LAGOS, NIGERIA – JUNE, 2026, CASCADOR [4], AN AFRICA-FOCUSED PLATFORM FOR GROWTH-STAGE FOUNDERS BUILDING BUSINESSES WITH SOCIAL IMPACT, HOSTED ITS SECOND ANNUAL PITCH DAY ON JUNE 3RD, 2026, FOLLOWING A SUCCESSFUL INAUGURAL EVENT LAST YEAR. OVER $5M OF GROWTH CAPITAL WAS DEPLOYED TO SEVEN INNOVATIVE AFRICAN ENTREPRENEURS, WHO PITCHED THEIR VISION AND GROWTH STRATEGIES BEFORE AN INFLUENTIAL AUDIENCE OF BUSINESS LEADERS AND A DISTINGUISHED PANEL OF JUDGES.
This year’s event brought together more than 300 investors, lenders,
mentors, and ecosystem builders for high-value conversations with
founders scaling impactful companies across Nigeria.
Pitch Day is the culmination of Cascador’s annual Catalytic Fund
deployment cycle, a funding initiative that provides up to $5M per year
in tailored support to Cascador’s ScaleUp alumni through a blend of
debt and equity investments, while celebrating the entrepreneurs who
have grown through its ecosystem. Finalists were selected based on their
ability to absorb and multiply the value of capital, education, and
networks, as well as their potential for social impact, including job
creation and service to underserved communities.
Deina Mayaki of Agriarche, the largest funding recipient from the 2026
Catalytic Fund, shared her experience, “Cascador’s ScaleUp program
built upon my team’s ability to translate learning into action by
helping us refine our message and market position, adjust our funding
strategy, and adapt without defensiveness. The Catalytic Fund due
diligence team assessed Agriarche’s financial strength, resourcefulness,
and track record of success, and they rewarded our high-potential for
scale and impact today by awarding a new N2.5B credit facility to power
our growth.”
The 2026 Pitch Day Funding Recipients:
Deina Mayaki (Agriarche) – Debt ₦2.5B ($1.7M)
Deborah Gael (Koolboks) – Debt ₦2B ($1.4M)
Okey Esse (Powerstove) – Debt ₦1.8B ($1.2M)
Daniel Komolafe (First Electric) – Debt ₦500M ($357K)
Femi Oyewole (Fortics) – Debt ₦200M ($142K)
Preston Ideh (Stears) – Equity $450K
Yinka Iyinolakan (Indigenius AI) – Equity $250K
“In just two years, Pitch Day has awarded more than $9M to
growth-stage African founders, helping to build a new generation of
entrepreneurs equipped to scale transformative businesses. We’re now
looking for the next cohort of exceptional founders to join our 2026
ScaleUp program and hope to see them on stage at the next Pitch Day.”
Dave DeLucia, Founder of Cascador.
Cascador’s ScaleUp Program works with an elite cohort of entrepreneurs
to strengthen leadership, sharpen strategy, and prepare founders to
scale sustainably. Through this approach, Cascador is helping build the
next generation of high-impact African businesses. Since 2019, it has
supported 70 companies that have collectively raised more than $125
million.
Applications for the 2026 ScaleUp Program are open until June 15 [5] to
transformative leaders ready to take their companies to the next stage
of growth by accessing the connections, resources, and capital required
to scale their businesses.
Alongside Iyin Aboyeji of Future Africa and Nneke Eze of Vested World,
Daniel Ayoede of Verod Capital Management judged the prize competition
for Cascador Pitch Day 2026. Speaking about his experience with
Cascador, Ayoede said, “Two years judging Pitch Day, plus a season as
faculty for the Cascador ScaleUp program, taught me something the term
sheets never capture: capital readiness, not capital, is what turns
funding into scale. The founders on stage today walk away with customer
pipelines, team training, mentorship, and bespoke support, the
connective tissue that lets them multiply what they raise. This is not
an accelerator. It is ecosystem architecture, and these founders are its
proof.”
Special Prizes Awarded
In addition to investment capital, two entrepreneurs received
recognition for innovation and pitch quality, with $10k USD awarded by
NSIA as a Prize for Innovation and $10k USD awarded by the judges’ panel
for Best Pitch:
NSIA Prize for Innovation: Indigenius AI
Best Pitch: Koolboks
Esteemed Panel Session
Pitch Day featured a high-level panel discussion titled “Innovative
Capital Deployment Structures in Nigeria,” moderated by Cascador
Founder Dave DeLucia and bringing together leading voices across the
investment, financial, and public sector ecosystem, including Idris
Bello of LoftyInc Capital, Danladi Verheijen of Verod Capital,
Darlington Nwankwo of Sterling Bank, Ada Osakwe of Agrolay Ventures &
Nuli, and Ijeoma Taylaur of NSIA. The session will explore creative
capital deployment strategies needed to help growth-stage businesses
access patient equity, working capital, concessionary debt, and the
strategic support required to scale sustainably.
Two 2025 Catalytic Fund capital recipients shared their performance and
impact post-funding. Babatunde Akin-Moses of Sycamore said, “Truly
catalytic capital should create companies that eventually no longer need
it: That is what it did for Sycamore. Our recent commercial paper raise
was oversubscribed by 230%.” And Seyi Adefemi of Drive45, the largest
capital recipient last year, shared, “There are founders across Africa
solving real problems and building resilient businesses. What they often
lack is the financial and non-financial support to cross the gap between
potential and scale. Cascador helped Drive45 cross that gap.”
Cascador’s alumni are driving innovation, raising investment capital,
winning awards, and changing the face of the African economy. CEOs of
growth-stage companies across Sub-Saharan Africa who have demonstrated
meaningful traction and are ready to take their companies to the next
stage of growth are encouraged to apply for the fall Cascador ScaleUp
cohort.
From high-altitude mountain roads to the heat of the Middle East, the VinFast VF 8 has been tested far beyond the showroom, proving not only its capability as an SUV but also the strength of the ownership experience behind it.
DUBAI, UAE – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 June 2026 – Long before a buyer steps into a showroom, the VinFast VF 8 has already built a strong case for itself. Over the past three years, the all-electric D-segment SUV has been put through its paces on journeys spanning thousands of kilometers across Vietnam, challenging routes into Tibet, and some of the world’s most demanding automotive markets, including North America, Europe, and the Middle East.
Designed in collaboration with Italy’s renowned Pininfarina studio, the VF 8 combines modern styling, spacious interiors, and strong performance. The VF 8 Eco delivers up to 493 km of range (NEDC), while the VF 8 Plus offers up to 402 horsepower and 620 Nm of torque through an all-wheel-drive system. Built for family mobility, the SUV also features advanced driver assistance technologies, over-the-air software updates, and connected smart services.
But for today’s buyers, a vehicle is only part of the story. The experience that comes after the purchase is becoming just as important as the drive itself.
That shift was recently highlighted in an EY report, which found that customers increasingly value convenience, transparency, and digital service experiences throughout the ownership journey[1]. To meet those expectations, the report identified three key priorities for automakers: expanding service networks, improving parts availability and logistics, and strengthening digital customer engagement.
VinFast’s global aftersales strategy closely reflects these priorities.
Earlier this year, the company announced agreements with 29 international aftersales partners across North America, Europe, the Middle East, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Kazakhstan. These partnerships will help expand a global network expected to exceed 1,100 service workshops in 2026, supported by standardized technician training, quality control systems, and streamlined parts distribution.
