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Having led 100+ Hong Kong tech firms to SE Asia over the past year, accelerating global expansion through strategic collaboration

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 April 2026 – Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation continues to deepen its innovation and technology (I&T) collaboration with Southeast Asia, actively playing an orchestrating role in supporting Hong Kong’s tech firms go global. HKSTP debuted as an official exhibitor at Southeast Asia’s largest public safety conference, Milipol TechX Summit 2026 (MTX 2026). Under the theme “Supercharging Innovation for Our Safer Tomorrow”, MTX 2026 is a strategic platform to advance business opportunities through government-backed collaboration. HKSTP showcased 10 park companies presenting breakthrough public safety solutions and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Singapore’s TechX Ventures (TechX, a private subsidiary by the HTX – Home Team Science and Technology Agency of Singapore) — HKSTP’s first MoU signed with an organization in Southeast Asia — establishing a structured framework to advance cross-border innovation partnerships focused on practical applications in public safety.

Singapore and Hong Kong share a substantive relationship, grounded in regular high-level engagement. These include the Prime Minister of Singapore’s official visit to Hong Kong last month, during which he met with the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and visited the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone (the Hong Kong Park in the Loop). The I&T connection also features HKSTP-led delegations to Singapore platforms such as Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH) and SLINGSHOT 2025, etc. Over the past year, more than 100 HKSTP park companies explored Southeast Asian opportunities, securing over HK$25 million in confirmed business deals with additional potential contracts exceeding HK$20 million directly supported by HKSTP.

Eric Or, Chief Ecosystem Development Officer, HKSTP, said, “At HKSTP, we enable innovators to solve real public safety challenges where trust and demonstrated results matter most. Collaborating with TechX and Singapore’s Public Safety ecosystem gives ventures faster access to decision-makers, enables solution testing in operational environments, and supports scaling validated technologies across Asia.”

Eric Chua, Chief Executive Officer, TechX Ventures said: “SPINN District was designed to be more than a startup village — it is a proving ground where bold founders showcase innovations that matter. Seeing HKSTP’s park companies engage meaningfully with the global public safety ecosystem at MTX 2026 reflects exactly the kind of cross-border momentum we built this platform for. This MoU marks the beginning of something lasting: a structured pipeline that turns innovation into operational impact, as we work together to build a safer world.”

The collaboration between HKSTP and TechX is aimed to establish a comprehensive framework to identify, co-create, and validate operational public safety solutions. Under the partnership, HKSTP and its counterparts will move from identified needs to real deployment through annual solution scouting visits to Hong Kong Science Park, funding of around HK$600,000 (S$100,000) per company for proof-of-concept trials with Singapore Public Safety experts, and an ongoing exchange of challenges and insights. This demand-led model accelerates problem-solution fit and reinforces HKSTP’s leadership in regional safety technology collaboration.

The HKSTP Pavilion, themed “Hong Kong’s Technology for Public Safety and Security — Global Application and Global Impact,” featured 10 park companies showcasing solutions proven in deployments across Hong Kong enforcement departments, the Greater Bay Area, and Singapore-related projects. Cutting-edge public safety technologies were showcased across AI-Driven & Robotics, Network & Communications Infrastructure, and Drones, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) & Low-altitude Economy (LAE). MTX is the largest public safety conference in Southeast Asia, the HKSTP pavilion is strategically positioned within the startup-centric SPINN District, effectively facilitated targeted engagements, secured curated matching opportunities with Singapore government agencies for each participating company, and advanced pilot projects and partnerships.

Park companies eSIX and Weitu AI participated in the signature global innovation challenge Dimension X Cohort 6 and the inaugural cohort of the In-Beta tech verification capability programme organized by Hatch, the innovation centre of Singapore’s HTX, achieving significant success. These companies were the only Hong Kong representatives selected for the programmes, underscoring the global competitiveness and real-world impact of Hong Kong’s innovation ecosystem. eSIX, which delivers patented high-speed networking for Industrial IoT and 5G-enabled remote machine control, was awarded a place at Dimension X. The company received S$100,000 in prize money to complete a four-month proof-of-concept and was invited to showcase its solutions. Weitu AI, which provides world-leading multimodal video understanding for fast, accurate analysis across industries was awarded a place at In-Beta, received S$30,000 in prize money with opportunities to verify their promising tech through rapid experimentation and onsite demo.

Building on existing engagement across the region, HKSTP will continue to strengthen collaboration with regional partners, expand support for park companies, and promote technology‑driven solutions that enhance safety and resilience. The initiative reflects HKSTP’s ongoing commitment to fostering sustained innovation and regional cooperation.

Hashtag: #HKSTP

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About Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation

Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), established in 2001, has built a thriving innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem in Hong Kong, supporting 12 unicorns, nurturing over 17,000 research talents, and hosting more than 2,500 technology companies from 26 countries and regions specializing in biomedicine, AI and robotics, fintech, and smart city development. HKSTP is dedicated to positioning Hong Kong as an international I&T hub.

