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Longbridge Names Gavin Chia as Singapore and Regional CEO, Southeast Asia, Marking a New Chapter for the AI-powered digital Brokerage

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SINGAPORE, May 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Longbridge, the AI-powered digital brokerage, has appointed Gavin Chia as Singapore and Regional CEO, Southeast Asia, effective 5 May 2026. Chia brings more than 18 years of experience in financial services and was instrumental in building moomoo Singapore from a startup into one of the country’s leading retail brokerages.

The hire is the most senior local appointment Longbridge has made since and comes as the firm consolidates a series of strategic moves, including obtaining a Capital Markets Services licence from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and announcing its first physical location — into a coherent push for market leadership in the region.

An Executive Move with Industry Significance

Singapore is one of Asia’s most fiercely competitive digital brokerage markets, with several leading platforms, such as Longbridge, moomoo, Tiger Brokers and Webull. Industry observers are largely in agreement that in the next few years, the landscape will be shaped by AI and technological capability, and the ability to localize and adapt to each country’s local environment.

With Gavin joining Longbridge, this clearly demarcates Longbridge’s dedication towards improving on both fronts.

A Proven Builder for a New Growth Phase

Gavin Chia is one of Singapore’s most experienced digital brokerage executives. As moomoo’s CEO in Singapore, he led the business from inception to become one of the leading digital brokerages in the market. He subsequently served as CEO of IG Singapore & Emerging Markets, deepening his track record of driving growth, product expansion, and market leadership across the region.

His deep familiarity with the MAS regulatory landscape, local retail investor behaviour, and the operational realities of scaling a brokerage in Southeast Asia makes him a highly strategic appointment for Longbridge at this stage of its growth.

At Longbridge, Gavin will have full ownership of operations, regulatory affairs, product localization, and team-building across Singapore and Southeast Asia.

“What attracted me to Longbridge is its strong technology foundation and clear ambition to redefine the brokerage experience through AI. I see a strong alignment between Longbridge’s vision and my own belief that the future of investing lies at the intersection of technology, product innovation, and user experience. The opportunity to build and scale this in the region, together with a forward-looking team, was particularly compelling.”

— Gavin Chia, Singapore and Regional CEO, Southeast Asia, Longbridge

What “AI-First” Means in Practice

For Gavin, an AI-first brokerage goes beyond a product feature, it is a foundational philosophy about how the entire client experience is designed and delivered.

“To me, an AI-first brokerage is one where AI is not just a feature, but embedded across the entire client journey, from onboarding and education, to idea generation, execution, and risk management. AI is fundamentally reshaping how people invest. It lowers the barrier to entry by simplifying complex information, enables more personalised insights at scale, and helps investors make more informed decisions in real time. Over time, we hope to see investing become more intuitive, data-driven, and accessible, where technology augments, rather than replaces, human judgement.”

— Gavin Chia, Regional CEO, Southeast Asia, Longbridge

Longbridge is among a small number of digital brokerages globally to have embedded AI at the product architecture level, across investment research, trading assistance, and customer insights. This commitment to innovation extends beyond AI. Longbridge made history in 2025 by launching the world’s first U.S. stock options pre-market trading, a milestone that underscores its position at the frontier of brokerage technology. A central part of Gavin’s mandate will be to bring these capabilities to investors across Southeast Asia, in a form that is locally relevant and meets the regulatory requirements of each market.

“We are delighted to have Gavin on board. Over the past few months, we have laid a great deal of groundwork for this Singapore chapter, including our MAS licence, platform infrastructure, product suite, and the Longbridge Cafe Singapore physical space. But to weave all of that into a business that is truly rooted locally, we needed a leader who both understands Longbridge’s global vision and is deeply familiar with Singapore’s local landscape.”

— Nowa Zhu, Group CEO, Longbridge

Longbridge’s Growing Footprint in Singapore

Gavin’s appointment is the latest milestone in a series of concrete moves Longbridge has made in Singapore over the past six months:

Licensed operations: Long Bridge Securities Pte. Ltd. holds a Capital Markets Services licence (CMS Licence No. CMS101211) issued by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), and operates as an Exempt Financial Adviser.Physical presence: On 30 April 2026, Longbridge announced the launch of Longbridge Cafe Singapore — located above Guoco Tower / Tanjong Pagar MRT station and expected to open in September 2026. It will be Longbridge’s first physical overseas location.Local leadership: On 5 May 2026, Gavin Chia joined as Regional CEO, Southeast Asia.

