Abu Dhabi’s main stock exchange and Italy’s bourse have taken a formal step towards closer capital-market integration, signalling ambitions that extend beyond headline listings to the plumbing of cross-border settlement and custody. The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange Group, ranked among the world’s top 20 exchanges by market capitalisation, and Borsa Italiana, part of the Euronext group, signed a letter of intent during the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum […]
OPEC+ is expected to keep its pause on planned oil output increases for March when key ministers meet on Sunday, according to people familiar with the discussions, as crude prices move above the $70-a-barrel mark amid heightened geopolitical risk in the Middle East. Brent crude has climbed to nearly $72 a barrel, the highest level since August, reversing earlier expectations that ample supply would weigh on prices […]
Civil aviation stands at the centre of economic expansion, tourism development and global connectivity as governments and industry leaders recalibrate policies to meet rising passenger demand and shifting trade patterns, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri said while addressing a high-level ministerial gathering in Hyderabad. Speaking at the “Wings of India 2026” conference, the Minister of Economy and Tourism and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai-based luxury property developer Damac Real Estate Development Limited has returned to the debt capital markets with a $600 million Islamic bond that drew strong investor demand, signalling sustained appetite for Gulf real estate credit despite higher-for-longer global interest rates. The 3.5-year benchmark sukuk attracted an orderbook topping $1.7 billion, excluding interest from joint lead managers, allowing pricing to tighten materially from initial […]
Matein Khalid Something is dangerously wrong in a world where the price of gold rises 30% and silver surges a surreal 65% in a single month, as we witnessed in January 2026. True, an American carrier strike force with a full complement of 80 F-18 Hornet war planes and missile destroyers laden with Tomahawk cruise missiles has sailed from the South China Sea into the Gulf. Once […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai A new investment cooperation pact between the United Arab Emirates and Scotland aims to widen capital flows, align priority sectors and give institutional backing to a growing commercial relationship between the Gulf state and one of the UK’s devolved governments. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the UAE Ministry of Investment and the Scottish Government, setting out a framework to promote two-way […]
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, arrived in Moscow on an official visit to the Russian Federation, underscoring a phase of high-level engagement between Abu Dhabi and Moscow as both sides seek to broaden cooperation across energy, trade, technology and geopolitics. As the presidential aircraft entered Russian airspace, a formation of military jets escorted it in a ceremonial welcome, a gesture […]
Central Bank of the UAE has rolled out the region’s first biometric payment system based on facial and palm recognition, marking a significant shift in how retail transactions may be authenticated across the country. The initiative aligns with the UAE Digital Economy Strategy and the central bank’s wider effort to create a secure, inclusive and innovation-led payments ecosystem, while reducing reliance on cards, cash and mobile devices. […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Etihad Rail has taken a significant step towards reshaping freight transport in the Gulf after completing a magnetic levitation freight trial with Italy-based technology firm IronLev, marking the first time such a system has been tested in the Middle East. The trial, conducted at the Al Faya Depot, demonstrated the ability of a maglev platform to move heavy cargo efficiently, signalling a potential […]
The Group was also ranked third in Thailand under the international “Best Place to Work in Thailand 2025” certification, reinforcing ONYX’s commitment to sustainable people management and a strong corporate culture.
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OuReach Newswire – 30 January 2026 – ONYX Hospitality Group has been recognised as the seventh Best Place to Work in the Asia-Pacific region for 2025, awarded by Best Places to Work, an internationally recognised organisation specialising in workplace assessment and employee experience benchmarking. The recognition reflects the Group’s people-centric workplace practices and a culture that places equal emphasis on employee development and service excellence, and is further reinforced by ONYX’s third-place ranking in Thailand under the “Best Place to Work in Thailand 2025” certification, highlighting the Group’s long-standing focus on sustainable people management and a strong, values-driven corporate culture.
With a diverse portfolio spanning hotels, resorts, serviced apartments, and luxury residences under well-established brands including Amari, OZO, Shama, and Oriental Residence, ONYX Hospitality Group continues to strengthen its position across key strategic markets in the region. As the Group approaches its 60th anniversary in 2026, these accolades further highlight ONYX’s long-standing commitment to building a resilient organisation powered by engaged and capable people.
