BINZHOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 April 2026 – Recently, the Fifth Binzhou Citywide Reading Conference & Reading Week was officially launched at the Qunxing Theater, Binzhou Cultural Center in Shandong Province. Over 300 representatives from across society attended the launch of the week-long event.
Launch Ceremony of the Fifth Binzhou Citywide Reading Conference & Reading Week
The initiative aims to implement the National Reading Promotion Regulations and advance the “Fragrant Binzhou” campaign as part of the city’s development framework. A diverse lineup of reading promotion activities has been organized to foster a strong social atmosphere of “loving books, reading good books, and reading thoughtfully.”
During the opening ceremony, the organizers released the 2026 Binzhou Citywide Reading promotional video, announced the year’s key reading initiatives and recommended booklist, and presented awards for the third “Inheriting Literary Traditions, Reading Wisely in Binzhou” campaign. Throughout the first Citywide Reading Week, the city will host over 100 events, including expert lectures, bookplate exhibitions, reading exchanges, and curated book fairs, to better deliver reading services to the public.
Located in northern Shandong Province, Binzhou is a city steeped in history and rich cultural heritage. This event seeks to further ignite residents’ passion for reading, bringing literary culture into everyday life. Moving forward, Binzhou will continue to build its “Fragrant Binzhou” cultural brand, organize more popular reading activities, and develop more accessible, comfortable, and modern reading spaces, so that reading can benefit all residents.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 April 2026 – Bracell, a global leader in soluble pulp production, has been awarded the prestigious Lilac Seal for the second consecutive time by the Secretariat for Women’s Policies of the State of Bahia (SPM), recognising the company’s continued commitment to promoting gender equality, diversity and the development of female talent in the workplace.
The certification, valid for two years, was formally presented during a ceremony held at SESC – Casa do Comércio in Salvador – in March. With this achievement, Bracell joins 111 companies and organisations recognised in the 2026 edition, reinforcing its role in fostering a fairer, safer and more inclusive work environment for women.
Bracell’s recognition reflects a structured, long-term strategy anchored in its Bracell 2030 sustainability plan, which includes a commitment to achieving 30% female representation in leadership roles by the end of the decade. The company has implemented a range of targeted initiatives to support this goal, focusing on talent attraction, development and retention.
“Promoting gender equality is directly connected to our sustainability strategy,” said Angela Ribeiro, Sustainability Manager at Bracell Bahia, who represented the company at the ceremony. “Attracting and retaining female talent is a key pillar of Bracell 2030, and we are committed to building pathways for women to grow and lead within our organisation.”
Among the company’s flagship initiatives is the Development Path for Women under the Cultivating Potential programme, which combines technical training, career acceleration and support policies. Bracell also offers exclusive English-language training for senior analysts and above, supporting continuous professional development.
The company’s Diversity Programme further strengthens inclusion through a Gender Affinity Group composed of employee volunteers who propose and help implement initiatives in collaboration with Human Resources. Notable actions include the establishment of breastfeeding support rooms and the extension of maternity leave from 120 to 180 days.
Bracell, a member of the RGE group of companies founded by Sukanto Tanoto, has also expanded access to employment opportunities through its Acelera Programme, which targets local community talent with no prior experience and reserves positions for women. In recruitment, the company recommends including at least one female candidate in final selection stages for analyst-level roles and above. By 2025, women accounted for 33% of new hires at Bracell’s Bahia operations.
To ensure fairness in career progression, Bracell conducts regular salary equity analyses aimed at maintaining equal compensation and advancement opportunities for men and women. The company also actively engages male leaders in diversity and inclusion efforts through training on inclusive leadership and unconscious bias, as well as ongoing awareness initiatives.
“The Lilac Seal recognises not only the progress we have made but also our ongoing commitment to advancing gender equality,” said Lorena Brasil, Human Resources (Organisational Human Development) Manager at Bracell Bahia. “Our strategic initiatives strengthen the attraction, development, and retention of female talent, reinforcing diversity and inclusion as priorities across all areas of the organisation.” Hashtag: #RGE #Bracell #Bracell2030 #Brazil #award #genderequality #sustainability
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Bracell
Bracell is a global leader in the production of dissolving pulp and specialty cellulose with two main mill operations in Brazil in Bahia and São Paulo. In addition to its operations in Brazil, Bracell has a management office in Singapore and sales offices in Asia, Europe and the U.S.
