Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Donald Trump has called on Israel and Iran to cease targeting energy infrastructure, warning that continued strikes on gas facilities risk escalating tensions across West Asia and disrupting global energy markets. The former US president’s remarks come amid heightened hostilities between Israel and Iran-linked forces, where attacks on gas and energy installations have emerged as a new flashpoint. Trump framed the issue as […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, issued a forceful denunciation of what he described as Iran’s targeting of Ras Laffan Industrial City in Qatar, calling it a grave escalation that threatens regional stability and global energy security. The remarks followed reports of a strike affecting the strategic energy complex, one of the world’s largest liquefied natural gas hubs. The facility […]
Inviting visitors to Hong Kong Art Month for a cultural journey connecting art and the city
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 March 2026 – Art Central, in collaboration with the Hong Kong Tourism Board, is launching a digital Hong Kong Art Month Discovery Guide alongside a series of travel and experience packages for the Fair’s eleventh edition. These offerings bring visitors from the Greater Bay Area and overseas a seamless art travel experience, allowing them to enjoy Hong Kong’s diverse hotels, dining, attractions, and transport networks alongside their visit to the Fair.
As a cornerstone event of Hong Kong Art Month, Art Central returns to the iconic Central Harbourfront from 25 to 29 March 2026. The Fair brings together contemporary art, curated programmes, and a vibrant community of galleries, artists, collectors, overseas visitors, and local audiences to build a dynamic platform for artistic exchange. Art Central 2026 is financially supported by the Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government.
Entering its second decade, Art Central 2026 will assemble 117 galleries and 500 artists from Hong Kong, Asia, and around the world, further reinforcing its position as an integral platform for discovery and exchange among collectors and curators. Co-curated by Enoch Cheng and Zoie Yung, the Fair’s eleventh edition will present a series of artistic programmes—including performances, video art, large-scale installations, and talks—examining the frictions and intimacies that shape contemporary social and virtual life, foregrounding emergent Asian voices.
To enrich the artistic journey for visitors, Art Central, in partnership with the Hong Kong Tourism Board, proudly presents the digital Hong Kong Art Month Discovery Guide. The guide compiles exciting events across the city’s art districts, covering gallery exhibitions, special museum showcases, and performing arts programmes across Central, Sheung Wan, Wan Chai, Tai Hang, the Southern District, Tsim Sha Tsui, and the West Kowloon Cultural District. Beyond visual arts, the guide offers detailed dining recommendations in the vicinity, perfectly illustrating Hong Kong’s diverse culinary culture. The curated selections range from local street food and refined Cantonese cuisine to Michelin-starred contemporary European dining. Featured establishments include MIAN, Amber, Belon, L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon, Chinesology, Gu Liang Cai, and the historic Luk Yu Tea House. Through this comprehensive guide, visitors can easily navigate the city’s streets and alleys alongside their visit to Art Central, seamlessly transitioning from visual arts to culinary delights while deeply experiencing Hong Kong’s unique charm as Asia’s events capital. Explore more in the Hong Kong Art Month Discovery Guide.
To allow visitors to incorporate the Fair into their broader Hong Kong itineraries with ease, Art Central has introduced a brand-new Flexible Date Ticket, available in limited quantities exclusively during the advance sale period. Holders of the Flexible Date Ticket may select any single day between 25 and 29 March 2026 for entry during general admission hours without the need for advance date selection.
Art Central has also launched comprehensive packages on various travel platforms covering accommodation, attractions, and transportation for the convenience of visitors. For example, through Ctrip, visitors can book curated packages combining Fair admission with selected offers and enjoy a HK$50 no-minimum-spend Uber Taxi promo code with the purchase of any ticket, easily charting a cultural journey connecting art and city life.
Ctrip’s accommodation bundles span top-tier five-star luxury properties such as Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, and The Murray, Hong Kong, as well as boutique options including The Pottinger Hong Kong, offering convenient and elevated choices for cultural getaways and weekend itineraries.
Additionally, attraction bundles will extend the Fair experience to multiple transportation options and popular leisure destinations, including the Peak Tram, the Hong Kong Observation Wheel, the Star Ferry, and the Airport Express. This allows visitors to integrate transportation, accommodation, and urban cultural experiences, extending their exhibition visit into a city journey exploring Hong Kong’s art and lifestyle.
Furthermore, Art Central has launched combo packages on Klook, pairing the Flexible Date Ticket with admission to the Hong Kong Observation Wheel at the Central Harbourfront (HK$302) or a Cupping Room coffee e-voucher (HK$314). These allow visitors to take in the spectacular views of Victoria Harbour or take a relaxing coffee break following their visit to the Fair. After viewing the exhibition, visitors can also take the “WestK Ferry” from Central Pier 9—a short eight-minute ferry ride—to effortlessly reach the West Kowloon Cultural District and continue their exploration at M+, the Hong Kong Palace Museum, and the WestK FunFest.
Package offers are exclusively available for purchase via Ctrip and Klook. For more details regarding participating hotels, dining, attractions, and transport partners, please visit artcentralhongkong.com/tickets. Ticket Packages might be subject to change without prior notice and are available in limited quantities while stocks last.
Hong Kong Observation Wheel Ticket + Uber Taxi HK$50 Promo Code
Adult: HK$164 Child: HK$54
Ctrip
Experience
Art Central Advance Ticket + Star Ferry World Star / Shining Star Water Tour Ticket + Uber Taxi HK$50 Promo Code
Adult: HK$351 Child: HK$188
Ctrip
Transport
Art Central Advance Ticket +
Airport Express Ticket to/from Central (Hong Kong Station) + Uber Taxi HK$50 Promo Code
Child: HK$89
Ctrip
F&B
Art Central Advance Flexible Date Ticket +
Cupping Room HK$50 Coffee E-Voucher
HK$314
Klook
Experience
Art Central Advance Flexible Date Ticket +
Hong Kong Observation Wheel Ticket
HK$302
Klook
Hotel
Art Central Advance Ticket + Hotel Bundle
RMB ¥581+
Ctrip
Options include: Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong / The Upper House / Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong / Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong / The Murray, Hong Kong, a Niccolo Hotel / JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong / The Pottinger Hong Kong / Two MacDonnell Road, Hong Kong / Lan Kwai Fong Hotel @ Kau U Fong / Bishop Lei International House
Opening Dates and Hours Tuesday 24 March VIP Preview (by invitation)
Wednesday 25 March Fair Hours 12 pm – 5 pm Night Central 5 pm – 9 pm
Thursday 26 March Fair Hours 12 pm – 7 pm
Friday 27 March Fair Hours 12pm – 7 pm
Saturday 28 March Fair Hours 11 am – 7 pm
Sunday 29 March Fair Hours 11 am – 5 pm
Venue Central Harbourfront Hong Kong, 9 Lung Wo Road Hashtag: #ArtCentralHK #ArtCentralUOB #HongKongArtWeek
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Art Central
Art Central, a cornerstone event of Hong Kong Art Week, presents the next generation of talent from Asia’s most forward-thinking galleries alongside celebrated artists from across the globe. Since its inaugural edition in 2015, Art Central has established itself as a leading platform for innovation in contemporary art, advancing the profiles of artists and galleries and reinforcing their presence within the international art landscape. Today, the Fair is recognised for the strength of its curatorial programming and as a vital meeting point for discovery and exchange among collectors and curators representing private, corporate, and institutional collections worldwide.
