HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 April 2026 -Tim Ho Wan, the dim sum brand hailing from Hong Kong under the Jollibee Group, continues to be recognized in the Michelin Guide Hong Kong & Macau, with its Sham Shui Po store receiving the Bib Gourmand distinction in the 2026 edition. The Bib Gourmand distinction is awarded to restaurants that offer high-quality food at excellent value for money, reinforcing Tim Ho Wan’s long-standing positioning.
Carrying forward a legacy of excellence. Tim Ho Wan’s culinary team upholds the brand’s signature Cantonese craftsmanship, sustaining the consistency and quality behind its 17 consecutive years of Michelin recognition— its most recent earned under the Jollibee Group.
The recognition marks the 17th consecutive year the same store has been included in the Michelin Guide—a milestone achieved during Tim Ho Wan’s first full year under the Jollibee Group following its acquisition in January 2025. Over the past year, the brand has focused on strengthening systems, chef training, and food quality, reinforcing the consistency that has long defined Tim Ho Wan in its home market.
“Tim Ho Wan’s recognition in the Michelin Guide is a reflection of the care and discipline behind the brand,” said Ernesto Tanmantiong, Jollibee Group Global President and CEO. “At the Jollibee Group, we are committed to growing brands like this in a way that stays true to their roots while allowing more people around the world to experience what makes them special.”
Founded in Hong Kong in 2009 by chefs Mak Kwai Pui and Leung Fai Keung, Tim Ho Wan quickly rose to prominence after earning a Michelin star within its first year. Its Sham Shui Po branch, opened in 2010, has since remained a consistent presence in the Michelin Guide, underscoring the brand’s enduring culinary standards.
Scaling a Heritage Brand Through Operational Discipline
Under the Jollibee Group, Tim Ho Wan has strengthened its operating model to support consistent execution and long-term growth across markets.
Ongoing investments in kitchen systems, chef training, menu development, and store operations have enhanced consistency across locations while preserving the craftsmanship rooted in its Hong Kong origins. The continued recognition in Hong Kong reinforces the market’s role as the brand’s culinary and operational benchmark.
“These capabilities allow us to stay true to what makes Tim Ho Wan special, while ensuring we can deliver that same experience consistently as we grow,” said Sheng Lee, Chief Executive Officer of Tim Ho Wan.
“This recognition reflects the discipline of our teams in delivering consistent quality day in and day out. We remain focused on elevating our craft through rigorous training, responsible sourcing, and thoughtful service so that high-quality meals remain welcoming to guests around the world,” Lee added.
A Distinct Concept for Global Expansion
Tim Ho Wan’s combination of quality and value positions it as a distinctive concept in the global restaurant landscape.
Supported by strengthened systems and operating discipline, the brand offers a compelling platform for growth across international markets—anchored on consistency in its home market and enabled by replicable operating standards.
A Global Brand Rooted in Hong Kong
From a 20-seat dim sum shop in Hong Kong to a globally recognized brand, Tim Ho Wan continues to demonstrate how culinary heritage and operational discipline can come together to create a strong and scalable business.
The latest Bib Gourmand recognition reinforces Tim Ho Wan’s position as a globally relevant dim sum brand—rooted in Hong Kong and supported by the Jollibee Group’s platform for sustained and disciplined growth.
Disciplined Growth Backed by the Jollibee Group
The continued recognition also reflects the Jollibee Group’s approach to scaling heritage brands through operational excellence and long-term stewardship.
“Tim Ho Wan’s sustained recognition reflects the strength of its heritage and the discipline behind its execution,” said Richard Shin, CEO of JFC International and Global Chief Financial and Risk Officer of the Jollibee Group. “At the Jollibee Group, we focus on strengthening the systems and platforms that allow brands like Tim Ho Wan to grow while preserving the authenticity and craftsmanship that made them successful.”
System-wide sales (SWS) expanded significantly from Php1.3 billion in 2024 to Php8.1 billion in 2025, highlighting the brand’s accelerating scale and growing contribution to the Group’s global operations.
In its home market, Tim Ho Wan has strengthened its core Hong Kong footprint, doubling its store network to 10 locations within approximately one year. Recent store openings have delivered attractive payback periods (circa 1.5 years) and profitability, reinforcing confidence in the brand’s unit economics and disciplined growth approach.