The “Best Places to Work” certification is an internationally recognised programme that benchmarks organisational excellence in human resource practices and employee engagement. Certification is awarded through a comprehensive evaluation covering employee engagement, employee experience, and the effectiveness of HR policies and practices. In this year’s assessment, ONYX Hospitality Group demonstrated strong performance across multiple dimensions, including a supportive work environment, an open and inclusive corporate culture, and a people development strategy closely aligned with the Group’s regional business direction.
One of the key pillars supporting ONYX’s evolution as a trusted workplace is ONYX Academy, the Group’s comprehensive learning and development institute. ONYX Academy delivers structured programmes spanning foundational skills training, advanced role-specific competency development, and clearly defined career pathways for employees at all levels. By prioritising both future-ready capabilities and practical, applicable skills, the Academy equips team members for sustainable personal and professional growth.
The effectiveness of ONYX Academy has also been recognised at an industry level through multiple honours at the EXA: Employee Experience Awards 2025, including awards for the General Manager Development Programme (GM Track), the NextYou Initiative, the HR Leadership Enhancement Programme, and the Group’s ESG initiatives. These accolades further underscore ONYX Hospitality Group’s long-term and focused commitment to meaningful employee development.
Alongside capability building, ONYX Hospitality Group continues to foster a corporate culture rooted in openness and dynamism, encouraging employees to think creatively, experiment, and contribute new ideas. The Group actively supports agility and adaptability by creating space for diverse voices across the organisation. Employee well-being is also prioritised through the ONYX Cares programme, which holistically supports physical and mental health, relationships, and team engagement—contributing to a work environment that nurtures both individual fulfilment and organisational growth.
Saranya Watanasirisuk,Senior Vice President, Corporate Human Resources, commented: “At ONYX Hospitality Group, we believes that our people are the foundation for delivering exceptional experiences and service. Our success in human resource management is driven by strong leadership support at every level, enabling employees to grow across all dimensions. This commitment spans from recruitment and holistic learning systems to cultivating an environment that encourages creativity, experimentation, and the full expression of individual potential. These efforts have positioned ONYX not only as an employer of choice, but also as an organisation trusted by partners and guests alike.”
Receiving the “Best Place to Work” Certification at both national and regional levels marks another significant milestone for ONYX Hospitality Group. The achievement reinforces its commitment not only to being a regional leader in hospitality management, but also to being an organisation that genuinely values its people.
Looking ahead, ONYX remains dedicated to continuously enhancing the workplace environment and delivering meaningful employee experiences that support long-term growth and sustained competitiveness.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About ONYX Hospitality Group:
ONYX Hospitality Group, a reputable force in Southeast Asia’s hospitality industry, operates a collection of comprehensive yet complementary brands – Amari, OZO, Shama and Oriental Residence – catering to the distinctive needs of discerning business and leisure travellers in Southeast Asia where their expertise lies. In addition to its brand portfolio, ONYX Hospitality Group also operates additional hospitality services across spa and food and beverage. With over five decades of management experience, the company extends its innovative solutions throughout the region, upholding internationally recognised standards and ensuring optimal operational manoeuvrability. By fostering enduring relationships with like-minded business partners, ONYX Hospitality Group delivers unparalleled experiences in a dynamic and competitive market, meeting the ever-evolving demands of travellers.
Kaspersky has introduced a new online tool aimed at helping industrial companies in the Middle East quantify cyber risk in operational technology environments, as manufacturers, energy firms and utilities face mounting pressure to justify cybersecurity spending with clearer financial metrics. The cybersecurity company said the OT Cybersecurity Savings Calculator is designed to translate technical exposure in industrial control systems into potential monetary losses, allowing executives to […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai-based Danube Properties has appointed former Australia fast bowler Brett Lee as its Global Ambassador, a move aimed at strengthening the developer’s international presence and sharpening its brand messaging across key overseas markets. The announcement, made by founder and chairman Rizwan Sajan, positions the retired cricketer as the face of Danube Properties’ outreach to global audiences, leveraging Lee’s worldwide recognition and credibility […]
Hong Kong’s first exchange-traded fund directly tracking physical gold prices posted a sharp rise on its trading debut on Thursday, underscoring renewed investor appetite for safe-haven assets as bullion climbed to a fresh all-time high in international markets.
