By Nilotpal Basu The struggle over defending the right to vote has spilled over to issues which are more fundamental to Indian nationhood. At the same time, it has also inevitably brought to fore the question of right to peaceful protest and public assembly. These are the issues which were once thought to have been […]
Ras Al Khaimah’s Ruler, Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, has inaugurated the emirate’s first business consultancy in China, establishing a permanent commercial presence in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province.
The opening on Wednesday marks a further step in the emirate’s efforts to develop trade and investment links with southern China. The office is intended to connect companies in Guangdong with opportunities in Ras Al Khaimah and provide a continuing point of contact for prospective business partners.
Sheikh Saud, a member of the UAE Supreme Council, inaugurated the facility during a working visit to China scheduled to continue until Friday. The programme includes discussions with provincial officials, meetings with corporate executives and engagements in Guangdong and Fujian.
The consultancy follows a cooperation agreement signed by Ras Al Khaimah and Guangdong in November 2024. That agreement identified the digital economy, technological innovation, advanced manufacturing, smart cities, culture and tourism as areas for collaboration.
The new Guangzhou presence gives the emirate a local platform through which to pursue those priorities beyond individual official visits and business delegations. Its establishment also provides Chinese enterprises with a designated channel for exploring commercial relationships with Ras Al Khaimah.
The opening comes as the emirate seeks to translate institutional agreements into direct contacts between companies and public agencies. Guangdong is a particularly significant partner because of its concentration of manufacturing, technology and export-oriented businesses.
The Ruler’s China itinerary began with his arrival in Shenzhen on October 17, accompanied by senior officials and representatives of Ras Al Khaimah government entities. UAE Ambassador to China Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hammadi and UAE Consul General in Guangzhou Maryam Al Shamsi were among those who welcomed him.
A principal engagement of the visit was the Ras Al Khaimah–China Business Summit in Shenzhen, where the emirate presented investment opportunities to Chinese business leaders. The meetings form part of a broader effort to identify potential partners and encourage companies to examine the emirate as a base for operations and investment.
Officials have indicated that more than 400 Chinese companies operate in Ras Al Khaimah. The existing corporate presence offers a foundation for further commercial engagement, although the opening of the consultancy does not itself establish new investment commitments or completed transactions.
The emirate’s economic outreach also involves Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone, which has previously organised business missions to China and pursued cooperation with Chinese enterprises. The economic zone has promoted opportunities for manufacturing and industrial projects, alongside other commercial activities.
During the current visit, Sheikh Saud has also met representatives of Chinese technology businesses. A visit to Guangzhou included an engagement with ARIDGE, a company developing advanced air mobility vehicles, as cooperation on emerging transport technology attracted attention from both sides.
The company presented an aircraft intended for testing within the UAE’s advanced air mobility regulatory environment. Its founder, Zhao Deli, described plans to begin with demonstrations and certification before pursuing potential commercial applications, including emergency services and tourism. Those plans remain subject to testing and regulatory requirements.
The wider commercial initiative is being pursued alongside government-to-government engagement. The distinction matters because cooperation agreements can establish areas of common interest without specifying individual projects, financing or delivery schedules. The consultancy is therefore expected to act as a practical point of contact rather than a substitute for negotiations between investors, regulators and commercial partners. Details of its staffing, operating budget and arrangements for assisting individual businesses have not been publicly specified.
The Guangzhou opening builds on contacts developed during Sheikh Saud’s two visits to China in 2024. The November agreement with Guangdong has subsequently been followed by cooperation involving institutions in education, transport, research, culture and archaeology.
Entities identified in that cooperation include the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority, the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research, RAK Medical and Health Sciences University and the emirate’s Department of Antiquities and Museums.
Guangdong’s industrial base encompasses electronics, vehicles, pharmaceuticals and other manufacturing activities. Its size and commercial networks make it an important destination for international investment promotion, although specific outcomes from the new consultancy will depend on subsequent business engagement.
Sheikh Saud is also scheduled to visit Fuzhou, the capital of Fujian province, where an agreement establishing friendly relations between Ras Al Khaimah and Fujian is planned. The visit is due to conclude on October 23.
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd shares plunged nearly 6% in Hong Kong on Thursday, leading a technology sector selloff after China’s market regulator demanded stronger product quality controls and consumer protection measures across major ecommerce platforms.
The company’s stock fell to HK$97.55 during morning trading, marking its steepest intraday decline in two months. Investors reacted to indications that Beijing could intensify scrutiny of online marketplaces, potentially increasing compliance costs for Alibaba and its competitors.
China’s State Administration for Market Regulation disclosed on Wednesday that it had convened a meeting in Beijing with representatives of leading digital commerce businesses to discuss improving product standards, strengthening consumer safeguards and addressing shortcomings in platform governance.
Shares of JD. com dropped approximately 4.7%, while Kuaishou declined more than 4%. Other technology companies, including Tencent, Meituan, Xiaomi and NetEase, also suffered losses as selling spread across the sector.
Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index declined nearly 3%, touching a three-month low, while the Hang Seng Tech Index dropped more than 4%, reaching its weakest level since September 2024. The technology benchmark has lost more than 30% this year.
The regulatory announcement focused on persistent problems involving counterfeit merchandise, misleading advertising and products failing to match descriptions provided by online sellers. Authorities identified livestream shopping, instant retail services and social commerce as areas where product safety risks have become increasingly complex.
The regulator said platforms must strengthen their responsibilities as gatekeepers, establish comprehensive quality management systems and improve supervision throughout commercial supply chains. Companies were instructed to align their practices with existing regulatory guidance and the government’s 2026 quality improvement priorities.
Officials also emphasised greater transparency, improved aftersales services and more effective mechanisms for resolving consumer complaints. The measures seek to strengthen accountability among platform operators without necessarily introducing an entirely new regulatory framework.
Representatives from Alibaba’s Taobao and Tmall businesses attended the meeting alongside JD. com, Pinduoduo, Xiaohongshu, Kuaishou, Douyin, Vipshop and other online trading platforms.
The gathering followed guidance issued last year by ten government departments, including the market regulator, the Cyberspace Administration of China and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, concerning product and service standards across digital marketplaces.
Authorities acknowledged that companies had implemented improvements under those guidelines but said substantial challenges remained. Emerging business models were creating additional difficulties for regulators attempting to identify unsafe products, deceptive marketing and inadequate consumer safeguards.
For Alibaba, the renewed regulatory emphasis directly affects its domestic commerce operations, particularly Taobao and Tmall, which connect merchants with consumers across China’s vast online retail market.
Stricter monitoring requirements could oblige marketplace operators to devote additional resources to merchant verification, product inspections, complaint handling and supply chain oversight. The financial implications will depend on how existing requirements are implemented and enforced.
The announcement did not disclose fresh financial penalties against Alibaba or establish a timetable for additional enforcement measures. The market reaction therefore reflected concerns about possible regulatory consequences rather than confirmation of sanctions against the company.
