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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.

During its stay in Hong Kong, the delegation visited the CCPIT Representative Office in Hong Kong. It held discussions with CMA and co-hosted the Hainan Free Trade Port (Hong Kong) Economic and Trade Cooperation Exchange Meeting with FHKI. The event showcased the policies, key industrial layout and investment opportunities of the Hainan Free Trade Port (FTP), and arranged one-on-one business matchmaking between Hainan and Hong Kong enterprises.

Wang Yuyuan, Vice President of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Hainan Sub-council (CCPIT Hainan) and China Chamber of International Commerce Hainan Chamber of Commerce, noted that since the official launch of island-wide special customs operations at the Hainan FTP on December 18, 2025, 174,000 new enterprises have been registered, representing a year-on-year surge of 95.9 percent. Newly established foreign-invested enterprises rose by 35.8 percent year on year. In the first half of this year, inbound and outbound tourist arrivals exceeded 70 million, up 28 percent year on year, with the number of visa-free entry countries expanding to 88. From January to August, the province’s total goods import and export volume hit 250 billion yuan, growing by 61.5 percent year on year. Hainan is rapidly emerging as a critical gateway connecting China with the rest of the world and a prime channel for two-way investment.

According to CCPIT Hainan, Hong Kong ranks as a major source of foreign investment for Hainan. In the first half of this year, Hainan registered 1,303 new foreign-invested enterprises, an increase of 38.62 percent year on year, with Hong Kong-funded enterprises accounting for the lion’s share. Hainan has issued offshore RMB local government bonds in Hong Kong for four consecutive years, with a cumulative issuance volume reaching 18 billion yuan.

CMA is one of Hong Kong’s most representative non-profit industrial and commercial bodies, with around 3,000 member enterprises. It has long provided members with business services including exhibitions, brand promotion, testing and certification. FHKI, one of Hong Kong’s four major chambers of commerce, has approximately 2,000 corporate members. It focuses on boosting the sustained development of Hong Kong industry and manufacturing through policy advocacy, business matchmaking, certification services and youth talent cultivation.

The two memoranda explicitly stipulate that the two sides will establish a regular liaison mechanism, build a long-term cooperation platform covering information sharing, business matchmaking, exhibition collaboration and professional services, and provide solid support for pragmatic business cooperation between Hainan and Hong Kong enterprises.

Source: China Council for the Promotion of International Trade Hainan Provincial Committee (CCPIT Hainan)

Hashtag: #CPITHainan

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

Bill Deng, Founder and CEO of XTransfer, will join the management team at showcases and closed-door sessions in both cities, sharing views on AI risk control and operations, local-currency settlement in emerging markets and practical inclusive finance for SMEs. During the events, XTransfer will hold signing ceremonies for strategic cooperation with several international financial institutions, further extending its global clearing network.

A central focus will be XTransfer’s financial institution partnership model, which enables banks and payment institutions to participate as both co-builders and users. Partners can contribute local collection, payout and FX capabilities, while accessing services such as Pay-to-China, Local-Currency Collection and Local-Currency Payout through the XTransfer API.

Another focus will be XTransfer’s end-to-end local-currency settlement. In emerging markets, restricted access to foreign exchange can delay the settlement of legitimate trade payments. To address this, XTransfer has built an end-to-end B2B trade settlement network comparable to Visa and Mastercard, directly connecting paying and receiving banks. Paired with its pioneering local collection account service, it enables end-to-end local-currency settlement, a 24/7, fast, low-cost, and compliant option that lets buyers and sellers worldwide pay and receive trade funds in their respective local currencies. The service now covers nearly 60 countries and regions across Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, Europe, and North America, etc.

Today, XTransfer serves more than one million SMEs globally, with over US$60 billion in total payment volume in 2025, and is trusted by more than 170 global financial partners. Through its participation in Hong Kong and Singapore, XTransfer aims to deepen collaboration across the financial ecosystem and make cross-border payments more secure, efficient and accessible for trade businesses worldwide.
Hashtag: #XTransfer #SFF #HKFW #HongKong #Singapore #Crossborder #Payment #SMEs #ASEAN

https://www.xtransfer.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtransfer.cn

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

By Dr. Gyan Pathak Once upon a time people in India exercised their “right to protest” in front of the ruling establishment in New Delhi free of cost, though they still needed government permissions for assembly of people for protest. However, under PM Narendra Modi, it has been abolished altogether with denotification of designated protest […]

The article India’s National Capital Being Turned Into No Protest Zone appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

The 30-share BSE Sensex fell 0.16 per cent to 73,497.28, while the NSE Nifty 50 slipped 0.06 per cent to 22,738.55 during Tuesday’s trading. Losses were concentrated in technology stocks, although gains in several consumer and industrial companies helped contain the decline.

