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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 February 2026 – CPA Australia has today submitted a set of forward-looking recommendations for consideration in the Hong Kong SAR Government’s 2026-27 Budget. With an estimated HK$0.9 billion fiscal deficit for 2025–26 and solid fiscal reserves of HK$653 billion, CPA Australia propose a series of policy measures under the theme of “Power Hong Kong’s Growth” focusing on four pillars:

  • Connecting China and global markets to power growth
  • Strengthening Hong Kong as a global trade and wealth hub
  • Diversifying the economy and boosting workforce competitiveness
  • Raising living standards for a healthier and liveable city

(from left to right) Ms Karina Wong, Divisional Councillor and Deputy Chair of Taxation Committee of CPA Australia Greater China; Mr Janssen Chan, Co-Chair of Taxation Committee; Mr Anthony Lau, Co-Chair of Taxation Committee of CPA Australia Greater China; Mr Adam Chiu, Member of Taxation Committee of CPA Australia Greater China
(from left to right) Ms Karina Wong, Divisional Councillor and Deputy Chair of Taxation Committee of CPA Australia Greater China; Mr Janssen Chan, Co-Chair of Taxation Committee; Mr Anthony Lau, Co-Chair of Taxation Committee of CPA Australia Greater China; Mr Adam Chiu, Member of Taxation Committee of CPA Australia Greater China

Connecting China with global markets and powering Hong Kong’s future economic engine

CPA Australia emphasises that Hong Kong must reinforce its position as the premier gateway connecting China with global markets. As China’s 15th Five Year Plan places greater focus on high-quality opening up, Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to help Chinese enterprises expand overseas while attracting foreign direct investment into the Mainland through Hong Kong. Strengthening this gateway function will be critical to driving the city’s next phase of economic growth.

Mr Anthony Lau, Co-Chair of CPA Australia’s Greater China Taxation Committee stated,

“Developing a unified and coherent tax incentive framework for Corporate Treasury Centres (CTC) and regional headquarters (RHQ) would further strengthen Hong Kong’s appeal as a base for multinational operations. In addition, the effectiveness of re-domiciliation has attracted many overseas companies to move their legal domicile to Hong Kong. As there is no clear guidance on whether re-domiciliation will trigger Mainland tax liabilities and tax reporting obligations, we recommend the Hong Kong Government engages with the Mainland tax authorities to clarify that no actual transfer of assets occurs during the process, and therefore no Mainland tax should arise.”

“We also recommend advancing market connectivity measures such as allowing a tax deduction specifically for IPO-related expenses for companies that list on the Main Board of the HKEX, and continuing to enhance existing cross boundary financial mechanisms such as introducing an IPO Connect scheme.”

A streamlined approach would reduce complexity, improve tax certainty and encourage overseas and Mainland enterprises to centralise management, financing and strategic functions in Hong Kong.

CPA Australia also highlights the importance of positioning the Northern Metropolis as a flagship cross‑border innovation zone that will drive Hong Kong’s future growth. Mr Lau said, “To support the infrastructure development, we suggest the Government adopts forward‑looking financing tools that ease pressure on public finances. These may include issuing bonds targeted at with an estimate amount for example USD2 billion at different maturity to international investors, and providing a tax exemption for bond holders on interest income and trading profits derived from bonds issued for Northern Metropolis infrastructure projects, whether issued by the government or the private sector.

“To attract leading innovation and technology enterprises to the zone, we further recommend broadening the scope of qualifying R&D expenditures to include activities outsourced to related parties based and operating in other cities within Greater Bay Area. This reflects the increasingly integrated nature of cross boundary innovation and supply chains.”

Strengthening Hong Kong as a global trade centre and a hub for wealth retention

Hong Kong’s long‑standing role as a free, open and trusted trading and financial gateway remains central to its international relevance.

Ms Karina Wong, Deputy Chair of the Greater China Taxation Committee said, “Hong Kong should build on its unique status as a global trading centre by strengthening the free trade port regime and expanding support for high-value commodity trading, which would help diversify the city’s economic base and enhance market depth. Qualifying commodity items such as silver and rare-earth materials remain outside the current scope, the qualifying list needs to be reviewed regularly, with sufficient legislative flexibility, to ensure timely updates in response to market developments. The Government could also consider whether the scope should extend beyond physical trades and incidental income to cover derivative driven transactions, which form a significant part of global commodities activity.”

A stronger family office ecosystem is central to reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as Asia’s preferred hub for wealth management and succession planning. “We recommend introducing a preferential 8.25 per cent profits tax rate for Single Family Office, Multi Family Offices (MFOs) and fund managers to enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness relative to other regional wealth management centres.

“Aligning the permissible investment asset classes under the family office tax concession regime with those under the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) would also streamline operations, provide greater investment flexibility and further strengthen Hong Kong’s appeal among global wealth owners managing long term capital,” added Ms Wong.

Modernising Hong Kong’s philanthropy framework would encourage a more caring and compassionate community and strengthen the city’s appeal to long-term capital. “The generous donations supporting residents and the reconstruction of Wang Fuk Court show that Hong Kong is a caring city. To encourage greater philanthropic participation, we suggestremoving the current 35 per cent cap on cash donation deductions and allowing a full 100 per cent deduction, while introducing a 300 per cent enhanced deduction for contributions to designated funds, such as the Community Care Fund and Disaster Relief Fund. This would direct more resources toward areas of social need.

“These reforms will strengthen Hong Kong’s ecosystem for trade, wealth management and philanthropy, helping the city attract and retain long term capital and strengthen Hong Kong’s competitive edge,” Ms Wong said.

Diversifying the economy and enhancing workforce competitiveness

As advanced economies accelerate digital transformation and adopt emerging technologies, Hong Kong’s long-term competitiveness will depend on the city’s ability to scale innovation, raise productivity and strengthen the capacity of its workforce and enterprises.

“We propose to relaunch a revamped Technology Voucher Programme to help businesses, in particular SMEs, accelerate digitalisation and adopt artificial intelligence (AI) solutions that enhance efficiency and competitiveness.

“Strengthening R&D related tax incentives is equally important in driving innovation, therefore we propose increasing the cap for the highest rate of the R&D super tax deduction by raising the threshold for the 300 per cent deduction on qualifying R&D expenditure from HK$2 million to HK$4 million.” said Mr Janssen Chan, Co‑Chairperson of CPA Australia’s Greater China Taxation Committee.

SMEs remain the backbone of Hong Kong’s economy, yet many continue to face cost pressures and increasing competition.

“We recommend raising the cap under the two-tier profits tax regime for concessional 8.25 per cent half-rate from HK$2 million to HK$4 million of assessable profits. Extending the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme beyond March 2026 is another move that would ease operating pressures for smaller businesses and encourage reinvestment,” added Mr Chan.

By raising the two-tier profits tax cap, extending financing support and retooling tech programmes for AI adoption, the Government can give SMEs the room to grow and strengthen their long-term resilience.

Raising living standards and building a healthier and more liveable city

Mr Adam Chiu, member of the Greater China Taxation Committee, said the Budget should introduce targeted tax and subsidy measures that deliver practical support to households while encouraging healthier and more productive lifestyles.

“To provide direct relief to taxpayers, we recommend maintaining the 100 per cent salaries tax rebate on the 2025/26 final salaries tax, capped at HK$6,000. This would help offset rising living costs and support disposable income, particularly for middle‑income earners. We also propose introducing a tax deduction of up to HK$60,000 for working families who employ domestic helpers specifically to care for children, elderly family members or persons with special care needs. This would help ease caregiving pressures, support labour‑force participation.” Mr Chiu said.

He added that lifelong learning and skills upgrading are increasingly important in a rapidly evolving economy. “To enable individuals to undertake more advanced or specialised training, including in emerging areas such as AI, we recommend increasing the subsidy ceiling under the Continuing Education Fund to HK$30,000 per eligible applicant, and increasing the cap on the self-education tax deduction to HK$150,000 per year. To promote physical wellbeing, we also propose a tax deduction of up to HK$2,000 for sports‑related expenses.”

“By supporting working families, encouraging lifelong learning and promoting healthier lifestyles, these measures can collectively enhance quality of life and help build a more resilient and inclusive Hong Kong,” Mr Chiu said.

CPA Australia believes these recommendations will strengthen Hong Kong’s ability to engage more effectively with global markets, enhance its competitiveness as an international financial and business hub, and improve quality of life for residents. Taken together, these measures will help ensure Hong Kong is well positioned for a more sustainable, innovation driven and inclusive future.

Hashtag: #CPAAustralia

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

About CPA Australia

CPA Australia is one of the largest professional accounting bodies in the world, with more than 176,000 members in over 100 countries and regions, including more than 22,500 members in Greater China. Our core services include education, training, technical support and advocacy. CPA Australia provides thought leadership on issues affecting the accounting profession and the public interest. We engage with governments, regulators and industries to advocate policies that stimulate sustainable economic growth and have positive business and public outcomes. Find out more at

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 February 2026 – This Lunar New Year, Madame Tussauds Singapore invites fans and visitors from around the world to celebrate the festive season with the renowned Chinese singer-songwriter Joker Xue (Xue Zhiqian) wax figure, along with a vibrant lineup of time-limited activities.

Joker Xue (Xue Zhiqian)
Joker Xue (Xue Zhiqian)

Joker Xue is widely regarded as one of the most influential artists within the Mandopop industry. Known for his emotionally driven songwriting and distinctive vocal style, Xue has released multiple chart-topping albums and consistently sold out large-scale tours across Asia. In recent years, he has maintained active engagement with fans through concerts and social media platforms, reinforcing his reputation as a leading voice in contemporary Chinese pop music.

Meticulously crafted to capture his signature style, the figure features a casual yet instantly recognisable look – complete with his trademark glasses, a relaxed white T-shirt, and a playful pointing pose that reflects his charismatic stage presence. During the Lunar New Year period, fans to Madame Tussauds Singapore will be able to get up close with this lifelike figure as if he were standing right before and enjoy an immersive experience that blends pop culture with festive celebration.

“We hope Joker Xue’s wax figure brings an added sense of excitement and festive cheer to our Lunar New Year celebrations,” said Steven Chung, General Manager of Madame Tussauds Singapore. “The Lunar New Year is a special time for joy, reunion, and fresh beginnings, and we look forward to welcoming guests to celebrate the season with us in a fun, immersive, and meaningful way.”

The time-limited festive activities include:

1) FREE Fortune Telling with Any Ticket Purchase

Enjoy complimentary fortune telling sessions by booking a slot via Madame Tussauds Singapore website (first-come, first-served).

Valid for ticket holders only. Get your tickets here.

14–22 February, 11:00am–2:00pm
2) FREE Sure-Win Lucky Dip with Every $88 Spent at the Retail Store

Spend $88 or more in the retail store to gain a complimentary sure-win lucky dip, with attractive prizes to be won.

14–22 February
3) CNY Pussy Willow Wishing Tree

Pen down your wishes and hang them on the festive pussy willow wishing tree, symbolising blessings, prosperity, and new beginnings.

15–18 February
4) Distribution of Fortune Cookies & Chocolate Gold Coin Red Packets

Receive festive treats and auspicious surprises while soaking in the CNY décor and warm atmosphere.

