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 […]
Anthropic has withdrawn live internet access from all internal artificial intelligence evaluations after its Claude agents exploited several real external websites, bypassed access restrictions and submitted a fabricated murder tip to Philadelphia police. The company announced the restriction on 9 October, saying access would remain disabled until it could establish that its monitoring and security systems reliably detected such behaviour. Some higher-risk evaluations had already been disconnected, […]
Microsoft has unveiled its third-generation Maia 300 artificial intelligence chip, announcing plans to deploy its proprietary processors across data centres at multi-gigawatt scale from 2027 as it seeks greater control over the cost of running AI services. The company said on Monday that the new accelerator would become the principal system for AI inference across its products, including Copilot, as demand grows for computing resources capable of […]
Live translated subtitles help users talk across languages, while multi-model moderation and multimodal age-risk detection support user protection
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 October 2026 – Chamet, a global live streaming and video chat platform with more than 50 million downloads on Google Play worldwide, today detailed two AI systems behind its experience: real-time translation during video calls, and multi-model AI for content moderation and user protection.
Real-time AI translation
Chamet’s AI translation turns spoken dialogue into translated on-screen subtitles as people speak. It supports more than 50 languages and is free for users. Subtitles appear within the call itself, so people across Asia, the Middle East, the United States and other regions can talk without language barriers.
AI for a safer community
Chamet uses AI detection and human review together to find and act on violations in real time. Two methods sit at the centre of this work.
Multimodal detection of suspected minors: Chamet has zero tolerance for underage users. Instead of relying on a single signal, its system combines profile photos, live-stream frames, video, voice, text, self-reported age and account behaviour to assess whether an account may belong to a minor. Each case receives a risk level based on model confidence. Depending on that level, the system can restrict content, limit interactions or restrict the account, and human reviewers check cases before final decisions. Accounts found to have falsified their age are permanently suspended.
Multi-model fusion for content review: Chamet uses several moderation models and third-party services, each with its own labels, confidence scales and strengths. The platform maps all of their outputs onto one shared risk scale. It then weighs the results by content type, such as images, video, audio or text, by where the content appears, such as a live stream or a profile, and by each model’s track record. The result is a single risk level and a consistent action for each piece of content, with the highest-risk cases prioritised for reviewers.
These systems work alongside real-person face verification, client- and server-side safeguards against unauthorised screen recording, in-app reporting and blocking, and an appeals process. Together they help reduce risk on the platform.
“Our commitment to ‘Make Chat Borderless’ starts with helping people understand one another,” said David Qi, Chief Marketing Officer of Chamet. “We built translation into the call and kept it free. And because these are live conversations, we use AI to help our review teams spot risk sooner and act more consistently.” Hashtag: #Chamet
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Chamet
Chamet is a global live streaming and video chat platform. It offers live streaming, video chat, party rooms and feeds for social discovery. AI-powered real-time translation helps people talk across languages. Community guidelines, AI-assisted and human moderation, and in-app report and block tools support user safety. Learn more at https://www.chamet.com/.
Chamet is owned and operated by FULIAO HONG KONG LIMITED (HK Fuliao), a Hong Kong-based technology company. HK Fuliao provides the development, localisation, content management, customer service and operations behind Chamet. Learn more at https://www.hkfuliao.com/.
Cybersecurity researchers have identified a text-message scam that places recipients’ names on fabricated Facebook Marketplace listings, encouraging them to respond to enquiries about goods they never offered for sale. The scheme, described by Malwarebytes researcher Pieter Arntz on 6 October, uses an apparently ordinary buyer enquiry accompanied by an image resembling a Marketplace advertisement. The message asks, “Is this still available for purchase?”, while the supposed seller […]
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 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, […]
The partnership combines the catalytic capital capabilities, convening platforms, and innovation networks of the Temasek Trust Collective with the World Bank Group’s global development expertise, reach, and country-level insights to help promising solutions move from pilot to scale.
Both organisations will explore co-financing and innovative financing approaches to mobilise additional resources, initially focusing on climate and energy, water, agriculture, and health.
A regional Knowledge Node will be established at Temasek Shophouse in Singapore to connect philanthropic partners with development expertise, networks, and opportunities, and to help promising solutions move from pilot to scale.
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 October 2026 – Temasek Trust and the World Bank Group today signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic partnership aimed at harnessing the complementary strengths of philanthropy and development finance to advance shared development priorities. The MoU was signed on the sidelines of the inaugural World Bank Group Philanthropy Forum held as part of its Annual Meetings in Bangkok.