Broader investor caution compounded the selling pressure. Mainland investors had reduced their exposure to Hong Kong equities during the preceding trading session, while technology valuations remained under pressure amid questions surrounding substantial expenditure on artificial intelligence infrastructure.
Alibaba has committed significant capital to expanding its computing capacity and artificial intelligence operations, making investor assessments of profitability and spending particularly important alongside regulatory developments.
The company completed an HK$80 billion share placement in August, allocating approximately 60% of net proceeds towards expanding global computing infrastructure and the remainder towards hyperscale artificial intelligence data centres and upgrades to cloud systems.
That financing underlined Alibaba’s commitment to technological investment even as its established ecommerce businesses face heightened expectations concerning operational standards and consumer safeguards.
The regulator also encouraged companies to use commercial data to improve product quality among suppliers, linking information gathered through online transactions with manufacturing improvements and better supply chain coordination.
Another proposal involved developing and publishing platform quality governance indices, intended to provide consumers with clearer information about standards maintained by different marketplaces.
Officials urged participating companies to strengthen cooperation with regulators and other stakeholders while making information about products and services more transparent.
The meeting included discussions of the ISO 9001 quality management framework and methods for businesses to assess their own governance arrangements. Platform representatives exchanged views on implementing quality improvements and addressing weaknesses identified by the authorities across online trading activities.
Abu Dhabi emerged as the leading centre of sovereign investment activity in the Middle East during the first nine months of 2026, with state-backed funds accelerating acquisitions, consolidating strategic assets and expanding international investments despite geopolitical uncertainty. New figures from investment research firm Global SWF show that Mubadala Investment Company deployed $26.2 billion between January and September, making it the most active sovereign investor in the Gulf. […]
By Jag Mohan Thaken CHANDIGARH: Drug issue has boiled up the political and social atmosphere in the state of Punjab. Seeing the assembly elections on the head, all political parties are trying to get the waves in their own favour and targeting each other for the current deteriorated condition due to root level web of […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Saudi footballer Bayan Sadagah has become a prominent figure at Jeddah club Al-Ittihad as the kingdom’s professional women’s competition enters another season, reflecting opportunities that were unavailable to female players only a few years ago. The 31-year-old midfielder represents a generation whose ambitions developed before Saudi Arabia had an established national league for women. Her journey from informal family matches to professional football […]
Anthropic has circulated draft legislation among US lawmakers that would sharply limit when federal authorities could stop the release or operation of advanced artificial intelligence models, setting intervention thresholds above $1 billion in damage or more than 50 deaths or serious injuries. The proposal, disclosed on 16 October, would require a foreseeable and imminent threat linked to a biological weapon, a cyberattack or an AI system escaping […]
India’s space economy could expand fivefold to $45 billion within eight years as the government seeks more private investment, quicker regulatory clearances and stronger commercial demand, Space Minister Jitendra Singh has said.
Singh estimated the sector’s current value at approximately $9 billion and projected it could reach $40 billion to $45 billion over seven to eight years. Speaking at a New Delhi roundtable on Saturday, he said the next priority was building internationally competitive businesses rather than simply demonstrating technological capabilities.
The minister identified predictable customer demand, domestic and overseas capital, efficient approvals and sustainable business models as essential conditions for expansion. His remarks at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum placed commercial viability at the centre of the government’s efforts to enlarge the role of private companies in space activities.
Government departments could become anchor customers for emerging enterprises, Singh said, providing contracts that enable businesses to test technology and develop products for wider markets. Support for proof-of-concept projects would also help companies demonstrate practical applications before committing to larger production programmes.
Such arrangements could address a central challenge for space ventures: securing reliable revenue while facing substantial development costs and lengthy periods before projects generate returns. Singh argued that an identifiable customer base would encourage manufacturing investment and allow companies to establish more durable commercial operations.
He also called for defined timeframes for installation and export licences, alongside lower operating costs and better integration of supply chains. Regulatory improvements, he said, must produce practical results for companies seeking to enter the market or expand their activities.
Singh referred to goods and services tax measures affecting space products, saying policy changes should deliver tangible benefits to industry. He did not announce a fresh tax package or specify new deadlines for regulatory decisions during the discussion.
The forecast broadly matches the longer-term ambition set out by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre, or IN-SPACe, which has outlined a $44 billion space economy by 2033. Its strategy envisages $11 billion in exports, with opportunities spanning satellite communications, navigation, Earth observation, manufacturing and launch services.
That target remains an aspiration rather than an assured outcome. Delivering it would require sustained growth across multiple segments, with private operators securing customers and financing while navigating technical, regulatory and commercial risks.
Figures disclosed to Parliament in July illustrate both the expansion of private participation and the distance still to travel. Singh said cumulative private investment had reached $618.5 million by March 31, 2026, while $187 million had been reported during 2026. The government had granted 105 authorisations to non-government entities as of July 14.
Those authorisations are subject to national security and strategic considerations under IN-SPACe procedures. The government has said it is developing dedicated safety and security guidelines as commercial activity expands, reflecting the need to balance market access with oversight of sensitive technologies.
Singh said international partnerships could bring investment, technological expertise and access to overseas customers, while domestic capabilities remained important for strategic autonomy. He advocated closer cooperation among government agencies, private enterprises and foreign partners, particularly where collaboration could strengthen manufacturing networks and market access.
He pointed to satellite communications, geospatial services and Earth observation as areas where space technology already supports economic activity. Applications include infrastructure monitoring, agriculture, disaster management and defence, alongside services built around satellite data.
The minister highlighted government use of geotagging to monitor development projects, track implementation schedules and assist administrative clearances. He also cited space-based disaster information supplied to neighbouring countries, including Myanmar, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
The commercialisation programme follows the opening of space activities to private participation in 2019 and 2020, a change that enabled enterprises to work alongside public institutions. Singh said that cooperation had yielded results but that technical achievement alone would not guarantee commercial success. The distinction is significant for companies developing satellite hardware, data services and launch technologies: demonstrating that a system works is different from securing repeat orders at prices sufficient to sustain operations. Public procurement and export access could therefore influence investment decisions.
The roundtable, titled Space, Sovereignty and New Economy, included IN-SPACe promotion director Vinod Kumar and Aisha Bowe, founder and chief executive of STEMBoard and LINGO, a former NASA engineer who has flown with Blue Origin. Participants discussed investment, international cooperation and the challenge of converting national space capabilities into commercially viable enterprises.
Ethereum climbed nearly 5% as substantial purchases by large cryptocurrency holders and a recovery in Bitcoin helped lift digital asset prices following a sharp market sell-off. Ether, the native cryptocurrency of the Ethereum blockchain, traded around $2,480 on October 16, registering a gain of approximately 4.6% over 24 hours, according to CoinGecko data. Trading volume reached about $14.48 billion, while its market capitalisation approached $302 billion. The […]
Signing of strategic collaboration agreement deepens collaboration on PCIM Asia Shanghai, opening international opportunities for microelectronics companies
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 October 2026 – From efficient power supply for artificial intelligence (AI) data centres to precision control in smart robotics, power electronics is enabling the next wave of industrial innovation. Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) and PCM Asia Shanghai signed a strategic collaboration agreement at Hong Kong Science Park to strengthen their collaboration on PCIM Asia Shanghai, Asia’s premier exhibition for power electronics exhibition.
