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Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas outlined an investment-led blueprint anchored by an upgraded Joint Public Private Committee (JPCC), private-sector syndication, and World Bank alignment ahead of the 2026 Annual Meetings and 2028 ASEAN Chairmanship.

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 September 2026 – Thailand is ready to cross into “new horizons” — achieving high-income status and driving a more resilient ASEAN, declared Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas as he delivered the closing address at the Bangkok Business Summit 2026 today,

Detailing the strategic “why, how, and design” of the national transition, Dr. Ekniti stated that entering new horizons is an unavoidable global imperative. While ASEAN is uniquely positioned to capture emerging opportunities, the region must guard against severe geopolitical, technological, and climate risks with proactive, unified action.

“The goals must be clear, and we are completely on the same page: Thailand must achieve high-income status,” said Dr. Ekniti.

“The recipe provided by the World Bank aligns directly with what our business leaders have outlined. An investment-led growth policy, private-sector-centred endeavours, and persistent implementation are what the government and business community are now executing together. Think of the seven new growth engines as our forwards on the pitch. The government acts as both coach and midfielder — spearheading investment, driving trade, empowering SMEs, unlocking regulatory friction, and cultivating human capital. Meanwhile, fiscal and financial stability serves as our steadfast defensive backline.”

Dr. Ekniti affirmed that the Joint Public and Private Committee (JPPC) will no longer function as a purely advisory body, but will operate as an executive economic steering council mandated to enact structural reforms and track execution against the World Bank’s recommendations.

“We will not be the same old Thailand. We will be driving the global agenda. Thailand will enter new horizons, empower people, and build resilience,” Dr. Ekniti emphasised. “In the next two years, Thailand will assume the Chairmanship of ASEAN. We will establish a long-term, multi-year agenda for a stronger, more resilient ASEAN. If this new model of public-private partnership carries on, we will decisively reinvent Thailand.”

Key leaders representing the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry, and Banking (JSCCIB) delivered strategic sector priorities to anchor the transition.

Payong Srivanich, Chairman of the JSCCIB and the Thai Bankers’ Association, underscored that reinventing the economy requires modernising legacy industries while creating space for future engines.

“From three core challenges – structural, competitiveness, and public-sector efficiency – came the White Paper outlining the seven industries of the future,” stated Mr. Payong. “This time, the government has presented a credible policy framework based on collaborative public-private partnership. Thailand must address fundamental security—whether in food, energy, or low-carbon growth. We are declaring to the world that we are done with planning and on the same page. Now we are geared up for execution.”

Dr. Poj Aramwattananont, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand, stressed that amid geopolitical friction, geoeconomics, and regional conflict, growth must be anchored in ASEAN’s 600-plus million people which serve as both supply and demand networks.

Adapting to international trading rules is inseparable from Thailand’s targeted accession to the OECD by 2028. The accession process acts as the structural catalyst to modernise domestic legislation, corporate governance, transparency, and fair market competition to premier global standards—lowering compliance costs and solidifying investor confidence.

Pimjai Leeissaranukul, Chairwoman of the Federation of Thai Industries, insisted that Thailand must build its own brand; it can no longer afford to be just the world’s OEM. She called for a decisive departure from labor-cost competition toward high productivity, automation, AI, and green sustainability. She advocated expanding target sectors—such as next-generation electric vehicles, smart electronics, automation, and wellness—while enforcing enhanced public procurement.

Carlos Felipe Jaramillo, Vice President for East Asia and Pacific at the World Bank, observed that the eyes of the financial world will be on Bangkok next month as it hosts the 2026 IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings, providing Thailand with a premier global stage to show that it is advancing on a credible pathway to attain high-income status by 2037.

“The World Bank has presented a series of structural reforms that Thailand can pursue to reach high-income status, creating more and better-paying jobs for young Thais in the future,” Mr. Jaramillo stated. “The plan deliberately puts the private sector at the center, because experience has taught us that the private sector is the primary engine of employment. This reform agenda is multifaceted, requiring coordinated national effort, and, more importantly, relentless persistence in implementation.”

The Bangkok Business Summit 2026 concluded with a clear consensus: today’s closing discussions mark the formal launch of sustained, institutionalised execution across the public sector, private enterprise, and multilateral institutions to ensure Thailand stands as a resilient economic anchor for the wider ASEAN region.

