隨著AI運算負載持續增長，並可能超出單一設施的處理能力，各機構日益需要存取分佈於多個數據中心的算力資源。超低時延 3.2Tbps AI DCI Superhighway讓AI基礎設施供應商能高效擴展其訓練及推理能力，同時支援大學及研究實驗室等機構無縫匯聚全港各區的算力，以進行複雜的科學模擬。
3.2Tbps AI DCI Superhighway在800Gbps AI Superhighway的基礎上全面升級，支援多項進階行業標準，包括遠端直接記憶體存取（RDMA）、聚合以太網 RDMA 第二版（RoCEv2）、多路徑可靠連接（MRC）及超以太網傳輸（Ultra-Ethernet Transport）。3.2Tbps AI DCI Superhighway將於計劃中由落馬洲河套區延伸至將軍澳的先進空芯光纖上運行，較傳統光纖的時延低約三成。高頻寬結合超低時延，能讓分佈於各數據中心數以千計的 GPU 保持同步運作，而數據傳輸延遲減少，則有助降低運算時間及成本，並降低每位元耗能（power-per-bit），提升能源效益。
香港電訊網絡工程主管兼Fiber Link Global 行政總裁鄺偉銓表示：「香港電訊致力推動香港創科發展，銳意將香港打造成全球最先進的創科樞紐之一。為此，我們正升級覆蓋香港主要數據中心集群的 AI Superhighway，首階段將連通落馬洲至將軍澳，目標於 2026 年底前完成，並將支援即將上馬的兆瓦級沙嶺數據園區。香港電訊正透過這些項目，為香港創科生態系統的長遠發展構建網絡基礎。」
香港電訊的 AI Superhighway將香港各主要數據中心集群及香港電訊位於落馬洲河套區的新 AI 機樓互連。集團亦已準備就緒，將覆蓋範圍延伸至日後的沙嶺數據園區，支援其發展成為領先的數據設施集群。
Hashtag: #HKT #香港電訊
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 July 2026 – HKT (SEHK: 6823) today announces plan to roll out its ultra-low latency 3.2Tbps AI Data Centre Inter-connect (DCI) Superhighway service, the first of its kind in Hong Kong, enabling AI infrastructure providers and institutions to have ultra-fast and seamless access to computing resources across multiple data centres to meet next-generation AI workloads.
As AI workloads continue to grow and may surpass the capacity of individual facilities, institutions increasingly require access to distributed resources across multiple data centres. The ultra-low latency 3.2Tbps AI DCI Superhighway enables AI infrastructure providers to efficiently scale training and inference operations, while empowering institutions such as universities and research labs to run complex scientific simulations by seamlessly pooling computing capacity across Hong Kong.
Upgrading from our 800Gbps AI Superhighway, the 3.2Tbps AI DCI Superhighway supports advanced industry standards including Remote Direct Memory Access (RDMA), RDMA Over Converged Ethernet (RoCEv2), Multipath Reliable Connection (MRC) and Ultra-Ethernet Transport. It will run on the advanced hollow core fibre, which is planned between Lok Ma Chau Loop and Tseung Kwan O, achieving about 30% lower latency than traditional fibre. The combination of high bandwidth and ultra-low latency keeps thousands of GPUs across data centres working in sync, reducing the time and cost of compute by minimising delays in data transmission, while simultaneously lowering power-per-bit to improve energy efficiency.
Steve Ng, Managing Director of Commercial Group, HKT, said, “At HKT, we see connectivity as the critical foundation of Hong Kong’s AI future. This next-generation fibre network delivers ultra-low latency, high-speed, and secure data exchange to unlock the full potential of AI development across the city. By seamlessly connecting and maximising Hong Kong’s computing resources, we enable faster model training, real-time data processing, and cross-sector AI innovation—strengthening the city’s position as a leading I&T hub. It also lays vital groundwork for the Northern Metropolis, linking the Hetao area with existing data centres today while paving the way for seamless access to new computing resources as they come online across the region.”
Ricky Kwong, Head of Fixed Network Engineering, HKT and CEO, Fiber Link Global, said, “HKT is firmly committed to supporting innovation in Hong Kong, with the ambition of positioning our city as one of the most advanced I&T hubs in the world. To realise this vision, we are upgrading the AI Superhighway across Hong Kong’s major data centre clusters. The first phase, connecting Lok Ma Chau to Tseung Kwan O, is targeted for completion by the end of 2026 and will support the upcoming megawatt-scale Sandy Ridge Data Facility Cluster. Through initiatives such as these, HKT is building the connectivity foundations that will power Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem for years to come.”
