Bitcoin fell towards the $75,000 mark during Asian trading hours, extending a pullback that coincided with weaker equity markets across the region and heightened volatility in key industrial and precious metals, underscoring a broader phase of risk recalibration among global investors. The world’s largest cryptocurrency slipped after failing to hold higher technical levels, with trading volumes rising as short-term holders moved to lock in gains accumulated during […]
Crypto markets closed January in the red despite a policy backdrop that, on paper, appeared more accommodating than at any point in the past two years. Prices slid across major tokens, trading volumes thinned, and investor sentiment softened even as regulatory signals from Washington and other financial centres suggested a shift away from outright hostility towards digital assets. Bitcoin, the bellwether for the sector, ended the month […]
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 […]
Washington has imposed sanctions on a network of cryptocurrency exchanges and facilitators tied to Iran, marking the first time the United States has directly targeted crypto trading platforms over allegations of supporting the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The measures signal a widening of financial enforcement into the digital asset space as Washington seeks to curb Iran’s access to global capital flows. The sanctions, announced by the Treasury […]
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 […]
OpenAI has introduced an internal data agent known as Kepler, designed to let employees interrogate one of the largest private data estates in the technology sector through natural-language queries. The system, powered by a GPT-5.2 class model, is built to handle more than 600 petabytes of internal information, a scale that reflects both the company’s rapid growth and the expanding complexity of training, safety, product telemetry and […]
Federal authorities have taken legal control of assets valued at roughly $400 million that prosecutors say were generated through a darknet cryptocurrency mixing service known as Helix, marking one of the largest forfeiture actions tied to illicit crypto activity. The Department of Justice said the haul spans digital currency, cash-equivalent instruments and property interests traced to transactions that laundered proceeds from online drug markets. According to court […]
Ethereum slid sharply after losing key technical support near the $2,700 mark, triggering renewed anxiety about a deeper correction across digital asset markets and amplifying a risk-off tone that has weighed on crypto trading through January. The move extended a prolonged pullback for the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency, which has erased a significant portion of gains accumulated during the final quarter of last year and underperformed several large-cap […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai A new investment cooperation pact between the United Arab Emirates and Scotland aims to widen capital flows, align priority sectors and give institutional backing to a growing commercial relationship between the Gulf state and one of the UK’s devolved governments. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the UAE Ministry of Investment and the Scottish Government, setting out a framework to promote two-way […]
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, arrived in Moscow on an official visit to the Russian Federation, underscoring a phase of high-level engagement between Abu Dhabi and Moscow as both sides seek to broaden cooperation across energy, trade, technology and geopolitics. As the presidential aircraft entered Russian airspace, a formation of military jets escorted it in a ceremonial welcome, a gesture […]
Bitcoin slid during Asian trading on Friday as speculation over the future leadership of the United States central bank unsettled risk appetite across global markets, adding to a cautious tone already shaped by shifting expectations for interest rates and liquidity. The world’s largest cryptocurrency fell below the psychological $40,000 level before stabilising, with traders pointing to heightened volatility after reports and commentary suggested renewed political debate around […]
A significant wave of liquidations surged through global cryptocurrency markets as leveraged long positions worth about $140 million were wiped out within a single hour, underscoring sharp price swings and persistent volatility that have unsettled traders and risk models alike. The liquidation event affected tens of thousands of leveraged accounts and came amid rapid price fluctuations in major digital assets, particularly Bitcoin and Ethereum, with derivatives trading […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 January 2026 – The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) yesterday unveiled the PolyUResearch Excellence Report at a high-profile forum co-hosted with Clarivate, a leading global provider of transformative intelligence. The landmark report provides a comprehensive evaluation of PolyU research achievements and impact, reaffirming the University’s position as a global innovation powerhouse. The event, “Research Excellence Report Launch cum Impact Forum: Innovating for Global Impact”, drew around 100 distinguished attendees, including academic leaders from other tertiary institutions in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland, industry partners and policymakers. According to Clarivate, PolyU achieved a remarkable 65% surge in high-impact research output and a 55% rise in highly cited papers from 2020 to 2024, and led all University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded institutions in research publications in 2024, underscoring its position at the forefront of Hong Kong’s academic excellence.
The event was officiated by Prof. Timothy TONG, Chairman of the Research Grants Council (RGC); Mr Osher GILINSKY, Vice President for Asia Pacific, Academia and Government, Clarivate; and Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, who delivered opening remarks.
