Oracle WebLogic operators are under pressure to close a critical security gap after attackers began probing and exploiting a newly disclosed flaw on the same day public exploit code appeared, according to a honeypot study that tracked activity against a vulnerable WebLogic environment over 12 days. The vulnerability, tracked as CVE-2026-21962, carries a CVSS severity score of 10.0 and affects Oracle HTTP Server and the WebLogic Server […]
A critical weakness in Open VSX’s new pre-publication scanning system allowed malicious extensions to pass security checks and become publicly available, raising fresh concerns over the safety of a software marketplace relied on by Cursor, Windsurf and other tools built on the VS Code extension ecosystem. The flaw, dubbed “Open Sesame” by Koi Security, has been patched, with Open VSX maintainers fixing it in version 0.32.0 after […]
Hundreds of organisations using Microsoft 365 are facing a fast-growing phishing threat that sidesteps conventional multi-factor authentication controls by abusing a legitimate Microsoft sign-in process rather than breaking it. Security researchers tracking the activity say more than 340 organisations across the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Germany have been affected, with attacks accelerating through March after the first known cases were detected on February 19. […]
By Arun Srivastava The Naxalite movement, originating from a 1967 peasant uprising in Naxalbari, West Bengal, has witnessed numerous “twists and turns,” evolving from a localized armed insurrection into a fragmented insurgency and, in recent years, a shrinking threat experiencing mass surrenders and gruesome killings of cadres by the security forces. But one evolution is […]
The article Twists And Turns In Naxalite Movement In Last Six Decades After 1967 Uprising appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).
Mozilla has released Firefox 149, introducing a suite of features aimed at strengthening privacy protections and improving user productivity, as competition intensifies across the browser market. The update, issued on 24 March, combines new browsing tools with expanded security layers, signalling a broader strategic shift by Mozilla to differentiate its flagship product from rivals such as Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge. Central to the release is a […]
Highlights:
Financial Highlights:
| For the year ended 31 Dec | ||||
| HK$’ million | 2025 | 2024 | Change | |
| Revenue | 8,572.2 | 6,066.0 | +41.3% | |
|
7,697.8
718.9 155.5 |
5,414.5
512.0 139.5 |
+42.1%
+40.4% +11.5% |
|
| Gross profit | 486.2 | 353.2 | +37.6% | |
| Gross profit margin | 5.7% | 5.8% | -0.1 p.p. | |
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 March 2026 – CR Construction Group Holdings Limited (“CR Construction” or the “Company”, together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”; stock code: 1582.HK), a building contractor in Hong Kong, announced its annual results for the year ended 31 December 2025 (“FY 2025”). During FY 2025, the revenue recorded by the Group amounted to approximately HK$8,572.2 million representing an increase of approximately 41.3% as compared to approximately HK$6,066.0 million for the year ended 31 December 2024 (“FY 2024”). Profit for the year of the Group during FY 2025 was approximately HK$42.2 million.
In FY 2025, gross profit of the Group was approximately HK$486.2 million, representing an increase of approximately 37.6% as compared to approximately HK$353.2 million for FY 2024. The Group’s gross profit margin was approximately 5.7% and 5.8% for the year ended 31 December 2025 and 2024, respectively. During the Reporting Period, earnings per share of the Group was approximately HK7.84 cents (FY 2024: HK10.74 cents).
BUSINESS REVIEW
Construction Operations
As at 31 December 2025, the Group had 50 projects on hand with an aggregate original contract sum of approximately HK$32.6 billion. During FY 2025, the Group had been awarded 15 new projects with an aggregate original contract sum of approximately HK$5.6 billion and had completed 17 projects with an aggregate original contract sum of approximately HK$6.1 billion.
Building Construction Works
In FY 2025, the revenue generated from the building construction works was HK$7,697.8 million, representing an increase of approximately 42.1% as compared to approximately HK$5,414.5 million for the FY 2024. The increase was mainly due to the increase in revenue generated from new projects and existing projects during the year.
During FY 2025, the gross profit of building construction works was approximately HK$334.6 million, representing an increase of approximately HK$96.5 million as compared to approximately HK$238.1 million for FY 2024. The gross profit margin decreased slightly to approximately 4.3% (2024: 4.4%).
Repair, Maintenance, Alteration and Addition (“RMAA”)
The revenue generated from the RMAA works increased by approximately 40.4% from approximately HK$512.0 million for FY 2024 to approximately HK$718.9 million for FY 2025.
The gross profit of RMAA works was approximately HK$93.3 million, representing an increase of approximately HK$22.4 million from the gross profit of approximately HK$70.9 million for FY 2024. The gross profit margin decreased to approximately 13.0% for FY 2025. The increase in gross profit and decrease in gross profit margin was mainly due to increase in revenue from RMAA work projects with lower gross profit margin in FY 2025.