Fair Director Corey Andrew Barr joined Art Central as Fair Director in 2019. A champion of Hong Kong artists, Barr has expanded the Fair’s platform to highlight local talent and underscore its position as a benchmark for aspiring galleries from around the world. He was formerly the director of a prominent Hong Kong- and London-based gallery focusing on contemporary Asian art, and prior to that, served as Specialist and Head of Sales for Phillips in New York, where he also organised exhibitions of contemporary art, photography, and design by leading international artists.
Curator Enoch Cheng is an artist-curator whose work spans curation, moving image, installation, performance, dance, and fashion. His cross-disciplinary multimedia practice reinterprets norms, stories, and myths through contemporary lenses, drawing on a range of creative practices and engaging audiences through diverse cultural traditions. Cheng was awarded the Asian Cultural Council Fellowship (2020) and held artist residencies at the Museum of Arts and Design, New York (2022), and the American Museum of Natural History, New York (2020). He was most recently named Artist of the Year (Visual Arts) at the 2025 Hong Kong Arts Development Awards, recognising his contributions to the arts, including his role at Art Central since 2024.
Curator Zoie Yung, currently based in Hong Kong, is an independent exhibition consultant and curator, and former exhibition manager of chi K11 art museum in Shanghai. She provides a unique approach to exhibition production by combining practice in exhibition spatial arrangement and her knowledge of Chinese Xuanxue as well as Western astrology. Selected recent exhibitions include Wonder-verse (chi K11 art space, Hong Kong, 2022) and Curve of Buoyancy (Duddell’s, Hong Kong, 2021). She also actively organises public education campaigns; she has collaborated with local organisations, including Tai Kwun Contemporary, Para Site, 1a Space, and Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre.
About UOB UOB is a leading bank in Asia. Operating through its head office in Singapore and banking subsidiaries in China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, UOB has a global network of more than 470 branches and offices in 19 markets in Asia Pacific, Europe and North America. Since its incorporation in 1935, UOB has grown organically and through a series of strategic acquisitions. Today, UOB is rated among the world’s top banks: Aa1 by Moody’s Investors Service and AA- by both S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings.
For nine decades, UOB has adopted a customer-centric approach to create long-term value by staying relevant through its enterprising spirit and doing right by its customers. UOB is focused on building the future of ASEAN – for the people and businesses within, and connecting with, ASEAN.
The Bank connects businesses to opportunities in the region with its unparalleled regional footprint and leverages data and insights to innovate and create personalised banking experiences and solutions catering to each customer’s unique needs and evolving preferences. UOB is also committed to helping businesses forge a sustainable future, by fostering social inclusiveness, creating positive environmental impact and pursuing economic progress. UOB believes in being a responsible financial services provider and is steadfast in its support of art, social development of children and education, doing right by its communities and stakeholders.
About Mega Arts and Cultural Events (ACE) Fund The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government sets up the Mega ACE Fund to attract and support international or large-scale arts and cultural events which bring significant arts, cultural or economic values and can be recurrent and anchored in Hong Kong, or events which can bring exceptionally significant arts or cultural merit, as well as publicity and image building values to Hong Kong as an arts and cultural hub with a view to contributing to Hong Kong’s development into an arts and cultural metropolis as well as a tourist destination, providing development opportunities for the arts, cultural and creative sectors, and facilitating arts and cultural exchange.
SHANGHAI / HONG KONG – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 March 2026 – HealthMutual Group (HMG) and SinoUnited Health (SUH) today signed a collaboration agreement to establish a comprehensive cross-border medical service framework. This partnership is designed to meet the clients’ growing demand for high-quality medical services in China.
Under this agreement, SinoUnited Health will serve as HMG’s anchor hospital and primary healthcare hub in Shanghai. The partnership establishes a standardized framework for cross-border care, focusing on clinical excellence and financial predictability. HMG members will gain access to SinoUnited Health’s elite specialist network across Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Suzhou, supported by fully transparent fee structures.
The collaboration is backed by HMG’s significant operational scale. Currently ranking within the top three in the industry for total new business premium, HMG supports its insurance partners in serving over 700,000 clients. With HK$150 million in medical expenses processed to date, HMG’s network connects 700 specialists and 13 private hospitals in Hong Kong with over 2,000 hospitals across Mainland China.
“The demand for cross-border medical services is increasing rapidly,” said Mr. KC Chan, Founder of HealthMutual Group. “Partnering with SinoUnited Health is a natural expansion of our robust GBA network. SUH’s reputation for excellence ensures that our vision—maintaining medical insurance as a sustainable funding source for quality care—now extends firmly into the Shanghai region.”
Sharon Cheng, Vice President of Business Development, SinoUnited Health added: “This collaboration aligns perfectly with our ‘patient-first’ philosophy. By combining HMG’s massive regional reach with our world-class medical care, we are creating a seamless ‘home-away-from-home’ experience for patients. We are proud to serve as the Shanghai gateway for HMG’s 700,000+ policyholders, offering them professional integrity and access to the latest medical technologies.”
To ensure long-term service quality, the two groups will conduct quarterly professional exchanges and site inspections, allowing Hong Kong insurance partners to directly interface with SUH’s international medical teams and advanced clinical facilities.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About HealthMutual Group
Established in 2014, HealthMutual Group has emerged as a premier leader in healthcare management across Hong Kong and the Greater China Region. We are committed to leveraging healthcare management to position insurance as a sustainable funding source for healthcare through our Medical Concierge and other essential value-added services. Our knowledge-based, transparent and innovative approach benefits all stakeholders: the insured, insurers and the medical sector, fostering sustainable growth and development. Headquartered in Hong Kong, HMG also operates branch offices in Qianhai and Hainan.
About SinoUnited Health
SinoUnited Health, founded in 2016 and headquartered in Shanghai, ranks among the largest premium private healthcare providers in the Eastern China. As a “physician-driven” medical institution, our “General practitioner + Specialist” model provides patients with holistic, professional, and customized solutions, making high-quality private healthcare truly accessible for every family.
A Federal High Court ruling in Nigeria has affirmed that citizens are entitled to record police officers performing their duties in public, while also awarding damages in a case that challenged unlawful stop-and-search practices. The decision marks a significant judicial intervention in ongoing debates over police accountability and civil liberties in Africa’s most populous nation. Justice in the case brought through a public interest action by rights […]
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 March 2026 – Inspired by the values of compassion and the importance of sharing rezeki (blessings) during this blessed month, AEON Bank, Malaysia’s first digital Islamic bank, has brought to life its Ramadan and Syawal campaign themed “Niat di Hati, Budi Terpateri.”
The campaign is anchored on the principle that good intentions (niat yang baik), when demonstrated through kind and thoughtful actions (amal budi yang indah) will lead to meaningful outcomes. This theme is brought to life through a self-produced Ramadan Aidilfitri 2026 brand video, available on the Bank’s official YouTube channel. NIAT TO EMPOWER THE COMMUNITY : SALAM PRIHATIN 4.0
The beneficiaries of Salam Prihatin 4.0, alongside the committee of Pertubuhan Kebajikan Masyarakat Penyayang Lembah Pantai (PERKEMP), senior leadership of AEON Bank and AEON BiG, and AEON Bank’s volunteers
As part of its Shared Value Creation (SVC) commitment, AEON Bank continues to drive its flagship community impact initiative, Salam Prihatin. Targeted Support and Value Added Impact
This year, Salam Prihatin 4.0 engaged 100 households, amounting to more than 400 beneficiaries from the community Perumahan Pantai Permai, Kuala Lumpur. The engagement was held on 3 March 2026, in collaboration with AEON BiG Wangsa Maju and a local NGO, Pertubuhan Kebajikan Masyarakat Penyayang Lembah Pantai (PERKEMP) Lembah Pantai.