The Nifty IT index dropped approximately 1.8 per cent, making technology one of the weakest sectors. Infosys shares declined 2.8 per cent after the company lowered its revenue growth guidance for the financial year ending March 2027, prompting investors to reassess earnings expectations.

Other major technology companies also faced selling pressure. Tata Consultancy Services and HCL Technologies traded lower as investors examined the implications of weaker growth expectations for outsourcing companies dependent on overseas corporate spending.

Crude oil prices remained another concern. Brent crude hovered near $115 a barrel, close to its highest level in six months, following attacks on Saudi Arabia that intensified concerns about energy supplies and geopolitical tensions across West Asia.

Elevated petroleum prices present significant challenges for India’s economy because the country depends heavily on imported crude. Sustained increases can raise transportation and manufacturing costs, complicate inflation management and weaken profit margins for companies unable to pass additional expenses to customers.

Oil-sensitive businesses, including airlines, paint manufacturers, tyre producers and petroleum marketing companies, face particular exposure to changes in energy prices. Investors are monitoring whether higher input costs will affect corporate earnings during the current reporting season.

Attention has also shifted towards the Federal Reserve’s two-day policy meeting, which begins on Tuesday and concludes on Wednesday. Financial markets broadly expect the central bank to maintain its benchmark interest rate at 3.75 to 4 per cent.

The accompanying policy statement and remarks from Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh will be examined for indications of future interest rate adjustments, particularly whether persistent inflation could require additional monetary tightening.

Higher US interest rates can influence investment flows towards dollar-denominated assets, potentially reducing foreign portfolio investment in emerging markets. Changes in American Treasury yields and the dollar’s exchange rate therefore remain important considerations for domestic equities.

Ponmudi R, chief executive of Enrich Money, has identified elevated crude prices, geopolitical uncertainty and the Federal Reserve’s policy outlook as major influences on market sentiment. He has cautioned that tighter American monetary conditions could constrain foreign investment flows.

Tuesday’s weakness followed a recovery in the previous session, when the Sensex advanced 482.92 points to close at 73,606.75 and the Nifty gained 153.20 points to finish at 22,753.20.

Monday’s advance ended four consecutive sessions of losses, during which the Sensex had declined 2.15 per cent and the Nifty 2.36 per cent. The rebound reflected renewed buying in selected companies after the earlier market correction.

Despite Tuesday’s benchmark declines, broader market performance remained comparatively resilient. Small-cap shares gained approximately 1.7 per cent, while mid-cap stocks advanced around 0.5 per cent, indicating that selling pressure was not uniformly distributed.

Company-specific earnings developments also generated substantial movements. Tata Consumer Products rose approximately 5.9 per cent after reporting quarterly profits that exceeded market expectations, attracting buying interest despite the weakness in benchmark indices.

Automotive components manufacturer Sona BLW Precision Forgings advanced around 6.3 per cent following improvements in quarterly revenue and earnings. The gains demonstrated continued investor interest in companies delivering stronger operating results.

Astec Lifesciences, meanwhile, declined approximately 2.5 per cent after reporting lower quarterly profits, reflecting the market’s selective response to corporate financial disclosures.

Institutional investment patterns remained under scrutiny. Exchange data showed foreign portfolio investors sold shares worth approximately Rs 1,462.49 crore on Monday, while domestic institutional investors purchased equities valued at Rs 2,609.57 crore.

Domestic institutional buying helped support Monday’s recovery, although foreign investment decisions remain sensitive to international interest rates, currency movements and geopolitical developments.

Market participants are also awaiting September industrial production figures, scheduled for Wednesday, alongside further quarterly earnings announcements from major listed companies.

The October monthly expiry of Nifty derivatives contracts falls on Tuesday, adding another trading consideration as investors adjust outstanding positions before settlement.