Environmental Operations
As at 31 December 2025, the Group had 8 projects with an aggregate original contract sum of approximately HK$158.4 million and 28 projects relating to service concession arrangements and operation services.
During FY 2025, the Group demonstrated its capacity for market expansion by securing its first wastewater treatment construction contract outside of Zhejiang Province in Gaoping City, Shanxi. Furthermore, the Company strategically formed a joint venture with Tiantai Construction and the Group to pursue new opportunities in environmental services and sewage treatment, thereby enhancing its existing business.
The revenue generated from the environmental operations in FY 2025 was approximately HK$155.5 million, representing an increase of approximately 11.5% as compared to approximately HK$139.5 million for FY 2024.
In FY 2025, the gross profit was approximately HK$58.3 million, representing an increase of approximately HK$14.1 million as compared to approximately HK$44.2 million in FY 2024. The gross profit margin increased to approximately 37.5% in FY 2025. This is mainly due to increase in revenue from sewage and reclaimed water treatment services, which contributed higher gross profit margin during FY 2025.
CONTRACT COSTS
The Group’s contract costs primarily consisted of subcontracting costs, material costs, direct staff costs and site overheads. The contract costs of the Group in FY 2025 were approximately HK$8,086.0 million, representing an increase of 41.5% compared to approximately HK$5,712.8 million in FY 2024, which was in line with increase in revenue, and was mainly attributable to the increase in subcontracting costs, material costs, direct staff costs and site over heads for new and existing projects in FY 2025.
TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION
During FY 2025, the Group placed significant emphasis on technological innovation to enhance its core competitiveness in the construction industry. The total expenditure for research and development was approximately HK$23.3 million.
The Group continued to implement its enhanced Smart Site Safety System (4S), reinforcing our safety management framework and maintain our ISO 27001 certification. The Group has also integrated a range of digital solutions – including BIM, 4S, RPA, and the MaiaAI System – into project management and daily operation, significantly improving both efficiency and safety standards. The Group’s AI Tower Crane System received with 2025 CIC Construction Innovation Award – Local Award (Construction Safety 2nd Prize).
PROSPECTS
Subsequent to 31 December 2025, the Group has been further awarded 3 new projects relating to 1 building construction works contracts with original contract sum of approximately HK$3,590 million; and 2 RMAA works contract with an aggregate original contract sum of approximately HK$9.3 million.
The proactive measures outlined in 2025 Policy Address to accelerate infrastructure and stimulate industry growth present a significantly positive outlook for the local construction sector.
The commitment to major projects such as the Northern Metropolis, the Hong Kong-Shenzhen Innovation and Technology Park, and new transportation infrastructure is expected to generate substantial momentum for the Group’s business.
The Group will actively support and leverage government initiatives. We will remain focused on securing new and profitable project opportunities. Building on our proven expertise, the Group is strategically positioned to explore and pursue suitable construction business ventures both in Hong Kong and overseas.
Hashtag: #CRConstruction #華營建築 #AnnualResults
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
CR Construction Group Holdings Limited, which is carrying out construction business for over 55 years locally, is one of the leading building contractors in Hong Kong. The Group principally act as a main contractor in building construction works and RMAA works projects across public and private sectors in Hong Kong. As a main contractor, the Group is responsible for (i) overall management of the projects; (ii) formulating work programmes; (iii) engaging subcontractors and supervising their works; (iv) sourcing construction materials; (v) communication and coordination with the customers and their consultant teams; and (vi) safeguarding compliance with safety, environmental and other contractual requirements.
Threat actors are refining a deceptive cyberattack method that manipulates built-in system utilities on both Microsoft Windows and Apple macOS to deploy malicious software, marking a shift in how malware bypasses browser-based security safeguards. Security researchers have identified a coordinated campaign centred on a technique known as ClickFix, which prompts users to execute seemingly harmless commands through the Windows Run dialogue or macOS Terminal. By moving the […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 March 2026 – Voicecomm Technology Co., Ltd. (“Voicecomm Technology” or the “Company“, Stock Code: 2495.HK), a core technology provider and ecosystem operator of trustworthy conversational AI in China, announced its annual results for the year ended December 31, 2025. Leveraging its deep technological expertise and forward-looking strategic initiatives in trustworthy conversational AI, the Company achieved steady revenue growth, continuous improvement in profitability, and a significant enhancement in operating cash flow, further strengthening its competitive edge in the enterprise-level trustworthy Agent sector.