HKT’s AI Superhighway interconnects Hong Kong’s leading data centre clusters and HKT’s new AI Exchange in the Lok Ma Chau Loop. The Group is also prepared to extend coverage to the upcoming Sandy Ridge Data Facility Cluster, supporting its evolution into an advanced data facility cluster.
Hashtag: #HKT
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About HKT
HKT is a technology, media, and telecommunication leader with more than 150 years of history in Hong Kong. As the city’s true 5G provider, HKT connects businesses and people locally and globally. Our end-to-end enterprise solutions make us a market-leading digital transformation partner of choice for businesses, whereas our comprehensive connectivity and smart living offerings enrich people’s lives and cater for their diverse needs for work, entertainment, education, well-being, and even a sustainable low-carbon lifestyle. Together with our digital ventures which support digital economy development and help connect Hong Kong to the world as an international financial centre, HKT endeavours to contribute to smart city development and help our community tech forward.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 July 2026 – IX Asia Indexes today announced the 2026 second quarter (Q2) review result of the ixCrypto Index Series and the IX Digital Asset Industry Index Series. The constituent changes will be implemented on the effective date of 24th July 2026 (Friday). The results of the constituent review and exchange review are as follows:
1. Constituent Review – ixCrypto Index Series 1.1. ixCrypto Index (“IXCI”)
The number of constituents will remain unchanged at 19 with 1 addition and 1 deletion.
Additions 1. Gram (prev. Toncoin)
Deletions 1. Shiba Inu
After the change, the free float adjusted market capitalization coverage is 83.17%* (excluding stablecoins, which have 11.95% of the total crypto universe), while the 90-day-average volume is 64.34%*. The constituents change above and recapping at 40% will take effect on the effective date.
The 90-day-average volume coverage for the first time since 2018 has dropped by over 10% compared to last quarter; This is due to Bitcoin and Ethereum’s trading volume dropping by over 24% in Q2. There is currently no consistency on different leading crypto-volume-tracking sources (CoinMarketCap & CoinGecko). CoinGecko showed an abnormal trading volume of USDT between 1 April to 9 April, which is approximately 81,164 times the average volume of the remaining period in Q2. Based on the two sources mentioned above, the combined average trading volume of stablecoins within the top 19 rankings was approximately 1.88 to 2.01 times the aggregate volume of the IXCI constituents. *
Since the last review, there has been a decrease in the crypto total market capitalization from USD2.62T to USD2.43T (-7.29%)#, and a decrease in the daily volume from USD108.17B to USD96.89B (-10.43%)#. Bitcoin remains the largest crypto in the constituent list, with its price decreased by 9.83% since the last review.
1.2 ixCrypto Portfolio Indexes
1.2.1 ixCrypto 5 Equal Weight Index (“IXEW5”) and ixCrypto 5 Square Root Index (“IXSR5”)
Additions No addition
Deletions No deletion
1.2.2 ixCrypto 10 Equal Weight Index (“IXEW10”) and ixCrypto 10 Square Root Index (“IXSR10”).
Additions
Zcash
Deletions
Bitcoin Cash
1.2.3 ixCrypto Altcoin 10 EW Index (“IXAEW10”) and ixCrypto Altcoin 10 SR Index (“IXASR10”).
Additions
Zcash
Deletions
Monero
1.3 ixCrypto BTC/ETH Indexes As of the cut-off date on 30th June 2026, the ixCrypto BTC/ETH 50/50 Index (“IX5050”) maintains a 50%/50% weighting for the ixBitcoin Index (IXBI) and ixEthereum Index (IXEI). The ixCrypto BTC/ETH Proportional Index (“IXPI”) has a weighting of 84.53% and 15.47% for IXBI and IXEI, respectively.
At the upcoming effective date, IX5050 weightings will remain unchanged at 50%/50%. IXPI weightings will be adjusted to 86.12% and 13.88% for IXBI and IXEI, respectively, reflecting the market capitalization proportions of Bitcoin and Ethereum at the cut-off date.
2. Constituent Review- IX Digital Asset Industry Index Series
2.1 ixCrypto Stablecoin Index The number of constituents will remain at 5. Stablecoin comprises 11.95% of the total crypto universe, and ixCrypto Stablecoin Index covers around 97.42% of the 90-day average market capitalization in the stablecoin universe.
Additions No addition
Deletions No deletion
2.2 ixCrypto Infrastructure Index The number of constituents will decrease from 19 to 17 with 2 additions and 4 deletions.
