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Taicang Day in Munich: Celebrating 18 Years of Sino-German Industrial Innovation
The event featured a distinguished lineup of speakers who shared their insights on deepening cooperation. Gudrun Weidmann, Director for Internationalization at the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs; Zhai Qian, Minister Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Germany; Chen Xiaodong, Deputy Director of the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Commerce; Dr. Christian Scharpf, Deputy Mayor of Munich and Head of the Department of Labor and Economic Affairs, and Michaela Schenk, Chair of the Foreign Trade Committee of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry for Munich and Upper Bavaria, delivered opening remarks. The proceedings were moderated by Stefan Geiger, Chairman of the China-Western Bavaria Business and Cultural Association.

Chen Gao, Secretary of the CPC Taicang Municipal Committee, delivered a keynote address titled “Green, Innovation, and Integration: Establishing a Model for Sino-German Cooperation.” In his speech, Chen drew a poetic parallel between Munich and Taicang’s home region of Suzhou, describing both as paragons of the perfect fusion between tradition and modernity where cutting-edge technology and modern industry coexist harmoniously with rich cultural heritage.
Reflecting on 33 years of deep engagement with Germany, Chen emphasized that Taicang’s bilateral cooperation has reached a historic turning point, transitioning from merely attracting foreign capital to fostering two-way investment, and from industrial supply-chain support to the co-creation of a complete industrial ecosystem. The Secretary highlighted three flagship Taicang projects recently included in the official achievement list of the high-level Sino-German summit—the Schaeffler Humanoid Robot Digital Factory, the Sino-German Taicang Zero-Carbon Park, and the Taicang Rhine-Neckar Innovation Center. These milestones vividly demonstrate Taicang’s momentum in pivoting toward green transformation, collaborative innovation, and deep bilateral integration. Taicang’s strategy remains built on the philosophy of long-termism, with Chen reaffirming the city’s dedication to optimizing a market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized business environment while reinforcing its brand identity as a “home away from home” for German community.
Following these addresses, the event yielded several milestone agreements aimed at facilitating practical cooperation, including the official inauguration of the VDE China representative office in Taicang and the signing of a new batch of German scientific innovation projects. To further support the internationalization of local firms, the Taicang Enterprise Overseas Service Center was officially unveiled, alongside a dedicated matchmaking session for Chinese companies expanding into global markets. Furthermore, State Grid Taicang Power Supply Company presented its latest initiatives in Green Compliance and Environmental Sustainability, a presentation that received widespread acclaim for aligning industrial power solutions with international ESG standards.
Taicang’s strategic appeal is rooted in its premier location adjacent to Shanghai and its world-class infrastructure. Situated within a 30-minute commuting radius of central Shanghai, the city offers rapid access to Hongqiao Airport in 20 minutes and Pudong International Airport in just over an hour. Its maritime gateway, the Port of Taicang, features a 12.5-meter deep-water channel and ranks 8th in China and 20th globally, with an annual throughput exceeding 10 million TEUs. This logistics network supports a robust industrial ecosystem of over 5,000 enterprises, where 70% of vehicle components can be sourced locally.
Widely recognized as the “Home of German Enterprises” in China, Taicang now hosts over 560 German firms, including 60 “hidden champion” companies. This specialized cluster represents more than 10% of all German manufacturing enterprises in China. The city’s collaborative success is further evidenced by projects mentioned above in Chen Gao’s speech such as the Schaeffler Humanoid Robot Digital Factory and the Sino-German Taicang Zero-Carbon Park, and the Taicang Rhine-Neckar Innovation Center, all of which were included in the official achievement list of the German Chancellor’s visit to China.
To support its growing international community, Taicang has developed a sophisticated service ecosystem. The city’s Foreigner Service Center integrates 73 specialized services, supported by the “Hi Taicang” card which provides foreign residents with enhanced convenience in healthcare, education, and transportation. Complemented by cultural landmarks like the Rothenburg-themed street and authentic German bakeries, Taicang has created an environment where international partners can truly root themselves for long-term success.
Hashtag: #TIZ
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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Vinpearl Partners With Leading Southeast Asian Travel Platforms To Expand Its International Reach
The agreements were signed at the Vietnam-Thailand Business Forum and the Vietnam-Singapore Technology Connectivity Forum, held as part of Party General Secretary and State President To Lam’s official visits to the Kingdom of Thailand, the Republic of Singapore, and the Republic of the Philippines from May 28 to June 1, 2026.
In Thailand, Vinpearl announced the expansion of its strategic partnerships with Agoda and AirAsia MOVE to strengthen the international presence of its integrated tourism, hospitality, and entertainment ecosystem.