To align with Hong Kong’s future development, HKSTP is committed to attracting and cultivating I&T talent, accelerating the commercialization of innovative outcomes, and providing comprehensive support for technology companies and professionals on their innovation journey. Its vibrant I&T ecosystem continues to grow, encompassing Hong Kong Science Park in Pak Shek Kok, InnoCentre in Kowloon Tong, and three InnoParks in Tai Po, Yuen Long, and Tseung Kwan O. These facilities drive advancements in applied technology, focusing on industries such as advanced manufacturing, micro- electronics, and biotechnology, steering Hong Kong toward new industrialization.

Hong Kong Science Park Shenzhen Branch, located in Futian, Shenzhen, leverages the strategic advantage of “support of the Motherland, connecting to the world.” It serves as a bridge for “bringing in and going global,” actively fostering cross-border I&T collaboration. The Shenzhen Branch supports global technology companies and professionals by providing research and collaboration spaces, with a focus on enterprises in seven key sectors: Medtech, big data and AI, robotics, new materials, microelectronics, fintech, and sustainable development.

HKSTP is dedicated to advancing Hong Kong’s I&T development by providing research infrastructure, startup and enterprise support services, professional investment and business expertise, fostering partnership networks, and attracting top talent. These efforts drive innovation as a new engine for economic growth for Hong Kong.

More information about HKSTP is available at www.hkstp.org.

About TechX Ventures

TechX Ventures is a wholly owned subsidiary of Singapore’s Home Team Science & Technology Agency (HTX) that operates at the intersection of government mandate and entrepreneurial drive. TechX serves as the engine behind a thriving innovation ecosystem where cutting-edge science and technology are put to work protecting people.

At the heart of it, TechX is established to connect global innovators and partners in advancing public safety innovation. Guided by our Safer World philosophy — the belief that progress means nothing if it doesn’t safeguard public safety — TechX approaches safety not as a sector, but as a shared mission. This conviction shapes every partnership forged, every programme designed, and every measure of success. Safety, at TechX, is our purpose.

TechX delivers its mission through two core areas of expertise: to build and to connect. TechX designs and develops innovation initiatives and programmes alongside partners from across the globe, including flagship platforms such as HTX’s Innovation Centre, Hatch — a structured innovation centre that gives frontier deep-tech a clear pathway to validate and deploy solutions for real public safety challenges. TechX also bridges industry, startups, and government agencies into a global network, producing landmark events such as Millipol TechX, and bringing international communities like DEF CON® to Singapore for the first time.

With active partnerships spanning over 30 ecosystems globally — from Hong Kong to South Korea, and the United States, TechX sits at the heart of a growing worldwide alliance united by one ambition: Bringing Together a Safer World.

• New strategy highlights synergy among Global Payment, Global Account and Inclusive and Embedded Finance services built on progress in AI and interoperability.
• As a foundation to the business, Ant International’s global payment services support over 300 payment methods, including more than 10 national QR systems and 50 digital wallets and bank apps, and exceed 20 million daily transactions on average.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 April 2026 – Ant International now connects over 150 million global merchants with more than 2 billion user accounts globally, the company disclosed at its flagship MoMents 2026 fintech executive forum in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Ant International is a leading global digital payment, digitisation and financial technology provider. The company now supports 300+ payment methods in over 220 markets, including all card schemes, 50 mobile payment partners and more than 10 national QR systems, including Singapore’s SGQR, Malaysia’s DuitNow, South Korea’s ZeroPay, Thailand’s PromptPay, Indonesia’s QRIS, Sri Lanka’s LankaPay, and more. It recently onboarded more leading global e-wallets and bank apps such as iFAST Global Bank from the UK, KBank and SCB from Thailand, barq from Saudi Arabia and ShopeePay from Southeast Asia.

With an average of over 20 million transactions daily, Ant International is building broader market reach through new licenses and partnerships in Asia, Latin America and EMEA. In Vietnam, it partners with NAPAS and Vietcombank to roll out cross-border QR payment service, and is also working with the Ho Chi Minh City government on the development of an international financial centre. In Latin America, it formed a strategic partnership with Mexican fintech company R2 in late 2025, supporting the expansion of SME lending across the region. In the Middle East, Ant International collaborates with the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) and national payment network mada, with plans to introduce Alipay+ cross-border QR payments in 2026. Its recent initiatives also include plans to roll out Islamic finance programs in Southeast Asia and other emerging markets.

While serving businesses in their global expansion, Ant International also ranks in first place in terms of the number of global accounts it has been managing for businesses, particularly SMEs, engaged in cross-border commerce.

“New models of financial interoperability and AI commerce give us powerful tools to help global giants as well as mom-and-pop shops to increase resilience and expand revenue streams,” said Peng Yang, CEO, Ant International. “A broader and deeper network means we can work with more partners on more levels to deliver more innovative, trusted, and high ROI fintech solutions in the world’s fastest growing markets.”

Layered solutions for enterprises, SMEs and emerging markets to achieve inclusive growth

Yang underlined a strategy to combine the forces of its four main businesses – Alipay+, Antom, Bettr and WorldFirst – to offer more connected growth solutions for businesses of all sizes.