For Middle Eastern customers, these efforts build on the company’s existing partnership with Al Tayer Motors, one of the region’s leading automotive groups. Through such collaborations, VinFast aims to deliver globally consistent service standards while benefiting from local expertise and market knowledge.
Parts availability is another area receiving significant attention. VinFast has established a supply chain system targeting delivery of commonly required spare parts within 24 hours in key markets, helping reduce vehicle downtime and improve customer convenience.
At the same time, digital services are becoming a bigger part of everyday ownership. Through the VF Connect platform, owners can access vehicle health information, remote vehicle controls, roadside assistance, self-diagnostics, driver profile synchronization, and over-the-air software updates. These are exactly the kinds of connected experiences that industry analysts believe will shape the future of vehicle ownership.
The company’s approach is further supported by ownership benefits available in the Middle East, including a 10-year/200,000 km vehicle warranty, a 10-year unlimited-kilometer battery warranty, complimentary service coverage, mobile service support, and 24/7 roadside assistance.
As the automotive industry moves deeper into the electric era, vehicle quality alone is no longer enough. Customers want confidence that support will be there long after they drive off the lot.
That is what makes the VF 8’s story stand out. Its journey from the highways of Vietnam to the rugged roads of Tibet and the demanding conditions of the Middle East is not just proof of durability. It also reflects VinFast’s broader focus on giving customers peace of mind through reliable service, strong support, and an ownership experience designed to last.
How to I.D. & Address this Budget-Busting Financial Burden
For many Americans, a vehicle payment has become a significant source of financial stress. Rising insurance premiums, higher interest rates, fuel costs, maintenance expenses, and longer loan terms have increased the overall cost of vehicle ownership, leaving some households struggling to keep up. Below, automotive retail analyst and consumer advocate Ray Shefska, CarEdge [1] Co-Founder, shares insights on how consumers can recognize when a car payment is consuming too much of their budget, why payment burdens have become more common, and what steps people can take if they find themselves financially stretched.
What are some signs that a car payment is taking up too much of a person’s budget?
You know a consumer bit off more than they can comfortably handle when
they have to cut back on the amount they drive. That is usually one of
the first signs that their budget is stretched. Rather than drive
somewhere they stay home or get a ride with a friend. The cost of fuel
on top of a high car payment is more than many can afford. Another sign
is when someone puts off needed maintenance simply because they must
choose between making the car payment or covering the maintenance. With
rising auto insurance premiums, this puts further pressure on a consumer
who accepted a payment that was already a stretch to make before prices
started spiking upward. Depreciating assets like cars and trucks are not
the type of purchases someone should stretch for, perhaps real estate,
which usually appreciates over time but certainly not cars.
In your experience, how do consumers typically end up with car payments that take up too much of their income?
The first mistake people make is buying their wants as opposed to
buying their needs. Wants tend to cost more than needs. The second
mistake they make is not closely examining all of their expenses,
leading them to assume they can afford a bigger payment than they
actually can. The third mistake they make is not checking the cost of
their automobile insurance until after they have purchased their new
vehicle, leading to shock at how much their monthly premium increases.
And finally they fall for the payment trap the Finance and Insurance
Manager sets when they sign their loan documents. Unwanted, overpriced
protection packages, longer loan terms, and higher interest rates all
seem acceptable when the F&I manager says, ‘You don’t think the bank
would agree to this payment if they weren’t confident you could pay it
back, do you?’
Have you noticed any changes in recent years that have made car payments less affordable for consumers?
New car and pre-owned interest rates are much higher today than they
were just a few years ago, which has negatively impacted car payments.
84 and 96-month loan terms also give the appearance of making a car more
affordable when in fact customers agree to pay thousands of dollars more
in interest in most cases.
How can you determine how much car you can afford?
I recommend that no more than 10-15% of your gross monthly income go
toward covering your car, including your car payment, insurance premium,
fuel cost and maintenance.
What should consumers do if their car payment is too high?
Contact the bank that holds the car loan if you are having trouble
making your payment and ask if you can make partial payments for a time
being until things improve financially. Remember, banks want to be in
the lending business not actually the car business, so in most cases
they will try to work with a customer so they don’t have to repossess
the vehicle.
Besides refinancing, what other options are available?
For those struggling with their monthly payments I suggest they contact
each provider they are paying and see if they can negotiate a lower
payment plan to lessen their monthly obligations until they regain their
financial footing. That would include your credit card providers, cell
phone services providers or utility providers. Many government-approved
credit counselling service providers are available for people struggling
financially, and someone in this situation should seek one out.
Will affordability improve soon?
I do not expect affordability to improve any time soon, so buyers need
to thoroughly and completely understand their budgets and limit
purchases to things that they need not necessarily what they want. Save
as much as they can for a down payment and limit their loan term to
avoid paying thousands of dollars in extra interest. Discipline is the
key, make only discipline-informed purchasing decisions.
Nigeria will begin implementing a new green tax on high-engine capacity vehicles from July 1, 2026, alongside a broad reduction in import duties on essential goods including rice, sugar, palm oil, passenger vehicles, and construction materials, in a coordinated fiscal reform designed to reshape pricing, consumption, and revenue patterns across the economy.
The policy package is structured as a dual approach to economic adjustment, combining environmental taxation on fuel-inefficient vehicles with tariff relief on widely consumed and production-linked imports, with the aim of easing inflationary pressures while also encouraging cleaner transportation choices and strengthening domestic manufacturing capacity.
Brandspur Banking News Desk reports that the federal fiscal strategy reflects a balancing effort between raising non-oil revenue through targeted taxation and reducing household cost burdens through lower import-related charges, as authorities respond to persistent cost-of-living pressures and broader macroeconomic constraints in 2026.
Under the new framework, higher-engine vehicles will attract additional levies intended to discourage heavy fuel consumption and promote more energy-efficient mobility options, while reduced import duties are expected to lower landing costs for food staples such as rice and sugar, as well as key construction inputs used across housing and infrastructure development.
For motorists and car dealers, the introduction of the green tax is expected to increase the total cost of owning or importing larger vehicles, particularly those with higher fuel consumption profiles, while the adjustment in import tariffs may offer partial offsetting relief depending on vehicle category and sourcing channels.
Businesses operating in the food, agriculture processing, and construction sectors are also likely to experience shifts in input costs, as lower duties on raw materials and essential commodities could ease production expenses and influence pricing strategies in both wholesale and retail markets.
The policy direction signals a broader effort by government to reset fiscal levers in 2026, using taxation and trade adjustments as tools to manage inflation, support local production, and reconfigure consumption patterns in line with long-term economic planning objectives.
However, the overall impact on household purchasing power will depend on how effectively lower import duties translate into retail price reductions, and whether additional vehicle-related taxes significantly affect transport and logistics costs across supply chains.
As implementation approaches, attention will remain focused on how the combined measures influence Nigeria’s cost-of-living trajectory, particularly in urban centres where transport, food prices, and construction demand remain key drivers of inflation.
AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 June 2026 – XTransfer, the world’s leading B2B cross-border trade payment platform, and Societe Generale, a leading European bank in transaction banking, announced having signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) during Money20/20 Europe 2026 in Amsterdam, to enhance cross-border payment infrastructure and develop integrated financial solutions to support international trade flows.
