Tourists leaving the UAE can now receive value added tax refunds within one business day under an artificial intelligence platform introduced by the Federal Tax Authority, reducing the previous waiting period of approximately nine days. The system, launched on October 20 in partnership with authorised refund operator Planet, is operating at Dubai International Airport, Zayed International Airport in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah International Airport. It enables eligible […]
By K Raveendran Escalating tensions between the United States and Iran are threatening to push global oil markets into another period of turbulence, but India has found an unexpected measure of protection in President Donald Trump’s decision to ease sanctions on Russian energy. The policy reversal, driven partly by Washington’s own need for Russian diesel, […]
The article India Gains Crucial Oil Lifeline Amid Iran Tensions And Crude Oil Spikes appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).
By Dr. Gyan Pathak India is set to further ‘improve’ employment and unemployment data by revamping the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) and bringing out the data accordingly from January 2027. The National Statistics Office (NSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has proposed to introduce modification in the sampling design of the PLFS […]
The article India Set To Further ‘Improve’ Employment Data From January 2027 appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).
Britain has committed £100 million to establish an artificial intelligence biosecurity laboratory, supported by OpenAI, Anthropic and Google DeepMind, to strengthen defences against biological threats. The AI Biosecurity Lab will use advanced models to identify emerging dangers, improve disease surveillance and accelerate development of vaccines and treatments, the government announced on Saturday. OpenAI and Anthropic have pledged up to £200 million in computing resources, model credits and […]
The Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) said on Saturday that applications submitted between 2023 and the first half of 2026 totalled 23.5 billion baht. The proposed projects cover specialised components and industrial materials used in electronics, batteries, electric motors and hydrogen technologies.
The figures represent investment applications rather than completed expenditure. The agency did not provide a breakdown of project approvals, construction schedules or the amount already invested, leaving the pace at which the proposed capacity will become operational unclear.
Narit Therdsteerasukdi, secretary-general of the BOI, said domestic production of sophisticated materials could reduce dependence on imports and allow Thai suppliers to participate in higher-value international manufacturing networks. The agency wants to develop industries supplying essential inputs rather than relying principally on assembly operations.
The applications include multilayer ceramic capacitors, graphite films used for heat management, engineered ceramics, neodymium magnets, materials for batteries and fuel cells, and specialised glass and quartz fabrics used in printed circuit boards. Nanomaterials for precision manufacturing are also represented.
Such products are important to increasingly powerful computing equipment. Multilayer ceramic capacitors help regulate electrical power in electronic circuits, while graphite films dissipate heat generated by densely packed components. The BOI said a high-end AI server can contain as many as 30,000 ceramic capacitors, illustrating the scale of demand associated with advanced computing infrastructure.
Among the companies identified by the agency, Taiwan’s Fultech Fiber Glass produces glass fabrics for circuit boards, including higher-performance varieties suitable for AI servers. Jones Tech manufactures synthetic and natural graphite films designed to transfer heat away from electronic devices.
Other projects target electric transport and energy storage. BGN Thai produces coated foils for lithium-ion batteries, while Phinis Well manufactures neodymium magnets used in electric motors. Xinyuan Graphite supplies bipolar plates for hydrogen fuel cells, extending the range of technologies covered by the investment pipeline.
CoorsTek Advanced Materials, part of the US-based ceramics group CoorsTek, has invested in engineered ceramics used in automotive pressure sensors and silicon nitride balls for hybrid bearings. Those bearings have applications in electric vehicles and wind turbines. Golden Egret Cemented Carbide produces tungsten carbide powders for precision cutting tools.
Thailand already hosts established electronic component manufacturers, including Japan’s Murata Electronics and Kyocera AVX Components. The BOI cited these operations as part of the industrial base supporting the proposed expansion into more specialised upstream production.
The announcement follows broader growth in investment applications for technology-intensive industries. BOI figures released for the first half of 2026 showed total applications rising 37 per cent from a year earlier to approximately 1.47 trillion baht across 1,299 projects. Digital infrastructure, including data centres, accounted for a substantial share of the total.
Those economy-wide figures are separate from the 23.5 billion baht advanced materials pipeline, which covers applications accumulated over a longer period. Comparing the two as if they represented the same reporting window would overstate the scale of the materials industry’s immediate expansion.
The government’s electronics strategy has also focused on printed circuit boards, a manufacturing segment closely linked to AI servers and communications equipment. Authorities announced approvals for further expansion by three circuit-board manufacturers involving more than $668 million in investment, with over 5,000 additional jobs expected from those projects.
Electric vehicle manufacturing provides another source of potential demand. BOI data published in September placed cumulative approved investment across Thailand’s electric vehicle supply chain at approximately $4.59 billion through August, covering vehicle assembly, batteries and key components. That total concerns a different investment category and should not be added to the newly disclosed applications without checking for overlap.
