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Survey covers 15 countries and includes first nationwide polling inside Syria The Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies has released findings from the 2024 to 2025 Arab Opinion Index following a presentation at its headquarters in Doha. The survey, now in its ninth edition, examines political, economic and social views across 15 Arab countries. Fieldwork took place between October 2024 and August 2025 and included interviews […]

A landmark agreement between Caracas and Washington will see up to $2 billion worth of Venezuelan crude oil exported to the United States under terms announced by President Donald Trump, marking a major shift in energy geopolitics and offering a potential reprieve to Venezuela’s embattled oil sector. The arrangement, underscored by negotiations that could divert barrels previously bound for China, elevates the United States into a key […]

Google has extended its partnership with Xreal, elevating the China-founded augmented reality specialist to lead hardware collaborator for Android XR as the two companies work towards launching consumer AR glasses in 2026. The move signals a sharper push by Google to translate its advances in artificial intelligence and spatial computing into a mass-market wearable, while positioning Xreal at the centre of a growing Android-based ecosystem. The alliance […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai Aerospace Enterprise Ltd has moved to the market with a mandate for a benchmark-sized, dollar-denominated Regulation S senior unsecured bond with a seven-year tenor, marking a strategic step in its funding programme amid steady demand for aviation finance assets. The transaction, expected to draw interest from global fixed-income investors, reflects confidence in the aircraft leasing sector’s cash-flow resilience and in the issuer’s […]

Integrity is often spoken of as though it were universal: one definition, one standard, one moral yardstick by which trust is measured everywhere. In reality, integrity is deeply shaped by culture. What one society considers faithfulness, another may experience as rigidity. What one views as flexibility, another may interpret as unreliability. These differences are not signs of moral deficiency; they are reflections of distinct histories, social structures, […]

LAS VEGAS, UNITED STATES – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 January 2026 – Amidst a CES 2026 landscape dominated by AI headlines and humanoid robots, a quiet corner of the Lens Technology booth has unexpectedly become a focal point for commercial space analysts.

There are no flashy RGB lighting effects here, only a sheet of glass as thin as a cicada’s wing, being repeatedly rolled and unrolled like a tape measure. This is the public debut of Lens Technology’s aerospace-grade UTG (Ultra-Thin Glass) photovoltaic encapsulation solution. This technology marks the official entry of the manufacturing titan—best known as a giant in the Apple supply chain—transferring its precision manufacturing capabilities from consumer electronics to humanity’s next trillion-dollar market: space infrastructure.

As leading global satellite companies begin the mass deployment of third-generation (V3) satellites, the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) internet race is entering a “second half” defined by heavy payloads, long lifespans, and low costs. Lens Technology’s entry aims to untie the knot that has long plagued the aerospace industry: the trade-off between flexibility and durability.

Farewell to the “Plastic Feel”: The Material Battle in Space

At the Lens Technology booth, engineers demonstrated the core contradiction to the audience: Traditional aerospace solar cell covers are either heavy Cerium-doped Glass (CMG) or expensive Fused Silica, typically ranging from 100μm to 500μm in thickness. They are robust, but too heavy and impossible to bend.

To adapt to the massive power demands of next-generation satellites (such as those supporting direct-to-cell services), solar wing designs are rapidly evolving from rigid panels to Roll-Out Solar Arrays (ROSA-like structures). This shift forced designers to temporarily turn to polymer materials like transparent Polyimide (CPI).

“However, polymers have a fatal weakness in space,” explained a Lens Technology on-site technical lead. “The LEO environment is filled with high-energy Atomic Oxygen (AO) and strong UV radiation. Under long-term exposure, polymer molecular chains break, causing the material to yellow, become brittle, and suffer a drastic drop in light transmission. This efficiency decay was tolerable for early satellites with 5-7 year lifespans, but for the new generation of mega-constellations pursuing higher commercial returns, it is unacceptable.”

Lens Technology’s answer is Aerospace-Grade UTG. As an inorganic material, glass possesses innate “immunity” to Atomic Oxygen and UV aging, ensuring high light transmission throughout the satellite’s lifecycle. More importantly, its dense structure provides an effective barrier against water vapor and micrometeoroids, offering physical protection for delicate ultra-thin HJT or future Perovskite batteries.

