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Portfolio-wide Signature Experiences Connect Communities with Localized Creativity
HONG KONG SAR and SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 April 2026 – Hang Lung Properties Limited (SEHK Stock Code: 00101) (“Hang Lung” or the “Company”) today announced the second phase of its year-long “66 and beyond” anniversary celebrations, unveiling a series of nationwide campaigns across its Chinese Mainland retail portfolio, designed to connect communities and capture the vibrant spirit of spring.
Hang Lung ignites Spring with the second phase of “66 and beyond” anniversary celebration
The centerpiece of this phase is the “Taste of 66” (怦然春動) national campaign, featuring a curated collection of limited-edition bespoke ice lollipops. Drawing inspiration from the local cultural identity and architectural essence of each of Hang Lung’s iconic “66” malls, the campaign creates tangible, exclusive moments that customers can emotionally connect with this milestone anniversary.
66th Anniversary City-Exclusive Series: Taste of 66 (Artist’s impression)
The celebratory momentum will continue with experiences that reflect the cultural connections by each property, to highlight a few, Riverside 66 in Tianjin is hosting the “Sweet Encounters” campaign along the historic pedestrian street with dessert-themed art installations and interactive experiences, complemented by a dessert market. In Shenyang, Forum 66 will champion community wellness by transforming its public spaces into a vibrant hub for sports activities, including a 3v3 basketball tournament and pickleball discovery sessions. Meanwhile, Center 66 in Wuxi is captivating visitors with its “Wonderlost in Spring” theme, transforming the mall into a fantastical world of spring adventure, featuring specially designed installations, performances and a series of interactive games.
Plaza 66, Shanghai: Echo Variation (Artist’s impression)
Mr. Derek Pang, Senior Director – Mainland Business Operation of Hang Lung Properties, said, “The ’66 and beyond’ theme is a powerful expression of our evolution. We are moving beyond the traditional role of a landlord to become a dynamic platform for community engagement and cultural expression. Our focus is on creating curated experiences that resonate deeply with the unique character of each city. By transforming our properties into vibrant hubs of culture and connection, we create lasting value and enrich the lives of the communities we serve.”
Grand Gateway 66, Shanghai: MINISO x JENNIE Pop-up
These vibrant retail activations are part of a holistic celebration that further embodies the “66 and beyond” spirit across Hang Lung’s entire ecosystem. The initiatives complement the year-round hotel offers, which invite guests to celebrate the milestone with thoughtfully curated stay, dining, and wellness experiences at Conrad Shenyang and Grand Hyatt Kunming. As the anniversary year unfolds, the Company will continue to redefine the urban landscape, with further highlights to be announced in the coming months.
Appendix: Key Highlights of Hang Lung’s Celebration Campaigns in the Mainland Portfolio
Mall / City
Key Initiative
Dates
All Mainland Malls
66th Anniversary City-Exclusive Series: Taste of 66
April 11, 12, 18, 19
Center 66, Wuxi
Xu Beihong (徐悲鴻) Printmaking ArtExhibition at Center Residences: In collaboration with the Xu Beihong Art Museum, the master’s limited-edition horse prints return to his hometown for the first showing in 2026
March 8 – June 7
Wonderlost In Spring: A magical spring adventure journey
March 27 – May 5
Grand Gateway 66, Shanghai
MINISO x JENNIE Pop-up: Nationwide debut of the exclusive collaboration
March 20 – April 19
Riverside 66, Tianjin
“Sweet Encounters”: A month-long celebration of desserts
March 28 – May 5
Plaza 66, Shanghai
Echo Variation: Celebrating the 25th anniversary
April 10 – May 5
Olympia 66, Dalian
Wuzhen Theatre Festival Parade: The acclaimed cultural parade
April 11, 12, 18
Palace 66, Shenyang
Multi-Sport Wellness Series: Zumba, comprehensive fitness challenge, and fencing
April 11, 12, 18, 19
Forum 66, Shenyang
3v3 Basketball League & Pro Pickleball Tournament: Major urban sporting events
April 13 – 19 and
25 – 26
Spring City 66, Kunming
Bafé Wondering: Partnership with “Bread Wander”: A unique collaboration with a popular food IP
April 17 – 19
Parc 66, Jinan
Sweet Sips Market: A festival of delightful sweet beverages
Basketball Series: Including an influencer-led challenge and a youth basketball tournament
May 30, 31
Center 66, Wuxi: Wonderlost in Spring
Center Residences, Wuxi: Xu Beihong (徐悲鴻) Printmaking Art Exhibition
Forum 66, Shenyang: 3v3 Basketball League
Riverside 66, Tianjin: Sweet Encounters
Hashtag: #HangLungProperties
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Hang Lung Properties
Hang Lung Properties Limited (SEHK stock code: 00101) creates compelling spaces that enrich lives. Headquartered in Hong Kong and Shanghai, the Company manages a portfolio of over 3.5 million square meters of retail, office, residential, and hotel properties across Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland.