Additions
Canton
Aster
Deletions
Aptos
Polygon
Arbitrum
Cosmos
3. Exchange Review As a result of exchange review, 8 out of 10 Q1 selected exchanges passed the review process, which are as follows:
Passed Exchanges
Binance
Pionex
BitMart
Bybit
CoinW (ADDITION)
LBank
OrangeX (ADDITION)
Gate.io
Coinbase Exchange
KuCoin
Removed Exchanges
MEXC
Crypto.com Exchange
The selected 10 exchanges will be used to generate each of the fair average prices for the IX indexes’ constituents. The exchange review covers volume rankings, exchange background checks, founders’ background checks, USD/USDT/USDC/USDe/BTC pair coverage, overconcentration rules, exchange API coverage checks, and stability, among other aspects, for an exchange.
For more details about our exchange selection criteria, please email info@ix-index.com. More information on the ixCrypto Indexes, including their constituents and constituents’ weights, is provided in the Appendices, or refer to the website https://ix-index.com/.
*Exclude stable coins and exchange coins that trigger conflict of interest (based on conflict-of-interest rule methodology 3.9, effective on Oct 2, 2020) **The lower estimate of 1.88 times excludes CoinGecko’s USDT volume data from 1–9 April 2026 because the reported average was approximately 81,164 times higher than the average recorded during the remaining review period from 10 April to 30 June 2026.The figures were therefore treated as an apparent data anomaly. #As of 30thJune 2026, based on the past 90 days average XXXX (ADDITION)Newly introduced exchanges as of 2026 Q2
4. Changes in IAC Members IX Asia Indexes today announced Mr. Samuel Ho, a member of IX Asia Index Advisory Committee (“the Committee”), will retire today upon completion of his term.
Mr. Ho joined the Committee in July 2022 and has made valuable contributions to the development of IX Asia Indexes over the past four years. IX Asia Indexes and the Committee would like to express their sincere gratitude to Mr. Ho and wish him well in his next endeavours.
Appendix 1
ixCrypto Index (“IXCI”)
Universe
All crypto coins traded in at least two different exchanges around the world
Selection Criteria
Cryptocurrencies ranking in the top 80% of cumulative full market capitalization (“MC”) coverage and within an acceptable range in accordance with the Volume Buffer Rule in terms of 90-day average trading volume
Number of Constituents
19 in Q2 2026
Launch Date
12th December 2018
Base Date
3rd December 2018
Base Value
1,000
Reconstitution Rule
If the coverage is below 75% or any of the constituents is not within an acceptable range in accordance with the Volume Buffer Rule in terms of 90-day average trading volume, IXCI will be reconstituted to bring MC coverage back and do liquidity screening.
Reconstitution and Rebalancing Frequency
Quarterly and with a fast entry rule
Weighting Methodology
Free float adjusted market capitalization weighted with a cap of 40%
Currency
US Dollar
Dissemination
Every 5 seconds for 24×7
(On Bloomberg, Reuters and major information vendors)
# Weighting (%) after 40% Cap is adjusted according to the cut-off price, the arrangement of order may not be the same as 90-day-average-Market Cap
Selection of index constituents is based on the past 90-day-average market capitalization and volume. For the calculation methodology of the index, please refer to the “ixCrypto Index Methodology Paper” on our website
Appendix 3
Weightings of the Constituents of ixCrypto Portfolio Indexes
Index Constituent
ixCrypto 5 EW Index
ixCrypto 5 SR Index
ixCrypto 10 EW Index
ixCrypto 10 SR Index