The 30-Micron “Moat”: A Perfect Match for Next-Gen Satellites

In the demo area, a piece of glass only 30μm-50μm thick is bent to an astonishing radius of R1.5mm. This level of flexibility drew gasps from the audience.

This is exactly the characteristic most coveted by top global satellite companies today. To reduce the cost per launch, next-generation mega-satellites must be stowed with origami-like efficiency inside the rocket fairing. Lens Technology’s UTG solution allows solar wings to be tightly wound like a tape measure during launch, and instantly recover to a flat state upon orbital deployment.

However, making glass thin is the first step; keeping it from shattering during the violent vibration of a rocket launch is the real challenge.

Analysts point out that Lens Technology’s core competitiveness lies in its proprietary chemical strengthening processes and laser/diamond wire cutting technologies. Glass fractures often originate from micro-cracks invisible to the naked eye. Leveraging processes honed on foldable smartphones, Lens has significantly reduced the density of micro-defects on the glass edges and surfaces. This means that even under immense tension and vibration, this “glass skin” remains tough and resilient.

Dimensional Strike: Reshaping Aerospace Costs with “Consumer-Grade” Capacity

If technical specifications are the ticket to entry, then capacity and cost control are Lens Technology’s ultimate weapons.

“The logic of commercial space has changed; it is now the era of industrial mass production,” commented an industry analyst at the scene. Compared to the small-batch, lab-grade customization model of traditional aerospace glass manufacturers, Lens Technology brings the scale of consumer electronics manufacturing.

Facing the grand ambition of global satellite leaders planning to launch tens of thousands of satellites annually, supply chain elasticity is critical. Lens Technology stated that it has the capability to rapidly expand existing pilot lines or flexibly retrofit mass production lines. This potential for “ten-thousand-satellite scale” delivery and yield control can significantly lower the BOM (Bill of Materials) cost per satellite—addressing the most sensitive pain point for commercial space giants today.

Outlook: The New Cornerstone of Next-Gen Space Energy

At CES, Lens Technology also “spoiled” its future technology roadmap.

As Perovskite/Silicon tandem cells are viewed as the mainstream for future satellite power, UTG will serve not just as a cover, but as an encapsulation substrate. Lens Technology revealed it is developing next-generation composite UTG integrated with Anti-Static (ESD) coatings and Selective Radiation coatings, which will not only protect chips from electrostatic discharge damage but also assist in regulating battery temperature.

Although this business currently accounts for a tiny fraction of Lens Technology’s massive revenue and is in a period of intensive validation with global top-tier photovoltaic component manufacturers (Tier 2) and top commercial space clients (Tier 1), its signal significance cannot be ignored.

From smartphone screens to satellite wings, Lens Technology is proving that in the era of scaled expansion for space infrastructure, ground-based industrial giants possessing extreme craftsmanship and mass manufacturing capabilities will be indispensable “pavers” for the interstellar journey.

Hashtag: #LensTechnology

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

Britain’s new car market crossed the two-million mark in 2025 for the first time since the pandemic, signalling a broad-based recovery powered by electric vehicle uptake and steady fleet demand, according to industry data compiled across manufacturers and dealers. Registrations reached about 2.02 million units, lifting volumes above levels seen during the disrupted years of supply shortages and subdued consumer confidence. Britain’s auto market clears two million […]

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Uncertainty has gripped Cuba after claims circulated that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro had been captured following a United States strike in Venezuela, a development that, if confirmed, would shake the island’s most important political and economic partnership. Cuban authorities have offered no confirmation of the reports, while state media has urged calm and emphasised continuity in Havana’s foreign policy, underscoring the fog surrounding events that residents say […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai   Abu Dhabi has announced the inaugural winners of the Abu Dhabi International Competition for Composition, marking a significant step in the emirate’s ambition to position itself as a global centre for contemporary music creation and cultural exchange. The competition, held under the patronage of Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Founding Honorary Patron […]

Dubai World Trade Centre has confirmed plans to host 71 events during the first half of 2026, underscoring the emirate’s position as a regional hub for global exhibitions, conferences and large-scale trade gatherings. The schedule reflects a familiar rhythm for the venue, with activity slowing during Ramadan before resuming after Eid. According to the centre, the post-Eid calendar will open with the Dubai International Pharmaceutical and Technologies […]

