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With Pix, Nequi, and Mercado Pago among the most used payment methods by Eneba’s customers, the operation now covers eight countries in the region

CURITIBA, BRAZIL – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 November 2026 – EBANX, a global technology company specializing in payment services for emerging markets, and Eneba, a Global digital marketplace for video games, have expanded their partnership across eight Latin American countries, building a payment portfolio around the local methods consumers use in each market.

The partnership began in 2023 across Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia, with Argentina added the following year. In 2026, the collaboration reached a new milestone: through October, Eneba’s processed volume through EBANX in Latin America grew 138% compared with the same period in 2025, more than doubling year over year.

Since 2023, Eneba has expanded its payment offering in these markets by combining credit and debit cards with alternative payment methods (APMs), including digital wallets such as Mercado Pago and Colombia’s Nequi; instant payment systems such as Pix in Brazil and SPEI in Mexico; and cash-based methods such as Brazil’s Boleto Bancário, Mexico’s OXXO Pay, and Peru’s PagoEfectivo.

“EBANX has been a strong partner in supporting our growth across Latin America. Their consistent performance and extensive coverage of local payment methods have helped us reflect consumer preferences in each market,” said Mantas Eitutis, Head of Payments and Fraud at Eneba.

Local payments as a growth engine

The growth comes as digital payments continue to expand in Latin America. Across the region, about 25% of adults own a credit card, while 51% have already made a digital payment, according to the World Bank. That figure has risen from 34% in ten years, underscoring the growing role of instant payments and digital wallets in online commerce.

Eneba’s results in Latin America reflect that relevance. Throughout 2026, the company recorded consistent growth in transaction volumes across key local payment methods, including Pix in Brazil, Nequi in Colombia, and SPEI in Mexico.

“There is no single payment playbook for Latin America. For global merchants, scaling across the region means understanding the differences and adapting the checkout to how consumers already pay,” said James Booth, VP Commercial at EBANX.
Hashtag: #EBANX #Eneba #Gaming #LatAm #Payments

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

ABOUT EBANX

EBANX is the leading payments platform connecting global businesses to the world’s fastest-growing digital markets. Founded in 2012 in Brazil, EBANX was built with a mission to expand access to international digital commerce. Leveraging proprietary technology, deep market expertise, and robust infrastructure, EBANX enables global companies to offer hundreds of local payment methods across Latin America, Africa, and Asia. More than just payments, EBANX drives growth, enhances sales, and delivers seamless purchase experiences for businesses and end-users alike.

For further information, please visit:

Website: https://www.ebanx.com/en/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ebanx

ABOUT ENEBA

Eneba is a digital marketplace for video games that has served over 15 million buyers. Founded in 2018, Eneba has rapidly grown into a trusted ecosystem for gamers with game keys, gift cards, and mobile top-ups at the best prices, backed by robust customer support and fraud prevention measures.

For further information, please visit:

Website: http://eneba.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/enebagames/

By T N Ashok NEW YORK: Donald Trump retains the presidency and executive authority, but a Democratic-controlled House and Senate could fundamentally change the political calculations governing trade, tariffs, immigration and America’s strategic engagement with India. For New Delhi, the opportunity is real, but so are the risks. The political landscape in Washington has changed […]

The article How A Newly Elected Democratic Congress Could Reshape US–India Relations? appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

By K Raveendran The Democratic sweep of the US Congress has dramatically altered the global investment landscape, triggering a sharp repricing of oil, technology stocks and financial assets as investors reassess the prospects for an end to the Middle East conflict. Brent crude has suffered a weekly decline of 16 per cent, falling below $100 […]

The article Oil Markets May Have Turned Democratic Temporarily, But Supply Risks Persist appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

• The full 2027 MICHELIN Guide Thailand Selection reaches record-high numbers with 507 entries, including 53 MICHELIN-Starred establishments. Marking both the Guide’s 10^th edition in Thailand and the centenary of the MICHELIN Star, the 2027 edition reflects the evolution, resilience, and extraordinary potential of the country’s culinary industry.
• The newly released Guide features 2 Three MICHELIN Stars, 10 Two MICHELIN Stars, 41 One MICHELIN Star, 151 MICHELIN Bib Gourmand, and 303 MICHELIN-Selected dining venues.
• This edition highlights the decentralization of Thailand’s food scene and the unprecedented strength of regional markets, with the first-ever MICHELIN-Starred restaurant in Chiang Mai and the first-ever Two-MICHELIN-Starred restaurant in Phuket.

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 November 2025 – Michelin today unveiled the MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2027 at the MICHELIN Guide Restaurant Ceremony Thailand, marking two significant milestones: the Guide’s landmark 10^th edition in the country and the centenary of the MICHELIN Star. Reflecting a decade of evolution in Thailand’s vibrant culinary landscape, the latest selection features a record-high total of 507 dining establishments − including 2 Three MICHELIN Stars (both retaining their status), 10 Two MICHELIN Stars (3 promotions), 41 One MICHELIN Star (5 newcomers and 5 promotions), 151 MICHELIN Bib Gourmand (26 newcomers), and 303 MICHELIN-Selected entries (40 newcomers).

Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide commented: “With more than 500 establishments featured in the selection − including over 50 MICHELIN-Starred restaurants, the 2027 edition marks a significant milestone in the MICHELIN Guide Thailand’s journey. Celebrating the Guide’s 10^th edition in Thailand and the centenary of the MICHELIN Star, first introduced in 1926, the selection reflects the remarkable evolution of Thailand’s culinary industry, driven by the passion, creativity, and resilience of its culinary professionals, as well as the country’s extraordinary gastronomic potential.”

Insights into Thailand’s Evolving Gastronomic Landscape

According to Mr. Poullennec, Thailand’s gastronomic scene has evolved from a trend-driven market into a mature and diverse culinary ecosystem. Excellence now extends far beyond the capital, with star-rated restaurants flourishing across the country and showcasing the strength of regional dining destinations.

Chefs are demonstrating greater confidence and individuality, while international restaurant groups continue to establish roots in Thailand and embrace local ingredients. This year’s selection introduces new cuisine types to the star-rated roster, while Thai chefs are increasingly exploring regional traditions, indigenous ingredients, and closer ties with local producers.

Techniques such as fermentation, aging, and natural umami extraction have become common tools for building flavor, while more thoughtful ingredient use reflects growing resourcefulness. Beyond fine dining, chefs are also finding success through more accessible formats and increasingly sophisticated beverage programs.

Guided by both experienced chefs and emerging talent, Thailand continues to strengthen its culinary identity while embracing global influences, reinforcing its position as one of the world’s most compelling gastronomic destinations.

Sorn and Sühring Reaffirm Their Excellence with Three MICHELIN Stars

In the 2027 MICHELIN Guide Thailand edition, the prestigious Three-MICHELIN-Star category remains unchanged with 2 entries: Sorn, where Chef Supaksorn “Ice” Jongsiri showcases the depth and diversity of Southern Thai cuisine through meticulously researched recipes and exceptional local ingredients, and Sühring, where twin chefs Thomas and Mathias Sühring continue to impress with their refined interpretation of modern German cuisine rooted in family traditions.

3 Restaurants Promoted to Two MICHELIN Stars, Including a Historic First for Phuket and Thailand’s Regional Dining Scene

The Two-MICHELIN-Star category welcomes 3 new additions, all promoted from the One-MICHELIN-Star status. A milestone achievement comes from PRU, which becomes the first restaurant in Phuket and the first outside Bangkok & Surrounding Provinces to earn Two MICHELIN Stars.

▪ Bangkok & Surrounding Provinces:

• Blue by Alain Ducasse, a restaurant that stays true to the spirit of French fine dining, interweaving Southeast Asian ingredients with Mediterranean flair and a fresh, lighter, international perspective, complemented by the seasonal “Delight Collection” of creative small desserts.
• Mia, a restaurant offering storytelling-driven modern European cuisine with Asian influences, where dishes such as the hybrid sourdough brioche carry personal significance beyond their culinary craft.