Gross Profit Margin Steadily Improves, Operating Cash Flow Turns Strongly Positive
In 2025, the Company’s total revenue successfully exceeded the RMB1 billion mark, reaching RMB1,006.9 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 7.0%. Gross profit amounted to RMB551.2 million, increased by 8.0% from the previous year, while the gross profit margin increased by 0.5 percentage point to 54.7% from 54.2% in the same period last year, reflecting the high-value-added products and technical services of the Company, as well as effective cost control.
Notably, the Company’s net cash generated from operating activities turned strongly positive, reaching a net inflow of RMB212.5 million, compared to a net outflow of RMB129.2 million in the same period last year. This improvement underscores enhanced operational efficiency and reflects strengthened receivables management, which accelerated cash collection.
Profit for the year amounted to RMB140.2 million. The significant increase in net profit compared to the same period last year was mainly attributable to eliminating the impacts of changes in carrying amount of redeemable capital contributions, an accounting adjustment arising from financing agreements entered into with shareholders prior to the Listing and completion of the Global Offering.
Increasing R&D Investment to Strengthen the Trustworthy Agent Technology Foundations
As a technology-centric product company, Voicecomm Technology remains committed to the independent R&D and innovation of underlying technologies. In 2025, the Company’s research and development expenses reached RMB224.3 million, representing a substantial year-on-year increase of 67.7%. The investment was primarily directed towards developing Agents with continuous learning capabilities and a technical framework for Multi-agent collaboration, aiming to enhance technological capabilities and elevate the level of product innovation. This reinforces our trustworthy Agent technical architecture composed of three layers: “Multimodal Perception + Multi-model Thinking + Multi-agent Collaboration”.
This architecture takes the “meta-model” as the core to effectively alleviate the common pain points of in enterprise-level implementation, such as hallucinations, controllability and data security, by integrating the generalization capabilities of large language models with the precision of vertical domain knowledge. On this basis, the Company have formed a deliverable and operable trustworthy Agent product system, to ensure that the Agents are usable, manageable, and controllable in enterprise environments, thereby powering the intelligent upgrade of six core application scenarios: City management and administration, Automotive and transportation, Telecommunications, Finance, Healthcare, and Energy management.
Productization Strategy Drives Deep Application across Six Core Scenarios
Voicecomm Technology focuses on empowering various industries through superior products and technologies. In 2025, leveraging its mature product matrix, the Company successfully established replicable benchmark standards across multiple application scenarios.
City Management and Administration: As a leading solution provider in the smart government sector in China, the Company’s business has covered more than 130 prefecture-level cities. The “Smart Government Agent” deeply integrates the capacities of large language models, enabling more intelligent and automated government services with standardized and intelligent applications in scenarios such as government hotlines and city governance.
Automotive and Transportation: The Company successfully established benchmark autonomous driving projects in cities such as Mianyang, Zibo, and Ezhou, building a successful and replicable “Smart Transportation Agent” solution. For the Mianyang Science and Technology New City project, a total of 96 autonomous vehicles have been deployed, and the project was successfully selected as a National AI Application Pilot Testing Base in the transportation sector. In January 2026, the Company newly won the bid for the “Ezhou Huahu Airport Smart Port” autonomous driving bus procurement and operation project, further expanding its application boundaries.
Healthcare: In January 2026, the Company successfully won the bid for the “Chuannan Smart Valley AI Vertical Large Model Innovation Platform – Silver Economy Construction and Operation Project” in Neijiang City, Sichuan Province, with a total contract value of nearly RMB300 million. This project represents the Company’s first “AI + Elderly Care” city-level benchmark demonstration project. It adopts a closed-loop collaborative model of “online platform + offline service network + home terminals,” integrating Agents capabilities with the Company’s “vertical small model microservices” system in areas such as Health Early Warning, Cognitive Ability Assessment, and emotional companionship into a productized solution, thereby establishing rapidly replicable city-level smart elderly care operational benchmark.
Telecommunications, Finance, and Energy Management: The Company continues to deepen collaborations with leading enterprises in the telecommunications and finance sectors, leveraging the “Telecommunication Service Agent” and “Financial Service Agent” to enhance service efficiency and user service value. Meanwhile, its AI-powered smart charging solution has been progressively integrating charging pile networks in China and across several Southeast Asian countries.
Benefiting from the successful implementation of the Company’s productization strategy and the high level of market recognition for its trustworthy Agent solutions, as of December 31, 2025, the Group’s project pipeline and orders in hand saw significant growth. The number of ongoing projects at year-end increased to 320, representing a year-on-year increase of 41.6%, while the outstanding contract sum at year-end rose to RMB1,048.9 million, a year-on-year increase of 57.4%, reflecting the continued expansion of the Company’s business.