Through Agoda, one of the world’s largest online travel platforms, Vinpearl aims to optimize business performance across its tourism, hospitality, and entertainment portfolio while expanding its reach in key markets including Southeast Asia, India, the Middle East, Australia, and long-haul international traveler segments. The partnership also marks a new milestone for VinWonders, with its integrated leisure and hospitality products now being offered directly through Agoda’s global platform.
The partnership with AirAsia MOVE is designed to broaden international access to Vinpearl and VinWonders hospitality, leisure, and entertainment offerings in Phu Quoc, Nha Trang, and Da Nang-Hoi An through one of the region’s leading digital travel platforms. Via AirAsia MOVE, travelers can conveniently book flights, accommodations, and attractions within a single itinerary, making it easier to choose integrated Vinpearl and VinWonders experiences when visiting Vietnam.
With access to a network of more than 700 airlines and over one million hotels worldwide, AirAsia MOVE is expected to further strengthen the visibility of the Vinpearl and VinWonders ecosystem among international travelers, while also enhancing Vietnam’s appeal as a destination for visitors from ASEAN and other key global markets.
In Singapore, Vinpearl also signed partnership agreements with BeMyGuest and GlobalTix, two of the Asia-Pacific region’s leading technology and distribution platforms for travel experiences.
Supported by extensive partner networks and some of the region’s most diverse travel product portfolios, these collaborations are expected to strengthen the presence of the VinWonders brand across Southeast Asia, China, and India, while expanding international access to unique experience offerings in Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, and Da Nang.
Through these agreements, the partners will leverage their respective strengths in technology, distribution, and customer ecosystems to progressively expand the international footprint of Vinpearl and VinWonders while enhancing the global appeal of Vietnamese tourism.
Ms. Ngo Thi Huong, Chief Executive Officer, Vinpearl, said: “These partnerships not only expand Vinpearl’s network of strategic partners but also create a strong foundation for the Vinpearl and VinWonders ecosystem to connect more deeply with global traveler segments through some of the region’s leading travel, aviation, and distribution platforms. This represents an important step in our strategy to strengthen international competitiveness and position Vinpearl destinations among the top choices for travelers across Asia.”
Mr. Krishna Rathi, Associate Vice President, Supply, Agoda, said: “With its extensive scale of operations, diverse portfolio, and ability to develop integrated destinations, Vinpearl is one of the most outstanding partners in Vietnam’s tourism industry today. We believe this partnership will help the Vinpearl and VinWonders ecosystem engage more deeply with rapidly growing international traveler segments across Asia and global markets.”
Ms. Nadia Omer, Chief Executive Officer, AirAsia MOVE, said: “We highly value the opportunity to partner with Vinpearl in unlocking strategic collaboration potential within one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic and fast-growing tourism markets. As an OTA platform with a comprehensive travel ecosystem and extensive regional connectivity, AirAsia MOVE is committed to further enhancing travel connectivity and intra-regional tourism flows. Vietnam is emerging as one of the region’s brightest tourism destinations, and we believe the combination of Vinpearl’s leading hospitality and entertainment ecosystem with AirAsia MOVE’s distribution and connectivity capabilities will create significant growth opportunities for the tourism sector in the years ahead.”
The partnerships with Agoda, AirAsia MOVE, BeMyGuest, and GlobalTix mark another milestone in Vinpearl’s strategy to internationalize its tourism, hospitality, and entertainment ecosystem while expanding the presence of Vinpearl and VinWonders accommodation, leisure, and experience offerings across global travel platforms.
Hashtag: #Vinpearl
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Agoda
Agoda is a global online travel platform offering more than six million accommodation options, including hotels, resorts, apartments, and vacation villas, as well as flight bookings, travel activities, and related travel services. Headquartered in Singapore, Agoda is part of Booking Holdings (Nasdaq: BKNG). The platform operates in 39 languages, provides 24/7 customer support, and employs more than 7,500 people worldwide.
About AirAsia MOVE
AirAsia MOVE (MOVE) is the digital travel platform of Capital A Group and has been recognized by the World Travel Tech Awards as Asia’s Best Travel Booking App for three consecutive years since 2023. Focused on building a comprehensive travel ecosystem, MOVE delivers affordable, seamless, and personalized travel experiences across Southeast Asia and international markets.
The platform currently connects travelers to more than 700 airlines and over one million hotels worldwide while offering a wide range of services including attraction tickets, airport transfers, travel insurance, and integrated travel products. AirAsia MOVE also enhances user experience through its loyalty program and AskBo, an AI-powered travel chatbot.