Please visit Bracell’s website for more information.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 April 2026 – Bracell, a global leader in soluble pulp production, has been awarded the prestigious Lilac Seal for the second consecutive time by the Secretariat for Women’s Policies of the State of Bahia (SPM), recognising the company’s continued commitment to promoting gender equality, diversity and the development of female talent in the workplace.
The certification, valid for two years, was formally presented during a ceremony held at SESC – Casa do Comércio in Salvador – in March. With this achievement, Bracell joins 111 companies and organisations recognised in the 2026 edition, reinforcing its role in fostering a fairer, safer and more inclusive work environment for women.
Bracell’s recognition reflects a structured, long-term strategy anchored in its Bracell 2030 sustainability plan, which includes a commitment to achieving 30% female representation in leadership roles by the end of the decade. The company has implemented a range of targeted initiatives to support this goal, focusing on talent attraction, development and retention.
“Promoting gender equality is directly connected to our sustainability strategy,” said Angela Ribeiro, Sustainability Manager at Bracell Bahia, who represented the company at the ceremony. “Attracting and retaining female talent is a key pillar of Bracell 2030, and we are committed to building pathways for women to grow and lead within our organisation.”
Among the company’s flagship initiatives is the Development Path for Women under the Cultivating Potential programme, which combines technical training, career acceleration and support policies. Bracell also offers exclusive English-language training for senior analysts and above, supporting continuous professional development.
The company’s Diversity Programme further strengthens inclusion through a Gender Affinity Group composed of employee volunteers who propose and help implement initiatives in collaboration with Human Resources. Notable actions include the establishment of breastfeeding support rooms and the extension of maternity leave from 120 to 180 days.
Bracell, a member of the RGE group of companies founded by Sukanto Tanoto, has also expanded access to employment opportunities through its Acelera Programme, which targets local community talent with no prior experience and reserves positions for women. In recruitment, the company recommends including at least one female candidate in final selection stages for analyst-level roles and above. By 2025, women accounted for 33% of new hires at Bracell’s Bahia operations.
To ensure fairness in career progression, Bracell conducts regular salary equity analyses aimed at maintaining equal compensation and advancement opportunities for men and women. The company also actively engages male leaders in diversity and inclusion efforts through training on inclusive leadership and unconscious bias, as well as ongoing awareness initiatives.
“The Lilac Seal recognises not only the progress we have made but also our ongoing commitment to advancing gender equality,” said Lorena Brasil, Human Resources (Organisational Human Development) Manager at Bracell Bahia. “Our strategic initiatives strengthen the attraction, development, and retention of female talent, reinforcing diversity and inclusion as priorities across all areas of the organisation.” Hashtag: #RGE #Bracell #Bracell2030 #Brazil #award #genderequality #sustainability
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Bracell
Bracell is a global leader in the production of dissolving pulp and specialty cellulose with two main mill operations in Brazil in Bahia and São Paulo. In addition to its operations in Brazil, Bracell has a management office in Singapore and sales offices in Asia, Europe and the U.S.
Please visit Bracell’s website for more information.
Rhenus Group acquires remaining 49 percent of LBH Group, achieving full ownership
Partnership further strengthens global maritime and port logistics network
LBH continues operating under its renowned brand while maintaining its recognized service quality
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 April 2026 – Rhenus Group announced the successful closing of the acquisition of the remaining 49 percent stake in LBH Global Agencies Inc. LBH Group is a globally active port agency with business sites in 24 countries worldwide. As an international maritime shipping agency, LBH Group manages incoming and outgoing vessels handling bulk goods, liquid cargo, containers, and general cargo. With the acquisition of the remaining shares from the Lagendijk family, the company is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Rhenus – a strategic step that has been pursued since the two companies joined forces in 2023. For many years, both parties have fostered a close and trustful relationship based on a shared goal.
Joined expertise for strong international customer service
The partnership between Rhenus and LBH Group was initially established with the shared objective of combining LBH’s global reach in port agency services with the international logistics network of Rhenus. Since then, the collaboration has strengthened both companies’ capabilities, enabling the development of more comprehensive service offerings and supporting customers with increasingly customized, resilient, and efficient supply chain solutions. Uniting two highly skilled and specialized teams marks another milestone in the Rhenus Group’s strategic growth plan in global trade, aiming to expand its network and foster supply chains worldwide. Under full ownership, LBH Group will remain a central pillar of the maritime strategy of Rhenus. The company will continue to operate under its established brand, maintaining its market presence and well-recognized service quality. Inspired by the vision of expanding global logistics operations as one global team, the acquisition underscores the importance of reliable partnerships that continue to pave the way for the Rhenus Group’s growth trajectory.