Hashtag: #JSCCIB

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Hong Kong Stock Connect Inclusion Set to Unlock Mainland Capital and Enhance Trading Liquidity

Hang Seng Indexes announced on August 21, 2026, that HQVT has been officially included in the Hang Seng Composite Index. The index change will be implemented after the market close on September 4, 2026, and will take effect on September 7, 2026. Upon this effective date, both the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges are expected to simultaneously add HQVT to the list of eligible stocks under the Stock Connect programs (Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect and Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect). This will formally enable mainland Chinese investors to trade the stock through their Stock Connect accounts from September 7 onward.

The Stock Connect channel is expected to significantly broaden HQVT’s investor base by providing access to mainland China’s substantial retail and institutional capital pools. The influx of mainland investors via Stock Connect is poised to materially enhance trading liquidity.

Recent Financial Developments Of The Company

The financial results reflect a structural shift toward high-value software intelligence, with consolidated interim operating revenue reaching RMB 410.5 million, representing a strong year-over-year increase of 84.5%. The primary growth engine was multispectral AI foundation model services, which surged 382.5% year-over-year to RMB 320.0 million, elevating the segment’s revenue contribution. Excluding non-recurring listing expenses, adjusted net profit reached RMB 27.6 million, up 21.9% compared to the prior-year period, while net cash used in operating activities narrowed by 50.2% year-over-year to RMB 34.2 million, and cash and cash equivalents amounted to RMB 595.6 million as at 30 June 2026, keeping the financial position sound. To support long-term product differentiation, HQVT expanded its R&D expenditure by 125.3% year-over-year, maintaining an R&D headcount ratio of 43.1% and amassing a portfolio of 158 registered patents (including 101 invention patents) and 46 software copyrights.

Proprietary Multispectral Sensing Across Mission-Critical Infrastructure

HQVT’s technological foundation centers on its proprietary “Super Eye” perceptual platform, an integrated vision architecture that extends detection capabilities beyond visible light 380 nm – 780 nm into the ultraviolet 10 nm – 380 nm and thermal infrared 780 nm – 1 mm bands. Processing sensory inputs via the proprietary “Zhiyuan Origin Large Model”—which has completed dual filings with the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) and recently secured Shenzhen’s official model service provider qualification—the system detects micro-arcing, dielectric degradation, and localized thermal spikes long before physical combustion occurs. This capability is deployed through a three-tier collaborative defense matrix combining Tier-1 rack-level internal monitoring, Tier-2 room-level spatial sensing, and Tier-3 autonomous robotic patrol scanning.

This technological framework achieved significant commercial milestones across key industrial verticals during the first half of 2026. In the Internet Data Center (IDC) space, where high-velocity forced-air cooling systems often dilute smoke and hinder traditional detectors, HQVT secured large-scale AI foundation model deployment contracts from a prominent Shanghai state-owned enterprise and a Shenzhen-listed enterprise. Concurrently, in electrical power systems and new energy infrastructure, the company entered into a strategic collaboration agreement with Deep Robotics to integrate multispectral AI modules into quadruped robotic inspection platforms, enabling contact-free, online fault diagnostics across high-voltage substations, cable interlayers, and distributed battery energy storage installations.

Edge AI Breakthrough and Scalable Global SaaS Expansion

A major technical milestone during the interim period was the successful migration of HQVT’s foundation model architecture from centralized server clusters to compact Edge AI terminals powered by the NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin platform. By removing the necessity for expensive on-premise compute servers and eliminating cloud-network latency, this on-device implementation drastically lowers initial capital expenditures while ensuring instantaneous safety responses. This edge breakthrough transforms HQVT’s commercial delivery model, facilitating product standardization and expanding the company’s addressable client base beyond large state-owned enterprises into the broader commercial market and small and medium-sized enterprises.

Soochow Securities, in its inaugural coverage report on HQVT dated July 31, 2026, assigns a “Buy” rating with a target price of HK$58.57 per share—implying approximately 113% upside from the Sept 04 closing price of HK$27.42. The broker’s valuation is anchored on 2027E revenue of RMB 1.31 billion at a 32x P/S multiple, citing the stock’s scarcity value as the only Hong Kong Main Board-listed multispectral physical AI pure-play, the industry’s 40%+ CAGR, and anticipated margin recovery as hardware costs are amortized across repeat projects. The report notes that the Edge AI breakthrough serves as the single largest near-term catalyst, with commercialization orders representing the critical verification point for investors.