Taken together, Longbridge has established what observers are calling a complete “localization loop” in Singapore: a licensed entity, a physical space, and a local leader with the mandate and experience to execute. This combination remains uncommon among digital brokerages operating in the market.

About Longbridge Securities Singapore

Longbridge Securities is an AI-Powered online brokerage headquartered in Singapore. By building global trading infrastructure and a trading network, it delivers best-in-class trading experiences to investors worldwide. Founded in March 2019, Longbridge holds 22 financial regulatory licenses or qualifications across the U.S., Hong Kong SAR, Singapore, and other markets, and has secured more than US$150 million in strategic investment from leading financial institutions and investment firms. Long Bridge Securities Pte. Ltd. is a licensed entity regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) (Capital Markets Services Licence No.: CMS101211), holding a Capital Markets Services Licence and operating under an exempt financial adviser status.

Disclaimer

Long Bridge Securities Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 202111825D) provides an execution-only service. All investments carry risk. Please refer to the Risk Disclosure Statement on our website for details. This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

This commitment to innovation extends beyond AI — Longbridge made history in 2025 by launching the world’s first U.S. stock options pre-market trading, a milestone that underscores its position at the frontier of brokerage technology.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/longbridge-names-gavin-chia-as-singapore-and-regional-ceo-southeast-asia-marking-a-new-chapter-for-the-ai-powered-digital-brokerage-302767964.html

SOURCE Longbridge

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In HelloNation, Painting Expert Melvin Jones Explains What to Do Before Painters Arrive at Your Home

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The article outlines simple preparation steps that help painting projects begin smoothly and produce better results.

LEXINGTON, S.C., July 3, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What can South Carolina homeowners do before a painting crew arrives to make the job faster and smoother? According to a HelloNation article, simple home painting prep can save time, reduce stress, and improve results. Melvin Jones of Carolina Painting and Pressure Cleaning, Inc. explains that when rooms are organized and surfaces are ready, painters can focus on delivering a clean, professional finish instead of spending hours clearing space.

The article highlights that many South Carolina homeowners assume painters handle all preparation, but a few small steps make a big difference. A well-organized home improves project efficiency by allowing crews to begin immediately. Moving small or fragile items, clearing wall decorations, and providing access to corners and trim all help painters work without interruption. Home painting prep does not require special tools, just a little time and planning before the project begins.

Jones advises homeowners to start by walking through each room that will be painted. Tables, lamps, and decorative pieces should be moved safely out of the way, while larger furniture can be pulled to the center of the room. Covering items with plastic or clean sheets protects them from paint dust or splatter. This kind of room preparation makes it easier for painters to apply smooth, even coats and reduces the risk of accidental damage.

Removing pictures, mirrors, and wall décor is another key part of the painter’s checklist. Frames and hooks can block brushwork and make edges uneven. Labeling each item with a small piece of tape helps homeowners remember where to rehang them later. According to the HelloNation article, this small organizational step saves time and keeps the cleanup process simple once painting is complete.

Electrical outlets, switch plates, and wall fixtures should be removed or covered before work begins. These small tasks make a big difference in achieving sharp edges and a clean finish. Curtains and blinds can be tied back or taken down to prevent dust buildup. These details might seem minor, but together they support project efficiency and protect against paint stains or drips on household surfaces.

Color labeling is another practical part of home painting prep. If several rooms are being painted, taping color samples or notes near doorways prevents confusion and helps painters confirm which color belongs in each space. This is especially useful for homes that use similar shades or accent walls. Clear labeling also helps crews maintain accuracy when mixing or applying paint. The HelloNation article emphasizes that communication before the first coat is one of the best ways to ensure a flawless result.

Surface inspection before painters arrive also supports better quality. Jones recommends checking for peeling paint, loose caulk, or small cracks around windows and trim. Painters can fix these quickly if they know about them ahead of time. Larger issues, such as moisture stains or soft wood, might require more preparation. Identifying these early allows the painting team to bring the right materials and prevents project delays.

Exterior painting projects require similar steps. Moving outdoor furniture, planters, and decorations away from the home ensures a clear workspace. Homeowners should also trim back bushes or branches that block access to the siding. Clearing driveways and decks gives painters room for ladders and tools, which improves safety and speed. The HelloNation article notes that outdoor preparation is especially important in South Carolina, where heat and humidity can make painting conditions more challenging.

