Saudi Arabia’s flagship development drive remains anchored to an ambition that exceeds $1 trillion in combined value, even as authorities adjust timelines, scope and sequencing across some of the Kingdom’s most high-profile projects. A new assessment by Fitch Ratings said the combined value of five major giga projects — NEOM, Qiddiya, Red Sea Global, ROSHN and Diriyah — is still expected to surpass that threshold at completion, […]
Y Combinator continues to generate outsized returns from companies with roots in India even as its broader influence across Asia shows signs of long-term retreat, reflecting a strategic shift by the world’s best-known startup accelerator amid changing regional dynamics. While founders from Bengaluru, Chennai and Delhi remain visible in its demo days and alumni rosters, the programme no longer shapes Asia’s startup narrative in the way it once did.
Founded in 2005 in Silicon Valley, Y Combinator built its reputation by backing early-stage companies that later became global giants, including Airbnb, Stripe and Dropbox. Its appeal in Asia peaked during the previous decade, when limited access to global capital and mentorship made association with a US-based accelerator especially valuable. India emerged as one of the biggest beneficiaries, with dozens of YC-backed startups securing follow-on funding, overseas market access and high-profile exits.
Companies such as Razorpay, Meesho and Groww, all of which passed through the YC ecosystem in earlier years, became reference points for founders seeking validation from global investors. India’s expanding pool of engineers, rising digital adoption and a large domestic market aligned well with YC’s software-first investment philosophy. These successes continue to deliver financial returns for the accelerator through equity stakes that have appreciated sharply as several firms reached unicorn valuations or prepared for public listings.
Yet the accelerator’s footprint across Asia has narrowed. YC formally closed its China-focused efforts earlier in the decade, citing regulatory complexity and difficulties operating within a tightening policy environment. Activity in Southeast Asia also slowed, with fewer batches featuring startups from Indonesia, Vietnam or Thailand compared with earlier years. The shift reflects not only YC’s internal priorities but also the maturation of Asia’s startup ecosystems, which now offer more local alternatives.
Across Asia, domestic accelerators, corporate venture arms and sovereign-backed funds have stepped in to fill gaps once dominated by Silicon Valley programmes. In India, initiatives backed by large conglomerates, universities and state governments provide capital, mentorship and market access without requiring relocation or deep integration into the US ecosystem. Southeast Asia has followed a similar path, with regional venture firms increasingly willing to lead early rounds.
YC itself has changed. The accelerator has leaned further into its core strengths, focusing on fewer geographies while doubling down on artificial intelligence, developer tools and enterprise software. Its decision to emphasise remote participation during and after the pandemic reduced the symbolic value of spending months in Silicon Valley, a factor that once set YC apart for Asian founders. While remote access broadened participation, it also diluted the sense of exclusivity that helped the programme stand out.
For Indian startups, the relationship with YC has become more transactional. Participation is still seen as a strong signal of quality, especially for companies targeting global markets or US-based customers. However, founders increasingly view YC as one of several possible launchpads rather than a defining milestone. Follow-on funding now depends less on accelerator pedigree and more on unit economics, regulatory clarity and the ability to scale within complex local markets.
Investors tracking Asia’s venture landscape note that YC’s reduced presence does not imply a loss of relevance everywhere. India remains an exception because of its scale, talent depth and ongoing pipeline of software-led startups with global ambitions. YC partners continue to engage with Indian founders, and each batch includes a steady, if smaller, number of companies from the country. Returns from earlier bets ensure that India remains financially meaningful to the accelerator.
At the same time, YC no longer sets the pace for Asia-wide innovation trends. Local accelerators and venture funds are shaping sectors such as fintech, climate technology and logistics, areas where regulatory nuance and on-the-ground execution matter as much as global networks. Governments across the region have also become more involved in startup promotion, offering grants, sandboxes and procurement opportunities that reduce reliance on foreign programmes.
A coordinated cyber-espionage and crime-linked campaign has surfaced that repurposes an obscure Windows feature to gain long-term control of corporate systems, according to multiple security firms tracking the activity. Attackers are distributing Windows screensaver files, identifiable by the. scr extension, through carefully tailored phishing emails and using them to install legitimate remote administration software that blends into enterprise environments. The operation hinges on social engineering rather than […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai National Bank of Kuwait used the Kuwait Oil & Gas Show and Conference 2026 to underline its role as a leading financier to the energy value chain, engaging with policymakers, producers, service companies and investors as Kuwait accelerates long-term plans to modernise hydrocarbons infrastructure while managing the transition to lower-carbon operations. Held over three days in Kuwait City, the biennial industry gathering drew […]
HEIDELBERG, GERMANY – News Aktuell – 5 February 2026 – After nine months of financial year 2025/26 (April 1 to December 31, 2025), developments at Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG) are in line with expectations. The company has achieved a considerable improvement in its profitability and is also resolutely pressing ahead with its strategic transformation, moving into new areas of business that are enjoying strong growth. Notwithstanding the challenging environment, sales after three quarters climbed to € 1,602 million – some 6.1 percent higher than the previous year’s figure of € 1,509 million – despite negative exchange rate effects amounting to around € 44 million compared with the equivalent period of the previous year. Business in Europe and with packaging and label printing presses saw particularly positive development during this period. At € 617 million, the sales figure for the third quarter was around 4 percent higher than in the equivalent quarter of the previous year and continued the quarter-on-quarter sales growth so far in the current financial year.