The Hang Seng Gold ETF gained more than 9% within hours of listing, according to exchange data, drawing robust turnover from institutional and retail investors seeking exposure to gold without holding the metal outright. The launch coincided with spot gold touching a record level just below $2,500 an ounce, driven by a combination of monetary policy expectations, geopolitical uncertainty and sustained central bank demand.
Market participants said the strength of the debut reflected pent-up demand in Hong Kong for simple, exchange-based gold products that track global prices more closely. While futures-linked and commodity-basket funds have existed for years, the new ETF is structured to mirror spot prices using physical gold holdings, reducing tracking error and rollover costs.
Gold’s advance has been underpinned by expectations that major central banks are approaching an inflection point in interest-rate policy. Slowing inflation in the United States and Europe has reinforced the view that rate cuts could come later this year, weakening the dollar and lowering the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets such as gold. The metal has also benefited from persistent buying by central banks seeking to diversify reserves amid currency volatility and sanctions-related risks.
In Hong Kong, the ETF’s issuer said the product was designed to meet demand from investors who view gold as both a hedge against macroeconomic shocks and a portfolio diversifier. The fund allows trading in local currency during market hours, offering an alternative to offshore accounts or over-the-counter bullion purchases.
Analysts noted that the timing of the launch proved advantageous. Global gold prices have risen by more than 20% over the past year, supported by strong inflows into bullion-backed products in Asia and the Middle East. In contrast, flows into some gold ETFs listed in North America had been uneven earlier in the cycle, reflecting higher real yields and competition from cash-like instruments. That pattern has shifted as expectations around policy easing firmed.
Hong Kong’s exchange has been seeking to broaden its commodity and currency-linked offerings to attract regional capital, particularly from mainland investors using cross-border trading channels. Although access rules vary by product, fund managers said interest from family offices and private banks was a key driver of early demand for the gold ETF.
Spot gold’s climb to record territory has also been fuelled by geopolitical tensions spanning Eastern Europe and the Middle East, alongside concerns about sovereign debt sustainability in several advanced economies. Such factors have reinforced gold’s role as a store of value during periods of heightened uncertainty.
Bullion dealers in Asia reported steady physical demand from jewellery manufacturers and investors, even as higher prices tempered buying in some price-sensitive markets. Premiums in major trading hubs narrowed but remained positive, signalling underlying support rather than speculative excess.
The strong opening performance of the Hang Seng Gold ETF contrasts with more subdued debuts for some equity-linked funds in the city this year, highlighting the divergence between defensive assets and riskier sectors. Equity markets in the region have faced headwinds from uneven growth prospects and regulatory uncertainty, pushing some investors to rebalance portfolios towards commodities and hard assets.
Industry observers cautioned that gold prices can be volatile in the short term, particularly if inflation data or central bank guidance shifts market expectations. A stronger-than-expected rebound in growth or a delay in policy easing could trigger profit-taking after the metal’s sharp run-up. Even so, many strategists maintain that structural factors, including reserve diversification by monetary authorities and long-term fiscal pressures, provide a supportive backdrop.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Property Finder has raised $170 million in fresh capital from Mubadala Investment Company alongside other UAE sovereign-backed investors, a funding round that underscores sustained confidence in the region’s digital property platforms amid shifting real estate cycles. The Dubai-headquartered company said the investment will be used to simplify the home-search experience, improve productivity tools for brokers and developers, and reinforce data accuracy, trust and […]
Citigold Private Clients will gain access to alternative asset classes including private equity and private infrastructure
HONG KONG SAR and SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 January 2026 – Citi Hong Kong and Citi Singapore have announced strategic partnerships with leading global private market firms Blackstone, Blue Owl and KKR, to launch evergreen funds for high net-worth clients who are seeking enhanced wealth solutions and greater portfolio diversification.
Through the partnerships, Citigold Private Clients in Asia and the Middle East will gain access to private markets, including equity, credit, infrastructure, and real estate. These alternative asset classes have traditionally been reserved for institutional investors.
