Just in:
OpenAI introduces GPT-6 Cyber with restricted security access // Emaar approves Development buyout ahead of planned delisting // Millions Of Indians May Soon Be Deprived Of Government Assistance // OpenAI abandons secrecy agreements for future data centres // Private varsities bill all set to face the axe // Miss Universe Hong Kong Jen Zhou Departs for Puerto Rico to Compete in the 75th Miss Universe World Final // Beyond the exhibition floor: How robots, AI and networks are moving into the real world // Asia Left Behind: Ten international companies have yet to report delivering on their cage-free egg pledges across the region // Oil advances towards $100 as tanker attacks persist // Trump’s Iran War Has A Share Of Contribution To His Midterm Debacle // CR Longdation Aethereal Cybersecurity × Global Cybersecurity Alliance (GCSA) Join Hands to Establish the “AI and Cybersecurity Research Centre” // APT29-linked campaign exploits outdated Apple and Android software // Oil and chip shares retreat after Democratic victories // Emirates Group records AED 4.1 billion half-year profit // Motorola introduces Signature 27 flagship priced at $1,599 // The “1st Greater Bay Area Health and Longevity Summit & Awards Ceremony” concludes successfully in Macao // Dubai details five-year visa benefits for returning visitors // TVM –Mangaluru Vande Bharat claims top spot // Xi Jinping Preparing For A Trilateral Summit With Trump And Putin At APEC Summit On Nov 18-19 // Ousted top Kochi cop gets IG post //

News related to
Investment

Bitcoin and US stock futures climbed on Monday after China’s economy expanded faster than expected in the third quarter, while falling oil prices helped improve investor sentiment across global financial markets.

China’s gross domestic product grew 4.5% year on year during July to September, exceeding economists’ forecast of 4.4% and accelerating from 4.3% in the preceding quarter, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

Bitcoin briefly climbed towards $82,500 as cryptocurrency traders responded to the stronger economic figures and improving conditions in traditional financial markets. Nasdaq futures also advanced, reflecting renewed demand for technology shares following a difficult period for companies associated with artificial intelligence.

The market recovery was uneven, however. South Korea’s Kospi faced selling pressure after an initial improvement, highlighting continuing concerns about technology valuations and the substantial financing requirements of artificial intelligence development.

US Nasdaq futures gained approximately 1% during Asian trading, while contracts tracking the broader S&P 500 advanced around 0.7%. Lower energy prices provided additional support as investors assessed their implications for inflation, corporate earnings and borrowing costs.

China’s economic figures offered a measure of reassurance about activity in the world’s second-largest economy. Quarterly output increased 1.2% from the preceding three months, exceeding expectations for a 1.1% expansion and improving from 0.9% growth during April to June.

The stronger performance was supported by exports and industrial production, although weaknesses in household consumption and property investment continued to complicate the economic outlook.

Official figures showed industrial production increasing 5.5% year on year in September, compared with 5.2% in August. Retail sales grew 1.1%, indicating modest improvement in consumer spending despite persistent pressure on household confidence.

China’s government has established an annual economic growth target of approximately 4.5% to 5%, making the third-quarter performance significant for policymakers considering whether further stimulus measures are necessary.

Growth during the first nine months reached 4.6%, according to official estimates, keeping the economy within reach of the government’s full-year objective.

Financial markets nevertheless remained sensitive to concerns that China’s expansion depends heavily on exports and industrial investment rather than sustained improvements in domestic demand.

The property sector remained a particular concern, with investment continuing to contract despite measures intended to support homebuyers and stabilise developers.

Oil markets supplied another important influence on trading. Brent crude futures declined approximately 1.7% to $107.95 a barrel, while US crude futures slipped 0.8% to $100.62.

The decline followed developments surrounding Washington’s sanctions policy towards Russia. President Donald Trump indicated that restrictions could be eased, potentially allowing additional Russian energy supplies into international markets, although the administration had not finalised its position.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the administration could take up to 60 days to assess the economic consequences of changing sanctions arrangements.

Lower crude prices helped ease immediate concerns about inflation, particularly because energy costs influence transport, manufacturing and household expenditure across major economies.

US government bonds strengthened as yields declined. The benchmark 10-year Treasury yield fell approximately four basis points to 5.0525%, providing some relief to financial markets concerned about elevated borrowing costs.

Expectations surrounding Federal Reserve policy remained important for cryptocurrency investors. Lower inflation could eventually create additional room for monetary easing, although policymakers face competing pressures from energy markets and economic activity.

The Federal Reserve’s benchmark interest rate currently stands between 4.75% and 5%, with financial markets expecting policymakers to leave borrowing costs unchanged at their next meeting.

Across Asian equities, the initial advance reflected bargain hunting following substantial losses in technology stocks. Japan’s Nikkei and South Korea’s Kospi both experienced volatile trading as investors reassessed exposure to semiconductor manufacturers.

Concerns about artificial intelligence spending remained prominent. Goldman Sachs estimates that five major technology companies could increase their combined capital expenditure to approximately $1.2 trillion next year, raising questions about investment returns.

China’s currency strengthened against the dollar, with the yuan reaching approximately 6.6828, its strongest level since July 2022.

Gold traded around $4,181 an ounce, supported by declining bond yields, while the dollar remained under pressure against several currencies.