Celebrating PolyU’s exceptional research achievements and their far-reaching impacts on society, the Nation and the world, Prof. Tong stated, “The PolyU Research Excellence Report vividly demonstrates its commitment to sustainable development, reflecting the dedication and innovation of its faculty, researchers and students.” Prof. Tong commended PolyU for its effective use of research resources, noting the significant advancements in AI-driven medical breakthroughs, climate solutions and sustainability. He further emphasised the RGC’s ongoing commitment to supporting research that addresses major societal challenges, exemplified by initiatives such as the Research Impact Fund. Additionally, he reaffirmed the RGC’s partnership with universities in strengthening Hong Kong’s status as a global knowledge hub.
Recognising PolyU’s outstanding global research performance, Mr Gilinsky elaborated, “In recent years, PolyU has demonstrated high research productivity in high quality, driving for high impact for the society. PolyU was granted 1,020 patents between 2020 and 2024, the second highest among UGC-funded universities. To enhance research translation, PolyU has formed partnerships with companies including NVIDIA, Huawei and Alibaba. These achievements illustrate PolyU’s international connectivity, diverse disciplinary strengths and strong culture of research translation. Leveraging its strength with the Chinese Mainland resources, PolyU is also accelerating knowledge transfer and identifying emerging areas for discovery, particularly in AI-powered healthcare, sustainable engineering, advanced manufacturing and smart city development—fields where it aims for global leadership.”
Prof. Chao emphasised, “The report is a testament to years of dedicated effort, groundbreaking innovation and the unwavering commitment of the PolyU academic community. In 2025, we are proud to have 21 PolyU scholars named Highly Cited Researchers by Clarivate, while 428 rank among Stanford University’s World’s Top 2% Most-cited Scientists—placing PolyU second among Hong Kong tertiary institutions. Our Strategic Plan 2025/26 – 2030/31, themed ‘Unite to Meet Challenges, Innovate to Benefit Society,’ will further empower PolyU to deliver even more transformative contributions to society.”
Clarivate has been forging continuous collaborations with numerous institutions, including co-authoring the report series The impact of research undertaken by universities in Hong Kong with UGC in 2022. Produced by Clarivate using authoritative data from the Web of Science, the PolyU Research Excellence Report delivers a comprehensive assessment of the University’s overall research performance and achievements, highlighting PolyU’s global leadership in engineering, advancements in powering medical research with emerging AI technologies, and unique contributions to the hospitality, fashion and textile, design and art disciplines that distinguish the University on the global stage.
PolyU’s strengths are exemplified by its leadership in Hong Kong’s research output growth, achieving the highest number of publications among UGC‑funded universities in 2024. Nearly 40% of its outputs are internationally co-authored, while 27% involve QS Top 50 university partners. The quality and impact of the University’s research output are further evidenced by its strong disciplinary performance. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, seven PolyU disciplines rank in the global Top 30, while, overall, 26 disciplines are listed among the world’s Top 100, underscoring the breadth and depth of the University’s academic excellence across multiple fields.
Following the report launch, the Impact Forum featured a high-level panel discussion on “Innovations and Challenges in Research Evaluation”. The discussion facilitated insightful exchanges between the panel and attendees on evolving approaches to research assessment, the importance of measuring societal impact and strategies for fostering cross-institutional collaboration.
Engineering Leadership: Ranked 6th globally in Engineering and 2nd in Civil Engineering (Subject Rankings of U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities Rankings 2025-2026), with research supporting Hong Kong’s Cross Bay Link project and national space missions. PolyU engineering publications grew by 68% between 2020-2024, with 38% of Hong Kong’s engineering publications affiliated with the University in 2024.
AI-driven Medical Innovations: 261 patents in Computing and Control solutions, including LungRT Pro (a radiotherapy support system), Scolioscan® (radiation-free scoliosis diagnosis) and STARS (a smartphone-based vision screening tool for children). These life‑changing innovations demonstrate PolyU’s strong interdisciplinary integration across computer science, optometry, biomedical engineering, rehabilitation sciences and nursing.
Unique Disciplines: Global top rankings in Hospitality and Tourism Management, and Textile Science and Engineering (1st and 5th respectively in ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2025), as well as Art and Design (22nd in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025). Groundbreaking work includes smart wearables for stroke patients, AI-powered tourism demand forecasting platforms and sustainable community design projects.
Collaborative Impact: Over 600 international collaboration agreements with 390+ institutions across 45 countries and regions, and 3,100+ collaborative projects in the Chinese Mainland. Between 2020 and 2024, nearly 40% of its high-quality research publications were co-authored with international institutions. PolyU Unicorn startups have created over 5,000 international job opportunities and generated significant economic value.