Hashtag: #Rhenus
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Rhenus
The Rhenus Group is one of the leading logistics specialists with global business operations and annual turnover amounting to EUR 8.2 billion. 39,000 employees work at 1,300 business sites in more than 70 countries and develop innovative solutions along the complete supply chain. Whether providing transport, warehousing, customs clearance or value-added services, the family-owned business pools its operations in various business units where the needs of customers are the major focus at all times.
Rhenus Group acquires remaining 49 percent of LBH Group, achieving full ownership
Partnership further strengthens global maritime and port logistics network
LBH continues operating under its renowned brand while maintaining its recognized service quality
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 April 2026 – Rhenus Group announced the successful closing of the acquisition of the remaining 49 percent stake in LBH Global Agencies Inc. LBH Group is a globally active port agency with business sites in 24 countries worldwide. As an international maritime shipping agency, LBH Group manages incoming and outgoing vessels handling bulk goods, liquid cargo, containers, and general cargo. With the acquisition of the remaining shares from the Lagendijk family, the company is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Rhenus – a strategic step that has been pursued since the two companies joined forces in 2023. For many years, both parties have fostered a close and trustful relationship based on a shared goal.
Joined expertise for strong international customer service
The partnership between Rhenus and LBH Group was initially established with the shared objective of combining LBH’s global reach in port agency services with the international logistics network of Rhenus. Since then, the collaboration has strengthened both companies’ capabilities, enabling the development of more comprehensive service offerings and supporting customers with increasingly customized, resilient, and efficient supply chain solutions. Uniting two highly skilled and specialized teams marks another milestone in the Rhenus Group’s strategic growth plan in global trade, aiming to expand its network and foster supply chains worldwide. Under full ownership, LBH Group will remain a central pillar of the maritime strategy of Rhenus. The company will continue to operate under its established brand, maintaining its market presence and well-recognized service quality. Inspired by the vision of expanding global logistics operations as one global team, the acquisition underscores the importance of reliable partnerships that continue to pave the way for the Rhenus Group’s growth trajectory.
Hashtag: #Rhenus
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Rhenus
The Rhenus Group is one of the leading logistics specialists with global business operations and annual turnover amounting to EUR 8.2 billion. 39,000 employees work at 1,300 business sites in more than 70 countries and develop innovative solutions along the complete supply chain. Whether providing transport, warehousing, customs clearance or value-added services, the family-owned business pools its operations in various business units where the needs of customers are the major focus at all times.
NEW YORK, US – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 April 2026 – Today, international travel, lifestyle, and accessories brand TUMI introduces “Mediterranean Escape,” its Spring 2026 seasonal campaign and collection inspired by the warmth, rhythm, and sensorial richness of the Mediterranean coast. Bringing expressive new colors, prints, and textures across TUMI’s most iconic silhouettes, the campaign captures a joyful, transportive vision where design meets destination.
Voyageur Just In Case Tote in Thyme and Pink Clay, 19 Degree Lite in Washed Yellow, Thyme and Pink Clay, Voyageur Celina Backpack in Pink Clay, Thyme and Washed Yellow
Directed by Piero Bressan and photographed by Dario Catellani, “Mediterranean Escape” transports viewers to Villa Fortaleza and Cala San Vicente in Mallorca, Spain. The campaign reflects a sense of ease — where travel becomes immersive, expressive, and grounded in the spirit of the destination.
At the heart of the collection is a bold new seasonal palette introduced across key TUMI collections, including the iconic 19 Degree Collection. Lush thyme greens, sun-washed terracotta, and radiant sunlit yellow reimagine sculpted silhouettes through destination-inspired hues. The palette also extends into the 19 Degree Aluminum family with the International Carry-On in Horizon Blue, a seasonal tone inspired by where the sky meets the sea that brings depth to the signature metallic silhouette.