Looking ahead, HQVT is directing its IPO capital toward expanding production capacity, advancing edge-model iterations, and executing an international go-to-market strategy. To penetrate overseas markets, the company has partnered with Singapore-based LINKWISE to accelerate deployments across Southeast Asian data centers and is actively preparing channel rollouts in the Middle East and Europe. By pairing standardized edge perception hardware with cloud-based Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) subscription tiers for analytics and diagnostic reporting, HQVT is positioning itself to build recurring, high-margin international revenue streams within the global physical AI safety sector. The interim results approval by the board on August 28, 2026, and the September 7 Stock Connect effective date represent the two immediate catalysts for investor attention.

Hashtag: #ShenzhenHQVTTechnology

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Shanmugam, who is also Coordinating Minister for National Security and Home Affairs Minister, said the government maintains a strict principle of not directing individual investment decisions by Temasek portfolio companies. Singapore Airlines, rather than state investor Temasek, is the shareholder in Air India and must decide whether additional funding is commercially justified, he said.

Air India is seeking about $1.5 billion in fresh equity from its owners, Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, after losses widened sharply in the financial year ended March 2026. Singapore Airlines owns 25.1 per cent of the carrier, while Tata Sons holds the remaining 74.9 per cent.

Singapore Airlines said last week that its board would “carefully consider” any request for additional capital, taking account of the group’s other funding requirements and Air India’s business strategy. The airline said it works with Tata Sons to support Air India’s transformation programme as a significant minority shareholder.

The funding question has prompted political scrutiny in Singapore because Temasek, which is owned by the Ministry of Finance, is the majority shareholder in Singapore Airlines. Workers’ Party MP Kenneth Tiong has questioned whether Temasek funds should ultimately be used to support Air India and has filed a question for the September 8 sitting of Parliament.

Shanmugam said shareholders and the public were entitled to expect rigorous assessment, accountability and transparency from Singapore Airlines. Shareholders could question management and directors at the company’s annual general meeting, but political views should not replace the professional judgment of its board, he said.

“Neither his views nor those of any minister or any other MP should substitute for the commercial judgment of SIA’s management and board of directors,” Shanmugam said, referring to Tiong.

He said Temasek is accountable to the government for its overall portfolio and long-term performance, but not for individual investments made by its portfolio companies. The government’s role, he added, was to ensure professional management and give companies sufficient independence to make properly considered decisions without political pressure.

Shanmugam warned that directing specific investments could weaken commercial discipline by allowing political considerations to shape corporate decisions. He said companies must be able to accept that some investments will produce gains and others losses, with performance judged across portfolios and over appropriate time horizons.

The debate follows Air India’s continuing financial and operational pressures during its overhaul under Tata ownership. The airline group posted a record loss of more than $2 billion for the last financial year, while its transformation has required extensive investment in aircraft, systems, customer service, maintenance and staffing.

Singapore Airlines became an Air India shareholder after the merger of Vistara with Air India was completed in November 2024. It received a 25.1 per cent stake in the enlarged carrier, combining its former Vistara interest with a cash investment agreed as part of the transaction.

Singapore Airlines subsequently injected further capital into Air India. By the end of March 2025, the total cost of its investment in the carrier stood at about S$2.1 billion, according to its disclosures.

The airline has repeatedly described its exposure to Air India as a long-term strategic investment, giving it direct participation in India’s large domestic aviation market and international traffic flows beyond its Singapore hub. It has also acknowledged that the turnaround will take time and that Air India faces both company-specific and wider industry challenges.

The delegation visited high-end private general hospitals including Raffles Hospital in Singapore and Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri in Indonesia, as well as clinical research institutions under the Ministry of Health of Malaysia. In-depth exchanges were carried out on core topics covering hospital operation and management, specialty development, clinical services and medical research. Through on-site visits, Macao Union Medical Center has fully drawn on the mature experience of leading Southeast Asian medical institutions in internationalized services, modern equipment application, refined clinical management and patient service experience. Meanwhile, it has established extensive industry communication networks, laying a solid foundation for subsequent specialty collaboration, talent training, research achievement transformation and the implementation of cross-border medical services.