The funds will be structured in an evergreen format, offering simplified access to private markets with more flexible subscription and liquidity terms than traditional closed-ended private markets solutions, subject to a minimum initial holding period.
The launch of the funds has started and the funds will continue to be rolled out in the next few months.
Citigold Private Clients will be able to diversify their portfolios, capture opportunities for uncorrelated returns and long-term growth, as well as participate directly in the value creation inherent in private markets assets.
Ms Vicky Kong, Head of Wealth, Asia North and Australia, Citi, said: “In today’s complex and volatile market, our clients are rightly seeking resilient, diversified sources of returns beyond traditional public markets. This collaboration with Blackstone, Blue Owl and KKR directly addresses that demand, providing sophisticated access to private markets that were once the exclusive domain of institutional and private bank investors. This is more than a product expansion, it’s a significant step in our commitment to delivering comprehensive wealth management solutions to our affluent clients, and empowering our clients to build long-term portfolios fit for the future.”
Ms Yeo Wenxian, Head of Wealth for Asia South, Citi, said: “We are excited to work with Blackstone, Blue Owl and KKR to leverage their industry leadership, investment expertise and robust deal-sourcing capabilities. These investment vehicles will deepen and broaden Citi’s comprehensive wealth management offerings, further cementing our role as a trusted partner to our clients in their wealth journeys.”
Mr Ed Huang, Head of Asia Pacific for Blackstone Private Wealth, said: “We are delighted to build on our longstanding relationship with Citi, combining its robust network and Blackstone’s position as the world’s largest alternatives manager, with proven performance in scaled offerings and a 23-year track record serving individual investors. We remain committed to expanding access to institutional-quality private market opportunities for Citi’s high-net-worth clients, helping them diversify their portfolios. Education is the cornerstone of our platform, and we look forward to deepening our partnership by providing enhanced resources and insights into private markets.”
Mr Sean Connor, CEO and Global Head of Private Wealth at Blue Owl Capital, said: “Our global partnership with Citi for their platform expansion in Asia is a critical milestone in our collective effort to provide best-in-class access to the private markets for investors. We are pleased to bring Blue Owl’s differentiated investment capabilities, all-weather solutions, along with dedicated service and support for Citi financial advisors and their clients. Our priority is to continue to provide differentiated access to institutional-grade solutions that empower investors to unlock the full potential of the private markets in their portfolios with leading global partners like Citi.”
Ms Jacqueline Zhuang, Managing Director and Head of Global Wealth Solutions Asia Pacific ex-Japan at KKR, said: “This strategic partnership with Citi provides their advisors and clients across Asia and the Middle East with differentiated access to KKR’s suite of evergreen private equity, infrastructure and private credit strategies. Individual wealth investors expect access to the same private markets investment opportunities as institutions. Together with Citi, we are focused on delivering a comprehensive solution that combines investor service, education, and access to KKR’s differentiated investment capabilities.”
Hashtag: #Citibank
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Citi
Citi is a preeminent banking partner for institutions with cross-border needs, a global leader in wealth management and a valued personal bank in its home market of the United States. Citi does business in more than 180 countries and jurisdictions, providing corporations, governments, investors, institutions and individuals with a broad range of financial products and services.
Nairobi has been chosen to host the first Gulfood360 Africa in May 2027, marking a significant expansion of the global food and beverage platform into a continent whose food economy is valued at about $567 billion. The decision, announced on the sidelines of Gulfood 2026 in Dubai, formalises Kenya as the official African host and positions the East African hub at the centre of a strategy to […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai has unveiled a landmark expansion of its international financial hub, launching a $27 billion development designed to scale the city’s role in global finance as demand from overseas firms pushes existing capacity to its limits. The project, known as the DIFC Zabeel District, will extend the Dubai International Financial Centre across a substantial new area and is slated to reshape the emirate’s […]
Dollar-pegged digital tokens are moving from trading desks into everyday payments, payrolls and cross-border transfers as financial institutions and consumer apps expand support for stablecoins, reshaping how value is stored and moved in the crypto economy. Stablecoins now account for a growing share of on-chain activity, reflecting demand for price stability amid swings in other digital assets. Market capitalisation has climbed sharply over the past year, crossing […]
Bangkok will host Wiki Finance Expo Thailand 2026 in April, positioning the Thai capital as a focal point for discussions on financial technology, digital assets and Web3 innovation across Southeast Asia. The event is scheduled to take place at the Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, bringing together industry executives, policymakers, investors and technology developers at a time when the region’s digital finance ecosystem is expanding at pace.