Future Outlook: Focusing on the Trustworthy Agents Ecosystem with Four Strategic Priorities
Looking ahead, the Company will firmly focus on its goal of “building a trustworthy conversational AI ecosystem” and will advance the following strategic priorities:
Overall and Technology Strategy: Continue to focus on R&D and innovation in frontier technologies such as multi-modal fusion and trustworthy intelligence, promoting the deployment of trustworthy agents across more application scenarios. By creating open technology platforms and standards, the Company will attract more developers and partners to jointly build a prosperous and win-win industrial ecosystem.
Market Strategy: Establish benchmarks for quality and innovation within the industry and deepening partnerships with various service channels. At the same time, the Company will actively expand into the C-end market, extending cutting-edge technologies to a wider user base, thereby expanding the influence and commercial value of the ecosystem.
Regional Strategy: Domestically, the Company will continue to deepen its partnerships with major cooperating cities to create smart city benchmark cases. Internationally, the Company will actively respond to the “Belt and Road” initiative, grasp the tremendous potential of emerging markets, and promote the Company’s trustworthy Agent products and services globally to enhance its international brand image.
Investment Strategy: Through prudent strategic investments and M&A, the Company will optimize the layout of the upstream and downstream industry chains and consolidate the stability and competitiveness of the ecosystem.
DR.Tang Jinghua, Chairman ofVoicecomm Technology Co., Ltd., said: ” 2025 was a landmark year for Voicecomm Technology. We not only achieved a strong turnaround in operating cash flow and a steady increase in gross profit margin financially, but we also completed a strategic leap at the technological and business level towards becoming a ‘a core technology provider and ecosystem operator of trustworthy conversational AI.’ We deeply understand that the essence of enterprise-grade AI lies in creating replicable and reliable products and technology foundations. During the year, we significantly increased R&D investment and successfully applied our trustworthy Agents across six core scenarios, particularly in city-level benchmark projects in emerging fields like smart elderly care, showing the strong competitiveness of our productization strategy. Looking to the future, we will continue to pursue the goal of ‘building a trustworthy conversational AI ecosystem,’ leveraging an open platform to gather ecosystem partners and empowering diverse industries with innovative technology, thereby creating long-term sustainable value for our shareholders and society. ”
Hashtag: #Voicecomm
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Wuhan, Voicecomm Technology is one of the leading core technology providers and ecosystem operators of trustworthy conversational AI listed on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, and obtained the qualification as National-level SRDI, Technology Little Giant and High-Tech Enterprise. Leveraging its proprietary trustworthy Agent，the Company overcomes pain points in the commercialization of large language models, such as hallucinations and compliance issues, ensuring AI is usable, manageable, and controllable in enterprise environments. For enterprise-level customers, the Company provides AI services covering the entire process of “communication –decision – execution”. Its trustworthy Agent solutions have been widely deployed across multiple scenarios, including City management and administration, Automotive and transportation, Telecommunications, Finance, Healthcare, and Energy management, and it is dedicated to empowering the intelligent transformation of diverse industries.
Cybersecurity researchers have identified an evolving macOS-focused malware strain, dubbed GhostClaw, that is leveraging developer platforms and artificial intelligence-assisted workflows to steal sensitive credentials and deploy additional malicious payloads. Security analysts tracking the campaign say the threat represents a shift in tactics, combining traditional social engineering with newer distribution channels tied to software development ecosystems. The malware has been observed circulating through code repositories that appear legitimate, […]
By Nitya Chakraborty U.S. President Donald Trump finally rescheduled his much awaited visit to China on May 14 and 15 by announcing in his Truth Social there by creating big interest in the diplomatic circles about the possibility of a sort of ceasefire in the current West Asian war before the scheduled trip to Beijing. […]
The article Trump-Xi Summit Rescheduled On May 14-15 In Beijing Worries Japan And Taiwan appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).
Cisco has issued urgent security updates to address a critical vulnerability in its Secure Firewall Management Center software that could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code on affected systems without authentication, raising concerns across enterprise and government networks that rely on the platform for threat monitoring and control. The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2026-20131, carries a maximum severity score of 10.0 under the Common Vulnerability Scoring System, indicating […]
By Dr. Gyan Pathak Union Government of India under PM Narendra Modi has given enough hints by proposing to bring an amendment Bill purportedly to fast-track women’s quota rollout that it is seriously working on its earlier plan to complete the delimitation process by 2028. However, the most surprising element that has emerged is that […]
The article Redrawing Political Map Of India On Census 2011 Will Be A Grave Mistake appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).
Security researchers are raising concerns over a growing wave of browser extensions that covertly capture and transmit users’ interactions with artificial intelligence tools, exposing sensitive prompts and responses without clear consent. Cybersecurity firm Expel highlighted the threat in a detailed analysis published on 24 March, warning that certain extensions operating within Google Chrome can quietly monitor inputs typed into AI platforms and relay them to external servers. […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 March 2026 – ManpowerGroup Greater China Limited (Stock Code: 2180.HK), a leading global workforce solutions provider, and Beacon Group (parent company BExcellent Group Holdings Limited, listed on the Main Board of the HKEX, Stock Code: 1775.HK), a renowned Hong Kong educational institution, today announced the joint launch of the “Talent in HK” Youth and Family Life Service Security Program.
