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The robot has begun operating at Kalangan, the art museum inside the Domestic Security Hold Area, marking the first phase of a wider plan to introduce robotic assistance across the airport. CIAL Managing Director S. Suhas inaugurated the service, which is intended to give passengers access to travel information while they move through the terminal.

Passengers can interact with the robot to check flight schedules, gate numbers and CIAL services. It can provide directions to boarding gates and other airport facilities, helping travellers locate destinations without having to rely solely on static signs or information counters.

CIAL has also given the robot a cultural role. At Kalangan, it can explain Kerala art forms including Kathakali and Ottanthullal and provide information about sculptures and artworks displayed in the museum. The robot can guide passengers towards relevant exhibits, linking travel assistance with the airport’s cultural displays.

The airport operator said passenger assistance robots will be deployed in check-in halls during the next phase of the programme. CIAL is also examining the use of delivery robots capable of carrying food and other products directly to passengers waiting inside the terminal, though no timetable has been announced for that service.

Pune-based Kinetics Robotics developed the passenger assistance robot for CIAL. Executive Director Santhosh Poovattil, Head of Commercial Manoj P. Joseph and Kinetics Robotics representative Jignesh Nair were among those present when the service was launched.

The project adds another automated passenger-facing service to CIAL’s broader digital upgrade. The airport last year outlined a Rs 200-crore digital transformation programme, CIAL 2.0, covering operational systems, artificial intelligence, automation and cybersecurity. That programme included upgraded flight information and announcement systems, common-use passenger processing infrastructure and other technology intended to improve airport operations and passenger convenience.

CIAL 2.0 also identified facial-recognition check-in, artificial intelligence-based baggage tracking, lost-item tracking, prepaid cab booking kiosks and DigiYatra integration among its digital services. The passenger assistance robot extends that technology drive into a visible, interactive role inside the terminal rather than keeping automation largely behind the scenes.

For passengers, the robot’s main practical value is immediate access to frequently requested information. Flight updates and gate directions can change during the course of a journey, and an interactive unit positioned within the secure area can supplement display boards and staffed help points. Its deployment at Kalangan also allows CIAL to test passenger interaction with the technology in a controlled setting before placing more robots in busier check-in areas.

The cultural information function gives the device a second purpose beyond navigation. Travellers passing through the museum can request explanations of traditional performances and displayed works rather than using the robot only for airport queries. CIAL has presented that combination as part of its effort to improve passenger convenience while drawing attention to Kerala’s cultural heritage.

The first deployment remains limited to the domestic security hold area, and CIAL has not disclosed how many passenger assistance robots will be added in the next stage. The airport operator has also not announced technical details such as supported languages, operating hours, mobility range or whether future units will have additional functions.

Kalangan serves as the initial location because it combines passenger circulation with exhibits that require both directional and informational support. The robot can therefore handle airport questions while directing visitors towards artworks and explaining selected cultural forms.

CIAL’s move comes as airports increasingly use self-service and automated systems for routine passenger interactions, particularly for check-in, baggage processing, navigation and information delivery. At Kochi, the next expansion will move the assistance robots from the museum setting into check-in halls, where passenger volumes and the range of queries are likely to be greater.

The Board of Investment approved the measures at a meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas, expanding the Thailand FastPass mechanism and launching a BOI-to-IPO programme with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Stock Exchange of Thailand.

The 17 projects, submitted by 15 companies, are expected to create more than 14,000 jobs. Electronics and electrical manufacturers account for 10 projects worth 83.92 billion baht, close to 70 per cent of the latest batch, according to the BOI.

Two processed-food projects represent investment of 24.34 billion baht, two pet nutrition projects total 8.80 billion baht, and three precision machinery and automotive component projects amount to 4.36 billion baht.

The additions take the FastPass portfolio to 42 strategic projects across three rounds, with planned investment exceeding 344 billion baht and projected employment of more than 27,000 people. The scheme uses service-level agreements across state agencies to shorten licensing timelines, address approval bottlenecks and move projects more quickly from investment applications to construction and operation.

The first two FastPass rounds covered 25 projects from 23 companies worth more than 223 billion baht and were expected to generate over 13,000 jobs. All 25 have received investment-promotion approval, 19 have been issued investment certificates and 11 have completed all required permits within the prescribed service-level deadlines. Actual investment by projects in the programme has exceeded 21 billion baht.

Alongside the approval drive, the BOI said it was shifting the way it evaluates investment promotion, placing greater weight on realised investment, domestic value added, links with small and medium-sized suppliers, high-skilled employment, research and development, technology transfer and capital-market participation.