▪ Phuket

• PRU, a restaurant crafting modern Thai cuisine with a strong sense of place, championing mindfulness through farm-grown ingredients, trusted Thai suppliers, and a commitment to fermentation, preservation and responsible practices, exemplified by its signature “King of the Fruits” pairing durian with caviar and sea grapes.

10 Restaurants Join the One-MICHELIN-Star Selection, Including Chiang Mai’s First-Ever MICHELIN-Starred Restaurant

Among the 10 new One-MICHELIN-Star entries, 5 are newcomers joining the Guide for the first time, while the other 5 are promoted from the MICHELIN-Selected category.

Promoted from MICHELIN-Selected to One MICHELIN Star, Belén by Paulo Airaudo becomes the first-ever MICHELIN-Starred restaurant in Chiang Mai. Meanwhile, Phuket records its strongest MICHELIN Star showing to date, with one newcomer, Omemo, and one promoted restaurant, Jaras, joining the One-MICHELIN-Star selection.

▪ Bangkok & Surrounding Provinces

• Liana, a restaurant where dishes are inspired by European seasons, combining local produce, a lighter take on French techniques, and neatly layered flavors and textures, with desserts among the highlights.
• MACHRI, a restaurant where chef reinterprets a royal Thai menu inspired by King Rama V’s 1897 European food diary, combining deep historical research and French technique while preserving authentically Thai flavors, highlighted by mackerel with roasted chili paste and sticky rice, and pigeon red curry samrap.
• THARN, a concept-led restaurant presenting a refined tasting menu inspired by Thai cuisine from Sukhothai to Rattanakosin, juxtaposing cultural references with authentic flavors, carefully sourced ingredients, and Thai GI products.
• The China House by Chef Fei, a refined Cantonese restaurant offering thoughtfully creative dishes marked by precise seasoning, clean flavors and assured technique, highlighted by roasted chicken with flax seeds that lend a subtle nuttiness to the crisp skin and juicy flesh.

▪ Phuket

• Omemo, a restaurant offering a contemporary take on classic Swiss cuisine through balanced, well-structured Alpine dishes, featuring house-made sausages, potato rösti and fondue-inspired specialties, with meat and cheese at the heart of the menu and the full experience menu offering the best insight into its culinary narrative.

The other 5 One-MICHELIN-Star recipients promoted from the MICHELIN-Selected category are:

▪ Bangkok & Surrounding Provinces

• Duet by David Toutain, a restaurant presenting a creative, delicate, and distinctly plant-forward seasonal tasting menu that balances land and sea, complemented by a carefully curated zero-proof drink pairing.
• I-SANG, a modern Korean restaurant that fuses Korean roots with Thai produce through a concise tasting menu, featuring Eo-Mandu crafted from local catfish, perilla oil Guksu, and crispy crab, a playful riff on Korean fried chicken.
• Sartoria by Paulo Airaudo, a restaurant presenting a modern Tuscan menu centered on fresh pasta and seasonal produce, blending Italian staples with Thai ingredients, highlighted by Duck Cappelletti filled with local duck confit and Basilico built around black-pepper ganache.

▪ Chiang Mai

• Belén by Paulo Airaudo, a restaurant bringing refined energy to Chiang Mai’s dining scene, elevating local ingredients through sharp European technique, with a smooth and effortlessly moreish Goat’s Cheese Flan paired with seasonal fruits among the highlights.

▪ Phuket

• Jaras, a restaurant offering a seasonal tasting menu shaped by home-grown produce, regional ingredients, and a zero-waste approach, highlighted by the Jorang featuring prawn and Thai curry sauce with crispy textures and aromatic herbs.

Five MICHELIN Special Awards Recognize Exceptional Professionals

Alongside its restaurant selection, the MICHELIN Guide presents its Special Awards to honor the exceptional talent, passion and craft behind dining experiences that stay with guests long after the final course. These awards recognize outstanding professionals at MICHELIN-recommended restaurants who elevate the gastronomic experience, while celebrating the diversity and appeal of careers across the hospitality industry.

• MICHELIN Service Award

The MICHELIN Service Award aims to recognize and celebrate skilled and talented professionals who significantly enhance the guest experience. This year’s award, presented by the Tourism Authority of Thailand, honors Chanyawi Mukmaneerattanapon of hom, a MICHELIN-Selected restaurant in Phuket.

An essential pillar of her team in Phuket since its earliest days, Ms. Mukmaneerattanapon is celebrated for her remarkable consistency, steadfast commitment, and genuinely attentive approach to service. Even when managing multiple tables, she remains proactive, fluid, and intuitive, making every guest feel effortlessly cared for. Her longevity, unwavering professional standards, and deeply personal touch exemplify the true essence of hospitality; while her grace, poise, and dedication set a high benchmark for the industry.

• MICHELIN Opening of the Year Award

The MICHELIN Opening of the Year Award recognizes an individual or team behind a dining venue that has opened within the past 12 months and made a notable impact on the local gastronomic scene through a creative degustation concept and distinctive culinary approach. This year’s award, presented by UOB, is bestowed upon Kongwuth Chaiwongkachon of Taang, a MICHELIN-Selected restaurant in Bangkok.

Since opening in June, Taang has made an immediate impression on Bangkok’s dining landscape. Led by Chef Kongwuth, a native of Chiang Rai, this intimate counter experience explores the historical caravan trade routes of northern Thailand and its neighboring regions, tracing how ingredients, people, and food cultures have influenced one another over centuries. Combining brilliant storytelling with exceptional cooking, the restaurant offers a remarkably nuanced exploration of northern Thai cuisine and has quickly become one of the city’s most exciting and talked-about new openings.

• MICHELIN Mentor Chef Award

Honoring chefs whose unwavering dedication to nurturing the next generation has made a lasting impact on the culinary industry, the 2027 MICHELIN Mentor Chef Award, presented by WP Energy, is bestowed upon Arnaud Dunand-Sauthier of Maison Dunand, a One-MICHELIN-Star restaurant in Bangkok.

Originally from Chambéry in the Savoie region of France, Chef Arnaud brought a wealth of French culinary expertise to Thailand over a decade ago. Beyond his culinary achievements, he has played a profound role as a mentor to both Thai and international talent, nurturing young professionals from commis to sous chef and fostering long-term growth within his teams. Today, his former protégés lead MICHELIN-Starred kitchens in Europe, run acclaimed establishments in France, and head major restaurant concepts across Thailand − reflecting his unwavering commitment to developing people, empowering the next generation, and building a lasting culinary legacy.

• MICHELIN Young Chef Award

Recognizing a young chef who has demonstrated a unique personality and distinctive identity through their culinary creations over the past 12 months, this year’s MICHELIN Young Chef Award is bestowed upon Natdanai Kitkorsup of lob-baan, a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand restaurant in Phuket.

Born and raised in Phuket, Chef Natdanai returned to his home region after honing his craft in leading kitchens across Bangkok – including a Two-Michelin-Star restaurant – before continuing his journey at acclaimed establishments in Phuket. His cooking reflects a profound respect for native ingredients, rich traditions, and authentic flavor profiles, blending regional heritage with refined contemporary technique. Showing impressive maturity and a style firmly rooted in his home region, Chef Natdanai stands out as a young talent helping to bring Phuket’s local cuisine forward.

• MICHELIN Sommelier Award

Highlighting the skills, knowledge, and passion of talented sommeliers within the industry, this year’s MICHELIN Sommelier Award is bestowed upon Charles Elie-Rodenstein of Cannubi by Umberto Bombana, a One-MICHELIN-Star restaurant in Bangkok.