Together, the two organisations also co-hosted the “Power Electronics Innovation Across Asia” seminar, bringing together international technology companies, academics from local universities, innovators and investors to explore advances in power electronics and power semiconductors, as well as trends and opportunities shaping Asia’s industrial future.
Deepening Cross-Boundary Collaboration to Expand International Market Access
The partnership aims to extend professional exchange into sustained collaboration across the innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem. By combining the corporate networks, industry platforms, and regional strengths of HKSTP and PCIM Asia Shanghai, the partnership will foster knowledge exchange and industry collaboration across power electronics, semiconductors, electrification and renewable energy.
Through annual cross-boundary exchange activities, coordination meetings, and showcasing opportunities for start-ups, innovative solutions and ecosystem participants, the two parties plan to raise the international profile of emerging technologies and ventures, and help companies to build vital market connections.
The collaboration will also strengthen Hong Kong’s role as a hub for strategic partnerships and bring together international research institutions, integrated circuit (IC) design houses, technology developers and investors, while providing access to the manufacturing capabilities in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and the Chinese Mainland, driving technologies from R&D, device design and prototyping, and pilot production to market adoption.
Mr Terry Wong, Chief Executive Officer of HKSTP, said: “We are entering an era where AI is ubiquitous, embedded in vehicles, factories, power grids, communications networks and smart devices. None of these systems can function without efficient power conversion, power control and power management. That is why power electronics is becoming one of the most important enabling technologies of the next industrial era. With Hong Kong’s strengths in design-led electronics and the manufacturing capabilities of the Greater Bay Area, HKSTP provides an end-to-end pathway from research and prototyping to pilot production, manufacturing and market adoption. Through our partnership with Messe Frankfurt on PCIM Asia, we can help innovators raise their international profile, connect with new partners and expand into global markets. Together, we aim to build Hong Kong into a leading centre for research, design and system integration in power semiconductors, and strengthen its role as a regional gateway for global power microelectronics collaboration.”
Mr. Richard Li, Executive Director of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd cum Chairperson of the Board of Management, Guangzhou Guangya Messe Frankfurt Co Ltd, said, ‘With 25 years of history, the PCIM Asia series of events has consistently brought together power electronics companies, engineers, and researchers from Asia and around the world. After having held in Shanghai and Shenzhen, PCIM Asia has built a professional exchange platform focusing on power semiconductors, intelligent motion control, renewable energy, and energy management. Meanwhile, Hong Kong possesses outstanding R&D capabilities and global business network, backed by the robust manufacturing base of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. HKSTP has attracted over 300 micro-e companies and has been equipped with comprehensive infrastructure for R&D, prototyping and pilot production. Leveraging Messe Frankfurt’s global exhibition resources as well as the local industrial ecosystem of HKSTP, this strategic collaboration aims to connect Hong Kong’s research capabilities with the Asian power electronics industry. It will elevate the industry exposure of the city’s innovative technologies, and promote long-term sustainable partnerships among industry partners in the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, and the world”
Connecting Research with Industry Needs in AI and Advanced Energy Applications
The event attracted representatives from industry, academia and the wider I&T ecosystem. Through keynote presentations, expert discussions, technology demonstrations, company pitches and talent networking session, the event explored opportunities to bring power electronics innovations to market.
Experts from international technology leaders, including Mitsubishi Electric, Infineon Technologies, Bosch, STMicroelectronics, Murata, SMC and Vtech, as well as scholars from four local universities discussed AI data centre power supply, smart robotics and advanced energy applications. Discussions focused on translating power semiconductor and intelligent control technologies into integrated, market-ready solutions.
On-site showcases featured gallium nitride (GaN) motor drives, silicon carbide (SiC) chips and power modules, and advanced packaging solutions for AI data centres, intelligent robots and energy systems. The exhibits highlighted how microelectronics can improve energy efficiency and support emerging industries, while creating opportunities for researchers, technology companies and industry partners to collaborate.
Strengthening the Pathway from Research to Pilot Production
HKSTP is home to more than 300 microelectronics companies. Its facilities—including the Hardware Lab, Sensor Packaging and Integration Lab, Heterogeneous Integration Lab and Pilot-Scale Manufacturing Lab—support companies across design, prototyping, and trial production.
Located at the Microelectronics Centre in Yuen Long InnoPark within the Northern Metropolis, the Hong Kong Microelectronics Research and Development Institute (MRDI) supports semiconductor product development and trial production through its pilot lines, helping accelerate the translation of research into practical applications.
HKSTP is also advancing the Microelectronics Centre expansion project (MECX), which will provide approximately 7,500 square metres of additional floor space to attract and support companies across the semiconductor value chain, fostering industry clustering and collaboration.
Hashtag: #HKSTP #PCM
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Technology companies, start-ups and financial technology ventures could help lift India-UAE bilateral trade to $200 billion, a diplomat told a Dubai forum, identifying opportunities beyond established trade.
Vishnu Vardhan Reddy, Consul General of India in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, said innovation, renewable energy, defence and space technology could contribute to the next phase of economic expansion. He was addressing the Innovators and Investors Series organised by the Indian People’s Forum on October 16.
The proposal comes as both governments pursue a target of $200 billion in bilateral trade by 2032. Trade reached $101.25 billion during India’s 2025-26 financial year, exceeding $100 billion for a second consecutive year, according to official figures.
Reddy urged businesses and investors to establish partnerships capable of taking emerging enterprises into international markets. Investment in technology businesses, he argued, could create additional commercial activity while linking the UAE’s capital providers with enterprises developing products and services in India.
His remarks were an assessment, not a new government commitment or forecast backed by contracts. Achieving the target would require substantial expansion across multiple sectors, including those already accounting for the largest share of bilateral commerce. The $200 billion figure is a bilateral merchandise trade ambition, not a valuation of technology investments or start-up fundraising.
India’s exports to the UAE totalled approximately $37.36 billion in 2025-26, while imports were about $63.89 billion. The UAE remained India’s third-largest trading partner and second-largest export destination. India was the UAE’s second-largest trading partner, according to diplomatic trade data.
The technology emphasis follows a September meeting of the UAE-India High Level Joint Task Force on Investments, where officials agreed to advance work on local-currency settlement, payment-system integration and central-bank digital currencies. Those initiatives are intended to make financial transactions and cross-border commerce more efficient. Officials also discussed cooperation in financial infrastructure, an area where payment interoperability could lower friction for businesses operating in both markets.