The Company’s diverse portfolio in Hong Kong includes office towers and malls in prime districts, as well as luxury residential developments in prestigious areas. In the Chinese Mainland, under the signature “66” brand, the Company’s mixed-use and retail developments are regarded as premium landmarks, strategically located in the hearts of key cities of Shanghai, Shenyang, Jinan, Wuxi, Tianjin, Dalian, Kunming, Wuhan, and Hangzhou.
The Company is recognized for pioneering sustainability in the real estate industry, with an MSCI ESG rating of AA and inclusion on CDP “A List” for Climate Change. The Company powers 90% of its operating properties in the Chinese Mainland with renewable energy, with a net-zero commitment by 2050.
BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 April 2026 – As the spring breeze sweeps across the banks of the Beixiao River in Chaoyang District, a spectacle that has captured the heart of the entire city is unfolding. This is Beijing’s first-ever “Sakura River.”
Spanning a 4.2-kilometer waterfront, nearly 6,000 cherry blossom trees of 68 varieties are blooming in succession from late March to late April. A continuous tide of flowers—ranging from powdery white and soft pink to crimson and pale yellow-green—has transformed the spring season into a poetic garden inviting exploration.
On April 3rd, the Beixiao River Spring Boat Tour set sail. Sculling boats carve out an oriental charm on the water, car-shaped boats glide steadily between flower-lined banks, and sightseeing boats brim with urban vitality. As these three types of vessels glide along the waterway, the poetic line “boats gliding among flowers, people wandering through a painting” is no longer just a verse—it is a tangible spring experience.
Additionally, five themed stationary flower-viewing boats are moored on the river. Decorated with tulips, hydrangeas, and bougainvillea, they are docked artistically along the banks, offering picture-perfect photo opportunities at every turn.
If you had seen the Beixiao River in its former life, you would appreciate the preciousness of this beauty even more.
Once an ordinary urban flood channel with rigid banks, fragmented spaces, and disconnected paths, the river underwent a comprehensive renovation in 2024. Chaoyang District removed fences and constructed 8.4 kilometers of high-quality greenways. Seventeen new access points now connect 14 riverside communities directly to the water, with the nearest residential compound just 50 meters away. For approximately 80,000 residents, the vision of “stepping out onto a greenway and walking into a park” has become a reality.
This “cosmetic” transformation has turned an inner-city river into a “Waterfront Reception Hall” that integrates ecology, commerce, and leisure. The Beixiao River has achieved a seamless fusion of water and parkland. Visitors can stroll along the banks to admire the blossoms or step directly from the greenway into Beixiaohe Park, Dawangjing Park, and Wanghe Park to continue their search for spring blooms.
Connecting the Wangjing and Donghu districts and linking five major business hubs, the river has turned flower viewing from a short trip into a vibrant part of daily urban life. Whether jogging, cycling, walking the kids, or simply sitting idly, cherry blossoms are now right outside your window, by the roadside, and along the riverbank—offering healing snapshots and moments of joy anytime, anywhere.
New York has the Hudson River Park, reshaping dilapidated industrial banks into a world-class waterfront green corridor; London’s Thames riverbanks see spring flower seas contrasting beautifully with classical architecture. Now, Beijing has its own Sakura River—the Beixiao River. It is not a copycat, but a story of a megacity “grooming” a forgotten waterway to give it back to its citizens and to spring.