Elsewhere, European equity futures weakened amid political uncertainty in France, demonstrating the differing regional influences on international investment flows.

Chinese blue-chip shares edged lower after initially benefiting from the economic figures, with investors continuing to assess whether stronger industrial activity would translate into a sustained improvement in domestic consumption.

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Azizi Developments has begun preliminary work on workforce accommodation projects in Dubai and Sharjah designed to house more than 31,000 people, with phased completion scheduled through late 2027. The developer’s largest planned community, at Al Sajaa in Sharjah, will accommodate more than 20,000 residents across 36 residential buildings. Site preparation is expected to start later this month, while enabling and shoring works are […]

Ethereum climbed nearly 5% as substantial purchases by large cryptocurrency holders and a recovery in Bitcoin helped lift digital asset prices following a sharp market sell-off. Ether, the native cryptocurrency of the Ethereum blockchain, traded around $2,480 on October 16, registering a gain of approximately 4.6% over 24 hours, according to CoinGecko data. Trading volume reached about $14.48 billion, while its market capitalisation approached $302 billion. The […]

Saudi Arabia is seeking stronger regional military cooperation as escalating Houthi attacks expose security vulnerabilities and threaten Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s economic transformation programme. Egypt signalled its readiness on Sunday to provide military assistance against the Iran-backed Yemeni movement, following a series of missile and drone strikes that have killed civilians, disrupted international aviation and threatened vital Saudi infrastructure. President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi called for parliamentary […]

Abu Dhabi is expected to prioritise additional borrowing over withdrawals from sovereign wealth assets if the US-Iran war escalates, according to Fitch Ratings, which forecasts substantial budget surpluses and manageable government debt through 2028. The rating agency said the emirate would favour debt financing rather than drawing down investments beyond the established dividend policy of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), reflecting its ability to access capital […]

Technology companies, start-ups and financial technology ventures could help lift India-UAE bilateral trade to $200 billion, a diplomat told a Dubai forum, identifying opportunities beyond established trade.

Vishnu Vardhan Reddy, Consul General of India in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, said innovation, renewable energy, defence and space technology could contribute to the next phase of economic expansion. He was addressing the Innovators and Investors Series organised by the Indian People’s Forum on October 16.

The proposal comes as both governments pursue a target of $200 billion in bilateral trade by 2032. Trade reached $101.25 billion during India’s 2025-26 financial year, exceeding $100 billion for a second consecutive year, according to official figures.

Reddy urged businesses and investors to establish partnerships capable of taking emerging enterprises into international markets. Investment in technology businesses, he argued, could create additional commercial activity while linking the UAE’s capital providers with enterprises developing products and services in India.

His remarks were an assessment, not a new government commitment or forecast backed by contracts. Achieving the target would require substantial expansion across multiple sectors, including those already accounting for the largest share of bilateral commerce. The $200 billion figure is a bilateral merchandise trade ambition, not a valuation of technology investments or start-up fundraising.

India’s exports to the UAE totalled approximately $37.36 billion in 2025-26, while imports were about $63.89 billion. The UAE remained India’s third-largest trading partner and second-largest export destination. India was the UAE’s second-largest trading partner, according to diplomatic trade data.

The technology emphasis follows a September meeting of the UAE-India High Level Joint Task Force on Investments, where officials agreed to advance work on local-currency settlement, payment-system integration and central-bank digital currencies. Those initiatives are intended to make financial transactions and cross-border commerce more efficient. Officials also discussed cooperation in financial infrastructure, an area where payment interoperability could lower friction for businesses operating in both markets.

The task force also examined investment proposals involving manufacturing, food processing and logistics. Projects discussed included an integrated aluminium complex proposed for Odisha, a food park in Gujarat and opportunities for aviation and logistics development at Dholera.

At the Dubai forum, speakers called for greater participation by UAE investors in start-ups seeking financing, commercial partnerships and access to international customers. The gathering connected entrepreneurs with businesses and potential financial backers.

Two enterprises, JE Plus Healthcare and University Living, presented their business models. JE Plus Healthcare focuses on distribution and logistics for healthcare products, while University Living provides accommodation services for students studying away from home. Both were seeking investment to expand their operations. Their presentations illustrated the range of businesses seeking support, from physical supply chains to digital services for international customers.

Actor and investor Vivek Oberoi told participants that unsuccessful investments were part of entrepreneurship and that investors needed to recognise the lessons associated with business failures. He said he had invested in 35 companies, with mixed results across his portfolio.

Jitendra Vaidya, national president of the Indian People’s Forum, said stronger two-way investment could support commercial ties between the countries. The organisation’s business representatives encouraged investors to examine opportunities in technology, artificial intelligence, machine learning and robotics.

Mahesh Advani, convenor of the forum’s business council, urged UAE investors to consider start-up financing. Piyush Jhunjhunwala, co-convenor of its business and professional council, identified technology-led businesses as a potential destination for private capital.

Figures circulated at the event described a substantial start-up and venture investment ecosystem in India, including companies operating in financial services and advanced technology. However, the figures covered different categories of businesses and financing activity, making direct comparisons difficult without consistent definitions and reporting periods.