The cooperation aims to deliver more efficient, seamless and cost-effective cross-border payment experiences, particularly for businesses operating from China across Europe and global markets.
The MOU was announced by Neil Ni, Chief Strategy Officer of XTransfer (Third from the left), and Queenie Lo, Head of Global Transaction Banking Hong Kong (Third from the right) & Edwin Hartog, Head of Global Transaction Banking Netherlands (Forth from the left) at Societe Generale, at Money20/20 Europe 2026 in Amsterdam.
As global supply chains diversify and international trade becomes increasingly digital and interconnected, companies expect cross-border payments that are not only secure and compliant but also faster, more predictable and easier to automate. Yet despite growing flows, many still face persistent frictions: fragmented collection solutions, limited transparency over fees and FX, lengthy settlement times, and complex compliance requirements across jurisdictions.
Against this backdrop, XTransfer and Societe Generale will combine their respective strengths – bank-grade resilience, regulatory expertise and execution capabilities with platform-enabled digital connectivity – to streamline international payment flows and improve client experience across markets.
Under the MOU, the parties will explore the development of integrated cross-border financial solutions. This includes developing local collection and outbound payment solutions that help suppliers collect from overseas buyers more efficiently and reliably, while enabling global importers to pay suppliers worldwide with greater speed, security and end-to-end operational certainty.
The cooperation also includes “Pay to China” services with USD and CNY settlement and transfer services in Hong Kong SAR and Mainland China, strengthening connectivity for trade flows between Asia and Europe and supporting more seamless cross-border settlement.
The parties will further explore FX solutions to enable fast and reliable conversion of local currencies into major FX currencies such as USD and EUR, supporting smoother settlement and greater certainty for cross-border traders.
Bill Deng, Founder and CEO of XTransfer, said, “We are pleased to sign this MOU with Societe Generale to strengthen X-Net, a globally unified B2B cross-border settlement network and risk management platform developed by XTransfer, with deeper banking connectivity for global traders. By combining Societe Generale’s transaction banking capabilities with XTransfer’s platform and global SME network, we aim to deliver more digital, scalable cross-border payment solutions for traders worldwide.”
Andreea Parneci, Deputy Head of Global Transaction and Payment Services at Societe Generale added: “Seamless and transparent cross-border payments are now a baseline expectation for internationally active clients. By combining our global infrastructure with an innovative digital platform such as XTransfer, we continue to enhance the efficiency and reliability of international payments. This initiative also reflects our ambition to further scale our transaction banking franchise, helping clients navigate an increasingly complex global trade landscape.”
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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About XTransfer XTransfer, the world’s largest B2B cross-border trade payment platform with over US$60 billion TPV in 2025, according to CIC. Founded in 2017 as one of the first payment platforms worldwide dedicated to B2B cross-border trade, we serve the largest customer base of over 897,000 registered SMEs globally as of March 31, 2026.
We connect top-tier financial institutions directly to SMEs, the backbone of global trade, giving businesses of every size access to the same secure, compliant and seamless payment infrastructure once reserved for multinationals. As of March 31, 2026, we provide payment services across more than 200 countries and regions through partnerships with financial institutions, including some of the most established international banks around the world.
XTransfer has obtained licenses in major hubs, including the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong China, the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia, Singapore, and the Netherlands
For more information, please visit: https://www.xtransfer.com
About Societe Generale Societe Generale is a top-tier European Bank with around 110,000 employees serving 27 million clients in 58 countries across the world. We have been supporting the development of our economies for over 160 years, providing our corporate, institutional, and individual clients with a wide array of value-added advisory and financial solutions. Our long-lasting and trusted relationships with the clients, our cutting-edge expertise, our unique innovation, our ESG capabilities and leading franchises are part of our DNA and serve our most essential objective – to deliver sustainable value creation for all our stakeholders.
The Group runs three complementary sets of businesses, embedding ESG offerings for all its clients:
French Retail, Private Banking and Insurance, with leading retail bank SG and insurance franchise, premium private banking services, and the leading digital bank BoursoBank.
Global Banking and Investor Solutions, a top tier wholesale bank offering tailored-made solutions with distinctive global leadership in equity derivatives, structured finance and ESG.
Mobility, International Retail Banking and Financial Services, comprising well-established universal banks (in Czech Republic, Romania and several African countries), Ayvens (the new ALD I LeasePlan brand), a global player in sustainable mobility, as well as specialized financing activities.
Committed to building together with its clients a better and sustainable future, Societe Generale aims to be a leading partner in the environmental transition and sustainability overall. The Group is included in the principal socially responsible investment indices: DJSI (Europe), FTSE4Good (Global and Europe), Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index, Refinitiv Diversity and Inclusion Index, Euronext Vigeo (Europe and Eurozone), STOXX Global ESG Leaders indexes, and the MSCI Low Carbon Leaders Index (World and Europe).
In case of doubt regarding the authenticity of this press release, please go to the end of the Group News page on societegenerale.com website where official Press Releases sent by Societe Generale can be certified using blockchain technology. A link will allow you to check the document’s legitimacy directly on the web page.
Financial activity across Ghana is increasingly shifting away from traditional banks as mobile money platforms continue to dominate everyday transactions, raising fresh concerns about the long-term competitiveness of the country’s banking industry in 2026.
Across both urban centres and rural communities, individuals now rely heavily on mobile phones and local mobile money agents to send, receive, and store funds, bypassing bank branches that once controlled the flow of financial services.
In many parts of the country, including rural northern communities, financial services are now accessed through mobile platforms that allow users to pay suppliers, receive remittances from relatives in cities such as Accra, and manage savings without stepping into a formal banking hall.
The growing dependence on mobile money is being driven by convenience, accessibility, and speed, especially in areas where bank infrastructure remains limited or costly to access for low-income users.
MTN Group and other telecom-led financial platforms have played a central role in expanding digital financial inclusion, building extensive agent networks that now function as de facto financial hubs in many communities.
The widening adoption of mobile-based transactions has intensified debate within the financial sector over whether commercial banks are gradually losing relevance in the face of fintech-driven disruption.
Brandspur Banking News Desk reports that while banks still dominate formal lending and corporate finance, their grip on everyday retail transactions is weakening as consumers increasingly favour mobile-first financial services.
Industry observers say the shift reflects broader structural changes in African financial behaviour, where informal economies and digital tools are merging to create faster, more decentralised payment systems.
In Ghana, mobile money has evolved beyond simple transfers to include savings, bill payments, and merchant services, positioning it as a full-scale alternative financial ecosystem rather than just a payment tool.
The trend is now forcing banks to reassess their digital strategies and partnerships as competition from telecom-backed financial services continues to redefine access to money across the country.
Analysts note that unless traditional lenders accelerate innovation and expand their digital reach, they risk further erosion of their retail customer base in one of Africa’s fastest-growing fintech markets.
LOS ANGELES, USA – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 June 2026 – Global charging brand INIU has officially launched its new SnapGo Air 10000mAh Magnetic Power Bank. As one of the most well-rounded magnetic power banks in terms of functionality, SnapGo Air embodies the philosophy “Sleek Power. Solid Confidence.”By combining faster wireless charging, an ultra-slim profile, and versatile power delivery, the new model sets a new benchmark for everyday portable energy.