This spring, come to Chaoyang, Beijing. Take a boat and glide through a 4.2-kilometer sea of pink blossoms to experience the ultimate oriental romance.Hashtag: #Chaoyang #SakuraRiver
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
By Nitya Chakraborty China and Russia are the two major countries which are going the wholehog in boosting the Myanmar junta chief Min Aung Hlaing who has just been elected as the new President following national elections which were rigged, according to the international poll observers. India also exercised its diplomatic pragmatism by doing away […]
Complementing an orchard-themed dreamy tea set by two master pâtissiers, a series of fascinating delicacies is presented by Galaxy Macau in April
MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 April 2026 -In celebration of its ascent to One Diamond status in China’s prestigious Black Pearl Restaurant Guide, Galaxy Macau’s Japanese fine‑dining destination Yamazato proudly unveils the Black Pearl Tasting Kaiseki — a refined and contemplative culinary expression that honours seasonality, precision and the quiet elegance intrinsic to Japanese haute cuisine. Framed by sweeping panoramic views across Galaxy Macau landscape, the experience captures the fleeting beauty of nature through an artful and disciplined gastronomic lens.
Yamazato celebrates its Black Pearl One Diamond distinction with a contemplative kaiseki by Executive Chef Hideaki Hayashi, where seasonal purity, meticulous craftsmanship, and serene vistas converge to distil the quiet poetry of Japanese haute cuisine.
At the helm, Executive Chef Hideaki Hayashi and his culinary team invite guests on a pristine gastronomic journey shaped by meticulous craftsmanship and profound reverence for ingredients. Each kaiseki course is composed with thoughtful intentions, drawing upon the season’s finest offerings, be it produce from the sky, the sea and the land. Every detail — subtle aroma, layered texture, nuanced flavours, and elegant presentation — is harmoniously orchestrated to awaken the senses and express the restrained poetry at the heart of Japanese culinary artistry.
The Black Pearl Tasting Kaiseki is priced at MOP 1,980+ per guest and is available Tuesday to Sunday, from 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm.
Floral Tea Set in the Orchard Setting of CHA BEI
This spring and summer, Galaxy Macau unveils an enchanting new afternoon tea experience at CHA BEI, co‑created by Executive Pastry Chef Yam Lok Hin and internationally revered Meilleur Ouvrier de France Pâtissier 2023 Pierre‑Henri Roullard. Inspired by a radiant garden in full bloom, the Orchard in Bloom afternoon tea invites guests on a refined journey through delicately balanced savoury and sweet creations, infused with flowers, fruits and tea leaves. Within the serene surroundings of CHA BEI, the brilliance of the spring and summer season is reimagined as a tranquil, storybook orchard, where flavour and artistry flourish in harmony.
Galaxy Macau’s Orchard in Bloom at CHA BEI is a poetic afternoon tea by Lok Hin Yam and Pierre‑Henri Roullard, where florals, fruits and tea leaves coalesce in refined seasonal harmony.
The experience opens with Lavender Breeze, a graceful floral welcome that sets the tone for a series of garden‑inspired delights, where seasonal ingredients are transformed into elegant edible jewels. Bright citrus notes, sun‑ripened fruits and fragrant botanicals come together across exquisite pastries and artfully crafted savouries, each reflecting meticulous craftsmanship and creative imagination. Available throughout spring and summer, this inspired collaboration blossoms as a celebration of colour, texture and taste — where two distinct pastry visions unite in a symphony of refined indulgence.
Priced at MOP598+ for two, “Orchard in Bloom” afternoon tea will be available between 2:30pm and 5:30pm every day, from now until August 31.
Alongside these sumptuous delicacies, Galaxy Macau has prepared a series of fascinating dining promotions this April and beyond:
• April 9
Blossom Palaces –
“Huaiyang Spring Feast: A Symphony of Two Masters” Four-hands Gala
The refined artistry of Huaiyang cuisine takes centre stage as Blossom Palaces Founder Bobby Lo and Macau Chef de Cuisine Ricky Wu unite for an elegant spring dinner. From tea‑infused starters to signature wood‑fired Peking duck, the evening is elevated by a live tea‑frying performance celebrating tradition, aroma and seasonal finesse.
Time: 6pm – 9pm
Price: MOP1,088/person
Huaiyang cuisine takes the spotlight as Blossom Palaces Founder Bobby Lo joins Macau Chef de Cuisine Ricky Wu for a refined spring dinner, featuring tea‑infused starters, signature wood‑fired Peking duck and a live tea‑frying performance celebrating tradition and seasonal grace.
• April 10 & 11
Saffron –
“A Royal Symphony of Thai Cuisine”
Saffron marks Songkran Festival with an elegant celebration of Thai New Year, featuring a rare collaboration between Executive Chef Jan Ruangnukulkit and Chef Chumpol Jangpra, the brain behind Bangkok’s two-Michelin-starred R‑HAAN. The immersive experience blends ceremonial rituals, cultural performances and a masterfully curated tasting menu honouring tradition, artistry and renewal.