The expo is expected to draw thousands of participants from Asia, the Middle East and Europe, reflecting Bangkok’s growing role as a neutral convening hub for global fintech dialogue. Organisers have indicated that the programme will centre on payments innovation, decentralised finance, blockchain infrastructure, digital asset regulation and the integration of artificial intelligence into financial services. These themes mirror broader shifts in global finance, where traditional institutions and technology-driven platforms are increasingly intersecting.
Thailand’s selection as host underscores the country’s strategic importance within Southeast Asia’s fintech landscape. Bangkok already serves as a base for regional operations of banks, digital payment firms and cryptocurrency exchanges, supported by a large consumer market with high smartphone penetration and rising adoption of cashless payments. Regional analysts note that Southeast Asia’s fintech sector has moved beyond experimentation, with platforms scaling rapidly across borders in areas such as e-wallets, buy-now-pay-later services and tokenised assets.
Wiki Finance Expo has established itself as a travelling forum, with earlier editions held in cities including Dubai, Hong Kong and Singapore. The Thailand edition is expected to build on that track record by offering a mix of keynote addresses, panel discussions and business matchmaking sessions. Industry leaders from blockchain firms, digital asset custodians, payment processors and trading platforms are likely to outline strategies for navigating regulatory complexity while pursuing growth in emerging markets.
A central focus of the Bangkok gathering will be Web3, an area attracting increasing interest from both venture capital and established financial institutions. Developers are using blockchain-based architectures to reimagine trading, lending and data ownership, while governments across Asia are assessing how to balance innovation with consumer protection. Participants are expected to debate how decentralised technologies can coexist with existing financial systems rather than replace them outright.
Regulation is set to be another major thread. Southeast Asian jurisdictions have taken varied approaches to digital assets, ranging from proactive licensing frameworks to tighter restrictions on retail participation. Thailand has introduced structured oversight for digital asset businesses, aiming to reduce systemic risk while allowing innovation to continue. Discussions at the expo are expected to explore how clearer regulatory pathways can attract institutional capital and encourage responsible product development.
The event also comes as cross-border payments remain a priority for the region. High remittance flows, driven by labour mobility and trade, have highlighted inefficiencies in legacy systems. Fintech firms are increasingly promoting blockchain-based settlement and real-time payment networks as solutions. Panels in Bangkok are expected to examine whether these technologies can achieve scale while meeting compliance and security requirements.
Beyond policy and technology, the expo is positioned as a commercial platform. Start-ups will have opportunities to pitch to investors, while established companies can seek partnerships or market entry strategies. Organisers have emphasised the importance of connecting global capital with Southeast Asian innovation, particularly as funding patterns shift towards projects with clearer revenue models and regulatory alignment.
Tourism and hospitality stakeholders in Bangkok are also expected to benefit from the influx of international delegates. Large-scale business events have become an important segment of the city’s post-pandemic recovery strategy, complementing leisure tourism. Hosting a high-profile fintech expo aligns with efforts to brand Bangkok not only as a travel destination but also as a regional business and technology centre.
Oil prices pushed higher on Wednesday, extending gains as disruptions to crude output and exports from the United States kept supply risks in focus, while simmering tensions across the Middle East added a geopolitical premium to the market. Brent crude futures traded at $67.85 a barrel in early Asian hours, up 28 cents, while U. S. West Texas Intermediate rose 35 cents to $62.74 a barrel. The […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Abu Dhabi–based energy investor XRG is deepening its engagement in one of the world’s largest liquefied natural gas export facilities, moving to acquire an additional equity interest in the Rio Grande LNG project in Texas, industry participants confirmed. The move extends XRG’s ownership beyond its earlier holding and marks a significant step in executing its global gas strategy, signalling confidence in long-term demand […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Mubadala Capital, the alternative asset management arm of Abu Dhabi’s sovereign investor Mubadala Investment Company, has unveiled a new co-investment vehicle aimed at scaling its exposure to private markets, with the fund closing at $554 million after being increased beyond its initial target. The Abu Dhabi-based firm said the Mubadala Capital Co-Investment Fund I was upsized from a $500 million hard cap following […]
HANOI, VIETNAM & TEL AVIV, ISRAEL – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 January 2026 – VinFast and Autobrains, a leading AI innovator in the automotive industry, today announced a strategic partnership on developing autonomous driving technology L2++ and a new autonomous vehicle architecture capable of transforming virtually any car into a self-driving “robo-car.” The collaboration underscores its growing technological strength and reinforces the commitment to advancing autonomous solutions that deliver cutting-edge yet accessible vehicle technology for people everywhere.