The bilateral trade framework rests on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which entered into force in May 2022. It reduced trade barriers across numerous product categories and provided a platform for wider business cooperation. Trade volumes nevertheless remain sensitive to energy prices, demand conditions and changes in the composition of imports and exports.

Government initiatives now include Bharat Mart, intended to support access to markets, and a Virtual Trade Corridor designed to simplify trade processes. Both form part of efforts to improve the movement of goods and information between the two economies.

The Dubai forum was organised by the Indian People’s Forum, a community organisation that also conducts business and professional networking activities in the UAE.

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Kuwaiti-founded Tap Payments has climbed to 13th place in the 2026 Forbes Middle East Fintech 50, gaining 11 positions over two years and securing a third consecutive appearance on the regional ranking. The payments technology company rose from 18th position in 2025 and 24th in 2024, reflecting a sustained improvement in its standing among financial technology businesses operating across the Middle East and […]

Advertisements
Vietnam has set a target of at least 10% economic growth in 2027, with Prime Minister Le Minh Hung outlining an ambitious development programme aimed at accelerating investment, raising productivity and maintaining macroeconomic stability.

Addressing the National Assembly in Hanoi on Saturday, Hung presented the government’s economic objectives for next year, including inflation of approximately 4.5%, gross domestic product per capita of $6,100 and labour productivity growth of 8.6%.

The proposed targets form part of 45 socioeconomic indicators submitted to lawmakers as the government seeks to sustain rapid expansion while addressing structural weaknesses, administrative bottlenecks and pressures on public finances.

Hung said achieving double-digit growth would require stronger coordination between fiscal and monetary policies, more effective mobilisation of investment resources and substantial improvements in the business environment.

The government intends to make science, technology, innovation and digital transformation central drivers of economic expansion, alongside institutional reforms designed to improve productivity and encourage private investment.

The announcement follows an earlier parliamentary resolution establishing average annual GDP growth of at least 10% as the national objective for 2026-2030. The 2027 proposal translates that broader ambition into specific annual targets and policy priorities.

Vietnam’s economy expanded by an estimated 9.01% during the first nine months of 2026, according to figures cited in a government resolution issued this month. The performance provides a foundation for next year’s target but also underlines the additional acceleration required.

The government has identified infrastructure development, industrial modernisation and improvements in investment procedures as essential to sustaining expansion. Hung emphasised that economic growth must be accompanied by inflation control and stability in the country’s principal financial balances.

Authorities plan to accelerate public investment disbursement, particularly for strategic infrastructure projects, while addressing delays in project approvals and implementation. Greater efficiency in allocating public resources is expected to support the government’s development priorities.

Private enterprise is also expected to assume a larger role. The administration wants to remove regulatory obstacles, improve access to productive resources and create more favourable conditions for businesses operating across different sectors.

The policy programme places considerable emphasis on improving the quality of growth rather than relying exclusively on expanding investment. Productivity gains are expected to become increasingly important as Vietnam pursues higher economic output and stronger competitiveness.

Hung’s presentation identified institutional reform as a central requirement for implementing the government’s objectives. Ministries and provincial administrations will be expected to translate national targets into specific responsibilities, implementation schedules and measurable outcomes.

The government also intends to strengthen coordination across administrative levels, improve public-sector accountability and address persistent obstacles affecting investment and business operations.

Maintaining price stability represents another important element of the programme. The proposed consumer price inflation target of approximately 4.5% reflects the administration’s intention to balance expansionary economic measures against the need to protect purchasing power.

Fiscal policy will consequently face competing demands from infrastructure investment, public services and social welfare commitments. Monetary authorities will also need to support productive activity without undermining financial stability.

The government’s economic programme includes measures to strengthen domestic production, improve supply chains and encourage technological adoption. These priorities are intended to support industrial competitiveness and reduce constraints on productivity.

Digital transformation features prominently in the development strategy, with authorities seeking broader application of technology across public administration and economic activity. The approach links improvements in government efficiency with efforts to modernise businesses.

The prime minister also stressed the importance of mobilising resources more effectively, including investment capital, land and other productive assets. Better allocation of these resources is expected to help overcome barriers to growth.

Social development remains part of the proposed framework. The government aims to reduce the multidimensional poverty rate by between one and 1.5 percentage points during 2027, while improving living standards and maintaining essential public services.

The targets were presented during the opening of the second session of the 16th National Assembly, which is examining the government’s assessment of economic performance in 2026 and its proposed development programme for the following year.

The broader policy framework also covers environmental protection, national security and international economic integration, alongside measures to strengthen the country’s administrative institutions.

A Communist Party Central Committee decision governing the 2027 budget framework calls for state budget revenue to increase by approximately 9.1% compared with the estimated 2026 outcome.

It also provides for savings of 5% from public investment allocations and 10% from specified recurrent expenditure categories, directing additional resources towards priority projects and social welfare programmes.