The task force also examined investment proposals involving manufacturing, food processing and logistics. Projects discussed included an integrated aluminium complex proposed for Odisha, a food park in Gujarat and opportunities for aviation and logistics development at Dholera.
At the Dubai forum, speakers called for greater participation by UAE investors in start-ups seeking financing, commercial partnerships and access to international customers. The gathering connected entrepreneurs with businesses and potential financial backers.
Two enterprises, JE Plus Healthcare and University Living, presented their business models. JE Plus Healthcare focuses on distribution and logistics for healthcare products, while University Living provides accommodation services for students studying away from home. Both were seeking investment to expand their operations. Their presentations illustrated the range of businesses seeking support, from physical supply chains to digital services for international customers.
Actor and investor Vivek Oberoi told participants that unsuccessful investments were part of entrepreneurship and that investors needed to recognise the lessons associated with business failures. He said he had invested in 35 companies, with mixed results across his portfolio.
Jitendra Vaidya, national president of the Indian People’s Forum, said stronger two-way investment could support commercial ties between the countries. The organisation’s business representatives encouraged investors to examine opportunities in technology, artificial intelligence, machine learning and robotics.
Mahesh Advani, convenor of the forum’s business council, urged UAE investors to consider start-up financing. Piyush Jhunjhunwala, co-convenor of its business and professional council, identified technology-led businesses as a potential destination for private capital.
Figures circulated at the event described a substantial start-up and venture investment ecosystem in India, including companies operating in financial services and advanced technology. However, the figures covered different categories of businesses and financing activity, making direct comparisons difficult without consistent definitions and reporting periods.
The bilateral trade framework rests on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which entered into force in May 2022. It reduced trade barriers across numerous product categories and provided a platform for wider business cooperation. Trade volumes nevertheless remain sensitive to energy prices, demand conditions and changes in the composition of imports and exports.
Government initiatives now include Bharat Mart, intended to support access to markets, and a Virtual Trade Corridor designed to simplify trade processes. Both form part of efforts to improve the movement of goods and information between the two economies.
The Dubai forum was organised by the Indian People’s Forum, a community organisation that also conducts business and professional networking activities in the UAE.
Circle is preparing to enter approximately 40 emerging and developing markets as demand for dollar-backed digital currencies accelerates, chief executive and chairman Jeremy Allaire said. The expansion will target economies across Southeast Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East, where individuals and businesses are increasingly using stablecoins for payments and access to digital financial services. Allaire outlined the plans during the International Monetary Fund and World […]
Ras Al Khaimah Ruler Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi held talks with India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Friday, focusing on strengthening economic and trade cooperation between the UAE and India.
The meeting brought together the Supreme Council Member and the visiting minister as both countries seek to expand commercial partnerships, investment opportunities and diplomatic engagement. Discussions also covered bilateral relations and developments affecting the Gulf region.
Jaishankar described the meeting as an opportunity to exchange views on strengthening relations between the two countries and expanding engagement across the region. He acknowledged Sheikh Saud’s perspectives on bilateral cooperation and confirmed that the situation in the Gulf featured in their discussions.
The talks took place during the final day of Jaishankar’s three-day official visit to the UAE, which began on October 14. The visit was intended to review progress under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and identify opportunities for further cooperation across economic and diplomatic sectors.
Neither side announced a new investment agreement, trade target or commercial project following Friday’s meeting. The discussions nevertheless provided another channel for engagement between India’s government and the leadership of individual UAE emirates, alongside established federal diplomatic arrangements.
Economic cooperation remains central to relations between the two countries. Their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which entered into force in May 2022, provides preferential market access for eligible goods and establishes mechanisms to facilitate trade and investment.
The agreement has supported efforts to diversify commercial exchanges beyond traditional energy transactions, with businesses exploring opportunities in manufacturing, logistics, infrastructure, technology and services. Its implementation also provides a framework for addressing commercial barriers and encouraging greater participation by companies operating in both markets.
Ras Al Khaimah has pursued investment partnerships involving manufacturing, industrial production, construction materials and logistics. Its industrial infrastructure and connections to regional shipping networks provide opportunities for businesses seeking production facilities and access to markets across the Gulf.
The emirate’s commercial engagement with India was also discussed during a July meeting between Sheikh Saud and India’s Ambassador to the UAE, Deepak Mittal, who was accompanied by business representatives.
That meeting examined opportunities for cooperation across several sectors and ways to utilise Ras Al Khaimah’s economic advantages. The discussions reflected continuing engagement between the emirate’s leadership and businesses interested in developing commercial operations within its jurisdiction.
Friday’s meeting followed talks on Wednesday between Jaishankar and UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi.
The two ministers reviewed cooperation under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and Comprehensive Economic Partnership, with particular attention to trade, investment and economic development. They also exchanged views on international issues and developments affecting regional stability.
Sheikh Abdullah reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and identifying opportunities that support the development priorities of both countries. Their discussions covered existing cooperation and possibilities for expanding engagement in sectors considered important to their respective economies.
The diplomatic exchanges come as governments and businesses assess the implications of uncertainty across the Gulf for investment, shipping and energy supplies. Regional stability remains an important consideration for commercial activity involving the UAE and India, particularly given their extensive trade and transport connections.
Jaishankar also participated in the Raisina Middle East Dialogue in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, joining discussions about international connectivity, strategic partnerships and the changing economic geography of global trade.
Speaking during a session examining continental corridors, he highlighted growing competition, emerging transport constraints and the importance of building reliable partnerships. His remarks addressed the challenges facing countries seeking secure commercial connections amid shifting geopolitical and economic conditions.
The dialogue, held on October 14 and 15, brought together participants to examine regional and international developments, including connectivity initiatives and cooperation between governments.
India’s relationship with the UAE also encompasses energy supplies, defence cooperation and investment, alongside extensive people-to-people connections. These established links provide an additional foundation for discussions involving the federal government and individual emirates.
The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi estimated that approximately 4.3 million nationals from India were living in the UAE in 2024, representing roughly 35 per cent of the country’s population.
Ras Al Khaimah’s geographical position near the Strait of Hormuz adds a regional dimension to discussions about trade and connectivity. The emirate borders Oman and maintains industrial and maritime facilities serving businesses involved in manufacturing, construction materials and international commerce.
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32,000+ visitors, RM100,000 in local business revenue and international sporting participation put Sabak Bernam’s unique heritage landscape on the tourism map
SABAK BERNAM, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 October 2026 – From a 30-kilometre British-era waterway built to sustain Selangor’s paddy fields to a destination for sport, culture, tourism and community enterprise, Ban Canal is entering a new chapter — and Karnival Ban Canal 2026 is set to take it further.
Returning for its fourth edition from 6 to 8 November 2026 at Ban Canal Parit 14, Simpang Lima, Sabak Bernam, the award-winning Karnival Ban Canal (KBC 2026) is building a distinctive rural tourism platform around the theme Alam * Budaya * Lestari (Nature * Culture * Sustainability).