The HEIDELBERG Customer Portal is already the digital control center for over 3,000 print shops worldwide – a figure that is set to keep on growing.
The adjusted operating result (EBITDA) after nine months increased significantly to € 114 million (adjusted figure for equivalent period of previous year: € 86 million) and the adjusted EBITDA margin improved considerably to 7.1 percent (equivalent period of previous year: 5.7 percent). Implementation of the personnel and efficiency measures envisaged in the plan for the future is having a clear impact. For example, production costs and total working costs improved compared with the corresponding period of the previous year. The personnel cost ratio was lower than in the first nine months of the previous year, falling to 36 percent (equivalent period of previous year, adjusted for special items: 39 percent). The company is expecting personnel costs as a whole to remain below the previous year’s figure for the rest of financial year 2025/26.
Incoming orders after nine months totaled € 1,628 million (previous year: € 1,823 million). Allowing for the fact that drupa resulted in the previous year being very strong, they were therefore in line with expectations. During the reporting period, the company saw a significant impact from negative exchange rate effects amounting to some € 46 million. Incoming orders in the third quarter stood at € 517 million (corresponding quarter of previous year: € 550 million). The development of incoming orders in the third quarter was particularly positive in the Americas Region, where they were up 17 percent on the equivalent quarter of the previous year.
HEIDELBERG pressing ahead with strategic transformation and tapping into new growth markets
Despite a market environment that remains challenging, HEIDELBERG is consistently pursuing its strategic transformation. Based on its strong industry and systems expertise, the company is systematically tapping into additional markets in the areas of defense, security, energy, charging infrastructure, and industrial system solutions. One key aspect of this process is combining all relevant activities under HD Advanced Technologies GmbH. This strategic further development is building HEIDELBERG a stronger future and opening up long-term growth opportunities.
In the HEIDELBERG Technology segment, sales after nine months totaled € 42 million – slightly higher than the previous year’s figure of € 41 million. Even though the development of sales is moderate at present, the strategic measures that have been initiated provide a basis for HEIDELBERG Technology to potentially make a much bigger contribution to business as a whole. In particular, the continuing strategy of tapping into new industries and the creation of new business models are raising expectations of a positive sales trend in the coming years.
“The measures we have initiated are confirmation of our growth plan,” says Jürgen Otto, CEO of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG. “Both strategically and operationally speaking, HEIDELBERG is extremely well positioned to actively hone this plan and leverage additional opportunities in dynamic future markets,” he adds.
Core business lays foundations for transformation
At the same time as new areas of business are being unlocked, the company’s core business is also developing robustly. In the Print & Packaging Equipment segment, HEIDELBERG is benefiting from its strong market position in packaging and label printing. In the reporting period, this segment’s sales increased to € 804 million (previous year’s figure: € 705 million). In the Digital Solutions & Lifecycle segment, the company is further expanding its role as a systems integrator – with hybrid printing, software, and service solutions as part of a digital ecosystem. In this segment, HEIDELBERG achieved nine-month sales of € 755 million (previous year’s figure: € 763 million).
“Our strength lies in the intelligent way we combine presses, software, and service operations,” says Dr. David Schmedding, Chief Technology & Sales Officer. “By specifically expanding our digital printing portfolio and launching new high-performance systems such as the Jetfire 75, we are creating additional growth potential – both in our core business and beyond,” he emphasizes.
The free cash flow of HEIDELBERG after three quarters was € -81 million, an improvement on the previous year (equivalent period of previous year: € -97 million). As expected, however, it was still negative. This is due to the Polar acquisition and restructuring costs in the high single-digit million-euro range. The net result after taxes of € 17 million after nine months represented a significant increase (corresponding period of previous year: € -42 million).
The company is confirming its forecast for financial year 2025/26. A healthy order backlog, the current efficiency measures, and systematic implementation of the strategy are laying the foundations for achieving its targets. In view of macroeconomic developments, taking into account the various opportunities and risks, and assuming the global economy does not see weaker growth than predicted by the relevant institutions, the company is expecting sales of around € 2,350 million in financial year 2025/26 (2024/25: € 2,280 million). In view of the significant exchange rate effects, the continuing weak macroeconomic situation, and the uncertain trade situation, the company is assuming the increase in the adjusted EBITDA margin will be toward the lower end of the predicted range of up to 8 percent (previous year: 7.1 percent).