Price: MOP1,688/person (additional MOP300 for wine pairing)
Saffron marks Songkran Festival with an elegant celebration that seamlessly blends ceremonial rituals, cultural performances and a masterfully curated tasting menu – honouring Thai tradition, culinary artistry and the spirit of renewal.
• April 18 & 19
8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA –
The Grand Bombana Feast
In celebration of Italian cuisine’s recognition as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, Chef Umberto Bombana unites his protégés from Michelin‑starred kitchens across Asia for an unprecedented gastronomic gathering. Each chef presents a personal interpretation shaped by heritage and mentorship, creating an elegant dialogue between timeless Italian tradition and contemporary global expression—an exceptional feast and a living culinary legacy.
Date: April 18, 2026 (dinner)│ April 19, 2026 (lunch and dinner)
Price: Lunch Tasting Menu MOP1,680/person (additional MOP980 for wine pairing)
Dinner Tasting Menu MOP3,280/person (wine-pairing for an additional MOP1,880)
In celebration of Italian cuisine’s recognition as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, Chef Umberto Bombana unites his protégés from Michelin‑starred kitchens across Asia for an unprecedented gastronomic gathering at 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA at Galaxy Macau.
• April 25 & 26
Andaz Kitchen –
Chinese-Portuguese Master Chefs Four-Hands Dinner Series · Chapter 2
Andaz Macau’s Executive Chef André Lai joins hands with Chef Larry Liu of Shenzhen’s Black Pearl One-Diamond restaurant, CHINA LODGE, for a refined culinary exchange celebrating the dialogue between Chinese tradition and Portuguese heritage. Guided by the Cantonese principles of seasonality and purity of flavours, Chef Liu brings his thoughtful craftsmanship and contemporary interpretation of Cantonese cuisine – deeply rooted in respect for ingredients and culinary legacy – resulting in an inspired collaboration that bridges cultures through taste.
Price: MOP1,088/person (wine pairing included)
• Daily
Kyo Watami –
Triple Don Indulgence
Kyo Watami’s seafood don trio invites diners to savour three bowls of Japanese favourites, each layered with seasonal seafood over steamed rice. From luxurious sea urchin and tuna, to salmon roe with sashimi, and sweet soy‑glazed grilled eel with omelette, the set is completed with a light salad and comforting soup.
Price: MOP128/set
Date: Daily during lunch hours
A Month of Global Mixology Encounters at Galaxy Macau
International symphonies of mixology continue at Galaxy Macau’s three acclaimed venues – Pony & Plume, Long Bar and Ritz-Carlton Bar & Lounge.
On April 9, Capella at Galaxy Macau’s Pony & Plume will welcome star mixologist KT Lam for the second chapter of “The Finest Pour” series. Leader of the bars at Rosewood Bangkok and having led DarkSide at Rosewood Hong Kong to No. 9 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars in 2023, KT will present four cocktails at Macau’s newest must-visit bar—each a distillation of his decade-long journey in mixology, inspired by the cities that have shaped him, capturing their energy, harmony, and contrasts.
On April 9, Capella at Galaxy Macau’s Pony & Plume will welcome star mixologist KT Lam who will shine with the distillation of his decade-long journey in mixology.
On April 11, the Ritz-Carlton Bar and Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton, Macau anticipates guests to savour an evening of “The Alchemist Flair: A Global Mixology Experience with Chase White”, as founder of Bar Blanc in Shanghai, and botanical spirits label OFBT, mixologist Chase White instils his passion and adventurous spirit into his creations, which champion a philosophy of “restrained creativity” and celebrate balance, quality, and simplicity—without sacrificing intrigue.
