A former OpenAI engineer has appeared in a San Francisco federal court accused of secretly installing a recording device in a conference room used for confidential executive meetings. Abdulrahman Alfozan, 35, a Saudi national, was arrested on 9 October and made his initial court appearance on Tuesday, 13 October, the US Department of Justice said. He remains in federal custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for 19 […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Etisalat has completed its first procurement contract evaluation using agentic artificial intelligence operating within its private cloud, marking a new deployment of automated decision support in the UAE telecommunications group’s internal operations. The Abu Dhabi-based company announced the milestone on Tuesday, saying the system can analyse information, assist contract assessments and automate parts of complex purchasing workflows. It plans to extend the technology […]
URAYASU, CHIBA, JAPAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 October 2026 – Oriental Land Co., Ltd. and ORIENTAL LAND CRUISE Co., Ltd. announced that the name of its new Disney cruise ship, to commence operations for the first time in Japan with Tokyo International Cruise Terminal as its primary homeport, has been determined as Disney Imagination.
Concept image of the Disney Imagination cruise ship
Disney Imagination is a ship of dreams and wishes filled with the power of “imagination” — the heart of Disney’s storytelling. The name embodies the hope for guests of all generations to enjoy their voyage while experiencing the “imagination” of Disney.
Disney character depicted on the stern of the ship
Disney Imagination will bring guests on an ocean journey where they can immerse themselves in the world of Disney magic, wonder and fantasy, and create cherished memories that last a lifetime.
Additionally, the ship’s stern will feature Ariel from the Walt Disney Animation Studios film The Little Mermaid. Ariel joins Sebastian, the court composer crab, to paint the ship’s name on the stern.
Onboard Disney Imagination, guests can look forward to a diverse array of entertainment. This includes spectacular stage shows performed in a theater seating over 1,300 guests; stage shows on the outdoor deck featuring Disney Characters; programs offered at various locations inside the ship; and greetings with Disney Characters in exclusive Disney cruise attire.
The ship will also boast approximately 30 unique food and beverage venues, from three main dining restaurants each with a unique theme and menu, to cafes and bars, alongside shops offering Disney Imagination-exclusive merchandise and more. Furthermore, dedicated areas offering engaging programs for children will be available, while adult guests can enjoy exclusive areas for a serene and relaxing time. Every guest will find their own unique way to experience a dream cruise.
Oriental Land Group’s cruise business in Japan will operate under the official name Disney Cruise Line Japan. With Disney Imagination as its very first Disney cruise ship, this project will be the Oriental Land Group’s testament to new challenges and growth, expanding the stage from Maihama onto the high seas and establishing a new pillar alongside its theme park and hotel businesses.
Through a one-of-a-kind experience that combines the leisurely rhythm of a cruise with Disney storytelling and dedicated hospitality, the Oriental Land Group will harness its knowledge and ingenuity to create a family entertainment cruise where every guest, from adults to children, becomes the star of the show.
Please look forward to Disney Imagination setting sail in spring 2029.
BYD’s premium Denza brand is considering establishing its own vehicle-financing operation in Europe as early as 2027, a move that would extend its challenge to established luxury carmakers beyond vehicle design, technology and pricing. The proposal remains under consideration rather than a confirmed launch. Details of its ownership, regulatory structure, potential banking partners and initial markets have not been publicly established. Any financing business would have to […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 October 2026 – On October 13, the CICC Global Institute (CGI) held its 2026Q4 Macro Forum in Bangkok, Thailand, under the theme “China’s Economy amid Global Rebalancing: New Paradigms and New Industries”. The forum featured welcome remarks, keynote speeches, two thematic dialogues and an evening discussion session.