Narit said the agency would continue supporting research, technology development and workforce training alongside investment promotion. Its stated objective is to increase the share of advanced materials and components manufactured domestically for regional and international customers.
The investment drive also reflects Thailand’s efforts to attract suppliers serving multiple industries, rather than individual product categories. Manufacturers of specialised materials can potentially supply electronics, automotive and renewable-energy customers through overlapping production capabilities and established distribution networks.
The BOI calculated the dollar equivalent of the latest proposals using an exchange rate of approximately 33.76 baht to the US dollar. The agency, established in 1966, administers investment promotion for both domestic and foreign businesses.
By T N Ashok NEW YORK: The latest diplomatic signals from Washington and New Delhi suggest that a prolonged India–US trade confrontation may finally be approaching a settlement. US President Donald Trump says a deal is close. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, after meeting External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in Mumbai on October 20, has […]
The article India-U.S. Trade Deal Draft Is Ready, But Still There Are Few Gaps appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).
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Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Saudi Arabian property technology company Ghanem has secured an additional $1.5 million in pre-seed financing, lifting the size of its early-stage funding round to $8.6 million as it expands a digital platform for fractional ownership of income-generating real estate. The extension attracted property companies and strategic angel investors, the Riyadh-based business said, without identifying all participants in the new financing. Its previous $7.1 […]
The two-day summit, inaugurated on Friday at the Brilliant Convention Centre, attracted investment proposals worth approximately ₹5,800 crore, potentially generating more than 10,000 jobs. Separately, five companies received letters of intent for land allocation covering projects valued at ₹9,625 crore.
The proposed semiconductor facility, involving Paras Semiconductors, a subsidiary of Paras Defence and Space Technologies, represents one of the state’s largest identified investments in advanced chip packaging. The company signed a memorandum of understanding with the state government on July 22 for a greenfield outsourced semiconductor assembly and testing plant.
The project is planned for the Indore-Ujjain corridor, where the government has identified approximately 50 acres for development. Its proposed capabilities include advanced packaging technologies associated with increasingly complex semiconductor devices, although commercial production schedules and confirmed manufacturing capacities remain undisclosed.
Advanced packaging allows multiple semiconductor components to be integrated within compact assemblies, improving communication between chips and potentially reducing power consumption. Technologies involving three-dimensional integration are particularly relevant to artificial intelligence accelerators, high-performance computing and specialised processors.
The proposed plant has been described as incorporating sophisticated packaging and testing capabilities. However, claims that it will become India’s first operational 3D artificial intelligence chip packaging facility remain dependent on implementation, technical specifications and the commissioning of competing projects.
Yadav said the summit demonstrated growing interest among technology companies in establishing manufacturing, research and engineering operations in Madhya Pradesh. More than 1,000 delegates participated, including representatives from Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and Sweden.
The investment proposals announced during discussions included ₹1,800 crore from Spintronics AI Semiconductors for phased development and ₹1,200 crore from Lalwala Industries for semiconductor manufacturing and chip design activities.
Other prospective investors included companies operating in electronics manufacturing, semiconductor design, healthcare technology and associated services. The government indicated that the proposals would require further approvals and implementation agreements before their anticipated employment benefits could materialise.
Among the five companies receiving land allocation letters, Cytech RE proposed a ₹6,415 crore hyperscale data centre with a capacity of 50 megawatts at Ganga Malanpur in Gwalior. The project represents the largest individual investment covered by those letters.
Una Ecosystems proposed a ₹2,000 crore lithium-cell manufacturing facility in Bhopal, while Auriga IT Solutions outlined a ₹500 crore global capability centre in Indore. Meena Circuits and Kaynes Electronics proposed electronics manufacturing investments of ₹400 crore and ₹310 crore respectively.
These investments extend beyond semiconductor fabrication and packaging, reflecting the government’s broader effort to attract data infrastructure, electronics manufacturing and technology services. The distinction is significant because the aggregate investment figures announced at the summit encompass several industrial categories rather than semiconductor production alone.
Yadav also announced plans for a Semiconductor Centre of Excellence and a separate Centre of Excellence for Photonics and Quantum Technologies. Both institutions are intended to support research, chip design, innovation and specialised workforce development.
The Madhya Pradesh State Electronics Development Corporation exchanged memoranda of understanding with five institutions, including SEMI India, Semiconductor Laboratory in Mohali and the Electronics Sector Skills Council of India.
The agreements cover technical collaboration, training, research and industry engagement. Their implementation is expected to involve cooperation between government agencies, academic institutions and private companies seeking access to specialised semiconductor expertise.