Canada’s airline sector is bracing for sharper competition after Ottawa moved to widen market access for carriers from the Middle East, a shift that industry executives and analysts say could force domestic airlines to improve pricing, punctuality and onboard service as more long-haul capacity enters the market. The policy change, announced through updated air transport arrangements, gives carriers based in the Gulf greater flexibility to add frequencies […]

Caracas has slipped into an uneasy calm as Venezuelans await signals about the direction their country will take, with political negotiations stalled, economic pressures unresolved and social tensions simmering beneath the surface. “There is a strange lull,” said Benigno Alarcón Deza, a long-time resident of the capital, describing a sense of collective anticipation that has settled over daily life. “People are waiting, watching, unsure of what comes […]

United Arab Emirates will assume the presidency of the Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force in 2026, placing the country at the centre of regional efforts to strengthen safeguards against money laundering, terrorist financing and the proliferation of illicit funds. The appointment comes at a time when the bloc is seeking tighter coordination among member states as cross-border financial flows grow in scale and complexity.

MENAFATF brings together 21 jurisdictions across the Middle East, North Africa and neighbouring regions, representing a combined gross domestic product estimated at more than $3 trillion. The organisation functions as the regional body aligned with the global Financial Action Task Force standards, conducting peer reviews, issuing guidance and supporting members as they implement international rules designed to protect financial systems from abuse.

The decision for the UAE to lead the organisation follows its expanding role in financial regulation and enforcement across the region. Federal authorities have invested heavily in strengthening supervision of banks, exchange houses, designated non-financial businesses and professions, while also expanding cooperation with international counterparts. Officials involved in the process describe the presidency as recognition of the country’s progress in aligning domestic frameworks with global benchmarks and its capacity to convene consensus among diverse economies.

During its term, the UAE is expected to steer MENAFATF’s strategic agenda, including the scheduling of mutual evaluations, thematic studies and capacity-building programmes. These initiatives are central to helping member states address gaps identified in national risk assessments and respond to emerging typologies such as the misuse of virtual assets, trade-based money laundering and complex ownership structures.

Regulatory specialists say the presidency carries influence beyond administrative oversight. The chair country plays a pivotal role in shaping discussions on policy priorities, coordinating technical assistance and representing the region in dialogue with global standard-setters. This places added scrutiny on how effectively the bloc can balance the varied economic structures and legal systems of its members while maintaining consistent application of standards.

The UAE has signalled that cooperation and practical implementation will be key themes of its tenure. Policymakers have spoken about deepening information-sharing among financial intelligence units, enhancing public-private partnerships and supporting jurisdictions that face capacity constraints. Such measures are viewed as essential for raising overall compliance levels and reducing vulnerabilities that can be exploited across borders.

MENAFATF members span hydrocarbon-rich Gulf economies, large consumer markets in North Africa and smaller states with developing financial sectors. This diversity has historically posed challenges in achieving uniform progress. Analysts note that leadership will need to balance ambition with pragmatism, ensuring that reforms are realistic and tailored to local contexts while still meeting international expectations.

The presidency also coincides with broader shifts in the region’s financial landscape. Digital payments, fintech platforms and virtual assets have expanded rapidly, creating new opportunities for inclusion but also new risks. Addressing these developments requires updating supervisory tools, training regulators and fostering dialogue with technology providers. Observers expect the UAE to push for clearer regional guidance in these areas, building on its own experience in regulating emerging financial services.

Another area likely to feature prominently is the effectiveness of enforcement. While many jurisdictions have strengthened legal frameworks, translating laws into successful investigations and prosecutions remains uneven. MENAFATF’s peer review process increasingly emphasises outcomes, not just technical compliance. Under UAE leadership, the organisation is expected to encourage members to demonstrate tangible results in asset recovery, sanctions and international cooperation.

Diplomats familiar with the process say the appointment also reflects confidence in the UAE’s ability to engage constructively with both regional partners and global institutions. The country has positioned itself as a bridge between markets, hosting multinational financial institutions and acting as a hub for trade and investment. That role brings responsibilities, particularly in ensuring that financial openness is matched by robust controls.