15–18 February

Madame Tussauds Singapore continues to be a platform where fans can connect with global icons through unique, real-life experiences, blending entertainment, storytelling, and celebrity culture.

Join us this festive season to celebrate the Lunar New Year with Joker Xue and other international celebrities, and start the year with joy, luck, and unforgettable memories.

For more information about booking tickets to visit Joker Xue at Madame Tussauds Singapore, please visit www.madametussauds.com/singapore/
Hashtag: #MerlinEntertainments #MadameTussaudsSingapore

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

Madame Tussauds Singapore

Madame Tussauds has been inviting people to walk the red carpet and get closer to the revered – and feared – for over 250 years. With 22 attractions in the world’s top destination cities, we are dedicated to giving millions of visitors the opportunity to mingle with the mighty from A-listers to music legends, heroes of sport, to infamous world leaders. Today, we continue to partner with the global icons of a generation to create astonishing lifelike figures from sittings and offer exciting and interactive experiences to ensure guests have never felt closer to fame.

About Merlin Entertainments
Merlin Entertainments is a world leader in branded entertainment destinations, offering a diverse portfolio of resort theme parks, city-centre gateway attractions and LEGOLAND Resorts which span across UK, US, Western Europe, China and Asia Pacific. Dedicated to creating experiences that inspire joy and connection, Merlin welcomes more than 62 million guests annually to its growing estate, with over 140 sites across 23 countries. An expert in bringing world-famous entertainment brands to life, Merlin works with partners including the LEGO Group, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Peppa Pig, Dreamworks and Ferrari to create destinations where guests can immerse themselves in a wide array of brand-driven worlds, rides, and uplifting learning experiences. See for more information.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 January 2026 – Madame Tussauds Hong Kong welcomes the wax figure of all-round entertainer Tan Jianci, launching a nearly three-month-long limited tour from today until 12 April 2026. Tan Jianci wax figure will greet everyone in the “Hong Kong Glamorous” zone, exquisitely presented in a classic black suit, ready to interact with visitors and adding a touch of star-studded brilliance to the upcoming Spring festival.

Celebrate the New Year of the Horse with Tan Jianci’s Wax Figure
Celebrate the New Year of the Horse with Tan Jianci’s Wax Figure

From Stage to Screen: A Journey of Multi-Directional Development

Hailed as a “Hexagonal Warrior” for his all-around prowess, Tan Jianci has delivered eye-catching performances across multiple fields. In film and television, from the calm portraitist Shen Yi in “Under the Skin” to the impressive and stunning dual roles of Xiang Liu and Fangfeng Bei in “Lost You Forever,” he has won widespread acclaim for his nuanced and powerful acting. In 2025, his roles in the film “I Miss You” and the TV series “Under the Skin 2” earned him dual nominations for Best Actor at the Macau International Film Festival’s Golden Lotus Awards, making him the first actor ever to achieve simultaneous nominations in both film and television categories at the same ceremony.

Meanwhile, Tan Jianci has achieved remarkable success in music. His personal albums, such as “DREAMS” and “HUAN,” showcase his depth and diversity as a creator. His single “Bad Monalisa” not only dominated major charts but also won “Annual Chinese Digital Single” at the 2025 TMEA Awards, where he himself was awarded “Annual Best All-Round Singer.” At the end of 2025, the two lead singles, “PROOF” and “DEAD REFLEX,” from his third album rapidly topped daily charts on multiple music platforms upon release, once again proving his powerful appeal in music.

Furthermore, Tan Jianci actively shines in variety shows and the fashion world. In 2025, he graced the covers of three major mainstream women’s fashion magazines—”ELLE,” “Harper’s Bazaar,” and “Marie Claire”—becoming the first male celebrity that year to achieve covers on all three of these top five publications. Notably, the sales for his “ELLE” New Year issue broke industry records, showcasing his strong commercial value and fashion influence.

Tan Jianci Wax Figure Limited-Time Tour: An Immersive Star-Studded Experience

Tan Jianci’s wax figure now resides in the “Hong Kong Glamorous” zone. Dressed in a classic black suit, the figure’s highly accurate facial features and meticulous details showcase masterful craftsmanship, earning it the affectionate nickname “God of Unfiltered Photos” from fans. Running from 30 January to 12 April 2026, this nearly three-month exhibition allows visitors not only to take close-up photos with the figure but also to engage with interactive installations in the zone. The charm of Tan Jianci’s diverse talents across film, music, and fashion offers visitors a dreamy moment of being “in the frame with their idol” and embarking on a personalised star-studded journey.

Madame Tussauds Hong Kong warmly invites visitors to participate in the “Celebrate the New Year with Tan Jianci” engagement game. From 9 February to 23 February 2026, fans are encouraged to share their own creative photos or videos with Tan Jianci’s wax figure on social media. Participants should tag Tan Jianci and the official accounts of Madame Tussauds Hong Kong and include the hashtags #MeetMoreInTheNewYear and #MadameTussaudsHongKong.The most creative participants will have the chance to win a mystery gift. Welcome to The Peak to capture a unique interactive moment with Tan Jianci wax figure.

Exclusive New Year Surprises Unlocked: Multiple Perks for Festive Joy

In celebration of the New Year, Madame Tussauds Hong Kong is launching a variety of exclusive offers. From 13 February to 23 February 2026, all paid guests will receive a “Mystery Red Packet,” which contains a randomly selected mini card of a celebrity wax figure from Madame Tussauds Hong Kong—each card is a unique collectible. The attraction will also feature the “Year of the Horse Wishing Tree,” where visitors can write down their wishes for the new year, hoping that all their wishes will come true.

To further enhance the festive vibe, Madame Tussauds Hong Kong introduces a limited package—enjoy admission to Madame Tussauds Hong Kong, plus a VR experience and a selected beverage to elevate your immersive visit while sipping on a delightful drink. Adult package prices have been reduced from HKD 370 to just HKD 285.

Combo Ticket Details: Experience The Peak for HKD 390

Madame Tussauds Hong Kong is reintroducing Peak Tram combos (2-in-1 and 3-in-1) at attractive package prices for more surprises and value. From now on, visitors can purchase the following combo tickets at valued rates on the official website:

Combo Ticket Type Guest Category Price (HKD)
3-in-1 Combo

( Madame Tussauds Hong Kong Ticket + Peak Tram Return Ticket + Sky Terrace Ticket)

Adult 390
Child / Senior (65+) 320
Under 2 FREE
2-in-1 Combo

( Madame Tussauds Hong Kong Ticket + Peak Tram Return Ticket)

Adult 335
Child / Senior (65+) 290
Under 2 FREE
3-in-1 Morning Combo Adult 380
Child / Senior (65+) 310
Under 2 FREE
2-in-1 Morning Combo Adult 325
Child / Senior (65+) 275
Under 2 FREE
Limited Package

( Madame Tussauds Hong Kong Ticket + VR Experience + selected beverage)

Adult 285
Child / Senior (65+) 250

Visitors from around the world are invited to celebrate the New Year at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong, capturing unforgettable photos and creating cherished memories with Tan Jianci and more other star figures. Join the festivities and make this celebration special.
Hashtag: #MadameTussaudsHongKong #MeetMoreInTheNewYear

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

About Madame Tussauds

Madame Tussauds has been inviting people to walk the red carpet and get closer to the revered for over 250 years. With 17 Merlin-operated attractions in the world’s top destination cities, we are dedicated to giving millions of visitors the opportunity to mingle with the mighty from A-listers to music legends, heroes of sport, to world leaders. Today, we continue to partner with the global icons of a generation to create astonishing lifelike figures from sittings and offer exciting and interactive experiences to ensure guests have never felt closer to fame.

About Merlin Entertainments

Merlin Entertainments is a world leader in branded entertainment destinations, offering a diverse portfolio of resort theme parks, city-centre gateway attractions and LEGOLAND® Resorts which span across the UK, US, Western Europe, China and Asia Pacific. Dedicated to creating experiences that inspire joy and connection, Merlin welcomes more than 62 million guests annually to its diverse global estate in over 20 countries. An expert in bringing world-famous entertainment brands to life, Merlin works with partners including the LEGO® Group, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Peppa Pig, DreamWorks and Ferrari to create destinations where guests can immerse themselves in a wide array of brand-driven worlds, rides and uplifting learning experiences.

See for more information.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 January 2026 – The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) yesterday unveiled the PolyU Research Excellence Report at a high-profile forum co-hosted with Clarivate, a leading global provider of transformative intelligence. The landmark report provides a comprehensive evaluation of PolyU research achievements and impact, reaffirming the University’s position as a global innovation powerhouse. The event, “Research Excellence Report Launch cum Impact Forum: Innovating for Global Impact”, drew around 100 distinguished attendees, including academic leaders from other tertiary institutions in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland, industry partners and policymakers. According to Clarivate, PolyU achieved a remarkable 65% surge in high-impact research output and a 55% rise in highly cited papers from 2020 to 2024, and led all University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded institutions in research publications in 2024, underscoring its position at the forefront of Hong Kong’s academic excellence.

The event was officiated by Prof. Timothy TONG, Chairman of the Research Grants Council (RGC); Mr Osher GILINSKY, Vice President for Asia Pacific, Academia and Government, Clarivate; and Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, who delivered opening remarks.

Celebrating PolyU’s exceptional research achievements and their far-reaching impacts on society, the Nation and the world, Prof. Tong stated, “The PolyU Research Excellence Report vividly demonstrates its commitment to sustainable development, reflecting the dedication and innovation of its faculty, researchers and students.” Prof. Tong commended PolyU for its effective use of research resources, noting the significant advancements in AI-driven medical breakthroughs, climate solutions and sustainability. He further emphasised the RGC’s ongoing commitment to supporting research that addresses major societal challenges, exemplified by initiatives such as the Research Impact Fund. Additionally, he reaffirmed the RGC’s partnership with universities in strengthening Hong Kong’s status as a global knowledge hub.

Recognising PolyU’s outstanding global research performance, Mr Gilinsky elaborated, “In recent years, PolyU has demonstrated high research productivity in high quality, driving for high impact for the society. PolyU was granted 1,020 patents between 2020 and 2024, the second highest among UGC-funded universities. To enhance research translation, PolyU has formed partnerships with companies including NVIDIA, Huawei and Alibaba. These achievements illustrate PolyU’s international connectivity, diverse disciplinary strengths and strong culture of research translation. Leveraging its strength with the Chinese Mainland resources, PolyU is also accelerating knowledge transfer and identifying emerging areas for discovery, particularly in AI-powered healthcare, sustainable engineering, advanced manufacturing and smart city development—fields where it aims for global leadership.”

Prof. Chao emphasised, “The report is a testament to years of dedicated effort, groundbreaking innovation and the unwavering commitment of the PolyU academic community. In 2025, we are proud to have 21 PolyU scholars named Highly Cited Researchers by Clarivate, while 428 rank among Stanford University’s World’s Top 2% Most-cited Scientists—placing PolyU second among Hong Kong tertiary institutions. Our Strategic Plan 2025/26 – 2030/31, themed ‘Unite to Meet Challenges, Innovate to Benefit Society,’ will further empower PolyU to deliver even more transformative contributions to society.”