Growth has been broad-based across both company-operated and franchise markets. Sales performance strengthened across markets such as Hong Kong, Singapore, and China, while franchise markets, including the Philippines, Vietnam, and Japan, continue to build momentum, further validating the brand’s strong international resonance and scalability.
The brand also reached an important milestone in its global expansion with the opening of its first company-operated North America store in Irvine, California, marking a significant step in establishing a direct presence in one of the world’s largest consumer markets. This re-entry into North America reflects the transportability of the brand’s operating model and positions Tim How Wan for a new phase of long-term growth and further global brand development.
Hashtag: #JollibeeGroup
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Jollibee Group
Jollibee Foods Corporation (PSE: JFC) (the “Company”) is one of the world’s fastest-growing restaurant companies, driven by its purpose of spreading joy through superior taste. It manages and operates a portfolio that includes 19 brands (the “Jollibee Group”) with over 10,000 stores and cafés across 33 countries.
The Jollibee Group’s portfolio includes nine (9) wholly-owned brands (Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal, Yonghe King, Hong Zhuang Yuan, Smashburger and Tim Ho Wan), five (5) franchised brands (Burger King, Panda Express, Yoshinoya, Common Man Coffee Roasters, and Tiong Bahru Bakery in the Philippines), 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 in Botrista, a leader in beverage technology.
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 Company 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 four-time Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award recipient and featured in TIME’s World’s Best Companies and Fortune’s Southeast Asia 500 List.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 April 2026 – Homegrown compliance technology platform ExpertRA has reached a significant milestone, building a community of over 500 users within just two years by addressing one of the most persistent challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs): navigating bizSAFE compliance efficiently.
Chris Chen, CEO of ExpertRA
Designed to simplify workplace safety compliance, ExpertRA is an intelligent software platform that enables companies to generate bizSAFE documentation and conduct risk assessments systematically. By leveraging a comprehensive industry-specific database, the platform helps businesses identify potential workplace hazards and produce compliant documentation that aligns with workplace safety and health (WSH) standards.
For many SMEs in Singapore, obtaining bizSAFE certification is a necessary step to enhance workplace safety, improve operational credibility, and qualify for government or corporate tenders. However, the process can often be daunting, requiring extensive documentation, technical knowledge and, in many cases, reliance on external consultants. This creates barriers for smaller businesses with limited resources.
ExpertRA was developed to bridge this gap. Through an intuitive interface, users can identify workplace risks and generate tailored documentation based on their specific industry and operational needs. By digitising and standardising the workflow, the platform significantly reduces the time required to complete compliance processes while also lowering costs.
“Our growth to over 500 users reflects a clear need among SMEs for simpler and more accessible compliance solutions,” said Chris Chen, CEO of ExpertRA. “Many businesses understand the importance of workplace safety, but struggle with the complexity of meeting requirements. We built ExpertRA to remove that friction and empower companies to take control of their compliance journey.”
A key differentiator of ExpertRA lies in its comprehensive and continuously updated database, which spans multiple industries and incorporates a wide range of work activities, hazards and risk control measures. This ensures that companies receive relevant and accurate guidance without requiring prior expertise in safety compliance. Additionally, all documentation is securely stored within the cloud-based platform, allowing companies to easily retrieve, update and reuse materials for future audits or certification renewals.
The platform’s user-centric approach has resonated strongly with SMEs across sectors such as construction, logistics, retail and services, contributing to its steady adoption and community growth. Beyond functionality, ExpertRA’s emphasis on accessibility and affordability has made it particularly appealing to first-time business owners and growing enterprises seeking practical solutions without the high costs typically associated with consultancy services.
Industry observers note that demand for digital compliance tools is expected to increase as Singapore continues to prioritise workplace safety and strengthen regulatory frameworks. Solutions that reduce administrative burden while maintaining high standards are likely to play a critical role in supporting SMEs in this landscape.
Building on its early success, ExpertRA aims to further enhance its platform capabilities and expand its reach within the SME community, supporting more businesses in achieving safer workplaces through smarter compliance. Hashtag: #ExpertRA
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About ExpertRA
ExpertRA is a Singapore-based digital platform that helps businesses simplify bizSAFE compliance through automated risk assessment and documentation tools. The platform is designed to support SMEs in navigating workplace safety requirements in a structured and accessible manner.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 April 2026 – Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) celebrated the launch of ‘Global Connect – Global Innovation Exchange (GIE),’ a platform that creates a pull for innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystems from the World to Hong Kong, to pour collective efforts into maximising exposure and impact of emerging startups and solutions.