The strategic collaboration focuses on the research and development of enhanced L2++ autonomous driving technologies for future VinFast electric vehicles.
The strategic collaboration focuses on the research and development of enhanced L2++ autonomous driving technologies for future VinFast electric vehicles. VinFast’s current EV passenger lineup is equipped with Level 2 driving assistance features, and the upgraded L2++ system is already undergoing pilot testing on the VF 8 and VF 9 models. This partnership establishes a strong foundation for VinFast to progressively integrate more advanced autonomous capabilities across its full product portfolio, underscoring the company’s commitment to delivering safer, smarter, and more intuitive mobility experiences for customers worldwide.
In addition, the partnership will explore and develop the “Robo-Car” system — a first-of-its-kind AI architecture that eliminates the need for costly LiDAR, radar arrays, or HD maps. Instead, the system leverages seven standard cameras and a compact, high-performance computing chip capable of processing approximately 20 trillion operations per second, enabling advanced autonomous functionality at a fraction of the cost and complexity of traditional systems.
The Robo-Car system is powered by Autobrains’ Agentic AI architecture, which adapts to real-time driving scenarios with humanlike precision while minimizing computational demand and removing the need for costly hardware. Combined with Autobrains’ Air-to-Road localization, a camera-based mapping technology that fuses real-time visual data with satellite imagery to eliminate HD map dependence, this foundation enables a scalable and affordable Level 4 autonomous solution for both emerging and advanced markets. VinFast and Autobrains are now testing the Robo-Car in controlled zones in Hanoi, with plans to expand trials to larger cities and international markets.
Prof.-Dr. Nguyen Van Duong, Global Deputy CEO of VinFast and Director of ADAS/AD Research Institute, said:”VinFast’s strategic partnership with Autobrains is helping shape a disruptive approach to affordable autonomous driving that fits our long-term vision for global mobility. We aim to move advanced driving technology from early adopters to everyday drivers. VinFast is committed to making autonomous mobility safe, affordable, and available to all.”
Mr. Igal Raichelgauz, CEO of Autobrains, said: “The Robo-Carwe’re developing with VinFast is performing autonomous driving in real traffic with confidence and precision. It marks meaningful progress toward a future where drivers everywhere can enjoy safety, comfort, and freedom through autonomy. It also reflects our shared mission of making advanced autonomous capability accessible to everyone.”
VinFast is accelerating its global growth by expanding production capacity, broadening its product portfolio, and strengthening its presence in key international markets. The company continues to build momentum by working with leading local and international partners to integrate advanced technologies, enhance service quality, and elevate the overall vehicle experience. These collaborations allow VinFast to combine global expertise with its own rapid innovation, supporting the company’s mission to deliver high-quality, intelligent, and accessible electric vehicles to customers worldwide.
Hashtag: #VinFast
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About VinFast
VinFast (NASDAQ: VFS), a subsidiary of Vingroup JSC, one of Vietnam’s largest conglomerates, is a pure-play electric vehicle (“EV”) manufacturer with the mission of making EVs accessible to everyone. VinFast’s product lineup today includes a wide range of electric SUVs, e-scooters, and e-buses.