• Global payment: Making payments a growth engine for businesses of all sizes to thrive in the global digital economy.
• Global account: Enabling AI-powered borderless global accounts for businesses of all sizes, and serving as the ticket to digital trade and commerce. This makes ‘born global’ a reality for all businesses from day one.
• Strategic value boosters: Leveraging innovation and technology to deliver embedded financing, credit and treasury solutions that power inclusive growth.
• Innovation and technology leadership: Grounded in extensive expertise in supporting global payments and businesses of all sizes, Ant International’s leading AI and blockchain solutions are co-developed with customers, partners and regulators to deliver real impact while ensuring security and compliance.

Go-to-market FinAI solutions for real-world problem solving

Working with top LLMs, card schemes and other fintechs, Ant International builds out FinAI capacities and solutions for merchants and financial institutions to tackle real-world growth and security challenges. Key examples include:

Agentic Mobile Protocol (AMP)

At MoMents 2026, Ant International has introduced the open-sourced AMP – the world’s first agentic payment framework designed for mobile interfaces – to help drive AI commerce. The protocol enables secure, AIOps-native agentic payment connection to mobile services including digital wallets, banking apps, super apps, and mobile portals from phones to wearable devices.

AI-as-a-Service Platform

Ant International’s AI-as-a-Service platform GenAI Cockpit equips fintech partners with tools to build a wide range of agentic solutions, from customer-service assistants to sales copilots. Malaysia’s leading e-wallet TNG eWallet, and easypaisa, Pakistan’s first digital bank, are using the platform to deliver better customer experiences with AI.

AI SHIELD

Ant International’s 3-in-1 risk management transformer maintains trust in the ecosystem by providing a robust security layer underpinning all transactions processed by the company. The model is supported by over 7 billion parameters, and combines graph, sequential and tabular data to identify high-risk transactions with over 95% precision, while improving payment success rates by up to 13.5%.

Falcon TST AI FX model

The industry-first MoE-based AI FX model makes long-term forecasts with prediction accuracy of up to 93%, leveraging over 8.5 billion parameters. Deployed internally at Ant International to manage cashflow and FX exposure on an hourly, daily and weekly basis, Falcon TST has helped to cut the company’s FX costs by up to 60%. The model was open-sourced in 2025 to expand access to its capabilities and invite collaboration to advance time-series learning.

EPOS360

A pioneering AI-powered SME app, EPOS360 integrates practical AI tools with POS system, payments, banking, financing and growth operations for small businesses. The suite of AI-powered tools and payment capabilities was launched in Singapore, and is also available to merchants in Malaysia as a mini-programme via TNG eWallet.

Antom Copilot

Antom Copilot provides automation and assistance for merchants based on learnings from real-world cases, improving efficiency of services such as chargeback dispute handling by up to 46%. Within a year of its launch, 72% of Antom-onboarded merchants completed self-service payment integration with the copilot.

At the MoMents 2026 fintech executive forum held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, executives from global payment networks, banks, fintechs, tech companies, and governors came together to discuss the future of financial services in the era of AI commerce. Conversations focused on new forms of payment transformation, multi-layer global interoperability, super app evolution with AI-native tech, innovation of Islamic financing and initiatives around trust and security.

Ant International launched its Digital Business Center in Kuala Lumpur in 2024.
Hashtag: #AntInternational

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

About Ant International

Ant International is a leading global digital payment, digitisation and financial technology provider. Through collaboration across the private and public sectors, our unified techfin platform supports financial institutions and merchants of all sizes to achieve inclusive growth through a comprehensive range of cutting-edge digital payment and financial services solutions. To learn more, please visit https://www.ant-intl.com/

By K Raveendran Abu Dhabi’s decision to walk away from OPEC marks more than a dispute over barrels. It signals a recalibration of Gulf power, energy strategy and security alignments at a moment when the Iran war has exposed the limits of regional consensus. For decades, the UAE operated inside a cartel system dominated by […]

The article UAE Break From OPEC Reshapes Gulf Oil Politics appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

The auction preview brought together a rare timepiece, a significant work of jewelry art, and a highly limited collectible — each with a provenance and a place in the collector market that extends well beyond its auction estimate. The evening was led by Vickie Sek, Deputy Chairman and Asia Pacific Chairman of Christie’s, and Alexandre Bigler, Senior Vice President and Head of Watches for Asia Pacific, whose attendance of the event in Bangkok reflects the growing weight of the city’s collector community on the regional stage. This year marks Christie’s 40th year of presence in Asia.

Porsche Design Tower Bangkok served as co-host — an adequate setting that reflects the exclusivity of the objects on display. Born from the collaboration between Porsche Design and Ananda Development PCL, the tower is guided by Professor F. A. Porsche’s founding principle of optimising function while uncompromisingly reducing form to the essentials. The result is ‘Sky Villa’ residences — distinguished by design, exclusive in the truest sense, and coveted by those who understand the true meaning and value of architectural excellence. With just 22 residences, Porsche Design Tower Bangkok underscores its profound exclusivity but unequivocally establishes it as an unparalleled, coveted address. Beyond the preview, the evening served as an intimate occasion for Porsche Design Tower Bangkok to host its clients and prospective owners within a setting that reflected the project’s own collector values.