MEXICO CITY, MEXICO – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 January 2026 – As large AI models accelerate toward commercial application, intelligent algorithmic trading has made breakthrough progress in financial markets. Recently, Axis Quant AI announced the introduction of its product into cryptocurrency trading through API integration, marking a significant step toward more scalable applications of intelligent algorithms.
Unlike traditional trading tools, the core of Axis Quant AI lies in its dynamic algorithmic strategies. By continuously analyzing market data and leveraging API integration, Axis Quant AI connects cryptocurrency exchanges to form a comprehensive trading system covering decision-making, execution, and risk control.
The true value of intelligent algorithmic trading depends on long-term, stable returns. Previously, Axis Quant AI has conducted multiple batches of live account operations, demonstrating outstanding consistency in strategy execution and returns, attracting attention from numerous financial institutions and professional trading teams.
From the perspective of industry development, high volatility and round-the-clock trading have become the norm, making the limitations of manual operations increasingly apparent. Axis Quant AI has elevated intelligent algorithmic trading to a new level, demonstrating clear advantages in execution efficiency, discipline, and risk management.
Notably, the Axis Quant AI team stated in an interview that their current positioning is not to replace professional traders but to emphasize the role division of algorithmic systems within the trading framework. However, future product functions will inevitably become a core component of the financial trading market.
The product capabilities of Axis Quant AI are comprehensive and are entering a broader application phase. It is understood that multiple trading platforms and institutions have already initiated cooperation discussions. As AI algorithms transition from an “auxiliary role” to a “core function,” the trading methods in the crypto market will undergo a disruptive transformation.
Hyperliquid’s native token, HYPE, climbed past the $30 mark as a sharp increase in activity linked to silver trading propelled volumes across the decentralised derivatives platform. The move capped a multi-day rally that has drawn attention from both crypto-native traders and traditional commodities participants experimenting with on-chain markets. Market data showed HYPE posting gains of roughly 50 per cent over three sessions, coinciding with a spike in […]
Bangkok will host Wiki Finance Expo Thailand 2026 in April, positioning the Thai capital as a focal point for discussions on financial technology, digital assets and Web3 innovation across Southeast Asia. The event is scheduled to take place at the Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, bringing together industry executives, policymakers, investors and technology developers at a time when the region’s digital finance ecosystem is expanding at pace.
The expo is expected to draw thousands of participants from Asia, the Middle East and Europe, reflecting Bangkok’s growing role as a neutral convening hub for global fintech dialogue. Organisers have indicated that the programme will centre on payments innovation, decentralised finance, blockchain infrastructure, digital asset regulation and the integration of artificial intelligence into financial services. These themes mirror broader shifts in global finance, where traditional institutions and technology-driven platforms are increasingly intersecting.
Thailand’s selection as host underscores the country’s strategic importance within Southeast Asia’s fintech landscape. Bangkok already serves as a base for regional operations of banks, digital payment firms and cryptocurrency exchanges, supported by a large consumer market with high smartphone penetration and rising adoption of cashless payments. Regional analysts note that Southeast Asia’s fintech sector has moved beyond experimentation, with platforms scaling rapidly across borders in areas such as e-wallets, buy-now-pay-later services and tokenised assets.
Wiki Finance Expo has established itself as a travelling forum, with earlier editions held in cities including Dubai, Hong Kong and Singapore. The Thailand edition is expected to build on that track record by offering a mix of keynote addresses, panel discussions and business matchmaking sessions. Industry leaders from blockchain firms, digital asset custodians, payment processors and trading platforms are likely to outline strategies for navigating regulatory complexity while pursuing growth in emerging markets.
A central focus of the Bangkok gathering will be Web3, an area attracting increasing interest from both venture capital and established financial institutions. Developers are using blockchain-based architectures to reimagine trading, lending and data ownership, while governments across Asia are assessing how to balance innovation with consumer protection. Participants are expected to debate how decentralised technologies can coexist with existing financial systems rather than replace them outright.
Regulation is set to be another major thread. Southeast Asian jurisdictions have taken varied approaches to digital assets, ranging from proactive licensing frameworks to tighter restrictions on retail participation. Thailand has introduced structured oversight for digital asset businesses, aiming to reduce systemic risk while allowing innovation to continue. Discussions at the expo are expected to explore how clearer regulatory pathways can attract institutional capital and encourage responsible product development.