Long Bar at Raffles at Galaxy Macau welcomes Jo Lo and Birstacla Wong, co‑owners of Hong Kong’s acclaimed cocktail bar Bar Mind, for the April edition of Adventures in the Cavern. The award‑winning mixology duo—both past recipients of Diageo World Class Hong Kong & Macau Bartender of the Year—will present an evening of innovative cocktails that blend heritage flavours with contemporary techniques. The guest shift takes place on April 25, offering guests an inspired journey into modern mixology.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
ABOUT GALAXY MACAU INTEGRATED RESORT
Galaxy Macau, The World-class Luxury Integrated Resort delivers the “Most Spectacular Entertainment and Leisure Destination in the World”. Developed at an investment of HK$43 billion, the property covers 1.1 million-square-meter of unique entertainment and leisure attractions that are unlike anything else in Macau. Nine award-winning world-class luxury hotels provide close to 5,000 rooms, suites and villas. They include Banyan Tree Macau, Galaxy Hotel, Hotel Okura Macau, JW Marriott Hotel Macau, The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, Broadway Hotel, Raffles at Galaxy Macau, Andaz Macau, and Capella at Galaxy Macau. Unique to Galaxy Macau, the 75,000-square-meter Grand Resort Deck features the world’s longest Skytop Adventure Rapids at 575-meters, the largest Skytop Wave Pool with waves up to 1.5-meters high and 150-meters pristine white sand beach. Two five-star spas from Banyan Tree Spa Macau and The Ritz- Carlton Spa, Macau help guests relax and rejuvenate.
As the dining destination in Asia, Galaxy Macau offers a wide variety of gastronomic delights, exquisite experiences and ingredients of the finest quality with over 120 dining options from Michelin dining to authentic delicacies.
Embark on a delightful and rewarding journey at Galaxy Promenade, the one-stop shopping destination boasting some of the world’s most iconic luxury brands. Be the first to get the latest limited-edition items; explore fascinating pop-ups by coveted labels and revel in fabulous shopping rewards and privileges. Our VIPs are entitled to a highly-curated experience with dedicated personal shoppers at guests’ service, and be invited to exclusive luxury brand events. A different caliber of privileges and rewards also await. Discover the joys of fashion and stand at the forefront of style and sophistication—Galaxy Promenade has everything guests need to stay ahead of the style game.
Galaxy Cinemas takes immersive movie experiences to the next level with the latest audio-visual technology, ultra-luxurious facilities and bespoke services; CHINA ROUGE, one-of-a-kind cabaret lounge that evokes the glamor of Shanghai’s golden era with stylish entertainment and customizable surrounds; and Foot Hub, which presents the traditional art of reflexology for authentic relaxation and revitalization. For Authentic Macau Flavours and Vibrant Asian Experiences, Broadway Macau – just a 90-second walk via a bridge from Galaxy Macau, has over 35 Authentic Macau & Asian Flavours at Broadway Food Street. The 2,500-seat Broadway Theatre plays host to world-class entertainers and a diverse array of cultural events.
Meeting, incentive and banquet groups are also catered to with a portfolio of unique venues in Galaxy Macau and an expert service team. Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) is the latest addition to the Group’s ever-expanding integrated resort precinct and will usher in a new era for the MICE industry in Macau. GICC is a world-class event venue featuring 40,000-square-meters of total flexible MICE, and the 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena – the largest indoor arena in Macau.
UAE residents could receive the longest continuous public holiday stretch of 2026 at the end of May, with astronomers and local media forecasts pointing to Arafat Day on Tuesday, May 26, followed by Eid al-Adha from Wednesday, May 27, to Friday, May 29. When combined with the Saturday-Sunday weekend on May 30 and 31, that would create a six-day break, while employees who take leave on Monday, […]
Microsoft has warned that a threat actor it tracks as Storm-1175 is exploiting vulnerabilities in internet-facing systems at high speed to deliver Medusa ransomware, in some cases moving from initial access to data theft and encryption within 24 hours. The alert points to a pattern that security teams have feared for months: a shrinking window between vulnerability disclosure, exploitation and full-scale ransomware deployment. The group, described […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai BNW Developments, which describes itself as Ras Al Khaimah’s largest private developer, has entered Dubai’s off-plan market with Orvessa Residences by Michel Adam, a branded residential scheme in Al Furjan that marks the company’s latest push beyond its fast-growing base in the northern emirate. The move extends BNW’s branded-homes strategy at a time when Dubai continues to draw both end-users and investors […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai UAE businesses are sharply increasing their use of artificial intelligence to cut costs, raise output and strengthen resilience, with AI-related spending rising 521 per cent over the past 13 months, according to a new market snapshot based on corporate payment data. The findings point to a shift from trial use to operational deployment, particularly among smaller businesses seeking quicker productivity gains in a […]
China’s electric-arc furnace steelmakers are lifting output at the fastest pace in more than two years, helped by improving margins and a seasonal pickup in construction demand, giving the lower-carbon segment a rare competitive opening in a market still burdened by oversupply and weak property-linked consumption. Industry data showed average capacity utilisation among 94 independent EAF mills rose to 61.2% in the week of March 27 to April 2, the highest level since January 2024 and the fifth straight weekly increase.