Representatives of consulates and chambers of commerce from 17 countries were in attendance in supporting the cause of the ‘Global Innovation Exchange’ network.
The GIE was designed to bridge for China-HK-International with I&T developments, where year-long international engagement activities are in the works, including a curated series of country-and market-focused networking events, with UK, France, and Germany lined up from April to June, as well as success story sharing sessions, opportunity overviews, and potential partnership projects examinations, building as a two-way gateway enabling overseas innovators leverage the city as a springboard into the vast opportunities in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) opportunities, while supporting companies moving from the Chinese Mainland to Hong Kong and onward to international markets.
Representatives of 17 countries were in presence, apart from local bodies, in supporting the cause that tech ventures are to be introduced to markets overseas, and vice versa. Maurits ter Kuile, Consul General of the Netherlands in Hong Kong and Macao, stated: “Hong Kong is an interesting spot for Dutch companies that are looking to explore the Chinese market. Language, regulations, taxes and an international orientation, are part of the attraction. As a Dutch government body that is looking to support them, we would say that the GIE looks like an appealing concept to give them a leg up.”
Panel discussions on Hong Kong’s unique position on the world stage as a multicultural anchor for the flow of capital in and out of Asia, echoed the notion. Johannes Hack, Chairman of European Chamber of Commerce, said “One of the challenges when setting up a partnership is understanding the other side’s value drivers. Only when you truly match what each side expects can the joint business flourish. Hong Kong is an excellent place to establish common ground and HKSTP is a great partner to support finding a shared vision.”
Terry Wong, CEO of HKSTP, said “We introduced ‘Global Connect – Global Innovation Exchange’ with heart full of confidence that it will bring convergence of all efforts under one platform, so that international networks, delegations, and I&T communities are able to connect better with more seamless access to even broader resources.”
The Network represented not an event, but an enunciation of commitment to contribute in driving an influx of cross-border business matching and investment opportunities, further strengthening the city’s appeal as an international I&T hub, and continuing the momentum of technological advancement in the GBA and beyond.Hashtag: #HKSTP
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HKSTP
More information about HKSTP is available at www.hkstp.org.
Premiums for the new supplementary plans, PRUExtra Care series, are at least 30 per cent lower compared to the previous suite of riders; new critical illness and retrenchment benefits added
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 April 2026 – Prudential Singapore (“Prudential”) has launched a refreshed suite of Integrated Shield Plan (“IP”) supplementary plans (“riders”) that provide comprehensive medical protection at lower premiums. The three new riders are at least 30 per cent more affordable than the previous suite across all age groups and plan types, with some having even larger differences.
In particular, PRUExtra Preferred Care, the new rider for Prudential’s preferred list of private healthcare institutions, is at least 45 per cent more affordable across all age groups compared to its previous corresponding rider, with some groups seeing a 55 per cent difference.
The three new riders – PRUExtra Premier Care, PRUExtra Preferred Care, and PRUExtra Plus Care (known as the “PRUExtra Care series”) – replace Prudential’s previous suite of riders, and align with the new rider requirements announced by the Ministry of Health (MOH) in November 2025.
PRUExtra Premier Care is a rider for private healthcare institutions, PRUExtra Preferred Care is a rider for Prudential’s preferred list of private healthcare institutions under the PRUPanel Connect programme, and PRUExtra Plus Care is a rider for restructured hospitals (up to Class A wards).
The PRUExtra Care riders offer new benefits including additional policy year limits of up to $100,000 if hospitalisation is due to critical illness, and a 12-month premium waiver during retrenchment.
Dr Sidharth Kachroo, Chief Health Officer, Prudential Singapore, said: “By balancing more affordable premiums with meaningful enhancements, the PRUExtra Care riders lower the barrier to comprehensive medical protection for individuals. It also supports the long-term sustainability of private healthcare protection for customers in Singapore.”
IP main plans offer broader coverage by giving individuals more choice, including higher ward classes, access to private healthcare, and the flexibility to choose their doctor. Prudential’s riders complement its IP main plans by providing additional coverage for out-of-pocket expenses and treatments that MediShield Life and IP main plans may exclude, including coverage for non-cancer drug list treatments and non-listed cell, tissue and gene therapy products (CTGTP).