ixCrypto Altcoin 10 EW Index
ixCrypto
Altcoin 10
SR Index
1
Bitcoin
20.00%
48.19%
10.00%
38.53%
–
–
2
Ethereum
20.00%
19.35%
10.00%
15.47%
10.00%
24.28%
3
BNB
20.00%
12.04%
10.00%
9.63%
10.00%
15.12%
4
XRP
20.00%
11.26%
10.00%
9.00%
10.00%
14.13%
5
Solana
20.00%
9.16%
10.00%
7.32%
10.00%
11.49%
6
TRON
–
–
10.00%
6.12%
10.00%
9.61%
7
Dogecoin
–
–
10.00%
3.92%
10.00%
6.16%
8
Hyperliquid
–
–
10.00%
4.56%
10.00%
7.16%
9
Cardano
–
–
10.00%
2.55%
10.00%
4.01%
10
Zcash
–
–
10.00%
2.90%
10.00%
4.55%
11
Bitcoin Cash
–
–
–
–
10.00%
3.49%
As of 30 June 2026
Appendix 4
Weightings of the Constituents of ixCrypto BTC/ETH 50/50 Index and ixCrypto BTC/ETH Proportional Index
Crypto
90-day-average Crypto
Market Cap
90-day-average Crypto
Volume
Index Level
Weight in BTC/ETH 50/50
Weight in BTC/ETH Proportional
Bitcoin
$1,437,866,706,756
$33,181,626,289
15571.77
50.00%
86.12%
Ethereum
$247,856,976,759
$15,563,037,468
15028.08
50.00%
13.88%
As of 30 June 2026
Appendix 5
Weightings of the Constituents of ixCrypto Stablecoin Indexes
Crypto
90-day-average- Market Cap
90-day-average-
volume
Cut-off
Price
Cumulative
Market Coverage
Weighting (%) After 40% Cap
1
Tether USDt
$187,565,841,419
$83,408,963,286
$0.9985
7.73%
40.00%
2
USDC
$76,630,801,831
$22,038,364,189
$0.9996
10.89%
40.00%
3
Ethena USDe
$4,627,650,536
$89,450,803
$0.9982
11.08%
7.55%
4
World Liberty Financial USD
$4,489,626,107
$1,369,918,606
$0.9988
11.27%
7.86%
5
PayPal USD
$3,364,115,225
$100,532,612
$0.9997
11.41%
4.59%
As of 30 June 2026
Appendix 6
Weightings of the Constituents of ixCrypto Infrastructure Index
Crypto
90-day-average-
Market Cap
90-day-average-
volume
Cut-off
Price
Cumulative
Market Coverage
Weighting (%) After 40% Cap#
1
Ethereum
$247,857,000,000
$15,563,037,468
$1610.21
10.21%
40.00%
2
Solana
$46,493,085,103
$3,834,022,970
$74.95
12.13%
20.15%
3
TRON
$31,617,610,754
$673,264,881
$0.32
13.43%
14.09%
4
Hyperliquid
$13,104,476,721
$618,560,421
$66.82
13.97%
7.83%
5
Cardano
$8,112,001,743
$453,258,116
$0.15
14.31%
2.45%
6
Chainlink
$6,469,560,543
$444,890,104
$7.37
14.57%
2.48%
7
Canton
$5,891,138,882
$20,485,763
$0.15
14.82%
2.62%
8
Gram (prev. Toncoin)
$4,378,562,527
$270,757,815
$1.60
15.00%
2.00%
9
Hedera
$3,755,084,462
$81,962,580
$0.07
15.15%
1.44%
10
Avalanche
$3,667,916,247
$273,645,491
$6.66
15.30%
1.33%
11
Sui
$3,622,445,395
$488,747,009
$0.70
15.45%
1.32%
12
NEAR Protocol
$2,271,737,560
$380,837,868
$1.86
15.55%
1.12%
13
Mantle
$2,028,115,299
$71,242,995
$0.43
15.63%
0.66%
14
Polkadot
$1,959,570,963
$140,076,084
$0.82
15.71%
0.65%
15
Aster
$1,713,931,690
$125,425,273
$0.63
15.78%
0.78%
16
Internet Computer
$1,396,740,158
$83,170,081
$2.20
15.84%
0.56%
17
Ethereum Classic
$1,288,536,326
$52,402,700
$7.13
15.89%
0.52%
As of 30 June 2026
# Weighting (%) after 40% Cap is adjusted according to the cut-off price; the arrangement of order may not be the same as the 90-day-average-Market Cap
Selection of index constituents is based on the past 90-day-average market capitalization and volume. For the calculation methodology of the index, please refer to the “ixCrypto Index Methodology Paper” on our website
Appendix 7
ixCrypto Indexes Dissemination
Real time indexes are disseminated every 5-second interval for 24×7 since 23 June 2022. The real-time indexes are available for viewing on the IX Crypto Index official webpage and Bloomberg Page IXCI <GO>. For IXCI, IXBI and IXEI, the indexes are also available through Nasdaq Global Index Data Service (GIDS) with the tickers “IXCI”, “IXBI” and “IXEI”, with dissemination interval kept at 15-second unchanged.