Fostering Financial Inclusion and Enabling Budget Savvy Autonomy Among the Beneficiaries
Fostering financial inclusion among the community, the beneficiary families were guided by AEON Bank team to plan for purposeful purchase of grocery and essential items, giving them the autonomy to optimise their budget, based on the needs of their respective families – be it multigenerational households, or families with small children or those caring for persons with disabilities (PWD).
Each beneficiary family received a RM300 grocery budget, which rounded up AEON Bank’s contribution this year to RM30,000 in total. In order to assist the families with their grocery shopping on the event day, more than 50 of AEON Bank employees, including the Bank’s senior leadership, were paired up with the families during the engagement. To date, AEON Bank has engaged almost 2,000 beneficiaries throughout 4 years, under its Salam Prihatin community impact initiative.
Now in its fourth year, AEON Bank has engaged almost 2,000 beneficiaries throughout 4 years, under its Salam Prihatin community impact initiative.
NIAT TO BE MORE RINGGIT SAVVY : SMART SAVINGS AND VALUE ADDED REWARDS
In the effort to help Malaysians manage the rising cost of living, AEON Bank has introduced several financial tools in its digital banking app and meaningful rewards for its customers, including :
(i) Neko Sensei : AEON Bank’s very own in-app financial coach designed to empower customers to track and manage their finances wisely.
(ii) RM30 Raya Cashback : Customers can earn RM30 cashback when paying with their AEON Bank Debit Card-i at stores participating in the MyDebit campaign, valid from 1 February to 15 April 2026.
(iii) Competitive Rate for Savings Pot : Enjoy a high 3.00% p.a. profit rate for the Savings Pot to help keep your financial goals on track, valid until 31 May 2026.
(iv) Personal Financing-i (PF-i) : Financing options from RM1,000 to RM100,000 with a profit rate starting at 3.88% p.a. and flexible tenures from 3 to 84 months. PF-i application process fully takes place online via the app, available to Malaysians with a minimum monthly gross income of RM2,500 including salaried employees, self-employed individuals, freelancers and gig economy workers.
(v) Neko Missions : A gamified digital banking experience that offers RM5 cashback for DuitNow QR transactions via AEON Bank app, valid until 15 May 2026.
(vi) JomPay : Customers can also make their JomPay transactions, including telco and utility bills via the AEON Bank app. providing a centralised platform for all essential online payments.
(vii) Inclusivity and Flexibility : Effective 17 March 2026, AEON Bank has removed the minimum balance requirement, ensuring Shariah-compliant digital banking is more inclusive and accessible for Malaysians.
NIAT TO FULFILL RELIGIOUS OBLIGATIONS : SAH AND SEAMLESS ZAKAT PAYMENT VIA AEON BANK APP
Starting from the month of Ramadan this year, Zakat payment feature has been made available on the AEON Bank app. With just a few easy steps, customers can fulfill the contribution for 11 types of Zakat with a sah Aqad, including Zakat Fitrah, Zakat Pendapatan (Income), Zakat Perniagaan (Business), Zakat Emas (Gold) and more.
Made possible through the strategic partnership with Tulus Digital, the Zakat payment feature currently facilitates payments to Lembaga Zakat Selangor and PPZ-MAIWP, with more states and Zakat authority to be added in the near future.
NIAT TO BRING DIGITAL BANKING TO THE MASSES : O2O WONDERS
Beyond the digital screens, throughout four weeks of Ramadan, AEON Bank brought the O2O (online to offline) wonders to the crowd at the Bazaar Ramadan Seksyen 2 and 23, Shah Alam, in partnership with Persatuan Penjaja & Peniaga Kecil Melayu Negeri Selangor (PPPKMNS). On 16 March 2026, from 4.00 pm onwards, come on over to the Bazaar Ramadan Seksyen 23 and stand a chance to win AEON Bank merchandise and surprise goodies.
Better Banking – The Digital Way, Better Banking – The Shariah Way
As a cloud-native AI-powered digital bank, AEON Bank remains dedicated in its commitment to provide accessible financial solutions for Malaysians, while empowering communities to pursue their financial aspirations and achieve economic independence. Striving to foster a more inclusive financial future for all, AEON Bank will continue to offer a better banking experience for the larger demographic and contribute towards the development of Islamic banking in the region and the nation’s digital economy.
Click HERE to visit AEON Bank’s website and download the AEON Bank app. Don’t forget to view AEON Bank’s Ramadan Aidilfitri 2026 video, available on the Bank’s official YouTube channel.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
ABOUT AEON BANK (M) BERHAD
AEON Bank (M) Berhad is the first digital Islamic bank in Malaysia, licensed and regulated by Bank Negara Malaysia and the Ministry of Finance. Officially launched on 26 May 2024, we currently offer a suite of Shariah-compliant products and services under the Personal Banking and Business Banking (AEON Bank Biz).
Our Personal Banking offerings are 100% accessible via the AEON Bank app, namely the deposit Savings Account-i, AEON Bank x Visa Debit Card-i, Personal Financing-i, Term Deposit-i, Savings Pots, DuitNow QR, utility bill payments, personal financial management and budgeting tools with Neko Sensei, and a range of digital payment services with strategic partners and merchants, as well as Neko Missions, Malaysia’s first gamified digital banking interactive rewards programme.
On 8 August 2025, AEON Bank (M) Berhad officially launched AEON Bank Biz, anchored by the Current Business Account-i and integrated cash management capabilities, alongside Biz Term Deposit-i. AEON Bank Biz offers streamlined processes for account onboarding, credit assessments and financial services, utilising AI-driven fintech solutions to enable simplified procedures, faster approvals, and an enhanced digital banking experience for SMEs and micro entrepreneurs.
Being part of the AEON Group conglomerate, AEON Bank (M) Berhad is equally held by AEON Financial Service Co. Ltd. (AFS Japan) and AEON Credit Service (M) Berhad (ACSM). AFS Japan is responsible for the AEON Group’s financial services businesses, with strong roots in the retail sector which operates in Japan and 10 countries across Asia. AEON Group is Japan’s largest retail group and it is a pure holding company that comprises eight core businesses.
AEON Group Malaysia consists of several entities, namely, AEON Co. (M) Bhd, AEON Credit Service (M) Berhad, AEON Bank (M) Berhad, AEON BiG (M) Sdn Bhd, AEON Fantasy (M) Sdn Bhd, AEON Delight (M) Sdn Bhd, AEON Global Supply Chain Sdn Bhd and Malaysian AEON Foundation (MAF). AEON Group has been a recognizable household brand with more than 200 years of history and evolution in Japan since the Edo era, along with 4 decades of growth in Malaysia, providing consumers with daily financial solutions and diversified retail convenience.
Our cloud native agility and AI optimisation, combined with the strength of our Shariah DNA, Malaysian roots and Japanese heritage are our distinguishing factors, while the integration with the AEON ecosystem gives us a competitive advantage of being the only bank in Malaysia with its own nationwide retail network. On top of that, AEON Points loyalty programme offers customers value-added benefits and meaningful rewards, as the AEON Points can be redeemed into cash value, deposited directly into customers’ AEON Bank Savings Account-i.