Taiwan charity reaches 15 counties

TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 January 2026 – The TVBS Foundation’s “Infinite Love” charity campaign raised over NT$32 million (around US$1.02 million) in 2025, reaching 15 counties and cities across Taiwan in its sixth consecutive year. The initiative integrates fundraising, emergency assistance, city prayer breakfasts, charity dinners, Christmas celebrations, sports philanthropy, and special television programs. The foundation connects government agencies, churches, civil organizations, and corporate partners to channel resources toward disadvantaged communities, education, and post-disaster reconstruction.

Christmas Eve Special Program Achieves High Ratings, Spreading Warmth on Christmas Eve.
Christmas Eve Special Program Achieves High Ratings, Spreading Warmth on Christmas Eve.

The fifth annual “Share Infinite Love” (分享愛無限) campaign raised NT$5,535,590 (around US$176,856), with donations distributed to 12 social welfare organizations across Taiwan. Recipients include Libertas Educational Foundation and Blessed Children Education Association of Taiwan, which provide ongoing support for disadvantaged education and family care programs. The foundation emphasizes that “Infinite Love” serves as a long-term platform for action, striving to make goodwill visible and reach those who truly need assistance.

In response to the Mataian River Barrier Lake disaster in Hualien, a county on Taiwan’s eastern coast, the TVBS Foundation launched a special fundraising project that collected NT$26,902,435 (around US$859,503). The foundation established the “Guangfu Township Home Recovery Network” with local organizations, distributing NT$5,000 (around US$160) in settlement assistance to each affected household. Recipients expressed gratitude, saying, “TVBS Foundation’s care has helped us feel less alone during post-disaster reconstruction, knowing that people are walking alongside us.”

Connecting Local Governments and Churches: City Prayer Breakfasts and Charity Dinners Across Taiwan

The “City Prayer Breakfasts and Charity Dinners” serve as a key annual platform, held across 15 counties and cities in partnership with the Christian Cultural Exchange Association and local churches. In Taipei, Mayor Chiang Wan-An participated under the theme “Love in Taipei, Moving Forward Together.” New Taipei City Mayor Hou You-yi attended for the fourth consecutive year, incorporating anti-fraud awareness campaigns with police collaboration. Taichung hosted its fifth consecutive event, connecting over 50 local churches and providing long-term care to more than 45,000 disadvantaged households, with resources exceeding NT$210 million (around US$6.71 million).

Events also took place in Miaoli, Nantou, Yunlin, Taoyuan, Tainan, Kaohsiung, Chiayi, Changhua, Penghu, and Kinmen, each developing unique city-focused charitable initiatives. Hualien held a “Guangfu Township Special Session,” combining year-end care with post-disaster reconstruction efforts following the Mataian River Barrier Lake disaster. Teams went directly into communities to support recovery, distributing settlement assistance and ensuring that charitable efforts extend beyond formal events.

Taipei Christmas Infinite Love Attracts 240,000 Visitors, Creating a Shared Urban Festive Atmosphere

The “2025 Taipei Christmas Infinite Love”event at Daan Forest Park attracted approximately 240,000 visitors over three days, featuring a Christmas Music Concert and “International Christmas Culture Carnival.” Artists including Kelly Tsai (蔡家蓁), Black Storm (黑旋風) and David Lin (林道遠) ),and others, performed in rotation. Over 100 market booths and six major light installations created an immersive festive atmosphere, extending the foundation’s charitable reach into urban public spaces.

The TVBS Foundation partnered with the New Taipei Kings, a professional basketball team in Taiwan’s T1 League, for the “Infinite Love Charity Program,” extending charitable care through sports initiatives. Through basketball camps and community outreach programs, children from disadvantaged families across Taiwan received invitations to attend home games throughout the season. The program utilizes sports to convey positive energy and broaden the foundation’s reach to additional communities, illustrating how athletic partnerships can amplify charitable impact.

Christmas Eve Special Program Achieves High Ratings, Spreading Warmth on Christmas Eve

On Christmas Eve, Wednesday (Dec. 24), the TVBS Foundation aired its annual Christmas Eve Special Program featuring over 50 artists, reaching families across Taiwan through television screens. Through music, storytelling, and special segments, the program created a heartwarming celebration that extended the foundation’s spirit of accompaniment to viewers at the end of the year. The broadcast demonstrated the foundation’s commitment to utilizing media platforms to extend its charitable reach beyond in-person events.