The policy overhaul also narrows support for activities that contribute limited local value, with the BOI saying incentives will increasingly favour advanced manufacturing, technology transfer and deeper integration of domestic vendors. New operational indicators will measure how many approved projects become investments and how quickly agencies process approvals.

Narit said the policy seeks to lift investment to 30 per cent of gross domestic product, support annual economic growth above 3 per cent and improve Thailand’s competitiveness ranking. Those objectives are government targets rather than assured outcomes and will depend on investment execution, productivity gains and economic conditions.

BOI secretary-general Narit Therdsteerasukdi said the agency was moving towards measuring the quality and domestic value generated by investment rather than focusing mainly on application volumes. He said the government wanted targeted measures in strategic sectors to support higher investment and productivity.

The BOI-to-IPO programme is designed to help promoted companies, particularly businesses in sectors classified as part of the New Economy, raise capital through Thailand’s exchanges and expand their operations. The SEC has shortened its IPO approval process, while the stock exchange is easing certain market-capitalisation and operating-track-record requirements for qualifying New Economy companies.

A special listing pathway is also being provided for companies promoted by the BOI or the Eastern Economic Corridor, linking investment incentives with access to equity financing.

Promoted companies that list on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, the Market for Alternative Investment or the LiVEx board can qualify for additional tax relief. SET-certified New Economy companies may receive up to three additional years of corporate income-tax exemption, or a 50 per cent reduction for five years.

Other promoted companies that list can receive up to two additional tax-free years, or a 50 per cent reduction in corporate income tax for three years, subject to the programme’s conditions.

Narit said the policy was intended to allow companies that had established successful operations in Thailand to finance new plants and production lines, invest in research and technology, and expand overseas while retaining Thailand as a business base.

The strengthening of the senior leadership teams at VinFast and GSM comes as Vingroup and companies across its ecosystem accelerate the training and development of in-house talent and transition leadership responsibilities to a younger generation of leaders, in line with the needs and growth trajectory of the system. In particular, both VinFast and GSM are entering a period of strong and decisive growth on a global scale.

Prior to assuming the position of Chief Executive Officer of VinFast Global from Mr. Pham Nhat Vuong, Mr. Pham Nhat Quan Anh was appointed Chairman of VinFast Global in May 2026. With his official assumption of the positions of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of VinFast Global, as well as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of VinFast Vietnam, Mr. Pham Nhat Quan Anh will hold ultimate and comprehensive responsibility for all of VinFast’s operations as the company enters a new phase of growth.

Following his official appointment, Mr. Pham Nhat Quan Anh commented: “I am deeply honored by the Board of Directors’ trust and confidence in entrusting me with the additional responsibility. Built on a strong foundation established over the years and supported by the growing confidence of customers across our markets, VinFast is well positioned to seize the significant opportunities ahead and further strengthen its role in advancing the global transition to sustainable mobility. I am committed to working closely with our talented team to uphold VinFast’s core values and continue delivering world-class products and the highest standards of service to customers around the world.”

Born in 1993, Mr. Pham Nhat Quan Anh holds a Bachelor’s degree from Singapore Management University and has held several key leadership positions at VinFast and other companies within the Vingroup ecosystem before being appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of VinFast Auto Ltd. in May 2026. With extensive cross-sector management experience and a strategic operational mindset, he has made significant contributions to VinFast’s development, from building its foundation in the domestic market to expanding its presence internationally.

In addition to his senior leadership responsibilities at VinFast, Mr. Pham Nhat Quan Anh will continue to serve as Chief Executive Officer of VinMetal Trading and Production JSC, a high-quality steel manufacturer within the Vingroup ecosystem.

At GSM, Mr. Nguyen Quoc Tuan, currently Chief Executive Officer of GSM Global, has been appointed Chairman of GSM Global, succeeding Ms. Pham Thu Huong. Mr. Pham Nhat Minh Hoang will succeed Mr. Tuan as Chief Executive Officer of GSM Global and concurrently assume the position of Chief Executive Officer of GSM Vietnam.

Born in 2000, Mr. Pham Nhat Minh Hoang has held senior leadership positions at VinFast, Green Future, VinSmart Future, GSM and other companies. In addition to his management responsibilities, he has directly invested in and serves as a major shareholder of several industrial, technology, energy and infrastructure companies within the Vingroup ecosystem, including VinSpeed, VinEnergo, VinMetal, VinVentures and robotics companies.