Yanliang Miao, Chief Economist and Senior Managing Director of CICC, shared his insights on China’s economic transformation and the evolving international monetary order in his opening remarks and keynote speech. He noted that understanding China requires a global rebalancing perspective, considering both the dynamism of emerging industries and the implications of the transition from old to new growth engines for jobs, incomes and demand. Alongside its green and digital transitions, China is also working toward a growth model supported by higher household incomes and services-led consumption. Turning to the international monetary order, he observed that shifts in the global economy, trade networks and financial technology are driving the evolution toward a more diversified international monetary system. Economic and trade strength do not automatically translate into international currency status: institutional credibility and the depth and breadth of financial markets remain central to understanding this evolution and the internationalization of the renminbi.
Huimin Wu, Executive Dean of CICC Global Institute and Deputy Head of Research Department at CICC, noted that, as discussed in The New Pattern of Dual Circulation, a book jointly published this year by CICC Global Institute and CICC Research Department, China’s economy is entering a new stage of development. Its trade and outward investment are undergoing a paradigm shift, while emerging industries are becoming increasingly important drivers of growth in the global economy. These changes are both part of the broader process of global economic rebalancing and deeply shaped by it, giving rise to a new pattern of interaction between China and the global economy.
The forum brought together experts and industry representatives from institutions including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), ASEAN+3 Macroeconomic Research Office (AMRO), Shanghai Advanced Institute of Finance (SAIF) at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, National University of Singapore, ICBC Standard Bank, Wood Mackenzie, and NSQ Capital. Discussions focused on the transformations of China’s trade and outward investment and their global implications, as well as the prospects for emerging industries such as innovative pharmaceuticals, green energy, and artificial intelligence.
This marked the first time the CGI Quarterly Macro Forum was held in Southeast Asia. Taking place during the week of the IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings, amid international discussions on global economic opportunities and challenges, the event brought Chinese perspectives to the global conversation and offered Chinese insights into key issues concerning China’s economy that are of broad international interest.
As an important part of CGI’s ongoing efforts to strengthen international exchanges, present China’s perspective, and foster a deeper understanding of China’s economic transformation process, the event was an innovative exploration. Looking ahead, CGI will continue to deepen its international engagement and work toward building an international dialogue platform focused on China’s economy, contributing to greater mutual trust and consensus, and playing a positive role in this cause.
Hashtag: #CICC
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About CICC
China International Capital Corporation Limited (CICC, 601995.SH, 3908.HK) was founded in 1995. Our experience in professional services includes leading several prominent transactions, reflecting our close involvement in China’s economic reform and development. Our vision is to become a first-class investment bank with international competitiveness. Our extensive network and cross-border business practices have enabled us to offer high-quality, value-added financial services to a diversified client base. This includes a full-service and balanced business model that offers investment banking, equities, FICC (Fixed Income, Currencies and Commodities), asset management, private equity and wealth management services, all of which draw on our comprehensive research and technology capability. Headquartered in Beijing, the Group has over 200 securities business offices in China, and established subsidiaries or branches in places including Hong Kong SAR, New York, London, Singapore, Frankfurt, Tokyo, Ho Chi Minh City and Dubai. As an investment bank with Chinese roots and an international reach, we are committed to providing first-rate financial services to both our Chinese and global clients to help them achieve their goals.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Etisalat UAE has commercially introduced technology that it says can triple smartphone upload speeds on its 5.5G network, targeting growing demand from artificial intelligence applications and high-resolution content sharing. The operator announced on Monday that it had deployed 2×2 uplink multiple-input multiple-output, or MIMO, alongside carrier aggregation for compatible smartphones. It described the commercial combination as a global first, although the claim has […]