Desmond Kuek, Executive Director and CEO of Temasek Trust, and Paschal Donohoe, Managing Director and Chief Knowledge Officer of the World Bank Group, at the MoU signing for a strategic partnership between Temasek Trust and the World Bank Group to advance shared development priorities.
The partnership combines the Temasek Trust Collective’s catalytic capital capabilities, convening platforms, and innovation networks with the World Bank Group’s global development expertise, reach, and country-level insights. Together, they will strengthen cross-sector collaboration and help promising solutions achieve impact at scale.
Paschal Donohoe, Managing Director and Chief Knowledge Officer, World Bank Group, said: “As development needs grow and resources come under pressure, partnership matters more than ever. Philanthropic organizations bring deep expertise and innovative solutions that align closely with our core missions and jobs agenda. The Philanthropy Hub will connect ideas, resources, and partners to take those solutions to scale, and to deliver for people and communities around the world.”
Desmond Kuek, Executive Director and CEO of Temasek Trust, said: “Today’s development challenges do not fit neatly into silos – and neither can our response. Philanthropy can move early, take risks, and unlock the partnerships and capital needed to turn bold ideas into lasting impact. Working in concert with the World Bank Group and its Philanthropy Hub, we can bridge systemic gaps, scale what works, and forge new pathways for collective action.”
Under the MoU, Temasek Trust and the World Bank Group plan to collaborate across three areas:
Convening and knowledge exchange: Bringing together governments, development institutions, businesses, philanthropies, and other partners to deepen collaboration, learning, and partnership development around shared priorities. This includes mutual participation in platforms such as the World Bank Group Philanthropy Forum and the Philanthropy Asia Summit; engaging senior leaders in high-level dialogues; and facilitating dedicated exchanges on World Bank Group missions, including Mission 300 and Water Forward, as well as approaches to co-funding, building coalitions, and developing country compacts.
Shared knowledge and insights: Connecting philanthropic partners more effectively with World Bank Group platforms, expertise, programmatic support, and institutional knowledge. The collaboration may also facilitate country-level engagement by providing insights into local development challenges, innovations, and opportunities, together with guidance and connections to relevant stakeholders, knowledge, and partnerships. By building shared knowledge and a repository of effective solutions, the parties aim to help translate promising pilots into replicable and scalable models that can advance impact outcomes.
Coordinating partners and capital towards shared priorities: Identifying capital mobilisation approaches to support larger, more coordinated, mission-aligned partnerships. Temasek Trust and the World Bank Group will also assess how their respective philanthropic networks and partners can be better aligned around common interests, while sharing knowledge on models for deploying and aggregating capital to support development solutions. Any specific financing arrangements or projects would be considered separately and remain subject to each party’s mandates, policies, procedures, resources, and approvals.
Initial priority areas include water, agriculture, health, climate, and energy, with potential collaboration linked to relevant World Bank Group initiatives.
Knowledge Node at Temasek Shophouse
In 2027, under the strategic partnership and as part of the Philanthropy Hub, Temasek Trust will establish a Knowledge Node at Temasek Shophouse in Singapore. It will connect philanthropic partners with a wide range of World Bank Group datasets, expertise, and relevant networks to support evidence-building and collaboration and will help promising solutions progress towards wider adoption.
Hashtag: #TemasekTrust
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Temasek Trust
Temasek Trust is the philanthropic arm of Temasek Holdings, with community stewardship goals of protecting the planet, uplifting communities, connecting people, and advancing capabilities. By forging new pathways in philanthropy and impact investing with like-minded partners, Temasek Trust advances catalytic philanthropy as a force for good. Through the Temasek Trust Collective, an ecosystem of organisations united by a shared purpose of building better for every generation, Temasek Trust builds capacity, convenes partnerships, mobilises capital, and catalyses solutions to drive positive impact. For more information, visit www.temasektrust.org.sg. Follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
As sole supplier, KONE provides all 184 units to Huanggang Port, enabling vertical flow design for 300,000 daily passengers
One-year execution under dual Hong Kong-Shenzhen standards delivers fully integrated cross-border project execution
Introduces 24/7 connected services to enable predictive maintenance, leveraging real-time data and AI for seamless, 24-hour port operations
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 October 2026 – The Huanggang Port—the world’s largest land port and the only 24-hour passenger link between Hong Kong and Shenzhen—is officially opened. Unlike the traditional horizontal border-crossing layouts, the port adopts an innovative vertical passenger flow design fully equipped with all 184 elevators and escalators exclusively provided by Finnish’s KONE. Spanning the 9-story complex, this people flow solution is expected to slash transit times from 30 minutes to just 5 minutes for up to 300,000 daily passengers.