VinFast currently has a presence in 16 countries worldwide, including key markets such as Vietnam, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Europe, the Middle East and North America. VinFast electric cars and electric motorcycles are currently manufactured at four facilities across three countries: Vietnam, Indonesia and India.

Alongside VinFast, GSM operates its green mobility brand, Green SM. The company currently operates in seven countries, including Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, the Philippines, India, Kazakhstan and Denmark, and plans to expand into at least three additional markets within this year. GSM is also targeting a transition into a globally scaled public company with its shares listed on an international stock exchange.

The appointment of senior leadership is of particular importance, not only in addressing the more demanding requirements of the companies’ next phase of development, but also reflecting positive expectations for the future of VinFast and GSM as they continue their expansion into international markets.

Hashtag: #VinFast #GSM

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

Under the agreements, the 27 VinFast showrooms are expected to be developed across all three major geographical regions of the Philippines: Luzon in the north, Visayas in the central region, and Mindanao in the south. The network will strengthen VinFast’s presence in major urban centers such as Metro Manila and Cebu, while extending its reach to new, high-potential areas including Cagayan de Oro, Tacloban, and Subic Bay. This will bring VinFast’s electric vehicles and services closer to customers nationwide.

Developed in line with VinFast’s global standards, the showrooms will offer modern and convenient spaces where customers can learn about and experience the brand’s products, as well as access sales and after-sales services. The expanded network will also improve access to electric vehicles and related services, helping meet the growing demand for EVs in the Philippine market.

Supporting VinFast in the development of its new showroom network are 13 established local partners: Elite North Auto Cars Inc., MG Gateway Mantrade Corp., Grand Canyon Multi Holdings Inc., Britannica United Motors Incorporated, VF Auto Sto Tomas Inc., GR8 Marketing Motors Inc., ARCMA Motors Corporation, Autonomics Motor Corp., Gershom Car Trading Corp., Areza Motor Sales Inc., Central Auto Resources Inc., Autolink Global Motors Inc., and Greenport Mobility Inc.

These 13 companies bring extensive experience in automotive distribution in the Philippines and share VinFast’s commitment to advancing the green transition. Their market knowledge, operational capabilities, and extensive networks will provide additional momentum for VinFast to accelerate the development of its distribution system, expand customer access, and enhance service quality across the country.

Mr. Antonio Zara, CEO of VinFast Southest Asia, said: “The Philippines is one of the key markets in VinFast’s long-term growth strategy in the region and globally. Here, we are not only focused on expanding our sales network, but also on building a sustainable foundation for growth spanning products, services, infrastructure, and the broader EV ecosystem. With the support of our local partners, VinFast will continue to expand our operations in the years ahead, gradually making green mobility a more accessible and convenient choice for Filipino consumers.”

VinFast is steadily building a comprehensive “For a Green Future” electric vehicle ecosystem across key markets in Southeast Asia. In the Philippines, VinFast continues to invest in products, services, and infrastructure to make EV ownership as convenient as possible for customers. Alongside a diverse EV lineup and attractive customer support policies, VinFast is placing a strong focus on expanding its after-sales service network and charging infrastructure with the support of V-Green and local partners. Through these efforts, the brand reaffirms its long-term commitment to investing in the Philippines and supporting the country’s transition to green mobility.

Hashtag: #VinFast

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

Enflame’s shares closed 179 per cent above their initial public offering price on the STAR Market, lifting the company’s market value to about 171 billion yuan from 61.2 billion yuan at the offer price. The Tencent-backed company raised 6.12 billion yuan by selling 43.04 million new shares at 142.18 yuan each.

The surge came despite Enflame having never reported an annual profit since its establishment in 2018. Its 2025 revenue reached 990.2 million yuan while its net loss narrowed to about 1.2 billion yuan. The company has forecast revenue of 2.3 billion yuan to 3 billion yuan for the first nine months of 2026, alongside a net loss of 700 million yuan to 860 million yuan.

Revenue has expanded quickly from 301 million yuan in 2023 and about 722 million yuan in 2024, but losses have remained substantial as the company spends heavily on research and product development. Enflame recorded net losses of about 1.67 billion yuan in 2023 and 1.51 billion yuan in 2024 before narrowing the deficit last year, underscoring how far commercial growth has run ahead of earnings for the company.

Enflame said in its prospectus that it expects to reach break-even or profitability in 2026 or 2027. It plans to direct much of the IPO proceeds towards development and industrialisation of fifth- and sixth-generation artificial-intelligence chips, software and large-scale computing systems.