Dr Kachroo added: “Everyone wants peace of mind that they are protected against large hospital bills, and this fortunately is covered for citizens and permanent residents by MediShield Life in Singapore. Integrated Shield Plans (IPs) add value by providing individuals with a wider choice in the type of care they receive. When coupled with a rider, it expands that set of options and the breadth of coverage for the consumer, especially those who want private care. For foreigners who don’t have MediShield Life, IPs provide access to more healthcare options while they reside in Singapore.”
Enhanced critical illness limits and new retrenchment benefit
A critical illness (CI) diagnosis often requires intensive medical treatments and prolonged recovery periods. In view of rising incidences of CIs such as cancer[1], heart attack[2], and stroke[3] in Singapore, Prudential has introduced an early-to-late CI benefit in its PRUExtra Care series. Should a customer be hospitalised or require surgery due to a covered early, intermediate, or late-stage CI, their policy year limit will be increased by up to $100,000.[4]
Dr Kachroo said: “Our PRUExtra Care customers get up to $100,000 added to their policy year limits should they be hospitalised due to critical illness. Managing a critical illness usually involves complex treatments and repeated procedures, which can quickly put pressure on customers’ annual limits. By increasing policy year limits for early to late-stage critical illnesses, they can be assured that their coverage can keep pace with their treatment needs, allowing them to focus fully on recovery and healing.
“We also recognise that health security is tied to financial stability. An unexpected job loss can make it challenging for customers to maintain regular insurance premium payments, and result in a lapse in health protection when it’s needed most. To prevent this, we have introduced a retrenchment waiver benefit to ease their financial burden and give them some time to get back on their feet.”
Under the new retrenchment waiver benefit for PRUExtra Premier Care and PRUExtra Preferred Care customers, those who remain unemployed for a continuous period of six months can apply for a waiver on their rider premiums for the next 12 months. The waiver continues to apply even if the customer secures new employment during the waiver period.
More affordability with use of panel providers and no-claim discount
Customers with PRUExtra Premier Care who are treated by panel[5] and extended panel specialists at panel healthcare institutions can keep their premium level the same at the next policy renewal under the claims-based premium pricing framework.[6]
In addition, PRUExtra Premier Care customers enjoy a 20 per cent discount (“PRUWell Reward”) on their standard level premium (the lowest premium tier within their age band) when their policy is issued with no special terms and conditions, as well as at their next policy renewal if no claims are made.
Importance of reviewing protection needs with a financial representative
As individuals move through different life stages, their healthcare needs and financial circumstances can change. Customers are encouraged to review their protection with a financial representative to assess their overall needs and determine the appropriate level of coverage before making any decision to downgrade or drop their riders.
Dr Kachroo said: “We understand that customers need to strike a balance between premium affordability and protecting themselves from potentially high medical costs in the future. While they may enjoy immediate cost savings when they switch to a plan that offers lower premiums, they also need to consider what they might need to pay in cash from their own savings when they require hospitalisation given that the deductible is no longer covered and the co-payment cap has increased. This is a personal choice, and our role as an insurer is to ensure that our customers fully understand the coverage and benefits that they enjoy with their plans, as well as the implications of downgrading or dropping coverage, so that they can make an informed decision.”
[4] Extra Cover for Early to Late Critical Illness benefit: PRUExtra Premier Care: $100,000 additional limit per policy year PRUExtra Preferred Care: $100,000 additional limit per policy year PRUExtra Plus Care: $50,000 additional limit per policy year
[5] To qualify for a panel claim, treatment must be received at a private panel healthcare institution where the attending doctor is listed as a participating specialist, as indicated in the PRUPanel Connect listing on this page: https://www.prudential.com.sg/ppc-specialists
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Prudential Assurance Company Singapore (Pte) Ltd (Prudential Singapore)
Prudential Assurance Company Singapore (Pte) Ltd is one of the top life and health insurance companies in Singapore, serving the financial and protection needs of the country’s citizens for 95 years. As at 31 December 2025, it has S$66.3 billion funds under management. The company has an ‘AA’ Financial Strength Rating from leading credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s and delivers a suite of well-rounded product offerings in Protection, Savings and Investment through multiple distribution channels including a network of 5,400 financial representatives.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 April 2026 – OceanX today announced A Shared Voyage: OceanX China 2026, a joint U.S-Chinese goodwill mission that will bring together 10 American and 10 Chinese early-career ocean scientists, students, and instructors in pursuit of their shared goal to better understand the ocean and each other. OceanX is the ocean exploration, science, and education initiative founded by Ray and Mark Dalio. This initiative will be the first voyage of OceanX’s flagship research and media vessel, OceanXplorer, to China, starting in Hong Kong on March 29 and concluding in Shanghai on April 8, 2026.
