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First-Ever Attack-Defence Simulation Aligns with Real Corporate Needs Setting a New Benchmark for Local Cybersecurity Competitions

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 February 2026 – As cyberattacks grow increasingly complex, cybersecurity has become a critical domain of global concern and a talent shortage. According to the latest “Hong Kong Cybersecurity Outlook 2026” released by the Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre (HKCERT) under the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), nearly 30% of the 622 surveyed enterprises still lack dedicated cybersecurity staff. Specifically, only 26% of SMEs have a dedicated cybersecurity role, significantly lower than the 59% of large enterprises, reflecting a gap in resource allocation and technology adoption among SMEs.

To cultivate practical talent for the cybersecurity sector, the sixth “HKCERT Capture The Flag Challenge 2025” (HKCERT CTF Challenge) was successfully organised by the Digital Policy Office (DPO), HKPC, and HKCERT. This year’s competition was elevated to the first-ever adoption of an attack–defence mode, closely replicating the network setup of real enterprises. Participants experienced first-hand hacking techniques, system vulnerability analysis, threat intelligence gathering, and coordinated response in a simulated real-world environment. Through completing multiple tasks within a limited time, the competition also allowed them to break through the traditional classroom theoretical framework, gain practical experience and build confidence. The event attracted around 1,940 young contestants, an increase of nearly 40% from last year’s 1,385 participants, reaching a record high for the competition. Contestants included teams from Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland, Asia, and Europe, fostering cross-regional exchange and collaboration. In the finals, three local teams and one overseas team were awarded gold prizes in the Secondary School, Tertiary Institution, Open Category, and International Category respectively, while Sing Yin Secondary School received the “Best School Award”. The full list of awardees is available on the event website.

Participants Share Practical Experience Integrating AI into Attack and Defence
The competition was well received by contestants for its innovative format and realistic offensive and defensive environment, offering a valuable platform for learning and exchange. The winning team in the International Category, W&M, commented, “Our members are from Shanxi, Guangdong and Beijing. This was our first time competing together in the HKCERT CTF Challenge. The atmosphere and experience of the finals were excellent. The tasks were centred on an attack‑defence simulation, requiring us to find all vulnerabilities while patching our own systems and attacking other teams at the same time. Some vulnerabilities were discovered and exploited by other teams first, which kept the scores very close and made the competition incredibly tense and exciting”.

They added, “During the competition, we also applied lots of AI techniques for assistance, such as applying AI to analyse vulnerabilities and refine attack methods. In the future, AI may play a deeper role in areas like vulnerability detection and code analysis, but for now it cannot be fully relied upon—human oversight is still essential”.

HKCERT CTF Challenge has now been held for six consecutive years, with its scale expanding annually and participants showing continuous growth. Many secondary school students gain their first hands‑on exposure to cybersecurity through the competition and connect with university mentors, helping them shape their academic and career paths. Several past participants have gone on to compete in local and international events, committing to a future in the cybersecurity field. Beyond attracting overseas talent to exchange ideas in Hong Kong, HKCERT continues to build connections between cybersecurity professionals in Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland. Top‑performing teams can gain direct entry into equivalent finals in Chinese Mainland. For example, participants from the previous HKCERT CTF Challenge 2024 advanced directly to the finals of the “Greater Bay Area Cup Cybersecurity Challenge”, where they secured the top four places in the Hong Kong and Macao category. This also provided local contestants with access to world‑class cybersecurity techniques, effectively promoting cross‑regional elite collaboration and talent development.

Finals Format Upgraded: Attack-Defence Mode Mirrors Real Enterprise Operations
The finals were comprehensively upgraded this year. In addition to increase the overall technical difficulty, the competition introduced an attack‑defence format for the first time that closely mirrors real enterprise cybersecurity operations. Teams played dual roles—both attackers and defenders—in an environment created with reference to the real-world systems. The tasks simulated incident response and live attack-defence scenarios commonly encountered in the cybersecurity field. Within a limited timeframe, participants had to do penetration testing, exploit vulnerabilities and attack, while patching their own systems and monitoring threats in real time against attacks from other teams. This parallel attack‑defence setup reflects actual workflow patterns in the industry, effectively training participants’ analytical abilities and adaptability under pressure. Through hands‑on practice in a likely enterprise environment, contestants developed multifaceted, industry‑aligned capabilities—laying a solid foundation for their future careers in cybersecurity.