Central to that distinction is the ‘Passion Space’ — a private collector’s garage directly connected to each residence by private lift. Whatever its owner chooses to place within it, the ‘Passion Space’ was designed with the same conviction that defined the evening: that what individuals surround themselves with is never incidental.

Porsche Design Tower Bangkok emerges as one of merely two Porsche Design residential towers globally, drawing a parallel only with its prestigious Miami counterpart.

For those who value the extraordinary, Porsche Design Tower Bangkok welcomes private viewings by appointment at pdtowerbangkok.com.

Hashtag: #PorscheDesign

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

About Porsche Design:

In 1963, Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche created one of the most iconic design objects in contemporary history: the Porsche 911. Following his vision to take the principles and myth of Porsche beyond the automotive world, he created the exclusive lifestyle brand Porsche Design in 1972. His philosophy and design language can still be seen in all Porsche Design products today. Every Porsche Design product stands for extraordinary precision and perfection, boasts a high level of technological innovation and seamlessly combines intelligent functionality and puristic design. Created by Studio F. A. Porsche in Austria, our products are sold worldwide in Porsche Design stores, high-end department stores, exclusive specialist retailers and the official online store (porsche-design.com).

The city’s merchandise trade gap widened to HK$89.1 billion in March 2026, equal to 12.6 per cent of the value of imports. Total exports rose 35.8 per cent year on year to HK$618.4 billion, while imports jumped 41.2 per cent to HK$707.5 billion, underscoring the unusual scale of the surge in cross-border goods flows through one of Asia’s main trading hubs.

The figures point to a mixed signal for Hong Kong’s externally oriented economy. Export growth was the strongest since early 2021, reflecting robust global demand for electronic components, telecommunications equipment, semiconductors and related supply-chain goods. Yet the sharper rise in imports left the city with a deficit larger than any monthly gap recorded over more than seven decades, highlighting the pressure created by front-loaded purchases, supply-chain repositioning and higher input costs.

For the first quarter of 2026, total exports climbed 32 per cent from a year earlier, while imports increased 37 per cent. The visible trade deficit for the quarter reached HK$168.4 billion, equivalent to 9.8 per cent of imports. On a seasonally adjusted basis, exports rose 18.4 per cent from the previous quarter, while imports advanced 20 per cent.

The most striking gains came from technology-linked categories. Exports of electrical machinery, apparatus, appliances and related parts rose by HK$99.8 billion, or 47.9 per cent, in March from a year earlier. Telecommunications and sound recording equipment exports increased by HK$40.2 billion, or 94.7 per cent, while non-ferrous metals shipments rose by HK$10.2 billion, or 175.9 per cent.

Imports showed a similar pattern, but with larger absolute increases in several categories. Purchases of electrical machinery and related parts grew by HK$106.2 billion, or 49.5 per cent. Telecommunications and sound recording equipment imports rose by HK$45.3 billion, or 93 per cent. Non-ferrous metals imports surged by HK$30.4 billion, a rise of more than 400 per cent, suggesting strong demand for materials used in electronics, data-centre infrastructure and advanced manufacturing supply chains.

The widening deficit also reflects Hong Kong’s role as a re-export centre rather than a conventional manufacturing economy. Goods imported into the city often move onwards to mainland China, Southeast Asia, the United States and Europe after financing, logistics, testing, repackaging or redistribution. During periods of strong global technology demand, import values can rise faster than exports if companies build inventories, reroute shipments or accelerate procurement to avoid transport delays.

Geopolitical tensions have added another layer of volatility. The war in the Middle East has pushed up energy prices, raised shipping risks and complicated trade routes linking Asia with Europe and the Gulf. Higher freight and insurance costs can lift the recorded value of imports, while uncertainty over maritime routes may encourage companies to bring forward shipments or diversify logistics channels. Hong Kong, with its deep financial links and dense regional supply-chain networks, is exposed to those shifts even when final demand originates elsewhere.

The export destination data showed broad-based strength across Asia and beyond. Shipments to Singapore more than doubled, while exports to Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan and mainland China recorded strong gains. Exports to the United States also rose sharply, reflecting resilient demand for electronics and technology-linked goods despite continuing trade friction and tariff risks. Shipments to the United Kingdom declined, indicating uneven demand across advanced markets.

On the import side, increases were recorded from most major suppliers. Purchases from the United Kingdom, Korea, India, Vietnam, the United States and mainland China all rose substantially, underlining the geographically diverse nature of the procurement surge. Mainland China remained central to the city’s trade flows, both as a supplier and destination, while Southeast Asian economies continued to gain prominence in electronics and component supply chains.

The data suggest that Hong Kong is benefiting from the global investment race in artificial intelligence, cloud computing and advanced electronics, but the gains come with greater exposure to external shocks. Demand for AI servers, chips, networking equipment and related components has lifted trade volumes across Asia, while higher energy prices and shipping uncertainty are adding costs and complicating timing decisions for importers.