Image 1: A team from the Hoifu Group, gathered around Chairman Ou Shun Chou (front row, sixth from the left), with HEIDELBERG representatives including Steven Hou, General Manager South China, and Michael Nilges, Managing Director of the Shanghai site (front row, seventh and eighth from the left), during acceptance testing for the 1,000th Speedmaster CX 104 at the HEIDELBERG site in Shanghai.
Image 2: The digital printing line at rubmedia includes a Jetfire 50 and a Versafire LV from HEIDELBERG, as well as the corresponding postpress equipment. The media house can use this line for the complete, industrialized in-house production of personalized and high-quality short runs.
Image 3: The HEIDELBERG Customer Portal is already the digital control center for over 3,000 print shops worldwide – a figure that is set to keep on growing.
This release contains forward-looking statements based on assumptions and estimates by the management of Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft. Even though the management is of the opinion that these assumptions and estimates are accurate, the actual future development and results may deviate substantially from these forward-looking statements due to various factors, such as changes in the overall economic situation, in exchange and interest rates, and within the print media industry. Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft provides no guarantee and assumes no liability for future developments and results deviating from the assumptions and estimates made in this press release. Hashtag: #HEIDELBERGDruckmaschinenAG
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About HEIDELBERG
Heidelberger Druckmaschinen AG (HEIDELBERG) is a leading technology company that has been standing for innovation, quality, and reliability in mechanical engineering worldwide for 175 years. With a clear focus on growth and as a total solution provider, HEIDELBERG is driving further development in the core areas of packaging and digital printing, software solutions, and lifecycle business with service and consumables so that customers can achieve maximum productivity and efficiency. The company is also focusing on expanding into new business areas such as high-precision plant engineering with integrated control systems, automation technology, robotics, and the growing green technologies sector. With its strong international presence in approximately 170 countries, the creative power and expertise of its roughly 9,500 employees, its own production facilities in Europe, China, and the USA, and one of the largest global sales and service networks, the company is ideally positioned for future growth.
Supreme Court scrutiny of WhatsApp’s data practices intensified as the top court questioned whether the messaging platform’s policies align with constitutional guarantees on privacy and informed consent, while warning its parent company that operating in the country requires adherence to domestic law. The bench’s observations came amid an ongoing legal challenge to the 2021 privacy policy and regulatory penalties that have placed Meta and WhatsApp under sustained pressure from both courts and competition authorities.
At the centre of the proceedings is the 2021 update to WhatsApp’s terms, which expanded data-sharing with its parent entity, Meta Platforms. Petitioners have argued that the policy compelled users to accept broader data sharing to continue using the service, undermining free consent and diluting privacy protections recognised as a fundamental right. Judges asked pointed questions on whether users were given a genuine choice, and whether the policy met standards set by constitutional jurisprudence on proportionality and necessity.
The court also weighed in on enforcement actions taken by competition regulators, including a penalty of Rs 213 crore imposed for alleged abuse of market dominance through the policy change. While the competition case proceeds separately, the bench indicated that regulatory findings cannot be viewed in isolation when fundamental rights are implicated. The judges sought clarity on how WhatsApp segregates user data, what information is shared across Meta’s ecosystem, and whether safeguards claimed by the company are verifiable in practice.
During the hearing, the bench underlined that digital platforms operating at scale must respect constitutional norms. A warning was issued that companies unwilling to comply with domestic law cannot insist on unfettered market access. The remark was interpreted as a signal that economic presence does not confer immunity from judicial scrutiny, especially when services have become essential communication infrastructure for millions.
WhatsApp, represented by senior counsel, maintained that the 2021 update did not expand data sharing with Meta for personal messaging, stressing that end-to-end encryption remains intact. The company argued that the policy clarified existing practices related to business messaging and interoperability, and that users who did not accept the update could continue using core features for a limited period. Counsel also pointed to privacy controls and transparency reports as evidence of compliance.
Judges, however, questioned whether technical assurances suffice when consent mechanisms are contested. They asked if an opt-out that effectively restricts service access can be considered voluntary, and whether users were adequately informed of the scope and implications of data sharing. The court referenced earlier rulings that emphasise informed consent as a cornerstone of data protection, especially where asymmetry of power exists between platforms and users.
The case unfolds against a broader regulatory backdrop. A comprehensive digital personal data protection framework is being operationalised, setting clearer obligations for consent, purpose limitation and data minimisation. While the new regime applies prospectively, the court signalled that constitutional standards apply regardless of statutory timelines. The bench noted that platform conduct during transitional periods remains subject to judicial review.