184 elevators and escalators across 9 levels deliver seamless vertical passenger flow Breaking away from traditional clearance layouts, the Huanggang Port utilizes the height of its nine-story complex to create a vertical passenger flow arrangement, with immigration facilities on different levels to free up ground-level space for public transit. To bring this seamless experience to life, KONE supplied all 184 elevators and escalators, including 102 elevators equipped with regenerative drive technology and 82 escalators. Notably, the escalators feature a maximum rise of 19.2 meters, while the elevators can accommodate loads of up to 12 tons. This solution is designed to support the port’s daily capacity of 300,000 passengers, significantly reducing walking distances and waiting times, while relieving traffic congestion especially during peak periods after large-scale events.
Digital predictive maintenance supports 24-Hour operations As the only 24-hour land checkpoint between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, the port demands utmost equipment reliability. KONE 24/7 connected services continuously monitors all units, leveraging real-time data and AI technology to identify potential risks in advance. By shifting from reactive to predictive maintenance, this digital solution enables seamless, round-the-clock operations. During over a hundred pre-opening drills, all KONE equipment successfully passed the 20,000-person Shenzhen-Hong Kong boundary-crossing pressure test. This not only validates its ultimate stability but also underscores our strong capacity to handle massive passenger surges. Looking ahead, KONE aims to integrate elevator and escalator data with building systems to drive passenger flow analysis, operational planning, and resource optimization. Cross-border collaboration elevates service integration across GBA Navigating the different regulations of Hong Kong and Shenzhen within a complex cross-border environment, KONE completed the installation and commissioning of all 184 units in just one year. Reflecting on KONE’s capabilities in cross-border project execution, Mr. Eric Xie, Senior Vice President of KONE Bay Region and Managing Director of KONE Hong Kong, said, “To meet the growing infrastructure demands of the Greater Bay Area, KONE has optimized its strategic setup in the region by closely integrating our Hong Kong and Shenzhen services. This investment not only strengthens our supply chain but also accelerates the delivery speed of elevator and escalator parts. By pairing Hong Kong’s world-class service standards with Shenzhen’s local technical talent and strategic location, we have built a powerful regional support network to fuel the future development of the GBA.”
From Luohu and Liantang to the Huanggang Port, KONE is one of the few companies capable of delivering complex cross-border projects. Driven by our seamless cross-border synergy, KONE remains committed to supporting public infrastructure, commercial developments, and rail transit projects, contributing to the region’s ongoing development.
Hashtag: #KONE
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About KONE
At KONE, our purpose is to shape the future of cities. As a global leader in the elevator and escalator industry, we move two billion people every day, making their journeys safe, convenient, and reliable with smart and sustainable People Flow®. In 2025, KONE had annual sales of EUR 11.2 billion, and at the end of the year over 60,000 employees in close to 70 countries. KONE class B shares are listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd. in Finland. www.kone.com
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. […]
Highlights: Arabic edition now live at znaki.fm/ar Politics, economy, sport, culture, celebrities and lifestyle, written in Arabic for the region Persons, Events, Places, Companies and Lifestyle sections add the background behind the headlines One of more than 40 local ZNAKI FM editions, each built for its market DUBAI, – ZNAKI FM today announced the expansion of its Arabic edition at znaki.fm/ar. The multilingual platform offers Arab […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 October 2026 – Marking two decades of inspiring minds and shaping leaders, Creative Secondary School (CSS) invites prospective students, parents, and community members to its annual Open Day 2026 on Saturday, 31 October 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Grounded in the school’s guiding ethos—“Through this place, we thrive, we serve, and find our place in the world”—this milestone celebration, themed “World of Possibilities,” will showcase how CSS empowers young learners to become thoughtful, adaptable global citizens. Visitors will experience first-hand the school’s inquiry-based learning model across its IB MYP, IB DP, and HKDSE pathways, designed to cultivate critical thinking, academic excellence, and international-mindedness.
Throughout the event, attendees will enjoy a vibrant campus experience featuring live student music and arts performances, academic showcases, interactive student-led charity booths, and opportunities to connect directly with CSS teachers, parents, students, and support teams. To gain deeper insight into academic life, families can attend the Admissions Talk (1:15 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.) at the School Hall to learn about the educational philosophy and admissions process, or register upper-primary learners for specialized P5 & P6 Classroom Taster Sessions (held at 12:00 nn and 2:15 p.m.) to experience CSS’s dynamic teaching approach firsthand.