Originally from Alsace in France, Mr. Elie-Rodenstein is a multilingual sommelier whose exceptional international journey across France, Monaco, Japan, and Thailand has shaped a deep global perspective. Knowledgeable and confident, he curates inspiring wine selections and offers thoughtful recommendations. What sets him apart is his warm, approachable manner, making the world of wine engaging and accessible; while his natural enthusiasm, professionalism, and personal touch elevate the entire dining experience.

Discover the full 2027 MICHELIN Guide Thailand Selection:
MICHELIN Guide Website

CLICK HERE to download images of the from the
MICHELIN Guide Restaurant Ceremony Thailand 2027.

The MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2027 at a Glance:

https://guide.michelin.com/th/en
https://www.facebook.com/MichelinGuideAsia
https://www.instagram.com/michelinguide
https://www.youtube.com/MICHELINGuideAsia

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

About Michelin:

Michelin is building a world-leading manufacturer of life-changing composites and experiences. Pioneering engineered materials for more than 130 years, Michelin is uniquely positioned to make decisive contributions to human progress and to a more sustainable world. Drawing on its deep know-how in polymer composites, Michelin is constantly innovating to manufacture high-quality tires and components for critical applications in demanding fields as varied as mobility, construction, aeronautics, low-carbon energies, and healthcare. The care placed in its products and deep customer knowledge inspire Michelin to offer the finest experiences. This spans from providing data- and AI-based connected solutions for professional fleets to recommending outstanding restaurants and hotels curated by the MICHELIN Guide. Headquartered in Clermont-Ferrand, France, Michelin is present in 175 countries and employs 122,600 people. (www.michelin.com).

By Dr Arun Mitra When discussing India, it is important to recognize that two fundamentally opposing ideologies are currently engaged in a direct confrontation. One thrives on hatred, division and violence, while the other stands for secularism, love, harmony and the creation of a just and egalitarian society. It is, therefore, essential to examine not […]

The article Far Right Defeat In U.S. Mid Term Polls Has Lessons For Indian Polity appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

The registration reinforces PhotonPay’s regulatory foundation for payment activities in Canada, with requirements covering operational risk management, incident response and the safeguarding of end-user funds.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 November 2025 – PhotonPay today announced that its Canadian operating entity, Photon Dance CA Inc., is now registered with the Bank of Canada as a payment service provider (PSP) under Canada’s Retail Payment Activities Act (RPAA). The entity was previously registered with the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) as a Money Services Business (MSB). The RPAA registration further strengthens PhotonPay’s regulatory foundation in Canada and supports its continued development of local financial services across North America.

The RPAA establishes a federal framework for the registration and supervision of PSPs conducting specified retail payment activities in Canada. Administered by the Bank of Canada, it sets requirements for operational risk management, incident response and regulatory reporting. PSPs that hold end-user funds are also required to implement measures to safeguard those funds, strengthening oversight and accountability across Canada’s retail payments ecosystem.

The Canadian registration adds to PhotonPay’s broader regulatory presence across North America. In the United States, PhotonPay is registered as a Money Services Business with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) and holds money transmitter licenses across multiple U.S. states. Across the Americas, Europe and Asia, PhotonPay holds 35 payment licenses, regulatory authorizations and registrations, reflecting the regulatory breadth behind its operations across key financial markets.

For PhotonPay, building a global financial operating system requires more than connecting payment capabilities across markets. It also means developing the local regulatory and financial infrastructure needed to support those capabilities in each jurisdiction. As businesses expand internationally, their financial operations increasingly span different account structures, payment systems, currencies and regulatory environments. Bringing these functions together requires infrastructure that can address local market requirements while giving businesses a more unified way to manage their global finances.

This is the vision behind PhotonPay’s next-generation Financial OS. Through an integrated, API-first architecture, PhotonPay brings together multi-asset wallets, local collections, global payouts, foreign exchange, card issuing and embedded finance. By supporting both fiat currencies and stablecoins within its broader financial infrastructure, the platform connects traditional payment rails with emerging digital-asset capabilities, helping businesses manage increasingly complex financial operations across markets.

“Global financial infrastructure must be designed around the realities of the markets it serves. Regulatory frameworks, payment systems and the responsibilities involved in handling funds differ across jurisdictions, and these differences need to be accounted for at the infrastructure level,” said JP Pi, Global Chief Compliance Officer at PhotonPay. “Our approach is to build a Financial OS that brings together global capabilities while respecting the regulatory and operational requirements of each local market. The RPAA registration is another step in putting that approach into practice, as we continue developing infrastructure to support businesses operating across an increasingly interconnected financial landscape.”

Hashtag: #PhotonPay

https://www.photonpay.com

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

About PhotonPay

Founded in Hong Kong in 2015, PhotonPay is a global fintech company building a next-generation, stablecoin-centric Financial Operating System (Financial OS). Its API-first architecture brings together multi-asset wallets supporting stablecoins and fiat currencies, global money movement, foreign exchange, global card issuing, embedded finance, and local clearing infrastructure, connecting digital and traditional financial rails within an integrated financial system.

PhotonPay operates 16 offices worldwide, employs nearly 600 people, and holds 35 payment and financial licenses and regulatory authorizations across the Americas, Europe and Asia. The company serves businesses across more than 200 countries and territories.

For more information, visit www.photonpay.com.

By Ashok Nilakantan Ayers WASHIGTON DC: The battle for the Republican Party’s 2028 presidential nomination has effectively begun. But the real contest is not merely about personalities. It is about whether the GOP will perpetuate Trump’s divisive political legacy or reinvent itself before voters deliver another electoral rebuke. The Republican Party is discovering an uncomfortable […]

The article Republicans Struggling To Come Out Of Nov 3 Debacle To Prepare For 2028 Prez Polls appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Dr. Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director of the National Innovation Agency (NIA), said that National Innovation Day remains an essential annual forum dedicated to commemorating the royal grace, genius, and enduring innovation legacy of King Bhumibol Adulyadej The Great. The Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation strongly believes that human capital is the cornerstone of building an innovation-driven society. Consequently, the NIA prioritizes workforce upskilling across all generations alongside deploying technology and innovation to mitigate inequality, expand economic opportunities, enhance quality of life, and sharpen national competitiveness. This mission accelerates Thailand’s transition from a mere consumer of technology into a prolific creator of high-value innovation. The event serves not only as a platform to recognize trailblazers, but also as a catalyst to foster widespread awareness, stimulate active technology adoption, showcase Thai ingenuity on the world stage, and collectively advance Thailand toward becoming a sustainable “Innovation Nation.”

“The National Innovation Awards represent the highest distinction in Thailand’s innovation landscape. They celebrate Thai innovators whose pioneering work delivers clear, measurable value to the country, sparking pride and creative momentum across all sectors while elevating our national image as an emerging Innovation Nation,” stated Dr. Krithpaka. “Now in its 22nd year, the competition reflects a rapid leap forward in domestic innovation capability, keeping pace with an evolving global landscape. Historically, more than 6,736 submissions have entered the awards, with over 370 projects recognized, collectively generating an economic, social, and environmental impact valued at over 138 billion baht.”

Dr. Krithpaka highlighted three winning innovations from the 2026 National Innovation Awards that exemplify success across economic, social, and environmental dimensions, underscoring Thai entrepreneurs’ capacity to combine deep technology with commercial viability:

1. BUZZEBEES: Elevating CRM through AI to Boost Marketing Efficiency and Business Growth Developed by Buzzebees Co., Ltd., this end-to-end customer relationship management (CRM) and online engagement platform secured first prize in the Economic category (Large and Medium Enterprise division). Powered by advanced AI algorithms, the platform streamlines customer data management, consumer behavior analytics, and precision-targeted marketing campaigns. It empowers enterprises to connect with target demographics accurately, retain customer bases, and unlock new revenue streams.