The festival attracted more than 32,190 visitors in 2025 and generated over RM100,000 in local business revenue. KBC 2026 aims to build on that momentum, attracting visitors from across Malaysia and internationally while creating greater economic opportunities for local communities.
Where heritage meets adventure
KBC 2026 brings together experiences rarely found in a single festival — from the Larian Bendang and fishing competitions to Kanu Slalom featuring international participants from countries including Japan and China, wall climbing and a flying fox spanning the historic Ban Canal.
The festival will also showcase Sabak Bernam’s multicultural heritage through traditional performances, Bual Bicara Malam Jumaat, local food and produce, Platform Selangor (PLATS) entrepreneur showcases, Jualan Eko Tani and nightly entertainment featuring leading Malaysian artists.
The result is more than a weekend festival. It is a platform connecting tourism, local enterprise, culture, sport and community participation, bringing visitors directly into the rural economy.
A growing platform for brands and partners
As visitor numbers and local economic activity grow, KBC 2026 is also emerging as an attractive platform for corporate partners looking to connect with audiences through experiential, community-driven and sustainability-led engagement.
Corporate partners can gain visibility across the festival ecosystem through digital and social media exposure, main-stage LED presence, on-ground branding and opportunities for direct audience engagement.
Sponsorship opportunities are available across Gold, Silver and Bronze partnerships, with scope for brands to develop activations aligned with their marketing, sustainability and community-impact objectives.
For brands looking beyond conventional advertising, KBC offers something different: the opportunity to be part of a growing destination story while putting the brand directly into the experiences of the people who visit it.
From historic waterway to living tourism destination
Ban Canal sits within the transition and buffer zones of the proposed Anjung Utara Selangor Biosphere Reserve (AUSBR) — Selangor’s 297,661-hectare “ridge-to-sea” living-economy nomination under UNESCO.
Originally constructed to channel water to the state’s interior paddy fields, the historic waterway is being reimagined as a platform for eco-tourism, rural enterprise and community development.
Karnival Ban Canal is a tangible expression of that transformation, demonstrating how natural and cultural assets can generate tourism activity, support local businesses and create new economic opportunities while preserving the character of the landscape.
Driven by the Selangor State Government, MBI Selangor, SABDA and the Sabak Bernam District Council (MDSB), KBC 2026 brings together government, communities, businesses, athletes, artists and visitors around a common proposition: that sustainable tourism can be both commercially vibrant and locally meaningful.
As Ban Canal continues its transformation, KBC 2026 offers visitors a reason to discover Sabak Bernam, businesses a platform to engage new audiences, and sponsors an opportunity to become part of a destination with a story that is still being written.
Hashtag: #SABDA
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
SABDA
The Sabak Bernam Development Area (SABDA) is a strategic economic development initiative of the Selangor State Government under Rancangan Selangor Pertama. SABDA seeks to unlock Sabak Bernam’s full economic potential while strengthening Malaysia’s food production, raising local incomes and improving community livelihoods. Its vision is to establish Sabak Bernam as a driver of sustainable economic growth, food security, resilience and environmental stewardship.
Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporation) (MBI Selangor)
Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporation) (MBI Selangor) is the strategic investment arm of the State Government of Selangor, mandated to drive sustainable economic growth and long-term value creation for the state.
MBI Selangor plays a central role in catalysing high-impact developments, facilitating strategic partnerships and unlocking the potential of key sectors to strengthen Selangor’s position as a leading economic hub in Malaysia and the region. Its investment focus spans infrastructure, industrial development, energy, digital economy and other priority sectors aligned with the state’s long-term development agenda.
Guided by the aspirations of Rancangan Selangor Pertama (RS-1), MBI Selangor actively supports initiatives that enhance competitiveness, attract quality investments and create meaningful socio-economic opportunities for the people of Selangor.
Through a disciplined and forward-looking investment approach, MBI Selangor is committed to delivering sustainable, inclusive and resilient growth, while strengthening governance, environmental stewardship and stakeholder value across its portfolio.
By Dr. Gyan Pathak Socio-political situation in India is worsening faster than anyone can handle it, even the Judiciary, which is seen as moving at comparatively slower pace in delivering justice in the fight between competing interests. “We hope better sense will prevail on everyone,” said Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant today October […]
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 October 2026 – Held on 11 October 2026 at Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa in Singapore, AIMCONNECT 2026 gathered industry leaders from 11 countries under the theme “Where Mobility Meets the Future.” Organised by X Star Technology and Aimotion, the event welcomed representatives from more than 100 automotive organisations, over 60 financial institutions and around 20 technology companies to explore how collaboration across industries can create a more connected mobility ecosystem.
The event was opened by Tin Pei Ling, Member of Parliament, and Dato’ Tony Khor Chong Boon, President of the Federation of Motor and Credit Companies Associations of Malaysia (FMCCAM). Through keynote presentations, panel discussions and live technology demonstrations, participants examined how AI-driven solutions can improve customer experiences while ensuring transparency, security and responsible decision-making.
AIMCONNECT 2026 Highlights the Shift Towards Connected Mobility
During the keynote address, “The Next Mobility Economy: Intelligence, Connection, Trust,” X Star Technology CEO Shawn Yang highlighted the growing gap between consumers’ digital engagement and completed automotive transactions.
Shawn Yang noted that consumers increasingly begin their vehicle purchase journey online, with research showing strong demand for AI-supported decision-making. According to figures shared during the keynote, 90% of car buyers conduct online research before visiting dealerships, 63% expect to use AI during their next vehicle purchase and 67% believe AI will influence their financing decisions.
However, the automotive journey remains fragmented. Customers often move between dealerships, financing providers and multiple systems, creating unnecessary friction during purchasing and ownership processes.
“Customers are not lost in one stage; they are lost to the friction between them,” Yang said. Yang said. The CEO explained that the next stage of mobility innovation requires closer cooperation between automotive companies, financial institutions and technology providers. Rather than improving isolated parts of the journey, the industry must create connected experiences that allow information, decisions and services to move more efficiently between stakeholders.
During AIMCONNECT 2026, technology demonstrations showcased emerging solutions designed to address these challenges. X Star Technology presented its Xport platform, demonstrating one-click lead-to-loan matching and real-time approval capabilities. Aimotion, MStar, AI Wingman and MK.X also introduced their latest innovations, highlighting the potential of AI-enabled tools across the automotive value chain.
Building Trust as AI Takes a Greater Role in Decision-Making
A key theme throughout AIMCONNECT 2026 was the importance of trust as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly involved in customer-facing processes.
While AI can improve speed and efficiency, industry leaders emphasised that technology must operate within clear boundaries. Decisions involving financing, customer eligibility and financial commitments require transparency, human oversight and accountability.
Yang introduced X Star Technology’s proprietary Harness framework, which combines AI operating boundaries, human supervision and traceable data management. The framework is designed to ensure that AI systems operate within authorised parameters while allowing complex cases to be escalated for human review.