The company’s rapid revaluation also highlights the unusual economics of China’s artificial-intelligence chip boom. Investors have rewarded several young semiconductor groups whose sales are expanding quickly but whose research spending remains heavy and earnings records are limited or negative.

Moore Threads Technology, another Shanghai-listed graphics processor developer, created several billionaires after its market debut in December 2025, when its shares rose more than fourfold. Founder and chairman Zhang Jianzhong, a former head of Nvidia’s China operations, was valued at several billion dollars after the listing, while co-founders Zhang Yubo and Wang Dong also crossed the billionaire threshold based on their holdings.

MetaX Integrated Circuits produced a similar outcome after its Shanghai flotation. Chairman and chief executive Chen Weiliang, who previously worked at Advanced Micro Devices, became a billionaire as investors pushed the company’s valuation sharply higher despite continuing operating losses. Early investor Ge Weidong also joined the billionaire ranks through his stake.

The valuations reflect expectations that domestic chipmakers will capture a larger share of China’s fast-growing demand for artificial-intelligence computing as access to the most advanced US-designed processors remains constrained. Domestic producers are competing to supply cloud companies, data centres and developers running large language models, recommendation engines and other computing-intensive services.

Enflame’s commercial position, however, remains unusually concentrated. Tencent is its largest shareholder, with a 17.95 per cent stake after the offering, and sales linked to the technology group accounted for 83.79 per cent of Enflame’s 2025 revenue. The concentration gives Enflame a major anchor customer but also leaves its growth closely tied to purchasing decisions by one group.

The company employed about 860 people as of September 2025, according to disclosures compiled from its listing materials. Founded by former AMD executives Zhao Lidong and Zhang Yalin, Enflame develops accelerator chips, add-on cards, computing systems and software for artificial-intelligence training and inference in data centres.

Only 17.9 million shares, equivalent to 4.16 per cent of Enflame’s enlarged share capital, were freely tradable at the start of trading, limiting the initial public float and potentially amplifying price swings. The retail portion of the offering attracted thousands of times more demand than the shares available.

By Dr. Gyan Pathak With all talks between the United Forum of Banks Unions (UFBU) and Indian Banks’ Association (IBA), Department of Financial Services (DFS), and Central Labour Commissioner under the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment failed, the Public Sector Banks in India have issued alerts for possible disruption of banking operations during all […]

The article Banks issue alerts: Operations may face disruption on Sep 11 appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Advancing low-altitude economy development across the Belt and Road regions

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 September 2026 – HKT (SEHK: 6823) – PCCW Global, the international telecommunications service provider under HKT, and Harmony Tech Innovation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the 11th Belt and Road Summit to jointly promote the low‑altitude economy across the Belt and Road regions, facilitating Chinese enterprises and innovative technologies as they expand overseas.

PCCW Global plans to leverage its global communications networks and international market resources, together with Harmony Tech Innovation’s low-altitude airspace traffic management technology, to explore and promote low‑altitude airspace traffic management solutions and related smart city solutions in Belt and Road markets. The collaboration will also explore applications in areas such as transportation, logistics, and emergency rescue, to support the development of smart cities and the low-altitude economy in local markets.

Frederick Chui, CEO of PCCW Global, said: “The low-altitude economy is a strategically important emerging industry for the nation, and also a key direction for developing new quality productive forces. As countries along the Belt and Road accelerate urban development, demand for low-altitude airspace management and communications technologies continues to grow. PCCW Global is ready to further extend our network capabilities into the low‑altitude economy, providing efficient and reliable communications support for low‑altitude airspace traffic management. In collaboration with Harmony Tech Innovation, we will help bring Chinese innovative technologies to the global market, and support the advancement of smart cities and the digital economy along the Belt and Road.”

Jacqueline Kang, Chairman, Harmony Tech Innovation said: “Communications networks and management systems are critical foundations for the low-altitude economy. We are delighted to collaborate with PCCW Global, combining our digital management capabilities with PCCW Global’s extensive communications networks to provide robust support for low-altitude operations. Looking ahead, we look forward to continuing our collaboration, driving the practical application of low-altitude technologies, and seizing opportunities in overseas markets.”