In the special episode hosted by Kuo Tze Cheng (郭子乾) and Action Tang (唐從聖), representatives from different political parties set aside their differences to perform “Silent Night” together. The segment conveyed reconciliation and blessings through humor and music, becoming a ratings highlight that reached a peak. The cross-party performance demonstrated how charitable events can foster unity and goodwill across Taiwan’s political spectrum.

For the first time, the program introduced an “Online Prayer Room,” enabling viewers to write down their Christmas wishes and receive personalized prayers from pastors. Over 700 viewers participated, leaving messages of hope for peace and safety that religious leaders individually addressed. The interactive feature spread blessings through the screen to households across Taiwan, extending the foundation’s reach beyond traditional broadcast formats.

Hashtag: #TVBS

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

By Nitya Chakraborty The invasion of Venezuela by the United States on the early hours of January 3 along with the kidnapping of President Nicholas Maduro and his wife marks a new phase in Donald Trump’s foreign policy which has been termed by The Guardian columnist as “naked imperialism”. The announcement by Trump that the […]

The article U.S. Invasion Of Venezuela May Set The Process Of Trump’s Down Turn In November Mid Term appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Washington’s move to detain Nicolás Maduro has sharpened the White House’s focus on Venezuela’s vast petroleum reserves, with President Donald Trump signalling that access to crude exports is now a strategic priority. The shift marks a harder edge in US policy towards Venezuela, but it also exposes legal, logistical and market obstacles that complicate any rapid redirection of oil flows. The administration’s intent has been framed as […]

Apollo Global Management has agreed to anchor an investor group committing more than $1bn to QXO, the building products distributor led by Brad Jacobs, strengthening the company’s balance sheet as it presses ahead with an ambitious acquisition-led expansion.

People familiar with the transaction said the capital injection is structured to provide QXO with flexibility to pursue large-scale deals while maintaining access to public markets. The funding is expected to be deployed alongside existing cash and debt capacity to accelerate consolidation across a fragmented construction materials supply chain that spans roofing, insulation, waterproofing and related products.

QXO, chaired and controlled by Jacobs, was formed to assemble a scaled distribution platform capable of competing with established regional and national players. Jacobs, known for building multibillion-dollar logistics businesses through serial acquisitions, has positioned QXO as a long-term consolidator targeting steady cash flows and pricing power in non-cyclical end markets such as residential repair, maintenance and infrastructure upgrades.

Apollo’s participation signals institutional backing for that strategy at a time when dealmaking in building products is reshaping supply networks in North America. The alternative asset manager has extensive experience in industrial and services investments, and its involvement is expected to reassure lenders and potential sellers as QXO negotiates transactions that could reshape the sector’s competitive landscape.

People briefed on the matter said the investment gives QXO additional firepower to support a transformative purchase announced earlier, while also preserving capacity for follow-on acquisitions. The company has indicated that scale is critical to improving procurement economics, expanding private-label offerings and deploying technology to optimise inventory and logistics across a wide branch network.

Market participants note that building products distribution has drawn sustained private equity interest due to its resilience during economic slowdowns and its exposure to long-term housing and infrastructure demand. While new construction can fluctuate with interest rates, repair and renovation spending tends to be more stable, supporting predictable earnings for distributors with diversified customer bases.

Apollo’s investment arrives amid cautious optimism in credit markets. Financing conditions have improved compared with earlier tightening cycles, though borrowers remain selective and focused on leverage discipline. By bringing in a deep-pocketed sponsor, QXO reduces reliance on debt at a time when acquisition multiples remain elevated for high-quality assets.

Executives close to the company have said QXO aims to balance rapid growth with operational integration, avoiding the pitfalls that can accompany aggressive roll-up strategies. Jacobs has emphasised disciplined capital allocation, standardised systems and experienced management teams as cornerstones of value creation.

The transaction also underscores Apollo’s broader strategy of partnering with founder-led platforms that can compound value through scale rather than short-term financial engineering. The firm has increasingly favoured equity-heavy structures in sectors where operational improvements and market positioning drive returns over extended horizons.

Analysts covering the building products space say the investment could intensify competitive pressure on mid-sized distributors, many of which face succession challenges or capital constraints. For sellers, a well-capitalised buyer with public currency and sponsor backing can offer certainty of execution, a factor that often influences deal outcomes alongside price.