The state’s Semiconductor Policy 2025 offers financial incentives for eligible projects, including capital assistance and subsidised electricity. Officials have presented these measures as instruments for attracting investment into a sector requiring substantial initial expenditure and dependable infrastructure.
Yadav assured participating companies of administrative assistance, including streamlined approvals, single-window clearances and access to electricity supplies. He also identified the Indore-Ujjain Economic Corridor as a priority location for semiconductor packaging, electronics manufacturing and chip design.
Seven additional companies received letters of intent for office accommodation at the Electronics Complex in Pardesipura, Indore. Their proposed activities include semiconductor design, engineering services, research, artificial intelligence applications and electronics development.
The allocations cover approximately 44,816 square feet and carry projections of 1,280 employment opportunities. Among the beneficiaries are ADT Semiconductors, Spintronics AI Semiconductors, H-Semi Products and Truechip Solutions.
The summit’s programme includes technical discussions on semiconductor supply chains, advanced packaging, fabless chip design, photonics, quantum technologies and workforce requirements, alongside exhibitions involving more than 50 participating companies.
The projects, filed through the first half of 2026, cover multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs), thermal graphite films, high-performance ceramics, battery and fuel-cell materials, neodymium magnets, glass and quartz fabrics for printed circuit boards, and nanomaterials for precision manufacturing. Together they mark a shift for one of Southeast Asia’s largest economies from downstream assembly toward the high-value materials on which future industries are built.
In AI computing and clean energy, lighter, more heat-resistant and more conductive materials determine how well devices perform. MLCCs are essential components in products from smartphones to AI servers, and a single high-end server can use up to 30,000 of them.
“The world is moving toward products that are smaller and lighter, yet stronger and more efficient,” said Mr. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General of the Thailand Board of Investment. “Producing advanced materials in Thailand is key to building sustainable industrial capacity, reducing reliance on imports, and opening the door for Thai companies to join higher-value supply chains.”
Thailand is already a production base for leading component makers, including Japan’s Murata Electronics, which holds more than 35 percent of the global MLCC market, and Kyocera AVX Components, the world’s top tantalum capacitor maker. Among the new projects, Taiwan’s Fultech Fiber Glass makes glass fabric for printed circuit boards, including high-performance grades for AI servers. Jones Tech produces synthetic and natural graphite films that carry heat away from electronic devices.
Beyond electronics, the projects strengthen supply chains for electric vehicles, batteries, and clean energy, from BGN Thai’s coated foils for lithium-ion batteries and Phinis Well’s neodymium magnets for EV motors to Xinyuan Graphite’s bipolar plates for hydrogen fuel cells.
CoorsTek Advanced Materials, a subsidiary of US-based CoorsTek — a global leader in engineered ceramics for the semiconductor and aerospace industries — has invested in producing ceramics for automotive pressure sensors and silicon nitride balls for hybrid bearings in EVs and wind turbines. Golden Egret Cemented Carbide is making tungsten carbide powders for precision cutting tools, reinforcing Thailand’s base for high-precision manufacturing.
“The advanced materials industry taking root in Thailand today is the foundation of tomorrow’s supply chains in electronics, EVs, batteries, and clean energy,” Mr. Narit said. “The BOI will keep building this investment base, strengthening upstream materials and components, and supporting R&D, technology, and workforce development, to move Thailand from downstream to upstream production and make it the region’s advanced materials hub.”
Note: USD conversions are based on the Bank of Thailand’s average selling rate of approximately 33.76 baht per USD.
Hashtag: #Thailandboardofinvestment #BOI #FDI #Investment
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Established in 1966, the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) has spent six decades promoting high-value investment from both foreign and Thai investors, strengthening the country’s competitiveness and driving its transition toward a sustainable, balanced new economy.
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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 October 2026 – Amid the reshaping of global supply chains, the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, and the rise of emerging industries such as the low-altitude economy, the logistics industry is entering a new wave of smart transformation. Organised by the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) and funded by the Logistics Promotion Funding Scheme (LPFS) under the Maritime and Aviation Training Fund of the Transport and Logistics Bureau of the HKSAR Government, LogTech Expo 2026 will take place on 29 October (Thursday) at the InnoCentre in Kowloon Tong. Under the theme “Smart-Driven Transformation, Leading the Future of Logistics”, the Expo will bring together more than 50 logistics, supply chain and innovation and technology enterprises, alongside logistics industry leaders and experts, to share insights through a series of forums and discussions. The event will provide a one-stop platform for the industry to stay abreast of the latest logistics technology trends and developments. Admission is free, and online registration is now open.