Ms Candy CHAN, Assistant Commissioner (Project Governance and Cybersecurity) of the DPO, highlighted the DPO’s commitment to enhancing Hong Kong’s cyber resilience, with one of its key initiatives being the nurturing of the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. She emphasised that the DPO has been collaborating closely with academia and industry partners to foster a robust talent pipeline and build a safer digital environment in Hong Kong. She noted that this year marks the sixth edition of the HKCERT CTF Challenge, which has grown into one of Hong Kong’s most respected and anticipated cybersecurity competitions over the years. Beyond being a contest of technical prowess, the Challenge serves as a dynamic platform for networking, knowledge exchange and community building among the new generation of cybersecurity experts.

Ir Samson SUEN, General Manager of Digital Trust and Transformation Division of HKPC, stated, “HKCERT CTF Challenge has consistently aimed to build an international platform for technical exchange. Through high-intensity simulated contests, we enhance participants’ cyber defence skills and promote cross-regional interaction among emerging cybersecurity talents. This cultivates a new generation of globally competitive professionals in Hong Kong and strengthens the local talent pipeline. This year’s finals first introduced a simulation of real-world cybersecurity operations, enabling teams to experience both offensive and defensive roles in a recent cybersecurity team. This hands-on approach is crucial for developing practical skills and incident response capabilities”.

Fostering Cybersecurity Awareness Across All Sectors of Society
To further enhance cybersecurity awareness across the community, HKCERT has partnered with the DPO and the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau of The Hong Kong Police Force, to launch the “Building a Secure Cyberspace 2026” campaign to promote cybersecurity awareness. The initiative includes various educational activities, such as an “AI-Generated Four-Panel Comic”contest, which encourages the public to make good use of AI tools while strengthening their understanding of cybersecurity. At the corporate governance level, HKCERT will publish a series of practical guidelines addressing emerging risks —such as AI applications and supply chain security—highlighted in the “Hong Kong Cybersecurity Outlook 2026”, to support business in establishing a robust protection framework. In particular for AI governance, the guidelines will offer actionable recommendations covering AI system security assessments, compliance rules for employees using public AI platforms, controls over sensitive data input, and methods for monitoring and defending against AI‑assisted attacks. These resources aim to help enterprises systematically enhance their cyber resilience across governance, technology, and awareness.

As Hong Kong accelerates the development of innovation and technology and advances its digital economy, strengthening cyber defence capabilities has become a key talent need. HKCERT will continue to support businesses and the public through incident response, security guidance, and cybersecurity awareness programmes. The HKCERT CTF Challenge continues to play a vital role in nurturing local talent, fostering cross-regional collaboration, and advancing public education. By enhancing the overall level of protection, the competition contributes to the sustainable development of the digital economy and reinforces Hong Kong’s long‑term competitiveness.

The seventh edition of HKCERT CTF Challenge will be held in November 2026, featuring more innovative attack-defence challenges and continuing to set up an international category to provide local contestants with a platform for technical exchange with top teams from Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland, and overseas. Registration opens in September 2026, with finalists competing in the live finals in February 2027.

Hashtag: #HKCERT

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

About Hong Kong Productivity Council

The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) is a statutory body established in 1967, dedicated to enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of Hong Kong enterprises through world-class applied R&D, innovative technology services, and integrated manufacturing solutions. As a market-oriented, international R&D organisation, HKPC leverages its deep expertise and extensive industry experience in key areas such as AI, advanced manufacturing, life and health technology, green technology and new energy to drive new industrialisation and support the growth of emerging and future industries.

HKPC focuses on addressing businesses challenges and industrial technology needs, promoting the full integration between technological and industrial innovation. Through technology transfer, product innovation, intellectual property protection and commercialisation of R&D outcomes, the Council fosters collaboration with the local business community as well as top global R&D institutions, delivering added value to industries and advancing the development of new productive forces. HKPC’s world-class R&D achievements have been widely recognised over the years, winning an array of local and overseas accolades, reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as an international innovation and technology centre and a smart city.

To help enterprises capitalise on Hong Kong’s strengths in international connectivity to expand into global markets, HKPC offers comprehensive overseas expansion services tailored to critical areas including product development, technology, manufacturing, and management, enabling businesses to successfully go global from Hong Kong.