The event also comes as cross-border payments remain a priority for the region. High remittance flows, driven by labour mobility and trade, have highlighted inefficiencies in legacy systems. Fintech firms are increasingly promoting blockchain-based settlement and real-time payment networks as solutions. Panels in Bangkok are expected to examine whether these technologies can achieve scale while meeting compliance and security requirements.
Beyond policy and technology, the expo is positioned as a commercial platform. Start-ups will have opportunities to pitch to investors, while established companies can seek partnerships or market entry strategies. Organisers have emphasised the importance of connecting global capital with Southeast Asian innovation, particularly as funding patterns shift towards projects with clearer revenue models and regulatory alignment.
Tourism and hospitality stakeholders in Bangkok are also expected to benefit from the influx of international delegates. Large-scale business events have become an important segment of the city’s post-pandemic recovery strategy, complementing leisure tourism. Hosting a high-profile fintech expo aligns with efforts to brand Bangkok not only as a travel destination but also as a regional business and technology centre.
Bitcoin slipped below a widely watched technical support zone as BlackRock moved to expand its digital-asset line-up with a filing for a premium income exchange-traded fund linked to the world’s largest cryptocurrency, underscoring how product innovation is accelerating even as prices wobble. Market charts showed Bitcoin breaking beneath the lower boundary of an inverted flag formation, a pattern traders often read as a pause before a continuation […]
Bringing together local and overseas innovation talents and leaders to deepen cross-border, cross-campus collaboration
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 January 2026 – Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), together with 15 local tertiary institutions, marked a major milestone as Hong Kong Techathon+, the city’s largest international intercollegiate innovation and technology (I&T) annual event, celebrated its 10th anniversary. The Hong Kong Techathon+ Finale was successfully held recently (on 24 January) at Hong Kong Science Park. The team “Cresento” from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology won the Gold Award in the category of Trusted AI and Data Science under the Local Track (Open Group) as well as the Best Presentation Award voted by the audience.
The 10th anniversary finale of Hong Kong Techathon+, co-organised by HKSTP and 15 local tertiary institutions, took place at Hong Kong Science Park, bringing together representatives from local and overseas institutions, industry partners, and innovation teams to mark this milestone.
In parallel, the Global University Innovation Network (GUIN), jointly established by HKSTP and its 15 local tertiary institution partners, convened its inaugural forum on 23 January. The forum brought together GUIN member representatives and academic I&T leaders for in-depth exchanges on innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem development, further strengthening Hong Kong’s position as an international I&T and talent hub.
Hong Kong Techathon+ is co-organised by HKSTP and 15 local tertiary institutions, including: City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Hong Kong Shue Yan University, Lingnan University, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Education University of Hong Kong, The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, The University of Hong Kong, Tung Wah College; and three institutions under the Vocational Training Council – The Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education, and Hong Kong Institute of Information Technology.
Record-high International Participation Highlights Hong Kong’s Role as a Hub for Talent, Markets and Opportunity
This year’s Techathon+ attracted enthusiastic participation from both local and overseas universities, Approximately 1,900 participants formed over 470 teams. Notably, 215 overseas teams joined, underscoring the event’s growing international appeal.
Following rigorous selection, 172 teams advanced to the finale, including 122 local teams and 50 overseas teams from Australia, Brazil, Chinese Mainland, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Portugal, Singapore, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan, the UK, and the US. Kazakhstan, Japan, Korea and the UK participated for the first time through their university representatives, further demonstrating Techathon+’s reach as an international platform for I&T exchange.
A Decade of Growth: From a Local Challenge to One of Asia’s Major Inter-University I&T Platforms
HKSTP Chief Executive Officer Mr Terry Wong said: “Since its launch in 2015, Hong Kong Techathon+ has grown from a local challenge to one of Asia’s largest intercollegiate I&T events — driving creativity and collaboration while creating international impact. Techathon+ brings together outstanding young talents across tertiary institutions, turning ideas into innovative solutions that respond to societal needs and carry strong potential for real-world application. The platform has expanded the global pipeline of innovators and entrepreneurs, reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a hub connecting talents, markets, and opportunities, and writing the next chapter of Hong Kong’s I&T story.”
Beyond a Competition: A Comprehensive “Soft-landing” platform for Entrepreneurship
Hong Kong Techathon+ is more than a university innovation competition. Over the past decade, the platform has engaged over 9,000 participants, nurturing innovative talents and supporting the growth of startups.
Non-local teams also participated in a four-day immersive programme, featuring I&T ecosystem seminars, mentorship, investor matching, visits at Hong Kong Science Park, and tours to Chinese Mainland I&T bases, helping participants explore market expansion opportunities across the Greater Bay Area.