Join us as CSS celebrates 20 years of transformative education and looks toward a future of limitless possibilities.
Sign Up & Enquiries If you are interested in joining our CSS Open Day 2026, please fill in the Online Form here or scan the QR code below.
Debut of ASEAN and Qinghai Pavilions alongside four key themes spanning energy, technology, green cities and waste management
ECO Expo Asia 2026 – Connecting the World for a Sustainable Future
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 October 2026 – Eco Expo Asia 2026, jointly organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, co-organised by the Environment and Ecology Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), will be held from 26 to 29 October at AsiaWorld-Expo.
HKTDC Associate Executive Director Silas Chu said: “Last month, the Hong Kong SAR Government unveiled the Policy Address and first Five-Year Plan, setting out a vision for building a green and liveable city. Across the region and beyond, China, the European Union and many ASEAN economies are actively pursuing carbon-neutrality or net-zero emission targets, and driving decarbonisation through regulations and industrial policies. Green transformation has shifted from policy aspiration to market rule. As global demand for ESG and green solutions continues to grow, Eco Expo Asia will bring together green technologies, innovative solutions, and global business opportunities to help enterprises capitalise on the new prospects emerging from this transition.”
He added, “This year’s Eco Expo Asia brings together over 340 exhibitors from 16 countries and regions, including first-time participants from Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, highlighting the Expo’s growing international reach. Some 200 key officials and representatives of semi-official organisations from the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, Belt and Road countries, and ASEAN, will attend and tour the Expo, further promoting cross-regional cooperation and exchange.”
Speaking at the press conference, the Deputy Director of the Environmental Protection Department of the HKSAR Government, Dr Vanessa Au, expressed: “The 21st edition of Eco Expo Asia, held under the theme ‘Connecting the World for a Sustainable Future’, dovetails with the HKSAR Government’s First Five-Year Plan, and implements the Policy Address precisely aligning with the National 15th Five-Year Plan. It underscores our commitment to advancing Hong Kong’s green transformation, fostering green innovation, seizing the opportunities presented by the low-carbon economy, creating economic benefits and enhancing citizen well-being. Key highlights of this year’s expo include the HKSAR Government booth, the Environmental Campaign Committee Pavilion, the Hong Kong Pavilion and the newly established comprehensive experience zone for green technology. This year during the expo, the Environment and Ecology Bureau and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment of the People’s Republic of China will, for the first time, co-host the Belt and Road Green Innovation Conference in Hong Kong. In addition, the Environmental Protection Department, in association with the Belt and Road Initiative International Green Development Coalition and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, will jointly organise the second edition of the ‘Green Silk Road’ International Training Programme. This expo brings together stakeholders from all sectors, uniting our efforts to advance global carbon neutrality and sustainable development.”
Businesses show continued strong confidence in Hong Kong as an ESG business hub
The HKTDC has also released the “HKTDC ESG Index 2026”. The latest ESG Index stood at 67.3, up from 64.2 last year and well above the neutral threshold of 50, reflecting the continued strengthening of corporate confidence in Hong Kong’s role as an ESG hub. The survey also showed that 93% of respondents have integrated ESG into their overall business decision-making processes, while the share of businesses sourcing or selling ESG-related products and services rose from 29% in 2025 to 46% in 2026.
Silas said, “The rise in the ESG index reflects the continued strengthening of global businesses’ confidence in Hong Kong’s role as an ESG business hub. Results further demonstrate that ESG is increasingly being built into business decisions on investment, sourcing, and supply chain management, fuelling steady growth in demand for ESG products, services and solutions. ESG has evolved beyond a compliance requirement into a source of competitive advantage for companies.”
With strong demand for ESG solutions, Hong Kong is well positioned to unlock commercial opportunities across banking and finance, professional services, and innovation and technology. In terms of technological innovation, surveyed businesses identified the most impactful Hong Kong digital and ESG platforms for boosting performance as sustainable supply chain platforms (45%), AI analytics (37%), and cloud data reporting (30%). On supply chain management, respondents most valued Hong Kong’s ESG certification services (50%), followed by transparency and traceability tools (41%), and ESG audit and risk analysis solutions (36%).