AEON Bank (M) Berhad is committed to provide accessible financial solutions for Malaysians and we aim to empower the community in pursuing their financial aspirations and achieve economic independence, hence fostering a more inclusive financial future for all. We will continue to contribute towards the Islamic banking development in the region and the nation’s digital economy.
New Takaful travel product launched in same month to celebrate life’s journeys
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 March 2026 – Etiqa Insurance Singapore, a leading general and life insurer, returns to the National Association of Travel Agents Singapore (NATAS) Travel Fair 2026 as the Official Travel Insurer for the fifth consecutive year. Themed “Be A NATAS World Traveller”, Singapore’s largest premier travel fair will be held at the Singapore Expo Hall from 27 to 29 March 2026, offering exciting promotions for travellers.
Customers can enjoy special promotions exclusively available at the NATAS Fair. With up to 45 per cent off Etiqa Travel Infinite and a special $100 shopping voucher given to every 200th customer, Etiqa continues to make travel insurance more rewarding to all valued customers.
In addition, every customer will receive a complimentary gift with every purchase. From must-have travel essentials such as a versatile sports duffel bag, to a portable cooling fan to keep you cool on holiday, every traveller can enhance their journey with added convenience.
Celebrating Life’s Journeys with the Launch of Travel Takaful
In the same celebratory month, Etiqa is simultaneously extending its “With You” brand promise to the wider community. Beyond the excitement at NATAS Travel Fair, Etiqa is proud to announce the launch of Travel Takaful, a Shariah-compliant travel protection plan designed to support world travellers across different life stages — whether travelling for leisure, family commitments, or Umrah journeys.
“At Etiqa Insurance Singapore, we are committed to being With You, at every stage of life and on every journey. Our continued partnership with NATAS reflects our commitment to helping travellers explore the world with confidence, while the launch of Travel Takaful extends inclusive, Shariah-compliant protection to customers seeking values-based coverage. Whether travelling for leisure, business, or faith-based journeys, we want Singaporeans to travel with complete peace of mind,” said Claudia Soh, Acting CEO and CFO of Etiqa Insurance Singapore.
Guided by Takaful principles of shared responsibility and mutual care, Travel Takaful provides comprehensive coverage for overseas medical needs and unexpected travel disruptions:
Comprehensive Medical Support: Coverage for overseas medical expenses ranging from S$200,000 to S$2.5 million, supported by Etiqa’s 24-hour worldwide emergency assistance.
Trip Cancellation Coverage: Trip cancellation coverage of up to S$20,000 to mitigate unexpected changes in travel plans.
Tailored for All Stages: Optional add-ons for pre-existing medical conditions and senior protection, offering flexibility for multi-generational travel.
By expanding its portfolio with this new offering, Etiqa reinforces its commitment to serving Singapore’s diverse community with inclusive and meaningful protection solutions, that aligns with values-driven financial planning.
Enjoy journeys with Etiqa Insurance Singapore this March:
Visit the NATAS Fair (Booth 4H49 at Singapore Expo Hall 4 and 5): For exclusive Travel Infinite discounts, complimentary travel gifts, and the chance to win special shopping vouchers.
Explore the full suite of travel insurance products online: To learn more about the newly launched Travel Takaful and secure Shariah-compliant protection for your next journey, visit us at etiqa.com.sg.
*Terms and Conditions This policy is underwritten by Etiqa Insurance Pte. Ltd. (Company Reg. No. 201331905K), a member of Maybank Group. This content is for reference only and is not a contract of insurance. Full details of the policy terms and conditions can be found in the policy contract. Protected up to specified limits by SDIC.
Hashtag: #EtiqaSingapore #EtiqaSG
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Etiqa Insurance Pte. Ltd (Etiqa Insurance Singapore)
Protecting customers since 1961, Etiqa Insurance Singapore is a licensed life and general insurance company regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and governed by the Insurance Act 1966. The local insurer is the Singapore operating entity of Etiqa Insurance Group – a leading insurance and Takaful business in ASEAN offering life and general insurance and family and general Takaful products through its agents, branches, offices and bancassurance network in the region. Etiqa Insurance Singapore is rated ‘A’ by credit rating agency Fitch for the group’s ‘Favorable’ business profile and ‘Very Strong’ capitalisation.
Etiqa Insurance Singapore is owned by Maybank Ageas Holdings Berhad, a joint venture company that combines local market knowledge with international insurance expertise. The company is 69% owned by Maybank, the fourth largest banking group in Southeast Asia, and 31% by Ageas, an international insurance group with footprints across 13 countries and a heritage that spans over 190 years.
TPConnects Technologies has introduced a Model Context Protocol integration within its Astra NDC platform, positioning the Dubai-based firm at the forefront of efforts to standardise how artificial intelligence systems interact with airline retailing infrastructure. The move signals a shift in how carriers and travel sellers deploy AI-driven tools, with the company describing the MCP layer as a step towards more interoperable and context-aware digital commerce in aviation. […]
Nigeria’s telecommunications sector faces escalating risks from artificial intelligence-driven fraud, prompting warnings that operators must strengthen defences with advanced detection systems and tighter internal controls to protect revenue and customer trust. A new advisory from PwC highlights how fraudsters are increasingly deploying generative AI tools, automated bots and deepfake technologies to exploit vulnerabilities across mobile networks, digital payment platforms and customer verification systems. The firm says the […]
MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 March 2026 – AutoCount, a leading provider of financial management software solutions, successfully held its first AutoCount Philippines Partner Conference 2026. Bringing together 60 partners to strengthen collaboration and showcase innovations.
AutoCount top management members and Euronet representative unveil the BIR-Accredited POS with Euronet QRPH Integration
The event was attended by an official delegation from the Embassy of Malaysia in the Philippines, Mr. Norjufri Nizar Edrus, Deputy Chief of Mission; Ms. Azlina Che Dir, Trade Commissioner; and Mr. Mohd Amsyari Yahya, Assistant Trade Commissioner from MATRADE Manila.
The conference highlighted AutoCount’s product developments, software localization for Philippines BIR compliance, and 2026 roadmap, reinforcing its commitment to helping SMEs thrive in the country’s digital economy and cashless payment ecosystem.
Driving the Cashless Revolution: Euronet QRPH Integration
The key highlight of the conference was the unveiling of AutoCount’ integrated Point of Sale (POS) solution. By partnering with Euronet Services Inc., AutoCount now enables merchants to accept standardized QRPH payments directly within their existing POS workflow.
This integration eliminates the need for additional external hardware and complex manual entry, addressing the growing consumer preference for contactless transactions in the Philippines. Key benefits for merchants include:
Faster Checkout: Reduced wait times through instant QR scanning.
Future-Ready Tech: Aligned with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) direction towards a cashless ecosystem.
Full BIR Compliance for Philippine SMEs
Navigating tax regulations is a challenge for local businesses. Retailers can now operate with confidence that their system meets BIR requirements for official receipts, sales reporting, and proper record-keeping, eliminating compliance concerns and allowing them to focus on growing their business instead.
Speaking at the launch, AutoCount CEO, Mr. Choo Yan Tiee highlighted, “The retail landscape is changing fast. Customers expect convenience, cashless options, and faster checkout. QR payments are no longer optional. They are becoming the standard. With this integration, we are equipping our partners, and support merchants with a future-ready solution that aligns with the Philippines’ digital payment direction.”