Clarivate has been forging continuous collaborations with numerous institutions, including co-authoring the report series The impact of research undertaken by universities in Hong Kong with UGC in 2022. Produced by Clarivate using authoritative data from the Web of Science, the PolyU Research Excellence Report delivers a comprehensive assessment of the University’s overall research performance and achievements, highlighting PolyU’s global leadership in engineering, advancements in powering medical research with emerging AI technologies, and unique contributions to the hospitality, fashion and textile, design and art disciplines that distinguish the University on the global stage.

PolyU’s strengths are exemplified by its leadership in Hong Kong’s research output growth, achieving the highest number of publications among UGC‑funded universities in 2024. Nearly 40% of its outputs are internationally co-authored, while 27% involve QS Top 50 university partners. The quality and impact of the University’s research output are further evidenced by its strong disciplinary performance. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, seven PolyU disciplines rank in the global Top 30, while, overall, 26 disciplines are listed among the world’s Top 100, underscoring the breadth and depth of the University’s academic excellence across multiple fields.

Following the report launch, the Impact Forum featured a high-level panel discussion on “Innovations and Challenges in Research Evaluation”. The discussion facilitated insightful exchanges between the panel and attendees on evolving approaches to research assessment, the importance of measuring societal impact and strategies for fostering cross-institutional collaboration.

The PolyU Research Excellence Report is now available on the PolyU website: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/ipao/institutional-performance/research-excellence-report/

Highlights from the report:

  • Engineering Leadership: Ranked 6th globally in Engineering and 2nd in Civil Engineering (Subject Rankings of U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities Rankings 2025-2026), with research supporting Hong Kong’s Cross Bay Link project and national space missions. PolyU engineering publications grew by 68% between 2020-2024, with 38% of Hong Kong’s engineering publications affiliated with the University in 2024.
  • AI-driven Medical Innovations: 261 patents in Computing and Control solutions, including LungRT Pro (a radiotherapy support system), Scolioscan® (radiation-free scoliosis diagnosis) and STARS (a smartphone-based vision screening tool for children). These life‑changing innovations demonstrate PolyU’s strong interdisciplinary integration across computer science, optometry, biomedical engineering, rehabilitation sciences and nursing.
  • Unique Disciplines: Global top rankings in Hospitality and Tourism Management, and Textile Science and Engineering (1st and 5th respectively in ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2025), as well as Art and Design (22nd in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025). Groundbreaking work includes smart wearables for stroke patients, AI-powered tourism demand forecasting platforms and sustainable community design projects.
  • Collaborative Impact: Over 600 international collaboration agreements with 390+ institutions across 45 countries and regions, and 3,100+ collaborative projects in the Chinese Mainland. Between 2020 and 2024, nearly 40% of its high-quality research publications were co-authored with international institutions. PolyU Unicorn startups have created over 5,000 international job opportunities and generated significant economic value.

Hashtag: #PolyU #Clarivate #ResearchOutput #AIMedical #Engineering #HongKong

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

By Nitya Chakraborty The meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday, January 29 in Beijing assumes special significance at a time when Britain is fighting its transatlantic ally U.S. over the sovereignty of Greenland and President Trump has mentioned security threat from China and Russia in Arctic […]

The article China’s Diplomatic, Trade Gains In Europe Continue As Trump Fumes appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Champions Youth Football Development across Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 January 2026 – CTF Life announced today the extension of its exclusive collaboration with PSG Academy (GBA, China) to continue bringing Paris Saint-Germain Academy football training programmes and related sports initiatives to Hong Kong and all cities across the Chinese Mainland. The strengthened three-year collaboration with one of the world’s leading football academies marks a significant milestone in CTF Life’s ongoing commitment to cultivating the holistic development of young football talent through structured, high-quality training programmes, empowering them to pursue their ambitions and realise their dreams.

The programme will potentially reach around 10 million students from schools, corporations, residential complex, etc. across Hong Kong, Macau and the Chinese Mainland, helping them strengthen their football skills and amplify their enthusiasm for the sport. In addition to regular training, the collaboration will also offer young participants a range of exclusive international experiences, including participation in the annual PSG Academy World Cup tournaments held in Paris, visits to Paris Saint-Germain’s home stadium in Paris and meet-and-greet sessions with global football stars.

Man Kit Ip, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of CTF Life, said, “CTF Life’s extended collaboration with PSG Academy (GBA, China) underscores our longstanding dedication to youth development through sport. By deepening this exclusive collaboration, we are opening meaningful pathways for the next generation of football talents across Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland – combining on-the-ground training with one-of-a-kind experiences that inspire ambition, broaden horizons and build confidence, resilience and teamwork – exemplifying our commitment to creating value beyond dreams, an aspiration that stems from our brand promise to create value beyond insurance.”

Yannick Ngassa, Chief Executive Officer of PSG Academy (GBA, China), said, “Partnering with a forward-thinking insurer like CTF Life allows us to do more than just teach football; it allows us to build a solid foundation for the next generation. We share a common vision of empowering young people to pursue their ambitions with confidence. By expanding our academy across Hong Kong, Macau and Mainland China, we are collectively investing in the health, resilience, and future success of millions of students.”

Through sustained investment in meaningful and impactful youth initiatives, CTF Life continues to play an active role in advancing community wellbeing and long-term talent development – shaping a stronger, more inclusive future for young people and nurturing tomorrow’s champions.

Hashtag: #ChowTaiFookLife #ParisSaintGermainAcademy #YouthDevelopment #SportsEducation

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

About CTF Life

Chow Tai Fook Life Insurance Company Limited (“CTF Life”) is proud of its rich, 40-year legacy in Hong Kong. CTF Life is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CTF Services Limited (“CTFS”) (Hong Kong Stock Code: 659) and one of the most well-established life insurance companies in Hong Kong. As a member of Chow Tai Fook Enterprises Limited, CTF Life consistently strengthens its collaboration with the Chow Tai Fook Group ecosystem to support customers and their loved ones in navigating life’s journey with personalised planning solutions, lifelong protection and diverse lifestyle experiences. By leveraging the Group’s robust financial strength and strategic investments across the globe, CTF Life aspires to become a leading insurance company in Asia while continuously creating value beyond insurance.

About PSG Academy (GBA, China)

Dedicated to bringing the world-renowned Paris Saint-Germain training methodology to the region, PSG Academy (GBA, China) provides comprehensive football training for youth across Hong Kong , Macau and the Chinese Mainland. Led by Paris Saint-Germain Academy and UEFA-certified coaches, the programmes emphasize technical development, teamwork, and sportsmanship in a fun and educational environment, offering young players a unique pathway to international football experiences. www.psgacademyguangdong.com www.psgacademyhongkong.com

Chow Tai Fook Life Insurance Company Limited (Incorporated in Bermuda with limited liabil

SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 January 2026 – When Thai tourist Naree visited Shanghai, she paid easily for coffee at a neighborhood café by scanning a Weixin Pay QR code using the same K PLUS mobile wallet as she used at home, because her mobile wallet was linked to her Thai UnionPay card.

Now international visitors from 11 countries and regions travelling to China’s mainland can enjoy the same seamless mobile payment experience just as Naree. The collaboration between UnionPay International and Weixin Pay (also known as WeChat) now supports 25 UnionPay-partnered international wallets. Users only need to link the local UnionPay cards or activate digital UnionPay cards in one of their digital wallets. Then they can make payments at restaurants, shops, and public transport systems across China’s mainland by scanning Weixin Pay or UnionPay QR codes. The funds will be automatically converted from their home currency into RMB, eliminating the need to download additional apps.

The 25 supported international wallets by country / region
The 25 supported international wallets by country / region

Since launching in December 2024, the program’s coverage has steadily broadened. As more UnionPay-Partnered international digital wallets join the network, a growing number of visitors to China can enjoy a smoother payment experience.

A Milestone In UnionPay’s Project Excellence

The cooperation between UnionPay International and Weixin Pay marks the latest milestone in UnionPay’s Project Excellence. Under Project Excellence, over 200 e-wallets across 37 countries and regions outside China’s mainland can link to locally issued UnionPay cards.

To further enhance the payment experience for overseas visitors to China, UnionPay has also launched the SplendorPlus Card, a product specially designed to meet inbound travelers’ unique needs.

In 2025, the number of QR code transactions made in China’s mainland using UnionPay-partnered e-wallets issued outside the Chinese mainland increased by 100% year on year, while the value of these transactions increased by 75%.
Hashtag: #UnionPay

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

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 January 2026 – The Asian Financial Forum (AFF), Asia’s flagship annual financial event, successfully wrapped up its 19th edition yesterday (January 27), following two days of high-powered discussions and intelligence sharing involving more than 4,000 business leaders and officials from over 60 countries and regions.

Jointly organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) under the theme of “Co-creating New Horizons Amid an Evolving Landscape”, the AFF welcomed more than 150 distinguished speakers from around the world.

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A new Global Business Summit was held throughout day-two of the AFF yesterday, to further integrate finance with key industries and drive innovation and economic development.

Co-organised by the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau of the HKSAR Government, the HKTDC, and the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises, the summit explored how finance empowers businesses. It also examined how Hong Kong can support Chinese Mainland enterprises to “go global”, and the prospects for foreign enterprises entering the Mainland market.

In his opening remarks at the summit, Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government, highlighted trade, finance and innovation and technology as the three principal drivers of future economic growth.

“Hong Kong is not just a platform that connects capital, market, projects, talent and opportunity. Hong Kong is willing to be a strategic partner to help you grow, scale up and go global,” Mr Chan said.

On building a more vibrant tech ecosystem, Mr Chan said the HKSAR Government is determined to attract the world’s leading frontier-technology enterprises to establish a presence in Hong Kong.

“We welcome technology and industrial enterprises to establish a presence in the Northern Metropolis. Where justified, we are prepared to tailor incentive packages, which may include land grants, premium concessions, tax incentives and other facilitation measures. Everything is negotiable,” he said.

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Prof Frederick Ma, Chairman of the HKTDC, in his welcome remarks at the summit, said: “In these unpredictable times, working together on shared goals adds to the agility and resilience of our economies, our industries and businesses, and our communities. Hong Kong, under the ‘one country, two systems’ arrangement, is perfectly suited to host these conversations and promote cross-sector collaboration, as a super connector, super value-adder and super collaborator.”

A series of plenary sessions held during the summit included the Business Plenary I – Chinese Mainland Enterprises Going Global, and Business Plenary II – Strategic Collaboration for Shared Growth, focusing on the latest opportunities in global market expansion and inbound foreign investment.

The Global Business Summit also featured a series of discussion sessions covering high‑growth, high‑value sectors, including biomedicine and healthcare, green energy, new consumer trends, artificial intelligence and robotics.

Speakers included representatives of prominent enterprises in the respective fields, such as Banking Circle, Infineon AG, Investcorp, JP Morgan, Revolut, Triton Partners, Amgen, Merck, DexForce Technology, JD.com, Pictet Group, AI² Robotics, Galbot and Tencent.

Paul Polman, a business leader, investor and philanthropist who is dedicated to advocating for systemic change, climate action, and social equality, delivered the Keynote Luncheon speech (January 27). He shared his “Net Positive” corporate sustainability strategy, which he has championed in recent years, focusing on advancing sustainable development.

Meanwhile, this year’s AFF Deal-making session, co-organised by the HKTDC and the Hong Kong Venture Capital and Private Equity Association, attracted over 280 investors and over 600 investment projects, resulting in more than 800 one-on-one meetings that successfully connected global capital with investment opportunities.