Canada has established a national artificial intelligence council to advise Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government on safe adoption, economic opportunities and domestic control of critical technology. The Prime Minister’s National Council on Artificial Intelligence, announced on 2 October, brings together researchers, entrepreneurs, investors and public-sector specialists to provide independent advice on the government’s AI for All strategy. Its remit includes managing technological risks, improving public services and […]
Alibaba Group launched its next-generation Qwen artificial intelligence glasses in China on Tuesday, introducing eye-tracking and iris-payment capabilities as the technology group expands its consumer hardware business. The N1 and N1 Pro models went on sale following a product presentation, with the standard N1 priced at 2,899 yuan and the N1 Pro at 3,399 yuan before applicable discounts. The premium model costs roughly $480, while the N1 […]
By Dr. Gyan Pathak “Jantar Mantar has been reclaimed! We have entered Jantar Mantar and now we are being detained! But this is a message to all of us young gen! We can do it!” said CJP’s chief spokes person Saurav Das in a social media post after he was detained on Tuesday October 13. […]
The role of the Introducing Broker is evolving across the forex industry. Personal networks and referrals remain important, but the way potential clients discover, evaluate and interact with financial professionals has changed significantly. Today, an IB may be discovered through a social media post, video, online search or digital community before any direct conversation takes place. This makes personal branding and digital presence increasingly important parts of […]
KFC will introduce its Kentucky Town festival in Kenya on 20 October, combining locally inspired food, Kenyan-made clothing and weekend events across Nairobi in the concept’s first East African outing. The campaign, called Kentucky Town 254, will run until 15 November, with seven special menu items offered at selected restaurants and four shopping centres hosting pop-up events. The restaurant menu will remain available between the weekend events, […]
Building on its basketball partnerships announced in March, Sprite unites three-time MVP and NBA Champion Nikola Jokić with Olympic Gold Medalist and NBA superstar Anthony Edwards to lead a global movement celebrating the continuous evolution of basketball culture.
MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 October 2026 – Today, Sprite officially unveils its new global platform, “Never Stop Refreshing the Game,” with the addition of three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić to its global basketball athlete roster alongside superstar Anthony Edwards.
Sprite is doubling down on its basketball legacy on a global stage. Earlier this year, Sprite announced its return as the NBA’s Official Global Soft Drink.
For decades, Sprite has sat at the intersection of sport, fashion, music, and culture. Since first partnering with the NBA in 1986, Sprite has remained a constant presence in basketball culture, connecting with generations of players and fans through iconic campaigns, unforgettable moments, and partnerships that reflect the sport’s evolution. From neighborhood courts to the game’s biggest stages, Sprite has continued to show up wherever basketball culture moves next.
“Sprite has a history of championing the athletes, creators and communities that shape basketball culture,” said Oana Vlad, Global Brand Vice President of Sprite. “‘Never Stop Refreshing the Game’ is about finding new ways to refresh the game for fans, from the unmistakable refreshment Sprite brings on and off the court to the experiences, stories and moments that make basketball culture so powerful. By spotlighting original voices and game changers, delivering fresh entertainment, and giving fans access to experiences they might not otherwise have, we’re committed to helping move the game forward. Nikola and Ant represent that spirit perfectly.”
Two Icons with the Drive to Keep Refreshing the Game
To ignite its next era in basketball, Sprite is bringing together two of the game’s most dynamic forces. While Nikola Jokić and Anthony Edwards represent distinct paths to greatness, they share a singular instinct: a refusal to settle and a relentless drive to evolve the sport.
Nikola Jokić, freshly named the #1 player for the 2026–27 NBA season in ESPN’s NBA Rank for the third consecutive year*, brings masterclass precision, an unselfish high-IQ playstyle, and massive international reach that bridges fans from North America to Europe and beyond.
Anthony Edwards, Olympic gold medalist and four-time NBA All Star, brings explosive athleticism, clutch shot-making, and an electric charisma that has made him the undeniable face of basketball’s next generation.
“Basketball brings people around the world together,” said three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić. “Sprite has been part of the story for decades and I’m excited to partner with them to continue bringing the game to the next generation.”
Anthony Edwardsadds: “From Anta Claus to Obey Your Thirst, Sprite’s been cooking up some of the best campaigns that will live on forever. ‘Never Stop Refreshing the Game’ is no different, reminding every player out there to give it their all and stay true to who they are every time they step on the court.”