HKPC is also committed to providing timely and practical support to SMEs and startups with timely and practical , assisting them in accessing Government funding programmes. Through its FutureSkills training initiatives, HKPC helps both industry and academia stay ahead in latest digital and STEM technologies, nurturing a future-ready talent pool for Hong Kong.

For more information, please visit HKPC’s website: www.hkpc.org/en.

New Delhi has approved a proposal worth about $39 billion to expand the country’s fleet of Rafale fighter aircraft, marking one of the largest defence procurement decisions in its history and signalling a further shift towards advanced Western platforms in its combat air strategy.

The clearance by the defence ministry paves the way for negotiations with France’s Dassault Aviation for additional Rafale jets, building on an earlier $8.7 billion contract for 36 aircraft for the Air Force, deliveries of which were completed in 2024. A separate agreement has also been signed for 26 Rafale-M naval variants intended for deployment aboard aircraft carriers, underscoring a broader push to strengthen maritime air power.

New Delhi pushes major Rafale fleet expansion as it seeks to address concerns over squadron strength and ageing aircraft. The Air Force’s sanctioned strength stands at 42 squadrons, yet operational numbers have hovered well below that benchmark for years, raising debate within strategic circles over preparedness along contested borders with China and Pakistan.

Officials familiar with the procurement process say the new proposal reflects both operational requirements and long-term modernisation goals. India’s fleet still includes a significant number of Soviet-era MiG-21s and other legacy platforms, many of which are due for phased retirement. The Rafale, a 4.5-generation multirole fighter equipped with advanced avionics, electronic warfare systems and long-range precision weapons, has been positioned as a key element in bridging capability gaps.

The initial induction of 36 Rafales was widely viewed as a stopgap measure after the earlier Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft tender was scrapped amid cost and contractual disputes. Since their deployment at Ambala and Hasimara air bases, the aircraft have been integrated with India-specific enhancements, including advanced radar and electronic countermeasures. Defence planners argue that expanding the Rafale fleet would provide logistical and training efficiencies compared with diversifying further across multiple foreign platforms.

The naval variant, Rafale-M, has been selected to operate from the INS Vikrant, the country’s first domestically built aircraft carrier, and potentially from INS Vikramaditya. Naval aviation officials have indicated that the twin-engine aircraft meets requirements for carrier-based operations, including ski-jump take-offs and arrested landings, following evaluation trials against competitors such as Boeing’s F/A-18 Super Hornet.

Strategic analysts view the combined air force and naval acquisitions as part of a wider recalibration of procurement policy. Over the past decade, New Delhi has sought to balance self-reliance initiatives with the need for timely capability upgrades. Programmes under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” framework aim to boost domestic manufacturing, yet complex fighter development remains a long-term endeavour. The Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, has entered service and secured additional orders, but it is not seen as a direct substitute for heavier multirole platforms like the Rafale.

Financial implications are significant. A $39 billion outlay would rank among the largest defence capital expenditures, at a time when the government is managing competing demands from infrastructure, welfare and economic stimulus. Officials have indicated that staggered payments and potential technology transfers could form part of negotiations, with an emphasis on local industry participation.

Previous Rafale contracts were accompanied by offset obligations requiring Dassault and its partners to invest in the domestic aerospace ecosystem. Whether similar provisions will apply to the expanded deal remains a subject of scrutiny, particularly as policymakers seek to deepen supply-chain integration and reduce long-term import dependence.

Diplomatically, the move reinforces defence ties with France, which has emerged as a key security partner in the Indo-Pacific. Bilateral cooperation spans joint exercises, maritime surveillance and submarine technology. Paris has consistently supported India’s strategic autonomy, a factor often cited by policymakers as attractive compared with other major arms suppliers.

Political debate is likely to accompany the procurement, as the earlier Rafale deal became a focal point of parliamentary contestation over pricing and process transparency. Government representatives have maintained that all procedures were followed in accordance with defence acquisition rules, and that operational urgency justified the intergovernmental route adopted at the time.

Air power specialists argue that a larger Rafale fleet would enhance interoperability and deterrence. The aircraft’s ability to carry Meteor beyond-visual-range missiles and SCALP cruise missiles has been highlighted as a force multiplier. Integration with indigenous weapons and network-centric warfare systems is also under way, reflecting a hybrid approach that blends imported hardware with domestic innovation.