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai EFG Hermes UAE has launched market-making and liquidity provision services on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), extending its brokerage operations to support trading activity and improve liquidity in selected listed securities. The company, regulated by the UAE’s Capital Market Authority, announced the expansion on Friday, saying it would place buying and selling orders under exchange rules and regulatory requirements. The initiative is […]

Dubai Investments Park (DIP) could move closer to a stock market listing next week, with industry sources indicating that a formal announcement on the proposed initial public offering may be imminent. The potential announcement would mark an important step towards a transaction that parent company Dubai Investments PJSC has been preparing throughout 2026. However, the anticipated timetable remains unconfirmed, and the company has not publicly announced a […]

Circle is preparing to enter approximately 40 emerging and developing markets as demand for dollar-backed digital currencies accelerates, chief executive and chairman Jeremy Allaire said. The expansion will target economies across Southeast Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East, where individuals and businesses are increasingly using stablecoins for payments and access to digital financial services. Allaire outlined the plans during the International Monetary Fund and World […]

Ras Al Khaimah Ruler Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi held talks with India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Friday, focusing on strengthening economic and trade cooperation between the UAE and India.

The meeting brought together the Supreme Council Member and the visiting minister as both countries seek to expand commercial partnerships, investment opportunities and diplomatic engagement. Discussions also covered bilateral relations and developments affecting the Gulf region.

Jaishankar described the meeting as an opportunity to exchange views on strengthening relations between the two countries and expanding engagement across the region. He acknowledged Sheikh Saud’s perspectives on bilateral cooperation and confirmed that the situation in the Gulf featured in their discussions.

The talks took place during the final day of Jaishankar’s three-day official visit to the UAE, which began on October 14. The visit was intended to review progress under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and identify opportunities for further cooperation across economic and diplomatic sectors.

Neither side announced a new investment agreement, trade target or commercial project following Friday’s meeting. The discussions nevertheless provided another channel for engagement between India’s government and the leadership of individual UAE emirates, alongside established federal diplomatic arrangements.

Economic cooperation remains central to relations between the two countries. Their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which entered into force in May 2022, provides preferential market access for eligible goods and establishes mechanisms to facilitate trade and investment.

The agreement has supported efforts to diversify commercial exchanges beyond traditional energy transactions, with businesses exploring opportunities in manufacturing, logistics, infrastructure, technology and services. Its implementation also provides a framework for addressing commercial barriers and encouraging greater participation by companies operating in both markets.

Ras Al Khaimah has pursued investment partnerships involving manufacturing, industrial production, construction materials and logistics. Its industrial infrastructure and connections to regional shipping networks provide opportunities for businesses seeking production facilities and access to markets across the Gulf.

The emirate’s commercial engagement with India was also discussed during a July meeting between Sheikh Saud and India’s Ambassador to the UAE, Deepak Mittal, who was accompanied by business representatives.

That meeting examined opportunities for cooperation across several sectors and ways to utilise Ras Al Khaimah’s economic advantages. The discussions reflected continuing engagement between the emirate’s leadership and businesses interested in developing commercial operations within its jurisdiction.

Friday’s meeting followed talks on Wednesday between Jaishankar and UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi.

The two ministers reviewed cooperation under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and Comprehensive Economic Partnership, with particular attention to trade, investment and economic development. They also exchanged views on international issues and developments affecting regional stability.

Sheikh Abdullah reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and identifying opportunities that support the development priorities of both countries. Their discussions covered existing cooperation and possibilities for expanding engagement in sectors considered important to their respective economies.

The diplomatic exchanges come as governments and businesses assess the implications of uncertainty across the Gulf for investment, shipping and energy supplies. Regional stability remains an important consideration for commercial activity involving the UAE and India, particularly given their extensive trade and transport connections.

Jaishankar also participated in the Raisina Middle East Dialogue in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, joining discussions about international connectivity, strategic partnerships and the changing economic geography of global trade.

Speaking during a session examining continental corridors, he highlighted growing competition, emerging transport constraints and the importance of building reliable partnerships. His remarks addressed the challenges facing countries seeking secure commercial connections amid shifting geopolitical and economic conditions.

The dialogue, held on October 14 and 15, brought together participants to examine regional and international developments, including connectivity initiatives and cooperation between governments.

India’s relationship with the UAE also encompasses energy supplies, defence cooperation and investment, alongside extensive people-to-people connections. These established links provide an additional foundation for discussions involving the federal government and individual emirates.

The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi estimated that approximately 4.3 million nationals from India were living in the UAE in 2024, representing roughly 35 per cent of the country’s population.

Ras Al Khaimah’s geographical position near the Strait of Hormuz adds a regional dimension to discussions about trade and connectivity. The emirate borders Oman and maintains industrial and maritime facilities serving businesses involved in manufacturing, construction materials and international commerce.

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai’s Government Media Office has opened discussions with Shenzhen News Group on expanding media cooperation, strengthening institutional links and increasing coverage of the emirate across Chinese news platforms. The meeting took place in Shenzhen during the Dubai Business Forum – China, organised by Dubai Chambers, bringing together representatives of both organisations to examine opportunities for content development, professional exchanges and collaboration in digital […]

Adobe is confronting its weakest analyst sentiment on record as Wall Street grows increasingly concerned that artificial intelligence could undermine its established creative software business. A succession of downgrades has pushed the proportion of analysts recommending Adobe shares to buy towards historic lows, reflecting doubts about the company’s ability to sustain growth, protect subscription revenues and defend its position against emerging AI-powered competitors. Only 29% of analysts […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Saudi Arabia’s next Media Forum will take place in Riyadh from February 1 to 3, 2027, under the patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, organisers have confirmed. Mohammed bin Fahad Al-Harthi, president of the Saudi Media Forum, reiterated the dates during a reception on the sidelines of MIPCOM, the international television and entertainment industry market in Cannes, France. The gathering brought […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Abu Dhabi-based International Media Investments (IMI) has rejected a British regulatory assessment of its abandoned Telegraph takeover bid, accusing Ofcom of flawed reasoning and disregarding evidence about its editorial independence. The company challenged the media regulator’s methodology on Friday after Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy published previously withheld findings examining the proposed acquisition of Telegraph Media Group by RedBird IMI, a joint venture involving […]