Industry observers say the proceedings could have ripple effects across the technology sector. Messaging and social media platforms rely on integrated data ecosystems to monetise services, particularly through business messaging and targeted advertising. Judicial insistence on granular consent and strict separation of data could require costly re-engineering of systems and clearer disclosures to users.
For Meta, the stakes extend beyond this single policy. The company has faced competition probes and content moderation challenges across multiple jurisdictions, reflecting a global push to rein in Big Tech. A strong judicial stance in one of its largest markets may influence how policies are drafted elsewhere, especially in countries with robust constitutional privacy protections.
ChatGPT experienced a service disruption that prompted widespread user complaints, with tracking platforms registering more than 12,000 reports of errors before OpenAI confirmed that systems were being restored. The incident, which affected users across multiple regions, briefly limited access to one of the most widely used generative artificial intelligence tools, raising renewed questions about the resilience of large-scale AI infrastructure as dependence on such services deepens. OpenAI […]
Greenlogue/AP Saudi Arabia has committed $2 billion to build two large-scale solar power plants in Turkey with a combined capacity of 2,000 megawatts, marking one of the biggest cross-border renewable energy investments announced between the two countries. The plan was confirmed by Turkey’s energy minister following high-level talks in Riyadh, underlining Ankara’s push to accelerate clean power deployment while drawing in long-term foreign capital. The agreement was […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 January 2026 – On January 27, the 2nd Academician Summit on Innovative Applications of International Artificial Intelligence Industry Scenarios and the 2026 Greater Bay Area AI Industry Innovation Ecosystem Conference were held at the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (Guangdong) Innovation and Entrepreneurship Incubation Base. With the theme of “Intelligence Drives the Cutting Edge · Scenarios Empower Development”, this summit was co-hosted by the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (Guangdong) Innovation and Entrepreneurship Incubation Base and the Artificial Intelligence Industry Alliance (AIIA). It gathered 5 academicians and more than 300 industry representatives. As a supporting unit, Guangdong Tecsun Science & Technology Co., Ltd. was invited to participate, jointly discussing the cutting-edge trends of AI and scenario innovation opportunities, and injecting intellectual momentum into the high-quality development of the Greater Bay Area.
At the meeting, Chen Qu, Deputy General Manager of Desheng Technology, delivered a keynote speech titled “AI Reconstructs the New Era of Medical Data”
During the summit, Chen Qu was invited to attend the “AI Empowers Great Health Closed-door Forum”. Together with many authoritative experts including Academician Zhang Yuanting of the International Academy of Medical and Biological Engineering and Academician Ding Xianping of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences, as well as representatives from hospitals, biopharmaceutical enterprises, investment institutions and industry associations, she focused on the integration of “industry, academia, research and investment”, and explored the innovative applications and industrial implementation paths of AI in the field of medical and health care.
At the meeting, Chen Qu, Deputy General Manager of Tecsun Science and Technology, delivered a keynote speech titled “AI Reconstructs a New Era of Medical Data”. She pointed out that hospitals are currently facing common pain points such as a proliferation of systems and data silos. Driven by the convergence of policy impetus, technological trends and the demand for reform amid inefficient business operations, Tecsun Science and Technology has built a full-link closed loop covering data collection, governance, service and intelligent application by constructing the “1+3+N” data base and integrating multimodal data lakes, large models and AI capabilities. This helps hospitals improve clinical efficiency, realize intelligent management and scientific research innovation, and promote the efficient achievement of policy goals such as electronic medical record rating and interconnection evaluation.
In the award ceremony, Tecsun Science and Technology was awarded the title of “2025 Artificial Intelligence Innovation Benchmark Enterprise” for its outstanding performance in AI technology research and development, scenario implementation and industrial empowerment. This is not only a recognition of the company’s technological innovation strength, but also a full affirmation of its practical value in promoting the integration of AI and people’s livelihood services by the industry.