Empowering a Growing Partner Ecosystem
The conference was attended by over 60 partners from the Philippines, and Malaysia, reflecting the growing strength of AutoCount’s regional network. A dedicated session showcased partner-developed plugins, proving the software’s flexibility and extensibility to support diverse industries and business requirements.
Strategic Vision for 2026
The event concluded with a roadmap focused on deeper localization and strengthening the Authorized Partner network in Philippines. As the digital economy accelerates, AutoCount remains committed to delivering compliant, scalable, BIR CAS-ready accounting and POS solutions for SMEs.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
AUTOCOUNT DOTCOM BERHAD (“AUTOCOUNT”)
The Group is principally engaged in the development and distribution of financial management software comprising accounting, Point of Sale (POS) and payroll under its “AutoCount” brand. Its range of software is designed to support the fundamental finance and accounting functions of a business.
Hong Kong–based K‑Tech and Calgary’s Aurora AZ Energy form joint venture to power large‑scale AI, HPC and crypto mining operations in Alberta with low‑cost wellhead natural gas.
K-TECH SOLUTIONS COMPANY LIMITED (NASDAQ: KMRK) ANNOUNCES JOINT VENTURE WITH AURORA AZ ENERGY LTD. TO DEVELOP UP TO 500 MW OF AI AND HPC INFRASTUCTURE IN CANADA
HONG KONG SAR & NEW YORK, US – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 March 2026 – K‑Tech Solutions Company Limited (Nasdaq: KMRK) (“K‑Tech” or the “Company”), a technology firm specializing in high-performance computing infrastructure, today announced that its subsidiary has entered a joint venture agreement, as supplemented, with Aurora AZ Energy Ltd. (“Aurora”), a developer of wellhead natural gas power solutions, to develop large-scale crypto mining, artificial intelligence (AI) and high‑performance computing (HPC) infrastructure in Alberta, Canada.
The Joint Venture plans to develop an initial 100 megawatts (MW) of IT capacity at Aurora’s flagship site in Alberta. Expansion beyond this level, potentially up to 500 MW over time, would be subject to securing additional power supply, land and capital. Aurora AZ Energy Ltd. is a specialist in wellhead energy solutions.
By integrating natural gas resources directly at the wellhead with advanced power generation technologies, Aurora intends to utilize natural gas resources to sustainably support high‑density computing operations. The Joint Venture expects wellhead-sourced power to deliver energy costs meaningfully below prevailing grid rates in North America, positioning the partnership’s facilities as a cost-efficient platform for data center environments on the continent. Additionally, the Joint Venture intends to convert natural gas that might otherwise be flared to generate power for computing operations, reducing waste.
Under the terms of the Joint Venture, Aurora will supply power‑rich data center sites sourced from its wellhead energy portfolio, while K‑Tech will lead the design, development, and operations of the computing facilities. Together, the parties will deploy purpose‑built, high‑density data centers optimized for crypto mining, AI training/inference, and other compute‑intensive workloads. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals, including applicable provincial energy and environmental permits in Alberta.
Development Roadmap
The partnership is structured across several phases that together establish a roadmap to deploy over 100 MW and up to 500 MW of IT capacity:
Initial Deployment: The Joint Venture will launch at Aurora‘s flagship site in Alberta, where the parties plan to develop an initial 100 MW of IT capacity supported by dedicated, wellhead‑sourced power infrastructure. Site preparation and infrastructure buildout are expected to commence in September 2026, with initial computing capacity projected to come online in Q2, 2027
Capacity Expansion: Subject to securing additional power and land at existing Aurora locations, the joint venture may expand total IT capacity at those sites toward the 500 MW target. The parties expect to evaluate expansion opportunities upon successful deployment of the Phase 1 facility.
Portfolio Scale-out: K‑Tech and Aurora intend to evaluate and may develop additional sites across Aurora‘s broader wellhead energy portfolio, which currently encompasses over 20 active wellhead locations across Alberta. This creates an opportunity to further scale high‑density AI and HPC capacity beyond the initial development plan.
“As AI models and HPC workloads become increasingly power‑intensive, scalable and cost‑effective infrastructure is critical. By partnering with Aurora, we are combining wellhead energy solutions with high‑performance chip design and data center expertise to support next‑generation AI and HPC applications,” said Kenneth Kwok, CEO of K‑Tech Solutions Company Ltd.
“Aurora was built to unlock the full value of natural gas at the wellhead,” said Jim Zhou, CEO of Aurora AZ Energy Ltd. “Working with K‑Tech allows us to apply that capability to high‑density computing infrastructure. We believe this collaboration will support the integration of energy and digital infrastructure at scale.”
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About K-Tech Solutions Company Limited (NASDAQ: KMRK)
Founded in 2016, Hong Kong-based K-Tech Solutions is principally engaged in the design, development, testing and sale of a diverse portfolio of toy products ranging from simple plastic toy products to more complex electromechanical toy products. Our solution services span across the entire development stage of toy products from design, prototype testing, production management, quality control to after-sales services. We specialize in the development of infant and pre-school educational toys and learning kits.
About Aurora AZ Energy Ltd. Aurora AZ Energy Ltd. is a Calgary-based energy infrastructure company focused on wellhead natural gas power solutions. The company develops systems that convert natural gas resources into electricity to support high-density computing applications, including artificial intelligence, high-performance computing and digital infrastructure. Aurora AZ Energy Ltd. was incorporated in Canada in 2023.
Certain statements contained in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects, as well as any other statements regarding matters that are not historical facts, may constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “target,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors. For these reasons, among others, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon any forward-looking statements in this press release. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof, and the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
For more information, please contact:
K-Tech Solutions Company Limited Johnny Kwok Unit A, 7/F Mai On Industrial Building 17-21 Kung Yip Street, Kwai Chung New Territories, Hong Kong Phone: (+852) 2741 3165 Email: [email protected]
Investor Relation Jean-Pierre Noel Straight Limited Creative Hub, Shaw Studio 201 Wan Po Road, Tseung Kwan O, HK Phone: (+852) 2577 8001 Email: [email protected]
President Donald Trump’s call for China to deploy naval forces to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz has stirred a sensitive strategic debate in Beijing, drawing attention to the question of whether the world’s second-largest economy should assume a greater military role in safeguarding global trade routes. Trump argued that China, as one of the largest importers of Gulf energy supplies, should contribute naval assets to […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai National Human Rights Institution has issued a strong condemnation of Iranian military attacks targeting the United Arab Emirates, describing the strikes as a grave violation of sovereignty and a direct threat to civilian safety and fundamental human rights. The institution said the attacks, which have involved missiles and drones striking or attempting to strike locations across the country since late February, amount to […]
Manchester United secured a 3–1 victory over Aston Villa at Old Trafford, strengthening their hold on third place in the Premier League table after a composed performance that underlined the club’s push for Champions League qualification. Goals at key moments and sustained pressure in the second half allowed the home side to overcome a determined Villa team and extend their advantage in the race for European places. […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 March 2026 – Professional credit management firms CollectForU Expert and Debt Hunter today jointly released a comprehensive industry observation report regarding the financial health of local enterprises. The report indicates that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Hong Kong are currently facing significant liquidity risks as payment cycles across supply chains continue to lengthen. This trend has resulted in a critical imbalance between recorded profits and actual cash flow.