About BeMyGuest
BeMyGuest is a Singapore-based travel technology company founded in 2012, specializing in booking and distribution solutions for attractions, tours, and travel experiences across the Asia-Pacific region. Its ecosystem includes the Distribution Network and Xplore Booking System, which support sales management, multi-channel distribution, and digital operations for thousands of partners in the experience tourism industry. BeMyGuest is connected to numerous online travel platforms and international distribution partners while providing multilingual solutions and flexible pricing models for integrated systems.
About GlobalTix
GlobalTix is a global technology and distribution platform for attractions, tours, and travel experiences, headquartered in Singapore with operations across multiple Asia-Pacific markets. Founded in 2013, GlobalTix enables attractions and experience operators to connect with travel agencies, online travel platforms, and international distribution partners through a unified platform. Its partners include major brands such as Mount Faber Leisure Group, Taman Safari Indonesia, Mandai Wildlife Group, National Gallery Singapore, and Singapore Airlines.
About Vinpearl
Vinpearl is Vietnam’s leading hospitality, tourism, and entertainment brand, currently operating 60 properties across 20 provinces and cities nationwide. Its ecosystem includes a network of five-star hotels and resorts with more than 17,500 rooms; 15 VinWonders theme parks featuring attractions for visitors of all ages; six world-class golf courses; and three VinPalace convention and performing arts centers. The portfolio also includes two semi-wildlife conservation and care parks, an equestrian academy, and million-dollar live-action performance shows in destinations such as Nha Trang and Phu Quoc, attracting millions of visitors each year.
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Alibaba Group Partners with UEFA Men’s Club Competitions from 2027/28 to 2032/33 and UEFA EURO 2028™
- Alibaba becomes the official and exclusive partner for AI, Cloud Computing Services, and E-commerce
- Partnership to deploy Alibaba Cloud and Qwen Artificial Intelligence to deliver smart operations and personalized digital experiences for fans
BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 May 2026 – Alibaba Group today announced a multi-year partnership with the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) and UC3, the joint venture between UEFA and European Football Clubs (EFC) that controls and manages the strategic marketing, sales and delivery of commercial rights for UEFA club competitions. Alibaba Group becomes the official and exclusive AI, Cloud Computing Services, and E-commerce partner of the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League and UEFA Conference League from 2027/2028 to 2032/2033 and of UEFA EURO 2028TM.
The partnership will see the deployment of Alibaba’s advanced AI capabilities in supporting fan engagement and media and content management via its Qwen Large Language Model (LLM).Together with its cloud computing infrastructure and global e-commerce platform, Alibaba will power an immersive fan and content experience worldwide across UEFA’s flagship competitions.
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin said: “We are delighted to welcome Alibaba as a global partner for UEFA EURO 2028 and as a future partner of our men’s club competitions. Their expertise in artificial intelligence, cloud computing technology, and e-commerce will support UEFA’s commitment to thoughtful innovation and to enhancing the experience of supporters around the world. Together, we can bring fans closer to the game in new and meaningful ways – making our competitions feel even more captivating, engaging and accessible, while preserving the traditions, emotions and spirit that define European football.”
“We believe that football is a shared language around the world, and the unifying power of the game at all levels for all fans is the mission that brings Alibaba and UEFA together,” said Joe Tsai, Chairman of Alibaba Group. “I am excited to work with UEFA to realize the vision of this multi-year partnership, where we will commit our cloud computing, full-stack AI, and global e-commerce capabilities to support UEFA and UC3 to deliver these iconic competitions to global fans.”
Alibaba’s cloud infrastructure and Qwen LLM will support UEFA in building its own next-generation AI capabilities. Fans will benefit from personalized, AI-powered experiences that deepen their engagement with the sport. Through Alibaba’s global e-commerce network, fans around the world may soon enjoy seamless access to a wide range of official merchandise from the UEFA men’s club competitions from 2027/2028 and UEFA EURO 2028TM.
This partnership is a new global benchmark in sports innovation. It combines UEFA’s unmatched sporting legacy and global fan base with Alibaba’s expertise in AI, cloud computing, and e-commerce, creating a scalable model for sports federations, leagues and teams to engage fans worldwide.
The development and execution of the partnership between UEFA, UC3, and Alibaba was facilitated by Relevent, a world-leading commercial rights partner dedicated to international football. The UEFA EURO 2028 partnership will be managed by CAA11.
Hashtag: #AlibabaGroup
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About UEFA
UEFA is the governing body of European football and a not-for-profit organisation which supports and ensures the world‘s most popular sport continues to thrive at all levels across its 55 member associations. As part of its commitment, UEFA invests 97.5% of its revenue in football-related activities, projects and initiatives that ensure the continued development of the men’s and women’s professional game as well as youth, grassroots and futsal.