New Merck Hong Kong Centre to Connect Global Expertise with Local Innovators and Accelerate R&D Commercialisation

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 October 2026 – Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) and Merck, a leading science and technology company in life science, healthcare and electronics, signed a collaboration agreement today to establish their strategic partnership. Under the agreement, Merck will establish the “Merck Hong Kong Centre” at Hong Kong Science Park, dedicated to bringing in advanced scientific products, showcasing live technological demonstrations, and providing expert consultation services. Through technical training and clinical advisory sessions, an innovation scouting programme, and the co-hosting of an annual flagship event, the partnership will connect HKSTP’s I&T ecosystem with Merck’s domain expertise and global networks, supporting local startups and I&T talent, accelerating the translation of R&D outcomes into real-world applications, and jointly capturing opportunities across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and international markets.

The HKSAR Government’s recently announced First Five-Year Plan places a strong focus on strategic industries, including life and health technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and new industrialisation, while the latest Policy Address sets out Hong Kong’s ambition to accelerate its development into an international health and medical innovation hub, progressively expanding access to the GBA, international markets, and capital markets. Arriving at a pivotal moment as Hong Kong I&T development enters a new phase, the partnership will bring together top-tier global scientific resources and inject fresh momentum into the city’s I&T sector.

Witnessed by Dr. Annika Bolten-Drutschmann, Consul General of Germany, Ms Cordelia Chung, Chairman of HKSTPand Mr. Peter Yan, Director-General of the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES), Mr. Terry Wong, Chief Executive Officer of HKSTP, and Mr. Rogier Janssens, President of Merck China, signed the partnership agreement. The signing was followed by the “Merck x HKSTP Groundbreaking Ceremony”, marking the official commencement of the Merck Hong Kong Centre and turning the partnership to a new chapter.

Mr. Terry Wong, Chief Executive Officer of HKSTP, said, “We are delighted to welcome Merck, a leading science and technology company, in establishing a strategic partnership with HKSTP and Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem. As Hong Kong enters an exciting new phase of I&T development, collaboration with global leaders like Merck is crucial to foster the growth of the life and health tech sector. Our shared vision goes beyond offering physical space: we are bringing Merck’s advanced technologies, scientific expertise and global networks closer to our startups and researchers, helping them turn discoveries into practical solutions and explore opportunities for pilot projects, commercial partnerships and investment. Powered by the city’s unique positioning as the super connector between the Chinese Mainland and global markets, this partnership will catalyse collaboration between Merck’s global excellence in life sciences and HKSTP’s thriving ecosystem — taking the discovery and commercialisation of R&D results in the life and health sector to the next level, creating global impact and benefiting humankind.”

Mr. Rogier Janssens, President of Merck China, said, “Hong Kong’s first Five-Year Plan places innovation and technology at the heart of the city’s future, giving science and technology companies like Merck a clear direction for lasting engagement. For 358 years, Merck has advanced science and technology with a patient, generational outlook, and we are now deepening our presence in the Greater Bay Area’s innovation landscape. Merck Hong Kong Centre is the first step of that commitment in Hong Kong. Located next to HKSTP’s shared biomedical laboratory, it places our products and experts alongside the scientists and startups driving the research. We can help them build reliable, reproducible workflows from early experimentation to scale-up, and we can understand earlier what their science needs. Together with HKSTP, we aim to prove this approach in Hong Kong and replicate it elsewhere in China and beyond.”

Under the agreement, the collaboration will focus on four key initiatives:

• Merck Hong Kong Centre: The dedicated physical facility at Hong Kong Science Park will provide Park startups and researchers with advanced scientific product supply, live demonstrations of cutting-edge technologies and expert consultation services. The Centre will serve as a physical hub connecting local innovators with Merck’s technology resources.
• Training and Consultation Initiative: Connecting Merck’s industry experts with HKSTP’s startups and researchers through technical training, clinical advisory and professional consultation services to promote knowledge exchange and strengthen research and application capabilities.
• Innovation Scouting Program: Establishing a structured mechanism to identify, evaluate and connect high-potential startups directly with Merck’s global innovation network, exploring collaboration opportunities including commercial partnerships, proof-of-concept pilot projects and strategic venture investment opportunities.
• Merck Innovation Day: An annual flagship event held at Hong Kong Science Park focusing on life science, healthcare and electronics, bringing together startups, academia and industry leaders to showcase innovations and foster cross-sector exchange and co-development.

HKSTP is committed to building a vibrant I&T ecosystem and is currently home to around 400 life and health technology companies, supported by comprehensive R&D infrastructure and one-stop support services that help turn ideas into real-world applications. The partnership will further connect Park companies with Merck’s global resources, while providing Merck with a platform to access emerging technologies, research talent and high-potential companies in Hong Kong and the GBA, fostering two-way innovation exchange and opening up long-term collaboration opportunities.