QXO’s shares have reflected heightened investor attention since the company outlined its acquisition plans, with trading volumes increasing as the market digests the implications of a more aggressive growth profile. The Apollo-backed financing is expected to reduce uncertainty around funding while sharpening focus on execution and integration milestones.

Stone structures lying beneath the Atlantic off the western coast of France have drawn renewed scientific attention, with researchers saying the scale and organisation of the remains point to a large human settlement dating back about 7,000 years. The find centres on a sprawling network of granite walls resting on the seabed, including a continuous section extending close to 400 feet, assembled from megaliths whose combined weight […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Samsung used its “The First Look” showcase at the annual Consumer Electronics Show to signal a strategic shift in how large home appliances fit into everyday life, unveiling FoodNote and a slate of software-led upgrades aimed squarely at its refrigerator range. The announcements framed refrigerators not as static storage units but as adaptive hubs designed to manage food, energy use and household routines […]

Japan’s push to fold crypto-linked products into mainstream finance has gained political momentum, with senior government figures signalling support for digital assets trading on regulated exchanges as the country positions 2026 as a milestone year for its digital economy.

Speaking at a New Year gathering at the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Satsuki Katayama, a prominent member of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party known for her advocacy of financial innovation, outlined a vision in which tokenised assets and crypto-linked exchange-traded products operate alongside equities and commodities. While Katayama does not hold the finance minister portfolio, her remarks reflected broader policy debates underway in Tokyo over how far Japan should go in embracing digital finance within its tightly regulated markets.

The comments arrive as global asset managers press Asian regulators to open the door to crypto exchange-traded funds, following approvals in the United States and growing institutional interest in Europe. Japan has long taken a cautious stance after high-profile exchange failures earlier in the past decade, but officials now argue that clearer rules and stronger custody standards make broader participation possible without undermining investor protection.

Within government circles, 2026 is being framed as a symbolic inflection point. Lawmakers and regulators have increasingly referred to the year as a moment when legacy systems and digital infrastructure converge, particularly in capital markets settlement, identity verification and cross-border payments. Katayama described it as the start of a “digital era” for finance, a phrase that has been echoed in policy discussions tied to Japan’s broader digital transformation agenda.

Regulatory authority for any crypto-linked listings ultimately rests with the Financial Services Agency, which oversees exchanges and approves new financial products. The agency has already moved to modernise rules for security tokens and stablecoins, creating a framework that allows banks and trust companies to issue yen-backed digital currencies under strict supervision. Officials familiar with the discussions say the same principles—segregation of client assets, disclosure standards and market surveillance—would apply to crypto ETFs or similar instruments.

Market operators have begun preparing for that possibility. The Tokyo Stock Exchange’s parent group has invested heavily in trading and clearing systems capable of handling tokenised securities, while major brokerage houses are expanding digital asset teams to service institutional clients. Commodity exchanges have also explored how blockchain-based contracts could streamline settlement and reduce counterparty risk, particularly for energy and metals trading.

Japan’s interest in crypto-linked exchange products also reflects competitive pressure from regional peers. Hong Kong has positioned itself as a hub for virtual asset trading, approving spot crypto ETFs and encouraging global issuers to list in the city. Singapore, while more conservative on retail access, has built a reputation for regulatory clarity that attracts institutional capital. Policymakers in Tokyo are wary of ceding ground, especially as domestic pension funds and insurers look for diversified investment options in a low-yield environment.

Still, scepticism remains within Japan’s policy establishment. Some lawmakers and consumer groups warn that crypto markets remain volatile and vulnerable to manipulation, arguing that wider access through stock exchanges could expose unsophisticated investors to sharp losses. Regulators have responded by stressing that any approved products would likely be limited initially to professional investors, with strict marketing controls and suitability requirements.

Industry executives counter that regulated exchange-traded products may actually reduce risk by shifting activity away from offshore platforms toward transparent, supervised venues. They point to Japan’s experience with security tokens, where pilot issuances have proceeded without major incidents under a clear legal framework.