HKSTP also invites selected high-potential finalist teams and winners to join its Ideation Programme, offering up to HK$100,000 in seed funding (along with support aligned with participating universities’ startup programmes), free co-working spaces, access to advanced technology resources and professional mentorship. Through HKSTP’s incubation and industry networks, teams are supported from prototype development to sustainable startups operations – scaling progressively and building international impact.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the exclusive Technology Enabler for the 10th Edition of Hong Kong Techathon+, providing participating startups with access to leading cloud and artificial intelligence technologies and platforms. Through this collaboration, AWS offered competing teams technology resources in generative AI and machine learning, professional technical support, and workshop to accelerate innovation and drive Hong Kong’s development as an international I&T hub.
Inaugural GUIN Forum: Deepening Global University Innovation Collaboration
The first Global University Innovation Network (GUIN) Forum was successfully held on 23 January at Hong Kong Science Park, bringing together GUIN member institution representatives and I&T experts. The forum focused on three key areas:
Exploring strategies for university-industry technology transfer collaboration to achieve win-win innovation outcomes
Examining the Greater Bay Area as a hub for international innovation collaboration, including opportunities for research commercialisation and cross-border partnership, and
Strengthening global collaboration networks through actionable pathways.
Speakers included Dr Tony Raven, former CEO of Cambridge Enterprise; Professor Poh Kam Wong, Emeritus Professor at National University of Singapore; and Dr Alwin Wong, Chair of the Association of Technology Transfer Professionals (ATTP), among others.
Co-founded last year by HKSTP and 15 local tertiary institution partners with support from multiple overseas institutions and partners, GUIN aims to bring together leading minds to advance international collaboration in innovation and entrepreneurship, reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a global talent and innovation hub.
In his welcome address at the forum, Mr Terry Wong, Chief Executive Officer of HKSTP remarked: “We are building GUIN into a ‘global platform for innovation exchange and incubation’ — sharing knowledge, co-creating initiatives, and connecting startups with campus incubation resources and markets worldwide to turn concepts into tangible outcomes.”
Since last summer, HKSTP and university partners have launched the Theme-based Global Incubation Programmes under GUIN with three initiatives currently underway focusing on dentistry, visual technology, and the circular economy. The inaugural ” Global Hub for Future Dentistry” programme has attracted 40 top applicants worldwide. Additional thematic incubation programmes are in preparation, and GUIN members and partner organisations are welcomed to co-develop this expanding international collaboration.
The 10th Edition of Hong Kong Techathon+ Partial Awards List:
Local Track (Student Group)
Technology Theme
Award
Winning Team
Project Brief
Trusted AI & Data Science
Gold
SpeakRight
An AI‑powered voice‑changing solution designed to demonstrate and enhance speech training applications.
Sustainability & ESG
Gold
Hydroforge Tech
Development of cost‑efficient AEM electrolysis systems using a binder‑free, self‑growing electrode technology to enable scalable green hydrogen production.
Life Science & Healthcare
Gold
Nanos
A tech‑driven Contract Development & Manufacturing Organisation (CDMO) platform that rescues undeliverable drug candidates through proprietary drug‑carrier optimisation, targeting breakthrough therapies including Alzheimer’s.
Digital Economy & Smart City
Gold
Smart Mall Wayfinding with AI Paedestrian Dead Reckoning Technology
An AI-powered Pedestrian Dead Reckoning (PDR) solution – an infrastructure‑light indoor navigation that delivers accurate mall wayfinding using AI‑powered pedestrian dead‑reckoning with minimal deployment cost.
Tech FYP Group
Gold
OmniWatch AI – A Scalable, Multi-Model AI Proctoring Engine and Invigilator Dashboard
A privacy‑preserving, multi‑modal AI platform for onsite digital exam proctoring that detects suspicious behaviours in real time and enables scalable, non‑intrusive invigilation.
Local Track (Open Group)
Technology Theme
Award
Winning Team
Project Brief
Trusted AI & Data Science
Gold
Cresento*
A Hong Kong–based sports technology startup developing AI‑powered smart shin guard solution, delivering actionable performance insights for safer, smarter football training.
Sustainability & ESG
Gold
Off-Grid AEM Hydrogen Production Driven by Fluctuating Renewable Energy
A modular off‑grid AEM electrolysis system designed for stable hydrogen production from fluctuating renewable energy sources.
Life Science & Healthcare
Gold
Illuminatio Medical Technology
A medical imaging startup developing non‑invasive diagnostics to improve the assessment of chronic liver disease (CLD).