The AFF also marked the start of this year’s International Financial Week, featuring14 industry events that span a wide range of globally watched financial and business topics, including ASEAN opportunities, digital finance, green finance, family offices, private equity and alternative investments. Together, these events underscore Hong Kong’s unique role as the region’s most comprehensive and diversified international financial centre.

Hashtag: #hongkong #brandhongkong #AFF #Finance #Business #Economic





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More than 10,000 Ophthalmic Experts to Convene, Reinforcing Hong Kong’s Status as a Leading International Hub for Ophthalmology

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 January 2026 – The 41st Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology Congress (APAO 2026 Congress), in conjunction with the 37th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Hong Kong Ophthalmological Symposium, will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) from 5 to 8 February this year. Hosted by the APAO and co-hosted by the Hong Kong Ophthalmological Society and the College of Ophthalmologists of Hong Kong, this congress is the largest and most authoritative ophthalmological academic conference in the Asia-Pacific region. It is expected to attract more than 10,000 ophthalmologists, vision scientists, and ophthalmic professionals from around the globe to exchange the latest breakthroughs in the prevention and treatment of eye diseases and to drive the advancement of the field globally. The opening ceremony will take place on 5 February afternoon, with Professor Lo Chung-mau, Secretary for Health of the HKSAR, as the Guest of Honour.

Theme “Eyes on the Future: Innovating Ophthalmology” to Explore Clinical Applications of Cutting-Edge Technology

Under the theme “Eyes on the Future: Innovating Ophthalmology,” the four-day congress will feature over 300 insightful sessions. It will bring together more than 1,000 distinguished speakers and 10,000 attendees to explore the clinical applications and translations of state-of-the-art technologies. The scientific programme covers 19 subspecialties—from core areas such as cataract, cornea, glaucoma, and retina, paediatric ophthalmology, and oculoplastic surgery, etc., to emerging fields like artificial intelligence, digital innovation, and virtual health. This comprehensive agenda is dedicated to fostering the continuous development of international ophthalmology.

A key highlight of the congress is the 2nd “World EyeCons in Ophthalmology of the 21st Century” Award Ceremony, scheduled for 5 February morning. This prestigious award recognises the world’s most influential ophthalmologists, vision scientists, innovators, and leaders who have profoundly shaped and advanced the field in the 21st century. Following the ceremony, a symposium titled “Pioneers and Visions: Innovations Shaping the Future of Ophthalmology” will feature presentations from current and past awardees, sharing invaluable insights on breakthrough advancements and the future of eye care.

Accelerate Cross-border and Global Collaboration

In addition to the annual English-language programme, this year’s APAO Congress will feature a special Chinese-language Scientific Programme to enhance regional collaboration and academic exchange, with over 100 leading ophthalmologists from the Chinese Mainland invited for in-depth discussions. A key event is the public health luncheon on myopia control, focusing on the innovative and evidence-based “Chinese Myopia Prevention and Control Model”. Top experts from the Chinese Mainland and abroad will share their perspectives on myopia prevention and control strategies. The objective is to showcase China’s impactful framework for comprehensive and public health management, robust research, new technologies, and effective policy to the global ophthalmic community.

On the same day, four leading eye care organizations will jointly establish the new Hong Kong Interdisciplinary Myopia Control Expert Taskforce (Hong Kong Myopia Taskforce). This collaborative initiative is led by the Hong Kong Ophthalmological Society, the College of Ophthalmologists of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Association of Private Eye Surgeons, and the Hong Kong Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Society. This taskforce will pioneer the integration of academic research, clinical services, and public education to propose a comprehensive myopia control strategy for Hong Kong. Furthermore, it will promote more holistic, cost-effective, and long-term myopia management solutions by incorporating cutting-edge technologies such as AI, wearable devices, and novel therapies for the public’s benefit. This session will be officiated by Dr Ronald Lam Man-kin, Director of Health of the HKSAR, as the Guest of Honour.

For APAO 2026 Programme Schedule, please visit:https://2026.apaophth.org/program-overview/。

APAO 2026 to Enhance Hong Kong’s Clinical Prowess and Showcase World-Class Scientific Standards

Professor Jason Yam Cheuk-sing, President of the APAO 2026 Congress & President of The Hong Kong Ophthalmological Society, stated, “Hosting the APAO Congress for the fifth time is a testament to Hong Kong’s internationally recognised strength in ophthalmology. This world-class platform not only allows us to engage with top global experts and enhance our clinical capabilities in managing complex cases but also enables us to showcase Hong Kong’s cutting-edge ophthalmic technology and scientific prowess to the world, solidifying our leadership position as an international ophthalmology hub. We sincerely thank the generous support of the Funding Programme under the Innovation and Technology Commission, which has made this prestigious event possible.”

Professor Dennis Lam Shun-chiu, President of Academia of Retina International and Scientific Program Committee Chair of the APAO 2026 Congress, said, “At the upcoming APAO Congress, two significant societies will be officially established: the Global Ophthalmic Artificial Intelligence and Technology Innovation Society (GOATS) and the Asia-Pacific Stem Cell and Gene Therapy Society (APSOCGT). We are confident that these initiatives will provide substantial impetus for the advancement of ophthalmic artificial intelligence, technological innovation, stem cell and gene therapy, facilitating their translation from foundational research to clinical application, not only within the Asia-Pacific region but also on a global scale.”

Professor Clement Tham Chee-yung, President of the Hong Kong Glaucoma Society and Secretary-General of the Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology, noted, “In recent years, we have seen new treatment options for glaucoma, one of which is ‘minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS).’ The key advantage of MIGS is the implantation of microscopic tubes into the eye to increase the outflow of aqueous humour, thereby reducing intraocular pressure and preventing further vision loss.”

Concurrent Large-Scale Ophthalmic Exhibition Welcomes Students and the Public

During the congress, a large-scale ophthalmic exhibition will also be held at the HKCEC, bringing together renowned international ophthalmic brands to showcase their latest technologies and products, providing a platform for industry professionals to network and source. The “Technology and Innovation in Ophthalmology Exhibition” will spotlight the research capabilities of local top-tier universities, featuring the outstanding research achievements of the ophthalmology teams from The Chinese University of Hong Kong and The University of Hong Kong.

The exhibition will also gather professional and charitable organisations—including the Hong Kong Ophthalmological Society, the College of Ophthalmologists of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Association of Private Eye Surgeons, and the Eye Care Charitable Foundation—to introduce various eye care services, medical information, and support programmes. To promote science education, this exhibition has been included in the Education Bureau’s “Business-School Partnership Programme – Ophthalmology Rising Stars Program,” with free admission for registered students and the public. This initiative aims to deepen public understanding of how cutting-edge technology drives the development of eye care and to demonstrate the societal value of academic research.

Free exhibition admission. Register now: https://www.i-concept.events

For more details about the APAO 2026 Congress, please visit https://2026.apaophth.org/.

This press release is issued by the APAO 2026 Congress.

Hashtag: #APAO2026

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

About the APAO 2026 Congress

The Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO) Congress is the largest and most authoritative academic conference for ophthalmology in the Asia-Pacific region. The upcoming congress (APAO 2026) will be held in Hong Kong from 5 to 8 February 2026, in conjunction with the 37th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Hong Kong Ophthalmological Symposium. It is expected to attract more than 10,000 ophthalmologists, vision scientists, and ophthalmic professionals from around the globe. This prestigious event provides a premier international platform for attendees to exchange professional knowledge, showcase innovative technologies, and foster collaborations to collectively advance the latest global developments in preventing blindness and restoring sight. For more information, please visit .

Bringing together local and overseas innovation talents and leaders to deepen cross-border, cross-campus collaboration

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 January 2026 – Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), together with 15 local tertiary institutions, marked a major milestone as Hong Kong Techathon+, the city’s largest international intercollegiate innovation and technology (I&T) annual event, celebrated its 10th anniversary. The Hong Kong Techathon+ Finale was successfully held recently (on 24 January) at Hong Kong Science Park. The team “Cresento” from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology won the Gold Award in the category of Trusted AI and Data Science under the Local Track (Open Group) as well as the Best Presentation Award voted by the audience.

The 10th anniversary finale of Hong Kong Techathon+, co-organised by HKSTP and 15 local tertiary institutions, took place at Hong Kong Science Park, bringing together representatives from local and overseas institutions, industry partners, and innovation teams to mark this milestone.
The 10th anniversary finale of Hong Kong Techathon+, co-organised by HKSTP and 15 local tertiary institutions, took place at Hong Kong Science Park, bringing together representatives from local and overseas institutions, industry partners, and innovation teams to mark this milestone.

In parallel, the Global University Innovation Network (GUIN), jointly established by HKSTP and its 15 local tertiary institution partners, convened its inaugural forum on 23 January. The forum brought together GUIN member representatives and academic I&T leaders for in-depth exchanges on innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem development, further strengthening Hong Kong’s position as an international I&T and talent hub.

Hong Kong Techathon+ is co-organised by HKSTP and 15 local tertiary institutions, including: City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Hong Kong Shue Yan University, Lingnan University, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Education University of Hong Kong, The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, The University of Hong Kong, Tung Wah College; and three institutions under the Vocational Training Council – The Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education, and Hong Kong Institute of Information Technology.

Record-high International Participation Highlights Hong Kong’s Role as a Hub for Talent, Markets and Opportunity

This year’s Techathon+ attracted enthusiastic participation from both local and overseas universities, Approximately 1,900 participants formed over 470 teams. Notably, 215 overseas teams joined, underscoring the event’s growing international appeal.

Following rigorous selection, 172 teams advanced to the finale, including 122 local teams and 50 overseas teams from Australia, Brazil, Chinese Mainland, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Portugal, Singapore, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan, the UK, and the US. Kazakhstan, Japan, Korea and the UK participated for the first time through their university representatives, further demonstrating Techathon+’s reach as an international platform for I&T exchange.

A Decade of Growth: From a Local Challenge to One of Asia’s Major Inter-University I&T Platforms

HKSTP Chief Executive Officer Mr Terry Wong said: “Since its launch in 2015, Hong Kong Techathon+ has grown from a local challenge to one of Asia’s largest intercollegiate I&T events — driving creativity and collaboration while creating international impact. Techathon+ brings together outstanding young talents across tertiary institutions, turning ideas into innovative solutions that respond to societal needs and carry strong potential for real-world application. The platform has expanded the global pipeline of innovators and entrepreneurs, reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a hub connecting talents, markets, and opportunities, and writing the next chapter of Hong Kong’s I&T story.”

Beyond a Competition: A Comprehensive “Soft-landing” platform for Entrepreneurship

Hong Kong Techathon+ is more than a university innovation competition. Over the past decade, the platform has engaged over 9,000 participants, nurturing innovative talents and supporting the growth of startups.

Non-local teams also participated in a four-day immersive programme, featuring I&T ecosystem seminars, mentorship, investor matching, visits at Hong Kong Science Park, and tours to Chinese Mainland I&T bases, helping participants explore market expansion opportunities across the Greater Bay Area.