These game-changers will star in Sprite’s global campaign. The campaign will roll out worldwide starting now and into 2027. Across the ASEAN & South Pacific region, the platform will reach fans across passionate basketball hubs including the Philippines, Australia, and New Zealand– nations where basketball culture is deeply rooted in everyday life. Over the coming months, fans can expect upcoming global spots starring both Jokić and Edwards.
Bringing Fans Closer to the Game
Off the screen, fans can grab limited-edition NBA and signature Anthony Edwards and Nikola Jokić cans with scannable QR codes that unlock prizes like VIP courtside tickets, official Wilson game balls, and exclusive gear through interactive digital games. In communities worldwide, Sprite is leveling up local hoop culture by restoring neighborhood courts with vibrant “Hoops of Refreshment” murals and bringing live experiences to major events. Plus, fans can bring the energy home with NBA 2K in-game power-ups and special game-day food delivery deals.
Growing Wherever the Game Goes
By expanding its footprint across the NBA Global Games, Sprite is meeting fans where the sport is being redefined. Through immersive experiences and exclusive promotions, the brand will bring fans closer to the game, including at the NBA Mexico City Game 2026, when Nikola Jokić and the Denver Nuggets face the Indiana Pacers, as well as the NBA Manchester and Paris Games in early 2027.
The game is changing, and Sprite is leading the play.
Watch the first campaign film here Jokes Aside. For more information, follow @Sprite on social media.
Hashtag: #Sprite
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About The Coca Cola Company
The Coca‑Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is a total beverage company with products sold in more than 200 countries and territories. Our company’s purpose is to refresh the world and make a difference. We sell multiple billion-dollar brands across several beverage categories worldwide. Our portfolio of sparkling soft drink brands includes Coca‑Cola, Sprite and Fanta. Our water, sports, coffee and tea brands include Dasani, smartwater, vitaminwater, Topo Chico, BODYARMOR, Powerade, Costa, Georgia, Fuze Tea, Gold Peak and Ayataka. Our juice, value-added dairy and plant-based beverage brands include Minute Maid, Simply, innocent, Del Valle, fairlife and Santa Clara. We’re constantly transforming our portfolio, from reducing sugar in our drinks to bringing innovative new products to market. We seek to positively impact people’s lives, communities and the planet through water replenishment, packaging recycling, sustainable sourcing practices and carbon emissions reductions across our value chain. Together with our bottling partners, we employ more than 700,000 people, helping bring economic opportunity to local communities worldwide. Learn more at www.coca-colacompany.com and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
By T N Ashok NEW YORK: With three weeks to go before America’s November 3 midterm elections, President Donald Trump faces a political test that could reshape the final two years of his presidency. Falling approval ratings, persistent economic anxiety, an increasingly unpopular war with Iran and uncertainty over Republican candidates have created a difficult […]
By Ashok Nilakantan Ayers WASHINGTON: In the volatile intersection of energy economics, electoral politics and international diplomacy, Donald Trump has once again demonstrated his preference for dramatic declarations over painstaking negotiation. His latest initiative—to facilitate Russian diesel supplies, relax sanctions on Russian fuel and announce an immediate energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine—may offer a […]
Hackers are actively exploiting a critical vulnerability in the Bricksforge WordPress plugin that allows outsiders to upload malicious files and execute code on affected websites without signing in, security researchers have warned. The vulnerability, identified as CVE-2026-85097, affects Bricksforge versions up to and including 3.1.8.9. Security firm Patchstack has urged website administrators to install version 3.1.8.10 or later after detecting exploitation attempts beginning on 7 October. Patchstack […]
Showcasing Smart Lighting, Innovative Display Technologies and Outdoor Lighting Solutions that Shape the Future of Smart and Sustainable Lighting
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 October 2026 – Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the 28thHong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) and the 11thHong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo will be held in late October. The Autumn Lighting Fair will take place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) from 27 to 30 October, while the Outdoor and Tech Light Expo will be held at AsiaWorld-Expo from 26 to 29 October.
Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition)
Renowned as two of the world’s premier lighting trade fairs, this year’s twin lighting fairs will be held under the theme “Beyond Illumination“. Bringing together some 3,000 exhibitors from more than 20 countries and regions, the fairs will showcase a diverse range of innovative lighting products and solutions that blend smart connectivity, healthy living, immersive spatial experiences and sustainability.
Share your bright moments at the twin Autumn Lighting Fairs with #HKLIGHTINGFAIR and @HKTDCLIFESTYLE, and capture your shot at the AI immersive photo experience next to booth GH-D02, Hall of Connected Lighting.
Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) – HKCEC A highlight zone of the Autumn Lighting Fair, the Hall of Connected Lighting makes a return this year with a line-up of some 70 leading global brands, including local brands Dimon and Viliya; Inventronics and TUYA from Chinese Mainland, as well as international names such as Viso Systems from Denmark; Casambi from Finland; and Signify from the Netherlands, etc. The zone will also feature global major industry alliances, including the Connectivity Standards Alliance, the DALI Alliance, the SILA-EMN Alliance and the Zhaga Consortium, alongside KNX, the global standard for smart building and home automation, which will make its debut at the fair.
Exhibitors will showcase an array of award-winning designs, design aesthetics and lighting solutions featured in landmark projects. Combined with diverse themed scenarios and immersive lighting installations, visitors will gain first-hand experience of the latest smart lighting products and solutions.
Leading lighting brand Signify will collaborate with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team to present a racing simulator experience that extends the excitement of motorsport beyond the screen into a physical environment through innovative lighting technologies. Two professional racing simulators will allow visitors to experience the thrill of high-speed driving and sharp cornering in a highly immersive setting. Also, Philips Sky professional lighting solutions will be showcased, featuring the light formula, VitaUp and BioUp technologies. VitaUp uses low-dose UVB light to mimic natural sunlight and support natural vitamin D production, while BioUp adjusts lighting to the body’s circadian rhythm, delivering a healthier and more comfortable indoor lighting experience.
Expanding the event’s product scope, the Autumn Lighting Fair will launch the new LED Display Solution Zone to foster the development of a commercial LED display ecosystem. The zone will feature LED video walls, commercial displays, transparent and flexible LED panels, immersive audio-visual systems and integrated display solutions, covering applications ranging from retail environments and corporate presentations to exhibitions, virtual production and major commercial projects.
First-time exhibitor Ledman Hong Kong will present the QS Series IceScreen LED Display, which was deployed at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games. Featuring large-scale 8K display technology, the solution delivers highly realistic and impactful visual experiences. The company will also introduce the LEDHUB Smart Conference Solution, which integrates large-format display, video conferencing and collaboration functions into a single platform. Winner of the 2025 TITAN Innovation Awards Gold Award, the solution has been adopted by leading institutions including The University of Hong Kong, the University of Warwick and Fudan University.
Another fair spotlight, the Hall of Aurora, will feature some 500 renowned brands, presenting lighting fixtures and products that blend creativity, design aesthetics, and superior craftsmanship. Exhibitors include local pioneers Prosperity Group and Profiled Group, major players from Chinese Mainland such as Eaglerise, FSL, LEEDARSON and OPPLE, as well as international brands like Lival from Finland, Cupower from Germany, and Beghelli from Italy.
Hong Kong exhibitor Sunricher will present the award-winning Desktop Wizard, a portable smart home controller that offers a flexible and space-saving alternative to conventional remote controls and fixed wall switches. Featuring modular buttons and multiple control modes, it delivers an intuitive, user-friendly experience tailored to diverse needs. The product has earned international recognition, including the Red Dot Design Award, iF Design Award and German Design Award.
Another highlighted zone, the Residential Lighting, will showcase an array of functional and decorative household lighting products. Chinese Mainland exhibitor Yndlux Lighting will display its self-developed 5272 modular linear light, combining a flexible modular design and intelligent controls to meet diverse lighting and interior design needs.