Designed for seamless daily comfort, SnapGo Air is one of the slimmest Qi2.2 magnetic power banks available. Measuring just 0.5 inches (13.8 mm) thick, it features an anodized aluminum body with a soft-touch finish that feels refined and durable. Its slim profile allows it to attach naturally to the phone, functioning as an effortless extension while remaining comfortable for all-day carry.
Officially Qi2.2 certified, SnapGo Air delivers up to 25W of wireless output—among the fastest magnetic charging speeds available. With an iPhone 17 Pro, it reaches 50% in just 33 minutes (data based on INIU laboratory testing results),saving up to 30 minutes compared to standard 7.5W Qi charging. A 13N magnetic grip ensures a secure hold during daily movement, commuting, or travel.
For urgent power needs, SnapGo Air features an integrated USB-C GoCord cable. This dual-tasking design works as both a charging cable and a recharge solution for the power bank itself. With up to 45W wired output, it can charge an iPhone 17 Pro from 20% to 78% in about 25 minutes. The power bank fully recharges in approximately 1.8 hours using the same cable—no extra cords required.
A discreet side-mounted digital display provides clear battery and charging information while maintaining a clean aesthetic. SnapGo Air is optimized for the iPhone 12 through iPhone 17 series, delivering seamless magnetic charging for a wide range of compatible devices.
The MSRP (Official Site/Amazon) is $54.99 in the U.S., £49.99 in the UK, €54.99 in Europe.
Founded in 2014, INIU serves over 40 million users across 174 countries with reliable, high-efficiency energy solutions. Through patented technologies such as TinyCell™ and HyperStack™, the brand advances compact performance while delivering reliable power solutions across diverse everyday scenarios, including commuting, travel, work, and outdoor use.
With SnapGo Air, INIU strengthens its leadership in magnetic charging innovation. Combining slim design, high-speed performance, and everyday practicality, it delivers a dependable solution for modern mobile lifestyles.
Hashtag: #INIU
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Kairos-HomeWorld is purpose built for embodied intelligence and represents the first unified framework capable of generating a complete, fully interactive home environment from a single text prompt. Extending indoor scene generation beyond individual rooms, it enables whole-home simulation in which every object is fully manipulable within an integrated simulation engine.
Kairos-HomeWorld employs a four-stage hierarchical architecture encompassing floorplan generation, 2D-to-3D lifting, recursive refinement, and manipulable object placement. This approach enables the production of globally coherent, physically accurate, and simulation-ready scenes. Each environment contains more than 15 manipulable objects and achieves a Footprint Object Density of 4.16, the highest among compared methods.
The accompanying open-source dataset is purpose-built for Chinese households, pairing 300,000 real residential floor plans with 5,000 fully furnished, simulation-ready homes and 50,000 physics-enabled interactive object assets. Already deployed in ACE ROBOTICS’ daily robot training, it significantly accelerates the simulation-to-reality transfer cycle.
SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 June 2026 – ACE ROBOTICS, in collaboration with the Multimedia Laboratory at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) and Shenzhen Loop Area Institute, today announced the open-source release of Kairos-HomeWorld, the industry’s first unified World Model framework capable of generating full home-scale, object-level interactive 3D environments from a single text prompt. The solution addresses longstanding limitations in indoor scene generation, which has typically been restricted to single-room outputs with weak global consistency and limited interactivity. Kairos-HomeWorld overcomes these constraints by delivering structurally coherent, physically plausible, and functionally complete residential environments. These high-fidelity, large-scale simulations provide a robust foundation for advancing embodied intelligence applications and accelerating real-world robot training.
The long-term vision for embodied intelligence is the home environment. However, residential settings are inherently diverse and highly personalized, requiring robots to be trained across a broad range of realistic and differentiated scenarios before they can reliably operate in even a single household. High-fidelity simulation offers the most practical pathway to achieving this at scale, yet existing approaches typically involve a trade-off: synthetic environments lack realism, while scanned real-world scenes offer limited interactivity. Kairos-HomeWorld, together with its accompanying dataset, is designed to bridge this gap, delivering both realistic and interactive environments within a unified framework.
A four-stage architecture for whole-home, object-level generation Conventional approaches to indoor scene generation remain constrained to single-room outputs, often exhibiting weak global consistency, frequent physical inaccuracies, and limited or no interactivity. Kairos-HomeWorld takes a fundamentally different approach. It decomposes whole-home generation into a structured, four-stage process, redefining the underlying architectural paradigm from the ground up.
Stage 1 — Floor Plan Generation. A K-D tree-based approach translates real-world floor plans into a hierarchical text representation that can be efficiently processed by large language models (LLMs). This method mitigates common issues in conventional layout generation, including room overlaps and fragmented topologies, resulting in more coherent and structurally consistent spatial configurations.
Stage 2 — 2D-to-3D Lifting & Furniture Layout Generation. A “top-down global initialization combined with a first-person detail walkthrough” approach anchors the process to the 3D building shell generated in Stage 1. This methodology mitigates the geometric drift commonly associated with conventional 2D-to-3D lifting techniques, enabling more stable and spatially consistent scene generation.
Stage 3 — Recursive Refinement. A fine-tuned vision-language model performs iterative validation and correction, automatically identifying and resolving physical inconsistencies, such as obstructed doorways or object collisions. This recursive process materially reduces spatial errors, achieving among the lowest reported furniture-collision rates in the industry.
Stage 4 — Manipulable Object Placement. A surface-centric placement algorithm assigns each object detailed physical properties, including material composition, density, friction, and structural support relationships. Each generated scene incorporates an average of more than 15 manipulable objects and achieves a Footprint Object Density (FOD) of 4.16, a metric reflecting the concentration of items across furniture surfaces. All objects are natively compatible with simulation engines, enabling direct interaction for tasks such as grasping, movement, and stacking.
The resulting environments move beyond “viewable but not actionable” outputs. Their coherent spatial structure enables seamless, continuous navigation across multiple rooms, while objects embedded with realistic physical properties allow robots to simulate complex household tasks end-to-end. Taken together, this approach addresses key limitations in existing data pipelines, resolving the scarcity of high-quality 3D simulation data, the lack of realism in synthetic environments, and the limited interactivity of scanned scenes within a single unified framework.
The dataset: 300,000 real floor plans, 5,000 fully interactive homes, built for Chinese households ACE ROBOTICS and CUHK are open-sourcing a dataset of 300,000 structurally annotated residential floor plans, sourced from real-world listings and processed through a multi-stage automated pipeline. The pipeline vectorizes and labels key spatial elements, including door and window positions, room geometry, functional zoning, and connectivity. By comparison, widely used benchmarks such as RPLAN and ResPlan contain approximately 80,000 and 17,000 floor plans, respectively, underscoring the scale and comprehensiveness of the Kairos-HomeWorld dataset.
Building on this foundation, the dataset also includes 5,000 fully furnished residential environments, each featuring a complete furniture layout and an average of more than 15 physics-enabled, manipulable objects, powered by the PhysX-Omni model. All assets are sim-ready and can be directly imported into a simulation engine, enabling immediate use in interactive training scenarios.