Hashtag: #HKSTP

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

HKSTP

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

Joint study shows emerging markets will generate 60% of new online spending over the next decade — most of it from consumers without a credit card

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 October 2026 – Asia is projected to add 702 million middle-class adults between 2026 and 2036, three-quarters of all middle-class growth in emerging markets, according to a new study from World Data Lab (WDL) and EBANX, a global technology company specializing in payment services for emerging markets.

But this new consumer class will not shop the same way developed-market consumers do: by 2036, only 20% of adults in emerging markets will hold a credit card, against 66% in developed markets.

Global online spending is projected to grow from USD 11 trillion in 2026 to USD 25.6 trillion in 2036. Emerging markets add USD 8.7 trillion of that increase (60% of all new online spending), with China (USD +4.7 trillion) and India (USD +1.3 trillion) leading this growth. Indonesia (USD +243 billion), Brazil (USD +249 billion) and Mexico (USD +191 billion) form the next tier.

The categories matter as much as the markets. Online gaming spending in emerging markets grows 14% a year over the decade, the fastest of any category, and SaaS nearly 10%. Emerging markets will generate 76% of global growth in social media spending and 64% in SaaS.

The demographic picture challenges a common assumption. Consumers aged 45 and over account for 51% of emerging markets’ online spending growth through 2036, and spending by those aged 65 and over grows 12% a year, faster than any other age group.

The outlook was discussed during “Navigating Payments: How innovation and fragmentation are changing the game for e-commerce,” a webinar co-hosted by World Data Lab (WDL) and EBANX.

“Over the next ten years, people aged 45 and over will add USD 4.4 trillion in online spending in emerging markets, half of all the growth. Some of them already shop on their phones and will keep doing so as they get older. Others will buy online for the first time in their fifties or sixties. Merchants who build their checkout only for a 25-year-old will miss both groups,” explained Wolfgang Fengler, CEO of WDL.

The study models consumer spending, demographics, and financial access across 184 countries to 2036, drawing on the World Bank’s Global Findex and WDL’s consumer models, combined with EBANX’s experience processing payments for global merchants in emerging markets since 2012.

“If your checkout only takes credit cards, you are competing for one in five adults in emerging markets and conceding the other four”, said Marie-Elise Droga, Chief Revenue Officer of EBANX. “The merchants growing fastest with us didn’t wait for cards to arrive: they added the payment rails their customers already use, and they’re taking new buyers, bigger baskets and recurring revenue that card-only competitors can’t even see.”

834 million new online buyers, 281 million new credit cards

Between 2026 and 2036, the global economy will add 834 million online buyers but only 281 million credit card holders—a ratio of nearly three to one. In emerging markets, two in three new online buyers (67%) will arrive without a credit card. Adults without it already account for 55% of online spending in emerging markets, a share that rises to 90% in India and 93% in Sub-Saharan Africa. Credit cardless adults also represent 52% to 59% of spending in every digital category, from gaming and SaaS to streaming and travel.

Digital payment use is also running ahead of online shopping. Of the 2.6 billion emerging-market adults spending between USD 6 and USD 25 a day, 70% already pay merchants digitally while only 33% buy online, leaving at least 957 million digitally active consumers who are not yet online buyers. Many hold a bank account or mobile wallet but no card that works at an international checkout.

“This is closely tied to the innovation that came out of the financial industry in emerging markets, which developed solutions for an increasingly mobile economy and for the habits of local consumers. Today, we call them local payment methods, or LPMs, and they allowed e-commerce growth to decouple from the credit card, which still has very low penetration in these countries,” said Estelita Hass, head of Market Intelligence at EBANX.

Subscriptions are the next frontier — and India shows why

Recurring categories such as streaming, SaaS and online education will reach USD 2.1 trillion a year in emerging markets by 2036, with USD 1.1 trillion coming from adults without a credit card. In India, 82% of recurring online spending will be cardless. Account-based recurring rails are beginning to close that gap: a global SaaS company saw a 20% uplift in new subscribers after adding UPI at checkout in India, and cybersecurity company Nord Security now generates 28% of its revenue in Brazil through Pix Automático, Brazil’s recurring instant payment, six months after launching it with EBANX.

The webinar presentation is available at [LINK].