Digital Economy & Smart City
Gold
MicroLink
A micro‑LED‑based optical interconnect technology enabling faster, more energy‑efficient data transfer for next‑generation AI data centres.
Global Track
Technology Theme
Award
Winning Team
Project Brief
Life Science & Healthcare
Gold
Cancer Immunotherapy
A next‑generation cancer immunotherapy programme developing novel PD‑1 combination treatments to improve outcomes for solid tumours.
Non-Life Science & Healthcare
Gold
ROTOBOOST
ROTOBOOST develops Thermo‑Catalytic Decomposition (TCD) technology to produce low‑cost, low‑carbon hydrogen from diverse hydrocarbon feedstocks, enabling efficient pre‑combustion carbon removal at industrial scale.
*Winner of Best Presentation Award voted by the audience.
Hashtag: #HKSTP
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
GameStop has moved bitcoin valued at about $420 million to Coinbase Prime, triggering market speculation over whether the videogame retailer is preparing to sell part of its digital asset holdings or repositioning them for custody and treasury management. Blockchain tracking firms flagged the transfer after a series of transactions shifted thousands of bitcoins from wallets associated with GameStop into addresses linked to Coinbase Prime, the institutional platform […]
Coinbase chief executive Brian Armstrong has argued that the growing divide in global wealth stems from structural barriers in capital formation and ownership, positioning blockchain-based tokenisation as a way to broaden access to assets traditionally controlled by a narrow segment of society. Tokenised finance framed as a path to wider ownership has become a recurring theme in Armstrong’s public remarks, investor communications and policy-facing discussions, where he […]
HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 January 2026 – The VinFuture Prize officially announces the launch of its 2026 season and opens the nomination period until 2:00 PM on April 17, 2026 (Vietnam time, GMT+7). Eligible nominations must pertain to scientific or technological inventions and solutions that demonstrate clear, measurable benefits for millions of people worldwide and must be submitted by distinguished individuals or reputable institutions within the global science and technology community.
A number of scientific breakthroughs recognized by the VinFuture Prize have subsequently been honored by the world’s most prestigious scientific awards, including the Nobel Prize. Photo: VinFuture
All nominations will undergo a rigorous screening and evaluation process conducted by the VinFuture Pre-Screening Committee and the Prize Council, which comprise leading scientists from around the world, including laureates of prestigious international awards such as the Nobel Prize, the Turing Award, and the Millennium Technology Prize.
The evaluation process is scheduled to be completed by September 2026, with the 6th VinFuture Prize Award Ceremony slated for early December 2026. Nominations submitted after April 17, 2026 will automatically be considered for the 2027 season.
In order to provide comprehensive information and strengthen engagement with its global network of nomination partners, the VinFuture Foundation will host two international webinars in the first quarter of 2026, featuring insights and perspectives from representatives of the Prize Council, the Pre-Screening Committee, and VinFuture Laureates. The first webinar will take place at 8:00 AM on January 26, 2026 (Hanoi time).
In 2026, the VinFuture Prize will continue the implementation of its Top Nominators Recognition Program, formally acknowledging the exceptional contributions of scientists whose discernment and scholarly leadership are instrumental in identifying and nominating scientific and technological achievements of transformative significance for humanity.
Having completed five successive and highly successful award cycles, the VinFuture Prize has established itself as a globally respected distinction within the international science and technology community. To date, it has received a cumulative total of 6,132 nominations from nearly 110 countries and territories and has recognized 48 outstanding scientists whose pioneering work has delivered profound, enduring, and far-reaching benefits to humanity.
Many of the achievements recognized by the VinFuture Prize are closely aligned with major milestones in human progress, ranging from global networking technologies, PERC solar cells, lithium-ion battery energy storage, and artificial intelligence to essential fields such as sustainable agriculture, healthcare, and environmental protection. Reflecting its expanding international reach, VinFuture’s global nomination partner network now includes nearly 15,000 scientists worldwide.
Dr. Thai-Ha Le, Managing Director of the VinFuture Foundation, stated: “After five years of establishment and development, VinFuture Prize has steadily affirmed its position as one of the world’s leading global science prizes, where outstanding scientific excellence is honored in parallel with social responsibility and the long-term interests of humanity. As we enter the 2026 season, we anticipate that nominations will continue to demonstrate the pivotal role of science and technology in addressing global challenges in a comprehensive manner, thereby advancing breakthrough solutions with strong applicability and the capacity to generate positive and sustainable impacts on a global scale.”