HKSTP also invites selected high-potential finalist teams and winners to join its Ideation Programme, offering up to HK$100,000 in seed funding (along with support aligned with participating universities’ startup programmes), free co-working spaces, access to advanced technology resources and professional mentorship. Through HKSTP’s incubation and industry networks, teams are supported from prototype development to sustainable startups operations – scaling progressively and building international impact.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the exclusive Technology Enabler for the 10th Edition of Hong Kong Techathon+, providing participating startups with access to leading cloud and artificial intelligence technologies and platforms. Through this collaboration, AWS offered competing teams technology resources in generative AI and machine learning, professional technical support, and workshop to accelerate innovation and drive Hong Kong’s development as an international I&T hub.

Inaugural GUIN Forum: Deepening Global University Innovation Collaboration

The first Global University Innovation Network (GUIN) Forum was successfully held on 23 January at Hong Kong Science Park, bringing together GUIN member institution representatives and I&T experts. The forum focused on three key areas:

  • Exploring strategies for university-industry technology transfer collaboration to achieve win-win innovation outcomes
  • Examining the Greater Bay Area as a hub for international innovation collaboration, including opportunities for research commercialisation and cross-border partnership, and
  • Strengthening global collaboration networks through actionable pathways.

Speakers included Dr Tony Raven, former CEO of Cambridge Enterprise; Professor Poh Kam Wong, Emeritus Professor at National University of Singapore; and Dr Alwin Wong, Chair of the Association of Technology Transfer Professionals (ATTP), among others.

Co-founded last year by HKSTP and 15 local tertiary institution partners with support from multiple overseas institutions and partners, GUIN aims to bring together leading minds to advance international collaboration in innovation and entrepreneurship, reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a global talent and innovation hub.

In his welcome address at the forum, Mr Terry Wong, Chief Executive Officer of HKSTP remarked: “We are building GUIN into a ‘global platform for innovation exchange and incubation’ — sharing knowledge, co-creating initiatives, and connecting startups with campus incubation resources and markets worldwide to turn concepts into tangible outcomes.”

Since last summer, HKSTP and university partners have launched the Theme-based Global Incubation Programmes under GUIN with three initiatives currently underway focusing on dentistry, visual technology, and the circular economy. The inaugural ” Global Hub for Future Dentistry” programme has attracted 40 top applicants worldwide. Additional thematic incubation programmes are in preparation, and GUIN members and partner organisations are welcomed to co-develop this expanding international collaboration.

The 10th Edition of Hong Kong Techathon+ Partial Awards List:

Local Track (Student Group)

Technology Theme Award Winning Team Project Brief
Trusted AI & Data Science Gold SpeakRight An AI‑powered voice‑changing solution designed to demonstrate and enhance speech training applications.
Sustainability & ESG Gold Hydroforge Tech Development of cost‑efficient AEM electrolysis systems using a binder‑free, self‑growing electrode technology to enable scalable green hydrogen production.
Life Science & Healthcare Gold Nanos A tech‑driven Contract Development & Manufacturing Organisation (CDMO) platform that rescues undeliverable drug candidates through proprietary drug‑carrier optimisation, targeting breakthrough therapies including Alzheimer’s.
Digital Economy & Smart City Gold Smart Mall Wayfinding with AI Paedestrian Dead Reckoning Technology An AI-powered Pedestrian Dead Reckoning (PDR) solution – an infrastructure‑light indoor navigation that delivers accurate mall wayfinding using AI‑powered pedestrian dead‑reckoning with minimal deployment cost.
Tech FYP Group Gold OmniWatch AI – A Scalable, Multi-Model AI Proctoring Engine and Invigilator Dashboard A privacy‑preserving, multi‑modal AI platform for onsite digital exam proctoring that detects suspicious behaviours in real time and enables scalable, non‑intrusive invigilation.

Local Track (Open Group)

Technology Theme Award Winning Team Project Brief
Trusted AI & Data Science Gold Cresento* A Hong Kong–based sports technology startup developing AI‑powered smart shin guard solution, delivering actionable performance insights for safer, smarter football training.
Sustainability & ESG Gold Off-Grid AEM Hydrogen Production Driven by Fluctuating Renewable Energy A modular off‑grid AEM electrolysis system designed for stable hydrogen production from fluctuating renewable energy sources.
Life Science & Healthcare Gold Illuminatio Medical Technology A medical imaging startup developing non‑invasive diagnostics to improve the assessment of chronic liver disease (CLD).
Digital Economy & Smart City Gold MicroLink A micro‑LED‑based optical interconnect technology enabling faster, more energy‑efficient data transfer for next‑generation AI data centres.

Global Track

Technology Theme Award Winning Team Project Brief
Life Science & Healthcare Gold Cancer Immunotherapy A next‑generation cancer immunotherapy programme developing novel PD‑1 combination treatments to improve outcomes for solid tumours.
Non-Life Science & Healthcare Gold ROTOBOOST ROTOBOOST develops Thermo‑Catalytic Decomposition (TCD) technology to produce low‑cost, low‑carbon hydrogen from diverse hydrocarbon feedstocks, enabling efficient pre‑combustion carbon removal at industrial scale.

*Winner of Best Presentation Award voted by the audience.

Hashtag: #HKSTP

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 January 2026 – The 2025 Hong Kong & Shenzhen Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism Architecture (Hong Kong) (UABBHK 2025) officially concluded on 24 January 2026 with its Closing Ceremony held at the Oil Street Art Space (Oi!), bringing to a close the two-months of exhibitions, public programmes, and cross-disciplinary dialogue under the theme “TECHFORMANCE: Technology, Platform and Performance”, organised by The Hong Kong Institute of Architects Biennale Foundation, and co-organised by The Hong Kong Institute of Architects, The Hong Kong Institute of Planners, and The Hong Kong Designers Association. The Biennale is proudly supported by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) as Lead Sponsor.

UABBHK 2025 transformed traditional architectural exhibitions into a dynamic civic performance, positioning artificial intelligence (AI) not as a tool, but as a platform to co-create ethical, inclusive, and human-centred futures. Through immersive installations, public workshops, and experimental formats, UABBHK 2025 invited audiences to participate in the design of the city — in real time.

“The Biennale has not only showcased the possibilities of design in the AI era, but also activated a civic platform where architecture, technology and public imagination intersect,” said Ar. Allen Poon, Chairman of The Hong Kong Institute of Architects Biennale Foundation, during the ceremony. “Today’s conclusion marks both a milestone and a beginning — a new phase of creative exploration among Hong Kong, Shenzhen and the world.”

Exhibition Highlights: Tech Meets Imagination

UABBHK 2025 unfolded across two venues, Oil Street Art Space (Oi!) and the newly opened East Kowloon Cultural Centre (EKCC), showcasing 25 curated exhibits by architects, artists, researchers, and technologists from Hong Kong and beyond. Teams from 10+ regions, including Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, Taiwan, as well as Australia, Austria, Italy, Japan, Singapore, the Netherlands, the UK, and the USA, explored how AI can be integrated into architectural thinking, spatial storytelling, and participatory design. Among the highlights were 4 video screening works that extended the exhibition’s themes through cinematic and documentary perspectives, addressing topics such as displacement and homecoming, the entanglement of code and culture, and speculative futures shaped by collective memory and student-led design fictions. Interactive installations like Prompt[Pond]ering, Sentient Mirror, and Collaborative Ephemeral Pavilion invited audiences to co-design spaces through AI-driven interactions. Works such as LANdLine Project and Flower Market Imaginaries grounded these future-facing visions in Hong Kong’s unique community and cultural context.

“In curating UABBHK 2025, we imagined AI not as a threat, but as a collaborator — a partner in rehearsing the future of our cities,” shared by Dr. Jimmy Ho and Ar. Aron Tsang, Lead Curators of UABBHK 2025. “We are proud to have created a platform that enables technology to be tangible, and civic imagination visible.”

Extending Impact: Public Programmes on Innovation & Collaboration

To extend the UABBHK 2025’s engagement beyond the galleries, two flagship public programmes were launched to bring AI and urban thinking into action: the ArchiTech Hackathon and the Hetao Vision: AI Video Competition.

ArchiTech Hackathon: Bridging Architecture and AI

Held earlier on the 24 January morning and co-hosted with Google Developer Group Hong Kong (GDGHK), the ArchiTech Hackathon was a first-of-its-kind 3-hour collaborative event that brought together 40 architects, developers and students — half from the HKIA Young Architects Group (YAG) and half from GDGHK — to explore how AI can support architectural workflows. The participants learned to use Google’s Gemini model and no-code platforms to build AI agents for architectural design code compliance.

Led by Mr. Frankie Wu from GDGHK, Ms. Adeline Chan and Ar. Owen Lam, Executive Curators of UABBHK 2025, the event embodied UABBHK’s vision by fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration between the tech and design communities, showcasing AI as a practical and imaginative tool for the built environment.

The winning team is Mr. Eric Chan and Ar. Toby Chiu. They successfully built the AI ​​agent for the competition in an astonishing time of 3 minutes, 56.32 seconds within a 60-minute timeframe, and was able to answer 10 questions, as required by the competition, completing the complex professional architect exam questions with 90% accuracy under four minutes.

Hetao Vision: Innovative AI Video Competition

Also announced during the ceremony were the winners of the Hetao Vision AI Video Competition, which invited creators to imagine the future of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone (HSITP). All entries were required to be fully AI-generated — both visually and aurally — using tools such as Runway, Pika Labs, Suno, and Udio.

The competition explored how AI can democratise futurology, letting creators of all backgrounds envision interconnectivity, innovation, and inclusiveness across the “one river, two banks” vision of Hetao.

The winning video,titled 深港河脈:一河兩岸的科創樞紐宏圖(Shenzhen-Hong Kong River Network: A Grand Vision for a Science and Technology Innovation Hub Across Both Banks) by Mr. Zhang Xiaoshan, was praised for utilising AI to create a convincing narrative of a cross-border innovation hub, demonstrating a profound understanding of the development of the Hetao area. Two additional finalists were also recognised for their distinctive storytelling and technical creativity.

A public screening of the shortlisted videos will be held in the Hetao Science and Technology Innovation Centre, in February 2026, allowing the public to reflect on the role of AI in imagining future urban life.

What’s Next: Visit UABBSZ and Explore the Living Archive

UABBHK 2025 will continue its journey in the Shenzhen & Hong Kong Bi-City Biennale of UrbanismArchitecture (Shenzhen) (UABBSZ) from January to March 2026. Whether you participated in the Hong Kong Edition or missed it, we warmly welcome you to visit the parallel venue of UABBSZ, at the Shenzhen Hetao Science and Technology Innovation Centre. Come and view the selection of UABBHK 2025 exhibits, continuing the creative dialogue and collaboration between Hong Kong and Shenzhen.

In addition, UABBHK 2025’s ideas and output will remain accessible through a dedicated digital gallery website and a forthcoming archive booklet, both will preserve the curatorial vision, exhibited works, and public interactions from this edition. These resources will serve as an open, living archive — a springboard for future conversations across architecture, AI, and urban futures.