The mission is an extension of the 42-year relationship Ray Dalio has had with China and its people, and it is delivered in collaboration with the Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs (CPIFA), the Second Institute of Oceanography (SIO), and the China-U.S. Exchange Foundation (CUSEF). The mission’s goals are to promote high quality people-to-people exchanges between nations, advance ocean literacy and scientific understanding, and equip participants with the skills to communicate the importance of our shared ocean to broader audiences.
Expanding Access to Ocean Science and Education
The China 2026 program represents a milestone in OceanX’s global engagement efforts, creating new opportunities for students and researchers to access hands-on learning at sea. Participants from the United States and China will take part in a structured program designed to build practical knowledge, develop interpersonal connections, and strengthen individual capabilities in ocean science, operations, and communication.
“At this time of great conflict in the world, I believe more than ever in the power of people-to-people exchanges to create mutual understanding” said Ray Dalio, Founder of OceanX. “Understanding the ocean is a shared interest for both the U.S. and China—and for the scientists and students who are on this joint mission. It is a thrill to see them working together.”
Hands-On Learning Across Science, Operations, and Media
The program delivers a structured curriculum that combines lectures, workshops, and applied learning experiences across three focus areas:
Marine Exploration: Ocean data collection methods, ecosystem observation, and introductions to oceanographic research tools
Operations: Life aboard a research vessel, including equipment demonstrations such as ROV operations, water sampling, and microscopy
Media & Communication: Science communication and media production training to support clearer public understanding of ocean issues
Participants will develop individual and small-group projects as part of the program, focused on applying knowledge gained throughout the voyage. They will also forge new connections and build mutual understanding with their peers.
“Understanding the ocean requires both scientific insight and the ability to communicate it clearly,” said Vincent Pieribone, Co-CEO and Chief Science Officer of OceanX. “This program is designed to give participants exposure to the tools, technologies, and storytelling approaches that are shaping how ocean science is conducted and shared.”
Inspiring the Next Generation of Ocean Leaders
By combining advanced marine technology, scientific research, and immersive storytelling, OceanX is working to broaden access to ocean discovery and inspire future generations to engage with ocean science.
“A Shared Voyage: OceanX China 2026 represents an important opportunity to support ocean education and public awareness,” said Ms. Lyu Tin, director of the Department of North American and Oceanian Affairs, Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs (CPIFA).
“This initiative highlights the importance of continued investment in ocean science education and capacity building,” said Prof. Huang Wei, Chinese Chief Scientist for the mission and research at Second Institute of Oceanography (SIO).
A Shared Voyage: OceanX China 2026 supports OceanX’s mission to unlock the ocean’s sustainable potential through science and education, while advancing ocean literacy and long-term stewardship. Hashtag: #OceanX
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About OceanX
OceanX is a nonprofit working to unlock the ocean’s sustainable potential. Through a dual focus on science and education, we’re building a new paradigm where humanity and the ocean mutually thrive. Our approach is fueled by exploration, leveraging advanced research, multimedia educational programs, cross-sector partnerships, and advanced technology to help transform how people understand and value the ocean. Our work strives to fortify biodiversity and increase the sustainable use of ocean resources to help ensure the ocean remains a foundation for human wellbeing and potential. OceanX is a nonprofit operating program of Dalio Philanthropies. For more information, visit www.oceanx.org and follow OceanX on Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
香港 – Media OutReach Newswire – 2026年4月1日 – 由信和置业、嘉里建设、嘉华国际、招商局置地及港铁公司联合打造，位于香港日出康城第 XIII 期发展项目「海瑅湾 LA MIRABELLE」，当中「海瑅湾 I」昨日以价单形式销售当日全数售罄，共售出254套，单日套现逾18亿港元，连同招标售出单位，过去11日合计售出363套，总成交金额逾34亿港元。
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