Beyond 19 Degree, the seasonal story extends across travel essentials and lifestyle silhouettes, introducing new textures and material expressions designed to evoke Mediterranean ease. A raffia-inspired capsule brings woven warmth to the newly expanded Olas and Harrison Collections, balancing artisanal texture with modern construction. Accessories further bring the sensorial spirit of the Mediterranean to life. Olive, flower and lemon-inspired bag charms nod to open-air markets and the lemon groves and florals of the Amalfi Coast, while the Belden Sunglass Charm equips travelers for long days under the sun.
“The Mediterranean represents a slower, more intentional rhythm of travel,” said Victor Sanz, Global Creative Director at TUMI. “For Spring 2026, we embraced that sensibility, the idea of traveling while fully experiencing every moment through the senses. The sounds, smells, tastes, textures, and surroundings come together to create a lasting emotional connection long after the journey ends. We infused that sensorial richness into our most iconic collections, using color to tell a story of movement and discovery. At its core, the collection captures the emotion of escape, balanced by the precision and performance that define every TUMI piece.”
The campaign also debuts the new Mediterranean Print across pieces from Voyageur, Tegra-Lite™, Belden, and Nassau collections. Bold yet refined, the print reinforces the collection’s energy while maintaining TUMI’s focus on precision and performance.
“This campaign represents an evolution in how we tell our story, “said Jill Krizelman, Senior Vice President, Global Marketing & Ecommerce at TUMI. “The Mediterranean provided the perfect backdrop — celebrating rich color, the romance of travel, and cultural depth — while giving us the opportunity to reveal a more relaxed, playful side of TUMI, as if the brand itself were on vacation. From visual storytelling to immersive brand activations around the world, Mediterranean Escape invites our global community into the spirit of the season and celebrates travel as a form of self-expression.”
Mediterranean Escape will extend beyond the campaign through a series of immersive global experiences celebrating the spirit of the season.
The Mediterranean Escape collection is available now at TUMI.com and in TUMI stores worldwide. Follow @TUMITravel for exclusive behind-the-scenes content from the campaign. Hashtag: #TUMI
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About TUMI
Since 1975, TUMI has been creating world-class business, travel, and performance luxury essentials, designed to upgrade, uncomplicate and beautify all aspects of life on the move. Blending flawless functionality with a spirit of ingenuity, we’re committed to empowering journeys as a lifelong partner to movers and makers in pursuit of their passions. For more about TUMI, visit TUMI.com and follow on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
NEW YORK, US – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 April 2026 – Today, international travel, lifestyle, and accessories brand TUMI introduces “Mediterranean Escape,” its Spring 2026 seasonal campaign and collection inspired by the warmth, rhythm, and sensorial richness of the Mediterranean coast. Bringing expressive new colors, prints, and textures across TUMI’s most iconic silhouettes, the campaign captures a joyful, transportive vision where design meets destination.
Voyageur Just In Case Tote in Thyme and Pink Clay, 19 Degree Lite in Washed Yellow, Thyme and Pink Clay, Voyageur Celina Backpack in Pink Clay, Thyme and Washed Yellow
Directed by Piero Bressan and photographed by Dario Catellani, “Mediterranean Escape” transports viewers to Villa Fortaleza and Cala San Vicente in Mallorca, Spain. The campaign reflects a sense of ease — where travel becomes immersive, expressive, and grounded in the spirit of the destination.
At the heart of the collection is a bold new seasonal palette introduced across key TUMI collections, including the iconic 19 Degree Collection. Lush thyme greens, sun-washed terracotta, and radiant sunlit yellow reimagine sculpted silhouettes through destination-inspired hues. The palette also extends into the 19 Degree Aluminum family with the International Carry-On in Horizon Blue, a seasonal tone inspired by where the sky meets the sea that brings depth to the signature metallic silhouette.
Beyond 19 Degree, the seasonal story extends across travel essentials and lifestyle silhouettes, introducing new textures and material expressions designed to evoke Mediterranean ease. A raffia-inspired capsule brings woven warmth to the newly expanded Olas and Harrison Collections, balancing artisanal texture with modern construction. Accessories further bring the sensorial spirit of the Mediterranean to life. Olive, flower and lemon-inspired bag charms nod to open-air markets and the lemon groves and florals of the Amalfi Coast, while the Belden Sunglass Charm equips travelers for long days under the sun.