CollectForU Expert and Debt Hunter Jointly Report Critical Credit Risk Management Gaps Among Hong Kong SMEs
Widespread Absence of Credit Defense Mechanisms According to the findings, more than 70% of Hong Kong SMEs lack robust credit defense mechanisms. The report highlights that many businesses fail to perform in-depth credit due diligence on new clients or establish firm payment thresholds.
Alex Yeung, founder of CollectForU Expert, noted that a high percentage of SMEs remain in a state of low defense regarding credit management. Yeung emphasized that bad debts in B2B transactions often have a domino effect. He stated that if a company focuses solely on gross margins while ignoring the operational stability of a counterparty, a single large-scale default could potentially eliminate an entire year of net profit. He recommends that businesses establish standardized defense systems including background checks, credit limit settings, and continuous monitoring to ensure operational safety.
The 90-Day Recovery Threshold The joint report identifies the 90-day mark as a critical watershed for the successful recovery of overdue accounts. Many SME owners hesitate to take action during the early stages of delinquency to preserve client relationships, which inadvertently increases the risk of asset dissipation or insolvency proceedings by the debtor.
Obis Tsang, founder of Debt Hunter and a professional mediator, stated that the success rate of commercial debt recovery is inversely proportional to the duration of the delinquency. Once a debt is overdue by more than 90 days, the probability of recovery decreases significantly. Tsang suggested that early intervention by specialized third parties should be viewed as a rational tool for commercial negotiation. Engaging mediation-focused professionals can facilitate viable repayment plans and prevent the loss of claims due to excessive delays.
Strategic Recommendations for SMEs In response to the current economic environment, both institutions advise SMEs to adopt a proactive approach to credit defense rather than waiting for defaults to occur:
Establish Warning Mechanisms: Define clear payment deadlines and take immediate action when clients breach these thresholds.
Seek Timely Professional Assistance: Introduce expert third-party advice early in the delinquency period to stabilize cash flow.
CollectForU Expert and Debt Hunter intend to continue their collaboration to standardize credit management practices and enhance the financial resilience of Hong Kong SMEs. Hashtag: #CreditManagement #AccountsReceivable #CollectForU #DebtHunter #DebtCollection #HongKongSMEs
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Debt Hunter
Debt Hunter is a commercial debt resolution agency founded by professional mediator Obis Tsang. The firm prioritizes negotiation and mediation as its core service philosophy. Debt Hunter was awarded the “Mediate First” Pledge Star Logo Award by the Hong Kong Department of Justice, in recognition of its commitment to mediation practices. Recognized by HackerNoon as a “Startups of the Year 2023” in Hong Kong, the firm employs a strategy involving legal compliance, behavioral insights, and big data to resolve commercial disputes. The agency has processed over 10,000 commercial cases to provide rational asset protection for its clients.
CollectForU Expert was founded by Alex Yeung, who possesses over 15 years of practical experience in commercial debt recovery and credit management. The firm provides integrated solutions ranging from credit risk early-warning systems to accounts receivable recovery, with a focus on maintaining corporate reputation and long-term partnerships. CollectForU Expert utilizes behavioral psychological analysis and commercial negotiation techniques to resolve complex financial disputes and helps SMEs optimize internal credit processes.
Central Board of Secondary Education has cancelled all Class 12 board examinations scheduled between March 16 and April 10 across several Middle Eastern countries, citing security concerns linked to the widening conflict involving Iran and regional powers.
The decision affects CBSE-affiliated schools in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, where thousands of expatriate students were preparing for the final phase of the 2026 board examination cycle. The board said all remaining and previously postponed examinations for Class 12 in these locations stand cancelled and that an alternative evaluation method for students will be announced separately.
Officials indicated that safety considerations were the primary factor behind the move as tensions and military activity across parts of West Asia disrupted normal operations, including international travel and school schedules. Schools across the region had already reported logistical difficulties, uncertainty among students and disruptions to classroom teaching as governments issued security advisories and airlines altered flight routes.
The cancellation marks the culmination of a series of escalating measures by the board over the past weeks. Earlier in March, several examinations scheduled for overseas centres in the region were first postponed following a review of the geopolitical situation. Papers scheduled between March 9 and March 11 were delayed, with authorities saying conditions would be reassessed before deciding whether to continue with the examination calendar.
Subsequent circulars extended the postponement to additional dates as regional uncertainty deepened, affecting exam centres that serve large expatriate student communities in Gulf states. The board had already cancelled Class 10 examinations in the region earlier in the month, indicating that authorities were increasingly concerned about the ability of schools to conduct secure and orderly examinations during the conflict.
CBSE-affiliated institutions in the Gulf represent a significant segment of the overseas education network linked to the board’s curriculum. More than 150 schools operate across West Asia under CBSE affiliation, serving children of expatriate professionals working in sectors ranging from construction and healthcare to technology and finance. These schools follow the same academic calendar and examination framework as institutions in India, with board examinations playing a decisive role in university admissions.
Students and parents across the region had been closely monitoring official notifications as the situation evolved. The postponements earlier triggered confusion among candidates preparing for key subjects, particularly because board examinations typically determine eligibility for higher education programmes both in India and internationally.
Education administrators say the uncertainty surrounding examinations has added pressure on students who had spent months preparing for the crucial assessments. Community organisations representing expatriate families in Gulf countries had appealed to authorities for a decision that would prioritise student welfare and minimise academic disruption.
School leaders in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia described the board’s decision as a difficult but necessary step given the circumstances. Administrators had warned that maintaining examination schedules amid heightened security concerns could expose students, invigilators and school staff to unnecessary risks, especially in locations where travel advisories or temporary airspace restrictions complicated logistics.
Education experts note that examination cancellations in overseas centres remain rare, reflecting the exceptional circumstances affecting the region. Board examinations are normally conducted simultaneously across India and international centres to maintain standardised assessment procedures.
Authorities are now expected to announce a mechanism for evaluating the performance of affected students. Education analysts say possible options could include internal assessment scores, practical examination results or a formula combining school-based evaluations with earlier academic performance. Similar methods have been used during extraordinary disruptions in the past to ensure students are not disadvantaged in university admissions.
Universities and higher-education institutions that admit CBSE students are also monitoring developments closely. Admission timelines in many countries coincide with the board examination season, making timely declaration of results critical for students applying to degree programmes abroad.
Parents and teachers say clarity on the evaluation process will be essential in the coming days. Many schools have begun counselling sessions and online support programmes to help students manage anxiety and remain focused on academic planning despite the upheaval.
Pressure from Washington for allies to help secure shipping lanes in West Asia has placed Tokyo in a delicate strategic position, with senior figures signalling that dispatching Japanese military vessels to the Middle East would face formidable political and legal barriers. Takayuki Kobayashi, policy chief of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, stated that any move to send Japanese naval assets to escort commercial vessels through the Strait […]
Greenlogue/AP Thick clouds of smoke rising over fuel depots and refineries in Iran have triggered growing concern among scientists and public-health experts that the environmental impact of the ongoing US and Israeli military campaign could linger for decades. Fires sparked by strikes on energy infrastructure have released a complex mix of toxic pollutants into the atmosphere, raising fears of long-term contamination of air, soil and water across […]
New Delhi has pressed Tehran to allow more India-bound vessels to cross the Strait of Hormuz after two liquefied petroleum gas carriers carrying critical fuel supplies cleared the strategic waterway, highlighting the vulnerability of energy flows through one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints.
