By Dr. Gyan Pathak The talks between the representative of the United Forum of Bank Unions (UFBU) and the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) held on September 4 has failed. On the one hand, UFBU has said that they are not in a position to defer their multiple strike schedule in banks, beginning from September 11, […]
Bitcoin ownership is estimated at about 5% of the world’s population, with India accounting for the largest number of holders, according to figures published by on-chain analyst Willy Woo. Woo’s country-level table, posted on September 1, places worldwide adoption in a range of 4.5% to 6%, equivalent to roughly 370 million to 500 million people. India is estimated to have about 68 million Bitcoin holders, representing 4.6% […]
The Gulf’s events and hospitality sectors are expanding at a pace few regions can match, and much of that growth is being carried on the backs of a workforce that barely existed in its current form a decade ago: flexible, on-demand talent. From five-star product launches in Dubai to sprawling exhibitions in Riyadh, the ability to scale a team up or down within days has become just […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 September 2026 – The “Hong Kong Fashion Fest Gala 2026”, one of the eight flagship programmes of the third edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest, was held on 3 September 2026. Sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and organised by the Hong Kong Fashion Council, this year’s Gala was held under the theme, “Rhythm of the Heart”, the same theme of the third edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest. The Gala brought together fashion, art and culture in a cross-disciplinary celebration. The opening ceremony was officiated by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, JP and the Hon Sunny Tan, BBS, Legislative Council Member (Textiles and Garment) and Chairman of the Hong Kong Fashion Council. marking the official opening ceremony of this much-anticipated annual event on Hong Kong’s fashion calendar.
(From Left) Ms. Rainy Chan (Executive Director, Hong Kong Design Centre) Mr. Roger Chan (Chairman, Clothing Industry Training Authority) Mr. Steve Leung (Chairman, Hong Kong Design Centre) Hon. Sunny Tan, BBS (Chairman of the Hong Kong Fashion Council, and Member of the Legislative Council, the Honourable Sunny Tan, BBS.) Miss Rosanna Law, JP (Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism) Ms Sophia Chong (Executive Director, Hong Kong Trade Development Council) Mr. Kevin Yeung (Chairman, Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association) Dr. Elita Lam (Principal, Hong Kong Design Institute) Miss Drew Lai (Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries)
Speaking at the Gala, the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, JP, saying: “Building on Hong Kong’s unique kinetic pulse and East-meets-West synergy, and with the Government’s steadfast backing through the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, our creative ecosystem is thriving. Within this dynamic landscape, fashion design stands as an indisputable driving force. The Hong Kong Fashion Fest continues to champion fashion as a profound art form and a canvas for self-expression — one that weaves together vision, culture, and history.”
Meanwhile, Hon Sunny Tan, BBS, Legislative Council Member (Textiles and Garment) and Chairman of the Hong Kong Fashion Council, extended his gratitude to the participating organisers and industry partners for their steadfast support, saying: “The third Hong Kong Fashion Fest reflects the collective commitment of the Government, CCIDA and industry to advancing Hong Kong’s fashion development. With creative talent, international connectivity and strengths across trade, tourism, finance, and textile and apparel, Hong Kong has every ingredient to grow as an international fashion hub for Asia.”
In addition, rising favourite by international brands, Jeffrey Ngai and the popular stylish film actress Louise Wong attended the occasion in glamorous style. They were joined on the red carpet by leading fashion influencers and celebrities from Hong Kong and around the world, including Ameera Khan, Fil Xiaobai, Hanan Besovic, Irene Kim, Susanna Lau and Elva Ni. The star-studded presence added glamour and energy to the gala, highlighting Hong Kong’s extraordinary position and appeal as an international fashion hub.
Hong Kong Ballet × Robert Wun:
A Groundbreaking Cross-Disciplinary Stage Experience
One of the key highlights of the Hong Kong Fashion Fest Gala 2026 was “Glam Rock”, a specially presented three-act ballet performance by Hong Kong Ballet. Taking an innovative and bold approach to ballet, the production reinterpreted the art form by seamlessly blending classical and contemporary dance. The performance was accompanied by iconic rock anthems from Queen, Depeche Mode, and the legendary Hong Kong band Beyond. The powerful rhythms and dynamic physicality of the dancers delivered an exhilarating and refreshingly unconventional experience for the audience.
The dancers performed in bespoke costumes designed by internationally acclaimed Hong Kong designer Robert Wun. Renowned for his cinematic and sculptural silhouettes and refined narrative-driven aesthetics, Wun’s designs became another visual highlight of the evening. Through “Glam Rock”, world-class choreography, avant-garde fashion and rock music converged into a wholesome and unique artistic expression, offering guests a profound stage experience that combined visual spectacle with cultural references. The production vividly embodied the urban rhythm and creative pulse at the heart of this year’s theme, “Rhythm of the Heart.”
“Top 10 Asian Designers to Watch” Fashion Show and Award Presentation:
Showcasing the Next Generation of Asian Fashion Talent
Another major highlight of the Hong Kong Fashion Fest Gala 2026 was the “Top 10 Asian Designers to Watch Fashion” Fashion Show & Awards Presentation Ceremony,” which showcased the exceptional craftsmanship and distinctive creative visions of ten outstanding designers from different parts of Asia. With a multitude of design languages and cultural sentiment, the showcase presented the dynamic multi-cultural fashion spectacle and forward-thinking approaches to fashion and aesthetics.
Sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), Fashion Asia Hong Kong’s “10 Asian Designers to Watch” programme is presented by the Hong Kong Design Centre. The programme is dedicated to discovering and promoting the next generation of Asian design talent, and to provide emerging designers with greater visibility, professional exchange and industry opportunities.
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About Hong Kong Fashion Fest
Announced by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Chief Executive in the 2023 Policy Address, “Hong Kong Fashion Fest” will be organised to develop Hong Kong into a fashion design hub in Asia. Through consolidating various fashion design events and introducing innovative elements and affiliate activities annually, the Hong Kong Fashion Fest promotes Hong Kong’s fashion and textile design brands and boosts Hong Kong’s position as a prime destination for hosting mega cultural and creative events. Under the theme “Rhythm of the Heart”, the third edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest is being held from 1 to 14 September 2026 at various landmarks in Hong Kong. The event will bring together eight flagship programmes organised by six industry organisations and, for the first time, will be combined with CENTRESTAGE – the annual fashion extravaganza organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council – to generate stronger synergies. The event will attract fashion design industry players from all over the world to come to Hong Kong; foster collaboration, innovation and business opportunities; establish platform for local and international fashion designers and brands and connect with different sectors in the fashion design industry of Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and overseas, thereby consolidating Hong Kong’s position as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.
About Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), formerly known as Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) since 2009, was established in June 2024. CCIDA is a dedicated office under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR Government) to provide one-stop services and support to the cultural and creative sectors with a mission to foster a conducive environment in Hong Kong to facilitate development of the arts, culture and creative sectors as industries. CCIDA’s strategic foci are nurturing talent and facilitating start-ups, exploring markets, promoting cross-sectoral and multi-disciplinary collaboration, promoting industrialisation of the arts, culture and creative sectors under the industry-oriented principle, and fostering a creative atmosphere in the community, thereby reinforcing Hong Kong as Asia’s creative capital and our positioning as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.
Disclaimer: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.
About Hong Kong Fashion Council Established in 2024, Hong Kong Fashion Council is a not-for-profit representative body dedicated to uniting all fashion initiatives in Hong Kong to support the growth of the fashion industry. HKFC envisions Hong Kong as Asia’s leading international fashion hub, leveraging the city’s unique geographical and multicultural context to drive creativity, innovation, collaboration, and sustainability in fashion. Committed to supporting stakeholders throughout the entire fashion ecosystem, HKFC is building a collaborative network between the East and the West to showcase Asia’s vibrant fashion identity.
Google has introduced Gemini 3.8 Flash, a general-availability artificial intelligence model aimed at long-horizon software engineering, autonomous agents and complex enterprise workflows. The model, released on September 2, is the latest version in Google’s Gemini 3 Flash family and is designed to combine stronger reasoning and coding performance with the lower latency and cost profile associated with the Flash tier. Google said Gemini 3.8 Flash is ready […]
As part of his official visit to Vietnam, on the afternoon of September 4, 2026, His Excellency Min Aung Hlaing, President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, and the high-level Myanmar delegation visited the VinFast Hai Phong Manufacturing Complex, where they learned firsthand about the remarkable and rapid development journey of the Vietnamese automotive brand.
HAI PHONG, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 September 2026 – Mr. Pham Nhat Quan Anh, Chairman of VinFast, personally welcomed His Excellency President Min Aung Hlaing and led the delegation throughout their visit to the VinFast Hai Phong Manufacturing Complex. Mr. Quan Anh accompanied the President and the delegation through the Body Shop and General Assembly Shop, introducing VinFast’s integrated manufacturing processes, advanced production lines featuring a high level of automation, and its internationally competitive portfolio of electric vehicles.
Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing was impressed by the scale of the factory and VinFast’s diverse lineup of electric cars and electric motorcycles.
At the General Assembly Shop, where VinFast vehicles are completed, President Min Aung Hlaing expressed his strong impression of the quality and high standards of VinFast’s Vietnamese-made electric vehicles. The President also praised the modern infrastructure and advanced facilities of the manufacturing complex, as well as VinFast’s remarkable journey in establishing itself as the No. 1 automotive brand in Vietnam and rapidly expanding its presence internationally.
As of September 2026, VinFast has maintained the No. 1 position in Vietnam’s automotive market for 24 consecutive months, while expanding its presence to more than 10 countries worldwide, including key markets such as Indonesia, India, the Philippines and North America.
The visit by President Min Aung Hlaing takes place against the backdrop of Vietnam and Myanmar strengthening cooperation across multiple areas, contributing to greater connectivity and exchanges, while opening up new opportunities for cooperation between the business communities of the two countries.
The visit also provided an opportunity for VinFast to showcase to Myanmar’s leadership the latest achievements of Vietnam’s automotive industry, as well as the manufacturing capabilities and technological expertise of a Vietnamese enterprise. It further contributed to strengthening connectivity between Vietnam and Myanmar in the areas of industry, trade and green mobility.
As one of Vietnam’s modern automotive manufacturing complexes, the VinFast Hai Phong Manufacturing Complex represents an important milestone in the journey of a Vietnamese automotive brand onto the global stage. Built on its manufacturing foundation in Vietnam, VinFast is expanding its operations across international markets, with a strategic focus on developing a green mobility ecosystem and accelerating the transition toward electric transportation.