The comprehensive suite encompasses loyalty and points-redemption programs, payment and order management workflows tailored for SMEs and restaurants, and e-commerce channel operations, alongside targeted digital media and affiliate marketing powered by a vast influencer and Key Opinion Leader (KOL) network. By leveraging real-time business diagnostics and automated campaign personalization, the platform can deploy fully functional solutions within just five business days—a 20-fold reduction in turnaround time compared to traditional development cycles that often require up to 100 days.

Currently, BUZZEBEES supports over 500 enterprise platforms, more than 1,500 SME and merchant networks, and an aggregate user base exceeding 200 million consumer and distributor accounts. Notable deployments include Tops’ personalized loyalty platform, which serves over 210,000 active users and has processed more than 40 million reward redemptions. In 2025, the company generated over 2 billion baht annually in gross merchandise value (GMV) through international affiliate channels, saved domestic corporations over 600 million baht annually by replacing reliance on foreign enterprise software, posted 2.964 billion baht in total revenue, and created an average of 260 local tech jobs annually.

2. INSPECTRA MMG: Deep-Learning AI for Mammography Analysis Enhancing Breast Cancer Screening Developed by Perceptra Co., Ltd., INSPECTRA MMG captured first prize in the Social category (Large and Medium Enterprise division). The diagnostic-support AI system assists radiologists in interpreting screening mammograms, specifically targeting the diagnostic complexities posed by dense breast tissue—a characteristic prevalent among Asian women that frequently obscures underlying lesions in standard screenings.

Trained on a proprietary dataset of more than 400,000 mammographic images from Thai cohorts, INSPECTRA MMG detects subtle indicators of malignancy to assist clinical decision-making. Deployed in Thai clinical settings for over three years across more than 220,000 processed patient cases, the tool reduces radiologists’ workloads, optimizes diagnostic throughput, and democratizes access to early cancer detection in medically underserved provinces. Validation data submitted by the company demonstrates an impressive Cancer Detection Rate of 97%, validating AI’s efficacy as a clinical decision-support asset while maintaining physician oversight as the ultimate diagnostic authority. Looking ahead, Perceptra plans to expand outreach via mobile mammography screening units for remote communities, implement an annual software-as-a-service (SaaS) subscription model to fund continued R&D, and scale operations into broader Southeast Asian healthcare markets.

3. MyraShell Aroma: Upcycling Marine Shell Waste into Sustainable Luxury Bio-Materials Developed by Manee Mongkol Gems Factory Co., Ltd., “MyraShell Aroma – Sea of Love” won top honors in the Environmental category (Micro & Small Enterprise, and Social Enterprise division). The initiative upcycles discarded green mussel shells sourced from coastal fishing communities into high-value decorative bio-materials under circular economy principles, effectively curbing coastal waste while establishing sustainable secondary income streams for local artisanal fishers.

The innovation isolates nacre (mother-of-pearl) and calcium carbonate fractions from marine shells, formulating them with bio-based binding polymers and precision engineering techniques into durable, aesthetically sophisticated materials suitable for fine jewelry and luxury decor. MyraShell Aroma features a calibrated micro-porous surface that absorbs and disperses fragrances ambiently without electricity, designed for repeated aromatic refills.

The company has expanded its portfolio under the MyraShell and MyraGem brands to supply interior panels, lighting fixtures, and architectural finishes to luxury five-star hospitality brands. Manee Mongkol Gems collaborates with the Chonburi Fisheries Association and the Sawang Pratheep Community Enterprise for ethical raw material sourcing, complete with origin-traceability protocols, and partners with Kasetsart University on material validation with research grant backing from the NIA. The breakthrough gained international acclaim at Milan Design Week at Superstudio Events in Milan, Italy, where the team exhibited a 3×3-meter “Sea of Love” feature wall. Capitalizing on sustainable luxury storytelling, the company is actively expanding its direct export channels across Italy, Germany, France, and Hong Kong.

Supporting Broader Innovation Ecosystems Alongside the flagship honors, the ceremony presented accolades across complementary specialized initiatives:

• The 22nd National Innovation Awards: Organized directly by the NIA to honor impact across five dedicated pillars: Economy, Society, Environment, Innovation Communicator, and Innovative Organization. The 2026 edition drew 437 competitive submissions.
• The 26th Innovation Thailand Awards: Co-organized with the Science Society of Thailand under the Patronage of His Majesty the King, this initiative fosters youth-led innovation and guides intellectual property toward viable commercialization across two academic tiers: Higher Vocational/Undergraduate and Vocational/Secondary levels (attracting 494 entries).
• The 18th Thai Rice Innovation Awards: Co-hosted with the Thai Rice Foundation under Royal Patronage to incentivize high-value product transformation and process innovation across the rice value chain. Awards were conferred across Industrial and Community Enterprise categories, drawing 82 submissions.

Serving as the nation’s “Focal Conductor,” the NIA continues to align with domestic and international partners through its core Groom – Grant – Growth – Global framework. This integrated strategy aims to expand Thailand’s cohort of market-ready innovation-driven enterprises (IDEs), catalyze economic value creation, and fortify national competitiveness to firmly cement Thailand’s standing as an internationally recognized Innovation Nation.

Hashtag: #NIA

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

A Multifaceted Background Spanning Film, Finance, and Broadcast Journalism

Raised in Hong Kong and an alumna of Hong Kong International School (HKIS), Zhou demonstrated creative and academic excellence early on, receiving concurrent admission offers from the Acting Department of Beijing Film Academy and the School of Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California (USC). She went on to complete dual degrees from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts and the Marshall School of Business.

Following graduation, Zhou entered international corporate finance, working at UBS for nearly three years before pursuing and earning a Master’s degree in Journalism from Columbia University in New York. She currently works as an English-language television feature host in Hong Kong, a bilingual content creator, and a commercial model. Having previously placed as a finalist in both Miss Asia and Miss Hong Kong, Zhou won the Miss Universe Hong Kong title in September 2026, securing her credential to represent the city on the global stage.

“The Miss Universe competition is not only one of the world’s preeminent pageants, but also a vital platform for spotlighting female leadership, cultural diversity, and global engagement,” Zhou stated. “Representing Hong Kong at this diamond anniversary edition is a tremendous privilege. I hope to present to the world the resilience, professionalism, and cultural confidence that define Hong Kong’s emerging generation.”

Video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/Ddgozu8TK-L/

Rigorous Competition Preparation and Community Philanthropy

To prepare for the global arena at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum—a venue accommodating up to 18,000 spectators—the Hong Kong delegation designed a rigorous training regimen for Zhou. The curriculum emphasized international runway technique, multi-camera staging, and simulated on-stage Q&A sessions to sharpen public speaking under pressure.

In tandem with performance coaching, Zhou prioritized community advocacy throughout her intensive preparation period. In late October, she volunteered at a community kitchen in Sham Shui Po, Kowloon, joining local volunteer teams to prepare and distribute hot meals and essential supplies to elderly residents and unhoused individuals. Zhou and her team also provided direct funding for meal ingredients, integrating civic engagement into her pre-pageant journey.

Showcasing Local Design: Evening Gown Craftsmanship and Cultural Heritage

The official Miss Universe schedule features rigorous sartorial standards across welcome receptions, philanthropic galas, preliminary judging, the national costume presentation, and the grand final.

• Bespoke Evening Gown: Tailored by an acclaimed Hong Kong fashion designer, Zhou’s competition gown integrates Hong Kong’s East-meets-West architectural silhouettes, urban dynamism, and traditional Lingnan textile craftsmanship into its fabric and tailoring.
• Cultural Heritage Exchange: For the traditional gift-exchange ceremony involving over 120 participating delegations, the team selected handcrafted cultural keepsakes reflecting Hong Kong’s heritage, designed to share the city’s unique cultural narrative with global representatives.