Most existing open indoor-scene datasets are centered on North American and European residential formats, typically featuring open-plan kitchens, the absence of service balconies, and layouts and design elements that capture only a narrow segment of global housing. As a result, robots trained on these datasets often exhibit limited transferability when deployed in environments outside their scope. Kairos-HomeWorld ‘s dataset is purpose-built for Chinese households, with deliberate coverage of historically under-represented housing typologies. It spans a wide range of unit sizes, from approximately 30 m² (around 320 sq ft) studio apartments to residences exceeding 200 m² (approximately 2,150 sq ft). The dataset accurately reflects key architectural features common in these settings, including north-south cross-ventilated layouts, enclosed kitchens, dedicated service balconies, wet-and-dry-separated bathrooms, and entryway storage, as well as the irregular room configurations often found in older housing stock.
The dataset is being openly released to both academic and industry communities. Going forward, the team plans to expand its scope to include additional regions, interior styles, and interaction scenarios, further lowering barriers to real-world-ready training for embodied intelligence.
See it in action: one prompt to a fully interactive home Kairos-HomeWorld runs the full end-to-end pipeline, from initial text input to a fully interactive home environment, delivering global spatial consistency, physical realism, and seamless interactivity from a single prompt.
The system begins with a single-line prompt: “Generate a 90 m² (approximately 970 sq ft) two-bedroom apartment in neo-Chinese style.” Leveraging real floor plan data and its K-D tree representation, Kairos-HomeWorld first constructs an empty spatial layout aligned with real-world living patterns, incorporating cross-ventilation and well-defined functional zoning. Building on this foundation, a hierarchical “global layout plus first-person detail” approach furnishes the environment with stylistic coherence, while a PhysX-Omni rendering pass assigns full physical properties to all surfaces and objects, including articulated behavior, ensuring the scene is fully interactive and sim-ready.
A single natural-language instruction, “tidy the whole home”, is decomposed by the robot into a variety of discrete sub-tasks, executed sequentially along a complete navigation path spanning the living room, bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom, and dining area. The robot recognizes objects, plans efficient routes, and performs precise manipulation tasks, including articulated-object interactions for opening refrigerator and cabinet doors, fluid interactions for pouring laundry detergent, soft-body interactions for drawing curtains, irregular-object interactions for grasping apples, and gravity-based physical interactions for placing snacks.
Conventional simulation environments typically support navigation-focused training in isolation. By contrast, Kairos-HomeWorld integrates globally consistent spatial structures with objects that embody realistic physical properties. This enables robots to interact naturally with more than 15 object types, accurately modeling real-world dynamics such as collision, gravity, and friction, and to rehearse the full lifecycle of complex household tasks entirely within a virtual environment.
Across the industry, the same structural bottleneck, the scarcity of home-scale training data, is being addressed through multiple approaches. For example, Figure AI’s collaboration with Brookfield focuses on collecting human activity data across more than 100,000 residential units. Kairos-HomeWorld addresses this challenge through on-demand synthetic generation, delivering scalable training environments enhanced with object-level physical realism, capabilities that real-world data capture alone cannot fully provide.
In contrast, Kairos-HomeWorld delivers significantly lower costs and higher efficiency for household robot training. Powered by its world model, it can programmatically generate diverse Chinese home simulation scenes and physics-enabled interactive objects at scale.
Robots can complete a full range of household tasks training entirely within the virtual environment. New scene generation incurs near-zero marginal cost, eliminating substantial real-world testing expenses such as site operation and maintenance and furniture damage. Meanwhile, unconstrained by the limited stock of physical residential properties, it outperforms real-world data collection approaches in both training efficiency and scalable expansion.
Kairos-HomeWorld is already deployed in ACE ROBOTICS’ embodied intelligence training workflows, enabling full-pipeline simulation of long-horizon household tasks, including cross-room navigation and multi-room tidying. By allowing robots to rehearse complete task sequences in a virtual environment, the platform significantly shortens the simulation-to-reality transfer cycle. This approach lowers barriers to developing embodied intelligence systems and supports the accelerated, large-scale deployment of home robotics, particularly within the Chinese market. Kairos-HomeWorld is now available on GitHub.Hashtag: #ACEROBOTICS
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About ACE ROBOTICS
Equipping robots with intelligent “brains” and engaging “souls”.
ACE ROBOTICS is a pioneering robotics company dedicated to advancing the field of embodied intelligence. Through breakthrough technological innovations and deep insights into embodied intelligence scenarios, we aim to empower robots with the ability to autonomously understand and explore the physical world, thereby accelerating their commercial implementation.
The company pioneered the ACE R&D paradigm and built a vision-based “environmental data engine, real-world cognition, embodied interaction generalization” technology chain. Using full spatiotemporal and multi-perspective environmental capture as its engine, along with Kairos 3.0 – China’s first open-source and commercially applicable world model – plus the Embodied Foundation Model as its technical backbone, ACE ROBOTICS addresses core industry challenges such as data scarcity, common sense gaps, poor generalization, and limited versatility. Simultaneously, the company unveiled its flagship A1 Embodied Super Brain Module, accelerating the large-scale commercial deployment of embodied intelligence across diverse scenarios.
ACE ROBOTICS is both a technology pioneer and an ecosystem builder. Through strategic cooperation with top hardware manufacturers, cloud service providers, and vertical scenario partners, we have broken through the “model-hardware-scenario” industrial deadlock, providing standardized and customized solutions that are driving the development of China’s embodied intelligence industry.
From sun-soaked adventures to vibrant lifestyle experiences, discover 15 different ways to enjoy the season designed for peak play at Asia’s leading award-winning luxury resort
MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 June 2026 – Galaxy Macau invites guests to immerse in the vibrant energy of summer at the multi-award-winning, world-class luxury resort, where a curated list of 15 bespoke experiences awaits guests of all ages. As Summer Comes to Play at Galaxy Macau, this summer also marks a celebratory moment for the destination itself, reinforcing its position as the region’s most complete resort ecosystem: expansive, confident and always ahead of the curve as it celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2026 with an elevated, one-stop resort experience defined by dynamic leisure, indulgence and discovery.
A stay across Galaxy Macau’s portfolio of distinctive hotels unlocks a seamless summer rhythm—where design-led accommodation opens the door to the city’s most compelling aquatic, culinary and lifestyle experiences, all reserved for those who stay and play within the Galaxy precinct.
World‑Class Hotels | The Key to Unlimited Play This summer’s exclusive hotel packages start from MOP1198++ per room per night, featuring world‑class accommodation at Andaz Macau or Broadway Hotel.
Stay at an award-winning hotel at Galaxy Macau to unlock exclusive access to the Grand Resort Deck.
Andaz Macau brings a bold, contemporary energy to every stay as a vibrant lifestyle hotel rooted in local culture and artistic expression. Designed to immerse guests in the spirit of Macau, it offers a dynamic environment inspired by the city’s rich Chinese and Portuguese heritage.
Just moments away via a covered walkway, Broadway Hotel delivers an effortlessly lively escape with boutique charm, personalised service and sweeping river views. Located along Broadway Food Street—home to over 40 authentic Macanese and Asian dining outlets—it offers guests a taste of Macau’s most energetic, authentic culinary scene.
Aquatic Adrenaline | The World’s Longest Adventure Rapids, Now Accelerated At the heart of summer lies the Grand Resort Deck—Galaxy Macau’s signature playground and the benchmark for resort-scale water experiences in the region. Elevated above the city, it delivers a rare blend of thrill and refinement, from surf-ready waves to resort-style beach escapes.
The Grand Resort Deck’s signature adventure ride sets a new benchmark for aquatic excitement.