Pavilion line-up expands with ASEAN and Qinghai Pavilion debuts
Eco Expo Asia brings together green innovations and technologies from around the world, offering the industry a platform to exchange ideas and explore new business opportunities. This year, the number of participating pavilions has risen to 18, covering a wider spread of regions. On the Chinese Mainland front, Qinghai Province makes its first appearance with a pavilion of its own, joined by the nine Chinese Mainland cities in the Greater Bay Area, Macao, Guangxi, Hunan, Shanghai, and Nanjing in Jiangsu Province.
Among the international group pavilions, the headline addition is a new ASEAN Pavilion, featuring 13 green technology companies from eight member countries, including Singapore, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. An ASEAN networking reception on the opening day will further strengthen business ties with the region. In addition, Korea Institute of Fusion Energy (KFE), bringing two companies, will showcase their marine environmental technologies and waste gas treatment equipment. The US State of Illinois returns after several years, while Canada, Italy, and the Netherlands maintain their regular presence.
Regarding Hong Kong exhibitors, the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation once again leads 11 start-ups to the Expo to showcase local green innovation achievements. The Hong Kong Pavilion, supported by the Environmental Protection Department and coordinated by the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, is back with 19 local exhibitors presenting a diverse range of eco-friendly products, technologies and solutions. Rounding off the home-grown line-up, the HKSAR Government booth, featuring 11 bureaux and departments including the Environment and Ecology Bureau, and the Environmental Campaign Committee Pavilion, will highlight the city’s latest work in environmental protection and green development.
As a member of the HKSAR Government’s GoGlobal Task Force, the HKTDC will set up a GoGlobal Connect Zone, helping Chinese Mainland environmental enterprises tap international markets through Hong Kong’s professional services. A seminar on going global rounds out the programme, sharing practical experiences in expanding overseas.
Four thematic areas spotlight green innovation
Aligned with global trends and policy directions, this year’s Expo centres on four areas: Green Energy in Motion, Frontier Green Tech, Building for a Greener City and From Waste to Worth, showcasing the latest innovative green technologies, products, and solutions.
Under”Green Energy in Motion“, the Expo features green energy solutions spanning the maritime, land transport and aviation sectors. Echoing the call in the Policy Address and Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan to build a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) industry chain, EcoCeres Ltd. (Booth: 3-F30), a global leading SAF producer, makes its Expo debut with its advanced renewable SAF made from waste materials, alongside Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Pavilion (Booth: 3-E02) will also focus on energy, with start-ups presenting innovations such as EV chargers and modular EV conversion technology.
Under the “Frontier Green Tech” theme, around 30 start-ups and university spin-offs will show how research achievements have been transformed into practical environmental applications. Among them, first-time exhibitor Stellerus Technology Limited (Booth: 6-D27) will display the Multi‑Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory (MUSICO), the world’s first lightweight, high‑resolution, high‑precision synergistic greenhouse gases observatory, which has already been deployed on China’s Tiangong space station. MUSICO monitors greenhouse gas emissions, supporting enterprises in formulating emission-reduction measures and supplying precise data to green finance institutions.
In keeping with the “building a green and liveable city” policy direction under Hong Kong’s Five-Year Plan, the “Building for a Greener City” theme gathers a host of innovations now in real-world use. Green Vigor Limited (Booth: 3-E02) will exhibit a modular hydropower system that converts wasted hydraulic resources from water tanks and cooling systems in buildings into electricity, a solution already in use in local shopping malls, commercial buildings and schools. AEC GreenTech Innovations Limited (Booth: 3-C20) brings a robot designed for plastering and paint spraying, which works at least five times faster than manual labour while halving material use, delivering environmental benefits. The technology has been adopted in local construction projects.
The fourth area, “From Waste to Worth“, assembles a number of leading Chinese Mainland enterprises in the waste management sector, including Chongqing Sanfeng Environment Group (Booth: 3-E30), named among Top 50 Environmental Enterprises in China and the Top 10 Influential Enterprises in China’s Solid Waste Industry, as well as listed environmental companies Dynagreen Environmental Protection Group (Booth: 3-B30) and Beijing Enterprises Environment Group (Booth: 3-D30), showcasing their waste management and resource circular solutions. Hong Kong-based Green AI Technology Limited (Booth: 3-E26) will launch REV, its new generation of the unmanned recycling station at the Expo, demonstrating how AI and automation can be applied to recycling.
Over 30 key events to gather experts from government, industry, academia and research
More than 30 forums and seminars will be held during the Expo, bringing together over 80 government officials, industry leaders and business representatives from the Chinese Mainland, Australia, Malaysia, Thailand, and other Belt and Road countries to share insights on green opportunities, success stories and forward-looking strategies.