Official Schedule for the 75th Miss Universe World Final

Key competition milestones at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum include:

• National Costume Show: 21 November 2026
• Preliminary Competition: 22 November 2026
• Grand Final: 24 November 2026

Hashtag: #MissUniverseHongKong #MissUniverse

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

About Miss Universe Hong Kong

Miss Universe is among the world’s most enduring and widely followed international competitions, engaging delegates from more than 120 countries and territories annually. Miss Universe Hong Kong selects and mentors accomplished women with strong academic credentials, global communication skills, and social commitment to represent Hong Kong internationally, fostering intercultural dialogue and enhancing the city’s global profile.

About the 75th Miss Universe World Final

The 75th Miss Universe World Final will convene on 24 November 2026 at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Celebrating 75 years of leadership and international pageantry under the “Diamond Edition” banner, the event brings together global delegates demonstrating leadership, stage presentation, and public advocacy.

Bureau’s Middle East hub in Dubai to mobilise Gulf partners in driving initiatives under the partnership

COMO, ITALY / DUBAI, UAE / ACCRA, GHANA – African Media Agency – 5 November 2026 – e-Crime Bureau, an ISO/IEC 27001-certified cybersecurity consulting firm, and the Smart Africa Secretariat have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cybersecurity innovation and capacity development across Africa.

Signed on November 2, 2026, in Accra, on the sidelines of the 15th Africa Internet Governance Forum (AfIGF), the agreement establishes collaboration across three areas: people, processes and technology.

The firm’s Middle East hub will drive initiatives under the MoU by bringing Gulf partners into the partnership, leveraging the region’s fast-growing emerging technology and cybersecurity ecosystem, including technology companies, innovation centres, investors, government-led digital transformation and national cybersecurity initiatives. Through these partnerships, the firm aims to channel Gulf expertise, technologies and investment into programmes that strengthen Africa’s cybersecurity capabilities.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Lacina Koné, Director General and CEO, Smart Africa, said: “Through our collaboration with e-Crime Bureau, we aim to strengthen cybersecurity expertise and advance the protection of critical digital infrastructure across the continent. ”

The partnership follows e-Crime Bureau’s global restructuring, anchored by hubs in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, building on 15 years of experience to serve clients across international markets.

The Middle East hub leads business development and service delivery and anchors the firm’s engagement with Gulf partners; the Europe hub focuses on standards, certifications, regulatory best practices, research, innovation and technology partnerships, and coordinates development partner engagements; while the African hub focuses on talent & skills development and project execution.

Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako, Executive Chairman of e-Crime Bureau, said: “Our expansion, and our partnership with Smart Africa, marks a new era for the Bureau. With global hubs in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, we serve as a bridge that connects expertise, talent, experience, insights and technology.”

This partnership brings together Smart Africa’s cybersecurity work, e-Crime Bureau’s expertise and the strengths of the Gulf’s technology and cybersecurity ecosystem to advance cybersecurity innovation and capability development across Africa.

Hashtag: #e-CrimeBureau

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

About e-Crime Bureau

e-Crime Bureau is a global cybersecurity consulting firm operating across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, combining technical expertise and practical experience to help clients anticipate threats, respond proactively and build lasting resilience. https://www.e-crimebureau.com/

Founded in 1982, CR Longdation’s business covers property management, asset management, and community services, among other areas. CR Longdation Aethereal Cybersecurity focuses on AI-driven digital-intelligent transformation and cybersecurity services for government and enterprises, dedicated to providing professional technologies and solutions to the Hong Kong SAR Government, public institutions, and enterprises, and holds cybersecurity-related qualifications. GCSA is committed to promoting technological innovation, research collaboration, and international exchange in the global cybersecurity field, with a focus on security challenges in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, Web3, and digital finance.

The two parties will strengthen cooperation in the security field. The Research Centre will focus on joint research and development in areas including AI anti-fraud, cyber threat detection, digital finance security, and cybersecurity automation, exploring the practical application of technologies such as AI anti-fraud honeypots, intelligent fraud identification, threat intelligence analysis, and security protection platforms.

This collaboration will combine the two parties’ resources and professional service capabilities to promote cross-institutional collaboration in the fields of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, contributing to the development of the digital economy and the cybersecurity industry.

News Sources:

CR Longdation announcement: https://www.crproperty.com.hk/CRLDDynamic/2026-11-05/2969462.html
Aethereal Cybersecurity announcement: https://aethereal.com.hk/news/ai-cybersecurity-research-centre
GCSA Global Cybersecurity Alliance announcement: https://media.gcsa.com/news-3730609?channel=cybersecurity
CR Longdation website：www.crproperty.com.hk
Aethereal website: https://aethereal.com.hk
GCSA website: www.gcsa.com
GCSA Official WeChat：https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/Arqp9nnFIVxoucPHyTxRvw

Hashtag: #GlobalCybersecurityAlliance

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

Skyro has operated in the Philippines since 2022, building a registered user base of more than 7 million and an active loan portfolio exceeding US$200 million. In September 2026, the company announced that it had secured approval from Malaysia’s Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) to provide online moneylending services. Malaysia is Skyro’s second market in Southeast Asia.

Skyro’s first Malaysian product offers new customers cash loans of up to RM1,000 (approximately US$250), with repayment terms of up to four months. The company plans to gradually increase borrowing limits for eligible customers, potentially reaching RM10,000 (approximately US$2,500), as it builds its local lending portfolio.

The application process takes place entirely in the Skyro mobile app, without requiring a branch visit. Malaysian citizens with a valid MyKad and regular income can apply by verifying their identity and providing supporting income documents. Skyro assesses each application individually, taking into account the applicant’s income, existing financial commitments and credit history. Most applicants receive a decision within minutes, with approved funds transferred directly to their bank accounts.

Transparency is a central feature of the new product. Before signing the loan agreement, customers can review their approved loan amount, monthly installments, applicable fees and total repayment obligation, based on a fixed interest rate of 1.5% per month.

Arsen Liametov, co-founder and co-CEO of Skyro, said:

“For many people, financial needs don’t always arise at a convenient time. Whether someone needs to pay for home repairs or an unexpected expense, we want Malaysians to have another option to consider when they need short-term financing. But making credit available is only one part of our service. It’s equally important that customers understand what they’re borrowing, what it will cost and how they’ll repay it before making that decision.”

As its Malaysian business evolves, Skyro hopes to introduce a product with an approved credit limit by the end of 2026 that would enable customers to apply for subsequent loans more easily once they have established a repayment record with the lender. Skyro will use insights from its initial cash-loan offering to adapt future products to Malaysian consumers’ needs and borrowing habits as it works towards building a financial ecosystem.

The launch comes as Malaysia steps up efforts to tackle illegal moneylending, including unlicensed Ah Long lenders and fraudulent loan apps. For consumers with limited access to traditional bank credit, licensed digital cash loans and revolving credit lines can provide a safer, more transparent alternative, combining convenient access to financing with clear repayment terms and responsible lending practices.

Hashtag: #Skyro

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

About Skyro

Skyro is a high-growth, digital-first fintech group delivering scalable, responsible financial access across high-potential emerging markets. Launched in the Philippines in 2022, the group now has more than 7 million registered users and a credit portfolio exceeding US$200 million.

Powered by proprietary data science, AI-driven credit decisioning and alternative-data scoring, Skyro combines a mobile-native experience with modular fintech architecture to serve underserved customer segments at scale.

Founded by Arsen Liametov and Nasim Aliev through a management buyout, Skyro is financed through a balanced combination of private capital, debt facilities and strategic equity investment from GCC-based investors. The company is expanding into new markets as it seeks to build a diversified financial services business across emerging economies.