Beijing’s move to sharpen penalties for unauthorised rare earth production sent shares of major producers higher, as investors assessed a tougher enforcement regime that could curb illegal supply and reinforce China’s control over a sector central to clean energy, defence and advanced manufacturing.

China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has opened public consultation on detailed penalty benchmarks under the Rare Earth Management Regulations, setting out how authorities should punish breaches involving mining, smelting, separation, product circulation and data reporting. The draft rules target companies and individuals that exceed state production quotas, operate without approval, process illicit raw materials, falsify traceability data or obstruct inspections.

The consultation runs until 28 May, adding another layer to a regulatory structure that took effect on 1 October 2024. The framework places rare earth mining, smelting and separation under a “total control” system, giving Beijing formal authority to set production limits and police flows across the supply chain. The new penalty table is designed to narrow discretion in enforcement by grading violations according to value, volume, frequency and consequences.

Rare earth-linked equities climbed in Shanghai and Shenzhen after the announcement. China Northern Rare Earth, China Rare Earth Resources and Technology, Huahong Technology and other names tied to mining, processing and permanent magnets moved sharply higher during Wednesday trading. The rare earth permanent magnet segment also advanced, helped by firmer prices for praseodymium-neodymium products and stronger first-quarter earnings from leading producers.

Investors read the draft as a supply-side signal. Stricter penalties could reduce unapproved output that has historically weighed on pricing during periods of weak demand. For larger quota-holding groups, tighter enforcement may support margins by giving compliant producers a stronger position in pricing and procurement. China Northern Rare Earth reported a first-quarter net profit of about 918 million yuan, more than double the level a year earlier, helped by higher average prices for core rare earth products. China Rare Earth Resources and Technology also posted a sharp rise in quarterly profit as prices for selected products improved.

The proposed penalties are substantial. Unauthorised smelting and separation, misuse of rare earth mineral products by recycling or comprehensive utilisation companies, and trading in illegal rare earth products can lead to confiscation of products, unlawful income and related equipment. Fines may reach five to 10 times unlawful gains, while cases with no gain or gains below defined thresholds can still attract penalties running into millions of yuan. Serious breaches can result in business licence revocation.

Traceability is a central element of the enforcement push. Companies that fail to record, upload or maintain data on product flows face fines and possible suspension if they refuse to rectify violations. The system is intended to make it harder for illegal ore, semi-processed products or recycled materials to enter formal supply chains undetected. It also strengthens the state’s ability to align domestic output with industrial policy, export controls and strategic stockpiling objectives.

Rare earths comprise 17 elements used in permanent magnets, electric vehicles, wind turbines, smartphones, robotics, missile guidance systems, radar, drones and precision equipment. China accounts for roughly 70 per cent of global rare earth mining and an even larger share of processing, refining and magnet manufacturing. That position gives Beijing significant influence over a supply chain that remains difficult and costly for other economies to replicate.

The policy shift comes against a backdrop of heightened competition over critical minerals. Export controls introduced in 2025 placed rare earth materials and related technologies at the centre of trade negotiations and industrial security planning. Licensing delays and tighter availability of high-performance magnets have already affected downstream manufacturers, particularly in automotive, electronics and defence-linked industries.

Western governments and companies are trying to build alternative supply chains, but progress remains uneven. Mining projects in the United States, Brazil, Australia, Greenland and parts of Africa have attracted capital, while magnet-making and separation capacity outside China remains limited. Processing is the central bottleneck, requiring specialised technology, environmental safeguards and long approval timelines. New ventures can take years to move from exploration to commercial output, leaving buyers exposed to Chinese policy decisions.

Environmental enforcement is also part of the equation. Illegal mining and poorly controlled processing have caused soil, water and radioactive waste concerns in several producing regions. Tougher penalties can be framed not only as an industrial strategy but also as an attempt to reduce pollution, consolidate smaller operators and push production towards state-backed or better-capitalised firms.

• Agentic Mobile Protocol (AMP) is the world’s first agentic payment framework designed for mobile interfaces, including digital wallets, super apps, and wearable devices.
• Fully open-sourced, the protocol enables LLMs, platforms and merchants’ seamless agentic connection to 4.4 billion digital wallet users worldwide through simple and secure integration.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 April 2026 – Ant International is introducing the Agentic Mobile Protocol (AMP) for the agentic commerce industry to enable secure, AIOps-native agentic payment connection to mobile services including digital wallets, banking apps, super apps, and mobile portals from phones to wearable devices.

“We are deeply grateful for partners, acquirers and developers who contributed to this project. An agentic protocol for mobile commerce that ensures superior efficiency and security results will be key for businesses large and small expanding into the world’s fastest growing markets. We look forward to expanding our multi-layered partnerships to enable real-world successes of AI commerce,” said Jiang-Ming Yang, Chief Innovation Officer, Ant International.

Wallets and mobile payment key driver for agentic commerce

The global agentic commerce market could reach around USD 28 billion by 2030 with a 46% CAGR as the industry fast-forwards from pilot AI agent programs to full-scale autonomous transaction systems^[1]. The number of global digital wallet users reached 4.4 billion in 2025, and is expected to exceed 6 billion – over 75% of the global population – by 2030^[2].