About UC3
UC3 unites European football‘s governing body UEFA and European Football Clubs (EFC), representing more than 800 top European clubs, around a new vision for managing commercial rights to UEFA club competitions (the “UCCs”). It is the commercial entity responsible for generating revenues from the UCCs and creating value for our partners. UC3 oversees the management, sales and delivery of all commercial rights (including media, sponsorship and licensing rights) for UEFA‘s elite men‘s and women‘s club competitions.
About Alibaba Group
Alibaba Group is a global technology company focused on AI + Cloud and consumption. We provide the technology infrastructure and marketing reach to help merchants, brands, retailers and other businesses to engage with their users and customers and operate efficiently. We empower consumers and enterprises with our full-stack AI capabilities and services. Our AI technology based on Qwen (Chinese: Qianwen), a family of large language and multimodal models, powers the intelligence behind our services across enterprise solutions, e-commerce and other Internet platforms.
Media OutReach
Forest City Issues Guidance on SFZ MM2H Requirements Amid Growing Regional Interest in Malaysia’s ‘Easiest Path’ to Long-Term Residency
Malaysia’s My Second Home (MM2H) programme has historically attracted retirees and investors seeking an affordable path to long-term residency. A relatively new variation linked to Forest City’s SFZ offers one of the lowest entry points in the programme’s history.
Under the national MM2H framework, Silver and Gold applicants are required to maintain fixed deposits ranging from RM500,000 to RM1 million. In addition, participants must purchase and own a residence corresponding to their MM2H category — with a minimum property value of RM600,000 for silver, RM1 million for Gold, and RM2 million for platinum.
In comparison, the SFZ MM2H, available exclusively through Forest City, sets a significantly lower deposit threshold — US$65,000 for applicants aged 21–49, and US$32,000 for those aged 50 and above — along with a mandatory purchase of a Forest City residential property valued at no less than RM500,000.
Key Differences Between the Forest City SFZ MM2H and Malaysia’s Standard MM2H Programme
The MM2H programme was introduced more than two decades ago by the Ministry of Tourism, initially targeting foreign retirees under the Silver Hair Programme. Following several revisions, including a major policy update in 2021, the scheme was restructured into three tiers — Silver, Gold, and Platinum — each with different deposit requirements, eligibility criteria, and associated benefits.
Launched in 2024 alongside the establishment of the Forest City SFZ, the SFZ MM2H presents a distinct variation of the national MM2H programme. Unlike the other tiers, this version is specific to Forest City in Johor, and is designed to attract investors, professionals, and expatriates to the new economic zone.
The SFZ MM2H has a lower fixed deposit requirement, but requires the mandatory purchase of a qualifying residential property directly from the Forest City developer.
| Category | SFZ MM2H | Standard MM2H (Silver) | Standard MM2H (Gold) | Standard MM2H (Platinum) |
| Fixed Deposit | US$65,000 (age 21–49) / US$32,000 (age 50+) | US$150,000 | US$500,000 | US$1,000,000 |
| Property Requirement | RM500,000 minimum (Developer unit only, cannot sell for 10 years) | RM600,000
minimum |
RM1,000,000 minimum | RM2,000,000 minimum |
| Visa Duration | 10 years, renewable | 5 years, renewable | 15 years, renewable | 20 years, renewable |
| Property Location | Forest City only (Valid throughout Malaysia — holders may reside in any state, including Kuala Lumpur and Penang) | Anywhere in Malaysia | Anywhere in Malaysia | Anywhere in Malaysia |
Source: https://www.mm2h.gov.my/category/overview
While the SFZ MM2H may not be designed for every demographic, given that both the fixed deposit and property purchase are mandatory, Forest City offers 517-square-foot residential units tailored for the programme, providing a more accessible option for those interested in applying.
The Forest City SFZ MM2H Qualification
To qualify for the Forest City SFZ MM2H, applicants must meet the following criteria:
| Age Requirement | Minimum age of 21 years old for the principal applicant |
| Eligible Dependants |
|
| Financial Requirement | Maintain a fixed deposit with a Malaysian financial institution regulated under the Financial Services Act 2013 or Islamic Financial Services Act 2013:
|
| Property Requirement |
|
| Residency Requirement |
|
Source: https://www.mm2h.gov.my/category/sez
Applicants who were previously rejected under MM2H or have unresolved immigration issues are not eligible.