“The Mediterranean represents a slower, more intentional rhythm of travel,” said Victor Sanz, Global Creative Director at TUMI. “For Spring 2026, we embraced that sensibility, the idea of traveling while fully experiencing every moment through the senses. The sounds, smells, tastes, textures, and surroundings come together to create a lasting emotional connection long after the journey ends. We infused that sensorial richness into our most iconic collections, using color to tell a story of movement and discovery. At its core, the collection captures the emotion of escape, balanced by the precision and performance that define every TUMI piece.”
The campaign also debuts the new Mediterranean Print across pieces from Voyageur, Tegra-Lite™, Belden, and Nassau collections. Bold yet refined, the print reinforces the collection’s energy while maintaining TUMI’s focus on precision and performance.
“This campaign represents an evolution in how we tell our story, “said Jill Krizelman, Senior Vice President, Global Marketing & Ecommerce at TUMI. “The Mediterranean provided the perfect backdrop — celebrating rich color, the romance of travel, and cultural depth — while giving us the opportunity to reveal a more relaxed, playful side of TUMI, as if the brand itself were on vacation. From visual storytelling to immersive brand activations around the world, Mediterranean Escape invites our global community into the spirit of the season and celebrates travel as a form of self-expression.”
Mediterranean Escape will extend beyond the campaign through a series of immersive global experiences celebrating the spirit of the season.
The Mediterranean Escape collection is available now at TUMI.com and in TUMI stores worldwide. Follow @TUMITravel for exclusive behind-the-scenes content from the campaign. Hashtag: #TUMI
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About TUMI
Since 1975, TUMI has been creating world-class business, travel, and performance luxury essentials, designed to upgrade, uncomplicate and beautify all aspects of life on the move. Blending flawless functionality with a spirit of ingenuity, we’re committed to empowering journeys as a lifelong partner to movers and makers in pursuit of their passions. For more about TUMI, visit TUMI.com and follow on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 April 2026 – The Badminton World Federation (BWF) is pleased to announce BK8 News as the Presenting Partner of the prestigious BWF Thomas & Uber Cup Finals 2026.
Through this partnership, BK8 News will support the tournament in its role as Presenting Partner, contributing to enhanced global visibility and deeper fan engagement through integrated media coverage and content-led initiatives.
Owen Leed, Commercial & Communications Director at the Badminton World Federation, said: “We are delighted to welcome BK8 News onboard for our flagship team competition, the BWF Thomas & Uber Cup Finals 2026.
“The collaboration highlights the rising commercial strength of our premier championships and supports broader international exposure through BK8 News’ media reach.”
Michael Gatt, Managing Director of BK8 News, added: “We are excited to be a Presenting Partner of the prestigious BWF Thomas & Uber Cup Finals 2026, a tournament with a rich legacy and one of the most anticipated events on the global badminton calendar.
“This partnership marks a major milestone for BK8 News, providing a global stage to elevate our brand and bring fans closer to the excitement of world-class badminton through engaging content, storytelling, and immersive experiences.”
The deal was facilitated by BWF’s commercial and broadcast partner, Infront, with support from Outlast Sports & Entertainment.
Salauddin Sinnakandu, CEO of Outlast Sports & Entertainment, commented: “This collaboration marks a noteworthy milestone, and we look forward to seeing the ways it will evolve and the impact it will create.”
Hashtag: #BK8News #BWF #Sports #Entertainment
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About BK8 News
BK8 News, a sports media platform owned by BK8, delivering coverage of global football, badminton, basketball, and motorsports. The platform publishes match reporting, analysis, and sports-related content across digital channels. Through digital distribution and strategic partnerships, BK8 News expands audience reach and supports engagement among sports audiences while pursuing growth in emerging sports markets.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 April 2026 – The Badminton World Federation (BWF) is pleased to announce BK8 News as the Presenting Partner of the prestigious BWF Thomas & Uber Cup Finals 2026.
Through this partnership, BK8 News will support the tournament in its role as Presenting Partner, contributing to enhanced global visibility and deeper fan engagement through integrated media coverage and content-led initiatives.
Owen Leed, Commercial & Communications Director at the Badminton World Federation, said: “We are delighted to welcome BK8 News onboard for our flagship team competition, the BWF Thomas & Uber Cup Finals 2026.
“The collaboration highlights the rising commercial strength of our premier championships and supports broader international exposure through BK8 News’ media reach.”