Leveraging the Union Brand Advantage to Serve Patients in Southeast Asia

Backed by the profound technical heritage, expert resources and rich clinical experience of Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Macao Union Medical Center boasts prominent advantages in the diagnosis and treatment of critical, complex and rare diseases, early precise disease diagnosis and multi-disciplinary comprehensive treatment. Supported by expert guidance and professional training from Peking Union Medical College Hospital, the Center continuously improves its capacity for treating critical and complex diseases and performing high-difficulty surgeries, delivering high-quality and standardized international medical services for residents in Macao, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and Southeast Asia.

During the exchanges, Macao Union Medical Center conducted multi-dimensional discussions with medical institutions of the three countries on cross-border referral of critical cases, tele-consultation, mutual visits and exchanges of medical talents, and customized services for international patients. Capitalizing on Macao’s unique geographical advantages, multicultural environment and mature international service system, the Center will serve as a key hub connecting China’s top-tier medical resources with the Southeast Asian market, providing a new option for high-end regional medical needs.

Focusing on Clinical Research to Drive the Transformation of Biomedical Achievements

The study tour also focused on biomedical innovation and the transformation of clinical research outcomes. The delegation visited Clinical Research Malaysia under the Ministry of Health of Malaysia, focusing on researching the construction of Southeast Asian biobanks, biopharmaceutical research and development, and the implementation model of clinical trials. It gained in-depth insights into its operational mechanism linking pharmaceutical enterprises, scientific research institutes and medical institutions, as well as advanced experience in precise tumor treatment and clinical screening of new drugs. The visit provides an important reference for Macao Union Medical Center to optimize its research platform, advance the development of key disciplines and standardize the management of international clinical trials.

Building a Regional Medical Platform and Expanding “Healthcare + Tourism“ Development

According to Macao Union Medical Center, Macao boasts broad prospects for health industry cooperation with the three Southeast Asian countries. Moving forward, the Center will continue to benchmark against world-class medical standards, deepen cooperation in clinical diagnosis and treatment, scientific research innovation and talent training, and give full play to Macao’s unique advantage of connecting inland China and the outside world. It will integrate resources from all sectors to deepen cross-domain cooperation, and actively explore the integrated development model of “medical care + tourism” to attract international patients to seek medical treatment in Macao. This will help Macao build a regionally influential high-end healthcare platform and empower the appropriate and diversified economic development of the city.

Hashtag: #MacaoUnionMedicalCenter

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@hkfashionfest @hongkongfashioncouncil

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.

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.

Hashtag: #HongKongFashionFest #香港时装荟 #CSTB #文化体育及旅游局 #CCIDA #文创产业发展处

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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.

Website: www.hongkongfashionfest.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongfashionfest
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hkfashionfest
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hkfashionfest

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.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongfashioncouncil
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/hongkongfashioncouncil
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hongkongfashioncouncil/

LSAF Global, in partnership with ISCA and the Professional Services (PS) Centre Alliance, brings the PS Centre ecosystem to businesses in Indonesia.

The challenge is often not finding advisers. It is knowing where to start.

LSAF Global, in partnership with the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) and the Professional Services (PS) Centre Alliance, is bringing the PS Centre ecosystem to businesses in Indonesia, connecting them with professional expertise, trusted networks and opportunities across Singapore, Indonesia and the region.

The PS Centre is a collaborative network that aims to make that easier by giving businesses a trusted starting point to find professional expertise, local market knowledge and business connections when expanding across the region.

Businesses in Indonesia can tap on the wider PS Centre network, which currently spans Hongqiao in Shanghai, Ho Chi Minh City, Nanjing and Singapore.

The network is set to grow further, with Johor, Shenzhen and Bangkok among the next locations being developed.

Together, the PS Centres and wider ecosystem are intended to create trusted business corridors across the region so that companies entering a new market do not have to start from zero.

Cross-border business is getting harder

The collaboration in Indonesia comes at a time when companies are looking overseas for growth while facing a more complicated business environment.

Tariffs and geopolitical tensions are changing where companies manufacture and source their products. Supply chains are being redesigned. AI and cyber risks are creating new business questions. Sustainability requirements are changing how companies operate and report.

Increasingly, these problems do not sit neatly within one profession.

A company may start with a tariff question only to discover that it also needs tax, legal and supply chain advice. Another may see an opportunity in Indonesia but need help finding local partners and understanding how best to enter the market.

The PS Centre ecosystem brings different forms of expertise and business networks together so companies do not have to navigate these issues alone.

The collaboration comes amid strong economic links between Singapore and Indonesia.

From Singapore to Indonesia and from Indonesia to the region

The PS Centre ecosystem is designed to work across markets.