The rebound matters because EAF steel has long struggled to gain ground in China despite official support for cleaner production. The route relies mainly on scrap rather than iron ore and coking coal, making it structurally less carbon intensive than the blast furnace-basic oxygen furnace model that still dominates the country’s steel industry. World Steel Association figures show the global production mix is far more tilted towards EAF than China’s, with electric-arc furnaces accounting for 28.6% of world crude steel output, while average carbon intensity for scrap-based EAF steelmaking is markedly below that of the conventional blast furnace route.
For Chinese mills, the immediate story is not only about decarbonisation but about economics. Higher finished-steel prices and steadier demand for construction steel have made it easier for some EAF operators to restart or raise run-rates after a prolonged spell in which many were squeezed by electricity bills, uneven scrap supply and patchy orders. Reuters reported in late February that warmer weather and the resumption of building activity typically support steel demand in March, while temporary production curbs in northern blast-furnace regions also helped firm futures prices. That backdrop has narrowed the gap between scrap-fed mills and traditional producers, even if the advantage remains fragile.
Yet the broader steel market in China remains difficult. Official and consultancy data cited by Reuters show crude steel output in 2025 fell to 960.1 million tonnes, down 4.4% from 2024 and below one billion tonnes for the first time since 2019. That decline reflected a managed effort by Beijing to address overcapacity, but it also underscored softer domestic demand and the long shadow cast by the property downturn. State-backed forecasts cited by Reuters indicate steel demand is expected to slip again in 2026 after contracting sharply in 2025, suggesting that EAF mills are recovering within a shrinking overall market rather than riding a broad-based industrial boom.
That tension helps explain why Beijing continues to press for structural change. The National Development and Reform Commission said in March that China would curb excess capacity in steel and other heavy industries in an orderly way, renewing a campaign that has featured repeatedly in official policy language. The cleaner EAF route fits that policy direction because it uses recycled feedstock and can reduce reliance on imported iron ore, but steelmakers still take their cues from margins first. When profits weaken, producers often retreat to whichever process best matches raw material costs, local power tariffs and available supply chains.
The environmental case for EAF expansion remains strong. Reuters reported last year that China had aimed to raise EAF steel’s share of crude steel production to 15% by 2025 and 20% by the end of the decade, but the actual share had been stuck around 10%. A 2025 review by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air said missing the 15% milestone would add more than 160 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions compared with a stronger shift towards cleaner steelmaking, while high electricity costs, unreliable scrap flows and financial strain had kept many EAF operators on the back foot.
China’s steel industry also faces an external pressure point: trade. Even as domestic demand softened, exports climbed to a record 119.02 million tonnes in 2025, up 7.5% from a year earlier, according to Reuters. That export surge helped keep mills running, but it also intensified complaints abroad over cheap supply and raised the risk of more trade barriers. For EAF producers, this creates a mixed picture. Strong export channels can support domestic steel prices and improve mill economics, yet any escalation in trade restrictions would feed back into the entire sector, including the greener producers now regaining confidence.
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Bitcoin pushed back above the $70,000 mark on Monday, offering a measure of relief to a market that has been battered by volatility, geopolitical tension and doubts over whether institutional buying is strong enough to absorb selling by large holders. The move was modest rather than decisive, with live pricing showing bitcoin at about $69,728 on Tuesday in Asia after an intraday high of $70,240, underscoring […]
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Arabian Post Staff -Dubai AirAsia X has raised ticket prices by between 31% and 40% and lifted fuel surcharges by as much as 20% after jet fuel costs surged following the Iran war, according to Group Chief Executive Officer Bo Lingam, underscoring how quickly conflict in the Middle East is feeding into Asian aviation costs and passenger fares. The Malaysia-based low-cost carrier said average jet fuel prices […]
A Python package presented as a privacy-first shortcut to AI models has been unmasked as a supply-chain threat that quietly captures user prompts, leans on a private university service without authorisation and repurposes proprietary Claude material to make the deception look convincing. Security researchers said the package, hermes-px, was uploaded to PyPI as a supposed “Secure AI Inference Proxy” offering OpenAI-compatible access over Tor and claiming users […]
Dubai Basketball’s Under-18 Elite team has won the 2026 Basket Cup Sarajevo title, beating Ras Beograd U18 69-53 in the final after an unbeaten run through the tournament in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The victory, secured in the side’s first appearance at the event, marks one of the clearest signs yet that Dubai’s push to build a serious youth basketball pathway is beginning to produce results beyond the […]
India has moved to secure 2.5 million tonnes of imported urea ahead of the kharif sowing season, opening one of its largest buying exercises in months as the West Asia war squeezes gas availability, disrupts shipping routes and cuts domestic fertiliser output. State-run Indian Potash Ltd has invited bids for 1.5 million tonnes for west coast ports and 1 million tonnes for east coast ports, with vessels required to sail by 14 June and bids due on 15 April.