Federal Reserve chairman Kevin Warsh reinforced expectations of an October pause in US interest rates on Friday, declining to signal another increase despite inflation remaining above the central bank’s target. Speaking during the International Monetary Fund and World Bank annual meetings in Bangkok, Warsh said policymakers remained committed to price stability but would not announce their decisions before the Federal Open Market Committee meets on 27 and […]

32,000+ visitors, RM100,000 in local business revenue and international sporting participation put Sabak Bernam’s unique heritage landscape on the tourism map

SABAK BERNAM, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 October 2026 – From a 30-kilometre British-era waterway built to sustain Selangor’s paddy fields to a destination for sport, culture, tourism and community enterprise, Ban Canal is entering a new chapter — and Karnival Ban Canal 2026 is set to take it further.

Returning for its fourth edition from 6 to 8 November 2026 at Ban Canal Parit 14, Simpang Lima, Sabak Bernam, the award-winning Karnival Ban Canal (KBC 2026) is building a distinctive rural tourism platform around the theme Alam * Budaya * Lestari (Nature * Culture * Sustainability).

The festival attracted more than 32,190 visitors in 2025 and generated over RM100,000 in local business revenue. KBC 2026 aims to build on that momentum, attracting visitors from across Malaysia and internationally while creating greater economic opportunities for local communities.

Where heritage meets adventure

KBC 2026 brings together experiences rarely found in a single festival — from the Larian Bendang and fishing competitions to Kanu Slalom featuring international participants from countries including Japan and China, wall climbing and a flying fox spanning the historic Ban Canal.

The festival will also showcase Sabak Bernam’s multicultural heritage through traditional performances, Bual Bicara Malam Jumaat, local food and produce, Platform Selangor (PLATS) entrepreneur showcases, Jualan Eko Tani and nightly entertainment featuring leading Malaysian artists.

The result is more than a weekend festival. It is a platform connecting tourism, local enterprise, culture, sport and community participation, bringing visitors directly into the rural economy.

A growing platform for brands and partners

As visitor numbers and local economic activity grow, KBC 2026 is also emerging as an attractive platform for corporate partners looking to connect with audiences through experiential, community-driven and sustainability-led engagement.

Corporate partners can gain visibility across the festival ecosystem through digital and social media exposure, main-stage LED presence, on-ground branding and opportunities for direct audience engagement.

Sponsorship opportunities are available across Gold, Silver and Bronze partnerships, with scope for brands to develop activations aligned with their marketing, sustainability and community-impact objectives.

For brands looking beyond conventional advertising, KBC offers something different: the opportunity to be part of a growing destination story while putting the brand directly into the experiences of the people who visit it.

From historic waterway to living tourism destination

Ban Canal sits within the transition and buffer zones of the proposed Anjung Utara Selangor Biosphere Reserve (AUSBR) — Selangor’s 297,661-hectare “ridge-to-sea” living-economy nomination under UNESCO.

Originally constructed to channel water to the state’s interior paddy fields, the historic waterway is being reimagined as a platform for eco-tourism, rural enterprise and community development.

Karnival Ban Canal is a tangible expression of that transformation, demonstrating how natural and cultural assets can generate tourism activity, support local businesses and create new economic opportunities while preserving the character of the landscape.

Driven by the Selangor State Government, MBI Selangor, SABDA and the Sabak Bernam District Council (MDSB), KBC 2026 brings together government, communities, businesses, athletes, artists and visitors around a common proposition: that sustainable tourism can be both commercially vibrant and locally meaningful.

As Ban Canal continues its transformation, KBC 2026 offers visitors a reason to discover Sabak Bernam, businesses a platform to engage new audiences, and sponsors an opportunity to become part of a destination with a story that is still being written.

Hashtag: #SABDA

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

SABDA

The Sabak Bernam Development Area (SABDA) is a strategic economic development initiative of the Selangor State Government under Rancangan Selangor Pertama. SABDA seeks to unlock Sabak Bernam’s full economic potential while strengthening Malaysia’s food production, raising local incomes and improving community livelihoods. Its vision is to establish Sabak Bernam as a driver of sustainable economic growth, food security, resilience and environmental stewardship.

Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporation) (MBI Selangor)

Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporation) (MBI Selangor) is the strategic investment arm of the State Government of Selangor, mandated to drive sustainable economic growth and long-term value creation for the state.

MBI Selangor plays a central role in catalysing high-impact developments, facilitating strategic partnerships and unlocking the potential of key sectors to strengthen Selangor’s position as a leading economic hub in Malaysia and the region. Its investment focus spans infrastructure, industrial development, energy, digital economy and other priority sectors aligned with the state’s long-term development agenda.