The VinFast Hai Phong Manufacturing Complex has previously welcomed numerous senior leaders and heads of state during their official visits to Vietnam. Former Indonesian President Joko Widodo, former President of Bulgaria Rumen Radev and former Prime Minister of Luxembourg Xavier Bettel are among the international leaders who, while in office, visited the facility, toured VinFast’s electric vehicle production lines and learned firsthand about VinFast’s electric vehicle offerings.
The visits by heads of state and senior leaders to the VinFast Manufacturing Complex not only reflect international interest in the manufacturing capabilities and technological potential of a Vietnamese enterprise but also create opportunities to strengthen economic connectivity and advance cooperation in industry and green mobility between Vietnam and countries across the region.
With its vision of “For a Green Future,” VinFast continues to accelerate investment in manufacturing capabilities, technology and its electric vehicle ecosystem, with the ambition of bringing Vietnamese green mobility products and solutions to an increasing number of customers around the world.
Hashtag: #VinFast
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The yen remained on course for its strongest weekly advance in more than a month on Friday, while the dollar gave back much of an initial jump after stronger-than-expected US employment data lifted expectations of a Federal Reserve rate increase this month.
The Japanese currency traded around 155.7 per dollar after a volatile session, having surged sharply earlier in the week as investors increased bets that the Bank of Japan could tighten policy faster than previously anticipated. The move brought the yen close to levels last seen after joint US-Japan currency intervention in July.
US nonfarm payrolls increased by 162,000 in August, well above the 56,000 gain economists had expected, while the unemployment rate held at 4.1 per cent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. June and July payroll figures were also revised higher by a combined 55,000 jobs.
Employment gains were concentrated in food services and drinking places, which added 62,000 jobs, and local government education, which gained 42,000. Construction added 22,000 positions and manufacturing 16,000, while information employment declined. The average private-sector workweek edged up by 0.1 hour to 34.4 hours during August, official data showed.
The dollar initially strengthened after the release as traders raised the probability of a Federal Reserve rate increase at its September 15-16 meeting. Fed funds futures implied roughly a 59 per cent chance of a quarter-point rise after the data, up from about 50 per cent beforehand.
Those gains faded as investors turned attention to next week’s inflation figures, which are expected to play a decisive role in the Fed’s assessment. Producer-price data are due on Thursday, followed by consumer-price figures on Friday. Economists expect annual core consumer inflation to ease to 2.4 per cent from 2.5 per cent in July.
The dollar index, which tracks the US currency against six major peers, was up about 0.1 per cent at 99.10 later in the session. The euro was little changed around $1.162, while sterling held near $1.35 after showing limited reaction to the US employment report.
The yen’s weekly strength has been driven primarily by expectations of further Bank of Japan tightening. Markets were pricing a high probability of a 25-basis-point increase at the central bank’s September 17-18 meeting after policy board member Hajime Takata said officials should act nimbly to counter intensifying inflation pressures rather than adhere to a predictable schedule.
Speculation about a larger or faster sequence of rate increases has also encouraged investors to unwind short-yen positions that had accumulated while Japan maintained substantially lower borrowing costs than other major economies.
Japan’s top currency diplomat, Atsushi Mimura, said on Friday that authorities remained alert to exchange-rate movements, maintaining Tokyo’s warning that it was prepared to respond to excessive volatility. Officials have repeatedly stressed that intervention is aimed at disorderly market moves rather than defending a specific exchange rate.
The yen had approached 155.21 per dollar, the strongest level reached after July’s coordinated intervention. A sustained break beyond that level would put the currency at its strongest point since early May.
The broader policy outlook remains finely balanced. Fed Governor Christopher Waller said on Thursday that he was inclined to support unchanged rates if incoming data confirmed that inflation pressures were cooling, tempering expectations of an imminent increase before the payrolls figures were released.
Wage data offered some support for that argument despite the stronger hiring numbers. Average hourly earnings rose 0.3 per cent in August and were 3.1 per cent higher than a year earlier, the weakest annual increase since June 2021.
Higher Japanese government bond yields have also fuelled speculation that domestic investors could shift some overseas holdings back to Japan. Market participants have focused particularly on insurers and pension funds with large foreign-asset portfolios as relative returns on Japanese debt improve.
Trading in stocks and commodities through cryptocurrency platforms surged to about $778 billion in August, underscoring the rapid expansion of traditional-market products on venues built originally for digital assets. The total reflects a sharp rise in activity across perpetual futures and other products linked to equities, precious metals and commodities, as major crypto exchanges broadened their offerings beyond Bitcoin, Ether and other tokens. August data showed stock […]
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 September 2026 – On September 3, the Macao SAR Government hosted a reception and the Macao Economic, Trade and Tourism Investment Promotion Seminar in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to pragmatically advance bilateral cooperation across public and private sectors. The event facilitated over 120 business matching sessions and concluded with more than 60 signed agreements. These partnerships span key sectors including tourism, MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions), high-tech & AI services, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) & big health, and Muslim-friendly initiatives. Some agreements specifically focused on pharmaceutical registration and certification, regional distribution networks, and “multi-destination” tourism layouts.