The timing reflects pressure building across the farm supply chain just before planting for rice, maize and soybean gathers pace in June. India is the world’s biggest urea importer and remains exposed not only to overseas fertiliser shipments but also to liquefied natural gas supplies from the Gulf, a key feedstock for domestic urea plants. Market disruption linked to the conflict has forced policymakers and import agencies to act earlier and at larger scale than usual to avoid a supply gap during the monsoon cropping cycle.
The tender itself underlines the urgency. Indian Potash’s notice, dated 4 April, shows the company is seeking granular or prilled urea in bulk for agriculture use, with separate pricing required for FOBT and C&FFO terms. The notice also sets the bid opening for 15 April and says offers must remain valid until 23 April. Those details matter because India’s tenders often serve as a benchmark for global trade, influencing price expectations far beyond its own market.
Supply stress has emerged on two fronts. First, disruption around the Gulf has affected fertiliser cargo movements through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most sensitive trade chokepoints for both natural gas and finished fertiliser. Second, tighter LNG availability has curtailed feedstock for urea manufacturing at home. Reuters reported that the conflict had cut domestic output by about 600,000 to 700,000 tonnes a month, while other reports in the domestic press said production in one month had slipped to about 18 lakh tonnes from around 24 lakh tonnes.
That drop is striking because domestic capacity had been strengthened over the past decade. Official figures released last month said urea production in 2024-25 stood at 306.67 lakh metric tonnes, after touching a record 314.07 lakh metric tonnes in 2023-24. The broader policy effort has been to reduce import dependence through revived plants and brownfield additions, yet the present disruption shows that energy exposure still leaves the sector vulnerable when conflict hits upstream supply and freight corridors.
Trade data had already pointed to a more import-dependent year even before the latest escalation. Fertiliser Association of India data reported in January showed urea imports jumped 120.3 per cent year on year to 7.17 million tonnes in April-November 2024-25. That surge suggested domestic output and demand were already misaligned, leaving little buffer when the external shock arrived. The latest tender therefore looks less like a one-off emergency purchase and more like an attempt to rebuild a thinning pipeline before farm demand accelerates.
The price implications are equally important. Reuters said India’s previous tender had cleared at $418.40 a tonne, and traders now expect the new purchase to test higher levels because global availability has tightened. Argus reported that the war had effectively cut off exports from major Gulf producers including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain, which together usually account for roughly 1 million tonnes a month, or about a fifth of global urea trade. It also cited Kpler data showing more than 900,000 tonnes on stranded vessels beyond Hormuz.
Officials have also been working on contingency planning outside the tender route. Domestic reports said a task group had been formed to assess global urea sources and prepare import options, while gas supply to fertiliser units has been partially restored through spot purchases and reallocation. That may soften the production hit, but it does not fully remove the risk because any prolonged interruption in Gulf shipping or LNG flows would keep pressure on both landed prices and physical availability.
Saudi Arabia’s non-oil private sector slipped into contraction in March, with business conditions deteriorating for the first time since August 2020 as conflict across the Middle East disrupted supply chains, delayed exports and hit customer demand. The Riyad Bank Saudi Arabia Purchasing Managers’ Index fell to 48.8 in March from 56.1 in February, dropping below the 50-point threshold that separates growth from contraction. Data for the […]
By Nantoo Banerjee The Reserve Bank of India and the government may officially deny or even pretend to ignore the adverse impact of the continuous downhill journey of the Indian Rupee against the US Dollar on the economy, the disturbing trend, if not contained, is bound to lead the heavily import-reliant nation to high inflation […]
HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 April 2026 – On April 6, 2026, three Vingroup member organizations—the “For Green Future” Foundation, VinUniversity, and VinTechTalent (Vingroup Young Technology Talent Club) – officially launched the Asian Hackathon for Green Future, a competition dedicated to developing technology-driven solutions for a sustainable future. Open to undergraduate and master’s students from universities across Asia, the competition offers a total prize pool of USD 24,000.