Officials confirmed that two Indian-flagged LPG carriers, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, passed through the strait with cargo bound for ports in Gujarat, transporting roughly 92,700 tonnes of cooking gas. The shipments represent more than a day’s requirement for household LPG consumption, providing partial relief amid tightening supplies.
Government representatives indicated that discussions with Iranian authorities are continuing to secure safe transit for additional tankers waiting in the Persian Gulf. More than twenty vessels carrying crude oil and gas destined for India have been held up near the waterway during the standoff, raising concerns over prolonged disruptions to fuel deliveries.
The Strait of Hormuz, situated between Iran and Oman, handles about a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Any disturbance along this narrow corridor has the potential to reverberate across global energy markets and shipping routes. Escalating tensions across West Asia have already led to attacks on several vessels and heightened security risks for commercial shipping in the region.
Iran’s decision to permit the two LPG carriers to sail through the strait marked an exception to restrictions imposed after military action targeting Iranian infrastructure triggered a broader confrontation. Tehran has maintained that vessels from most countries can navigate the passage but warned that ships from states viewed as hostile could face restrictions or heightened scrutiny.
Diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Tehran played a role in securing the initial transit. Conversations between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iran’s president Masoud Pezeshkian, along with discussions between foreign ministers, focused on safeguarding energy shipments and the safety of nationals in the conflict-affected region.
India depends heavily on Middle Eastern suppliers for its energy needs. About 90 per cent of the country’s imported LPG originates from the region, while a substantial share of crude oil imports also passes through the Strait of Hormuz. That reliance has made the stability of the shipping lane central to the country’s energy security strategy.
Officials from the shipping ministry confirmed that Indian authorities are coordinating with regional partners and monitoring maritime traffic closely. Naval vessels deployed in the Gulf under Operation Sankalp have been keeping watch over merchant ships heading towards the subcontinent, providing situational awareness and escort support where necessary.
Energy analysts say the partial reopening of the route for Indian cargo illustrates the delicate balance between geopolitical confrontation and commercial necessity. Countries reliant on Gulf hydrocarbons have sought diplomatic channels to keep trade flowing even as military tensions complicate navigation in the region.
Oil markets reacted sharply to the conflict surrounding the strait, with benchmark crude prices surging amid fears of prolonged disruption to supply. Traders remain wary that even isolated incidents could affect tanker movements through the corridor, where narrow shipping lanes and heavy traffic leave little room for error.
The two LPG carriers now sailing toward the western coast highlight the importance of maintaining uninterrupted access to the strait. With domestic demand for cooking gas remaining high, authorities have prioritised household supply chains while assessing contingency measures for industrial users if shipments continue to face delays.
Shipping industry figures note that vessels have increasingly adopted precautionary routes or delayed departures until security conditions improve. Insurance costs for tankers operating in the Gulf have also climbed, reflecting the heightened risk environment created by missile strikes, drone attacks and naval deployments in surrounding waters.
Strategic calculations extend beyond immediate fuel deliveries. India has been strengthening diplomatic engagement with Gulf producers and maritime partners to ensure continued energy access during periods of instability. The country has also expanded storage capacity and diversified crude sources over the past decade to mitigate supply shocks.
Even with those measures, the Strait of Hormuz remains a critical artery for trade between the Gulf and Asia. Any sustained restriction would affect not only India but also large importers such as China, Japan and South Korea, which depend on the same route for oil and gas shipments.
Authorities in Hong Kong have launched one of the most sweeping investigations into the territory’s financial industry in nearly a decade, placing hedge fund Infini Capital Management at the centre of a widening insider-trading probe that has rattled brokers, banks and investors across Asia’s leading financial hub.
The investigation, conducted jointly by the Securities and Futures Commission and the Independent Commission Against Corruption, has led to the arrest of eight people and the search of offices and residences across the city. The operation targeted suspected exchanges of confidential market information tied to share placements in Hong Kong-listed companies, a practice that authorities say may have generated illicit profits while undermining confidence in capital markets.
Sources familiar with the matter have identified Infini Capital Management, alongside brokerage operations linked to Citic Securities and Guotai Junan International, as among the firms caught up in the crackdown. The investigation centres on allegations that executives accepted more than HK$4 million in bribes in return for non-public information about equity placements before those transactions were disclosed to investors.
According to regulatory statements, the suspected information leaks allowed traders to establish short positions in companies whose share placements would later depress prices once announced publicly. Authorities estimate the strategy generated profits of roughly HK$315 million, underscoring the scale of the alleged misconduct.
Infini Capital has said its operations remain normal and that its investment management processes have not been disrupted by the investigation. The firm has pledged to comply fully with regulatory authorities while declining to comment on what it described as unverified reports circulating in the market.
Founded in 2015 by former investment banker Tony Chin, the hedge fund built a reputation for aggressive trading strategies and direct negotiations with companies seeking capital. Market participants say the firm sometimes approached share placement deals in ways that bypassed traditional investment bank intermediaries, a tactic that brought both attention and scrutiny within Hong Kong’s tightly interconnected financial community.
Chin, who previously worked at major global financial institutions before establishing the fund, has not responded publicly to requests for comment regarding the probe. Regulatory filings indicate that he stepped down as a responsible officer for Infini Capital at the end of 2025, meaning he no longer holds the licence required to oversee regulated asset management activities on behalf of the firm.
Developments surrounding the investigation have reverberated beyond the immediate targets of the raid. Several global banks, including JPMorgan and UBS, had already severed prime brokerage relationships with Infini Capital months before the probe became public, according to people familiar with the matter. The reasons behind the decisions were not disclosed, though the timing has drawn attention among market observers assessing the fund’s risk profile and compliance record.
Prime brokerage services play a critical role in hedge fund operations, providing financing, securities lending and trade execution support. Losing such relationships can constrain trading activity and signal broader concerns among financial institutions regarding counterparty risk.
The crackdown arrives at a moment when Hong Kong’s equity capital markets have been undergoing a revival following a prolonged downturn in listings. Fundraising through share offerings surged in the past year as Chinese technology and industrial companies turned to the territory for capital, helping restore the city’s position as one of the world’s busiest venues for initial public offerings.
Regulators have responded to that surge by intensifying scrutiny of investment banks and brokers responsible for underwriting and distributing share sales. Officials have warned repeatedly that lapses in due diligence or market conduct could undermine investor trust and the credibility of Hong Kong’s financial system.
Analysts say the case highlights the complex ecosystem that has developed around equity placements, where hedge funds, banks and corporate issuers interact in fast-moving transactions worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Such deals often involve limited groups of investors receiving shares at discounted prices, creating incentives for traders to speculate on how markets will react once the placements are disclosed.
Authorities believe that confidential information about several such deals was circulated before public announcements, allowing certain investors to position themselves advantageously. The resulting trades allegedly generated substantial profits when share prices fell following the disclosure of the placements.
Operation “Fuse”, the codename given to the joint investigation, involved searches at fourteen locations across Hong Kong, including corporate offices and private residences. The arrests included senior executives within financial firms, signalling that regulators are pursuing accountability at the highest levels of the industry.
Market participants are watching closely to see whether the probe expands further. Hong Kong’s regulators have historically pursued insider trading cases aggressively, but raids on multiple high-profile financial institutions simultaneously are comparatively rare.