The headline attraction takes on new energy this season, transforming a gentle float into a fast-paced aquatic ride that redefines what a lazy river can be. Weekends bring further spectacle, as the wave pool becomes a stage for high-impact surf performances, underscoring Galaxy Macau’s role as both innovator and cultural patron.
For younger guests, a newly unveiled water zone is set to join the resort’s existing family facilities, cementing Galaxy Macau as the destination of choice for multi-generational summer travel.
At the heart of the 15 must-try experiences is the iconic Grand Resort Deck—an expansive 75,000-square-metre aquatic haven. Widely recognised as Macau’s premier water attraction, it features the world’s largest Skytop Surfable Wave Pool and a collection of exhilarating water experiences.
A standout highlight is the 575-metre Skytop Adventure Rapids—the longest of its kind in the world—which debuts an accelerated pace this summer, transformed into a high-energy aquatic journey for adrenaline packed thrills.
Complementing the experience, the 8,000-square-metre Skytop Wave Pool generates waves of up to 1.5 metres, set alongside a pristine 150-metre white sand beach—creating an immersive, resort-style seaside experience. On top of these experiences, every weekend from June 19 to August 30 (both dates inclusive), the Skytop Wave Pool will be transformed into a mega stage for action-packed motosurf spectacles featuring local extreme sports athletes, reinforcing Galaxy Macau’s dedication to supporting local sports development.
This summer also marks the market debut of “Aquatainment Island” at the Grand Resort Deck—a vibrant new fun zone designed exclusively for toddlers up to nine-year-olds. Alongside the existing Splash Cove, this new addition cements Galaxy Macau as host to Macau’s largest and most comprehensive outdoor aquatic playground for children.
Diverse Dining | Recharge or Indulge in the Dining Destination in Asia As an influential dining destination in Asia, Galaxy Macau presents dining options for every palate and persuasion, spanning 18 regional Chinese cuisines and 13 international culinary traditions—curating one of the most diverse gastronomic landscapes in the region.
With a dining portfolio that spans refined to relaxed, Galaxy Macau remains Asia’s definitive award-winning culinary destination.
From Michelin-starred restaurants to Black Pearl-recognised establishments, alongside authentic favourites and contemporary concepts, at Galaxy Macau, every dining experience reflects a dedication to craftsmanship, quality and innovation. Here every taste is elevated into a defining summer moment.
As the heat rises during this global football season, a selected group of restaurants at Galaxy Macau – such as Bei Shan Lou and The Ritz-Carlton Bar & Lounge – offers match-perfect thematic dining offers.
Bei Shan Lou will present an exclusive set menu featuring quenching Tsing Tao draught beer, paired with North-eastern Chinese Barbecued skewers and hot pot. Operation hours will also be extended to create a vibrant atmosphere for guests to savour competitive matches.
Over at The Ritz-Carlton Bar & Lounge, special dishes representing the three host countries of the football tournament are offered, as if the matches are taking place right here at Galaxy Macau. The elevated street-food delights include Frozen Margarita, a selection of Whisky Cocktails, Nachos, Quesadillas, and Poutine representing the host countries. Broadway Food Street, the perfect late-night supper spot, invites football fans to gather with friends at The Roadhouse Macau, @Chill House, Lei’s Cuisine, Cheng Chau Lam Kei, and Fuchinobe Ramen to savour sumptuous social delights while cheering on their favourite teams.
Summer Garden | A Blooming Escape at Galaxy Promenade Luxury retail takes on a lighter mood at Galaxy Promenade this summer, as the destination transforms into a whimsical garden of oversized plush floral installations. Art, fashion and experience converge in a setting designed to delight, invite pause and reward exploration.
Galaxy Promenade blooms with immersive floral installations, transforming shopping into a summer escape. (Computer rendering)
Guests are encouraged to linger, photograph and indulge, with seasonal privileges adding a tactile takeaway to the experience—proof that even shopping, at Galaxy Macau, is carefully choreographed.
Guests will encounter spectacular larger-than-life plush floral installations, including vivid giant plush blooms styled as whimsical hot air balloons at Promenade Central—inviting visitors to step inside and capture social moments.
Suspended overhead, a monumental floral balloon creates a dreamlike centrepiece, while curated floral zones offer vibrant settings for exploration, relaxation and memory-making—blending art, retail and experience into a truly energised summer atmosphere.
With designated spending, guests can either experience fun activities presented by Galaxy Macau or redeem complimentary plush bouquets at the Italian-themed shopping district at Galaxy Promenade—bringing home a touch of Galaxy Macau’s vibrant summer.
Extend the Fun | 11 More Experiences More Ways to Play, All Under One Roof
Social Play
Water Play
Discover curated luxury retail experiences
Engage with contemporary art and crystal exhibitions
Dine al-fresco at Grand Resort Deck
Witness motosurf show – only this summer
Enjoy party moments at Grand Resort Deck
Experience the upgraded Adventure Rapids and the upcoming Aquatainment Island kids’ zone at Grand Resort Deck
Tech Play
Sports Play
Receive good fortune while witnessing the Fortune Diamond Show
Snap your glam moment by the Robotic Camera at the Jade Lobby
Experience the Guia Circuit at Dynamic Driving Simulator at East Square
Celebrate football fever at East Square to join interactive fan experiences celebrating global tournaments
Catch concerts and major sporting events at the city’s premier arena
For more information, please visit www.galaxymacau.com. Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Galaxy Macau Integrated Resort
Galaxy Macau, The World-class Luxury Integrated Resort delivers the “Most Spectacular Entertainment and Leisure Destination in the World”. Developed at an investment of HK$43 billion, the property covers 1.1 million-square-meter of unique entertainment and leisure attractions that are unlike anything else in Macau. Nine award-winning world-class luxury hotels provide close to 5,000 rooms, suites and villas. They include Banyan Tree Macau, Galaxy Hotel™, Hotel Okura Macau, JW Marriott Hotel Macau, The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, Broadway Hotel, Raffles at Galaxy Macau, Andaz Macau and Capella at Galaxy Macau. Unique to Galaxy Macau, the 75,000-square-meter Grand Resort Deck features the world’s longest Skytop Adventure Rapids at 575-meters, the largest Skytop Wave Pool with waves up to 1.5-meters high and 150-meters pristine white sand beach. Two five-star spas from Banyan Tree Spa Macau and The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Macau help guests relax and rejuvenate.
As the dining destination in Asia, Galaxy Macau offers a wide variety of gastronomic delights, exquisite experiences and ingredients of the finest quality with over 120 dining options from Michelin dining to authentic delicacies; Galaxy Promenade is the hottest shopping destination featuring the latest in fashion and curated experiences in Macau. Spanning over 100,000-square-meter, luxury flagship stores, lifestyle boutiques and our selection of labels are among the more than 200 world-renowned brands for a world-class shopping journey; Galaxy Cinemas, immersive thrills and luxurious comfort go hand in hand at Galaxy Cinemas. All 10 theatres are equipped with the latest audio-visual technology; CHINA ROUGE, one-of-a-kind deluxe lounge that evokes the glitz and glamor of Shanghai’s golden era with entertainment in luxury and style; and Foot Hub presents the traditional art of reflexology to make you feel more relaxed and revitalized. For Authentic Macau Flavours & Vibrant Asian Experiences, Broadway Macau – just a 90-second walk via a bridge from Galaxy Macau, has over 35 Authentic Macau & Asian Flavours at its Broadway Food Street. The 2,500-seat Broadway Theatre plays host to world-class entertainers and a diverse array of cultural events. Meeting, incentive and banquet groups are also well looked after with a portfolio of unique venues in Galaxy Macau and a professional service staff.
Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) is the latest addition to the Group’s ever-expanding integrated resort precinct and will usher in a new era for the MICE industry in Macau. GICC is a world-class event venue featuring 40,000-square-meter of total flexible MICE, and a 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena – the largest indoor arena in Macau.
For the first time in Vietnam, the number of Starred restaurants reaches double digits – a milestone that reflects the country’s rapid ascent as a world-class gastronomic destination.
In its fourth edition, the 2026 MICHELIN Guide selection in Vietnam reveals a total of 193 establishments, including 11 One MICHELIN Star (2 new), 72 Bib Gourmand (11 new), and 110 MICHELIN Selected (9 new).
ONVIT (Hanoi) becomes the first Korean contemporary restaurant in Vietnam awarded One MICHELIN Star.
The 2026 edition is unveiled at Ascott Tay Ho, Hanoi, as the MICHELIN Guide marks 100 years of the Star, first awarded in 1926.
HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 June 2026 – Michelin officially unveiled the 2026 restaurant selection of the MICHELIN Guide Hanoi | Ho Chi Minh City | Da Nang at The Ascott Tay Ho Hanoi on June 4, 2026. Now in its fourth edition, this year’s selection also celebrates at a moment of exceptional significance.
The MICHELIN Guide awarded its first restaurant Stars in 1926 – one that would go on to shape the way the world eats, travels and celebrates excellence at the table. Over the decades, that legacy has travelled far and discovered new gastronomic experiences, expanding the boundaries of what excellent dining can mean. The ceremony in Vietnam today joins the celebration of this milestone, marking the 100th year since the first Star was awarded.
The newly released restaurant selection showcases 193 establishments, featuring 11 One MICHELIN Star (2 new), 72 Bib Gourmand (11 new), 110 MICHELIN Selected (9 New), alongside 3 restaurants in the MICHELIN Green Star community (1 new). New additions include 7 from Hanoi (1 One MICHELIN Star, 3 Bib Gourmand, 3 MICHELIN Selected), 11 from Ho Chi Minh City (1 One MICHELIN Star, 5 Bib Gourmand, 5 MICHELIN Selected) and 4 from Da Nang (3 Bib Gourmand and 1 MICHELIN Selected). One Ho Chi Minh City restaurant newly joins the MICHELIN Green Star community for its inspiring commitment to zero-waste philosophy and plant-based gastronomy.
Most significantly, this marks the first time in the Guide’s four-year history in Vietnam that the number of Starred restaurants has reached double digits: a clear sign that Vietnam’s culinary world is entering a new level of excellence. Behind that achievement is a generation of culinary talent whose ambition and identity have never been more sharply defined.
“In four years, we have watched Vietnam grow from an exciting discovery into a clear and confident culinary destination. What excites us most this year is the talent and passion behind each restaurant. A new generation of Vietnamese chefs is leading the way, with young cooks who have trained abroad and come home to cook food that is unmistakably their own: rooted in local ingredients, local memories and local pride. That is exactly what the MICHELIN Guide has always sought to honor,” said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide. “As we mark a century of the Star, Vietnam reminds us that local gastronomic stories are still being written, and that some of the most exciting chapters are unfolding right here.”
One MICHELIN Star: A New Chapter for Vietnamese Fine Dining
11 restaurants are awarded One MICHELIN Star this year, marking the first time the total has surpassed single-digit since the MICHELIN Guide arrived in Vietnam. Two newcomers bring a perspective that adds new depth to Vietnam’s Starred dining scene:
ONVIT (Hanoi): The first Korean restaurant in Vietnam awarded One MICHELIN Star, showcasing an upscale Korean–Vietnamese tasting menu in a tranquil setting where fresh local ingredients meet the traditions of Chef Joon Huk Chi’s Korean heritage.
Upstairs (Ho Chi Minh City): An intimate four-table spot above a wine bar, offering Chef Hiệp Trương’s modern Vietnamese tasting menu rooted in Central traditions.
These two newly awarded restaurants join retaining One MICHEIN Star recipients: Gia, Hibana by Koki, Tầm Vị (Hanoi); Long Trieu, Ănăn Saigon, Akuna, CieL, CoCo Dining (Ho Chi Minh City); and La Maison 1888 (Da Nang).
Tales by Chapter Joins the MICHELIN Green Star Community
The MICHELIN Green Star editorially highlights restaurants that, among the MICHELIN Guide selection, have inspired and impressed Inspectors with their committed vision for the future of gastronomy.
This year, Tales by Chapter (Ho Chi Minh City) is the newest restaurant to join the MICHELIN Green Star community recognized for its rigorous zero-waste philosophy and its seasonal, plant-based menu sourced from a partner eco-farm in Da Lat[PS1] and the restaurant’s own rooftop garden. The kitchen transforms trimmings through creative fermentation into mushroom garum and corn koji, while organic by-products are composted back into the soil. Guests are invited into this closed-loop system through interactive installations and a seed-matching game, making the connection between dining and environment impossible to ignore.
Bib Gourmand: 72 Establishments Celebrating the Rich Diversity of Vietnamese Cuisine
The 2026 Bib Gourmand list grows to 72 establishments, with 11 new entries showcasing establishments that our Inspectors consider good quality cooking for good value. The New Bib Gourmand entries include:
In Hanoi
Bánh Cuốn Gia Truyền Thanh Vân (Hang Ga Street): Open since 1973 in the heart of the Old Quarter, this family-run spot specialises in bánh cuốn, keeping alive a craft passed down through generations. Everything is made from scratch using traditional methods, resulting in rice rolls that are thin, delicate and soft. The family-recipe dipping sauce strikes a pleasing balance of salty, sweet and sour flavors. Fillings include pork, shrimp and chicken, with extra toppings available.
Mammom: This kitchen pays homage to the traditional home cooking of Vietnamese mothers. The chef brings a decade of experience to bear in a repertoire of nearly 100 dishes covering southern, central and northern specialities, each gently cooked with authentic seasonings that preserves their rustic character. A standout is the clam broth, brightened with tomato and pineapple, and the clams are deliciously tender, with sweet and sour flavors expertly balanced.
Phở Hà Hàng Hòm: A no-frills phở gà spot on Hang Hom Street, this eatery has earned loyal fans with its rich, satisfying bowls. Native fowl is gently simmered to retain a chewy tenderness, and paired with rice noodles, herbs and steaming hot broth. Xôi gà – sticky rice with chicken and extras like egg or gizzards – is also popular and often sells out early.
In Ho Chi Minh City
Bánh Canh Cua Bà Ba: Tucked away down an alley, this compact shop with indoor and outdoor seating is a local favorite. The menu focuses on a single dish: bánh canh cua, a vivid orange crab rice noodle soup – in a smaller bowl for one or claypot for sharing. With a zesty green chilli-lime sauce on the side, the silky broth is generously filled with fish cakes, crab leg meat and egg ribbons.
Bánh Cuốn Tây Hồ 127: This once-humble hawker is now an iconic two-storey shop known for its delicate rice paper rolls. Made to order beside the open kitchen, they boast balanced, traditional flavors, such as pork and jicama, and vegetarian options.