The Chief Executive, Mr Sam Hou Fai, and guests make a toast at a reception in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia hosted by the Macao Special Administrative Region Government.
The event gathered over 350 guests, including Sam Hou Fai, Chief Executive of the Macao SAR; Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Malaysia; Sim Tze Tzin, Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry of Malaysia; and Ouyang Yujing, Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia. They were joined by members of the Macao SAR government and entrepreneurial delegations, representatives from the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia, and prominent figures from various sectors in Malaysia.
Sam Hou Fai stated that this visit to Malaysia aims to renew traditional friendship, build further consensus, and elevate pragmatic cooperation between Macao and Malaysia to a higher level. Macao aspires to serve as a bridge for deepening cooperation between Malaysia and Mainland China, working together to open a new chapter of mutual benefit, win-win outcomes, and synergistic development. He pointed out that both Macao and Malaysia are key nodes on the “Maritime Silk Road,” sharing deep cultural and people-to-people bonds and close exchanges. Facilitated by mutual visa-free entry and direct flights, the two regions have achieved fruitful cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, MICE, and education. Malaysia is not only an important economic partner and international tourist source market for Macao, but also demonstrates immense potential for collaboration in cultural exchange, educational partnerships, and the promotion of Muslim-friendly tourism.
Tiong King Sing highlighted Malaysia’s strategic position in ASEAN—a fast-growing regional market—and Macao’s role in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). By linking their networks, both sides can help businesses unlock vast opportunities between ASEAN and the GBA. He emphasized Malaysia’s readiness to strengthen cooperation in trade, tourism, and education. He urged both sides to bridge connections and engage businesses, schools, tourism operators, and cultural groups to deliver tangible results.
The seminar featured presentations, business matching, and sharing sessions highlighting Macao’s “Tourism+” initiatives, especially “Tourism + Healthcare” big health. Notably, Macao Union Medical Center’s advanced services are meet diverse international healthcare needs.
Additionally, Macao’s upcoming private healthcare law will introduce a “day hospital” category, a one-stop licensing system, and regulations for telemedicine, outreach services, and advanced therapies, fostering a clear, flexible investment environment. Leveraging Macao-Hengqin synergy, the region seeks to partner with Southeast Asian firms to capture medical tourism and big health opportunities.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 September 2026 – Ping An Digital Bank (International) Limited (“Ping An Digital Bank”) has launched Purchase Order Financing product that specifically designed for cross-border e-commerce businesses, becoming the first digital bank in Hong Kong to offer dedicated factoring financing solution to export cross-border e-commerce merchants. Requiring no traditional collateral, eligible businesses can obtain financing of up to 95% of their accounts receivable based on eligible invoices, meeting their operational needs and enabling SMEs to take an important step toward global expansion.
Mr. Thomas Tung, Chief Business OfficerofPing An Digital Bank, said, “As the Hong Kong’s first digital bank dedicated to SMEs, Ping An Digital Bank has always been committed to supporting businesses and driving transformation in the trade finance ecosystem through financial technology. By harnessing years of experience in exploring the potential of commercial data, and combining multidimensional data spanning trade and finance, we have redefined the credit assessment process to effectively resolve financing bottlenecks for businesses. The launch of Purchase Order Financing seamlessly integrates credit insurance with risk management, providing cross-border e-commerce merchants with more efficient and flexible liquidity support. Moving forward, we will continue to leverage our fintech prowess and synergistic financial services to help SMEs capture global cross-border trade opportunities, serving as a reliable backer for cross-border trading enterprises.”
Ping An Digital Bank’s Purchase Order Financing is designed specifically for cross-border e-commerce businesses operating on open-account payment term With just eligible invoices, businesses can apply for financing with a ratio of up to 95% of accounts receivable, up to USD 5 million and a repayment period of up to 120 days. To address the urgent cash flow needs of cross-border e-commerce businesses, the approval and drawdown process can be completed as fast as T+1 business day. Unlike traditional approaches that rely on financial statements and collateral, Ping An Digital Bank innovatively utilises real-time sales data from cross-border buyers to gain insights into clients’ actual operational performance, thereby breaking through the cumbersome constraints of traditional credit assessment. The product architecture directly aligns with supply chain liquidity needs, empowering clients to deploy capital with flexibility and mitigate cash flow pressures with ease.
Looking ahead, Ping An Digital Bank will continue to deepen the application of data analytics and financial technology, driving product innovation to empower trade businesses to achieve digital transformation and business upgrades. The Bank remains dedicated to refining its one-stop digital financial ecosystem, spanning business account opening, foreign exchange transactions, cross-border settlement, and flexible credit facilities—delivering holistic support for enterprise operational challenges, facilitating global expansion, and acting as a dedicated and trusted partner for SMEs growing on the international stage.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Ping An Digital Bank
Ping An Digital Bank (International) Limited (“Ping An Digital Bank,” “PingAnDB”) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lufax Holding Ltd (“Lufax”) (SEHK: 6623; NYSE: LU) and a member of Ping An Insurance (Group) Company of China, Ltd. (“Ping An”) (SEHK: 2318; SSE: 601318). Ping An Digital Bank was granted a banking licence by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority in May 2019 to offer retail banking and business banking services. Backed by Ping An’s advanced technology, Ping An Digital Bank is elevating banking experience, serving customer in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, establishing itself as Ping An Group’s comprehensive financial platform in Hong Kong.