Even small acts of preparation can make a noticeable difference in project efficiency. A few hours spent organizing a workspace can save an entire day of setup and cleanup. When painters arrive at a ready environment, they can focus entirely on quality rather than logistics. This preparation not only shortens project timelines but also contributes to a smoother, longer-lasting finish.

Communication plays an important role once the crew arrives. Homeowners should walk through the space with the crew leader to confirm colors, special instructions, and the order of rooms. Discussing working hours, drying times, and access to restrooms or water helps keep expectations clear. Jones points out that strong communication from the start prevents misunderstandings and builds confidence between the homeowner and the crew.

Pets and children should also be considered during the project. Fresh paint and open doors create safety risks. Keeping pets in another area and setting boundaries for children helps the crew stay focused and reduces distractions. Simple planning helps maintain both safety and comfort throughout the process.

According to HelloNation, home painting prep not only benefits the painters but also protects the homeowner’s investment. A well-prepared home allows for better coverage, fewer interruptions, and a cleaner finish. In South Carolina’s warm and humid climate, where interior and exterior projects often need careful timing, preparation helps ensure that paint adheres properly and dries evenly.

By following a simple painter checklist, South Carolina homeowners can make each project more efficient and enjoyable. Taking the time to organize, inspect, and communicate creates a clear path to professional results. When painters can start right away, the process feels smoother from the first brush stroke to the final cleanup.

What to Do Before Painters Arrive at Your Home features insights from Melvin Jones, Painting Expert of Lexington, SC, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation
HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/in-hellonation-painting-expert-melvin-jones-explains-what-to-do-before-painters-arrive-at-your-home-302816963.html

SOURCE HelloNation

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The CIB and partners commit $379 million to expand broadband in British Columbia

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Approximately 17,000 households to benefit from access to high-speed internet

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TORONTO, July 3, 2026 /CNW/ – The Canada Infrastructure Bank (CIB) and TELUS Corporation (TELUS) have formalized an agreement to expand high-speed internet service across British Columbia. Under the terms of the agreement, the CIB will loan $49.3 million to TELUS, which will provide new broadband access to rural and Indigenous communities.

The new offering was developed under the provincial Connecting Communities BC program and in partnership with the Government of Canada through the Universal Broadband Fund. TELUS will be responsible for all aspects of construction, installation, operations and maintenance of the new broadband service.

The project involves deployment of backbone and last‑mile broadband infrastructure with fibre‑to‑the‑home, allowing high-speed internet access to more than 17,000 underserved households in rural municipalities, including approximately 380 Indigenous households.

Broadband service is critical to Canadians’ daily lives. It is essential for our quality of life, connecting us to business, healthcare, education and to family and friends.

The CIB’s concessional financing will allow broadband connectivity to expand at a quicker pace while enabling Indigenous and rural customers to benefit from the same services as urban counterparts.

This investment partnership represents the second collaboration between the CIB and TELUS to expand high-speed internet service in Canada.

Endorsements

The CIB’s loan will help bring reliable, high-speed internet to underserved rural and Indigenous communities across British Columbia and improves project viability in regions where fibre optic connectivity is costly. Our work helps close the connectivity gap in communities so Canadians can fully participate in the digital world, with access to the services, opportunities and connections that come with it.

Ehren Cory, CEO, Canada Infrastructure Bank

Through the continued partnership with the Canada Infrastructure Bank, the Government of Canada, and the Government of British Columbia, TELUS is proud to expand our TELUS PureFibre network to rural and Indigenous communities across BC. This investment ensures families, schools, governments, and businesses–wherever they are–can connect, learn, grow and thrive in a digital world. Together we are building a more equitable, stronger, more connected Canada.

Liz Wong, Vice-President, National Network Planning, TELUS    

Learn More:

TELUS
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Province of British Columbia

SOURCE Canada Infrastructure Bank

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Media Advisory – Minister Hodgson to make significant mining announcement

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TRAIL, BC, July 3, 2026 /CNW/ – The Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, will make a critical minerals announcement. Media availability will follow.

Date: Tuesday, July 7, 2026

Time: 12 p.m. PT

All accredited media are asked to pre-register by 6 pm ET on Monday, July 6, 2026 by emailing media@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca. Details on how to participate will be provided upon registration.

Follow Natural Resources Canada on LinkedIn.

SOURCE Natural Resources Canada

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