The vendor tickers are shown below:
Index Name
Bloomberg Ticker
NASDAQ
Reuters Ticker
Real-time
Delayed
ixCrypto Index
IXCI
IXCI2
.IXCI
.IXCI
ixBitcoin Index
IXCBI
IXCBI2
.IXBI
.IXBI1
ixEthereum Index
IXCEI
IXCEI2
.IXEI
.IXEI1
For further information about ixCrypto Index and other available indexes including IX Crypto spot price index series and EOD indexes, please visit company official webpage https://ix-index.com or subscribe to LinkedIn: IX Asia Indexes
For free API use on academic research or trial, please contact enquiry@ix-index.com
Hashtag: #ixCrypto
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About IX Asia Indexes and IX Asia Index Advisory Committee
IX Capital International Limited is an award-winning index and investment advisory company. The index business arm- IX Asia Indexes, providing real-time digital asset and innovative indexes, disseminated 24×7 globally and built on robust infrastructure. Since the launch of the first crypto benchmark index (“IXCI”) launched in Hong Kong in December 2018, the ixCrypto index series expand into 29 indexes designed for exchange futures products, mark-to-market, and fund managers’ portfolio construction purposes. To ensure the professionality and impartiality of the index methodologies and operations, IX Asia Indexes has established its index advisory committee with representation from different industries, including fund management, exchanges, brokerage, financial blockchain experts, crypto service providers, etc. The committee will meet quarterly a year to discuss matters relating to the IX Asia Indexes, including to review and to comment the data sources, methodologies, and operations of IX Asia Indexes, to provide guidance to the future development of new IX Asia Indexes and to handle other issues and decisions on an as-needed basis.
IX Asia Indexes was awarded the Fintech Award (wealth investment and management) 2019 and 2021 organised by ETNet. It as well won an award for Startup of the Year and Basic Technology (Big Data) from Hong Kong Fintech Impetus Awards 2022 by Metro Broadcast and KPMG. It also won Asia Pacific Enterprise Achievement Award 2024 by Echolade. IX Asia Indexes completed its IOSCO compliance statement and obtained ISO/IEC 27001:2022 UKAS certification.
The ixCrypto index (“IXCI”) is the first crypto index launched in Hong Kong. It was launched on 12 December 2018. It is denominated in USD with a base value of 1000 and a base date on 3 December 2018. Designed to be easy to understand while providing a good representation of the crypto market, ixCrypto index aims to cover the top 80% of the cumulative free-float adjusted market capitalization in the crypto universe and, at the same time, the crypto currencies should fall within the top liquid cryptos ranked by trading volume in the 90 days preceding the review date. The index is to be reviewed quarterly and with a fast entry rule. Real time indexes are disseminated every 5-second for 24×7 since 23 June 2022. Real-time index data together with ixBitcoin Index and ixEthereum Index can be obtained from IX Asia Indexes Data Services and Bloomberg terminal on IXCI <GO>. For IXCI, IXBI and IXEI, the indexes are also available through Nasdaq Global Index Data Service (GIDS) with the tickers “IXCI”, “IXBI”, and “IXEI”, with dissemination intervals kept at 15-seconds unchanged.
A comprehensive, high-performance sports floor treatment solution that meets the growing demands of the Asia Pacific market, reinforcing Bona’s commitment to the region’s surging basketball, badminton, and gym sectors.
MALMÖ, SWEDEN – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 July 2026 – As the global sports flooring market continues to grow, Bona, a world leader in flooring solutions for over 100 years, is strategically strengthening its reach across the Asia Pacific (APAC) region.
The company today announced the expansion of its comprehensive Bona SuperSport System offering for the Asia Pacific market, reinforcing its commitment to delivering reliable, high-performance sports flooring solutions customized to the diverse needs of sports facilities and contractors across the region.
According to Data Bridge Market Research, the global sports flooring market is projected to reach approximately USD 19.09 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.6%. Asia Pacific is expected to account for 18.5% of the global market by then, with indoor sports flooring representing more than 75% of regional demand, particularly across basketball, badminton, and gym facilities.
“The sports flooring market in Asia Pacific continues to grow rapidly, driving increasing demand for high-performance flooring systems that deliver reliability, efficiency, and consistent results,” said Pontus Forssell, Vice President, Bona APAC. “We continue to evolve the Bona SuperSport System to better support the needs of sports flooring professionals across the region.”
Developed as a complete “start-to-finish” sports floor treatment solution, the Bona SuperSport System includes primers, finishes, paints, cleaners, machines, and tools designed to work together as one fully compatible system. By simplifying application and maintenance processes, the system helps reduce on-site variability while delivering consistent sports floor performance.
The Bona SuperSport System supports a wide range of indoor sports flooring applications, from wooden to resilient sports surfaces, and is suitable for facilities ranging from schools and universities to professional sports arenas. The system is designed to help contractors and facility managers achieve optimal sports surface performance in areas such as slip resistance, sheen levels, durability, and long-term floor preservation.
“The HSUHK Sports Hall accommodates a wide range of sports activities, each with distinct performance requirements for the playing surface. The Bona SuperSport System provides the versatility, stability, and durability required to support these demands, ensuring a safe, reliable, and long-lasting solution for our high-usage sports facility.” said official from the Hang Seng University of Hong Kong.