Process to Apply for the SFZ MM2H
Applications for the SFZ MM2H must be submitted through a licensed MM2H agent accredited by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) under the Tourism Industry Act 1992. Direct or independent submissions are not accepted.
Application Steps
1. Engage a Licensed Agent
Select a registered MM2H agent to assist with the preparation and submission of all required documents.
2. Prepare Documentation
Gather and complete the necessary documents, which typically include:
- A valid passport (with at least 18 months of remaining validity)
- Proof of financial resources
- Marriage Certificate
- Police clearance certificate
- Birth Certificate
3. Submit and Await Approval
The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture reviews all applications. Processing times may vary. Approved applicants will receive an official Letter of Conditional Approval.
4. Deposit the Required Funds
Open a fixed deposit account with a Malaysian financial institution approved under the Financial Services Act 2013 or Islamic Financial Services Act 2013 and place the required deposit amount.
5. Purchase Property and Activate the Visa
After receiving the approval letter, applicants must complete the purchase of a qualifying Forest City property. Once the purchase is finalised, up to 50% of the initial fixed deposit may be withdrawn for approved purposes, including property purchase, education, medical expenses, and tourism activities in Malaysia. The applicant’s passport will then be endorsed with the SFZ MM2H visa, allowing holders to reside anywhere in Malaysia, including Kuala Lumpur and Penang, among other states.
Forest City SFZ MM2H Benefits: Residency Rights and Visa Privileges After Approval
Holders of the SFZ MM2H visa receive a 10-year renewable multiple-entry visa, which covers the main applicant and eligible dependants. This long-term pass allows continuous residence in Malaysia without the need for frequent renewals. While it does not automatically permit employment, applicants may apply separately for a work or business visa if required.
Beyond the residency benefits, participants gain access to the wider Forest City SFZ ecosystem, designed to combine convenience, safety, and international connectivity. Key features include:
- Proximity to Singapore via the Malaysia–Singapore Second Link, located about two kilometres across the Johor Strait.
- Duty-free zone status, offering cost advantages on select imports and consumer goods.
- A secure, master-planned community with 24-hour property management, monitored transport networks, and a dedicated security system.
- A diverse, international environment, home to residents from more than 20 nationalities.
- International school within the township and access to world-class healthcare facilities nearby.
- Two championship golf courses, including the Liang Guo Kun Classic Course—listed among Asia’s Top 100 Golf Courses for seven consecutive years—and the Jack Nicklaus Legacy Course.
Upon completing the property purchase, participants may withdraw up to 50% of their fixed deposit, subject to compliance with programme conditions. Dependants typically include a spouse and unmarried children under 21.
Taken together, the SFZ MM2H programme’s structure offers participants a dual proposition: a streamlined path to long-term Malaysian residency, combined with access to a master-planned development designed around security, connectivity, and urban infrastructure.
Residents most suitable for Forest City SFZ MM2H
The Forest City SFZ MM2H is designed for people looking to make Malaysia a part of their long-term plans — for retirement, regional investment, or raising a family in a globally connected environment. The programme pairs the stability of a 10-year renewable visa with the lifestyle advantages of living in a self-contained, internationally planned coastal city.
For retirees, the SFZ MM2H offers one of the lowest financial thresholds under any MM2H tier, making long-term residency more accessible without compromising comfort or quality of life. Forest City’s master-planned layout, secure environment, and proximity to Singapore provide a practical setting for those seeking a calm yet connected lifestyle.
For professionals and family offices, the Special Financial Zone introduces strategic incentives, including 0% tax on qualifying family office investment income and a 5% corporate tax rate for financial institutions. It is an option worth considering for those exploring Malaysia as a hub for cross-border business or wealth management. Details are available on the investment page.
For families, Forest City offers access to an international school education covering kindergarten to high school, combining global curricula with local convenience. Its location — just two kilometres from Singapore via the Second Link — appeals to parents seeking strong education options and ease of travel at a more affordable cost.
That said, the SFZ MM2H may not suit every applicant, as it requires the purchase of a Forest City property. However, owning a property does not mean the MM2H holder must live in it — the holder may rent it out, and as an approved participant, can reside anywhere in Malaysia, including Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and other states. Even without committing to a specific long‑term base in Johor, this pathway remains one of the most accessible residency pathways available in Malaysia, balancing affordability, stability, and proximity to Singapore.
As with any long-term visa programme, requirements and processing timelines are subject to change, and applicants should seek accurate, up-to-date advice before applying. The requirements outlined here reflect information available as of 29 May 2026 — for current terms and application timelines, consult Forest City officials or other authorised agents accredited under the Tourism Industry Act 1992.
Hashtag: #ForestCity
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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