While the new payment rails are positioned to become a primary interface for AI commerce, current AI payments protocols are designed largely for card rails. Merchants and digital wallets need to be able to offer smooth payment experience, authenticate trusted agents and verify credentials without disruption, as well as seamlessly handle post-checkout settlement and transaction management tasks in a mobile- and AI-native environment.

With the Agentic Mobile Protocol, merchants – LLMs, AI platforms, merchants with self-developed agents, and agent builders – and digital wallets can embed agentic payment functionality directly into their workflows, eliminating the need for system overhauls.

Ant International has open-sourced the AMP to help establish a universal, auditable standard to ensure that AI agents can transact securely and seamlessly across any global platform.

The AMP framework features:

• A superior agentic checkout experience through:
  • Faster agent integration: reducing the number of steps required to link a payment agent to a digital wallet by 50% compared to traditional card-binding methods.
  • Money-back guarantee: every agent-initiated transaction is backed by a money-back guarantee mechanism for payment partners in cases of account takeovers.
  • Cross-device compatibility: payment agents can work on mobile interfaces across smartphones, smartwatches, AR glasses and in-car systems, a capability absent in card-based systems.

• A more efficient and secure trust architecture for agent delegation to ensure secure and precise delegation of payment authority to AI agents — whether it is ordering coffee, booking a ride, or planning a trip – with full visibility and the ability to revoke or modify tasks at any time.

• A high-frequency agent-to-agent (A2A) settlement mechanism enables automated, ultra-small transactions between AI agents. It’s capable of handling nano-transactions as small as $0.000001 between agents with real-time accounting and clearing. A2A settlement is crucial to agentic economy, which requires the capacity to process high-frequency, sub-cent agent transactions that traditional payment rails cannot support.

• A full-spectrum Know Your Agent (KYA) framework establishes an agent’s digital identity and certifies its authorised capabilities. The proprietary Agent Trust Rating mechanism offers an additional layer of protection, a dynamic risk-management tool that determines whether an agent is trustworthy and controls the level of autonomy.

A 40 member-strong wallet ecosystem in cross-sector coordination

Ant International is working with wallet partners of Alipay+, the company’s global wallet gateway, to implement the AMP. Alipay+ now connects over 40 digital wallet partners, covering 1.8 billion user accounts and 150 million merchants globally.

Building on this payment partnership network that spans wallets, acquirers, super apps and cards, Ant International is among the first partners of Mastercard and Visa to pilot card-based transaction capabilities for AI agents, while collaborating with Google on its protocols for agentic commerce and payments.

Hashtag: #AntInternational

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

About Ant International

Ant International is a leading global digital payment, digitisation and financial technology provider. Through collaboration across the private and public sectors, our unified techfin platform supports financial institutions and merchants of all sizes to achieve inclusive growth through a comprehensive range of cutting-edge digital payment and financial services solutions. To learn more, please visit https://www.ant-intl.com/

The company recently marked its eighth consecutive participation at Indo Intertex Expo in Jakarta, where it showcased new opportunities for viscose and lyocell fibres and strengthened relationships across the textile value chain. The exhibition brought together suppliers and buyers seeking new product ideas and business opportunities, giving APR a platform to deepen collaboration and expand market connections.

Central to APR’s Jakarta presence was a showcase featuring seven partner companies spanning spinning, weaving, knitting and garment manufacturing. By presenting these partners together, APR, a member of the RGE group of companies founded by Sukanto Tanoto, demonstrated the interconnected ecosystem underpinning Indonesia’s textile sector and the shared value created through close collaboration between fibre producers and downstream manufacturers.

A highlight of the showcase was a dedicated display of lyocell fabrics designed for batik applications. Batik, the wax-resist dyeing craft recognised by UNESCO as part of Indonesia’s cultural heritage, remains central to the nation’s textile identity. Lyocell’s compatibility with traditional dyeing methods offers artisans the opportunity to combine heritage craftsmanship with modern fibre innovation.

Building on this momentum, APR continued its engagement in India through participation in the Fibers & Yarns Expo in Mumbai, one of India’s premier textile trade fairs and a vital networking platform for the country’s extensive supply chain. The event enabled APR to deepen market engagement, forge new partnerships and reconnect with a rapidly expanding customer base.

At the Mumbai exhibition, APR introduced BVF, a finer denier viscose engineered for fine count spinning applications and targeting premium segments such as high-end fashion, athleisure, intimate apparel and home textiles. The Indian market continues to present significant growth potential as manufacturers seek reliable fibre supply, consistent product quality and proactive technical support to meet evolving consumer demands both domestically and internationally.

Sachin Malik, Commercial Head, Asia Pacific Rayon, said: “In the current market scenario, success is not a solo pursuit. It is about how effectively we integrate into our customers’ reality. Our strategy in Indonesia and India demonstrates that fibre producers must align their growth with the success of customers and the wider textile value chain.”