Bitcoin jumped about 5% to around $81,000 on Thursday as a sharp rebound forced leveraged traders betting on lower cryptocurrency prices to close positions, accelerating gains across the digital-asset market. The move lifted the world’s largest cryptocurrency back towards the upper end of its August trading range after it had spent much of the day around $77,000-$78,000. Market data showed heavy short-side liquidations as Bitcoin pushed through […]
Polymarket has formally opened perpetual futures trading across cryptocurrencies, stocks, equity indices and commodities, adding leveraged directional trading to a platform best known for prediction markets. The international Polymarket platform is offering leverage of up to 20 times on eligible perpetual contracts, allowing traders to take long or short positions without a fixed expiry date. Its live perpetual-futures pages list markets tied to Bitcoin, Ether, major technology […]
The expansion of the CPMZ pipeline will add capacity to transport two billion more litres of fuel annually, strengthening supplies to Zimbabwe and wider regional markets
NHAMATANDA, MOZAMBIQUE – African Media Agency – 3 September 2026 – The President of Mozambique, H.E. Daniel Chapo and the President of Zimbabwe, H.E. Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, today broke ground on a major expansion of the Beira-Harare fuel corridor that will increase pipeline capacity by 67% and strengthen energy security across Southern Africa.
The CPMZ project will increase the CPMZ pipeline’s annual transport capacity from 3 million to 5 million cubic metres by the end of 2027, supporting growing fuel demand in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and wider regional markets.
The expansion will add capacity to transport approximately two billion additional litres of fuel annually into Southern Africa’s interior, strengthening a critical supply route connecting the Port of Beira with Zimbabwe and supporting access to diesel, petrol and jet fuel across regional markets, including Zambia, Malawi, Botswana and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The project represents a significant investment in regional energy resilience and Mozambique-Zimbabwe cooperation, while construction and commissioning will take place without interrupting daily pipeline operations or fuel supplies to markets served by the corridor.
H.E. Daniel Chapo, President of the Republic of Mozambique, said:
“The expansion of the CPMZ pipeline is an important investment in Mozambique’s infrastructure and in the energy security of our region. By strengthening the connection between the Port of Beira and the Southern African hinterland, we are reinforcing Mozambique’s role as a strategic gateway for regional trade while deepening our cooperation with Zimbabwe. This is the kind of infrastructure investment that strengthens regional connectivity, supports economic activity and creates greater resilience for the future.”
Standard Chartered has begun offering institutional clients spot trading in Bitcoin and Ether through its Dubai International Financial Centre entity, extending its regulated digital-asset business in the UAE from custody into trade execution. The bank said on Thursday the service makes it the first global systemically important bank to provide institutional digital-asset spot trading in the UAE. Eligible clients can trade the two largest cryptocurrencies through Standard […]
Nutex Health has confirmed that an unauthorised third party stole sensitive patient, employee, provider, business and financial information from its computer network and threatened to publish the data externally. The Houston-based healthcare provider disclosed the findings in an August 31 filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, upgrading its earlier notification of the intrusion to a report under the regulator’s category for material cybersecurity incidents. The […]
YUNNAN, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 September 2026 – The Dounan Flower Market in Kunming, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, is strengthening its position as a leading flower trading hub in Asia, with record annual trading volumes, high-speed auction operations and increasingly efficient international logistics.
The Kunming International Flora Auction Trading Center, a key trading platform within Dounan, begins daily trading at 1:00 p.m. Buyers can complete bids within as little as 0.6 seconds as prices decrease on electronic auction screens, enabling large volumes of fresh-cut flowers to be traded rapidly.
The market experienced a significant increase in trading activity ahead of the Qixi Festival, widely regarded as China’s Valentine’s Day. Tens of millions of flower stems were sold to domestic and international markets during the peak trading period.
According to the Kunming International Flora Auction Trading Center, the average price of major fresh-cut flower categories reached 1.1 to 1.3 yuan per stem during the pre-festival period, approximately 15 percent higher than pre-festival levels. Premium flowers recorded substantially higher prices, with high-quality roses reaching nearly 15 yuan ($2.23) per stem.
In 2025, Dounan recorded a trading volume of 15.476 billion fresh-cut flowers, with total transaction value reaching 13.484 billion yuan (approximately $2 billion).
The market currently hosts 3,300 enterprises and more than 15,000 business entities and individual proprietors. Of Dounan’s approximately 70,000 permanent residents, 46,500 are employed in the flower industry.
Approximately seven out of every 10 fresh-cut flowers sold in China originate from Dounan. Its distribution network now reaches markets across China as well as more than 50 countries and regions worldwide.
High-Speed Auction System
Dounan’s auction system is designed to accommodate the highly time-sensitive nature of fresh-cut flowers.
“Field-grown ‘Purple Glow’ (75 percent maturity), 140 stems; field-grown ‘Beloved’ (80 percent maturity), 120 stems; ‘Beloved’ (75 percent maturity), 120 stems…” said Li Qian, a flower auctioneer at the Kunming International Flora Auction Trading Center.