In addressing the growing demands of the APAC sports flooring market, Bona’s SuperSport System now features Bona SuperSport 2K, a two-component waterborne wood finish with high durability and appearance, specifically formulated for professional use on indoor sport floors, providing a tough, durable, high-build polyurethane finish to withstand the heavy wear, scuff marks, and daily abuse of athletic activities.
“Bona SuperSport 2K delivers a smooth, high-quality finish that enhances both the appearance and performance of sports flooring. The surface looks professional, provides great traction, and stands up well to heavy daily use.” said Kelvin Neo, Manager from Wood & Wood Flooring Pte Ltd, Singapore.
Newly introduced Bona SuperSport Line Paint and Bona SuperSport Zone Paint further enhance the system offering. With excellent adhesion properties, they can be applied on a wide range of sport surfaces, including wood and resilient floorings, delivering superb hiding ability, fast drying performance, and vibrant colour definition to support the region’s diverse sports flooring applications.
“The strength of the Bona SuperSport System lies in its ability to deliver a fully integrated, high-performance solution for sports flooring professionals,” said Bill Price, Director of Sport, Facility Solutions & Resilient, Bona. “Customers value the consistency, efficiency, and reliability the system provides across different sports flooring environments. Bona Sport products are currently used on professional basketball courts throughout North America, and we continue to see strong interest from APAC markets looking for proven, premium-quality systems.”
International Standards and Environmental Certifications
Bona waterborne finishes are GREENGUARD certified for indoor air quality, supporting healthier indoor sports environments. The full Bona SuperSport System is also certified by both FIBA and the Maple Flooring Manufacturers Association (MFMA), meeting internationally recognized standards for sports floor performance used in venues ranging from local training courts to elite professional arenas.
“As expectations for sports flooring performance continue to rise across the region, Bona remains committed to supporting partners across APAC with proven systems, technical expertise, and professional training,” added Forssell. “Our focus is to help customers deliver reliable, high-quality sports flooring projects with confidence and consistency.”
To learn more about the Bona SuperSport System, visit https://www.bona.com/en-my/professional/installation-renovation/supersport-system/
Hashtag: #Bona
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Bona
Bona is a global, family-owned company that supplies products for installing, renovating, maintaining and restoring premium floors. Founded in 1919, Bona pioneered the industry by offering waterborne hardwood floor finishing and floor care products. Today, Bona prioritizes the environmental impact of its products and innovates high-quality systems for most premium floor surfaces including wood, tile, vinyl, resilient, rubber, and laminate. The head office is in Malmö, Sweden, and the company is represented globally across 90 countries through 17 subsidiaries, 70 distributors, 4 production sites, and over 700 employees.
As Malaysia gears up for Visit Malaysia 2026 and Visit Johor 2026, Forest City expects heightened regional interest in eco and golf tourism
JOHOR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 July 2026 – Forest City Special Financial Zone (Forest City SFZ), Malaysia’s pioneering special financial zone and emerging lifestyle and leisure hub, today released updated visitor data and travel guidance ahead of the upcoming 2026 peak travel season. New visitor data now confirms that Forest City has recorded approximately 4 million coastal visitors, over 100,000 golfers and 57 international events at its golf resort, and more than 260,000 guests at its two hotels in 2025, reinforcing its status as a growing cross-border tourism and leisure destination. The figures come as the Johor Bahru–Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link approaches completion, with passenger service expected to begin in January 2027, further enhancing transportation convenience.
An elevated view across Forest City Golf Resort in Johor, Malaysia — home to two 18-hole championship courses whose Classic Course has ranked among the Top 100 Golf Courses in Asia for seven consecutive years.
Forest City SFZ at a glance
Forest City SFZ is a coastal development in Johor, Malaysia, located approximately 2 km across the Tebrau Strait from Singapore. It was then designated a Special Financial Zone by the Malaysian government in August 2023. The Malaysian Parliament passed five federal bills in July 2024 designating Pulau Satu as the country’s fifth duty-free island, and the first that visitors can enter directly by vehicle.
For travellers, Forest City SFZ offers a 4 km publicly accessible coastline, two championship-rated golf courses (including its Classic Course, which has ranked in the Top 100 Golf Courses in Asia for seven consecutive years), guided mangrove eco-tours, sea fishing trips, and duty-free shopping. It is currently the only duty-free island in Malaysia that can be entered by vehicle without a ferry.