This forward-looking initiative is supported by Payment Asia, a leading payment platform in Hong Kong, providing streamlined payment channels. FGA Trust will serve as the third-party custodian. The program aims to establish an institutionalized, transparent, and collaborative ecosystem, providing end-to-end protection from education and academic support to life services and career consultancy, while injecting long-term momentum into Hong Kong’s strategy to attract and retain international talent.
As Hong Kong continues to attract top-tier students globally, many non-local students face challenges adapting to a new cultural environment upon arrival. Recently, there has been a rising trend in crimes targeting this demographic, including scams involving impersonation of government or academic institutions, as well as telecommunications and online fraud. These incidents pose substantial threats to talents’ personal and financial security, causing significant concern for their families.
In response to these social concerns and to reinforce the comprehensive security net for international students, ManpowerGroup, Beacon Group, and FGA Trust have initiated this program to provide stable, orderly support and ensure the long-term residency of talent in Hong Kong.
Holistic Talent Services: Strengthening Hong Kong’s Foundation as an International Hub
The “Talent in HK” program offers comprehensive life services for students and their families. Beacon Group will provide a long-term study plan spanning three to five years, including customized education, admissions services, profile enhancement, and application support. Simultaneously, ManpowerGroup will facilitate internships, visa arrangements, and long-term career development services.
Once a student receives an admission offer, parents can inject tuition and living expenses through Payment Asia’s official channels into a dedicated project account monitored by FGA Trust. This ensures financial security and the precise disbursement of funds. The entire process will be followed by an audit report, ensuring a smooth transition from campus to the workplace. The program’s website is expected to go live around mid-April this year, with official applications opening in May.
In an era of intensifying global competition for higher education and talent, Hong Kong remains a pivotal international financial and educational hub. Non-local students are not only a vital component of the education system but also a driving force for cross-cultural exchange and future professional talent. They are estimated to contribute over HK$10 billion in tuition fees annually, serving as a significant pillar of the local economy.
Multi-Party Collaboration: A New Paradigm for Talent Services
The core strength of the program lies in its innovative collaborative model, bringing together industry leaders:
Long-Term Vision: Supporting Urban Competitiveness
Studying abroad is the starting point for talent development in Hong Kong. Proactive financial arrangements reduce uncertainty during status transitions and life settlement, increasing the willingness of talent to remain in the city long-term. Data suggests that initiatives like the Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) continue to drive local consumption, with rents for small-to-medium residential units expected to rise by 5% this year.
Ms. Lancy Chui, Senior Vice President of ManpowerGroup Greater China, stated: “We understand the strong desire of non-local graduates to work in Hong Kong. By providing proactive career planning and internship arrangements, we can reduce uncertainty during their transition into the local workforce, helping them settle and contribute to Hong Kong’s market.”
Ms. June Leung, Founder of Beacon Group, noted: “Talent cultivation requires long-term education. We are delighted to initiate this program, integrating academic support with life security and career development to provide a comprehensive, forward-looking environment for talent growth.”
Ms. Helen Chen, Chief Strategy Officer of FGA Trust, added: “Protecting the financial security and well-being of international students is both a social responsibility and a key to consolidating Hong Kong’s status as an international education hub. This program ensures a seamless transition from study to employment, transforming international talent into a long-term driver for Hong Kong’s development.”
The launch of “Talent in HK” marks a significant step from fragmented support to a comprehensive ecosystem. Through institutional innovation and cross-sector collaboration, the program aims to provide a safe harbor for international students and their families, contributing to Hong Kong’s goal of becoming a global talent hub.
Hashtag: #FGA #Trust #Talent #Career
https://www.linkedin.com/company/fga-trust/
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
FGA Trust (TCSP License No. TC008341) is a premier trust and fiduciary services provider headquartered in Hong Kong, offering comprehensive wealth solutions to an international clientele. We specialize in trustee services, all-asset custody, and strategic financial planning. This core expertise is uniquely enhanced by our integrated lifestyle management, delivering a truly holistic approach to wealth preservation and growth.
By Nitya Chakraborty It is a history of twists and turns in India-China economic relations for decades. The same is being repeated now as India after taking special measures to make Chinese direct investment easier and agreeing to start border trade from three points in this country from June this year, is faced with the […]
The article Amidst India-China Bonhomie In Bilateral Ties, Both Sides To Fight Each Other At WTO Meet appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).