With its established international stature and credibility, VinFuture has contributed meaningfully to positioning Viet Nam as an emerging hub for global knowledge exchange and scientific collaboration. Numerous VinFuture partners have traveled to Viet Nam to engage in academic exchanges, share professional expertise, and strengthen ties with the domestic scientific community. Notable participants include Professor Aldo Steinfeld of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich), recipient of the 2024 SolarPACES Lifetime Achievement Award; Professor Kurt Kremer, Honorary Director of the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research (Germany); and Professor Chuanbin Mao of The Chinese University of Hong Kong (China), ranked among the world’s top 2% most-cited scientists in biomedical engineering…
Through VinFuture, many Vietnamese scientists have likewise gained access to, and established collaborations with, leading global researchers, actively engaging with the international scientific community to help shape a sustainable future for Vietnam and for humanity at large.
Hashtag: #VinFuture
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Global internet traffic surged to unprecedented levels during 2025, underlining how live sport, high-definition streaming and expanding artificial intelligence workloads are reshaping the world’s digital infrastructure. Network operators and exchange operators recorded sharp spikes during major live events, with a Champions League match night in December emerging as one of the heaviest traffic moments ever observed on public internet exchanges. Data collated from large internet exchange platforms […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 January 2026– As stablecoins, AI, and automated systems increasingly enter real-world finance and payments, digital asset infrastructure is approaching a critical inflection point. Enterprise blockchain infrastructure provider Cregis has announced it will participate in Consensus Hong Kong 2026, taking place February 10–12, where it will engage with industry peers on the evolving role of stablecoins, enterprise asset management, and emerging technologies in financial systems.
Attendees can visit Booth 1808 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre to explore Cregis’ infrastructure offerings, including its crypto payment engine, self-custody MPC wallet infrastructure, and enterprise-grade self-custody solutions. According to the team, the event represents not just an industry appearance, but an opportunity to observe and contribute to a deeper question: how crypto assets can meaningfully integrate into real financial systems.
Digital Assets Enter Business Operations
Over the past few years, much of the industry conversation has centered on issuance and trading. But as institutional participation accelerates, the focus is shifting toward a more complex challenge: how digital assets are operated in secure, compliant, and efficient ways.
As financial institutions and payment companies begin using on-chain assets in real business workflows, asset management is no longer just about private key security. It becomes a system-level problem involving multi-party coordination, permission design, auditability, and risk governance.
Against this backdrop, Cregis plans to focus on:
The security and coordination requirements of enterprise asset management in stablecoin and payment use cases
How permissions, accountability, and auditability should function across multi-team, multi-system operations
How automation and intelligent systems are redefining the requirements for underlying asset infrastructure
Stablecoins Move to the Center of Financial Infrastructure
Consensus Hong Kong 2026’s agenda reflects a broader industry shift. Compared with previous years, stablecoin-related discussions have expanded significantly, with the focus moving from whether stablecoins are viable to how they scale.
Topics around cross-border payments, settlement efficiency, liquidity movement, and regulatory frameworks are increasingly seen as the connective layer between crypto-native systems and traditional finance. For many industry participants, this marks a transition: crypto assets are no longer viewed primarily as speculative instruments, but as emerging components of financial circulation infrastructure.
AI, Automation, and Crypto Enter the Execution Phase
Beyond stablecoins, the convergence of AI, robotics, and crypto has emerged as another defining theme at Consensus 2026. Rather than focusing on conceptual narratives, industry discussions are now centered on execution. Attention has shifted toward ensuring asset security as AI agents operate autonomously, clarifying responsibility and authority when automated systems participate in economic activity, and rethinking how financial infrastructure must evolve as enterprise systems themselves become economic actors.
Together, these discussions reflect a broader industry shift: technological convergence is moving decisively toward real-world deployment, marking a transition from storytelling to implementation.
The Debate Has Shifted
Disagreements around the future of crypto adoption remain. But the nature of the debate has changed. At Consensus Hong Kong 2026, the discussion is less about whether crypto will be adopted, and more about:
What form adoption will take
Whether infrastructure will become invisible to end users
Who bears systemic risk, and who defines operational rules
In this context, the maturity of infrastructure is emerging as a key determinant of where the industry goes next.
Observing and Participating in an Inflection Point
The industry is transitioning from “exploring possibilities” to “building durable systems.” The evolving themes at Consensus Hong Kong 2026 are a clear signal of that shift.
As stablecoins, digital assets, and intelligent systems move deeper into real financial and commercial environments, the resilience, controllability, and compliance-readiness of infrastructure will determine how far adoption can go. During the event, Cregis will engage with participants across payments, financial institutions, and Web3, while continuing to focus on the evolution of enterprise digital finance infrastructure.