This summit focused on cutting-edge trends and industrial implementation, highlighting the key role of scenario innovation in AI development. As a digital service provider for people’s livelihood services, Tecsun Science and Technology will continue to cooperate with AIIA and industry partners, deepen the exploration of “artificial intelligence + people’s livelihood services”, continuously optimize model capabilities, strengthen the implementation of AI scenario applications, and make sustained contributions to the construction of the artificial intelligence industry innovation ecosystem. Hashtag: #Tecsun
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Apple has disclosed a new approach to artificial intelligence–driven speech synthesis that restructures how sounds are handled before they reach neural networks, a change the company says can significantly accelerate voice generation while preserving naturalness. The technique groups phonetically similar audio units into clusters prior to processing, reducing computational load and enabling faster output, a development with implications for on-device features, accessibility tools and data privacy. According […]
Python’s packaging ecosystem is under growing strain as development teams move away from pip in production environments, citing performance bottlenecks, fragile dependency resolution and rising operational risk. The shift towards faster tools such as uv reflects more than a search for speed; it exposes structural weaknesses in how Python applications are built, tested and deployed at scale. Pip remains the default package installer bundled with Python, but […]
Apple has rolled out Safari Technology Preview 236, the latest iteration of its experimental browser platform that previews innovations destined for future mainstream releases. The update delivers a broad set of fixes and technical refinements spanning CSS, HTML, image handling, form functionality, media playback, rendering performance, Web API behaviour, scalable vector graphics and real-time communication protocols. It can be downloaded on macOS Sequoia and macOS Tahoe via […]
A coordinated cyber-espionage campaign attributed to the Chollima advanced persistent threat group has drawn attention from security researchers after attackers used malicious Windows shortcut files to deliver a multi-stage malware payload aimed at activists and analysts tracking North Korea. Investigations show the operation unfolded in March 2025 and targeted individuals engaged in policy research, human rights advocacy and security analysis related to the Korean peninsula. The […]
Energy cooperation between India and Bhutan has moved into a sharper operational phase, with both governments signalling alignment on stalled hydropower projects, new transmission corridors and a longer-term framework for electricity trade that underpins Bhutan’s public finances and supports India’s clean-energy transition.
Officials from the two sides held detailed consultations this week focused on accelerating work at the Punatsangchhu hydropower complex and reviving momentum on the long-discussed Sankosh project, while also reviewing cross-border transmission upgrades needed to evacuate power to the Indian grid. The talks came against the backdrop of rising electricity demand in eastern and northern India and Bhutan’s dependence on hydropower exports for fiscal stability.
The centrepiece remains the Punatsangchhu projects on the Punatsangchhu river, split into two plants. Punatsangchhu-I, designed for 1,200 MW, has faced prolonged delays following geological surprises that required major redesign of the dam structure and stabilisation of slopes. Officials familiar with the discussions said construction schedules are now being re-sequenced, with civil works and electro-mechanical installations aligned to a phased commissioning plan rather than a single completion date. Punatsangchhu-II, with a capacity of 1,020 MW, is at a more advanced stage, and planners are focusing on synchronising turbine commissioning with downstream transmission readiness.
Attention has also returned to the Sankosh Hydroelectric Project, a 2,560-MW venture long seen as a potential game-changer for Bhutan’s export capacity. Earlier hesitations over cost, resettlement and environmental impacts had pushed the project into limbo. The latest exchanges indicate a renewed willingness to revisit the detailed project report, reassess financing structures and examine whether a modular execution approach could reduce upfront risks. For Bhutan, Sankosh represents scale and revenue predictability; for India, it offers a large block of firm renewable power that complements solar and wind additions.
Beyond generation, transmission infrastructure featured prominently. Power evacuation from central and western Bhutan requires high-capacity lines linking to India’s eastern grid, where load centres are expanding. Officials reviewed progress on new substations and high-voltage corridors, with an emphasis on synchronising completion timelines to avoid stranded generation. Grid planners also discussed redundancy and resilience, reflecting lessons from weather-related disruptions and the need for stable cross-border flows during peak demand periods.
The partnership rests on an established model in which Indian public sector utilities assist with project execution and financing, while Bhutan retains ownership and earns export revenue. Hydropower accounts for a significant share of Bhutan’s gross domestic product and exports, making timely commissioning critical for debt servicing and social spending. Delays at Punatsangchhu have weighed on fiscal projections, prompting a stronger push for resolution.
For India, the engagement fits into a broader regional energy strategy. Hydropower imports from Bhutan provide dispatchable renewable electricity that balances variable solar output, particularly during evening peaks. Policymakers view this as complementary to domestic clean-energy targets and as a stabilising factor for grid operations. Electricity trade with Bhutan also aligns with New Delhi’s neighbourhood-first approach, where infrastructure and energy ties reinforce diplomatic relations.
Technical experts involved in the discussions highlighted the importance of geotechnical due diligence and adaptive engineering, especially in Himalayan terrain prone to landslides and seismic activity. Updated monitoring systems, revised dam designs and contingency buffers are being incorporated to mitigate risks that previously caused setbacks. Financing terms are also under review to manage cost escalations without overburdening Bhutan’s balance sheet.
Commercial arrangements formed another strand of the talks. Officials examined tariff structures, power purchase agreements and the scope for longer-tenure contracts that provide revenue certainty. There was also discussion on integrating future Bhutanese hydropower into emerging regional electricity markets, which could eventually allow surplus power to be traded beyond bilateral arrangements, subject to regulatory clearances.
Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company is preparing to establish a branch in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City, positioning the insurer among a growing list of Gulf financial firms seeking a foothold in India’s offshore financial hub and signalling a sharper international expansion strategy. The move, expected to culminate in an operational launch in the latter part of 2026, follows approval from the Central Bank of the United Arab […]
Dubai has unveiled plans to construct what officials describe as the world’s first villa assembled entirely by robots, marking a sharp acceleration in the city’s push to industrialise construction and reduce reliance on manual labour. The pilot project, scheduled to rise at Expo City Dubai, will test whether fully automated systems can deliver a complete residential unit from foundation to finish without on-site human builders. Authorities say […]
Crypto firms expanded hiring through 2025, with job openings rising 6% to 1,801, as companies pivoted towards compliance, business development and operations roles, signalling a maturation of the sector beyond its engineering-heavy origins. The increase came despite volatile digital asset prices and tighter oversight across major markets, underscoring how crypto businesses are adapting to regulatory scrutiny and a broader push for institutional credibility. While software engineers and […]
Sharon AI has unveiled plans to deploy a 1,000-unit NVIDIA B200 GPU cluster at NEXTDC’s Tier IV M3 facility in Melbourne, a move that sharply increases domestic capacity for training and running large-scale artificial intelligence models within Australia’s borders. The announcement places the neocloud provider among a small group globally able to operate Blackwell-generation systems at this scale and underscores intensifying competition to localise high-end compute amid […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai House of Shipping, a Dubai-headquartered advisory and execution firm serving the logistics and maritime sectors, has moved to deepen its technology and operations footprint by setting up a Global Capability Center in India, signalling a broader push by Gulf-based logistics specialists to tap skilled digital talent and scalable engineering capacity. The company has signed an agreement with InfoSun to establish the centre, which […]
Aldar Properties has moved to deepen its long-term development pipeline after announcing the addition of several strategic land plots across Abu Dhabi with a combined gross development value of about AED23 billion, underlining the developer’s intent to capitalise on sustained demand across the capital’s prime growth corridors. The newly added sites span more than 2.3 million square metres and are expected to deliver around 3,000 new homes […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 February 2026 – CPA Australia has today submitted a set of forward-looking recommendations for consideration in the Hong Kong SAR Government’s 2026-27 Budget. With an estimated HK$0.9 billion fiscal deficit for 2025–26 and solid fiscal reserves of HK$653 billion, CPA Australia propose a series of policy measures under the theme of “Power Hong Kong’s Growth” focusing on four pillars:
Connecting China and global markets to power growth
Strengthening Hong Kong as a global trade and wealth hub
Diversifying the economy and boosting workforce competitiveness
Raising living standards for a healthier and liveable city
(from left to right) Ms Karina Wong, Divisional Councillor and Deputy Chair of Taxation Committee of CPA Australia Greater China; Mr Janssen Chan, Co-Chair of Taxation Committee; Mr Anthony Lau, Co-Chair of Taxation Committee of CPA Australia Greater China; Mr Adam Chiu, Member of Taxation Committee of CPA Australia Greater China
Connecting China with global markets and powering Hong Kong’s future economic engine
CPA Australia emphasises that Hong Kong must reinforce its position as the premier gateway connecting China with global markets. As China’s 15th Five Year Plan places greater focus on high-quality opening up, Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to help Chinese enterprises expand overseas while attracting foreign direct investment into the Mainland through Hong Kong. Strengthening this gateway function will be critical to driving the city’s next phase of economic growth.
Mr Anthony Lau, Co-Chair of CPA Australia’s Greater China Taxation Committee stated,
“Developing a unified and coherent tax incentive framework for Corporate Treasury Centres (CTC) and regional headquarters (RHQ) would further strengthen Hong Kong’s appeal as a base for multinational operations. In addition, the effectiveness of re-domiciliation has attracted many overseas companies to move their legal domicile to Hong Kong. As there is no clear guidance on whether re-domiciliation will trigger Mainland tax liabilities and tax reporting obligations, we recommend the Hong Kong Government engages with the Mainland tax authorities to clarify that no actual transfer of assets occurs during the process, and therefore no Mainland tax should arise.”
“We also recommend advancing market connectivity measures such as allowing a tax deduction specifically for IPO-related expenses for companies that list on the Main Board of the HKEX, and continuing to enhance existing cross boundary financial mechanisms such as introducing an IPO Connect scheme.”
A streamlined approach would reduce complexity, improve tax certainty and encourage overseas and Mainland enterprises to centralise management, financing and strategic functions in Hong Kong.
CPA Australia also highlights the importance of positioning the Northern Metropolis as a flagship cross‑border innovation zone that will drive Hong Kong’s future growth. Mr Lau said, “To support the infrastructure development, we suggest the Government adopts forward‑looking financing tools that ease pressure on public finances. These may include issuing bonds targeted at with an estimate amount for example USD2 billion at different maturity to international investors, and providing a tax exemption for bond holders on interest income and trading profits derived from bonds issued for Northern Metropolis infrastructure projects, whether issued by the government or the private sector.