As regional supply chains face increasing pressure to become more resilient, APR’s exhibition strategy underscores a clear message: in textiles, competitive advantage is built not through scale alone, but through trusted partnerships that deliver stability, technical expertise and shared progress.
Hashtag: #RGE #APR #viscose #rayon #Indonesia #India

https://www.aprayon.com

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

About Asia Pacific Rayon

Asia Pacific Rayon (APR), based in Indonesia, is Asia’s first fully integrated viscose rayon producer, from plantation to fibre. APR, which has a capacity of 325,000 tons per year, is located in Pangkalan Kerinci, Riau Province, Indonesia. APR is committed to becoming a leading viscose staple fibre producer with the principles of sustainability, transparency and operational excellence, and serving the interests of the community, country and climate, while providing value to customers. APR is part of the RGE group of companies.

Over recent months, the host city has established a comprehensive, high-standard service system, now fully operational, to support what organizers describe as a “splendid, exceptional and outstanding” event.

The success of the Games, organizers say, begins with a smooth and welcoming arrival experience. Benefiting from policies under the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP), entry procedures have been streamlined.

Jože Zidar, a veteran Slovenian sports journalist who visited earlier this year, said he experienced “one of the most efficient border clearances” he had encountered. Such feedback has since been echoed by many participants.

High service standards extend throughout the event. The Games adopt a coastal venue layout described as a “pearls-on-a-string” coastal layout, integrating multiple sites and combining beach sports with the surrounding natural environment to create a “sports and tourism” experience.

All venues have been built or upgraded in line with green standards and are now operational. In terms of logistics, 22 designated hotels, more than 1,000 new energy vehicles, and around 4,700 volunteers have been deployed. The Main Media Center is providing one-stop services for over 1,000 registered journalists from China and abroad.

Given the nature of beach and marine events, Sanya has also established a citywide emergency medical system featuring a “30-minute response network.” A total of 71 on-site medical stations, supported by additional medical posts, 285 medical staff and 46 ambulances, form a comprehensive response system covering on-site treatment, patient transfer and specialized care.

The opening ceremony itself broke with the traditional stadium format, instead integrating performance elements into the natural beach setting of sand, sunshine and palm trees.

Artistic segments combined local Hainan culture, the vision of the Hainan FTP, and the spirit of sport.

The Games mascot “Ya Ya”, the Eld’s deer, appeared throughout the ceremony as a cultural symbol linking the city’s past and future.

Environmentally friendly technologies and virtual imaging were also incorporated to create a visual experience blending digital and real-world elements. Sanya has positioned the Games as a catalyst for urban development under the concept of “promoting construction and improving quality through sports.”

Preparations have contributed to infrastructure upgrades and environmental improvements.

At the same time, a “sports, tourism and consumption” model has been introduced.

More than 200 licensed products have been launched, while promotional campaigns linking tourism resources across the island are underway.

Supporting events, including an international diving festival and cultural exhibitions of intangible heritage, have also been organized to enhance the experience for visitors and participants.

From preparation to opening, Sanya aims to deliver on its commitment to the Asian sporting community through comprehensive services and an open, dynamic city environment.

The Games are expected to serve as a platform to promote unity, friendship and development across Asia.

Hashtag: #Sanya

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Recognised as one of the region’s most authoritative dining guides, SCMP’s 100 Top Tables honours restaurants that excel in cuisine, service, and overall dining experience. The inclusion of multiple Galaxy Macau restaurants across Chinese, Italian and Japanese traditions reflects the award-winning luxury resort’s ability to unite worldclass talent, refined craftsmanship and impeccable hospitality within a single destination. Together, these acclaimed establishments form a sophisticated and diverse dining portfolio that underscores Galaxy Macau’s position at the forefront of Asia’s culinary landscape.

Feng Wei Ju

At StarWorld Hotel, Feng Wei Ju has carved out a niche as the premier destination for Hunan and Sichuan cuisine in the region, imparting an unforgettable taste experience on every guest with its nuanced approach to pristine ingredients and flavours. Master Chef Chan Chek Keong, Assistance Vice President of Food & Beverage Culinary of StarWorld Hotel and Executive Chef of Feng Wei Ju, boasts a deep understanding of regional Chinese culinary traditions, crafting dishes that are as bold and nuanced, as they are delicate. The restaurant’s multi-sensory approach to dining has earned it a loyal following and a quiet yet resounding endorsement of its excellence spanning over a decade as one of Macau’s most coveted dining destinations.

8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA

At Galaxy Macau, 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA continues to set the standard for Italian fine dining with flawless execution in every detail. Under the leadership of Executive Chef Marino D’Antonio, the restaurant has entered a new chapter. Chef Marino, whose career spans Michelin-starred kitchens, brings a passion for quality and a deep respect for tradition to his craft. His dishes are an ode to Italian food, each one a celebration of regional flavours and produce elevated with ultimate craft.

Lai Heen

Perched on the 51st floor of The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, Lai Heen offers exquisite Cantonese cuisine against a glittering panorama of the Galaxy Resort and Macau beyond. Chinese Executive Chef Jackie Ho Hon Sing, the creative force behind the restaurant, projects his vision and skill into every dish, reimagined with a modern sensibility. Combining traditional Cantonese flavours with Ritz-Carlton’s legendary service, Lai Heen delivers an unparalleled dining experience.