The Forest City beach experience with open shoreline, mangroves and sea fishing
The 4 km coastline and surrounding environment are designed to make visitors forget they are only minutes away from the city. Soft sand beaches slope gently into the water, shallow enough for children to paddle and deep enough for kayakers, windsurfers, and other water sports enthusiasts to find their rhythm. It is this unpretentious charm that has drawn approximately 4 million coastal visits in 2025 — offering an open, welcoming, and peaceful place that doesn’t feel too far from home.
The wider development sits within roughly 2.86 million m² of green space — including both golf courses, parks, mangrove corridors, and landscaped public zones — with over 400 documented plant and animal species recorded on‑site. For visitors interested in the island’s natural beauty, guided mangrove eco‑tours run along the development’s green corridor. A one‑ to two‑hour trip with a registered boat operator takes travellers past fish nurseries and bird habitats, with a stop to see the ongoing mangrove restoration work along the Johor coastline. Sea fishing trips depart from the marina with expert guides accompanying guests throughout the journey. Bookings can be made either through the hotel concierge or via official Forest Life app.
Forest City has developed three core commercial districts, bringing together over 100 shops that cover a diverse range of business formats, including international dining, duty‑free shopping, retail, healthcare, finance, and leisure and entertainment. Regular festivals, sports events, and cultural gatherings along the beachfront bring Forest City’s “Eat · Play · Chill by the Sea” concept to life.
Two championship golf courses with a seven-year ranking streak
A journey through Forest City Golf Resort reveals a landscape designed with nature in mind. Two 18‑hole championship courses sit side by side on a single property: the Classic Course, designed by veteran architect Liang Guokun, runs 7,138 yards across 69 hectares; the Legacy Course, a rare collaboration between Jack Nicklaus and Jack Nicklaus II, stretches 7,386 yards across 74 hectares. Both are GEO Certified, a mark of environmental stewardship that audits water use, biodiversity, energy, and waste.
The Classic Course has placed in the Top 100 Golf Courses in Asia for seven consecutive years (2020–2026), a feat few courses can claim. In 2026, it climbed 14 places to No. 36 in Asia and retained its title as No. 1 in Malaysia. The Legacy Course, meanwhile, ranked No. 49 in the Asia‑Pacific Top 100 (2024–2025). In 2025, the resort welcomed over 100,000 golfers, serving as a vibrant hub for both casual golfers and professionals.
For travellers seeking events to experience, the resort hosts more than 50 tournament dates annually, including pro‑am events and corporate days. 57 major tournaments were held in 2025. The wider development hosts more than 100 international events a year — from endurance races to lifestyle festivals, including the Challenge Malaysia triathlon scheduled for October 2026.
Duty-Free Retail on Pulau Satu
Forest City was gazetted as a duty-free island under five Federal bills passed by the Malaysian Parliament in July 2024. This transformation has positioned Forest City as Malaysia’s fifth duty-free island and the first that visitors can enter directly by vehicle, without a ferry crossing.
Shelf prices on the gazetted categories — alcoholic beverages, chocolate and confectionery, cosmetics, perfumes, and other goods — are typically lower than equivalent purchases on the Malaysian mainland or in Singapore retail.
For vehicle access, visitors should take the following into consideration:
Identification: Visitors should ensure they bring valid identification for vehicle entry.
Import Allowances: Per-passenger import allowances on goods carried back into mainland Malaysia or into Singapore are strictly governed by the respective customs authorities. Visitors are encouraged to check the latest government guidelines and current allowances for Malaysia or Singapore before making purchases.
Singapore Residents: GST relief thresholds and specific allowances for alcohol and tobacco are set by Singapore Customs; please verify these against the official live portal when visiting.
Forest City Accommodation: Marina Hotel, Golf Hotel, long-term stays
Forest City Marina Hotel is the development’s flagship beachfront property, offering 283 rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame a 270-degree view across the Strait of Johor. Multiple dining outlets, a swimming pool, and conference facilities make it a versatile base for both leisure and business travellers. For golf-led trips, the Forest City Golf Hotel, winner of the prestigious Agoda 2025 Gold Circle Award, sits within the resort grounds and offers stay-and-play packages bundled with green fees on either course.
Forest City Golf Hotel is a five-star retreat set within the 800-hectare Forest City Golf Resort, offering 298 spacious guestrooms and suites, including Superior and Deluxe Rooms, Superior and Deluxe Suites, a Family Suite and three Presidential Suites, many with views of the surrounding golf landscape. Guests can enjoy Asian, Western and international cuisine at the Tee-Off Restaurant, private dining spaces for family gatherings and business occasions, as well as café and lounge facilities.