Taking place from 28 – 29 March 2026, at Suntec City Convention Centre, Hall 405 from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm, Card Con 2 will bring together collectors, players, retailers, and enthusiasts from across the region for two days of tournaments, on-stage events, TCG activities, and collectible discovery.
After welcoming more than 50 exhibitors and thousands of attendees during its inaugural event, Card Con 2 returns on a significantly larger scale this year with over 120 exhibitors. The exhibition hall will be organised into dedicated vendor zones based on TCG speciality, featuring popular titles such as Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, sports, and more.
“As we saw from the overwhelming response to the first Card Con, the trading card community in Singapore is vibrant, passionate, and rapidly growing.
Card Con 2 is bigger than ever, with many more exhibitors this year, and with several new, unique activities at the event, we believe we’re creating an even richer space for collectors, players, retailers, and creators to come together for discovery and celebration.”
— Lawrence Chan, Managing Director, MyRepublic
A Celebration of the TCG community
Attendees at Card Con 2, Singapore’s premier TCG convention, can expect a vibrant mix of activities that celebrate every aspect of the Trading Card Game (TCG) community, from competitive gameplay to collectible discovery and fan experiences.
With dedicated vendor zones organised by game title, including Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, Sports, and more, it’s easier for fans to explore their favourite TCG titles.
Card Con 2 will host dedicated tournaments and play areas where both competitive and casual players can participate in matches across popular TCG titles, creating a constant buzz of activity throughout the convention. Players of all skill levels will have the opportunity to participate, test their decks, challenge opponents, and showcase their skills.
At the heart of Card Con 2 is Jank Mountain, a free feature where attendees can browse a 20k+ pool of Pokémon, MTG, One Piece, and other cards to uncover useful additions for their collections. It offers opportunities to find unexpected value as well as specific cards needed to complete decks, adding another discovery-driven element to the event experience.
Attendees can also take part in a treasure hunt, dubbed ‘Scruffy’s Asteroid Hunt’, an interactive online and offline experience where they scan QR codes placed around the venue for a chance to spin for great prizes. Each QR code can only be scanned once, encouraging exploration across different areas of Card Con 2.
Strengthening Singapore’s TCG community
Card Con is part of MyRepublic’s broader commitment to supporting geek culture and building meaningful connections within enthusiast communities. By creating a dedicated platform for trading card fans, MyRepublic contributes to the continued growth of Singapore’s collectibles and Trading Card Game (TCG) ecosystem, welcoming both seasoned collectors and newcomers alike.
Event details & registration
Card Con 2 will take place from 28 – 29 March 2026 at Suntec City Convention Centre, Hall 405, from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm daily. Admission is free (ticketed event), with registration now open at https://cardcon.asia/.
Due to limited venue capacity, attendees are encouraged to register early to secure their spot. For more information, including event updates and announcements, please visit https://cardcon.asia/.
Hashtag: #CardCon2026 #CardCon2 #MyRepublic #GeeksUseUs #TradingCardGames #CollectiblesCulture #TCGCommunity #GeekCulture #CardCollectors #TCGTournaments
https://myrepublic.net/sg/https://www.linkedin.com/company/2426006/admin/dashboard/
https://x.com/myrepublic
https://www.facebook.com/MyRepublicSG/
https://www.instagram.com/myrepublicsg/
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
MyRepublic is a next-generation digital lifestyle brand delivering high-speed broadband, mobile, and digital services across Singapore and the Asia-Pacific region. As a brand deeply rooted in gaming and digital culture, MyRepublic champions communities and experiences that matter to its customers.
Cybercriminals are exploiting the popularity of artificial intelligence tools by distributing fake ChatGPT-themed Android applications designed to steal user credentials and compromise social media accounts, according to cybersecurity researchers tracking a coordinated phishing campaign. The operation centres on abuse of Google’s Firebase App Distribution platform, a legitimate service used by developers to test applications before public release. Attackers are leveraging the platform to send invitation-style emails that […]
Under the partnership, Etiqa Insurance Singapore’s suite of Shariah-compliant Family Takaful products will be distributed through AIA Singapore and AIA Financial Advisers, the nation’s largest tied distribution channel comprising more than 6,300 highly professional, qualified AIA insurance representatives. This expanded reach significantly increases accessibility and choice for customers seeking principled and values-aligned protection and savings options.
Growing Demand for Values-Based Financial Solutions
Global demand for Takaful continues to rise as consumers increasingly prioritise financial solutions aligned with their personal values. The global Takaful market is projected to grow from US$36.5 billion in 2025 to US$63.6 billion by 2030, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.7%[1]. Since launching its Takaful offerings, Etiqa Insurance Singapore has seen strong and accelerating momentum, supported by rising consumer awareness and growing confidence in Shariah-compliant financial protection.