The annual flagship event, Eco Asia Conference, will also feature a series of seminars centred on four key themes, with industry and academic experts presenting the latest developments. On 26 October, Professor Su Hui, Chair Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at HKUST, who spearheaded the development of MUSICO, will join ProfessorKenneth Leung, Director of the State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Health at CityUHK, to discuss technologies for monitoring extreme weather and explore Hong Kong’s role as a regional green innovation hub. On 27 October, representatives from the Construction Industry Council and China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong) Ltd will examine green building development from the perspectives of policy, certification and practice.
On 28 October, Avinash Persaud, Special Advisor on Climate Change to the President of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and a member of the High-Level Expert Group on Climate Finance for the COP26, 27 and 28 Presidencies, will take to the stage. Drawing on his extensive experience spanning international finance, public policy, and climate finance, he will analyse emerging global trends in the field.
Public Dayinvites everyone to embrace green lifestyles
The final day of the Expo (29 October) will be Public Day, with free admission for the public, aiming to raise awareness of environmental protection and sustainability and to encourage the adoption of green lifestyles. A series of seminars on climate, environmental protection and food waste upcycling will be held that day. Speakers include representatives from the Hong Kong Observatory, Hong Kong meteorologist and former Assistant Director of the Hong Kong Observatory Leung Wing Mo, and guests from Ways Out HK, a local social enterprise that turns food waste into jewellery. Visitors can also take part in interactive workshops, including a recycled paper making workshop, green cleaners making workshop and green mini games, enabling participants to learn hands-on how to put resource recycling and green living into practice.
BERLIN, GERMANY – Newsaktuell – 11 October 2026 – The World Health Summit (WHS) 2026, the leading platform for global health, brings together more than 4,000 participants from 130 countries in Berlin and tens of thousands more online from October 11 to 13. Under the theme “From Crisis to Resilience: Innovating for Health,” the Summit convenes leaders from politics, science, civil society, and the private sector. Discussions address Ebola and other infectious diseases, antibiotic resistance, pandemic preparedness, resilient health systems, health care in conflict settings such as Ukraine, and climate-related health threats. The Summit will also address WHO leadership through a conversation with prospective candidates for the next WHO Director-General.
Against this backdrop, WHS President Axel R. Pries emphasized the need for innovation and collaboration: “Past achievements and continued progress in global health are increasingly challenged by multiple and overlapping crises. To build resilient, effective, and equitable health systems, we need innovation across biomedicine and technology, financing, delivery, and political coordination. This requires partnership and trust within and beyond the health sector and is at the heart of the World Health Summit 2026 leitmotif.”
Announcements and new pledges during the official WHS press conference:
Diene Keita, Executive Director of UNFPA, highlighted the Government of Bangladesh’s landmark investment of 250 million euros in women’s health, supported by the European Investment Bank.
John-Arne Røttingen, CEO of Wellcome, launched the Wellcome Global Monitor 2026, which shows trust in science has fallen since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ilana Ron Levey, Managing Director at Gallup, shared findings from the State of the World’s Emotional Health 2026 Report, examining the relationship between social media use and emotional well-being.
Turkey has prohibited social media companies from providing services to children younger than 15 under regulations published on Saturday, with the restrictions scheduled to take effect on 1 November. The rules, issued by the Presidency’s Cyber Security Directorate and published in the Official Gazette, require platforms to verify users’ ages, refuse registrations by children below the threshold and close accounts identified as belonging to them. They also […]
Britain, the United States and international partners have issued a joint cybersecurity warning detailing how China-linked hackers allegedly use commercial tools and compromised infrastructure to penetrate organisations worldwide and steal sensitive information. The advisory, published on Thursday, identifies Integrity Technology Group, a company based in China, as an enabler of operations targeting government services, manufacturers, healthcare providers and technology networks. It describes automated scanning, large botnets and […]
China’s passenger vehicle retail sales fell 24% in September from a year earlier, underscoring persistent weakness in domestic demand despite a seasonal recovery in purchases.
Preliminary figures released by the China Passenger Car Association on Saturday showed that retail deliveries totalled 1.702 million vehicles, compared with approximately 2.24 million during September 2025. Sales nevertheless increased 10% from August, reflecting a month-end improvement that failed to offset the substantial annual decline.