Other zones include:
The Commercial Lighting zone will showcase a wide range of commercial lighting products designed to meet the diverse needs of buyers across various industries, addressing the distinct lighting needs of retail, office, and other commercial spaces;
The LED Essentials zone will feature a diverse collection of lighting accessories and components;
The LED Lighting zone will display a diverse range of LED light sources, including LED tube, panel light, bulb etc., providing the fundamentals for energy-efficient solutions;
The Testing, Certification & Inspection zone with companies providing professional light quality testing and certification services;
The Trade Service & Publications zone with companies offering market intelligence, industry publications, as well as business support services for the lighting industry.
Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo– Hall 6, 8 @AsiaWorld-Expo) The Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo will be held from 26 to 29 October at AsiaWorld-Expo, showcasing a comprehensive range of outdoor, commercial and industrial lighting products and solutions to drive smart city development. The expo will feature three thematic zones, including: the Smart Pole and Solution zone will showcase technologies and integrated solutions to optimise energy efficiency, improve urban management and elevate the quality of life for city residents; the Landscape and Architectural Lighting zone will present advanced lighting solutions that enrich urban ambience while enhancing safety, functionality and aesthetic appeal across public and commercial spaces; the Outdoor, Industrial and Technical Lighting zone will feature a wide spectrum of professional-grade lighting products designed for outdoor environments, industrial applications and technical settings such as warehouses, factories and infrastructure projects.
The expo will present newly introduced photovoltaic (PV) and energy storage solutions to help cities enhance energy efficiency, alongside lighting applications for smart city development, industrial environments, professional settings, landscape projects and architectural illumination. Among the highlights, Lansine Intelligent (Zhongshan) will present t he LX‑LC01 energy storage power station and foldable solar panel series, providing green power solutions specially designed for off‑grid applications, outdoor camping, emergency backup power, as well as small‑scale and residential energy storage.
A Rich Programme to Stay Ahead of Innovative High-End Design and the Latest Market Trends The twin lighting fairs will collaborate with prestigious international lighting organisations to feature a series of thematic seminars, product launches and networking events. The Innovative Lighting Design Forum will take place on 27 October at the HKCEC under the theme “Treasures of Light: Artistic Brilliance Beyond Exhibitions“. Award-winning lighting designers renowned for their work on museums, exhibitions and art galleries will share the latest market trends through case studies. Featured speakers include Dr Yan Liu, Design Director, China at AT Design & Consulting Co. Ltd., who has contributed to the lighting design of the Louvre Museum in Paris and the Palace Museum in Beijing; Adam Meredith, Lighting Designer at MEGS Lighting from Australia, who led the lighting design projects for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and M+ in Hong Kong; and Omar Elkerm, Lighting Design Manager (Africa) at Signify, who led the lighting design for several major pyramid illumination projects in Egypt.
Following this forum is “Award-Winning Illumination: Highlights from the IES Illumination Awards“, a new event co-organised with the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES). Winners of one of the industry’s highest honours—the “IES Illumination Awards”—will analyse the artistic and technological developments in different lighting design categories. Featured speakers include Hiroyasu Shoji, Representative and Lighting Designer at Lightdesign Inc., who led the lighting design for the Grand Ring at Expo 2025 Osaka, and Kelly Jones, Principal at Lighting Design Alliance, a Salas O’Brien Company, whose portfolio includes numerous projects for Disney and Universal Studios.
Another debut event, “Circularity in Lighting Design“, will be co-organised with Women in Lighting(WIL) on 28 October. Influential female designers, including Sophie O’Rourke, Principal Lighting Designer at AECOM and Co-Founding Member of the Green Light Alliance, who is working on the ongoing Gilston Park Estate project, a new mixed-use community ; Pavlina Akritas, Founder of Akritas Lighting Design, known for her work on lighting projects for some of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands; Yah Li Toh, Founder and Principal of Light Collab, who designed the lighting for the Singapore Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai; Jinkie de Jesus, Founder of Light Plan Inc., who led the lighting design of Mactan-Cebu International Airport and some of Manila’s most prestigious hotels; and Kael Gillam, Principal Lighting Designer at Buro Happold, who designed the lighting f or Bromley Old Town Hall, will discuss relevant topics in detail.