• Cyberport Community Cumulative Funding Surpasses HK$74.5 Billion, Welcoming 19 Listed Companies and 2 Unicorns over the Past Year
• Cyberport Investors Network (CIN) Celebrates 9th Anniversary, Facilitating Over HK$6 Billion in Cumulative Funding
• Cyberport Signs MoUs with Gobi Partners and Thailand’s National Innovation Agency to Unlock Global Growth Corridors

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 November 2026 – The annual flagship event Cyberport Venture & Capital Forum 2026 (CVCF) officially opened today at Hong Kong Cyberport. The two-day forum, themed “Scaling in a Changing World: Winning the Next Competitive Cycle”, brings together over 80 influential global venture capitalists, entrepreneurs and industry leaders to explore new frontiers in global venture trends, capital rerouting, Enterprise and Agentic AI, One-Person Companies (OPCs), digital assets, frontier technologies, and tokenisation economy, aiming to spotlight Hong Kong’s unique position as a strategic gateway connecting the Chinese Mainland, ASEAN, the Middle East, Central Asia and global innovation and funding networks. The forum also showcases the latest fundraising achievements of Cyberport start-ups.

The forum was inaugurated by Lillian Cheong, Acting Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry and Simon Chan, Chairman of Cyberport, and other distinguished guests at the opening ceremony, marking the official start of this global forum.

Lillian Cheong, Acting Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, said “Turning AI potential into sustainable growth requires more than technology. It also requires investment, business expertise and access to markets. This is where today’s forum can make a difference – bringing innovators and investors together to explore emerging technologies, support promising ventures and open doors to new opportunities. The HKSAR Government will continue to strengthen the support that helps promising ventures grow as well its investment to mobilise more private capital, consolidating Hong Kong’s position as an international innovation and technology centre, and as a premier hub for AI.”

Simon Chan, Chairman of Cyberport, said: “In a shifting global capital landscape, Hong Kong’s role as a ‘super-connector’ and ‘super value-adder’ between the Chinese Mainland and the world is more valuable than ever. The cross-border dialogue and partnerships forged here will create fresh opportunities for innovation, investment and collaboration.”

Cyberport Start-ups Show Robust Fundraising as AI and the Agentic Economy Take Centre Stage

Cyberport’s start-ups have demonstrated robust fundraising performance over the past year. Cyberport gathers over 2,400 companies, Cyberport start-ups have raised over HK$74.5 billion in funding. During the year, Cyberport proudly welcomed 19 listed companies and 2 unicorns to its community. Recent high-value fundraising rounds include Finloop, Qupital and Premialab, leverage AI, blockchain and digital assets — reflecting sustained market confidence in these emerging technologies and underscoring Cyberport’s success in fostering their development.

CIN Celebrates 9th Anniversary, Connecting Global Capital with High-Potential Start-ups

As Hong Kong’s digital tech hub, AI accelerator and key incubator, Cyberport actively connects global investors with start-ups through diverse funding channels.

The CIN 9th Anniversary Celebration commemorated a successful nine-year milestone while ushering in a new chapter of leadership, as the chairmanship passed from Hendrick Sin to John Ng. To honour this pivotal handover, Hendrick Sin, Hon. Duncan Chiu, and Cindy Chow were officially designated as Honorary Chairs of CIN in recognition of their distinguished contributions to the ecosystem.

Hendrick Sin, Honorary Chair of CIN; Co-Founder of CMGE Technology Group Limited; Chairman of China Prosperity Capital, stated in his video speech, “CIN has facilitated over HK$6 billion in investments across more than 130 projects since its inception, reflecting strong investor confidence in Cyberport companies. Looking ahead, we will strengthen the quality and depth of our deal flow, enhance structured capital partnerships to broaden access to funding at different growth stages, and deepen our relationships with CVCs, PE firms, family offices and LPs, further diversifying CIN’s investor network. Through these efforts, CIN will continue to connect promising companies with the right capital, expertise and networks needed to scale and succeed.

John Ng, Chairman of CIN, added in his speech, “I’m honoured to be appointed Chairman of CIN. The network has grown to nearly 250 investment firms, an achievement that reflects the tremendous efforts of Hendrick and the CIN team over the past years. Drawing on my background in corporate venture capital and family offices, one of my priorities will be to expand CIN’s network within these communities and take CIN into its next chapter.”

Another key financing channel, CMF, has invested in 30 start-up projects as of September 2026, with total investment including co-investments exceeding HK$2.7 billion and a co-investment ratio of over 1:9.3. Further augmenting ecosystem liquidity, Cyberport, BOCHK Asset Management and BOC Group Investment formed a strategic partnership in May 2026, as well as with Taiping Financial Holdings in Aug 2026 on venture capital funds to back promising Hong Kong I&T start-ups.

Strategic Partnerships to Unlock Global Growth Corridors

At the Forum, Cyberport signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), with Gobi Partners and with Thailand’s National Innovation Agency (NIA), to solidify global corridors for cross-border expansion.

Cyberport and Gobi Partners signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen collaboration in nurturing innovation and technology enterprises, facilitating market expansion and investment opportunities, and strengthening the innovation ecosystems of Hong Kong, Asia and the Middle East.

Building on a longstanding partnership, Gobi has invested in more than 24 Cyberport companies, including CMF co-investments. Witnessed by Lillian Cheong, Acting Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Simon Chan, Chairman of Cyberport, and Chibo Tang, Managing Partner, GBA Team of Gobi Partners, the MoU was signed by Dr Rocky Cheng, CEO of Cyberport, and Fred Li, Managing Director, GBA Team of Gobi Partners.

Meanwhile, Cyberport and Thailand’s National Innovation Agency (NIA) signed an MoU to promote cross-border innovation collaboration, startup development and knowledge exchange in AI, smart city and other digital technologies. It will cover soft-landing and market expansion, business matching, innovation programmes and community engagement, joint events, and proof-of-concept and pilot opportunities. The MoU was witnessed by Lillian Cheong, Acting Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Simon Chan, Chairman of Cyberport, and Preechaya Panyakrua, Innovation Counsellor of NIA, and signed by Dr Rocky Cheng, CEO of Cyberport, and Dr Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director of NIA.

Decoding the New Playbook for Scaling in the Age of AI

This year’s CVCF programme is organised around three umbrella themes: Mega Trends & AI Frontiers, Regional Market Focus & Global Corridors, and Market Focus & Strategic Capital Dynamics.

Opening the main stage, Mahesh Krishnaswamy, Founder and CEO of Taara, delivered the keynote “The Innovation Playbook: Capitalizing on Moonshots and Faster Cycles in the Age of AI”, sharing how Taara evolved from a radical moonshot into a real-world high-speed optical communications solution — a timely lens on compressed innovation cycles and how breakthrough technology scales.

The forum also brought together venture capital leaders from Gobi Partners, Alumni Ventures, Rasmal Ventures, Primavera Capital, Draper Dragon, Pegasus Tech Ventures, Plug & Play and more to examine AI-driven capital shifts, high-growth corridors across the Middle East, ASEAN and the Greater Bay Area, and how public-private and corporate strategic capital can accelerate tech scale-ups.

Beyond the thought leadership sessions, the event further reinforced Cyberport’s role in connecting capital, innovation and global market opportunities. It also provided a dynamic platform for business matching and startup empowerment. This year’s Founder Pitch attracted strong interest from local and international venture capital firms, enabling startups from early-stage innovators to high-growth scale-ups to present their cutting-edge solutions to investors and ecosystem partners.

Throughout the first day, the event floor featured tailored Investor Matching sessions, dynamic Innovator Showcases featuring elite, high-potential startups across key tech sectors from local and global partner networks, and dedicated Startup Clinics offering practical strategic guidance. Coupled with engaging networking exchanges, Day one concluded on a positive note, reinforcing Cyberport’s ongoing role in connecting capital, innovation, and global market opportunities.

Day two will feature the CVCF’s spotlight event “Agentic Economy Summit”, themed “Intelligent Frontiers, Tokenised Horizons”, featuring a keynote address by Joseph Chan, Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, and will explore how agentic AI is reshaping business and how digital assets are redefining the way value moves. The summit will examine digital identity, institutional tokenisation, HKD stablecoins, programmable payments and machine-to-machine commerce, alongside the rise of OPCs. Day two also features hands-on startup workshops designed to equip founders with practical playbooks for pitch mastery and market scaling.