The trading center uses a descending-price auction model, with prices continuously decreasing on electronic screens. Buyers must respond within approximately 0.6 seconds, allowing transactions to be completed rapidly and supporting the high turnover required by the fresh-cut flower industry.
“Since fresh flowers are perishable goods, we use a descending-price auction format. This helps facilitate rapid circulation,” Li said.
The auction process is integrated with sorting, packaging and transportation operations, reducing the time between trading and shipment.
Logistics Network Expands International Reach
Fresh-cut flowers require particularly efficient logistics because their quality is highly sensitive to transportation and storage time.
Tang Minghong, a client manager with the flower logistics division of SF Express Yunnan, said fresh flowers have among the most demanding logistics requirements in the fresh produce sector.
Trading begins in the afternoon, while pickup, packaging and dispatch can be completed as early as 3:00 a.m., allowing flowers to move quickly from auction facilities into domestic distribution networks.
For international shipments, Dounan has established logistics routes to destinations including Singapore, South Korea and Malaysia. Customers in these markets can receive shipments within two days, according to logistics operators.
Strengthening Yunnan’s Global Flower Trade
The combination of large-scale flower production, centralized trading, high-speed auctions and integrated logistics has enabled Dounan to develop a comprehensive supply and distribution network.
The market connects flower growers in Yunnan with buyers and consumers throughout China and overseas, while supporting the expansion of the province’s fresh-cut flower industry into international markets.
With billions of stems traded annually and distribution covering more than 50 countries and regions, Dounan is emerging as an important regional hub for fresh-cut flower trading and distribution, contributing to the international growth of China’s flower industry.
A dispute over the term “non-market” lay at the centre of the breakdown between China and the United States at this week’s Group of 20 finance meeting, where Beijing withheld support for a consensus statement backed by the other members. The disagreement emerged during negotiations in Asheville, North Carolina, over language addressing global economic imbalances. People familiar with the talks said the sharpest argument focused on whether […]
HDFC Bank is close to losing its position as the heaviest stock in the Nifty 50 to ICICI Bank after a sharp share-price decline narrowed the difference between the two lenders to less than half a percentage point.
HDFC Bank’s weighting in the benchmark has fallen to about 9.81 per cent, compared with 9.34 per cent for ICICI Bank, leaving a gap that exceeded four percentage points at the start of 2026. Reliance Industries remains third, with a weighting slightly above 8 per cent. Separate index research based on August 31 levels also showed the HDFC-ICICI gap at its narrowest since at least January 2010.
The convergence reflects sharply different share performances. HDFC Bank has fallen about 29 per cent this year, putting the stock on course for its weakest annual performance since 2008, while ICICI Bank has gained roughly 6 per cent. The sell-off has erased more than $65 billion from HDFC Bank’s value since its peak last year, reducing its market capitalisation to about $114.5 billion. ICICI Bank is valued at nearly $109 billion.
Pressure on HDFC Bank intensified after Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Sashidhar Jagdishan said he would not seek another term and would leave when his current tenure ends on October 26. The bank has begun a succession process at a time when investors are already assessing the implications of an unusually unsettled period at board and senior-management level.
Jagdishan’s departure follows the March resignation of part-time chairman and independent director Atanu Chakraborty, who said certain happenings and practices he had observed over two years were not consistent with his personal values and ethics. The resignation prompted questions about governance, although the Reserve Bank of India said at the time that its periodic assessments had found no material concerns regarding the bank’s conduct or governance and described its financial position as satisfactory.
HDFC Bank subsequently commissioned external law firms to examine the implications of Chakraborty’s letter. The bank said in June that the review, based on records and witness interviews, did not substantiate the implications arising from the former chairman’s resignation. That finding provided an important institutional counterweight to the concerns raised by the abrupt exit, but it did not prevent governance and succession issues from remaining central to investor debate.
The market impact has become increasingly visible in index composition. At the end of December 2025, HDFC Bank accounted for about 12.7 per cent of the Nifty, against 8.05 per cent for ICICI Bank. By August 31, research from Nuvama Alternative & Quantitative Research put the weights at 9.85 per cent and 9.45 per cent respectively. Reliance Industries, whose shares have also weakened this year, had fallen to about 7.8 per cent from 8.9 per cent.
Index weight matters because passive funds and exchange-traded products tracking the Nifty allocate capital according to constituent weights. A change at the top would therefore alter the relative influence of the two banks on benchmark movements, although it would not by itself change their underlying businesses. HDFC Bank remains larger by market value, while Reliance Industries remains larger than either lender.
Operationally, HDFC Bank continues to report profit growth despite the market concerns. Standalone net profit for the June quarter rose 5 per cent from a year earlier to ₹19,060 crore, while net interest income increased 6.7 per cent to ₹33,535 crore. Gross advances rose 15.4 per cent year on year and total deposits increased 14.7 per cent. Its net interest margin, however, narrowed to 3.26 per cent, while gross non-performing assets edged up to 1.17 per cent.