The hotel also provides direct access to championship golf, swimming pools, a gym, spa, golf shop, executive lounge, meeting rooms, a grand ballroom and event venues, making it suitable for leisure stays, golf getaways, corporate meetings and private celebrations.
During tournament weekends and major events, the Marina Hotel typically operates at full occupancy, with overflow demand absorbed by short-term rental units.
For longer stays and family groups, Forest City’s residential blocks offer a substantial inventory of professionally managed serviced apartments, ideal for those seeking more space or a home-away-from-home experience. Blue Horizon Suites, a newly launched sea-view serviced residence in 2026, features panoramic ocean views and a comprehensive suite of modern amenities, including a swimming pool, private beach access, and close proximity to the golf course.
Beyond accommodation, Forest City delivers an integrated lifestyle environment, with year-round dining options, the on-site Forest City International School (a CATS Global Schools campus), and the duty-free retail cluster on Pulau Satu.
Accessibility: getting to Forest City SFZ in 2026
Forest City SFZ sits approximately 2 km across the Tebrau Strait from Singapore, closer to central Singapore than most Singaporeans are to Changi Airport. By road via the Tuas Second Link, the drive is roughly 40 minutes from Singapore CBD(Central Business District) and roughly 60 minutes from Changi Airport.
From Johor Bahru CBD, the journey takes approximately 30 minutes by car, while Senai International Airport is about 50 minutes away. This puts travellers at the coast, close enough for a spontaneous weekend escape, yet far enough to feel like a proper getaway. For Singapore-based visitors, hotel shuttles and chartered coaches via the Second Link are the most convenient option, with the journey offering a scenic Strait crossing as a picturesque introduction to the destination.
Itinerary options: weekend getaways, family breaks and corporate stays
Singapore weekend visitors can arrive on Friday evening via the Second Link, with the journey from Singapore’s CBD taking approximately 40 minutes. The stay-and-play package offers a low-friction entry point: two nights’ accommodation at the Forest City Golf Hotel, daily breakfast, and one round of 18 holes on the Classic Course. Saturday and Sunday can be split between golf and the 4 km public coastline, with duty‑free shopping and a long brunch on Pulau Satu before the return crossing. Malaysian families on a long weekend can fill an unhurried two‑day itinerary with the 4 km coastline, mangrove eco‑tours and water sports. The coastline has drawn approximately 4 million visitors in 2025, with school‑holiday weeks bringing the most coastal events. For families with children, the Forest City Water Park offers gentle water play zones and casual aquatic recreation suitable for younger visitors.
Corporate groups, MICE planners and cross‑border professionals can utilise the Forest City Hotel’s conference facilities and block-booking capabilities. The resort’s 57 major golf tournaments in 2025 demonstrate its capacity to absorb large groups. The Marina Hotel spans over 830,000 sq. ft with 283 rooms, multiple dining outlets, a fitness centre and a swimming pool. Once the RTS Link begins passenger service in January 2027, Forest City will become viable as a same‑day cross‑border meeting venue for Singapore‑based groups, with the Bukit Chagar–Woodlands North crossing reduced to approximately five minutes.
A destination backed by policy, infrastructure, and visitor data
A single weekend at any leisure destination can tell only a small part of the bigger story. But the data — 4 km of public coastline, two championship golf courses with a seven-year Asia’s Top 100 streak, status as Malaysia’s fifth duty-free island, more than 100 events a year, and located just 2 km from Singapore, with an RTS Link offering passenger service from January 2027 — point to a growing travel destination backed by infrastructure and policy support.
Hashtag: #ForestCity
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About Forest City Special Financial Zone
Located in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, Forest City Special Financial Zone (FCSFZ) is Malaysia’s pioneering special financial zone and the financial-services flagship within the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone. It is positioned to attract financial institutions, multinational corporations, high-net-worth individuals and businesses operating in wealth management, financial technology and global business services.
Its incentive framework includes a 0% income tax rate for qualifying Single Family Office Vehicles for up to 20 years , a preferential 5% corporate tax rate for approved qualifying activities, and a special 15% personal income tax rate for eligible knowledge workers, subject to the applicable conditions, regulatory approvals and prevailing legislation. Forest City also holds duty-free island status, further strengthening its appeal as a regional investment, business and wealth-management destination near Singapore.
Notes to editors
Public-sector figures or policies referenced in this release are drawn from the Land Transport Authority of Singapore, Singapore Customs, Royal Malaysian Customs Department, and previously published media reports. Forest City-specific visitor or activity figures are based on company data and should be reconfirmed against the final reporting cut-off before distribution.
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