Harmony Tech Innovation is a global leading provider of low-altitude airspace traffic management and unmanned aerial vehicle ecosystem, focusing on low‑altitude economy and 3D low‑altitude traffic management platform. Its “Low Altitude Airspace Coordination and Service System”, launched in Zhuhai in 2024, is interconnected with China’s Unmanned Aircraft Integrated Management Platform and offers capabilities including regional remote low‑altitude surveillance, centimetre‑level satellite positioning, providing data support for smart city management and laying the foundation for the development of the low-altitude economy in the Greater Bay Area.

PCCW Global’s network infrastructure spans five continents and is backed by extensive international operational experience, enabling it to actively help drive the overseas expansion of China’s advanced technologies. PCCW Global delivers customised network solutions for low‑altitude economy scenarios, supporting real‑time data transmission and the management of low‑altitude aircraft.

Hashtag: #HKT #PCCWGlobal

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

About PCCW Global

PCCW Global is a leading digital infrastructure provider, empowering businesses with agile, scalable and secure connectivity solutions. By combining a best-in-class network with our award-winning on-demand platform Console Connect, we help businesses navigate the network complexities of the digital world with ease. With extensive reach across international markets, we make it simple to connect and move data between clouds, apps, data centres and devices. At the core of our business is a belief that automated, high-performance network infrastructure has the power to elevate business and society. For more information, visit www.pccwglobal.com.

The company allotted 45 lakh equity shares to anchor investors on September 9 at ₹140 apiece, the top end of the IPO price band. The allocation represented 30 per cent of the total 1.5 crore shares offered in the issue.

Public subscription opened on September 10 and will close on September 15. The price band has been set at ₹130 to ₹140 a share, with investors required to bid for a minimum lot of 107 shares and in multiples of 107 thereafter. At the upper end of the band, the minimum retail application amounts to ₹14,980.

The IPO is entirely a fresh issue of shares, with no offer-for-sale component. At the ceiling price, the issue will raise up to ₹210 crore. The company’s shares are proposed to be listed on the BSE and NSE, with the listing scheduled for September 18, subject to completion of the allotment process.

EQ India Fund received the largest share of the anchor allocation, taking about 10.71 lakh shares worth nearly ₹15 crore. Swyom India Alpha Fund was allotted about 7.14 lakh shares valued at ₹10 crore, while Tiger Strategies Fund-I took roughly 5.72 lakh shares for about ₹8 crore.

Other anchor participants included Taurus Mutual Fund schemes, Innovative Vision Fund, Visionary Value Fund, VBCUBE Ventures Trust, CP Capital and Navbharat Investment Trust. The anchor book comprised nine institutional investors across 10 fund accounts, reflecting the participation of more than one scheme under a single fund house.

Veegaland plans to deploy ₹119.82 crore of the net proceeds towards part-financing expenditure on its ongoing real estate projects. The remaining proceeds are earmarked for unidentified land acquisitions and general corporate purposes, according to the offer documents.

For the year ended March 2026, Veegaland reported total income of ₹254.16 crore, up from ₹196.22 crore a year earlier, while profit after tax rose to ₹26.61 crore from ₹20.43 crore. Revenue from operations was ₹250.98 crore and EBITDA stood at ₹42.64 crore. The company reported, in its restated accounts, assets of ₹483.81 crore and borrowings of ₹85.59 crore at the end of the financial year.

The company had earlier proposed a larger fresh issue of up to ₹250 crore in its draft prospectus before reducing the size to ₹210 crore in the final offer structure. The Securities and Exchange Board of India issued its final observation on the proposed public issue on June 1, and the red herring prospectus was filed on August 31.

Veegaland develops residential apartment projects across Kerala under the Veegaland Homes brand. Its portfolio spans mid-premium, premium, ultra-premium, luxe and ultra-luxury residential categories, with projects concentrated in key urban markets in the state.

As of June 2026, the developer had completed 10 projects with an aggregate saleable area of about 11.05 lakh square feet. It also had 12 ongoing projects and three upcoming developments, according to information disclosed for the issue.

The IPO timetable provides for the basis of allotment to be finalised on September 16. Refunds for unsuccessful bidders are expected to be initiated on September 17, with shares scheduled to be credited to successful investors’ demat accounts the same day.

The offer reserves 30 per cent of the total issue for anchor investors. Of the remaining shares, 20 per cent is allocated to qualified institutional buyers, 15 per cent to non-institutional investors and 35 per cent to retail individual investors, under the stated reservation structure.

The company’s issue documents identify Cumulative Capital as the book-running lead manager, while MUFG Intime India is the registrar. The face value of each equity share is ₹10, making the floor price 13 times face value and the cap price 14 times face value.