The debate has also revived questions about taxation and accounting. Crypto gains in Japan are currently taxed as miscellaneous income, a structure critics say discourages long-term investment and innovation. Government panels have been reviewing whether a shift toward capital gains treatment is warranted, particularly if digital assets become embedded in mainstream portfolios through ETFs and listed funds.

  Washington moved to recalibrate its public posture on Venezuela as Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined a strategy centred on economic coercion rather than direct governance, while President Donald Trump repeated assertions that the United States would be “in charge” following the removal of Nicolás Maduro. The contrasting messages underscored tensions inside the administration over how far Washington should go in reshaping the oil-rich South American […]

MiniMax is preparing to price its Hong Kong initial public offering at the top of the marketed range, signalling strong demand for artificial intelligence developers as investors seek exposure to homegrown technology firms with global ambitions, according to people familiar with the transaction.

The Shanghai-based company, best known for its large language models and consumer-facing AI applications, has accelerated its listing timetable amid a surge in interest for Chinese technology firms that are perceived to be less exposed to US trade and regulatory pressures. Bankers involved in the deal say early indications from institutional investors point to robust demand, particularly from Asia-based funds focused on long-term technology themes.

MiniMax, founded in 2021 by former SenseTime and Megvii researchers, has positioned itself as one of the country’s leading independent AI model developers. Its core products include general-purpose foundation models, AI companions and enterprise solutions used across gaming, education and content creation. The firm competes with larger players backed by internet conglomerates while marketing itself as more agile and research-driven.

People familiar with the IPO said the company is targeting a valuation that reflects the premium currently attached to AI-related listings in Hong Kong. While final pricing has not yet been approved, the expectation is that the offer will be set at the upper end of the range to capitalise on strong order books built during early marketing. The shares are expected to begin trading later this year, subject to market conditions and regulatory clearances.

The decision to push for top-range pricing comes as Hong Kong’s equity market shows signs of renewed momentum after a prolonged slowdown. Technology and healthcare deals have drawn increasing attention, supported by policy measures aimed at reviving capital markets and encouraging listings by innovative firms. Fund managers say AI remains one of the few sectors where investors are willing to pay up for growth, despite broader concerns over economic headwinds.

MiniMax’s IPO is also being closely watched as a test case for how investors value Chinese AI companies that operate largely outside the orbit of the country’s major internet platforms. Unlike peers that rely heavily on parent companies for distribution and funding, MiniMax has raised capital from a mix of venture investors and strategic backers, allowing it to retain greater operational independence. That positioning has resonated with some institutional investors seeking exposure to AI innovation without heavy platform risk.

The company has continued to expand its research capabilities, investing heavily in computing infrastructure and talent. Industry analysts note that MiniMax has been among the more visible Chinese developers releasing multilingual models and consumer applications that aim to compete with global offerings. Its emphasis on overseas markets, including Southeast Asia and parts of the Middle East, has helped broaden its revenue base and narrative ahead of the listing.

Still, the firm faces stiff competition. Domestic rivals supported by large technology groups benefit from vast user ecosystems and deep pockets, while international players continue to dominate cutting-edge model development. Pricing the IPO aggressively could raise expectations around execution and financial performance at a time when monetisation of AI remains uneven across the industry.

Market participants say Hong Kong has become a more attractive venue for such listings as regulatory scrutiny on technology firms has stabilised compared with earlier years. The city’s exchange has also updated listing rules to better accommodate companies with heavy research spending and limited near-term profitability, a profile that fits many AI developers.

Bankers involved in the transaction say MiniMax has highlighted its progress in commercialising products, including enterprise contracts and consumer subscriptions, to address investor concerns around sustainability. While the company is not yet profitable, it has signalled a clearer path to revenue growth than at earlier funding rounds, helped by rising demand for customised AI solutions among businesses.

Saal. ai and Nutanix have unveiled SovereignGPT at a launch event in Abu Dhabi, positioning the platform as a government-grade artificial intelligence system designed to meet stringent data sovereignty and security demands while retaining the performance expected of mission-critical deployments. The announcement places Abu Dhabi at the centre of a growing push by governments and regulated industries to localise advanced AI capabilities without ceding control over sensitive […]

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 January 2026 – Hong Kong is set to host the 94th INTERPOL General Assembly later this year, bringing global police chiefs from around the world to the city and highlighting Hong Kong’s strategic importance in global policing. It will be the first time for the General Assembly to be hosted in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) and the third time in China.