Guided by the aspirations of Rancangan Selangor Pertama (RS-1), MBI Selangor actively supports initiatives that enhance competitiveness, attract quality investments and create meaningful socio-economic opportunities for the people of Selangor.

Through a disciplined and forward-looking investment approach, MBI Selangor is committed to delivering sustainable, inclusive and resilient growth, while strengthening governance, environmental stewardship and stakeholder value across its portfolio.

For more information, visit:

BMC Helix will bring enterprise technology executives, customers and industry partners together in Dubai on October 22 to examine how artificial intelligence and automation can improve IT operations and service management. The company’s annual roadshow, scheduled at the Museum of the Future, will focus on practical applications of AI-powered ServiceOps, including incident management, workflow automation and the integration of intelligent systems into existing enterprise technology environments. Senior […]

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 October 2026 – Access to nutritious food remains a critical part of food security. In Thailand, around one in 10 children under five lives in severe child food poverty, while national data show that 13% of children under five are stunted and 7% are underweight, underscoring that food security is not only about having enough food, but also about ensuring consistent access to safe and nutritious diets.

13

Against this backdrop, Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CPF), in partnership with the Charoen Pokphand for Rural Lives’ Development Foundation, is expanding the “Eggs for Next Gen” program, a long-running school nutrition initiative, to 1,030 schools across Thailand, with 12 new schools joining this year. The expansion builds on nearly four decades of efforts to help children gain regular access to fresh eggs as a source of quality protein, while enabling schools to establish sustainable food production.

Launched in 1989, the program goes beyond providing food for school lunches. Participating schools receive support including poultry houses, equipment, laying hens and feed, together with technical knowledge in animal health, farm management, sanitation, production planning and egg management. Students and teachers gain practical agricultural skills, while schools can use eggs for meals and manage surplus production to generate revolving income that helps sustain future production cycles.

The initiative had reached 1,030 schools across 74 provinces, benefiting more than 229,502 students, 17,447 academic staff and2,690 communities. More than523 persons with disabilitieshave also participated in the programme, which targets approximately28 million eggs per production cycle.

Eggs for Next Gen reflects CPF’s broader view that food security depends not only on producing enough food, but on making nutritious food consistently available, accessible and sustainable over time. By helping schools produce fresh eggs locally, the programme brings quality protein closer to children, supports healthier diets, and builds practical knowledge and capabilities that allow schools to maintain food production beyond a single cycle. In this way, the initiative moves beyond short-term food support toward stronger food self-reliance at the school and community level.

As a global integrated agro-industrial and food company with operations and investments across 17 countries and products distributed in more than 50 countries, CPF advances its “Kitchen of the World” vision by placing food security at the heart of its sustainability strategy. Its global presence helps expand access to food for consumers worldwide, while its approach goes beyond producing sufficient food to strengthen quality and food safety, nutrition, responsible production and sustainable supply chains. Together, these efforts support a more resilient and sustainable food system capable of serving people over the long term.

Kobboon Srichai, Head of Corporate Affairs and Investor Relations at CPF, said:

“For CPF, food security means ensuring that people can access food that is safe, traceable and affordable today and in the future. To achieve this, we need to strengthen the entire food system, from production to access. By combining technology and automation, strong partnerships, and advances in biotechnology and nutrition, we can improve both the quality and resilience of the food system. Eggs for Next Gen demonstrates how these capabilities can be translated into practical impact, improving children’s access to quality nutrition while helping schools and communities build greater food self-reliance over the long term.”

With the program now expanding to 1,030 schools, CPF continues to translate its food expertise into practical action. Supporting healthier children, stronger communities and a more resilient and sustainable food system.

Hashtag: #CPF #Zerohunger #WorldFoodDay2026 #FoodSecurity #FoodAccessForAll #SustainableFoodSystems #CPFSustainability

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Japan and the United States have agreed on a semiconductor manufacturing project in New York that could attract up to $21 billion in Japanese investment, with GlobalFoundries selected to operate two new factories.

Japan’s foreign ministry confirmed on Thursday that the initial project would cost approximately $10 billion, with construction scheduled to begin before the end of 2026. Expansion of production facilities could eventually raise the total investment to about $21 billion, although the second factory remains conditional.

The agreement forms part of a $550 billion Japanese investment commitment negotiated with President Donald Trump’s administration in 2025, alongside a reduction in American tariffs on Japanese vehicles and other imports to 15 per cent.

GlobalFoundries said the first manufacturing plant at its existing Malta campus would begin production in 2029. An additional investment of approximately $10 billion would finance a second facility, with a decision on that expansion expected before the end of 2028.

Japan will supply the investment capital, while GlobalFoundries will provide manufacturing technology, technical expertise and operational management. The factories will be jointly owned by American and Japanese interests under an arrangement intended to expand semiconductor output without requiring the company to finance construction itself.

The first plant is expected to produce approximately 900,000 silicon wafers measuring 300 millimetres annually when fully operational. A second plant would add comparable capacity, substantially increasing the company’s manufacturing footprint in upstate New York.

GlobalFoundries estimates that the initiative will support approximately 27,000 construction and associated supply-chain jobs, alongside more than 1,000 skilled manufacturing positions in New York’s Capital Region. Those figures are projections rather than employment already created.