Hashtag: #EBANX #WorldDataLab #Fintech #Payments #EmergingMarkets #Consumers

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

ABOUT EBANX

EBANX is the leading technology 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, the platform enables global businesses to offer hundreds of local payment methods and streamline cross-border payments across Latin America, Africa, and Asia. With a global footprint, it established a technology and regulatory headquarters in Singapore in 2026. 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://ebanx.com/en/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ebanx/

These awards celebrate the most inspirational initiatives and developments in land, real estate, construction and infrastructure, recognising outstanding achievement, teamwork and corporate excellence. This year’s entrants have contributed to some of Hong Kong’s largest projects, including driving investment into the commercial sector, delivering essential infrastructure and leading sustainable practices.

Guest of Honour, Mr. TAI Sheung Shing, Victor, JP, Under Secretary for Housing, Housing Bureau, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, kicked off the ceremony with a speech recognising chartered surveyors for their significant contributions to the built environment. Additionally, the event welcomed Mr. David Lam, JP, Under Secretary for Development, Development Bureau, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, as a Presentation Guest at the Gala Dinner, to jointly witness this important occasion.

“These awards are about excellence. Excellence in our profession is about much more than a successful transaction, a well-delivered project or an impressive building. It is about the judgement behind a difficult decision. The integrity to give the right advice, even when it is not the easiest advice to give. And the commitment to leave a place, a business or a community better than we found it. ” said Ms. Ada Fung FRICS, Judging Chair of RICS Hong Kong Awards 2026. “For those of us working in Hong Kong, these qualities matter enormously. Our city never stands still, and neither can our profession. We must help clients navigate uncertainty, make better use of our built environment, and turn long-term ambitions into practical results.”

The RICS Annual Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Mr. Philip Lo FRICS, a Steward of the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Mr. Lo is a former Chairman of Rider Levett Bucknall China and Hong Kong. He is a fellow of RICS and served on the RICS UK Management Board from 2011 to 2016, alongside his extensive leadership roles within RICS Hong Kong. He remains deeply committed to public service, currently holding key roles with the Hong Kong Housing Authority and the Hong Kong Housing Society, as well serving as an Adjunct Professor at The University of Hong Kong.

“Our profession is unique. We may not always have our names on the buildings, but we know every building carries our fingerprints. More importantly, through the built environment, we have the opportunity not only to create buildings and infrastructure, but also to shape communities, improve lives and contribute to the long-term development of society. That sense of purpose has always been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.” said Mr. Philip Lo FRICS.

Results of RICS Hong Kong Awards 2026:

Project award categories
1. Commercial Property Project of the Year

• Jones Lang LaSalle Management Services Limited – The Bay Hub

2. Corporate Social Responsibility Project of the Year

• Hong Kong Housing Authority – Diamond Hill Water Feature Park

Team award categories
3. Agency Team of the Year

• JLL – Office Leasing Advisory Team

4. Construction Project Management Team of the Year

• Architectural Services Department & China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong) Limited – Design and Construction of Chinese Medicine Hospital and Government Chinese Medicines Testing Institute in Hong Kong

5. Facilities Management Team of the Year

• Hang Seng Bank Limited & JLL
• Swire Properties Management Limited – Citygate – Driving Excellence in Facilities Management through Exemplary Sustainability Strategy

6. Property Management Team of the Year

• Nan Fung Property Management – AIRSIDE

7. Quantity Surveying Team of the Year

• Housing Department, HKSAR (Quantity Surveying Section) – SmartCOST+ (Construction Cost Data Management Platform)

8. Refurbishment / Revitalisation Team of the Year

• Architectural Services Department & Yau Lee Construction Company Limited – The Light Public Housing at Vacant School Premises (St. Joseph / Holm Glad / Ma Kam Chan)

9. Research Team of the Year

• Rider Levett Bucknall + Arup – Whole Life Carbon Assessment – Embodied Carbon Intensity Framework in Hong Kong and Mainland China

10. Valuation Team of the Year

• Cushman & Wakefield – Masterminds Behind Development: Shaping Hong Kong’s Future With Valuation Expertise

Special category awards

11. Best Deal of the Year

• Alibaba Group Holding Limited, Cushman & Wakefield – Anchoring the Global Digital Hub: Alibaba & Ant Group’s Overseas Headquarters at One Causeway Bay, facilitated by Cushman & Wakefield
• Jones Lang LaSalle Limited – JLL Capital Markets: Brookfield Asset Management and Uni-China Group Strategic Acquisition of Tsing Yi Industrial Site