Creating a Unified Takaful Ecosystem in Singapore
The partnership brings together the complementary strengths of both insurers to build a more cohesive and accessible Takaful ecosystem:
Together, the two organisations are positioned to significantly expand the availability, understanding and adoption of Takaful solutions in Singapore.
“This partnership marks an important step in advancing access to Shariah-compliant protection and savings solutions in Singapore,” said Claudia Soh, Acting Chief Executive Officer, Etiqa Insurance Singapore. “By leveraging AIA’s extensive distribution network and strong presence within the Muslim community, we can scale Takaful solutions more effectively and reach customer groups that have historically been underserved. As demand for values-aligned financial planning grows, this collaboration reinforces our commitment to inclusive and responsible insurance.”
“This partnership with Etiqa is a pivotal step in our commitment to inclusivity and we are excited to work together,” said Alvin Fu, Chief Distribution Officer, AIA Singapore. “By integrating Etiqa’s Shariah-compliant expertise with our highly professional AIA insurance representatives, we can serve a wider customer base, close protection gaps and help more families live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.”
Bringing Takaful to the Masses
While rooted in Islamic principles, Shariah-compliant, values-based Takaful solutions serve a broad spectrum of customers and appeal to increasingly values-driven consumers seeking ethical, transparent and socially responsible financial protection and savings solutions beyond the Muslim community.
Beyond distribution, Etiqa Insurance Singapore shares a long-term commitment to raising awareness, understanding and adoption of Takaful solutions across Singapore. Through educational programmes and community engagement initiatives, the partnership aims to enhance financial literacy, deepen understanding of Takaful principles and bring Takaful education directly to underserved communities, empowering consumers to make informed decisions on protection and savings.
Hashtag: #EtiqaSingapore #EtiqaSG
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Etiqa Insurance Pte. Ltd. (EIPL) is a life and general insurance company licensed and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore and governed by the Insurance Act 1966. Having protected customers in Singapore since 1961 under the name United General Insurance Co. Sdn. Bhd., the company transitioned into the Singapore branch of Etiqa Insurance Berhad in 2009. Today, EIPL in Singapore stands as the pivotal operating entity of Etiqa Insurance Group, a leading insurance and takaful provider in ASEAN.
EIPL offers a comprehensive range of life and general insurance products accessible through its diverse distribution channels, including bancassurance, agents, brokers, financial advisers, partnerships, direct and online sales via Tiq by Etiqa. Etiqa is rated ‘A’ by credit rating agency Fitch for the group’s ‘Favorable’ business profile. EIPL is owned by Maybank Ageas Holdings Berhad, a joint venture combining local market expertise with international insurance knowledge, with 69% ownership by Maybank, the fourth largest banking group in Southeast Asia, and 31% by Ageas, an international insurance group operating across 13 countries.
AIA Group Limited and its subsidiaries (collectively “AIA” or the “Group”) comprise the largest independent publicly listed pan-Asian life insurance group. It has a presence in 18 markets – wholly-owned branches and subsidiaries in Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR[2], Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Myanmar, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan (China), Vietnam, Brunei and Macau SAR[3], and a 49 per cent joint venture in India. In addition, AIA has a 24.99 per cent shareholding in China Post Life Insurance Co., Ltd.
The business that is now AIA was first established in Shanghai more than a century ago in 1919. It is a market leader in Asia (ex-Japan) based on life insurance premiums and holds leading positions across the majority of its markets. It had total assets of US$345 billion as of 31 December 2025.
AIA meets the long-term savings and protection needs of individuals by offering a range of products and services including life insurance, accident and health insurance and savings plans. The Group also provides employee benefits, credit life and pension services to corporate clients. Through an extensive network of agents, partners and employees across Asia, AIA serves the holders of more than 44 million individual policies and over 16 million participating members of group insurance schemes.
AIA Group Limited is listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited under the stock codes “1299” for HKD counter and “81299” for RMB counter with American Depositary Receipts (Level 1) traded on the over-the-counter market under the ticker symbol “AAGIY”.
By Nantoo Banerjee With the US-Israel military conflict against Iran continuing through the fourth week, severely disrupting global supply of oil and gas, petro-fuel prices may shoot up to record highs this year threatening economic stability across the world. India’s economy, which is 90 percent import dependent on oil, may be among the worst hit. […]
The article No End Of Iran-US-Israel War Is In Sight appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).
Officials and defence analysts indicate that the refusal centres on highly sensitive software governing the aircraft’s Active Electronically Scanned Array radar, mission computer architecture and the SPECTRA electronic warfare suite. These components underpin the Rafale’s operational edge, enabling advanced targeting, threat detection and real-time combat adaptability. Without access to underlying code, local engineers face restrictions in modifying or upgrading the systems independently.