Infini Capital had become an active participant in the city’s equity markets over the past several years, taking positions in a number of high-profile share placements linked to technology companies and other fast-growing sectors. The firm also forged financing partnerships with emerging robotics and artificial intelligence businesses seeking funding through Hong Kong’s capital markets.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Global aviation authorities have begun rolling out a new digital platform designed to eliminate paper documentation for hazardous air cargo shipments, a move aimed at improving safety and efficiency across the air freight industry. The International Air Transport Association has launched DG Digital, a technology integrated into its DG AutoCheck compliance platform that enables shippers, airlines and logistics companies to create and approve […]
Severe infections caused by COVID-19 or influenza may raise the likelihood of developing lung cancer years later, according to new scientific findings that highlight the long-term consequences of major respiratory disease. Researchers report that serious viral illness can leave persistent changes in the lungs, creating conditions that may allow tumours to form long after the original infection has cleared. Scientists studying the biological aftermath of respiratory viruses […]
A sophisticated strain of Android malware capable of diverting real-time payments has emerged as a major cybersecurity concern in Brazil, exploiting the country’s widely used PIX instant payment platform and highlighting the risks attached to rapidly expanding digital payment ecosystems. Cybersecurity researchers say the malware, dubbed PixRevolution, hijacks transactions at the exact moment a user sends money through PIX, redirecting funds to accounts controlled by criminals […]
A native world model built from the ground up for embodied intelligence, Kairos 3.0-4B delivers exceptional physics-consistent deep understanding and cross-embodiment generalization, enabling a single “brain” to drive robots of multiple form factors.
Kairos 3.0-4B leverages a unified “multi-modal understanding-generation-prediction” architecture for physical-level deep understanding, long-horizon dynamic interaction, precise action control, and long-horizon interaction — 7-minute coherent interaction videos set a new industry benchmark.
As a lightweight 4B-parameter model, Kairos 3.0-4B outperforms mainstream embodied world models while delivering industry-leading inference efficiency. It achieves real-time edge generation on the THOR platform with a1:1.5 ratio of generation time to video duration, leading performance across both cloud and edge environments.
Kairos 3.0-4B achieves top-ranking accuracy across multiple authoritative benchmarks. Furthermore, leveraging model capabilities and inference tooling, its inference speed is 72 times faster than Cosmos 2.5, setting a new global performance record for embodied world models.
SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 March 2026 – ACE ROBOTICS announced the open-source release of Kairos 3.0-4B, the industry’s first native world model for embodied intelligence to realize unified “multi-modal understanding-generation-prediction” within a single architecture. As the technical cornerstone of the company’s “Human-Centric” ACE Embodied Intelligence R&D Paradigm, Kairos 3.0-4B is designed from the ground up for real-world robotic operation — integrating physical laws, human behavior, and real robot actions to deliver physics-consistent deep understanding of the real world.
The prevailing approach to embodied world models has largely involved retrofitting general-purpose large language or vision models with motion interfaces. Kairos 3.0-4B takes a fundamentally different path. Rather than appending motion capabilities onto existing model architectures, it is built from the architectural level around the fundamental physical and causal laws that govern real-world environments, constructing a unified world-understanding framework capable of cross-embodiment generalization. By embedding causal reasoning chains directly into its decision-making process, the model transcends behavioral imitation and achieves what ACE ROBOTICS defines as physical-level deep understanding — enabling robots to not only know what to do, but to understand why. Its core breakthrough lies in the deep integration of three categories of data: real robot interaction data, structured human behavioral data, and chain-of-thought reasoning data, effectively breaking down multi-source data barriers and significantly improving the reuse efficiency of real-world data.
A landmark achievement of this release is Kairos 3.0-4B’s real-time edge deployment capability. Deployed on the NVIDIA Jetson Thor T5000 platform at 517 TFLOPs, it is the world’s first embodied world model to achieve real-time generation on edge hardware — achieving a 1.5x faster-than-real-time generation speed on the THOR platform — and the first capable of directly driving physical robot bodies for real-world task execution through native edge deployment. The model issues full-body control commands spanning upper limbs, fingers, and lower limbs without intermediate control layers, enabling robots to move from “capable of performing” to genuinely “capable of working.”
Kairos 3.0-4B also delivers a breakthrough in long-horizon interaction. By combining its unified architecture with Agent-based hierarchical planning and a self-reflective iterative optimization mechanism, the model generates coherent future-state predictions up to 7 minutes in length while maintaining full scene coherence and physical fidelity throughout — setting a new industry benchmark for long-horizon embodied interaction and opening new pathways for embodied intelligence training and deployment.
On the A800 GPU benchmark, Kairos 3.0-4B’s inference speed surpasses NVIDIA Cosmos 2.5 by 72 times, setting a new global performance record for embodied world models. This performance is delivered with a lightweight footprint of just 4B parameters and 23.5GB of VRAM — a fraction of Cosmos 2.5’s 70.2GB requirement — demonstrating that efficiency and capability need not be in tension and fundamentally challenging the assumption that larger parameters are a prerequisite for superior performance. The model has also achieved top rankings across three authoritative global benchmarks: PAI-Bench-robot, co-developed by Georgia Tech and CMU; WorldModelBench-robot TI2V, introduced at CVPR 2025; and NVIDIA GEAR Lab’s DreamGen Bench, outperforming all evaluated models on physical consistency and instruction-following metrics.
In A800 GPU benchmarks, Kairos 3.0-4B achieves order-of-magnitude breakthroughs in compute efficiency and inference speed
Supporting seamless cross-embodiment deployment across single-arm, dual-arm, and dexterous hand configurations with no additional per-embodiment training required, Kairos 3.0-4B is compatible with major hardware platforms including Agilex PIPER, Unitree G1, and Galaxy G1. Kairos 3.0-4B is now available on Github (https://github.com/kairos-agi/kairos-sensenova) and Hugging Face (https://huggingface.co/kairos-agi/kairos-sensenova-common).
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About ACE ROBOTICS – Equipping robots with intelligent “brains” and engaging “souls”
ACE ROBOTICS is a pioneering robotics company dedicated to advancing the field of embodied intelligence. Founded by SenseTime co-founder Wang Xiaogang, the company has brought together a team of young, globally scarce AI scientists and industry experts to focus on embodied intelligence. Through breakthrough technological innovations and deep insights into embodied intelligence scenarios, we aim to empower robots with the ability to autonomously understand and explore the physical world, thereby accelerating their commercial implementation.
The company pioneered the ACE R&D paradigm and built a vision-based “environmental data engine, real-world cognition, embodied interaction generalization” technology chain. Using full spatiotemporal and multi-perspective environmental capture as its engine, along with Kairos 3.0 – China’s first open-source and commercially applicable world model – plus the Embodied Foundation Model as its technical backbone, ACE ROBOTICS addresses core industry challenges such as data scarcity, common sense gaps, poor generalization, and limited versatility. Simultaneously, the company unveiled its flagship A1 Embodied Super Brain Module, accelerating the large-scale commercial deployment of embodied intelligence across diverse scenarios.
ACE ROBOTICS is both a technology pioneer and an ecosystem builder. Through strategic cooperation with top hardware manufacturers, cloud service providers, and vertical scenario partners, we have broken through the “model-hardware-scenario” industrial deadlock, providing standardized and customized solutions that are driving the development of China’s embodied intelligence industry.