New-energy vehicle sales, covering battery-electric and plug-in hybrid models, declined 12% year on year to 1.141 million units. However, deliveries rose 14% from August, demonstrating stronger monthly momentum than the overall passenger vehicle market.
Electrified vehicles accounted for 67.1% of passenger vehicle retail sales during September, highlighting their growing dominance even as total purchases weakened. Their share of manufacturer wholesale deliveries reached 66.1%, according to the association.
The figures reveal a widening divergence between domestic consumer purchases and manufacturers’ distribution volumes. Passenger vehicle wholesale sales reached 2.528 million units, declining 10% annually but increasing 7% from August.
New-energy vehicle wholesale deliveries performed considerably better, rising 11% year on year to 1.672 million units. They also increased 11% from August, indicating that manufacturers maintained comparatively strong shipments despite softer domestic retail demand.
For the first nine months of 2026, cumulative passenger vehicle retail sales reached 13.418 million units, representing a 21% contraction against the corresponding period last year. The sustained decline illustrates the difficulty facing manufacturers seeking to stimulate purchases in the world’s largest automotive market.
New-energy vehicle retail sales totalled 7.816 million units between January and September, falling 12% annually. Their comparatively smaller contraction helped increase their proportion of overall passenger vehicle purchases.
Wholesale passenger vehicle deliveries reached 19.711 million units during the nine-month period, down 6% from a year earlier. New-energy wholesale shipments, however, increased 9% to 11.45 million units, reinforcing the contrast between production distribution and domestic retail activity.
The association’s figures suggest that electrification continues to reshape market demand without generating sufficient additional purchases to reverse the broader contraction.
Traditional petrol-powered vehicles faced particularly difficult conditions. The association identified higher fuel prices and changing consumer preferences as factors weighing on demand for conventional models.
It also observed that September, normally a stronger selling period for China’s automotive industry, had produced an unusually uneven performance. Manufacturers were competing for existing customers rather than benefiting from a substantial expansion in overall demand.
The industry body’s assessment indicated that gains were concentrated overwhelmingly among new-energy vehicles, while conventional petrol-powered models struggled to attract additional buyers.
Competition has intensified as manufacturers attempt to defend market positions, sustain factory utilisation and meet delivery targets. The association noted that many new-energy brands lacked particularly strong-selling models, complicating efforts to maintain sales momentum.
Dealerships also faced mounting operating pressure despite relatively low inventories. The association highlighted tensions across the automotive supply chain, where manufacturers, suppliers and retailers were experiencing differing financial conditions.
September’s final days nevertheless provided an important boost to deliveries. New-energy retail sales had reached approximately 827,000 units during the first 27 days, representing a 20% annual decline.
The full-month total of 1.141 million indicates that roughly 314,000 additional vehicles were sold during the final three days, substantially narrowing the annual contraction.
That acceleration lifted the new-energy share of passenger vehicle retail sales above the 65.7% recorded during the month’s first 27 days.
The figures also underline the importance of distinguishing wholesale deliveries from purchases by domestic motorists. Wholesale volumes include vehicles distributed through manufacturers’ sales channels and exports, while retail figures more directly reflect domestic consumer demand.
The stronger wholesale performance therefore does not necessarily indicate a corresponding improvement in purchasing conditions within China.
The association’s preliminary statistics cover September 1 to 30 and form part of its regular monitoring of passenger vehicle market activity.
Its assessment places particular emphasis on the contrasting performance of conventional and electrified vehicles, alongside the differences between manufacturers’ shipments and dealership sales.
The September figures also showed that new-energy vehicles represented nearly two-thirds of manufacturer wholesale volumes, broadly consistent with their dominant position in domestic retail purchases.
The association published the figures as part of its market review covering September 28 to 30, incorporating preliminary estimates for the completed month.
Elon Musk has said Tesla and SpaceX could eventually manufacture semiconductors better than established producers, arguing that their experience designing specialised industrial equipment could give their planned Terafab factory an advantage. Speaking by livestream at Saturday’s X Takeover gathering outside Tesla’s Gigafactory in Austin, Texas, Musk acknowledged that semiconductor production would be exceptionally difficult and offered no timetable for achieving his ambition. “I think it is accurate […]
The United States has lifted a tsunami threat alert issued after a powerful earthquake struck Panama, as authorities assess widespread damage and injuries from two major tremors that shook the Central American country on Friday. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Centre initially identified a potential threat to coastal areas across Central and South America following the magnitude 7.7 earthquake on October 9. Subsequent assessments found no continuing tsunami […]
Born and grown in Malaysia, the 19-year-old brand marks the milestone at IOI Mall Puchong and welcomes new franchise partners
PUCHONG, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 October 2026 – Big Apple Donuts & Coffee, the donut and coffee brand born and grown in Malaysia, today opened its 100th store in Malaysia at IOI Mall Puchong, marking a major milestone in its 19-year journey.