Bún Riêu Yến: Set on a bustling street corner, the star of this modest eatery is bún riêu: rice noodles (thin, thick or flat) in a tomato and crab broth. The mildly spicy, naturally sweet broth has good depth and pairs well with generous toppings of fresh whelk meat and minced pork that soaks up the broth.
Chị Mơ: Phở is the highlight of this restaurant: with a choice of three full-bodied broths, it is made with fresh bones and simmered for 24 hours. Grilled bagrid catfish with crispy rice crackers and umami shrimp paste brings balance, complexity and smoky, textured depth.
La Lola: With its bold burnt-orange façade and playful interior of tiled floors and velvet chairs, this vibrant spot delivers Mediterranean charm with a youthful twist. Chef Julio Gomez puts a local twist on classic flavors, in dishes such as gambas al ajillo – plump Vietnamese prawns in aromatic chilli-garlic oil – and a tender and well-seared Ibérico pork steak.
In Da Nang
Bà Vui: This enduring local favorite keeps a tight focus, serving just two items: bún gà and xôi gà. The deeply flavored clear chicken broth is lifted by light, refreshing acidity and a subtle touch of black pepper. Served warm, the sticky rice is topped with a mix of tender pulled chicken, pickled onions and a generous handful of fried shallots – and portion sizes are hearty and satisfying.
Bánh Bèo – Bánh Đập: This humble shop focuses on just two affordable dishes: bánh bèo and bánh đập. The steamed rice cakes arrive in sets of five, the tender bases topped with a rich pork and wood ear sauce, finished with shallots and peanuts. Made to order, the subtly tangy bánh đập pairs crisp rice crackers with a soft rice wrapper; the accompanying sauce strikes a balance of sweet, salty and fermented notes.
Lê Gia Khang (Ngũ Hành Sơn): This shop specialising in Huế-style bún bò makes its robust, savory broth fresh every day. Pick from four toppings including the signature xí quách: the large L-shaped beef bone lends deep flavor and a wealth of textures – meat, cartilage and fatty edges.
MICHELIN Selected: From Street Food to Fine Dining, 110 Establishments Worth Knowing
In addition to Starred and Bib Gourmand restaurants, the MICHELIN Guide Inspectors recommend eateries whose high-quality cuisine simply won them over. This year’s selection of 110 establishments with 9 new additions spans the full spectrum of Vietnam’s dining landscape. Whether a decades-old local favorite or a newly opened international table, each has earned its place through one shared quality: food worth seeking out.
In Hanoi
MÀU: Tucked beneath the trees of a historic Hanoi street corner, this gastro wine bar offers à la carte dishes and a chef’s menu, where the food sees modern style balanced with Asian flavors, including subtle Vietnamese notes.
Phở Gà Huyền Hương: The concise menu focuses on deeply satisfying bowls of phở. The chicken broth is rich and hearty, offering depth. A beef option provides an equally robust alternative.
ZAO: This lively, laid-back restaurant combines global flair and Vietnamese roots, as the Hanoi-born chef is a returnee from a career abroad. Dishes such as tomato bingsu – heirloom cherry tomatoes, buffalo cheese and lime-basil granita – set the tone, alongside razor clam pâté or salmon with baby sprouts for a zingy, refreshing start.
In Ho Chi Minh City
Apero: Opened in 2022, the open kitchen turns out unpretentious Italian fare, with pasta as a highlight. Try the rich and creamy carbonara with crispy bacon and parmesan, and save room for the house-made tiramisu.
NÔM: Nôm’s tasting menu unfolds as a thoughtful journey through Vietnam’s culinary heritage, moving from the north to central regions, ending with a southern-inspired dessert. Familiar dishes are reworked with finesse – think elegant, complex Huế-style beef noodle soup, or rich fish soup lifted by herb oil and caviar. Each floor reflects a different part of Vietnam, just like the menu.
Quán ăn Ngự Bình: Opened decades ago, this modest spot serving Huế comfort food in a casual, welcoming setting has a loyal following. The bún bò Huế features tender beef in a light and soothing soup; bánh bèo and nem nướng are ordered by nearly every table.
Sono: Opened in 2022, Chef Kiên Phan blends traditional and modern, crafting dishes that reflect a deep respect for Vietnamese culture. The à la carte menu revolves around the grill, and each tasting menu has its own theme.
Tales by Chapter: Vietnam’s first zero-waste, plant-based fine dining concept, this serene villa setting serves seasonal tasting menus based on local produce, rooftop-grown herbs and fermentation. Diners can see dishes being crafted at the chef’s counter, such as corn pie tee – crisp cups of soy-corn purée, charred kernels, kimchi and fermented chili – and chewy porcini-filled rice dumpling cake in a reimagined bánh bột lọc.
In Da Nang:
Dì Hoa (Hòa Cường): Run by a husband-and-wife team for over 30 years, Dì Hoa serves Da Nang-style rice paper snacks – khô and ướt – with various toppings. Their khô trứng, often described as “Vietnamese pizza”, is a standout: thin yellow rice paper with quail eggs, pâté, pork floss and shallots is grilled until crisp.
MICHELIN Guide Special Awards
The MICHELIN Guide Special Awards recognize the individuals whose passion and professionalism elevate the entire dining experience. This year’s recipients reflect a broader shift the Inspectors have witnessed across Vietnam: a new generation of hospitality professionals is rising – in the kitchen, on the floor, and behind the wine list – combining international standards with a deeply personal connection to Vietnamese culture.
The MICHELIN Guide Opening of the Year Award
New to the 2026 edition, the MICHELIN Guide Opening of the Year Award is given to individuals and teams for the successful opening of a dining venue over the past 12 months, with a creative degustation concept and a cuisine approach which has had an impact on the local gastronomic scene. This year’s award is presented to Chef Chris Fong of NÔM in Ho Chi Minh City. Derived from ancient Vietnamese script, NÔM seamlessly blends Vietnam’s history and culture through innovative culinary classics and “mini-museums” of traditional crafts, offering an immersive journey across the nation’s rich gastronomic heritage.
The MICHELIN Guide Young Chef Award
The MICHELIN Guide Sommelier Award
The MICHELIN Guide Service Award
The MICHELIN Guide Hanoi | Ho Chi Minh City | Da Nang 2026 at a glance:
11 One MICHELIN Star (2 new)
72 Bib Gourmand (11 new)
3 MICHELIN Green Star (1 new)
110 MICHELIN Selected (9 new)
To receive the latest news and updates all year round, visit the MICHELIN Guide website, or download the free app for iOS and Android.
Hashtag: #Michelin
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Michelin
Michelin is building a world-leading manufacturer of life-changing composites and experiences. Pioneering engineered materials for more than 130 years, Michelin is uniquely positioned to make decisive contributions to human progress and to a more sustainable world.
Drawing on its deep know-how in polymer composites, Michelin is constantly innovating to manufacture high-quality tires and components for critical applications in demanding fields as varied as mobility, construction, aeronautics, low-carbon energies, and healthcare.
The care placed in its products and deep customer knowledge inspire Michelin to offer the finest experiences. This spans from providing data- and AI-based connected solutions for professional fleets to recommending outstanding restaurants and hotels curated by the MICHELIN Guide.
Headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Michelin is present in 175 countries and employs 132,200 people.
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