Hashtag: #UABBHK

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About The Hong Kong Institute of Architects Biennale Foundation

The Hong Kong Institute of Architects Biennale Foundation is a non-profit making organisation established and incorporated in 2014 for charitable purposes. The objects for which the Biennale Foundation is established are:

  • To promote creativity and advance the understanding, appreciation and interest of architectural and design excellence
  • To encourage cross-border and cross-disciplinary dialogue and collaboration among creative professionals from Hong Kong, other parts of the Greater China region and overseas
  • To support art, design, architectural and cultural education for students and youth, the community, and policy makers
  • To create a favourable environment for study, research and experimentation of design, art and architectural works in an exhibition scale
  • To energise and revitalise specific sites of interests by introduction of cultural and creative events


About the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency

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.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 January 2026 – Immuno Cure BioTech (“Immuno Cure“) is pleased to announce today the initiation of a Phase I clinical study of ICVAX, a therapeutic DNA vaccine for HIV, in collaboration with the Faculty of Medicine of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (“CUMedicine“), the AIDS Institute of The University of Hong Kong (“HKU AIDS Institute“), and Greater Bay Area International Clinical Trials Center (“BAY TRIAL“).

As a lead candidate under Immuno Cure’s patented “PD-1-Enhanced DNA Vaccine Technology Platform”, ICVAX aims to achieve sustained, immune-mediated HIV-1 virological control without the need of antiretroviral therapy. Following the successful first-in-human ICVAX Phase I clinical trial in Shenzhen that showed exceptional safety and immunogenicity profiles, this clinical study will explore the safety and immunogenicity of ICVAX in HIV-infected volunteers in Hong Kong, to be administered by three distinct delivery systems. This comparative approach will provide essential data on the optimal delivery method for ICVAX, and hence potentially identifying the most effective, patient-friendly and scalable option for enhancing immunotherapeutic responses in people living with HIV.

The clinical study will be conducted at Prince of Wales Hospital and will be led by Dr Grace LUI, Head of the Division of Infectious Diseases at CUHK Medicine’s Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, as the Principal Investigator. This is a randomized clinical study to evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of ICVAX in a total of 22 HIV-infected volunteers using three delivery systems: Teresa-EPT-1 electroporation device, PharmaJet’s Tropis, a WHO pre-qualified needle-free injection system, and PapiVax’s TriGrid EP device.

This study has been granted ΗΚ$4.2 million funding under the Public Sector Trial Scheme of the Innovation and Technology Fund of the HKSAR Government (project reference number: UTT/002/23GM). Professor Zhiwei CHEN, Director of the HKU AIDS Institute and Principal Scientific Advisor of Immuno Cure, serves as the Project Coordinator for this funding. This study is also partially supported by Theme-based Research Scheme (TRS) of the Research Grants Council under the University Grants Committee of the Education Bureau (project reference number: T11-702/24-N).

“This Phase I clinical study is an important landmark, being the first evaluation of ICVAX in Hong Kong volunteers and incorporating multiple innovative delivery technologies,” said Dr Grace LUI. “By testing these devices, we aim to optimize safety, immunogenicity, and patient experience for this promising HIV therapeutic DNA vaccine candidate.”

“ICVAX is built on the innovative PD-1-Enhanced DNA vaccine technology invented and developed locally at the HKU,” said Professor Zhiwei CHEN. “This study will help optimize delivery of ICVAX, paving the way for broader international deployment.”

“The launch of this clinical study is a major milestone of vaccine development for Immuno Cure,” said Dr Xia JIN, CEO of Immuno Cure. “By testing ICVAX for the first time in Hong Kong and comparing three innovative delivery devices this study not only advances our understanding of the performance of our DNA medicines, but also significantly supports the global commercialization of ICVAX and our other DNA medicines. Immuno Cure is committed to leading innovation in immunotherapy to combat infectious diseases and cancers.”

Hashtag: #ImmunoCure

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

About Immuno Cure

Immuno Cure is a clinical stage biotechnology group based in the Hong Kong Science Park, focusing on research and development of innovative DNA medicines and antibody immunotherapies to fight against cancers, inflammatory and infectious diseases based on its patented PD-1-enhanced DNA Vaccine Platform and Anti-Δ42PD1 Antibody Platform

To learn more about Immuno Cure, please visit .

About CUHK Medicine

Established in 1981, CU Medicine has achieved international recognition in teaching, research, and clinical practice and is the youngest medical school ranked among the world’s top 25 in many global rankings. In the “Best Global Universities Subject Rankings 2025-26” by U.S. News and World Report, its “Gastroenterology and Hepatology”, “Endocrinology and Metabolism” and “Clinical Medicine” programmes rank 1st in Asia, while Gastroenterology and Hepatology claims 2nd globally.

The Faculty comprises 14 clinical departments and five schools, delivering a world-class environment for teaching and research with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary, interprofessional, and international collaboration. To date, it has cultivated over 6,000 medical graduates who are making an impact across local and global healthcare systems. The Faculty is dedicated to driving innovation by translating groundbreaking research into real-world clinical applications. Its contributions have reshaped medicine — evidenced by the filing of 3,000 patents, strategic patent acquisitions, and the establishment of more than 20 start-ups. Its pioneering research has not only rewritten international clinical guidelines but also revolutionised the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of numerous diseases.

To learn more about CU Medicine, please visit .

About HKU AIDS Institute

HKU AIDS Institute was established in November 2007 to take HKU in a new strategic direction in fighting this global epidemic and help to make it a leader in the region in AIDS research, education and prevention. Scientists at the AIDS Institute are fully committed to conducting basic and applied research that facilitates the understanding of AIDS pathogenesis and the development of effective AIDS vaccines. Currently, the Institute is leading the Hong Kong Theme-based Research Scheme entitled “Potentiating Host Immunity for HIV-1 Functional Cure”.

To learn more about HKU and AIDS Institute of HKU, please visit and .

About BAY TRIAL

BAY TRIAL is a key initiative in implementing the “Notice of the State Council on Issuing the Development Plan for the Shenzhen Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone” (State Council [2023] No. 12). It serves as strong support for Shenzhen’s development as an international science and technology innovation centre and for promoting the high-quality development of the biopharmaceutical industry in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). Located in the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Cooperation Zone, BAY TRIAL leverages the zone’s unique geographical and policy advantages to integrate clinical trial innovation resources across the GBA, deepen Shenzhen-Hong Kong science and technology collaboration, and establish a one-stop clinical trial platform.

To learn more about BAY TRIAL, please visit:

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai   Gold surged beyond the $5,000-an-ounce mark on Monday, setting a fresh record as investors moved decisively into the traditional safe haven amid heightened geopolitical tensions and expectations that monetary policy in major economies will stay supportive. The rally gathered pace in early Asian trading, with spot prices climbing 1.79% to $5,071.96 an ounce by 0159 GMT after touching an intraday peak of […]

HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 January 2026 – The VinFuture Prize officially announces the launch of its 2026 season and opens the nomination period until 2:00 PM on April 17, 2026 (Vietnam time, GMT+7). Eligible nominations must pertain to scientific or technological inventions and solutions that demonstrate clear, measurable benefits for millions of people worldwide and must be submitted by distinguished individuals or reputable institutions within the global science and technology community.

A number of scientific breakthroughs recognized by the VinFuture Prize have subsequently been honored by the world's most prestigious scientific awards, including the Nobel Prize. Photo: VinFuture
A number of scientific breakthroughs recognized by the VinFuture Prize have subsequently been honored by the world’s most prestigious scientific awards, including the Nobel Prize. Photo: VinFuture

All nominations will undergo a rigorous screening and evaluation process conducted by the VinFuture Pre-Screening Committee and the Prize Council, which comprise leading scientists from around the world, including laureates of prestigious international awards such as the Nobel Prize, the Turing Award, and the Millennium Technology Prize.

The evaluation process is scheduled to be completed by September 2026, with the 6th VinFuture Prize Award Ceremony slated for early December 2026. Nominations submitted after April 17, 2026 will automatically be considered for the 2027 season.

In order to provide comprehensive information and strengthen engagement with its global network of nomination partners, the VinFuture Foundation will host two international webinars in the first quarter of 2026, featuring insights and perspectives from representatives of the Prize Council, the Pre-Screening Committee, and VinFuture Laureates. The first webinar will take place at 8:00 AM on January 26, 2026 (Hanoi time).

In 2026, the VinFuture Prize will continue the implementation of its Top Nominators Recognition Program, formally acknowledging the exceptional contributions of scientists whose discernment and scholarly leadership are instrumental in identifying and nominating scientific and technological achievements of transformative significance for humanity.

Having completed five successive and highly successful award cycles, the VinFuture Prize has established itself as a globally respected distinction within the international science and technology community. To date, it has received a cumulative total of 6,132 nominations from nearly 110 countries and territories and has recognized 48 outstanding scientists whose pioneering work has delivered profound, enduring, and far-reaching benefits to humanity.

Many of the achievements recognized by the VinFuture Prize are closely aligned with major milestones in human progress, ranging from global networking technologies, PERC solar cells, lithium-ion battery energy storage, and artificial intelligence to essential fields such as sustainable agriculture, healthcare, and environmental protection. Reflecting its expanding international reach, VinFuture’s global nomination partner network now includes nearly 15,000 scientists worldwide.

Dr. Thai-Ha Le, Managing Director of the VinFuture Foundation, stated: “After five years of establishment and development, VinFuture Prize has steadily affirmed its position as one of the world’s leading global science prizes, where outstanding scientific excellence is honored in parallel with social responsibility and the long-term interests of humanity. As we enter the 2026 season, we anticipate that nominations will continue to demonstrate the pivotal role of science and technology in addressing global challenges in a comprehensive manner, thereby advancing breakthrough solutions with strong applicability and the capacity to generate positive and sustainable impacts on a global scale.”

With its established international stature and credibility, VinFuture has contributed meaningfully to positioning Viet Nam as an emerging hub for global knowledge exchange and scientific collaboration. Numerous VinFuture partners have traveled to Viet Nam to engage in academic exchanges, share professional expertise, and strengthen ties with the domestic scientific community. Notable participants include Professor Aldo Steinfeld of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich), recipient of the 2024 SolarPACES Lifetime Achievement Award; Professor Kurt Kremer, Honorary Director of the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research (Germany); and Professor Chuanbin Mao of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (China), ranked among the world’s top 2% most-cited scientists in biomedical engineering…

Through VinFuture, many Vietnamese scientists have likewise gained access to, and established collaborations with, leading global researchers, actively engaging with the international scientific community to help shape a sustainable future for Vietnam and for humanity at large.

Hashtag: #VinFuture

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Chinese lenders are stepping up their financial presence in the Gulf, translating years of diplomatic courtship into a sharp rise in cross-border capital as the region becomes a focal point of Beijing’s overseas banking push. Lending by Chinese banks to Gulf borrowers surged to a record $15.7 billion in 2025, nearly three times earlier levels when bilateral state-to-state loans are excluded, with Saudi Arabia and the United […]

Apple is confronting a shareholder campaign seeking a comprehensive audit of the company’s exposure to China, sharpening a debate over supply-chain concentration, intellectual property protection and geopolitical risk as ties between Washington and Beijing remain strained. The proposal, scheduled for consideration at Apple’s annual meeting set for February 2026, has been filed by a coalition led by the National Legal and Policy Center, which argues that the […]

SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 January 2026 – DHL Global Forwarding, the air and ocean freight specialist of DHL Group, has recently launched TRUCKAIR, a new cost-efficient multimodal service designed to support large-volume and bulky shipments moving between China and Europe. This new service meets the growing demand for flexible and reliable logistics amid evolving global trade dynamics.