ICICI Bank reported faster growth in the same quarter. Profit after tax increased 15.9 per cent to ₹14,805 crore, net interest income rose 12.7 per cent to ₹24,384 crore and its total loan portfolio expanded 19.6 per cent. The bank reported a 4.36 per cent net interest margin and a net non-performing asset ratio of 0.35 per cent at the end of June.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai The UAE’s non-oil private sector expanded at its fastest pace since December 2024 in August, as stronger demand and output lifted business conditions despite continued caution over hiring. The seasonally adjusted S&P Global UAE Purchasing Managers’ Index rose to 55.3 from 52.7 in July, moving further above the 50 threshold that separates expansion from contraction. The reading marked a second successive monthly acceleration […]
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Cairo for a state visit on Tuesday night, opening talks with President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi as Beijing seeks stronger ties with a pivotal Arab partner amid questions over Washington’s regional role. Xi, accompanied by his wife Peng Liyuan, was received at Cairo International Airport by Sisi and Egypt’s first lady, Entissar el-Sisi. The visit is Xi’s first to Egypt in a […]
JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 September 2026 – The Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China convened a reception alongside the Macao Economic, Trade, and Tourism Investment Promotion Seminar in Jakarta, Indonesia, on September 1, to advance multi-domain cooperation between Macao and Indonesia at both governmental and non-governmental levels. The event hosted over 120 business matching sessions, yielding more than 80 cooperation agreements across key sectors, including tourism, high-tech, healthcare, and conventions and exhibitions.
The event gathered over 350 distinguished guests, including Mr.Sam Hou Fai, Chief Executive of the Macao SAR; Susiwijono Moegiarso, Secretary of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, Republic of Indonesia; and Wang Lutong, Chinese Ambassador to Indonesia. Also in attendance were members of the Macao SAR Government and entrepreneur delegations, representatives from the Chinese Embassy in Indonesia, and prominent figures from various sectors in Indonesia.
Mr.Sam Hou Fai stated that the implementation of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan and the Macao SAR’s 3rd Five-Year Plan will unlock cooperation opportunities between Macao and Indonesia. He noted that Indonesia is the birthplace of the “21st Century Maritime Silk Road,” and both Macao and Indonesia are pivotal nodes along this route. Guided by the Belt and Road Initiative and the China-Indonesia Comprehensive Strategic Dialogue mechanism, the friendly cooperative ties are poised to deepen further.
In the first half of this year, international visitor to Macao rose by 6% year-on-year, with approximately 88,000 Indonesian tourists—ranking among the top source markets in Southeast Asia. This highlights the close ties between Macao and Indonesia in people-to-people exchanges, trade, and tourism. The Macao SAR Government is committed to promoting exchanges at all levels. By leveraging Macao’s role as a vital bridgehead for China’s high-level opening-up and as a “precise connector,” Macao aims to strengthen all-around, pragmatic cooperation in trade, investment, MICE, tourism, and cultural exchanges, actively contributing to a China-Indonesia community with a shared future.
Edi Prio Pambudi, Deputy Minister for International Economic Cooperation of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs of Indonesia, stated in his speech that under the “One Country, Two Systems” principle, Macao has built an outstanding international reputation with its long-term stability, high degree of openness, and strong connectivity. As a vital hub for mutual learning between Chinese and Western civilizations, Macao has successfully gathered global talent, capital, and creativity. Indonesian sectors widely applaud and anticipate Macao’s economic diversification.
He noted that close economic and cultural ties have driven Macao enterprises to invest in Indonesian projects like construction and transportation. In terms of tourism, Macao welcomed over 200,000 visitors from Indonesia last year, ranking Indonesia among Macao’s top source markets in Southeast Asia. Indonesia’s visa-free policy for Macao SAR passport holders will further facilitate mutual exchanges. Looking ahead, Indonesia and Macao share vast potential for cooperation in Halal products, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and connectivity. Hashtag: #MacaoEconomicTradeandTourismInvestmentPromotionSeminar
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
The Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore clarified that The Mineral Boutique Limited was not part of the DNA Brands investigation, as the Hong Kong beauty and wellness company looks to its next phase of growth across Asia
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 September 2026 – The Mineral Boutique Limited, the Hong Kong-registered owner of The Mineral Boutique brand and trademarks, welcomes the clarification issued by the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (“CCS”) concerning its investigation into DNA Brands Co Pte Ltd.
In its clarification of 11 August 2026, CCS confirmed that references to The Mineral Boutique concerned specific Singapore outlets operated by DNA Brands, and that The Mineral Boutique Limited was not subject to the investigation. This distinction has subsequently been reflected in updated media reporting.
CCS stated:
“The Mineral Boutique Limited, and any outlets other than those named above trading under The Mineral Boutique brand trademarks, were not subject to this investigation.”
The distinction is important: operating particular retail outlets under a brand name is separate from ownership or management of the underlying brand.
Because the relevant Singapore outlets traded under The Mineral Boutique name, earlier public reporting sometimes conflated operation of those particular outlets with ownership or management of the underlying brand. The CCS clarification allows that distinction to be reflected accurately in the continuing public record.
The Mineral Boutique Limited supports the continued identification of the relevant Singapore outlets where necessary to assist consumers and the CCS refund process. The company has asked publishers only to ensure that the continuing public record accurately distinguishes those DNA Brands-operated outlets from The Mineral Boutique Limited and its wider business.
CCS’s refund scheme identifies the relevant Singapore outlets at Jewel Changi Airport, NEX and Wheelock Place among the outlets operated by DNA Brands. Consumers who may be eligible for the refund scheme can continue to contact the Consumers Association of Singapore (“CASE”) directly.