For more information on Cyberport Venture & Capital Forum 2026 and the speaker line-up, please visit http://cvcf.cyberport.hk/.

Hashtag: #Cyberport

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

About Hong Kong Cyberport

Wholly owned by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, Cyberport is Hong Kong’s digital tech hub and AI accelerator, with a vision to empower industry digitalisation and intelligent transformation, to promote digital economy and AI development, and to foster Hong Kong to be an international AI, innovation and technology (I&T) hub. Cyberport gathers over 2,400 companies, including 30 listed companies and 10 unicorns. 40% of onsite companies’ founders come from 28 countries and regions, while Cyberport companies have expanded to over 36 global markets.

Cyberport, with Hong Kong’s largest AI Supercomputing Centre and AI Lab as the engine, has been building the AI ecosystem with industry-leading AI companies and over 500 AI and data science start-ups. Through development of tech clusters, namely AI, data science, blockchain and cybersecurity, Cyberport empowers industries across smart city and government, banking and finance, digital entertainment, culture and tourism, healthcare, education and training, property management, construction, transportation and logistics, green environment and more, while hosting Hong Kong’s largest FinTech community. Commissioned by the HKSAR Government, Cyberport has implemented proof-of-concept and sandbox schemes, subsidisation for digital tech adoption, industry tech training and start-up incubation, to drive technology R&D, translation and commercialisation, thus propelling digital transformation and intelligent upgrade across industry and society.

Also as “State-level Scientific and Technological Enterprise Incubator” and Hong Kong’s key incubator, Cyberport supports entrepreneurs with funding and office space, extensive networks of enterprises, investors, technology corporations and professional services for business growth and expansion to Chinese Mainland and overseas markets, all-round facilitation for landing in Hong Kong, talent attraction and cultivation, ready as a launchpad to take start-ups in any stages of development to the next level.

For more information, please visit https://www.cyberport.hk/en.

New research from KPMG China and GS1 Hong Kong highlights three key priorities for retailers: building trust in AI, delivering market-specific strategies for the growing silver economy, and strengthening brand confidence across Hong Kong and other cities in the Greater Bay Area

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 November 2026 – Consumer confidence in artificial intelligence is rising across Hong Kong and other cities in the Greater Bay Area (GBA), but new research from KPMG China and GS1 Hong Kong shows that retailers will need markedly different strategies to convert that confidence into growth. While consumers in other GBA cities show greater openness to personalised experiences and Chinese Mainland brands, Hong Kong consumers place more emphasis on value for money.

The Growth Reimagined: Building Consumer Trust in the AI Era report identifies three themes which have emerged as a roadmap for future growth:

• Trusted AI builds consumer confidence: AI can enhance personalisation and speed up service delivery, but privacy, accuracy, transparency and a human touch will determine consumer adoption.
• Silver shoppers diverge by market: To capture the growing silver economy, brands must prioritise price in Hong Kong, and brand reputation and engaging experiences in other GBA cities.
• The low-cost-only label no longer fits Chinese Mainland brands: Their advances in quality and innovation are forcing competitors to rethink where future brand advantage will come from.

AI trust is rising but a transparency gap persists, creating new opportunities for growth

Trust in AI has risen significantly since last year’s survey. In Hong Kong, 48% of consumers now trust AI at least somewhat, up from 28%, while trust in other GBA cities has increased from 59% to 76%. Yet growing trust has not translated into the same willingness to share personal data: just 10% of Hong Kong consumers who trust AI are comfortable doing so, compared with 32% in other GBA cities.

The difference in AI trust between Hong Kong and other GBA cities is particularly pronounced among silver shoppers, defined in the report as consumers aged above 55. Just 38% of Hong Kong silver shoppers trust AI, compared with 76% in other GBA cities, underscoring the challenge retailers face in building AI confidence among older Hong Kong consumers.

To bridge this gap, retailers in Hong Kong need to demonstrate clear value before asking consumers to share more data, while providing transparency and control over how their data is used. Consumer confidence should extend across the entire retail journey: from payment and product authenticity to returns and customer support. AI should help consumers find what they need more easily, while maintaining accuracy, fairness and access to human support.

Anna Lin, Chief Executive, GS1 Hong Kong, says: “AI is increasingly shaping how consumers discover and evaluate products, and it tends to recommend those backed by data it can readily interpret and trust. Businesses with trusted, standardised product data that is structured for machines to understand and use and traceable to an identifiable source will be best positioned to earn consumer confidence and influence future purchasing decisions.”

The silver economy is not a single consumer market

Across all age groups, value remains a priority for 73% of Hong Kong consumers, compared with 45% in other GBA cities.

When asked to describe their shopping style, 57% of silver shoppers in Hong Kong identify primarily as value shoppers, compared with only 23% in other GBA cities, where brand reputation, at 37%, and shopping experience, at 27%, emerge as their leading considerations.

The findings suggest that age alone is not enough to define the silver shoppers. Retailers looking to capture the opportunities created by the region’s ageing population will need to understand how expectations differ by market, and develop propositions that reflect those differences.

Alice Yip, Partner, Head of Consumer & Retail, Hong Kong SAR, KPMG China, says: “Growth in the silver economy depends on recognising that shoppers’ priorities differ across markets. Hong Kong’s silver shoppers prioritise competitive prices, while those in other GBA cities place greater emphasis on brand reputation and shopping experiences. Capturing this opportunity involves understanding what matters locally and tailoring the retail offer accordingly, rather than treating the silver economy as one uniform market.”

Chinese Mainland speed raises the stakes for Hong Kong and global brands

Chinese Mainland brands are emerging as a stronger force in innovation and speed. In other GBA cities, that progress is already reflected in consumer perceptions: 64% choose them for value for money, 58% for safety and reliability and 50% for brand reputation.

In Hong Kong, however, they are still seen primarily through the lens of value. While 81% of consumers choose Chinese Mainland brands for value for money, fewer cite safety and reliability (39%), higher quality (33%) or brand reputation (31%). Their next opportunity is to turn Chinese Mainland speed and improving quality into stronger brand confidence.

Hong Kong brands retain a clear advantage in trust. Consumers in Hong Kong (74%) and other GBA cities (61%) cite safety and reliability as the leading reason for choosing Hong Kong brands. Among Hong Kong consumers, preference for Hong Kong brands is particularly strong in airlines (78%) and food and beverages (71%).

But trust cannot be taken for granted. As Chinese Mainland brands strengthen their safety and reliability credentials, Hong Kong brands will need to combine their reputation for reliability with greater innovation, sharper value and faster execution.

Anson Bailey, Head of Consumer & Retail, Asia Pacific, KPMG China, says: “Any brand that still sees Chinese Mainland competitors as a low-cost threat is looking in the rear-view mirror. Chinese Mainland speed is now producing better products, sharper design and faster innovation at a scale few markets can match. The real shift is that Chinese Mainland brands are learning to build brand equity at the same pace as they have built scale through value and speed. This is increasingly influencing who can win – not only in the GBA, but in consumer markets worldwide.”

Hashtag: #KPMG #GS1HongKong

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

About KPMG

KPMG in China has offices located in 31 cities with over 14,000 partners and staff, in Beijing, Changchun, Changsha, Chengdu, Chongqing, Dalian, Dongguan, Foshan, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Haikou, Hangzhou, Hefei, Jinan, Nanjing, Nantong, Ningbo, Qingdao, Shanghai, Shenyang, Shenzhen, Suzhou, Taiyuan, Tianjin, Wuhan, Wuxi, Xiamen, Xi’an, Zhengzhou, Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR. It started operations in Hong Kong in 1945. In 1992, KPMG became the first international accounting network to be granted a joint venture licence in the Chinese Mainland. In 2012, KPMG became the first among the “Big Four” in the Chinese Mainland to convert from a joint venture to a special general partnership.