Connecting China and Europe-DHL’s TRUCKAIR offers speed and cost efficiency
Connecting China and Europe-DHL’s TRUCKAIR offers speed and cost efficiency

The TRUCKAIR solution integrates road and air freight to strike an optimal balance between cost and speed. Following inland pickup in China, the goods are transported via truck to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where they are transferred via air freight for onward delivery to Istanbul, and thereafter onwards to other European destinations via various modes of transport. While costs may vary from shipment to shipment for this tailor-made solution, customers have reported six-digit figures in savings over the two months of adopting TRUCKAIR multimodal solution over airfreight solution. Additionally, with the TRUCKAIR multimodal service, the total transit time from China to Türkiye is approximately 9 to 11 days, only 4 to 5 days longer than usual transit time of 4 to 7 days by only air freight, making this service a prime choice for companies seeking a reliable and cost-effective solution for high-volume shipments.

“Demand for agile and cost-efficient logistics solutions continues to rise, backed by sustained growth in China–Europe and broader Asia–Europe trade. DHL’s latest market update points to tight capacity and rate increases into Chinese New Year, with a demand peak expected in early February 2026; TRUCKAIR helps customers avoid short term volatility while maintaining predictable lead times. China’s total imports and exports of goods grew 3.6% in the first eleven months of 2025, signaling a steady recovery in trade momentum. The European Union was also China’s second-largest trading partner in 2025, with bilateral trade up 5.4% year-on-year to RMB 5.37 trillion,” said Aditi Rasquinha, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding Greater China. “TRUCKAIR was developed to meet this growing demand for greater flexibility and predictability in cross-border shipments, enabling businesses to control costs without compromising speed.”

Designed for high-volume, general cargo shipments, the TRUCKAIR solution offers customers a cost-effective alternative to traditional air freight while maintaining delivery timelines suitable for retail and other time-sensitive and high-volume industries. Customers may also integrate TRUCKAIR with DHL’s broader portfolio of forwarding services to build customized, end-to-end supply chain solutions.

“The strategic design of the TRUCKAIR route reflects China’s pivotal role as a global trade hub,” Aditi added. “With its vast network, well-developed logistics infrastructure and rapid adoption of smart technologies and automation, the country is uniquely positioned to maintain strong connectivity with international markets. Leveraging these strengths, TRUCKAIR helps businesses to navigate supply chain challenges amid evolving global trade patterns and serves as a gateway for other Asia-Pacific markets to access Europe efficiently.

Hashtag: #DHL

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DHL – The logistics company for the world


DHL
is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With approximately 400,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.

DHL is part of DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of approximately 84.2 billion euros in 2024. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 January 2026 – Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), has joined about 3,000 world leaders attending the 56th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland (January 19-23). During the WEF Annual Meeting 2026, themed “A Spirit of Dialogue”, Mr Chan attends, speaks and joins discussions at several keynote meetings, luncheons and dinners. He also meets with political, business and financial leaders to brief them on the latest situation in Hong Kong as well as the city’s new opportunities.

Mr Chan attended a breakfast reception hosted by virtual asset enterprise Animoca Brands, headquartered in Hong Kong, yesterday (January 20). Speaking at the meeting, Mr Chan said that Hong Kong adopts a proactive yet prudent approach to the development of digital assets guided by the principle of “same activity, same risk, same regulation” to promote responsible and sustainable market development. Since 2023, Hong Kong has issued licences to 11 virtual asset trading platforms, and a licensing regime for stablecoins is expected to be launched later this year. The Financial Secretary also noted the HKSAR Government’s leadership role in promoting tokenisation, including the issuance of three batches of tokenised green bonds amounting to around US$2.1 billion.

Mr Chan also engaged with a number of officials from different economies and regional organisations attending the WEF Annual Meeting, including Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Finance of Thailand, Mr Ekniti Nitithanprapas; the Secretary-General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, Mr Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi; the Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade of Egypt, Mr Hassan El Khatib; and the State Secretary for International Finance at the Federal Department of Finance of Switzerland, Ms Daniela Stoffel. They exchanged views on the global political and economic landscape and issues of mutual concern, and explored opportunities to strengthen collaboration in areas such as trade, finance, industry development and digital transformation.

During a meeting with the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Mr Chan reiterated that Hong Kong, China firmly supports free trade and multilateralism, and expressed support for the WTO’s efforts to pursue reforms in response to current global challenges, with a view to enhancing its agility in addressing emerging issues in international trade.

HKSAR’s Financial Secretary Paul Chan (right) meets with the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, in Davos, Switzerland
HKSAR’s Financial Secretary Paul Chan (right) meets with the Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, in Davos, Switzerland

On arriving Davos (January 19), Mr Chan began his visit programme by meeting with the Minister of Economy of the Sultanate of Oman, H.E. Dr Said Mohammed Al-Saqri. During the meeting, the two sides discussed ways to deepen mutually beneficial cooperation in areas such as finance, trade, green transformation and industrial development.

Mr Chan said that Hong Kong’s advantages as a “super connector” could support Oman’s transitioning from an oil-driven growth model towards a more diversified economic structure. He said that Hong Kong could facilitate Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong enterprises to invest in Oman to support its infrastructure and industrial development. At the same time, Hong Kong’s status as an international financial centre in Asia could provide Omani enterprises with an ideal platform for fundraising and financing, as well as offshore Renminbi investment and risk management products.

Mr Chan will continue his programme in Davos, including participating at the 2026 Davos-Caixin CEO Luncheon and the “How to Finance Decarbonization?” session of the WEF Annual Meeting, before returning to Hong Kong on January 24 morning.


Hashtag: #hongkong #brandhongkong #WEF #internationalhub #trade #finance





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BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 January 2026 – The 6th Asian Beach Games will be held in Sanya, Hainan Province, China from April 22 to 30. The State Council Information Office held a press conference on Jan. 12 to mark the 100-day countdown to the Games and provide an update on the preparations.

The scene of the press conference of 100-day countdown to the 6th Asian Beach Games.
The scene of the press conference of 100-day countdown to the 6th Asian Beach Games.

At the press conference, it was announced that the Games would feature 14 sports, 15 disciplines, and 63 events, including established Olympic and Asian Games programs like swimming and sailing, as well as emerging sports such as teqball and beach kabaddi.

The 100-day countdown poster for the 6th Asian Beach Games
The 100-day countdown poster for the 6th Asian Beach Games

Eight competition venues (clusters) have been planned to support the event. Five are located along the Sanya Bay — renowned for its “Coconut Dream Promenade,” one is situated alongside the Sanya River, and two are within the Sanya Sports Center. This layout integrates the coastal beauty with the urban landscape. Construction is well underway as scheduled, and all venues are ready to welcome elite athletes from across the Asian continent.

To ensure service support for the Games, the organizing committee has designated 24 official reception hotels, capable of accommodating over 4,000 athletes and team officials. The catering services feature “dining islands” that offer Chinese cuisine, Western-style meals, and authentic Hainan specialties to satisfy the varied culinary preferences of all participating nations and regions.

According to the press conference, the opening and closing ceremonies will be held at Yasha Park within the Tianya Haijiao Scenic Area. By making the sky a backdrop, the sea a setting, and the beach a stage, both ceremonies will blend the beach sports with Hainan’s unique cultural elements. The performances will incorporate the natural beauty of Tianya Haijiao and the captivating local legend of “Luhuitou,” demonstrating the exchange and mutual learning of Asian civilizations in a multidimensional way.

Notably, the medal design for the Sanya Asian Beach Games was officially unveiled on the day. Titled “Tianya Moment,” the medal design draws inspiration from the classic Song Dynasty verse: “As the bright moon rises over the sea, we share this moment from the ends of the earth.” This poetic symbolism extends Sanya’s warm welcome to friends from across Asia. It is reported that a total of 189 medals (63 gold, 6 silver, and 63 bronze) will be awarded during the Games.

In order to foster the deep integration of culture, sports, and tourism, the organizing committee plans to host interactive experiences to promote Hainan’s intangible cultural heritage, Li and Miao ethnic folk performances, and beach concerts in key places such as the Athletes’ Village and the Yasha Park inside the Tianya Haijiao Scenic Area during the event, immersing global visitors in Hainan’s one-of-a-kind cultural charm.

Hainan is fully prepared to embrace the Games as a valuable link to connect the island’s unique tourism offerings. The premium “Competition & Leisure” round-the-island itineraries will invite athletes and visitors to discover Hainan through the Games, allowing them to be immersed in the island’s stunning natural beauty, the wonders of its tropical rainforests, the rich charm of Li and Miao ethnic cultures, and the excitement of duty-free shopping.

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

By Nitya Chakraborty 2025 was the year of the maverick U.S. President Donald Trump. The developments during the year beginning January 20 evolved around Trump. He was the key decision-maker, irrespective of what other countries leaders felt. He cared little for the United Nations, WTO, WHO and all other multilateral bodies. He openly said ‘I […]

The article 2025 Was Donald Trump’s Year But 2026 Is Going To Be The Year With Xi Jinping’s Domination appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

HAIKOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 January 2026 – One month into the island-wide special customs operations, the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP) in south China has maintained smooth and orderly functioning, with initial achievements in logistics efficiency, passenger convenience, and economic aggregation, highlighting the country’s commitment to high-level opening up.

Yangpu Port, the largest cargo port in the Hainan FTP.
Yangpu Port, the largest cargo port in the Hainan FTP.

Hainan Heren Pearl Co., Ltd., which mainly imports pearls from overseas, has emerged as a direct beneficiary of Hainan FTP policies.

Under the value-added processing policy, the company can sell its high-value products to the mainland duty-free, cutting its overall tax burden from about 52 percent to roughly 26 percent and redirecting the savings into research and development, said Zhang Shizhong, the company’s chairman.

“The FTP holds great promise, with more policy dividends set to be released in the future,” Zhang said.

One notable special customs policy is offering “freer access at the first line,” referring to freer trade between Hainan and areas outside China’s customs borders, and “regulated access at the second line,” which involves applying standard customs controls for goods moving from Hainan to the mainland.

According to Haikou Customs, from Dec. 18, 2025 to the early hours of Jan. 18, 2026, the value of “first line” imported zero-tariff goods was 753 million yuan (about 107 million U.S. dollars); the value of processed and value-added goods sold domestically through the “second line” was about 85.9 million yuan.

In Wanning City, production lines at Chia Tai (Hainan) Xinglong Coffee Industry Development Co., Ltd. are running at full capacity. The company imports green coffee beans from Colombia and processes them in Hainan before shipping the finished products to the mainland, enjoying an 8 percent tariff reduction under the FTP policies.

“After the launch of island-wide special customs operations, Hainan will gradually become a value-added processing center and trade hub with global resource allocation capabilities,” said Ye Jian, the company’s general manager. “Enterprises will not only pass through Hainan, but also be able to put down roots here and create higher value.”

Duty-free shopping booms in Hainan FTP.
Duty-free shopping booms in Hainan FTP.

Drawn by the policy incentives, a growing number of companies are choosing to do business in Hainan. The General Administration of Customs said a total of 5,132 new foreign trade enterprises completed registration in Hainan over the past month, an increase in a month roughly equivalent to the total registrations in an entire quarter of 2024.

The total number of registered foreign trade market entities in Hainan has surpassed 100,000, according to official data.