Building the Next Phase of The Mineral Boutique
With this distinction now reflected in the official record, The Mineral Boutique is focused on its next stage of development.
The Mineral Boutique is a beauty and wellness concept with an established retail and spa presence across Hong Kong and Macau. Its approach brings together mineral-powered skincare, professional treatments, advanced beauty technology and wellness within an integrated customer experience.
The brand has received consecutive recognition from Vogue Hong Kong, including Best Beauty Flash at the 2025 Vogue Hong Kong Beauty Awards and Best Anti-Aging Mask at the 2026 awards.
Kimmy Lee, Chief Commercial Officer of The Mineral Boutique Limited, said:
“The Mineral Boutique will continue to grow across Asia through a more holistic approach that connects skincare, advanced beauty technology, professional treatments and wellness.
“An upcoming collaboration with Paris-based 48 Collagen Café is one example of how we are extending the customer experience beyond traditional beauty retail.
“We remain focused on innovation, trusted partnerships and consistently high standards of service as we build the next chapter of The Mineral Boutique across the region.”
The Mineral Boutique Limited will continue working constructively with media, partners and other stakeholders to ensure the public record remains accurate while advancing its long-term growth strategy across Asia.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About The Mineral Boutique Limited
The Mineral Boutique Limited is a Hong Kong-registered company and owner of The Mineral Boutique brand and trademarks.
The Mineral Boutique combines premium skincare, professional treatments, advanced beauty technology and wellness experiences, with an established retail and spa presence across Hong Kong and Macau.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 September 2026 – The Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR) Government hosted a reception and the Macao Economic, Trade, Tourism and Investment Promotion Seminar in Singapore on August 31, aiming to practically advance cooperation between Macao and Singapore across multiple official and non-governmental sectors. The event featured over 130 business matching sessions and witnessed the signing of more than 80 agreements, covering key areas such as high technology, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and big health, conventions and exhibitions (MICE), tourism, modern finance, and industry-academia-research collaboration.
The event gathered over 350 distinguished guests, including Sam Hou Fai, Chief Executive of the MSAR; Gan Siow Huang, Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Ministry of Trade and Industry; representatives from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Singapore; members of the MSAR Government delegation; delegates from the Macao-Hengqin and Mainland China economic, trade, and tourism delegation; as well as representatives from Singapore’s political, business, cultural, tourism, and trade association sectors.
Sam Hou Fai stated that last June, coinciding with the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Singapore, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong made a successful visit to China. President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Wong jointly charted the course for the stable and healthy development of China-Singapore relations in this new phase. He noted that leading the delegation to Singapore this time is both a concrete action to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of both countries, and a key initiative for Macao to leverage its unique advantages, deepen and expand exchanges and cooperation with Singapore, and inject new momentum into China-Singapore relations.
This year marks the inaugural year of China’s “15th Five-Year Plan,” and to ensure seamless alignment and coordination, the Macao SAR Government recently promulgated the “Third Five-Year Development Plan for the Economic and Social Development of the Macao Special Administrative Region (2026-2030).” The key strategic deployments of the Plan focus on driving diversified economic development on a solid footing, with four major engineering projects and government-guided funds serving as the primary leverage, while deepening Macao-Hengqin integration to advance the high-quality development of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Co-operation Zone in Hengqin. Furthermore, the Plan aims to accelerate urban renewal to build a beautiful and smart Macao, alongside actively participating in the high-quality development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) to position Macao as a vital bridgehead for the nation’s high-level opening-up and an essential window for mutual learning and exchanges between Chinese and Western civilizations. Concurrently, Macao will actively establish a convenient and highly efficient public service system, fostering a world-class, market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized business environment to earnestly protect the legitimate rights and interests of all market entities and investors, thereby offering foreign investors a more attractive and reliable investment climate.
Gan Siow Huang remarked that Macao and Singapore have long maintained close and friendly relations, achieving fruitful cooperation in fields such as economy, trade, tourism, education, and cultural exchanges. Looking ahead, both sides can leverage their complementary strengths to further deepen cooperation in tourism and urban development, working together to seize new opportunities for regional development and economic growth.
Both Singapore and Macao have established internationally renowned tourism industries and destination brands, allowing the two regions to draw on each other’s experiences in crafting premium visitor experiences, developing integrated tourism products, and building vibrant, highly livable cities. Singapore looks forward to sharing practical experiences in tourism industry development with Macao and fostering productive partnerships between their respective business sectors. Furthermore, as enterprises in both regions value their domestic markets while increasingly casting their eyes on broader overseas opportunities, Singapore and Macao can serve as mutually trusted partners to bridge the markets of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and Southeast Asia, supporting businesses from both sides in tapping into new opportunities and constructing robust cross-regional networks. At the same time, by pooling corporate strengths, both sides can carve out new avenues of growth in key economic sectors such as digitalization, innovation, sustainable development, and eldercare services.
Apple has accused OpenAI of destroying evidence in their trade-secret dispute, citing a forensic review of a former Apple engineer’s company-issued MacBook as it presses a federal court to accelerate evidence gathering. The allegation was set out in a filing on Monday in the US District Court for the Northern District of California, where Apple is suing OpenAI, io Products and former employees Chang Liu and Tang […]
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