KPMG is a global organisation of independent professional services firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services. KPMG is the brand under which the member firms of KPMG International Limited (“KPMG International”) operate and provide professional services. “KPMG” is used to refer to individual member firms within the KPMG organisation or to one or more member firms collectively.

KPMG firms operate in 138 countries and territories with more than 276,000 partners and employees working in member firms around the world. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such. Each KPMG member firm is responsible for its own obligations and liabilities.

About GS1 Hong Kong

GS1 Hong Kong is the local chapter of GS1®, a global, not-for-profit data standards organisation represented in over 120 countries. Through globally recognised standards such as GTIN (barcodes), we enable businesses to identify, capture and share trusted data across physical and digital supply chains, helping them accelerate digital transformation, access global markets, strengthen supply chain resilience and efficiency, and advance transparency, safety and sustainability.

Building on global data standards, GS1 Hong Kong provides solutions including ezTRADE for B2B data exchange, ezTRACK for supply chain traceability, and 1QR, powered by GS1 Digital Link, connecting 2D barcodes to rich product information such as certifications and sustainability data.

The trusted data infrastructure also supports emerging business needs, from trade finance to Scope 3 emissions reporting and ESG compliance. In an AI-driven economy, we provide the foundation for high-quality data that is accurate, visible, linkable, searchable, shareable and traceable.

GS1 Hong Kong supports close to 8,000 corporate members across 20 sectors, including retail and consumer goods, food and beverage, healthcare, apparel and footwear, logistics and ICT.

Website: www.gs1hk.org

Building on the firm’s deep-rooted expertise in semiconductors and deep technology, Ondine Capital Fund III will invest across the full AI value chain—spanning AI foundation models, next-generation semiconductors, AI infrastructure, AI-native software, and physical AI applications.

Ondine Capital Fund III’s early portfolio highlights include:

• Recursive Superintelligence: Founded by former Salesforce Chief Scientist Richard Socher and built by veteran researchers from OpenAI, Google, and Meta, the startup focuses on recursive self-improving AI systems. It recently raised $650 million at a $4 billion pre-money valuation led by Google Ventures, with participation from Nvidia and AMD.
• Bot Auto: Founded by Xiaodi Hou (former co-founder and CTO of TuSimple), this Houston-based physical AI startup specializes in autonomous freight transportation. Bot Auto recently partnered with Ryan Transportation to launch driverless freight operations along the Houston-Dallas corridor.
• Salience Labs: Founded by Vaysh Kewada and Johannes Feldmann, the company develops silicon-photonics optical switching technology for AI data centers. Partnering with Tower Semiconductor, Salience Labs recently closed a $125 million financing round led by Bullhound Capital, with strategic backing from AMD Ventures and Intel Capital.

Partner Appointment to Boost Global Ecosystem

Coinciding with the first close, Ondine Capital announced the appointment of Brian Yen as Partner, reinforcing the firm’s global sourcing and founder network.

Prior to joining Ondine Capital, Brian Yen served as Principal and Head of the Taipei Office at Headline Asia, where he cultivated an extensive network across Japan, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia. His investment track record spans consumer technologies, agentic services, and physical AI, with notable investments including respond.io, forest inc., Braid, and iMotorbike. At Ondine Capital, Brian Yen will focus on backing early-stage founders building intelligent software and physical AI platforms.

“The convergence of AI and semiconductors is unleashing unprecedented opportunities across global tech,” said Brian Yen. “As these technologies mature, we anticipate monumental value creation throughout the entire stack. Through Fund III, we look forward to empowering visionary founders who are shaping the future of computing and industry applications.”

Ondine Capital continues to actively deploy capital and evaluate global investment opportunities in breakthrough, category-defining companies across the AI and semiconductor landscape.

Hashtag: #OndineCapital #RSI #BotAuto #SalienceLabs

https://www.ondinecap.com/

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

About Ondine Capital

Ondine Capital is a premier venture capital firm focused on frontier technologies, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, enterprise software, clean energy, and emerging technology platforms. The firm backs visionary founders from inception, providing strategic support and access to a robust global network of industrial partners, investors, and entrepreneurs.

Introduced at Hong Kong FinTech Week, KY-AI™ brings a structured approach to AI oversight, aligned with the accountability, resilience and trust principles of the HKMA’s ART Framework.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 November 2026 – iCOMPASS, the developer of ULTRA™, an AI-powered Compliance Operating System, today introduced KY-AI™ (Know Your Artificial Intelligence) to the Hong Kong market at Hong Kong FinTech Week 2026. The announcement follows the Hong Kong Monetary Authority’s (HKMA) introduction of its ART Framework on 15 October, sharpening attention on how banks establish accountability, operational resilience and trust as artificial intelligence becomes more autonomous.

Financial institutions are moving beyond AI experiments towards tools that analyse sensitive data, recommend decisions and increasingly act across connected systems. Yet a basic governance question remains: can an institution identify where AI is operating, what it is permitted to do, who is accountable and whether its behaviour remains acceptable over time?

KY-AI™ turns these questions into a continuous, evidence-based governance process. Built around its Know–Approve–Test–Watch lifecycle, the solution enables financial institutions to identify and understand the AI systems they use, including third-party tools, assess their risks and potential impact, establish clear ownership and accountability, and ensure appropriate approvals and ongoing monitoring are in place.

As AI systems evolve, KY-AI™ enables institutions to track material changes, detect emerging risks and intervene when necessary. This transforms AI oversight from a one-time assessment into a continuous, evidence–based governance process that strengthens accountability and builds lasting trust in AI outcomes.

“The question is no longer simply whether a financial institution uses AI, but whether management truly understands what each AI system does, the risks involved, who is accountable and when intervention is needed,” said Raymond Moh, CEO of iCOMPASS. “With KY-AI™, we are applying the same discipline of knowing your customer to knowing your artificial intelligence. By making AI oversight an ongoing, documented process rather than a one-off exercise, we help financial institutions build greater confidence and trust in how AI is used and the outcomes it delivers.”

The introduction builds on iCOMPASS’ 6-in-1 ULTRA KYC™ solution, which brings onboarding & identity verification, screening, customer due diligence, risk assessment, ongoing monitoring and change management into a connected, evidence-linked AML/KYC workflow. Having focused on making customer-risk decisions traceable, iCOMPASS is extending the same emphasis on clear ownership, documented decisions and lifecycle monitoring to AI governance.

Alongside the KY-AI™ introduction, iCOMPASS is collaborating with Cambridge Advisers Hong Kong under a Memorandum of Understanding to deliver digital compliance training through UltraLearn™. Cambridge Advisers Hong Kong provides regulatory training content while iCOMPASS supplies the learning platform powered by AI, including training records, assessments, reminders and CPT tracking. Courses cover areas including AML, cybersecurity, data protection and professional conduct.

iCOMPASS serves more than 100 financial institutions across the region and holds ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification and a SOC 2 Type II attestation covering all five Trust Services Criteria.

Meet iCOMPASS at Hong Kong FinTech Week 2026, 2–3 November, Hall 5BC, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Hashtag: #iCOMPASS

https://www.icompass.ai/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/i-compass/

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

About iCOMPASS Limited

iCOMPASS Limited is an award-winning RegTech company transforming how financial institutions manage regulatory compliance through artificial intelligence. With ISO/IEC 27001 certification and SOC 2 Type II attestation, iCOMPASS combines technological innovation with rigorous security standards to deliver intelligent, secure and scalable compliance solutions.

At the heart of its innovation is ULTRA™, an AI-powered Compliance Operating System that brings together regulatory intelligence, policy governance, end-to-end 6-in-1 AML/KYC lifecycle management, compliance training and AI risk management. By connecting traditionally fragmented processes into a unified, intelligent platform, ULTRA™ helps institutions reduce manual work, strengthen accountability and turn regulatory obligations into demonstrable compliance outcomes.