Another key event, the Connected Lighting Forum, co-organised with the Shanghai Pudong Intelligent Lighting Association (SILA), will be held under the theme “Healing Light for the Future: Illuminating Emotional Well-being“, exploring the development of intelligent and human-centric lighting technologies for psychological wellness and sharing case studies on light healing and therapy.
In addition, numerous exhibitor and buyer activities will be held at AsiaWorld-Expo, including a seminar titled “Smart Tech Integration in Outdoor Lighting” on 27 October, which will bring together experts from the Alliance of Smart Pole Industry and another industry organisation to examine how AI is driving the next generation of smart pole applications.
Providing Buyers with a Seamless Sourcing Journey The events will adopt the EXHIBITION+hybrid model, enhanced by the Click2Match online smart business matching platform, which will be available from 19 October to 6 November. Additionally, the Scan2Match feature in the HKTDC Marketplace App will be accessible onsite for buyers to scan dedicated QR codes from exhibitors to:
Bookmark favorite booths and products
Instantly access detailed product information
View interactive electronic floor plans
Continue conversations with exhibitors after the fair
The seamless experience ensures a smoother, more connected sourcing journey—before, during, and after the fair.
Fair websites
Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition):
Panama has activated emergency measures and intensified relief operations after powerful earthquakes and more than 200 aftershocks damaged hundreds of homes, schools and hospitals across the country. President José Raúl Mulino’s government declared a national state of emergency on Saturday, 10 October, following two earthquakes on Friday measuring magnitudes 7.7 and 6.6. Authorities reported at least 27 injured people but no confirmed deaths, while assessments continued in […]
Dubai’s Global Village will reopen at 6pm on Wednesday, 14 October, launching its 31st season with expanded cultural displays, new entertainment productions and additional attractions. The seasonal destination will operate until May 2027 under the theme “A More Wonderful World”. Organisers have announced 29 pavilions representing more than 90 cultures, alongside over 3,500 shopping outlets. The line-up includes a standalone Sri Lanka pavilion, a combined Russia and […]
By Arun Srivastava Antonio Gramsci in his Prison Notebooks (written between 1929 and 1935) explains how a ruling class maintains power not through military or physical force (coercion), but through ideology, culture, and consent (hegemony). He argued that the capitalist state is divided into two spheres: political society (which uses force, like the police and […]
By Dr. Gyan Pathak Even as employment among the graduate-level or higher education have registered about 21 million increased in the last one year, share of working graduates in the labour market of India fell to 5 years low in September 2026 with fall in Labour for Participation to 52.26 per cent. Moreover, adding to […]
By Ben Chacko LONDON: The over 200,000 people who demonstrated in London on Saturday, on the 37th national march for Palestine, show that the issue has not gone away, despite Ed Miliband’s admission that: “You were right.” They were not alone. More than 200 organisations across 60-plus countries — including civil society groups, trade unions, […]
Thyssenkrupp Automotive Technology has inaugurated an engineering centre in Pune, expanding its international research network for vehicle software, electronic systems and advanced chassis technology.
The German automotive supplier said the facility, formally inaugurated on 8 October, already employs more than 120 engineers and is expected to increase its workforce to more than 300 over the coming years. It did not specify a deadline for reaching that target or disclose the investment involved.
Engineers at the Pune centre are working on software, hardware, systems engineering and mechanical development for customers internationally. Their responsibilities include embedded software, functional safety, cybersecurity and technologies associated with the next generation of steering and chassis systems.
