to our business, retail and high networth customers through our 4 core business segments – Business & Corporate Banking, Personal Financial Services, Private Wealth Management and Global Markets.
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