“In auto finance, a single flawed decision risks customer harm and regulatory non-compliance. For AI to operate across the customer journey with true autonomy, trust cannot be an afterthought; it must be engineered into the architecture from day one,” Yang said.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of balancing personalisation with privacy. While consumers increasingly expect services tailored to their needs, excessive automation or unnecessary intervention may reduce trust. Effective AI solutions must therefore combine intelligence with appropriate restraint.
Strengthening Connections Across the Auto Finance Ecosystem
Another major discussion at AIMCONNECT 2026 focused on how stronger collaboration between automotive companies, financial institutions and technology providers can create a more efficient and trusted financing experience.
During the panel discussion “Building a Connected Auto Finance Ecosystem,” moderated by MStar CEO Zhang Peng, industry representatives explored the role of data connectivity, cybersecurity and responsible technology adoption in shaping the future of automotive finance.
Speakers from Deloitte, Deutsche Bank, The CEO Circle and JWT Bespoke examined how financial institutions and mobility businesses can use technology to improve decision-making while maintaining customer confidence.
“Better data infrastructure and connectivity can help the industry make more informed financing decisions, but technology must go hand in hand with trust,” Zhang said.
The discussion emphasised that connectivity is not simply about collecting more data. A truly integrated ecosystem requires organisations to establish clear principles for how information is shared, protected and used. Customers must also understand what information they provide and how it contributes to a better service experience.
Matthew Duncan, Director and CEO of JWT Bespoke, highlighted the importance of balancing innovation with consumer protection, drawing from Australia’s experience in automotive and financial regulation.
“Regulation works best when it protects customers and still gives the industry room to improve how people buy and finance their cars,” Duncan said.
Exploring the Future of Vehicle Ownership
Beyond financing and transactions, AIMCONNECT 2026 also examined a broader question facing the mobility industry: how will consumers define vehicle ownership in the future?
The rise of leasing, subscription services, car-sharing and ride-hailing has expanded consumer choices, creating new possibilities beyond traditional ownership models.
During the panel “The Future of Owning a Car,” moderated by Shawn Yang, industry leaders discussed how changing consumer expectations may influence future mobility behaviour.
An audience poll showed a closely divided perspective. While 54% of participants believed flexible mobility solutions could become the preferred choice within the next decade, 46% expected vehicle ownership to remain the dominant preference.
The result reflected the complexity of future mobility trends. Rather than replacing ownership completely, emerging mobility models may provide consumers with more options depending on their lifestyle, financial situation and travel needs.
James Ng, Managing Director of BYD Singapore and President of BYD Philippines, shared insights into BYD’s technology development journey.
“BYD’s first phase was electrification, delivering performance. The second phase is intelligence, using AI to enhance the customer experience. The third phase will focus on integration,” Ng said.
Xiao Ting, CEO of MK.X, noted that increasingly capable AI assistants could change how consumers approach mobility decisions.
“The decision may increasingly be less about owning a car and more about finding the right mobility solution for each journey,” noted the CEO.
Ng also highlighted the broader applications of BYD’s technology beyond vehicles, including Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and renewable energy solutions that contribute to a wider technology ecosystem.
These developments suggest that the future mobility landscape will involve not only automakers, but also dealers, financial institutions and technology platforms adapting their services to meet changing consumer expectations.
AI Is Expanding the Vehicle Experience Beyond the Point of Sale
The role of artificial intelligence throughout the vehicle ownership lifecycle was another key focus at AIMCONNECT 2026.
During the panel “How Is AI Reshaping Mobility?” moderated by X Star Chief Technology Officer Michael Jia, industry experts discussed how AI can support consumers beyond vehicle selection and purchase.
Panel participants included Carson Zhang of Aimotion, Connor Liu of Google Cloud, Dr Harold Teng of MK.X Technology and Bryan Tan of Carro.
When delegates were asked where AI would create the greatest impact, personalised ownership services ranked ahead of vehicle selection, automotive financing and in-car intelligence. The results suggested that industry participants see significant opportunities in improving the ownership experience after purchase.
Bryan Tan, Chief Scientist at Carro Group and CEO of Carro Indonesia, explained that vehicle value assessment is becoming increasingly influenced by new data sources. For electric vehicles, factors such as battery condition and charging history are becoming important considerations alongside traditional indicators such as mileage.
Tan also noted that markets such as Singapore have unique considerations, including the impact of the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) system on vehicle value.
These examples demonstrate how advances in automotive technology are influencing areas beyond driving performance, extending into finance, resale value and long-term ownership decisions.
However, industry leaders agreed that AI adoption must remain focused on practical benefits.
“The focus must remain on delivering practical benefits, enhancing safety and making mobility more intuitive for consumers,” Dr Teng said.
Collaboration Will Define the Next Stage of Mobility Innovation
Across the discussions at AIMCONNECT 2026, one common message emerged: the future of mobility will be shaped by collaboration.
Automotive manufacturers and dealers must better understand customer needs and reduce unnecessary friction throughout the ownership journey. Financial institutions must improve efficiency while maintaining responsible lending practices. Technology providers must develop solutions that meet operational, regulatory and customer expectations.
For policymakers and industry stakeholders, the challenge will be encouraging innovation while maintaining public confidence.
“No single company can transform the entire mobility journey on its own,” Xiao Ting said.
Zhang highlighted that the success of future mobility solutions should be measured not only by speed and efficiency, but also by how effectively the industry works together to serve customers.
“Progress should be measured not only by how quickly a loan can be approved, but by how well the industry works together to serve the customer,” Zhang said.
AIMCONNECT 2026 demonstrated that artificial intelligence will play an increasingly important role in mobility, but technology alone will not define the future. The next phase of automotive transformation will depend on building systems that are intelligent, transparent and connected — supported by stronger partnerships across the mobility ecosystem.
Hashtag: #XStar
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About AIMCONNECT 2026
AIMCONNECT 2026 brings together automotive leaders, dealers, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), financial institutions, technology innovators and industry decision-makers to explore the future of automotive commerce and mobility.
Through industry dialogue, thought leadership sessions and live technology demonstrations, AIMCONNECT provides a platform for stakeholders to exchange insights and collaborate on the next generation of connected mobility solutions.
Binance said on Thursday that its bStocks tokenised securities had exceeded $1 billion in assets under management, four months after their launch, marking a significant expansion of blockchain-based trading in US equities. The cryptocurrency exchange said the milestone was reached on October 15, citing blockchain data compiled by Dune Research. Binance described bStocks as the fastest tokenised equity product to achieve that threshold, although the comparative ranking […]
US cybersecurity shares have surrendered part of September’s gains as investors weigh growing demand for artificial intelligence protection against the possibility that AI developers could become competitors to established security companies. Shares in leading vendors fell on Wednesday, 14 October, amid speculation that OpenAI was exploring an acquisition of security specialist Trail of Bits. No transaction had been announced, and the possibility of a deal did not […]
Asia-Pacific economic growth is expected to slow over the next two years despite a powerful boost from artificial intelligence investment, the International Monetary Fund warned on Thursday.