VinFast is currently embarking on its next growth phase through rapid expansion of its distribution and dealership network globally and increasing its manufacturing capacities with a focus on key markets across North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Autobrains is a leading AI company in the automotive industry. The company developed a paradigm-shifting AI technology called Agentic AI, backed by more than 300 patents addressing core autonomous driving challenges. Autobrains’ solutions for ADAS and autonomous driving offer advanced perception capability, low compute requirements, and sensor and SoC flexibility. The company is supported by strategic investors including Temasek, Knorr-Bremse AG, BMW i Ventures, Toyota Ventures, VinFast, Continental AG, and Autel.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 January 2026 – The 19th Asian Financial Forum (AFF), opened this morning (January 26) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre with more than 3,600 influential leaders from over 60 countries and regions joining the two-day summit, the region’s first major international financial event of 2026.
Co-organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), this year’s AFF, themed “Co-creating New Horizons Amid an Evolving Landscape”, takes on added significance being the first such event of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030).
“Featuring more than 150 prominent speakers, from Hong Kong, throughout the Asian region and around the world, the Forum will inspire insight and innovation, create partnerships and explore fresh business opportunities,” John Lee, Chief Executive of the HKSAR, said in his opening remarks at the Forum.
Mr Lee also spoke of the boundless opportunities for Hong Kong under the unique principle of “one country, two systems”, that assures Hong Kong of the unwavering support of China, while continuing to expand its global markets and reach.
“This unparalleled positioning solidifies our institutional strengths: the rule of law, a judiciary that exercises its power independently, an open and transparent market, the free flow of capital and a low and simple tax regime,” Mr Lee said.
Mr Lee later witnessed the signing of a co-operation agreement between the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau and the Shanghai Gold Exchange, marking a new milestone in deepening co-operation between the gold markets of Hong Kong and Shanghai.
The agreement was signed by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Christopher Hui, and the Chairman of the Shanghai Gold Exchange, Yu Wenjian.
“The agreement just now signed is far more than a formal document,” said Mr Hui.
“It represents a resolute commitment to advancing the synergistic development of Hong Kong and Shanghai as premier international financial and gold markets. It reflects our joint determination to deepen the integration and complementary strengths of Hong Kong and Shanghai, so that together we can expand our share and influence in the global gold market, and better support Renminbi internationalisation.”
Mr Hui outlined the strategic significance of the agreement and the overall development blueprint for Hong Kong’s gold market.
“In recent years, amid heightened geopolitical uncertainty, inflationary pressures, and ongoing restructuring of the international monetary system, the strategic importance of gold has become even more pronounced,” Mr Hui said.
The agreement covers two major forward-looking areas of co-operation: establishing a high-level, collaborative governance structure for Hong Kong’s new gold central clearing system; and opening new avenues for physical infrastructure synergy and market interconnectivity.
“The signing of this agreement with the Shanghai Gold Exchange marks the dawn of a new chapter—one in which Hong Kong and Shanghai join forces to shape the future of global gold markets,” Mr Hui said.
A discussion session on gold trading themed “Global Spectrum – Gold Exchange” features expert panelists invited to examine recent market developments and share insights on Hong Kong’s role, potential and opportunity as a world-class gold trading centre. Speakers include overseas experts James Emmett, Chief Executive Officer, MKS PAMP SA and David Tait, Chief Executive Officer, World Gold Council.
Other highlights on day one of the AFF include a keynote luncheon speech by Dr José Manuel Barroso, former President of the European Commission, former Prime Minister of Portugal, and current Chairman of Goldman Sachs International Advisory Board, to share his insights on the current global landscape and macro‑level challenges.
Other notable speakers today include Zou Jiayi, President of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank; Scott Morris, Vice-President (East and Southeast Asia, and the Pacific) of the Asian Development Bank; Mehmet Şimşek, Minister of Treasury and Finance of Türkiye; Klemen Boštjančič, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Slovenia; H.E. Waleed Saeed Abdul Salam Al Awadhi, Chief Executive Officer of Securities and Commodities Authority of United Arab Emirates; Burkhard Balz, Member of the Executive Board of the Deutsche Bundesbank; Rhee Chang-yong, Governor of the Bank of Korea; and Gokul Laroia, Chief Executive Officer Asia of Morgan Stanley.
The AFF serves as the opening event of the International Financial Week in Hong Kong, featuring over 10 partner activities covering a range of global financial and business topics, including ASEAN opportunities, asset and wealth management, and artificial intelligence.
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