Michael Gatt, Managing Director of BK8 News, added: “We are excited to be a Presenting Partner of the prestigious BWF Thomas & Uber Cup Finals 2026, a tournament with a rich legacy and one of the most anticipated events on the global badminton calendar.
“This partnership marks a major milestone for BK8 News, providing a global stage to elevate our brand and bring fans closer to the excitement of world-class badminton through engaging content, storytelling, and immersive experiences.”
The deal was facilitated by BWF’s commercial and broadcast partner, Infront, with support from Outlast Sports & Entertainment.
Salauddin Sinnakandu, CEO of Outlast Sports & Entertainment, commented: “This collaboration marks a noteworthy milestone, and we look forward to seeing the ways it will evolve and the impact it will create.”
Hashtag: #BK8News #BWF #Sports #Entertainment
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About BK8 News
BK8 News, a sports media platform owned by BK8, delivering coverage of global football, badminton, basketball, and motorsports. The platform publishes match reporting, analysis, and sports-related content across digital channels. Through digital distribution and strategic partnerships, BK8 News expands audience reach and supports engagement among sports audiences while pursuing growth in emerging sports markets.
Annual Linkflow Capital research finds SME credit conditions thawed modestly in 2025, with SME borrowing rate declining to an average of 8.18% from a high of 8.47% the preceding year. Bank disbursement times stretched to 33 days on average, against just 7 days for non-bank funders, reshaping where SMEs source credit.
SINGAPORE – Media Outreach Newswire – 29 April 2026 – Singapore’s SMEs experienced their first easing in borrowing costs in three years, with average unsecured lending rates falling to 8.18% per annum in 2025 from a multi-year high of 8.47% in 2024, according to Linkflow Capital’s latest SME Financing Accessibility Survey. Larger loan approvals above $500,000, which had disappeared entirely in 2024, also returned to form 5% of approvals in 2025.
The recovery, however, was uneven. Bank loan processing times stretched to 33 days on average, up from 22 days in 2024, while non-bank funders disbursed approved cases in just 7 days. The widening gap reshaped lender competition through the year.
Key findings from the 2025 survey:
Borrowing costs eased modestly: Average SME loan interest rate fell 29 basis points to 8.18% per annum but remain stubbornly high against the backdrop of a significant decline in benchmark 3-month SORA rate throughout 2025.
Larger loans returned: Approvals above $500K returned to 5% of approved loan dollar volume in 2025 after disappearing entirely in 2024. Loans in the $300K–$500K bracket also expanded from 3% to 7%.
Loan approval rate recovered to 74%, up from 70% in 2024 (a 5-year low).
Foreign banks extended their market share of loan origination within our platform: Foreign lenders grew their share of approved loan dollar volume to 38% in 2025, up from 26% in 2024 and 19% in 2023, while local banks fell to 46% (from 59%). Digital banks recovered modestly to 11% (from 8%).
Credit-related rejections nearly tripled: Among unsuccessful applicants, those rejected due to adverse personal credit records jumped from 3% in 2024 to 11% in 2025, signalling rising personal credit stress among SME owners.
“2025 was the year SME credit conditions began to thaw after the 2024 squeeze, but the recovery was uneven,” said Benjamin Teo, spokesperson for Linkflow Capital. “Banks gradually reopened to larger loans, yet took meaningfully longer to process applications. Some SMEs facing immediate cash flow pressure turned to non-bank funders for speed, even at higher costs.”
A new and more severe headwind for 2026
Linkflow Capital flagged the Middle East conflict which began in February 2026 as the most consequential macroeconomic event facing Singapore SMEs in the year ahead. The conflict has elevated freight, energy and shipping costs through Iran’s intermittent disruption of the Strait of Hormuz.
“Singapore SMEs entered 2026 facing a potential macro shock with the Middle East conflict,” Teo said. “The inflationary price pressures feed directly into SME operating costs through fuel, freight, and energy. We expect credit conditions to re-tighten, and the modest 2025 thaw could partially reverse if the conflict escalates.”
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Linkflow Capital
Founded in 2012, Linkflow Capital is a leading SME loan consultancy in Singapore. Through its loan comparison portal and advisory services, Linkflow Capital assists SMEs in navigating the financing landscape and securing funding solutions from an extensive network of banks and financial institutions.
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