The IMF forecast regional expansion of 4.8 per cent in 2026, compared with 5 per cent last year, followed by a further slowdown to 4.4 per cent in 2027. Its latest estimate for this year nevertheless represents a substantial upgrade from the 4.4 per cent projected in April.
The revised outlook reflects sharply contrasting pressures across Asia. Demand for semiconductors, data centres and other technology equipment has strengthened exports and investment, while higher energy costs linked to the Middle East conflict have squeezed economies dependent on imported fuel.
The fund warned that a reversal in AI investment or technology share valuations could undermine growth disproportionately because Asian manufacturers occupy central positions in global electronics supply chains. Higher sovereign borrowing costs and prolonged disruption to energy supplies present additional threats.
Emerging and developing Asian economies are projected to grow 5.1 per cent this year, down from 5.6 per cent in 2025, before slowing to 4.9 per cent next year. Advanced regional economies are expected to expand 3.2 per cent in 2026, compared with 2.5 per cent last year, then moderate to 2 per cent in 2027.
The IMF upgraded forecasts for South Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong, where demand linked to AI infrastructure has lifted manufacturing and exports. China and India also received upward revisions, although countries facing higher inflation without equivalent technology gains have experienced weaker growth projections.
Krishna Srinivasan, director of the IMF’s Asia and Pacific Department, said at the fund’s annual meetings in Bangkok that technology exports had accelerated sharply during the first half of 2026. Demand for chips and investment in data centres were important contributors, alongside stronger trade within the region.
He said economies had responded to energy disruptions by diversifying fuel suppliers, reducing consumption, increasing alternative energy use and drawing down inventories. Governments had also introduced measures intended to contain inflation, protect incomes and prevent supply shortages.
Those adjustments have not eliminated the unequal effects of the energy shock. Bangladesh, Cambodia and Laos are among the fuel-importing economies with limited direct exposure to the AI investment boom and comparatively restricted financial resources to absorb further pressure.
The IMF urged monetary authorities to maintain price stability as expensive energy threatens to push inflation expectations higher. It cautioned that central banks could face difficult decisions if weaker growth coincides with persistent price pressures, particularly where currencies and capital flows respond to changes in global interest rates.
Fiscal policy should focus on vulnerable households and businesses rather than costly blanket subsidies, the fund indicated. Elevated public debt and higher bond yields reduce governments’ ability to sustain broad support programmes without increasing financial risks.
The regional assessment comes as investors reassess the durability of spending on AI infrastructure. Asian technology shares suffered steep losses on Thursday, with South Korea’s benchmark stock index falling nearly 8 per cent and Japan’s Nikkei dropping about 5 per cent amid concerns over US inflation and borrowing costs.
The fund also identified concentrated stock market valuations and increased investor leverage as potential sources of instability. A sharp repricing could affect financing conditions and confidence even in economies where orders for technology products remain comparatively strong.
Separately, the IMF expects China’s growth to slow from 5 per cent in 2025 to 4.5 per cent this year and 4 per cent in 2027. It has called for stronger domestic demand and fiscal measures to counter deflationary pressures, rather than continued reliance on external sales.
Beyond financial markets, the fund highlighted employment challenges associated with technological change. Srinivasan said its research found employer demand for jobs more exposed to AI had declined by 10 per cent, although that effect appeared to have stabilised as employers sought workers with relevant skills.
The IMF recommended addressing youth unemployment and skills mismatches, strengthening social protection and improving energy security through diversification and renewable supplies. It also supported deeper regional trade integration as governments seek to preserve access to markets despite tariff barriers.
The regional outlook additionally identified a severe El Niño episode as a potential disruption to agriculture, fisheries and hydropower generation, with possible consequences for food and electricity prices across vulnerable economies, particularly in countries heavily reliant on imported energy.
Artificial intelligence agents are being deployed to challenge investment proposals at an Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund, while businesses are extending the technology into procurement processes under human supervision, executives told Sharjah Investment Forum 2026. Maria Sanchez, senior vice-president of AI product delivery at G42’s Inception, disclosed the investment application during a panel on Wednesday, describing a system that examines proposed deals and produces arguments against proceeding […]
Senior Minister of State Tan Kiat How to attend as Guest-of-Honour at the 12 November summit, which will bring together leaders from across public relations, journalism, business and technology
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 15 October 2026 — The Institute of Public Relations of Singapore (IPRS) has announced the keynote speakers for the Media OutReach Newswire PRISM Summit 2026, taking place on 12 November at METT Singapore. Mr Tan Kiat How, Senior Minister of State for Digital Development and Information, and National Development, will attend as Guest-of-Honour.
Held under the theme “From Message to Mandate”, the Summit will examine how communications professionals can move beyond message delivery to influence organisational decisions, safeguard reputation and build stakeholder trust in an environment increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, fragmented media and heightened scrutiny.
The programme brings together perspectives from newsrooms, corporate leadership, technology and the communications industry to address a central question: how can communications leaders maintain credibility and demonstrate their strategic value when the information landscape is changing faster than ever?
Notable keynote speakers include Rosianna Silalahi, President Director of KompasTV, whose session, “Holding the Line: What Newsrooms Need from Communicators”, will draw on the Indonesian broadcaster’s experience navigating demonstrations, external pressure and the growing challenges of verifying information. Her contribution will examine the responsibilities journalists and communicators share in protecting information integrity, maintaining editorial independence, and establishing accountability for AI-generated content.
The relationship between media credibility and organisational reputation will also feature in the keynote by Glenda Gloria, Co-Founder and Executive Editor of Rappler, who will deliver “Keepers of the Record”, reflecting on journalism’s role in an era of disinformation and declining trust, and what the changing media landscape means for communications professionals.
Beyond the newsroom, the Summit will consider how communications can deliver greater strategic value to organisations. Terence Lyons, Founder and CEO of TSC.ai, will examine how stakeholder intelligence can help organisations anticipate emerging issues and understand influence, while Wendy Wang, Founder of getUGC.io, will explore the evolving relationship between creators, communities and brand trust.
Another focus will be the growing influence of artificial intelligence on how organisations are discovered and understood. Shaad Hamid, General Manager, Singapore at GrowthOps Asia, will examine the relationship between earned media and AI visibility, while Emma Dale, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Prospect Resourcing, will consider the human judgement, trust and leadership that remain essential as AI becomes more embedded in communications work.
Jennifer Kok, Founder and CEO of Media OutReach Newswire, will deliver the Title Sponsor Keynote, “The Golden Age of PR: Why an AI-Enabled Global Newswire Matters More Than Ever”, exploring the role of earned media and newswire distribution in building brand trust and visibility in an AI-driven environment.