12. Environmental Impact Award

• Architectural Services Department – Advancing Net Zero – Toilet Blocks at Pet Garden of Central and Western District Promenade
• Savills Property Management Limited – Kingston International Centre

13. Proptech Innovation of the Year

• Savills Property Management Limited – Smart Control Hub

Individual awards

14. Emerging Achiever of the Year

• Jason Leung MRICS, Assistant Research Director, Head of Land and Housing Research, Our Hong Kong Foundation

15. Lee Ming Kiu, Owen MRICS, Resident Engineer, AECOM

• Woman of the Built Environment Award
• Kathy Lee, Head of Research and Retail Consultancy, Colliers

The full RICS Hong Kong Awards Winners list is available at: https://www.rics.org/training-events/rics-awards/hong-kong-awards

High resolution photos are available at: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1c2FnfB9S-IXgcfj8SGXAFe6RP16oQFlA?usp=sharing

Notes for editors:

RICS Hong Kong Awards 2026 is sponsored by:

• Headline Sponsor: Hongkong Land Limited
• Premium Sponsor: Swire Properties Limited
• Cocktail Partner: Colliers
• Agency Partner: CBRE Advisory Hong Kong Limited
• Silver Sponsors: Link Asset Management; MOORE
• Supported by: Construction Industry Council

Hashtag: #RICS

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

About RICS Hong Kong Awards

The RICS Awards Hong Kong showcases outstanding achievements and developments in Hong Kong’s land, property and construction industries and across the built environment. The awards are open to everyone working within the property profession. The jury panel of the RICS Awards 2026 Hong Kong is formed by fourteen outstanding local industry leaders. Nominated projects have all displayed outstanding performance in professionalism, outcome & achievement, teamwork & collaboration and thought innovation.

About RICS
We are RICS. As a member-led chartered professional body working in the public interest, we uphold the highest technical and ethical standards.

We inspire professionalism, advance knowledge and support our members across global markets to make an effective contribution for the benefit of society. We independently regulate our members in the management of land, real estate, construction and infrastructure. Our work with others supports their professional practice and pioneers a natural and built environment that is sustainable, resilient and inclusive for all.

Winner — Best Deal of the Year

Cushman & Wakefield’s Capital Markets team has been recognized for delivering Hong Kong’s largest office asset transaction since 2021. Facilitating Alibaba Group and Ant Group’s acquisition of their new regional headquarters premises at One Causeway Bay, this landmark HK$7.2 billion deal marks a significant milestone for the city’s commercial real estate market and underscores Hong Kong’s enduring appeal to global technology companies seeking regional headquarters opportunities. It highlights Cushman & Wakefield’s pivotal role as a key link between enterprises of different regions, further solidifying its leading position in complex cross-border transactions. This iconic deal has been widely reported and headlined by more than 100 media outlets globally.

Francis Li, International Director, Vice President and Head of Capital Markets, Greater China, Cushman & Wakefield, said, “This award reflects our team’s market expertise, integrity, and commitment to client outcomes, while adhering to the stringent RICS standards. It also reflects our deep market relationships and dedication to clients, the industry, and contributing to Hong Kong’s continued growth.”

Winner — Valuation Team of the Year

Committed to building a future-ready Hong Kong defined by sustainability, innovation, and lasting value, Cushman & Wakefield’s Valuation & Advisory Services team draws on more than 30 years of hands-on experience across Greater China. It partners with the Hong Kong government and private-sector visionaries to shape the infrastructure and public services that matter — spanning transport, utilities, healthcare facilities, and urban renewal. As a total solution hub, the team connects end-to-end expertise across valuation, advisory, ESG, financing and feasibility to turn ambition into action.

Andrew Chan, Managing Director, Head of Valuation & Advisory Services, Greater China, Cushman & Wakefield, said, “We are deeply honored be named Valuation Team of the Year at the RICS Hong Kong awards for the third consecutive year, marking our fourth “Valuation Team” award in six years. This accolade reflects the unwavering dedication, professionalism, and innovation of our valuation team. Serving major development initiatives, our team is proud to help shape Hong Kong’s future with our valuation expertise. Since 1993, we have continually evolved our capabilities — integrating ESG, sustainability, and emerging asset classes to deliver best-in-class solutions while nurturing the next generation of industry leaders.”