“We take pride in recalling that China hosted the INTERPOL General Assembly in Beijing in 1995 and 2017, and this time, Hong Kong, China will be the host city for the 94th General Assembly in 2026,” said Vice Minister of Public Security of the People’s Republic of China, Mr Xu Datong.

The Vice Minister of Public Security of the People's Republic of China, Mr Xu Datong (second left, front row), accompanied by the Hong Kong SAR's Commissioner of Police, Mr Chow Yat-ming (first left, front row), receives the INTERPOL flag at the closing ceremony during the 93rd INTERPOL General Assembly in Morocco last November, symbolising that the next General Assembly will be held in Hong Kong
The Vice Minister of Public Security of the People’s Republic of China, Mr Xu Datong (second left, front row), accompanied by the Hong Kong SAR’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Chow Yat-ming (first left, front row), receives the INTERPOL flag at the closing ceremony during the 93rd INTERPOL General Assembly in Morocco last November, symbolising that the next General Assembly will be held in Hong Kong

The General Assembly is the governing body of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), at which police chiefs and ministers of its 196 member states gather to discuss global security issues and foster collaboration.

The HKSAR’s Commissioner of Police Mr Chow Yat-ming, said the selection of Hong Kong as the host city highlights China’s trust in both the HKSAR and the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF), and underscores Hong Kong’s strategic importance as an international “super connector” in global policing.

“Having served at INTERPOL and visited Rome, Italy; New Delhi, India; Vienna, Austria; and Glasgow, United Kingdom for various General Assemblies, I never imagined Hong Kong would have the opportunity to host this prestigious event,” Mr Chow said. “When our country proposed Hong Kong as the host, I felt deeply honoured.”

The HKSAR Government and HKPF aim to use this occasion to showcase positive stories about China, Hong Kong, and the HKPF, illustrating the success of the “One Country, Two Systems” formula for the HKSAR, Mr Chow added.

Mr Chow leads the Hong Kong delegation as part of the national delegation to attend the 93rd INTERPOL General Assembly in Morocco
Mr Chow leads the Hong Kong delegation as part of the national delegation to attend the 93rd INTERPOL General Assembly in Morocco

Hong Kong has a long association with INTERPOL. The HKPF is a sub-bureau under China, and plays an active and prominent role within INTERPOL, contributing expertise on major crime trends, cybercrime, and financial crime.

The HKPF regularly sends officers to INTERPOL headquarters in the French city of Lyon and the Global Complex for Innovation in Singapore for secondments. Currently, three officers are serving in key roles, one in financial crime coordination in Lyon, and two in technology crime management roles in Singapore.

The HKPF is restructuring its strategy to expand ties with overseas law enforcement agencies, especially in ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and those under the Belt and Road Initiative, to better address emerging transnational crime.

Emphasis is placed on intercepting cross-border fraudulent funds, with the global FRONTIER+ platform (established in October 2024) now connecting 13 jurisdictions, facilitating real-time intelligence sharing and fund interception.

In this connection, on November 12, 2025, the HKPF held its inaugural Ethics Governance Roundtable in Hong Kong, with participation from INTERPOL, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) and representatives from various countries.

INTERPOL’s delegation was led by the Director of the Office of Internal Oversight, Mr Eugênio Ricas. The Roundtable featured in-depth discussions on ethics governance including personal financial risk management strategies, achieving fruitful outcomes.

The HKPF will continue to leverage Hong Kong’s role as a “super connector” through various international policing platforms, including INTERPOL, to further strengthen collaboration with law enforcement agencies across different countries and regions, working together to safeguard global and regional security.

Mr Chow said that hosting the General Assembly is a top priority for the HKSAR Government and that preparations were already well underway.

“The HKPF is maintaining close communication with INTERPOL and China’s National Central Bureau to ensure smooth hosting of the 2026 General Assembly,” Mr Chow said, adding that he hopes that delegates attending the event will appreciate Hong Kong’s vitality, friendly spirit, and rich culinary culture during their stay.

“We are determined to ensure every delegation has an unforgettable experience from the moment they arrive at Hong Kong International Airport,” he said.

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VISHNU RAJA
RYO YAMADA
HITORI GOTOH
IKUYO KITA