“To attract leading innovation and technology enterprises to the zone, we further recommend broadening the scope of qualifying R&D expenditures to include activities outsourced to related parties based and operating in other cities within Greater Bay Area. This reflects the increasingly integrated nature of cross boundary innovation and supply chains.”
Strengthening Hong Kong as a global trade centre and a hub for wealth retention
Hong Kong’s long‑standing role as a free, open and trusted trading and financial gateway remains central to its international relevance.
Ms Karina Wong, Deputy Chair of the Greater China Taxation Committee said, “Hong Kong should build on its unique status as a global trading centre by strengthening the free trade port regime and expanding support for high-value commodity trading, which would help diversify the city’s economic base and enhance market depth. Qualifying commodity items such as silver and rare-earth materials remain outside the current scope, the qualifying list needs to be reviewed regularly, with sufficient legislative flexibility, to ensure timely updates in response to market developments. The Government could also consider whether the scope should extend beyond physical trades and incidental income to cover derivative driven transactions, which form a significant part of global commodities activity.”
A stronger family office ecosystem is central to reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as Asia’s preferred hub for wealth management and succession planning. “We recommend introducing a preferential 8.25 per cent profits tax rate for Single Family Office, Multi Family Offices (MFOs) and fund managers to enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness relative to other regional wealth management centres.
“Aligning the permissible investment asset classes under the family office tax concession regime with those under the Capital Investment Entrant Scheme (CIES) would also streamline operations, provide greater investment flexibility and further strengthen Hong Kong’s appeal among global wealth owners managing long term capital,” added Ms Wong.
Modernising Hong Kong’s philanthropy framework would encourage a more caring and compassionate community and strengthen the city’s appeal to long-term capital. “The generous donations supporting residents and the reconstruction of Wang Fuk Court show that Hong Kong is a caring city. To encourage greater philanthropic participation, we suggestremoving the current 35 per cent cap on cash donation deductions and allowing a full 100 per cent deduction, while introducing a 300 per cent enhanced deduction for contributions to designated funds, such as the Community Care Fund and Disaster Relief Fund. This would direct more resources toward areas of social need.
“These reforms will strengthen Hong Kong’s ecosystem for trade, wealth management and philanthropy, helping the city attract and retain long term capital and strengthen Hong Kong’s competitive edge,” Ms Wong said.
Diversifying the economy and enhancing workforce competitiveness
As advanced economies accelerate digital transformation and adopt emerging technologies, Hong Kong’s long-term competitiveness will depend on the city’s ability to scale innovation, raise productivity and strengthen the capacity of its workforce and enterprises.
“We propose to relaunch a revamped Technology Voucher Programme to help businesses, in particular SMEs, accelerate digitalisation and adopt artificial intelligence (AI) solutions that enhance efficiency and competitiveness.
“Strengthening R&D related tax incentives is equally important in driving innovation, therefore we propose increasing the cap for the highest rate of the R&D super tax deduction by raising the threshold for the 300 per cent deduction on qualifying R&D expenditure from HK$2 million to HK$4 million.” said Mr Janssen Chan, Co‑Chairperson of CPA Australia’s Greater China Taxation Committee.
SMEs remain the backbone of Hong Kong’s economy, yet many continue to face cost pressures and increasing competition.
“We recommend raising the cap under the two-tier profits tax regime for concessional 8.25 per cent half-rate from HK$2 million to HK$4 million of assessable profits. Extending the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme beyond March 2026 is another move that would ease operating pressures for smaller businesses and encourage reinvestment,” added Mr Chan.
By raising the two-tier profits tax cap, extending financing support and retooling tech programmes for AI adoption, the Government can give SMEs the room to grow and strengthen their long-term resilience.
Raising living standards and building a healthier and more liveable city
Mr Adam Chiu, member of the Greater China Taxation Committee, said the Budget should introduce targeted tax and subsidy measures that deliver practical support to households while encouraging healthier and more productive lifestyles.
“To provide direct relief to taxpayers, we recommend maintaining the 100 per cent salaries tax rebate on the 2025/26 final salaries tax, capped at HK$6,000. This would help offset rising living costs and support disposable income, particularly for middle‑income earners. We also propose introducing a tax deduction of up to HK$60,000 for working families who employ domestic helpers specifically to care for children, elderly family members or persons with special care needs. This would help ease caregiving pressures, support labour‑force participation.” Mr Chiu said.
He added that lifelong learning and skills upgrading are increasingly important in a rapidly evolving economy. “To enable individuals to undertake more advanced or specialised training, including in emerging areas such as AI, we recommend increasing the subsidy ceiling under the Continuing Education Fund to HK$30,000 per eligible applicant, and increasing the cap on the self-education tax deduction to HK$150,000 per year. To promote physical wellbeing, we also propose a tax deduction of up to HK$2,000 for sports‑related expenses.”