Left to right: Mr. Mohammad Fadzli B. Zainurdin, General Manager, Big Apple Donuts & Coffee; Mr. Takashi Horii, Chief Financial Officer, Big Apple Donuts & Coffee; Mr. Yasuo Mizoguchi, Managing Director, Big Apple Donuts & Coffee; Mr. Ron Poon, Director, Big Apple Donuts & Coffee; Mr. Nilamegan, Operations Manager, IOI Mall Puchong; and Mr. Edward Yong, Senior Manager, FO Design, at the opening of Big Apple Donuts & Coffee’s 100th store in Malaysia at IOI Mall Puchong on 10 October 2026.
The official announcement took place at 1.00pm, and the new store at EFK-03, 1st Floor, South Court, IOI Mall Puchong, 47170 Puchong, Selangor opened to the public the same day.
To celebrate, Big Apple is offering its two pandan donuts, Ola Pandan and Dreamy Pandan, at RM1 each at all outlets nationwide until 31 October 2026, while stocks last. Each store offers 100 pieces a day, with no limit per customer. The offer is for in-store purchases only and is not available on delivery apps.
“Big Apple was born in Malaysia 19 years ago, and every one of our 100 stores was built on the support of Malaysian customers, our team and our franchise partners. This milestone belongs to them, and we are deeply grateful,” said Mr. Yasuo Mizoguchi, Managing Director of Big Apple Donuts & Coffee.
Big Apple opened its first store at The Curve, Mutiara Damansara, Petaling Jaya, in 2007, and will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2027.
“We wanted to say thank you in a way every Malaysian can enjoy. Pandan is a flavour close to Malaysian hearts, so for the rest of October, Ola Pandan and Dreamy Pandan are RM1 at every outlet,” he said.
Ola Pandan has a fragrant pandan glaze topped with a creamy vanilla swirl. Dreamy Pandan has a sweet pandan glaze with a dreamy, creamy vanilla topping and drizzle.
Big Apple’s network in Malaysia includes both company-owned and franchised stores, and the brand welcomes new franchise partners.
“The F&B scene keeps changing, and customers have more choice than ever. To stay relevant, we keep listening to them. One hundred stores is a milestone, not a finish line. We will continue to grow and evolve into a brand that is loved by more customers and brings even greater happiness to their everyday lives,” he added.
“Looking ahead to 2027, we plan to open another 10 stores across Malaysia as part of our continued expansion. Our ambition is to strengthen our presence nationwide and work towards becoming the number one donut brand in Malaysia,” he said.
Milestone: 100th Big Apple Donuts & Coffee store in Malaysia
Opened: Saturday, 10 October 2026, at IOI Mall Puchong, Selangor
Offer: Ola Pandan and Dreamy Pandan at RM1 each, all outlets nationwide, until 31 October 2026, while stocks last (100 pieces per store per day, in-store only)
Heritage: first store opened in 2007 at The Curve, Mutiara Damansara
Franchise: Big Apple welcomes new franchise partners
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Big Apple Donuts & Coffee
Big Apple Donuts & Coffee is a donut and coffee brand born and grown in Malaysia. Since opening its first store at The Curve, Mutiara Damansara, in 2007, the brand has grown to 100 stores in Malaysia and 10 in Cambodia, serving freshly made donuts and coffee for 19 years. Its products are halal-certified, and the brand welcomes new franchise partners. For store locations, visit www.bigappledonuts.com.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Wall Street is confronting a fresh source of pressure on US government bonds as the extra compensation investors demand for holding longer-term debt climbs to its highest level in more than a decade. The so-called term premium on 10-year Treasury securities has risen by roughly 40 basis points since mid-September to about 0.98%, according to a model maintained by the Federal Reserve Bank […]
China’s DEEP Robotics has tested waterproof humanoid robots at busy intersections in Hangzhou, deploying machines to direct traffic, identify road violations and assist tourists during persistent rainfall. The trials, conducted during the National Day holiday in early October, involved several DR02 humanoid robots operating across Xihu District in eastern China’s Zhejiang province. The company said the exercise examined whether autonomous machines could undertake routine roadside duties while […]
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