As the policy came into force, major ports across Hainan saw a surge in activity.

Days after Hainan began island-wide special customs operations, a flight from Prague carrying 115 European passengers touched down in the tourist city of Sanya, marking a breakthrough in the high-level opening up of the aviation sector at the Hainan FTP.

The arrival marked the launch of China’s first official passenger route operated under the Seventh Freedom of the Air, which allows foreign carriers to operate flights between two foreign countries without having to land in their home country.

The route is operated by Kazakhstan’s Scat Airlines, with one round-trip scheduled each week.

At Yangpu Port, the largest cargo port in the Hainan FTP, mega-ships berthing in quick succession, gantry cranes operating around the clock, and container trucks moving in tightly coordinated flows have become a routine sight.

“Yangpu will shoulder the role of the main logistics gateway of the Hainan FTP,” said Yang Xiaobin, deputy head of the Transportation, Port and Waterway Bureau of Yangpu Economic Development Zone. “The port aims to build a smart and green international shipping hub and logistics center.”

Container throughput at Yangpu reached 3.31 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2025, up more than 65 percent from a year earlier.

“It is particularly noteworthy that the Hainan FTP launched island-wide special customs operations at a time of intensifying deglobalization and rising global uncertainty,” said Cui Weijie, deputy director of the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, a think tank with the Ministry of Commerce.

“It not only demonstrates China’s unwavering commitment to high-standard opening up, but also injects greater certainty and positive momentum into the global economy and international trade cooperation,” Cui said.

Hashtag: #HainanFreeTradePort #HainanFTP #CustomsReform #FreeTradePort #DutyFreeTrade

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 January 2026 – Shell Hong Kong Limited (Shell) and the Transport Office of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) held the “CUHK x Shell Electric School Bus Charging Station Opening Ceremony” on 15 January 2026, marking a significant milestone in advancing sustainable campus transportation. With the dedicated support from Shell, CUHK has launched its first Shell Recharge electric school bus charging station on campus, equipped with two fast chargers delivering up to 120 kW of power to provide efficient charging support for the university’s phased introduction of new energy school buses. Together with this initiative, the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) has provided CUHK with the first hybrid school bus on a Hong Kong university campus, making the first adoption of a hybrid school bus as a low-carbon transportation solution in local university campuses.

Shell and CUHK held the "CUHK x Shell Electric School Bus Charging Station Opening Ceremony" (From left to right: Mr. Kenneth Chung, Network Development & E-Mobility Manager of Shell Hong Kong Limited,Mr. Donald Lee, Transport Manager, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Mr. Simon Lee, Director of Security and Transport, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Mr. Dick Chan, General Manager of Shell Commercial Fuels- Hong Kong and Macau, Mr Yonghai Du, Chief Innovation Officer, Hong Kong Productivity Council and General Manager, Centre of Advanced Power and Autonomous Systems (APAS), Mr Ralph Xu, Head of Green Transportation, Centre of Advanced Power and Autonomous Systems (APAS))
Shell and CUHK held the “CUHK x Shell Electric School Bus Charging Station Opening Ceremony” (From left to right: Mr. Kenneth Chung, Network Development & E-Mobility Manager of Shell Hong Kong Limited,Mr. Donald Lee, Transport Manager, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Mr. Simon Lee, Director of Security and Transport, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Mr. Dick Chan, General Manager of Shell Commercial Fuels- Hong Kong and Macau, Mr Yonghai Du, Chief Innovation Officer, Hong Kong Productivity Council and General Manager, Centre of Advanced Power and Autonomous Systems (APAS), Mr Ralph Xu, Head of Green Transportation, Centre of Advanced Power and Autonomous Systems (APAS))

First Shell Recharge Electric School Bus Charging Station installed in CUHK

As one of the leading global energy companies, Shell continues to focus on its strategy to deliver more value with less emissions while working to become a net-zero emissions business by 2050, contributing to global decarbonisation. This year, Shell installed CUHK’s first Shell Recharge electric school bus charging station, featuring two fast chargers with a power output of 120 kW, ensuring rapid and efficient energy replenishment for CUHK’s electric school buses. At the same time, Shell consistently upholds high safety standards, with stringent controls in the design, installation, and operation of the charging station to ensure a safe and reliable electric vehicle charging experience.

Since 2018, Shell has supported CUHK’s sustainability initiatives by supplying Shell FuelSave Diesel B5 for the university’s fleet, helping reduce emissions and enhancing operational efficiency. The collaboration has expanded with the introduction of fast-charging facilities further modernises CUHK’s transportation system and accelerates the adoption of innovative low-carbon technologies. Looking ahead, Shell will continue to work with CUHK to lead the development of advanced mobility solutions and demonstrate leadership in campus sustainability.

Mr. Yew Chong Tan, General Manager of Shell Commercial Fuels East, commented, “At Shell, we are committed to working with customers and partners to provide holistic energy solutions that power progress together. The installation of this electric school bus charging station at The Chinese University of Hong Kong exemplifies our dedication to such collaboration as we navigate the energy transition.”

First Shell Recharge Electric School Bus Charging Station installed in CUHK (From left to right: Mr. Donald Lee, Transport Manager, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Mr. Simon Lee, Director of Security and Transport, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Mr Yew Chong Tan, General Manager of Shell Commercial Fuels East, Mr. Dick Chan, General Manager of Shell Commercial Fuels- Hong Kong and Macau)
First Shell Recharge Electric School Bus Charging Station installed in CUHK (From left to right: Mr. Donald Lee, Transport Manager, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Mr. Simon Lee, Director of Security and Transport, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Mr Yew Chong Tan, General Manager of Shell Commercial Fuels East, Mr. Dick Chan, General Manager of Shell Commercial Fuels- Hong Kong and Macau)


First Hybrid School Bus to Begin Operates at CUHK

The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) has provided CUHK with the first hybrid school bus ever deployed on a Hong Kong campus, which helps reduce diesel consumption and lower exhaust emissions compared to regular diesel coaches. When utilizing fast charging directly, it can reach an 80% battery charge in as little as 25 minutes.

Mr. Yonghai Du, Chief Innovation Officer of HKPC and General Manager, Centre of Advanced Power and Autonomous Systems (APAS), added, “This 12-meter plug-in hybrid bus is the first green transport project designed, developed, and assembled in Hong Kong by APAS, funded by the Innovation and Technology Fund and supported by our industry partners. This collaboration exemplifies the shared commitment of academia and industry to social responsibility. HKPC will continue to pioneer diverse innovative solutions, foster collaboration among ‘Government, industry, academia, research, investment, and applications’, expand the application demonstration of new technologies, products, and scenarios, and drive the transition towards green transportation.”

CUHK Advances Low-Carbon Transportation

These two major initiatives not only highlight CUHK’s dedication to sustainable development but also set a new standard for environmentally conscious transformation in transportation across Hong Kong.

Mr. Simon Lee, Director of Security and Transport at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, stated, “CUHK is committed to promoting sustainable development and embedding environmental protection principles within daily campus operations. By installing the EV charging station and introducing the hybrid campus bus, we aim to offer convenient transportation for staff and students while reducing carbon emissions and achieving low-carbon mobility. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Shell for its strong support of the charging station project and to the Hong Kong Productivity Council for its professional assistance in introducing the hybrid campus bus, enabling us to jointly drive campus transportation toward a new green milestone.”

Hashtag: #Shell #CUHK #ElectricBusChargingStation

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Allegations of labour exploitation have emerged at factories in China producing Labubu figurines, a globally popular designer toy line, prompting scrutiny of working conditions within a supply chain tied to one of the country’s fastest-growing collectibles businesses. Workers interviewed by labour rights groups and regional media describe shifts stretching well beyond legal limits, pay that barely meets local minimum standards, and employment practices that rely heavily on […]

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 January 2026 – ONYX Hospitality Group, a leading Southeast Asian hospitality management company specialising in hotels, resorts, serviced apartments, and luxury residences, is proud to announce its new partnership with Yee Fung Group to operate Y Hotel Nanshan in Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China.

Y Hotel Hong Kong Classic Single Overview (2)

ONYX Hospitality Group oversees renowned brands including Amari, OZO, Shama, and Oriental Residence across key destinations in the Asia–Pacific region. This agreement marks another significant milestone in strengthening ONYX’s presence in the Chinese market. Scheduled to open in Q4 2026, the hotel supports ONYX’s long-term growth strategy as it works toward its target of managing more than 75 properties by 2030.

Mr Yuthachai Charanachitta, Chief Executive Officer of ONYX Hospitality Group, commented: “This collaboration reflects the strong confidence Yee Fung Group has in ONYX, following our successful partnership in managing Y Hotel Hong Kong. It represents a significant step forward in building on that success and further expanding ONYX’s presence in the Greater China market. At the same time, this partnership reinforces ONYX’s position as a distinctive ‘Regional Player’, well-positioned for stable and sustainable growth across the region.”

Y Hotel Nanshan Shenzhen featuring 82 thoughtfully designed guest rooms and suites, located within YEE FUNG PLACE on a strategically significant site surrounded by key national infrastructure. The area is supported by five major national sea and land ports, including Shekou, Chiwan and Mawan, servicing more than 150 shipping routes. It is also situated at the heart of one of China’s leading innovation and industrial hubs, home to sectors such as integrated circuits, artificial intelligence, biomedicine and the marine economy, alongside more than 50 specialised industrial parks.

Y Hotel Nanshan Shenzhen is ideally suited for leisure travellers, offering convenient accessibility just 35 minutes from Shenzhen Baoan International Airport and 31 minutes from Shenzhen North Railway Station, and only 650 metres from Lilin Subway Station. The surrounding area features vibrant food markets and nightlife destinations such as Nanyi Fang, Shekou Sea World, Green World and Houhai, as well as cultural and recreational attractions including Shenzhen Poly Theatre, Shenzhen Talent Park, Nanshan Museum, Nanshan Park and Shenzhen Bay Park. Guests will also find leading shopping centres nearby, including Walmart, Xinhe Shopping Plaza, Garden City, Haiya Mega Mall, Coastal City and Shenzhen Bay MixC.

Furthermore, the hotel is located close to the headquarters of major national technology companies such as ZTE, Tencent, Huawei, Alibaba, Han’s Laser and Mindray, as well as Shenzhen University, positioning it as both a relaxing retreat and a strategic hub for business travellers seeking comfort alongside a distinctive lifestyle experience.Hashtag: #ONYXHospitalityGroup #YeeFungGroup #YHotel #HospitalityManagement #HotelManagement #LifestyleHotel



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

About ONYX Hospitality Group:

ONYX Hospitality Group, a reputable force in Southeast Asia’s hospitality industry, operates a collection of comprehensive yet complementary brands – Amari, OZO, Shama and Oriental Residence – catering to the distinctive needs of discerning business and leisure travellers in Southeast Asia where their expertise lies. In addition to its brand portfolio, ONYX Hospitality Group also operates additional hospitality services across spa and food and beverage. With over five decades of management experience, the company extends its innovative solutions throughout the region, upholding internationally recognised standards and ensuring optimal operational manoeuvrability. By fostering enduring relationships with like-minded business partners, ONYX Hospitality Group delivers unparalleled experiences in a dynamic and competitive market, meeting the ever-evolving demands of travellers.

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RYO YAMADA
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