Singapore businesses entering Indonesia can connect with local professional advisers, business networks and partners on the ground through LSAF Global and the wider PS Centre ecosystem.

Indonesian businesses looking towards Singapore can tap the Singapore PS Centre and Singapore’s professional services ecosystem.

A business looking beyond Indonesia and Singapore can tap the wider network for support in Vietnam and China. As new centres open, the network will extend into more markets.

Across its existing locations, the PS Centre network has already facilitated more than 90 business connections, supported 100 companies and engaged over 700 businesses and professionals.

The ambition goes beyond opening centres in different cities.

It is to build a connected ecosystem and trusted business corridors that connect opportunities in one market with trusted expertise and networks in another.

Helping businesses solve cross-border challenges

A key initiative being expanded across the PS Centre network is the Business Growth Clinic.

Its premise is simple.

Businesses do not always know which professional they need. They simply know they have a problem to solve.

A manufacturer may produce different parts of the same product across several countries and need help understanding how changing tariffs affect its business.

A professional services firm may want to access talent in another market but is unsure how to structure its operations.

Another business may be looking for an overseas partner, considering an acquisition or trying to understand how geopolitical changes could affect where it invests next.

Instead of figuring out which adviser to approach first, businesses can bring their problem to the Business Growth Clinic.

Depending on the issue, accountants, lawyers, tax specialists, valuers, consultants and other professionals can come together to understand the problem and connect the business with the expertise it needs.

Businesses in Indonesia will also be able to tap the Business Growth Clinic through the PS Centre ecosystem. A Singapore company facing a business issue in Vietnam can tap expertise through the Ho Chi Minh City PS Centre. An Indonesian business looking to establish operations in Singapore can connect with professionals through the Singapore PS Centre. A business exploring China can access support through Hongqiao.

As the PS Centre network expands, the reach of the Business Growth Clinic will expand with it.

Mr Lee Boon Teck, President of the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA), said: “Businesses do not always know which professional they need. They simply know they have a problem to solve. The strength of the PS Centre lies in the network we are building together: connecting businesses with professional expertise, trusted networks and opportunities across markets. The PS Centre Alliance can help businesses in Singapore and Indonesia make the connections they need to grow across the region.”

Connecting businesses with professional expertise

The initiative is led by the PS Centre Alliance, comprising the Association of Small & Medium Enterprises, Institute of Valuers & Appraisers Singapore, Singapore Business Federation, Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Singapore Manufacturing Federation, Tax Academy of Singapore, The Law Society of Singapore and ISCA.

The Alliance brings together organisations representing both sides of the equation: businesses looking for opportunities and professional services firms with the expertise to help them pursue those opportunities.

In Indonesia, this gathering of the PS Centre Alliance partners to build relationships with local business and professional organisations, including the Indonesian Employers Association (APINDO), Singapore Chamber of Commerce Indonesia, The Indonesia Capital Market Institute (TICMI) and Kongres Advokat Indonesia (KAI).

These relationships will help connect businesses with people who understand the local market while linking them to the wider PS Centre network.

Building sustainability capabilities in Indonesia

ISCA and Universitas Sahid (USAHID) will enter a three-year collaboration to strengthen sustainability capabilities in Indonesia.

The collaboration will facilitate access to the ISCA Sustainability Professional Certification for eligible USAHID students, faculty members, alumni and other participants. It will also support learning and knowledge sharing in sustainability reporting and related areas.

The collaboration aims to connect academic learning with professional practice and build a stronger pool of professionals who can support businesses as sustainability requirements evolve.

Prof. Dr. Ir. Giyatmi, M.Si., Rector of Universitas Sahid, said: “Bringing the Professional Services Centre ecosystem to businesses in Indonesia represents an important step in strengthening collaboration between Indonesia and Singapore’s professional and business communities. We believe the ecosystem can serve as a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, professional development, and stronger connections between academia and industry. Universitas Sahid is pleased to support this initiative and looks forward to contributing to the development of future-ready professionals who can support sustainable and regional economic growth.”

The collaboration in Indonesia marks another step in building a regional network where businesses, professional services firms and local partners can connect across markets.

As businesses increasingly look beyond their home markets for growth, the aim is simple: when a business sees an opportunity across borders, it should not have to start from zero.

For additional quotes from PS Centre Alliance partners, please refer to the attached Annex.