As one of the major annual events in Hong Kong’s logistics technology sector, the Expo will feature the latest applications and achievements in smart logistics. From AI and big data analytics, smart warehousing and robotics, and automated supply chain management systems, to cross-border e-commerce logistics, green logistics, new energy transportation and drone delivery solutions, visitors will be able to experience first-hand how technology is reshaping logistics operations and helping enterprises enhance efficiency and competitiveness.
Renowned Enterprises and Organisations Showcase the Entire Smart Logistics Value Chain
This year’s Expo will bring together renowned brands and organisations from the logistics and technology sectors, including SF Supply Chain, Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department, Hongkong Post, Auto-ID Technology, HSM Industrial Solution, Tradelink, GS1 Hong Kong, ShipAny and Axis Communications, showcasing innovative solutions that support digital transformation and intelligent operations across the logistics industry. Visitors can explore the following technology zones:
Visitors will not only be able to learn how innovative technologies are applied in real-world business scenarios but also engage directly with solution providers and industry experts to explore opportunities for collaboration and transformation.
10 Thematic Seminars and Sharing Sessions Focus on the Future of Logistics
In addition to the exhibition, the Expo will feature 10 thematic forums and technical sharing sessions covering key industry topics including AI, supply chain digitalisation, cross-border e-commerce, the low-altitude economy and logistics innovation.
The opening seminar, “Smart Tools for Logistics: Practical AI Applications and Insights”, will be moderated by Ryan IP, Vice President and Executive Director of the Public Policy Institute of Our Hong Kong Foundation, and feature a panel comprising Professor Kee-hung LAI, Head of the Department of Logistics and Maritime Studies and Chair Professor of Shipping and Logistics at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University; Sunny HO, MH, JP, FCILT, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Shippers’ Council; Keno Tai-yip CHEUNG, President of The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in Hong Kong; and Suki CHEUNG Shuk-ming, Chief Executive Officer of MG Ship. Together, they will discuss how AI can enhance logistics operational efficiency, drive supply chain digitalisation, and support Hong Kong’s development as a smart logistics hub.
In addition, experts from organisations including Profit Sky International Industrial, ShipAny, Tradelink, Axis Communications and GS1 Hong Kong will share real-life business cases, enabling visitors to gain deeper insights into digital twins, cross-border e-commerce, supply chain visibility and AI applications in logistics.
Promoting Cross-sector Collaboration to Shape the Future of Logistics
The Expo is supported by more than 20 industry organisations, including the Airport Authority Hong Kong, Cathay Cargo, Hong Kong Shippers’ Council, Hong Kong Logistics Association, Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in Hong Kong, Cyberport and the Logistics and Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre. It serves as an effective platform for industry exchange and business matching, fostering innovative collaboration and industry upgrading.
Admission is free. Logistics practitioners, supply chain professionals, manufacturers, e-commerce businesses, technology solution providers, academics, and members of the public interested in the development of logistics technology are welcome to attend.
Event Details
LogTech Expo 2026
Date: 29 October 2026 (Thursday)
Time: 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
Venue: InnoCentre, 72 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong
Admission Fee: Free (Advance registration required)
Register Now: https://campaigns.hkpc.org/zh-hk/tc-rsvp-logtech_expo_2026
Exhibitor List: View Exhibitor List
Hashtag: #HKPC
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) is a statutory body established in 1967, dedicated to enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of Hong Kong enterprises through world-class applied R&D, innovative technology services, and integrated manufacturing solutions. As a market-oriented, international R&D organisation, HKPC leverages its deep expertise and extensive industry experience in key areas such as AI, advanced manufacturing, life and health technology, green technology and new energy to drive new industrialisation and support the growth of emerging and future industries.
HKPC focuses on addressing businesses challenges and industrial technology needs, promoting the full integration between technological and industrial innovation. Through technology transfer, product innovation, intellectual property protection and commercialisation of R&D outcomes, the Council fosters collaboration with the local business community as well as top global R&D institutions, delivering added value to industries and advancing the development of new productive forces. HKPC’s world-class R&D achievements have been widely recognised over the years, winning an array of local and overseas accolades, reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as an international innovation and technology centre and a smart city.
To help enterprises capitalise on Hong Kong’s strengths in international connectivity to expand into global markets, HKPC offers comprehensive overseas expansion services tailored to critical areas including product development, technology, manufacturing, and management, enabling businesses to successfully go global from Hong Kong.
HKPC is also committed to providing timely and practical support to SMEs and startups with timely and practical, assisting them in accessing Government funding programmes. Through its FutureSkills training initiatives, HKPC helps both industry and academia stay ahead in latest digital and STEM technologies, nurturing a future-ready talent pool for Hong Kong.
For more information, please visit HKPC’s website: www.hkpc.org/en.