Cregis aims to provide enterprises with end-to-end digital asset management and operational infrastructure. By building security-first, flexible, and compliance-oriented systems, the company seeks to abstract complex onchain operations into standardized solutions that enterprises can easily integrate and manage — helping institutional clients navigate this industry transition with confidence. Hashtag: #consensus2026 #cregis #Stablecoins
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Cregis
Cregis is a global provider of enterprise-grade digital asset infrastructure, delivering secure, scalable, and compliant solutions for institutional clients.
Its core offerings—MPC-based self-custody wallets, Wallet-as-a-Service, and a robust Payment Engine—help exchanges, fintech platforms, and Web3 businesses manage digital assets with confidence.
With over 3,500 businesses served globally, Cregis empowers businesses to accelerate their Web3 transformation and unlock new digital asset opportunities.
UAE and India have elevated their strategic partnership with a sweeping set of agreements signed during the visit of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, signalling a calibrated push to broaden cooperation across defence, energy, space, trade, investment and food safety. The pacts, endorsed alongside Narendra Modi, reflect a shared intent to anchor bilateral ties in long-term economic and security interests while navigating a volatile global environment.
The visit culminated in the exchange of multiple memoranda of understanding that collectively aim to translate political goodwill into operational outcomes. Officials from both sides framed the agreements as an expansion of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, emphasising implementation timelines and institutional coordination rather than aspirational language. At the centre of the package is a defence cooperation framework that strengthens military-to-military engagement, joint exercises, training exchanges and defence industrial collaboration, an area that has gathered momentum as both countries diversify security partnerships.
Energy cooperation featured prominently, with accords spanning hydrocarbons, clean energy and grid resilience. State-linked firms and private players outlined pathways to scale joint investments in upstream oil and gas while accelerating collaboration in renewables, green hydrogen and energy storage. The emphasis on clean energy dovetails with the UAE’s net-zero ambitions and India’s drive to expand non-fossil capacity, positioning both as partners in technology transfer and project financing across third markets.
Space cooperation agreements mark another pillar of the evolving relationship. Space agencies from Abu Dhabi and New Delhi committed to deeper collaboration in satellite development, earth observation, data sharing and human spaceflight training. The arrangements are designed to support applications ranging from climate monitoring and disaster management to urban planning and agriculture, underscoring the commercial and societal dividends of space-based assets.
Trade and investment pacts seek to build on the momentum generated by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which has reshaped tariff structures and supply chains between the two economies. New understandings focus on easing customs procedures, aligning standards and expanding market access for small and medium-sized enterprises. Investment promotion agencies agreed to coordinate sectoral roadmaps in manufacturing, logistics, digital services and infrastructure, with sovereign investors and development funds expected to play a catalytic role.
Food safety and agricultural cooperation agreements address a strategic priority for both governments. Protocols on standards, certification and inspection aim to streamline the movement of agri-food products while safeguarding consumer interests. Joint research initiatives are set to target crop resilience, post-harvest technologies and cold-chain logistics, reflecting lessons from climate stress and supply disruptions that have sharpened the focus on food security.
Diplomatic engagements during the visit also underscored people-to-people ties, education and skills. Universities and research institutions announced partnerships in advanced materials, artificial intelligence and health sciences, while vocational training programmes were aligned to labour market needs in construction, healthcare and digital services. These measures are intended to deepen the talent pipeline that underpins commercial ties.
Officials were careful to situate the agreements within a broader regional and global context. With shipping lanes under strain and commodity markets exposed to geopolitical shocks, both sides highlighted coordination on maritime security and supply chain resilience. The defence and logistics components of the package are expected to reinforce cooperation in the Indian Ocean region, where the UAE’s ports and India’s maritime capabilities intersect.
Economists note that the breadth of the accords reduces concentration risk by spreading cooperation across multiple sectors, while governance mechanisms embedded in the agreements could improve execution. Joint working groups, periodic reviews and dispute-resolution channels were outlined to ensure progress is measurable. Business leaders welcomed the clarity on standards and compliance, arguing that predictability lowers the cost of capital and accelerates project timelines.
Critics caution that delivery will depend on regulatory alignment and the pace of domestic approvals, particularly in capital-intensive sectors such as energy and defence manufacturing. Past initiatives have sometimes faced delays linked to procurement processes and technology transfer rules. Both governments acknowledged these constraints and signalled intent to address bottlenecks through empowered committees.
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