The US Commerce Department will separately receive an equity interest of approximately four per cent in GlobalFoundries. Chief executive Tim Breen said the transaction would raise the government’s overall holding to about seven per cent. The company is majority owned by Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Investment Company.

GlobalFoundries shares advanced after the announcement, reflecting investor interest in an expansion model that could increase manufacturing capacity while limiting construction expenditure.

The ownership arrangements distinguish the investment from conventional private-sector semiconductor expansion. Japanese financing will underpin the factories, while the American government will gain a larger financial interest in the operator and participate in the broader manufacturing initiative.

GlobalFoundries also agreed with the Commerce Department to revise an existing award under the CHIPS and Science Act, reallocating $955 million towards investments in silicon photonics, silicon-germanium technology and advanced packaging at facilities in Malta and Burlington, Vermont.

These technologies are used in communications systems and data centres, where manufacturers are seeking faster connections and more efficient processing of large volumes of information. The separate funding revision does not represent an additional Japanese commitment to the two factories.

Japan’s foreign ministry described the New York project as the first semiconductor investment under the bilateral Strategic Investment Initiative announced in September 2025. It said the initiative was intended to strengthen supplies of mature-node chips used in automobiles, industrial machinery, smartphones and artificial intelligence data centres.

Although attention has focused heavily on advanced processors for artificial intelligence, mature-node semiconductors remain essential components in vehicles, industrial equipment and connected devices. Their availability is important to manufacturers seeking more geographically diversified supply chains.

The first facility will be built at an established semiconductor manufacturing location, allowing the investment to draw on existing industrial infrastructure and a local workforce. However, the announced timetable does not mean projected production capacity will be available immediately when operations begin.

Breen said GlobalFoundries had been chosen because large fabrication projects required manufacturing expertise and operational capabilities alongside financing. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick welcomed the investment as a contribution to domestic manufacturing and employment.

The Japanese government expects the project to create commercial opportunities for its semiconductor equipment and materials suppliers. Tokyo Electron and SCREEN Holdings have expressed interest in supplying manufacturing equipment, while Tokyo Ohka Kogyo has indicated interest in materials and components.

Renesas Electronics, a major Japanese chipmaker supplying automotive and industrial customers, has expressed interest in purchasing output from the proposed facilities. Its participation could provide an important customer relationship as production plans advance.

Japan’s foreign ministry also identified smaller suppliers, including Fujikin and Kusakawa Seiki, as potential participants in the equipment and materials supply chain. Their involvement remains prospective, rather than a confirmed allocation of orders.

Norway’s $2.3 trillion sovereign wealth fund should be permitted to invest in major Western defence manufacturers currently excluded because of their involvement in nuclear weapons, a government-appointed commission recommended on Thursday. The proposal would allow the world’s largest sovereign wealth fund to acquire shares in companies including Airbus, Boeing, BAE Systems and Lockheed Martin, potentially opening the way for investments worth tens of billions of dollars. Any […]

Planned high-speed rail and road links are expected to bring the city center within 20 to 35 minutes of the 2,870-hectare ESG++ coastal urban area in Can Gio, while on-site schools, healthcare, offices and parks are designed to reduce the number of trips residents need to make.

HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 October 2026 – Vinhomes is developing Vinhomes Green Paradise, a 2,870-hectare ESG++ coastal urban area in Can Gio, southeastern Ho Chi Minh City, around one measure of location: the time residents spend getting where they need to go.

Vinhomes Green Paradise combines new high-speed rail and road links with a self-contained ecosystem of schools, healthcare, workplaces and green space.
Vinhomes Green Paradise combines new high-speed rail and road links with a self-contained ecosystem of schools, healthcare, workplaces and green space.

The master plan rests on two pillars. First, new transport infrastructure is expected to shorten journeys to the city center: the Ben Thanh-Can Gio high-speed railway, targeted for commercial operation in the fourth quarter of 2028, is designed to link the area with downtown in about 20 minutes, while the planned Can Gio Bridge and a widened Rung Sac Boulevard are expected to cut drive times to about 35 minutes.

Second, an on-site ecosystem that includes 104 planned schools, an international general hospital, more than 2 million square meters of office space and more than 370 parks is intended to place most daily needs within reach of home.

The approach responds to a shift in how urban households assess where to live. In fast-growing cities, a home only a few kilometers from the workplace can still require hours in traffic each week. For a resident who saves 15 minutes each way, the gain is about 11 hours a month over 22 working days.

Academic research suggests these hours carry real weight. Using German household data from 1985 to 1998, University of Zurich economists Alois Stutzer and Bruno Frey identified what they termed the “commuting paradox”: people with longer commutes consistently reported lower life satisfaction, contrary to the standard assumption that they are fully compensated by higher pay or better housing. By their estimate, a person commuting one hour each way would need roughly 40% more income to be as satisfied as someone with no commute.

In Ho Chi Minh City, where rapid growth has outpaced the expansion of the road network, traffic congestion remains a significant cost to residents and the local economy. For many homebuyers, the relevant question is increasingly not how far a property is from the center, but how long it takes to get there.

Rail and road links expected to bring the city center within 20 to 35 minutes

Two major infrastructure projects are set to change how Can Gio connects with the rest of Ho Chi Minh City. The Ben Thanh-Can Gio high-speed railway is designed to reach the city’s historic center in about 20 minutes, and the Can Gio Bridge, together with an expanded Rung Sac Boulevard, is expected to bring drive times from downtown to about 35 minutes.