The programme will culminate in the unveiling of findings from the inaugural Singapore State of PR and Communications Survey, jointly conducted by Media OutReach Newswire and IPRS. The research will offer insights into how communications practitioners view changing PR dynamics, the evolving media landscape, AI visibility, and their use of AI tools in daily workflows.
Other speakers include Liu Xiaowei, Co-Founder of Retension; Nicholas Leong, Head of Media Relations, Asia Pacific at DHL; Raju Chellam, Editor-in-Chief of the AI Ethics & Governance Body of Knowledge; Emily Poon, CEO of the Singapore Institute of Directors; Shefali Srinivas, Head of Business Communications, APAC at Meta; Esther An, Chief Sustainability Officer at City Developments Limited; and Brian Fletcher, Director, Public Policy APJ at CrowdStrike.
PRISM Summit 2026 is supported by Title Sponsor Media OutReach Newswire, Coffee & Silver Sponsor Notified, Silver Sponsors Isentia and Truescope, Official PR Agency Pinpoint and Venue Partner METT Singapore.
Supporting Partners include Edge Digital, the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA), World Communication Forum Association (WCFA), Davos Communications Summit & Awards, Asia Pacific PR Network (APRN), Singapore Institute of Directors (SID) and Singapore Press Club (SPC). Media Partners include Humas Indonesia and PR Indonesia.
Full speaker line-up The PRISM Summit 2026 speaker line-up comprises:
Anita Kapoor – Host
Ross Gan — President, IPRS; Chief Communications Officer, Bitdeer Technologies
Jennifer Kok — Founder & CEO, Media OutReach Newswire
Raju Chellam — Editor-in-Chief, AI Ethics & Governance Body of Knowledge
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About the Institute of Public Relations of Singapore
The Institute of Public Relations of Singapore represents public relations and communications practitioners in Singapore and promotes professional standards, continuing development and the advancement of the profession.
Elevating the Fashion Ecosystem and Unlocking Value in the Creative Economy Advancing Bangkok’s Position as a Fashion Capital of Asia
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 October 2026 – Siam Paragon reaffirms its position as a global fashion destination, advancing a strong and sustainable fashion ecosystem through the success of “Siam Paragon Bangkok International Fashion Week 2026” (BIFW2026). Held from 8–11 October 2026, this major regional fashion event extended beyond presenting collections on the runway to serve as a strategic platform, connecting creativity, Thai designers, fashion brands, business partners and consumers within an integrated ecosystem. By enhancing brand visibility, strengthening brand image and supporting the purposeful growth of Thai fashion, BIFW2026 demonstrated its vital role in shaping Bangkok’s fashion identity and advancing the city’s position as a fashion capital of Asia. Under the theme “TH-nomenal Extraordinary – Lead the Culture, Wear the Future”, the event presented 10 fashion shows by 10 leading Thai brands, achieving full-capacity attendance at every show and generating strong buzz across all social media platforms.
The success of BIFW2026 was made possible through the collaboration between Siam Paragon and leading partners from the public and private sectors, united in their commitment to strengthening Thailand’s fashion industry. Partners included the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Kasikornbank Public Company Limited, Merz Aesthetics Thailand Co., Ltd., Madame Fin Co., Ltd., XPENG Thailand, Millennium Auto Group, Indorama Ventures Public Company Limited, THANN, KIKI Beauty Space, Grey Goose, and M.A.C Cosmetics Thailand. Together, they elevated the fashion experience on the iconic Grand Runway at Parc Paragon, M Floor, Siam Paragon.
Thanaporn Tantiyanon, Managing Director of Siam Paragon Shopping Center, said: “Siam Paragon Bangkok International Fashion Week 2026 reflects the creative strength and the increasingly distinctive, diverse capabilities of Thai fashion. Under the theme ‘TH-nomenal Extraordinary – Lead the Culture, Wear the Future’, we aim to push fashion beyond a mere expression of clothing beauty. We see it as a powerful force that connects culture, heritage, craftsmanship and the vision of a new generation.
Throughout the four days of BIFW2026, we witnessed Thai designers express their identities through distinctive designs, skillfully reinterpreting their cultural roots through a contemporary lens. Our greatest source of pride in BIFW2026 goes beyond attendance figures or the response it generated. It lies in seeing the entire Thai fashion ecosystem grow, encompassing pioneering designers, emerging talents, entrepreneurs, Thai artisanal craftsmanship, brands, and business partners, all working together to create new value for the industry.
BIFW is therefore more than an annual fashion event. It is a platform of opportunity that connects creativity with the real economy, serves as a key catalyst for bringing Thailand’s soft power to international audiences through fashion, and creates meaningful experiences and inspiration for people.”
BIFW2026 brought fashion narratives to life through 10 shows by 10 Thai brands, each with its own distinctive creative perspective and design language. Its success lay not only in gathering leading designers, but also in providing a platform where different generations of Thai design talent could grow together across every dimension. Iconic brands such as FLYNOW, NAGARA, and 27FRIDAY expressed their enduring identities and design DNA through contemporary perspectives that retained a powerful presence on the runway.
Meanwhile, established brands that have grown and evolved alongside the platform—ISSUE, POEM, PAINKILLER Atelier, and VVON SUGUNNASIL—each presented a clearly defined design language. Their collections demonstrated the ability to preserve a distinctive identity while extending their creativity in response to an ever-evolving fashion landscape. Adding another compelling perspective was 37°C Thirty-seven degrees Celsius, a brand featuring a legendary designer who delivered a bold interpretation of fashion’s next chapter. This diversity made BIFW2026 more than a showcase of collections: it became a space where the experience, design philosophies, and visions of Thai brands came together with depth and dimension.
Another significant achievement of BIFW2026 was its role in providing promising brands with a platform to fully establish their presence, particularly CHATO and MERGE, whose collections combined contemporary perspectives with distinctive design signatures. MERGE reinterpreted denim and craftsmanship through silhouettes reflecting contemporary lifestyles, while CHATO translated floral inspiration into garment construction and folding techniques rooted in Thai heritage.
The participation of both brands highlighted BIFW2026’s role in enabling designers to expand the scope of their creative presentations, build wider awareness, and further develop their brands along their individual growth journeys, while bringing fresh dimensions to Thailand’s fashion landscape.
Throughout the event, BIFW2026 attracted attention both offline and online, trending across all social media platforms. This response reflected fashion’s power to connect brands, designers, fashion industry figures, and consumers. The event’s success further reaffirmed Siam Paragon’s ability to deliver world-class experiences while serving as a platform that supports Thai designers’ growth, connects partner networks and broadens the reach of Thai fashion.
Siam Paragon remains committed to developing Siam Paragon Bangkok International Fashion Week into more than a fashion platform, positioning it as a driving force for the future of Thai fashion. By bringing together iconic designers, established brands that continue to evolve, and emerging brands ready to redefine the industry, Siam Paragon continues to advance Bangkok’s position as one of Asia’s key fashion destinations.
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