John Siu, Managing Director, Hong Kong, Cushman & Wakefield, added, “Congratulations to our outstanding teams for demonstrating our progressive spirit and client-first mindset once again. These prestigious accolades reinforce Cushman & Wakefield’s market leadership and brand strength. Moving forward, we will continue to elevate industry standards and deliver unparalleled value to our clients.”

Photos:
Winner – Best Deal of the Year: Hong Kong & China Capital Markets team
Winner – Valuation Team of the Year: Hong Kong Valuation & Advisory Services team

Please click HERE to download high-resolution photos.

Hashtag: #CushmanWakefield

http://www.cushmanwakefield.com.hk
http://www.linkedin.com/company/cushman-&-wakefield-greater-china

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

About Cushman & Wakefield

Cushman & Wakefield (NYSE: CWK) is a leading global commercial real estate services firm for property owners and occupiers with approximately 53,000 employees in nearly 350 offices and 60 countries. In Greater China, a network of 23 offices serves local markets across the region. In 2025, the firm reported revenue of $10.3 billion across its core services of Valuation, Consulting, Project & Development Services, Capital Markets, Project & Occupier Services, Industrial & Logistics, Retail, and others. Built around the belief that Better never settles, the firm receives numerous industry and business accolades for its award-winning culture. For additional information, visit www.cushmanwakefield.com.hk or follow us on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/cushman-&-wakefield-greater-china).

By Dr. Gyan Pathak India is set to further ‘improve’ employment and unemployment data by revamping the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) and bringing out the data accordingly from January 2027. The National Statistics Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has proposed to introduce modification in the sampling design of the PLFS […]

The article India Set To Further ‘Improve’ Employment Data From January 2027 appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

By T N Ashok NEW YORK: The latest diplomatic signals from Washington and New Delhi suggest that a prolonged India–US trade confrontation may finally be approaching a settlement. US President Donald Trump says a deal is close. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, after meeting External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in Mumbai on October 20, has […]

The article India-U.S. Trade Deal Draft Is Ready, But Still There Are Few Gaps appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Exploring Emerging Opportunities in AI, Smart Supply Chain Management, ESG and Sustainability

Free Admission Open for Public Registration Now

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 October 2026 – Amid the reshaping of global supply chains, the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, and the rise of emerging industries such as the low-altitude economy, the logistics industry is entering a new wave of smart transformation. Organised by the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) and funded by the Logistics Promotion Funding Scheme (LPFS) under the Maritime and Aviation Training Fund of the Transport and Logistics Bureau of the HKSAR Government, LogTech Expo 2026 will take place on 29 October (Thursday) at the InnoCentre in Kowloon Tong. Under the theme “Smart-Driven Transformation, Leading the Future of Logistics”, the Expo will bring together more than 50 logistics, supply chain and innovation and technology enterprises, alongside logistics industry leaders and experts, to share insights through a series of forums and discussions. The event will provide a one-stop platform for the industry to stay abreast of the latest logistics technology trends and developments. Admission is free, and online registration is now open.

As one of the major annual events in Hong Kong’s logistics technology sector, the Expo will feature the latest applications and achievements in smart logistics. From AI and big data analytics, smart warehousing and robotics, and automated supply chain management systems, to cross-border e-commerce logistics, green logistics, new energy transportation and drone delivery solutions, visitors will be able to experience first-hand how technology is reshaping logistics operations and helping enterprises enhance efficiency and competitiveness.

Renowned Enterprises and Organisations Showcase the Entire Smart Logistics Value Chain
This year’s Expo will bring together renowned brands and organisations from the logistics and technology sectors, including SF Supply Chain, Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department, Hongkong Post, Auto-ID Technology, HSM Industrial Solution, Tradelink, GS1 Hong Kong, ShipAny and Axis Communications, showcasing innovative solutions that support digital transformation and intelligent operations across the logistics industry. Visitors can explore the following technology zones:

• AI and Data Applications Zone: Leveraging AI, big data and automation technologies to enhance logistics planning and operational efficiency;
• Smart Warehousing and Robotics Zone: Showcasing intelligent sorting systems, automated warehousing and robotics solutions;
• Smart Supply Chain and Digital Platform Zone: Featuring WMS, TMS and digital supply chain management systems;
• Cross-border E-commerce and Delivery Zone: Showcasing innovative models in global fulfilment and smart delivery;
• ESG and Green Logistics Zone: Focusing on new energy transportation, carbon reduction technologies and sustainable logistics development;
• Low-Altitude Economy Zone: Exploring emerging applications such as drones and last-mile delivery solutions.