The operation will collaborate with Thyssenkrupp’s development teams in other countries throughout product development, rather than concentrating exclusively on projects for the domestic vehicle market. The company described the facility as an integrated part of its global research and development organisation.
Viktor Molnar, chief operating officer of Thyssenkrupp Automotive Technology, said software, electronics and collaboration between engineering teams across countries were becoming increasingly important to the automotive industry. The Pune operation would provide additional development capacity for customers worldwide, he said.
The expansion reflects changes in vehicle engineering as software increasingly controls functions previously handled primarily through mechanical components. Steering and chassis systems now require developers to coordinate electronic hardware, embedded code and physical components while meeting stringent safety and security requirements.
Functional safety work concerns the identification and control of hazards arising from failures in electrical and electronic systems. Cybersecurity engineering addresses vulnerabilities that could expose connected vehicle functions to interference or unauthorised access. Both are integral to the development of more digitally controlled automotive systems.
The Pune engineers will contribute to customer programmes at different stages of development, including systems design and integration. Thyssenkrupp has not identified individual vehicle manufacturers whose programmes will be handled at the new location, nor has it disclosed specific contracts associated with the expansion.
Björn Erbe, a senior research and development executive in Thyssenkrupp Automotive Technology’s chassis business, said the intention was to establish a significant engineering operation integrated with the group’s international teams. Combining expertise based in Pune with the company’s existing technical resources would enable it to expand development activities, he said.
The centre is situated at Solitaire Business Hub 2 in Pune’s Baner-Balewadi business district. The company identified the city’s established automotive manufacturing sector, universities, engineering businesses and availability of software specialists as factors behind its choice of location.
Recruitment is expected to concentrate initially on software, hardware and mechanical engineering, with specialist capabilities added according to technical needs and customer demand. The company has also indicated that it sees opportunities to work with universities and the wider engineering community in Pune.
The company’s move also places engineering functions and prospective customer engagement in the same city, although it has not yet publicly said whether the new sales organisation will operate from the engineering premises. The plans for sourcing and sales are separate from the confirmed staffing figures for the development centre.
The engineering investment forms part of a broader plan to expand Thyssenkrupp Automotive Technology’s activities in India. The company is strengthening its sourcing operations and establishing a sales team in Pune to build relationships with vehicle manufacturers and pursue business locally.
Manufacturing is not included in the newly inaugurated engineering centre. Thyssenkrupp said it envisages establishing production capabilities in India only if it secures suitable customer projects. No factory location, investment commitment or production timetable has been announced.
The distinction means the confirmed expansion concerns engineering capacity, while local manufacturing remains conditional on commercial demand. The company has similarly not given a precise timetable for the next phase of staffing at the Pune development site.
Plans for the facility were first announced in 2025, and engineering operations were progressively established before the formal opening. The inauguration therefore marks an expansion of an existing development team rather than the beginning of work at an entirely unstaffed location.
Thyssenkrupp’s steering business also announced a partnership with L&T Technology Services in June 2025 for a Pune software development hub dedicated to safety-critical steering applications. That agreement provided for L&T Technology Services to establish and manage the hub on the steering business’s behalf. The latest inauguration announcement did not specify whether the two Pune operations share facilities or personnel.
China’s rapidly expanding hybrid vehicle exports to the European Union face new restrictions following a trade understanding between Beijing and Brussels, potentially disrupting a market worth $7.5 billion in the first six months of 2026. Chinese customs figures show shipments to the EU’s 27 member states tripled from $2.5 billion during the corresponding period last year. The half-year total was nearly nine times the $845 million recorded […]
Ledger is investigating suspected cryptocurrency thefts involving wallets sold through Southeast Asian reseller CryptoBilis, as blockchain investigators raise their estimated losses beyond $86 million. The hardware wallet manufacturer has asked CryptoBilis to suspend sales and shipments while it examines complaints from customers whose digital assets disappeared. Ledger has not confirmed the total stolen, established how many people were affected or identified the cause of the reported losses. […]