“By supporting working families, encouraging lifelong learning and promoting healthier lifestyles, these measures can collectively enhance quality of life and help build a more resilient and inclusive Hong Kong,” Mr Chiu said.
CPA Australia believes these recommendations will strengthen Hong Kong’s ability to engage more effectively with global markets, enhance its competitiveness as an international financial and business hub, and improve quality of life for residents. Taken together, these measures will help ensure Hong Kong is well positioned for a more sustainable, innovation driven and inclusive future.
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About CPA Australia
CPA Australia is one of the largest professional accounting bodies in the world, with more than 176,000 members in over 100 countries and regions, including more than 22,500 members in Greater China. Our core services include education, training, technical support and advocacy. CPA Australia provides thought leadership on issues affecting the accounting profession and the public interest. We engage with governments, regulators and industries to advocate policies that stimulate sustainable economic growth and have positive business and public outcomes. Find out more at cpaaustralia.com.au
A single highly leveraged ether position worth about $220 million was wiped out as prices slid roughly 10 per cent, amplifying a wave of forced liquidations that pushed total crypto losses above $2.5 billion within 24 hours and reignited concerns about leverage-driven fragility across digital asset markets. The loss stemmed from a large long position on the derivatives platform Hyperliquid, where rapid price moves triggered automatic margin […]
A wave of forced liquidations that ripped through digital-asset markets on October 10, erasing positions at a pace unseen in the sector’s history, was driven primarily by a sudden global risk-off shock rather than a failure of trading infrastructure, according to Binance. The world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange said the flash crash unfolded as macroeconomic pressures triggered rapid price declines across major tokens, setting off automated margin calls […]
UAE and India have moved to deepen cooperation in civil aviation as senior officials reviewed capacity, connectivity and regulatory coordination, underlining the scale and strategic importance of one of the world’s busiest air travel corridors. The discussions highlighted sustained growth in passenger flows and the need to align policy, infrastructure and airline strategies to keep pace with demand.
Speaking during the engagement, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy of the United Arab Emirates, said air traffic between the UAE and India continues to show strong momentum, with around 1,231 direct flights operating each week between cities in both countries. Those services are spread across multiple carriers and hubs, reflecting the depth of commercial, tourism and people-to-people ties that underpin the aviation relationship.
The scale of connectivity has few parallels globally. The UAE serves as a critical transit and destination market for travellers from India, while Indian cities form the largest single source of international passengers for UAE airports. Industry data indicates that traffic has surpassed pre-pandemic benchmarks on several routes, driven by a rebound in business travel, a sustained flow of expatriate workers, and rising leisure demand in both directions.
Officials discussed measures to ensure that bilateral air services arrangements remain responsive to market realities. Capacity management, slot allocation at congested airports, and coordination on safety and security standards featured prominently. There was also a focus on ensuring that regulatory processes keep pace with airline expansion plans, particularly as carriers introduce new wide-body aircraft and add frequencies to secondary cities.
Bin Touq noted that aviation cooperation has spillover benefits for wider economic engagement, supporting tourism, trade in services and cargo connectivity. Air freight was identified as a growing pillar, with belly-hold capacity on passenger aircraft playing an increasing role in moving high-value and time-sensitive goods, including pharmaceuticals, electronics and perishables.
From the Indian side, officials emphasised the importance of predictable access to UAE hubs for carriers as they scale up international operations. India’s airport expansion programme, which has added new terminals and greenfield airports across several states, is expected to unlock further growth in outbound travel. That expansion has altered traffic patterns, enabling more direct international services from tier-two and tier-three cities, many of which already have links to the UAE.
Airlines operating on the corridor include network carriers and low-cost operators, creating a competitive landscape that has helped keep fares in check while expanding choice. The presence of multiple hubs in the UAE has also diversified routing options, strengthening resilience during peak travel periods and operational disruptions.
Beyond capacity, the talks addressed cooperation on sustainability and workforce development. Both sides acknowledged mounting pressure on the aviation sector to curb emissions and improve fuel efficiency. While sustainable aviation fuel remains limited in supply and expensive, officials discussed the importance of policy alignment, pilot projects and knowledge sharing to accelerate adoption over time.
Training and skills were another area of interest, as airlines and airports face shortages of pilots, engineers and air traffic management professionals. Partnerships between training institutions and recognition of certifications were flagged as practical steps to ease bottlenecks without compromising safety standards.
Technology and digitalisation also featured, with attention on passenger processing, biometric systems and data sharing to improve the travel experience. As passenger volumes rise, authorities are seeking to reduce congestion through smarter border controls and interoperable systems that can be scaled across airports.
The civil aviation dialogue sits within a broader economic partnership that has deepened over the past two years, including trade and investment initiatives across manufacturing, energy and digital services. Aviation remains a visible barometer of that relationship, given its sensitivity to economic cycles and consumer confidence.
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