Visitors will not only be able to learn how innovative technologies are applied in real-world business scenarios but also engage directly with solution providers and industry experts to explore opportunities for collaboration and transformation.

10 Thematic Seminars and Sharing Sessions Focus on the Future of Logistics
In addition to the exhibition, the Expo will feature 10 thematic forums and technical sharing sessions covering key industry topics including AI, supply chain digitalisation, cross-border e-commerce, the low-altitude economy and logistics innovation.

The opening seminar, “Smart Tools for Logistics: Practical AI Applications and Insights”, will be moderated by Ryan IP, Vice President and Executive Director of the Public Policy Institute of Our Hong Kong Foundation, and feature a panel comprising Professor Kee-hung LAI, Head of the Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies and Chair Professor of Shipping and Logistics at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University; Sunny HO, MH, JP, FCILT, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Shippers’ Council; Keno Tai-yip CHEUNG, President of The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in Hong Kong; and Suki CHEUNG Shuk-ming, Chief Executive Officer of MG Ship. Together, they will discuss how AI can enhance logistics operational efficiency, drive supply chain digitalisation, and support Hong Kong’s development as a smart logistics hub.

In addition, experts from organisations including Profit Sky International Industrial, ShipAny, Tradelink, Axis Communications and GS1 Hong Kong will share real-life business cases, enabling visitors to gain deeper insights into digital twins, cross-border e-commerce, supply chain visibility and AI applications in logistics.

Promoting Cross-sector Collaboration to Shape the Future of Logistics
The Expo is supported by more than 20 industry organisations, including the Airport Authority Hong Kong, Cathay Cargo, Hong Kong Shippers’ Council, Hong Kong Logistics Association, Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in Hong Kong, Cyberport and the Logistics and Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre. It serves as an effective platform for industry exchange and business matching, fostering innovative collaboration and industry upgrading.

Admission is free. Logistics practitioners, supply chain professionals, manufacturers, e-commerce businesses, technology solution providers, academics, and members of the public interested in the development of logistics technology are welcome to attend.

Event Details
LogTech Expo 2026
Date: 29 October 2026 (Thursday)
Time: 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
Venue: InnoCentre, 72 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong
Admission Fee: Free (Advance registration required)
Register Now: https://campaigns.hkpc.org/zh-hk/tc-rsvp-logtech_expo_2026
Exhibitor List: View Exhibitor List

Hashtag: #HKPC

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

About the Hong Kong Productivity Council

The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) is a statutory body established in 1967, dedicated to enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of Hong Kong enterprises through world-class applied R&D, innovative technology services, and integrated manufacturing solutions. As a market-oriented, international R&D organisation, HKPC leverages its deep expertise and extensive industry experience in key areas such as AI, advanced manufacturing, life and health technology, green technology and new energy to drive new industrialisation and support the growth of emerging and future industries.

HKPC focuses on addressing businesses challenges and industrial technology needs, promoting the full integration between technological and industrial innovation. Through technology transfer, product innovation, intellectual property protection and commercialisation of R&D outcomes, the Council fosters collaboration with the local business community as well as top global R&D institutions, delivering added value to industries and advancing the development of new productive forces. HKPC’s world-class R&D achievements have been widely recognised over the years, winning an array of local and overseas accolades, reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as an international innovation and technology centre and a smart city.

To help enterprises capitalise on Hong Kong’s strengths in international connectivity to expand into global markets, HKPC offers comprehensive overseas expansion services tailored to critical areas including product development, technology, manufacturing, and management, enabling businesses to successfully go global from Hong Kong.

HKPC is also committed to providing timely and practical support to SMEs and startups with timely and practical, assisting them in accessing Government funding programmes. Through its FutureSkills training initiatives, HKPC helps both industry and academia stay ahead in latest digital and STEM technologies, nurturing a future-ready talent pool for Hong Kong.

For more information, please visit HKPC’s website: www.hkpc.org/en.

By Bhasha Singh New defence partnerships are emerging across the world. Their purpose is not merely to strengthen military capabilities but also to reduce dependence on other countries for weapons production and technology. On October 21, Türkiye, Pakistan, Indonesia and Qatar signed the Badr Memorandum of Understanding in Doha, the capital of Qatar. Under this […]

The article From Mecca To Badr: New Defence Alliances And The Questions Facing India appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).