Can Gio, home to a UNESCO-recognized mangrove biosphere reserve, has long been reached mainly by the Binh Khanh ferry. The railway, developed by Vingroup company VinSpeed, will run about 54 kilometers with a maximum design speed of 350 km/h. Construction began in December 2025, and commercial operation is targeted for the fourth quarter of 2028. The line will connect Ben Thanh station in central Ho Chi Minh City with Vinhomes Green Paradise.

On the road network, the Can Gio Bridge, scheduled to open in 2029, will replace the Binh Khanh ferry crossing. Rung Sac Boulevard, the main artery to the area, is being widened to up to 10 lanes. Once complete, the two options are expected to give residents a choice between rail for direct trips to the center and road travel for journeys with multiple stops.

International research points to a link between transit access and property values. A study commissioned by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) and the National Association of Realtors (NAR), which tracked five U.S. metropolitan regions from 2006 to 2011, found that homes within half a mile of high-frequency transit outperformed their wider regions by 41.6% over the period, which included the Great Recession. A 2019 follow-up study found that homes near transit sold at median prices 4% to 24% higher than those farther away.

On-site services designed to reduce the number of daily trips

Beyond the commute, Vinhomes Green Paradise is planned to bring education, healthcare, work, retail and recreation inside the community, so that school runs, medical visits, shopping and exercise require shorter trips or none at all. Key components include 104 planned schools, Vinmec Can Gio International General Hospital, more than 2 million square meters of office space and more than 370 parks and green areas.

Education: The master plan provides for 104 schools, including the Vinschool K-12 system and Brighton College Vietnam, reducing the need for long school runs across the city.

Healthcare:Vinmec Can Gio International General Hospital is being developed with Cleveland Clinic as strategic advisor and is designed around the Cleveland Clinic model of care, offering residents access to international-standard treatment close to home.

Work:More than 2 million square meters of office space is intended to allow residents to work near where they live, as financial and technology businesses establish a presence in the area.

Retail and leisure:Planned amenities include Vincom shopping centers, a 20-hectare premium outlet, the 46-hectare Cosmo Bay dining and entertainment complex, two golf courses covering 155 hectares, the 122-hectare VinWonders theme park and Song Xanh Theater.

Green space:More than 370 parks and green areas are planned to place open space within 500 meters of every residence, linked by walking paths and bicycle lanes. The Trust for Public Land estimates, conservatively, that buyers pay 5% to 15% more for homes within three blocks of a well-maintained park.

The project draws on planning principles that cities such as Copenhagen and Singapore have applied for years: development organized around public transit, mixed land use and walkable neighborhoods. At Vinhomes Green Paradise, high-speed rail, education, healthcare, offices and recreation are being planned together from the outset rather than added incrementally, with the aim of measuring a home’s location by the time it returns to residents.
Hashtag: #Vinhomes

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Vinhomes

Vinhomes is Vietnam’s largest residential real estate and integrated township developer. The company pioneers the development of synchronized, modern large-scale townships, delivering premium living standards and unlocking sustainable investment opportunities for domestic and international clients.

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Abu Dhabi developer Aldar Properties has agreed to acquire nine residential buildings in Sharjah from Arada for AED1.1 billion ($300 million), marking its first property investment in the emirate. The forward purchase agreement, announced on Thursday, covers more than 1,100 homes across three residential blocks at Aljada, Arada’s mixed-use development. Arada is scheduled to deliver the buildings in the fourth quarter of 2029, […]

VISHNU RAJA
RYO YAMADA
HITORI GOTOH
IKUYO KITA
Just in:
TVM –Mangaluru Vande Bharat claims top spot // Trump’s Iran War Has A Share Of Contribution To His Midterm Debacle // Dubai details five-year visa benefits for returning visitors // Hong Kong mandates crypto transaction disclosures to tax authorities // Beyond the exhibition floor: How robots, AI and networks are moving into the real world // Emirates Group records AED 4.1 billion half-year profit // Miss Universe Hong Kong Jen Zhou Departs for Puerto Rico to Compete in the 75th Miss Universe World Final // Meraas showcases five residential zones at Dubai Design Week // APT29-linked campaign exploits outdated Apple and Android software // Asia Left Behind: Ten international companies have yet to report delivering on their cage-free egg pledges across the region // CR Longdation Aethereal Cybersecurity × Global Cybersecurity Alliance (GCSA) Join Hands to Establish the “AI and Cybersecurity Research Centre” // OpenAI introduces GPT-6 Cyber with restricted security access // The “1st Greater Bay Area Health and Longevity Summit & Awards Ceremony” concludes successfully in Macao // Millions Of Indians May Soon Be Deprived Of Government Assistance // Oil advances towards $100 as tanker attacks persist // OpenAI abandons secrecy agreements for future data centres // Geely’s i-HEV Intelligent Hybrid Technology Offers a New Direction for Gasoline-Powered Vehicles // Xi Jinping Preparing For A Trilateral Summit With Trump And Putin At APEC Summit On Nov 18-19 // Ousted top Kochi cop gets IG post // Motorola introduces Signature 27 flagship priced at $1,599 //