The Asian Hackathon for Green Future officially opened for registration on April 6, 2026, marking the start of the competition, with a total prize pool of USD 24,000. Photo courtesy of the “For Green Future” Foundation.
This marks the first time an Asia-wide environmental hackathon exclusively for undergraduate and master’s students is held in Vietnam. The competition aims to identify and develop technology-driven solutions to pressing environmental challenges, while fostering innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration among the younger generation.
Participants will advance through three main stages: Registration & Preliminary (April 6 – May 17, 2026); Online Training Phase (June 2 – June 28, 2026); and Final Round & Hackathon at VinUniversity (July 2 – July 5, 2026, tentative).
During the Registration & Preliminary Round, participants register online in teams of up to four members. Eligible applicants must be current undergraduate or master’s students at universities across Asia.
Application materials include an idea proposal and an introductory video. Based on evaluation by the Technical Board, the Top 30 teams will be selected to advance to the next stage.
The competition encourages interdisciplinary ideas that integrate multiple fields—including technology, environmental sciences, economics, and social sciences—with the aim of creating solutions that are innovative, feasible, and socially impactful.
Proposed ideas should address one of three key challenge areas: Renewable Energy and Low-Carbon Mobility; Urban Air Quality and Climate Resilience; Water Resources and Climate-Resilient Agriculture.
During the Online Training Round, the Top 30 teams will participate in a series of intensive training sessions and expert consultations with multidisciplinary specialists. These sessions are designed to equip teams with deeper domain knowledge and up-to-date insights on sustainability trends and relevant technologies, enabling them to further refine and expand their proposed solutions.
During the Final Round and Award Ceremony, all travel and accommodation expenses for the Top 30 teams will be fully covered. The teams will take part in a 24-hour hackathon at VinUniversity (Hanoi), where they will further develop and refine their technology-driven solutions before presenting them to the Judging Panel. Based on this evaluation, the Top 9 teams will be selected to advance to the final assessment round, from which the winning team will be determined.
The Chair of the Judging Panel is Prof. Duong Nguyen Vu, Vice Provost of Graduate Education at VinUniversity and Chief Scientific Officer at the Center for AI Research. He had been a Professor of Aerospace Engineering at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore until July 2025, where he served as Scientific Director at the Air Traffic Management Research Institute (ATMRI). Under his leadership—as Executive Director until 2025—the institute has emerged as a global leader in air traffic management research, thanks in large part to the scientific foundation he helped establish. Before joining NTU, Prof. Vu was the founding Director of the John von Neumann Institute at Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, spearheading university-industry collaborations and championing innovation and entrepreneurship in education.
Prior to returning to Vietnam in 2010, he was Head of Innovative Research and Senior Scientific Advisor at the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation (EUROCONTROL). He also advised Vietnam’s Minister of Planning and Investment on innovation strategy, contributing to the establishment of the National Innovation Center.
The competition offers a total prize pool of USD 24,000, comprising one First Prize of USD 8,000, one Second Prize of USD 5,000, two Third Prizes of USD 3,000 each, and five Consolation Prizes of USD 1,000 each. Beyond the awards, participating teams will gain valuable opportunities to engage with leading experts from across the region, expand their professional networks, and strengthen their access to the broader innovation ecosystem.
Dr. Le Thai Ha, Managing Director of the “For Green Future” Foundation and Head of the Organizing Committee, shared: “We believe that ideas with the power to shape the future do not always emerge from large laboratories or well-established institutions; they often arise from the insight, initiative, and determination of young people to make a difference. Through the Asian Hackathon for Green Future, we seek to create a platform where students across the region can transform their environmental awareness into tangible, innovative solutions that deliver meaningful impact for communities and the future.”
The Asian Hackathon for Green Future is expected to foster innovation aligned with sustainable development, while contributing to the development of a new generation of young talents capable of cross-border collaboration to create solutions with lasting, positive impact across the region.