ANNEX

Ms Hamidah Aidillah, Vice President, Association of Small & Medium Enterprises, said: “For Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) looking to grow overseas, finding the right connections and trusted support in a new market can be challenging. Through the PS Centre Alliance’s collaboration in Indonesia, businesses can gain access to professional expertise and local networks, helping Singapore SMEs better navigate the Indonesian market and pursue opportunities for growth across the region. This move is also in line with ASME’s internatiolisation efforts across ASEAN. ”

Mr Lie Kok Keong, Council Chairperson, Institute of Valuers and Appraisers Singapore, said: “Bringing the PS Centre ecosystem to businesses in Indonesia creates meaningful new opportunities for Chartered Valuers and Appraiser (CVA) holders to connect with a wider network of professionals in Indonesia through fostering knowledge exchange and capacity building. We encourage CVA holders to leverage on the wider network to build ties with their Indonesian counterparts to grow and create opportunities together.”

Mr Mark Lee, Chairman of Singapore Business Federation, said: “Businesses today need to remain agile and diversify their markets to build long-term resilience. Indonesia’s long term growth prospects and close ties with Singapore offer significant opportunities for our companies. By bringing PS Centre Jakarta and SEC@Jakarta together, we can make it easier for businesses to access our collective networks, advisory expertise and facilitation support, and help them turn these opportunities into meaningful partnerships and growth.”

Mr Ernie Koh, Council Member, Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCCI), said: “Indonesia is an important market for many Singapore businesses seeking to expand their regional presence. Through the PS Centre Alliance’s collaboration in Indonesia, enterprises can access trusted professional support and local networks, helping them better navigate the market and build the connections needed for cross-border growth.”

Mr Wayne Yap, Chief Executive Officer of the Singapore Manufacturing Federation, said: “Professional services firms are important partners in helping manufacturers understand new markets, manage business requirements and expand with confidence. Through the PS Centre ecosystem, businesses will bring together professional expertise, industry networks and local market connections to support manufacturers and other businesses pursuing opportunities in Indonesia and across the region.”

Mr Dennis Lui, Chief Executive Officer, Tax Academy of Singapore, said: “Tax is not a footnote to cross-border investment – It can determine whether opportunity becomes reality. Tax Academy of Singapore sits at the intersection of government, industry, and academia, enabling us to translate policy into practical capability and connect the people who make investment happen. Through the PS Centre Alliance’s collaboration in Indonesia, we want to bring that strength to the Singapore-Indonesia corridor – helping businesses move from opportunity to execution.”

Ms Peggy Yee, Treasurer and Council Member of The Law Society of Singapore said: “With more businesses expanding across borders and industries, the ability to navigate legal and regulatory complexities will become a critical skill for both businesses and firms. Bringing the PS Centre ecosystem to businesses in Indonesia will further provide valuable and trusted support for enterprises in the region, ensuring access to trusted legal expertise along with other professional services.”

Hashtag: #ISCA #CharteredAccountants #ProfessionalServices #ProfessionalServicesCentre #DifferenceMakers #Accounting #Accountancy

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA)

The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) is the national accountancy body of Singapore. Established in 1963, ISCA administers the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification programme and is the designated entity by the Singapore Ministry of Finance to confer the Chartered Accountant of Singapore [CA (Singapore)] designation.

ISCA supports over 46,000 members across industries in Singapore and globally, with members in more than 40 countries. With a growing international presence, ISCA has 12 overseas chapters, 7 offices across 10 countries and a network of over 150 strategic partners, strengthening professional connections and opportunities across borders. ISCA is also a member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide, a global network representing more than 1.8 million Chartered Accountants and students across over 190 countries.

ISCA advances professional development and lifelong learning through ISCA Academy, its training arm and drives community impact through ISCA Cares, its charity arm.

For more information, visit www.isca.org.sg.

Empowering SMEs to Expand Globally

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.

Hashtag: #平安數字銀行 #PingAnDB #採購貿易融資 #PurchaseOrderFinancing

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.

The Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development is partnering with EnergyNet to deliver the first Nigeria NOW

ABUJA, Nigeria – EQS Newswire – 3 September 2026 – The Nigeria NOW! takes place on 19 and 20 November at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, under the patronage of the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake. Between 500 and 600 delegates are expected across energy, infrastructure and mining.

The Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development is partnering with EnergyNet to deliver the first Nigeria NOW!, and has committed to remain involved through the preparatory period rather than at the event alone. The Ministry hosted the Abuja launch, secured the patronage of the Honourable Minister, and convened three further federal ministries as deliberate participants.

Speaking at the launch through Engr. Obadiah Simon Nkom, Director-General of the Mining Cadastre Office, Dr Alake set out why four ministries participate rather than one. Infrastructure, licensing, financing, technology, security and market access fall across several mandates, and no single ministry can answer an investor’s questions on all of them.

Why Nigeria

Nigeria now issues no mining licence without a plan for a local processing plant. The rule has been applied consistently and the investment following it includes a $1.3 billion partnership with the Africa Finance Corporation covering an alumina refinery, geological mapping and exploration support, a $600 million lithium processing plant near the Kaduna-Niger border, and a $200 million lithium refinery outside Abuja.

The first working demonstration is already running. A lithium plant at Endo in Nasarawa State, commissioned on 2 July, processes 6,000 tonnes of ore a day on around $250 million of investment. Sector revenue reached over 38 billion naira in 2024 against 6 billion the previous year. A memorandum signed with Türkiye in May covers exploration, technology transfer, digitalisation and training, and the Solid Minerals Development Fund began awarding exploration grants in July under its new EMERGE endowment.

Nigeria’s power sector is moving on the same principle of decentralised decision-making. Two years into the Electricity Act 2023, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has transferred regulatory oversight to sixteen subnational commissions, giving states authority over their own electricity markets for the first time. The Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority has put domestic capital behind distributed renewable energy, and industrial self-supply has reached 200MW, with a steel plant among the projects breaking ground against it.

Dr Alake’s own formulation is that the days of exporting raw minerals from pit to port are over.

What the Expo covers

Nigeria NOW! brings government, investors, project developers, financial institutions and development partners together around three sectors, energy, infrastructure and mining, with a focus on projects, capital and partnerships rather than announcements alone. The programme runs across two days at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja.

“This is the first Nigeria NOW! held in Nigeria, and the Ministry’s commitment to stay involved through the preparatory period is what makes it different from a conference that arrives and leaves,” said Abdoulaye Sylla, Portfolio Manager and Head of Corporate Development at EnergyNet. “We expect between 500 and 600 delegates, and the Ministry has asked that the Expo be judged on what is delivered after it closes.”

Partners

Nextier joins the Expo as Official Advisory Partner, providing strategic advisory and media support across the programme.

The Nigerian Indigenous Women in Mining and Natural Resources Organisation (NIWIMNRO) joins as Women in Mining Partner. The network was recognised at the Abuja launch with EnergyNet’s Leadership Award and a $25,000 grant, following a year in which it took its work with women artisanal miners from three states to all six of Nigeria’s geopolitical zones, adding protective equipment, mobile medical visits and cooperative registration to the training programme it began with.

Women in Mining joins as Women in Mining in Nigeria Partner; The Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources joins as Lagos State Sponsor; The Electricity Hub joins as Official Podcast Partner.

YES! Nigeria

The Youth Energy Summit runs alongside Nigeria NOW! on 20 November at the same venue, bringing young professionals and entrepreneurs into the same building as the investors and ministries. The Youth Sustainable Development Network joins as a partner for the Nigerian edition, alongside the University of Abuja’s Centre for Entrepreneurship Development and Students as YES! Supporting Partner.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of EnergyNet Ltd.

Download Image (1): https://apo-opa.co/4gIB9gr (Four Nigerian ministries convene global investors in Abuja for the maiden Nigeria NOW! Launch (1))

Download Image (2): https://apo-opa.co/4x1g0o5 (Four Nigerian ministries convene global investors in Abuja for the maiden Nigeria NOW! Launch (2))

Download Image (3): https://apo-opa.co/4gV7u42 (Four Nigerian ministries convene global investors in Abuja for the maiden Nigeria NOW! launch (3))

Media and partnership enquiries:
Poliana Sperandio
Director
Marketing Strategy & Performance
EnergyNet
[email protected]
+44 (0) 207 384 8191

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About EnergyNet

EnergyNet produces investment forums and digital dialogues across energy, mining and infrastructure in Africa, bringing governments, investors, developers and utilities together around investment, policy dialogue and project delivery. Best known for the Africa Energy Forum, EnergyNet has worked in Nigeria for fifteen years. EnergyNet owns and operates the Energy News Network, its independent editorial platform, and is part of Clarion Events.

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.