The development comes at a time when the Air Force is seeking greater flexibility to integrate indigenous weapons, sensors and software into imported platforms. The Rafale fleet, inducted under an intergovernmental agreement signed in 2016, is widely regarded as one of the most capable multirole assets in service. However, the absence of deep software access limits the scope for customisation beyond manufacturer-approved pathways.
Defence planners have long sought to reduce reliance on foreign vendors for mission-critical technologies, particularly software-defined systems that determine how aircraft perform in evolving combat scenarios. The inability to access core programming frameworks means that even incremental upgrades—such as adapting radar modes or integrating new missile systems—must be routed through the original manufacturer, potentially adding time, cost and operational constraints.
French authorities have maintained that certain technologies embedded within the Rafale are protected by stringent export controls and intellectual property safeguards. Industry sources suggest that this position reflects a broader policy followed by advanced aerospace manufacturers, who rarely transfer full software control of high-end combat platforms. Such restrictions are often justified on grounds of security, technological advantage and contractual obligations tied to proprietary systems.
For New Delhi, the issue extends beyond a single aircraft programme. It underscores a structural challenge in defence procurement, where imported platforms may offer cutting-edge capabilities but limit sovereign control over upgrades and lifecycle management. Analysts argue that the balance between immediate capability acquisition and long-term autonomy has become increasingly complex as modern warfare shifts towards software-centric systems.
The Rafale’s SPECTRA suite, in particular, has drawn attention due to its role in electronic warfare and survivability. Designed to detect, identify and counter threats ranging from radar locks to missile engagements, the system operates through highly classified algorithms. Without access to these algorithms, domestic agencies are unable to independently adapt the suite to emerging threat environments or tailor it to specific operational theatres.
Similarly, the AESA radar’s performance is closely tied to software-defined modes that govern target tracking, electronic counter-countermeasures and situational awareness. Integrating locally developed weapons or sensors requires compatibility at the software level, which becomes challenging when access is restricted. Defence experts note that while some integration is possible through interface agreements, deeper optimisation remains dependent on the original equipment manufacturer.
The issue has also revived debate over the country’s broader push for self-reliance in defence production. Programmes aimed at developing indigenous fighter aircraft, avionics and electronic warfare systems have gained momentum, yet gaps remain in high-end technologies. The Rafale case is being cited by some policymakers as evidence of the need to accelerate domestic research and reduce dependence on external suppliers for core technologies.
At the same time, others caution against overstating the dispute, noting that limitations on source code access are common in international defence deals. They argue that operational effectiveness is not necessarily compromised, as manufacturers continue to provide upgrades and support under contractual arrangements. The Rafale fleet has demonstrated strong performance in exercises and deployments, reinforcing its value as a frontline asset.
Diplomatic considerations are also at play. France has been a key defence partner, with cooperation spanning submarines, helicopters and space technologies. The Rafale agreement itself was seen as a milestone in bilateral ties, reflecting a high degree of strategic trust. Any friction over technology transfer is therefore likely to be managed within the broader framework of long-standing cooperation.
Industry observers point out that negotiations over technology access often involve trade-offs between cost, capability and control. Full access to source codes would significantly alter the commercial and strategic dynamics of defence exports, potentially affecting pricing structures and intellectual property protections. As a result, such concessions are rarely granted, even to close partners.
The episode highlights a growing reality in modern military aviation, where software defines capability as much as hardware. Control over code translates into control over upgrades, interoperability and operational doctrine. For countries seeking to maintain strategic autonomy, this raises fundamental questions about how to structure future procurement and development strategies.
Resolv’s USR stablecoin has plunged by more than 70 per cent within days after an exploit drained roughly $25 million in Ether, leaving the decentralised finance protocol struggling to meet liabilities that significantly exceed its remaining assets. Data from blockchain trackers and market activity show USR trading near $0.27, far below its intended dollar peg, following a rapid loss of confidence among holders. The collapse has triggered […]
Cheap IP-KVM devices widely used in enterprise environments have been found to contain critical security vulnerabilities that could allow attackers to seize low-level control of entire networks, according to findings from multiple cybersecurity researchers. The flaws, identified across several budget remote management products, enable attackers to bypass standard security protections and gain direct access to connected systems at the BIOS level. Once compromised, a single IP-KVM device […]
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A coordinated supply chain attack targeting the Node Package Manager ecosystem has exposed a new level of automation and persistence, with threat actors hijacking trusted publisher accounts to distribute malicious code across widely used software libraries. Security researchers tracking the campaign, known as “CanisterWorm,” say it relies on stolen access tokens and compromised namespaces to infiltrate development pipelines without immediate detection. The campaign has been linked to […]