Sushi Kissho by Miyakawa

Sushi Kissho by Miyakawa at Raffles at Galaxy Macau, the first international establishment by Chef Masaaki Miyakawa—one of Japan’s six Michelin three-star sushi masters—has found its home at Raffles at Galaxy Macau. The restaurant celebrates Chef Miyakawa’s interpretation of the art of Edomae sushi, a tradition that celebrates the purity of nature and the time-honoured artistry of the chef. Here, the finest seasonal ingredients, from Japan’s leading growers and generational fisherman, are transformed into delicate bites that speak to the sea, the soil, and the seasons. With only 10 seats at the sushi counter, Sushi Kissho by Miyakawa is an intimate space where every detail is a considered ode to seasonality, experience, and restraint.

Teppanyaki Shou

Since opening its doors in 2024, Teppanyaki Shou at Raffles at Galaxy Macau has earned its reputation as a study in precision and passion, redefining the teppanyaki experience under the guidance of Japanese maestros. The restaurant’s name speaks to its mission: to carry forward the traditions that encapsulate the essence of authentic Japanese food culture. Under the guidance of master chefs, the teppanyaki grill becomes a stage, where the finest ingredients sourced daily from Japan and beyond – air-freighted daily to Macau – ensuring that every dish is a masterpiece of freshness and can be transformed into a symphony of flavour. The chefs, with their deft hands and keen intuition, tailor each dish to the diner’s preferences, creating an omakase experience that is as personal as it is unforgettable.

As a world-class luxury integrated resort, Galaxy Macau continues to shape Macau’s gastronomic landscape through excellence, innovation and a steadfast dedication to quality. This latest authoritative recognition by SCMP‘s 100 Top Tables further reinforces Galaxy’s role as Asia’s leading culinary hub; contributing to Macau’s global reputation as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.

For more information about Galaxy Macau, please visit www.galaxymacau.com.

Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau

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ABOUT GALAXY MACAU INTEGRATED RESORT

Galaxy Macau, The World-class Luxury Integrated Resort delivers the “Most Spectacular Entertainment and Leisure Destination in the World”. Developed at an investment of HK$43 billion, the property covers 1.1 million-square-meter of unique entertainment and leisure attractions that are unlike anything else in Macau. Nine award-winning world-class luxury hotels provide close to 5,000 rooms, suites and villas. They include Banyan Tree Macau, Galaxy Hotel, Hotel Okura Macau, JW Marriott at Galaxy Macau, The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, Broadway Hotel, Raffles at Galaxy Macau, Andaz Macau, and Capella at Galaxy Macau. Unique to Galaxy Macau, the 75,000-square-meter Grand Resort Deck features the world’s longest Skytop Adventure Rapids at 575-meters, the largest Skytop Wave Pool with waves up to 1.5-meters high and 150-meters pristine white sand beach. Two five-star spas from Banyan Tree Spa Macau and The Ritz- Carlton Spa, Macau help guests relax and rejuvenate.

As the dining destination in Asia, Galaxy Macau offers a wide variety of gastronomic delights, exquisite experiences and ingredients of the finest quality with over 120 dining options from Michelin dining to authentic delicacies.

Embark on a delightful and rewarding journey at Galaxy Promenade, the one-stop shopping destination boasting some of the world’s most iconic luxury brands. Be the first to get the latest limited-edition items; explore fascinating pop-ups by coveted labels and revel in fabulous shopping rewards and privileges. Our VIPs are entitled to a highly-curated experience with dedicated personal shoppers at guests’ service, and be invited to exclusive luxury brand events. A different calibre of privileges and rewards also await. Discover the joys of fashion and stand at the forefront of style and sophistication—Galaxy Promenade has everything guests need to stay ahead of the style game.

Galaxy Cinemas takes immersive movie experiences to the next level with the latest audio-visual technology, ultra-luxurious facilities and bespoke services; CHINA ROUGE, one-of-a-kind cabaret lounge that evokes the glamor of Shanghai’s golden era with stylish entertainment and customizable surrounds; and Foot Hub, which presents the traditional art of reflexology for authentic relaxation and revitalization. For Authentic Macau Flavours and Vibrant Asian Experiences, Broadway Macau – just a 90-second walk via a bridge from Galaxy Macau, has over 35 Authentic Macau & Asian Flavours at Broadway Food Street. The 2,500-seat Broadway Theatre plays host to world-class entertainers and a diverse array of cultural events.

Meeting, incentive and banquet groups are also catered to with a portfolio of unique venues in Galaxy Macau and an expert service team. Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) is the latest addition to the Group’s ever-expanding integrated resort precinct and will usher in a new era for the MICE industry in Macau. GICC is a world-class event venue featuring 40,000-square-meters of total flexible MICE, and the 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena – the largest indoor arena in Macau.

For more details, please visit www.galaxymacau.com,www.broadwaymacau.com.mo and www.galaxyicc.com.