Beyond immediate operational considerations, the proposal signals continuity in defence planning that spans successive administrations. India remains among the world’s largest arms importers, yet officials have reiterated ambitions to transition towards greater domestic production capacity over the coming decade. Achieving that balance, while sustaining readiness across land, sea and air domains, presents both fiscal and industrial challenges.

Investigators allege Lodha, appointed to the company board in 2015 with authority limited to land acquisitions, abused his position by orchestrating a complex web of unauthorised transactions that siphoned funds and assets from the developer. The Enforcement Directorate’s case stems from a cheating and forgery complaint filed with Mumbai police under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which provided the predicate offence for the money-laundering inquiry.

The probe suggests that Lodha, in collusion with his son Sahil and several associates, manipulated company land and transferable development rights through shell entities and front companies. One scheme of alleged manipulation involved purchasing parcels of land through intermediaries and later reselling them to the company at inflated prices, creating financial losses estimated at more than Rs 85 crore.

Investigators also outline the use of fabricated memoranda of understanding to designate false possession holders, enabling the accused to divert company funds under the guise of legitimate land transactions. In one instance cited by authorities, a 4,150-square-metre plot in Panvel was reportedly sold to an entity linked to Lodha for a fraction of its market value, resulting in a direct loss of around Rs 9.5 crore to the developer.

The Enforcement Directorate’s action follows months of coordinated inquiry involving searches and forensic analysis. Teams previously executed search operations at multiple locations across Mumbai and the wider metropolitan region to trace the alleged proceeds of crime and associated assets. These raids, conducted in the latter part of last year, targeted residential and business premises of individuals connected to the case as well as intermediary firms suspected of facilitating fraudulent transfers.

Law enforcement documents indicate that the probe has unearthed evidence of cash withdrawals, benami transactions, and the misuse of corporate resources for private benefit, augmenting the central agency’s view that the alleged laundering extended beyond routine bookkeeping irregularities. Officials have emphasised that the investigation remains active, with further custodial interrogation intended to identify additional participants and recover assets linked to the alleged illicit gains.

The case traces its origins to a complaint lodged by Lodha Developers — which has since evolved into one of India’s largest property firms — after its internal audits flagged a series of suspicious transactions that could not be readily explained through normal corporate activity. Following the filing of the police complaint in 2025, the Crime Branch initiated its own investigation under charges including fraud, criminal breach of trust and conspiracy, leading to the initial detention of Lodha and others.

Statements obtained by police during the early stages of the inquiry, including witness accounts, have been cited as instrumental in mapping the pattern of alleged diversion of funds. One individual who worked in Lodha’s employ reportedly provided details of large cash movements, while digital evidence extracted from electronic devices is said to have helped establish links between the transactions and the accused associates.

Industry observers noted that the unfolding of events has prompted renewed scrutiny of governance and oversight mechanisms within major real estate developers. Corporate governance experts point out that the case underscores the importance of transparent land acquisition processes and robust checks on executive authority to safeguard shareholder interests. While Lodha Developers has not publicly commented on the specifics of the case, companies facing internal fraud investigations often review compliance systems to reassure investors and regulatory bodies.

China’s Z. ai has propelled its artificial intelligence ambitions into the global spotlight with the launch of GLM-5, a 744-billion-parameter open-source large language model that stands toe-to-toe with leading Western counterparts and underscores Beijing’s drive for technological self-sufficiency. Released on 11 February by the company formerly known as Zhipu AI, GLM-5 combines advanced architecture with broad hardware compatibility and permissive licensing, signalling a shift in the global AI landscape.

The GLM-5 model, built on a mixture-of-experts framework and trained on an expanded dataset of roughly 28.5 trillion tokens, is designed for multifaceted tasks including coding, reasoning and agentic operations. Z. ai reports that the model’s performance on internal benchmarks approaches that of leading proprietary systems such as Anthropic’s Claude Opus 4.5, and on certain tests it outperforms Google’s Gemini 3 Pro. Its permissive MIT licence allows unrestricted commercial use and adaptation, making GLM-5 one of the most accessible frontier AI models available to developers and enterprises worldwide.

A standout feature of GLM-5 is its independence from American semiconductor technology. Trained and deployable on domestic Chinese chips from manufacturers like Huawei Ascend, Moore Threads, Cambricon and Kunlunxin, the model sidesteps reliance on high-end Nvidia GPUs that are constrained under US export controls. Z. ai’s use of the MindSpore AI framework further embeds the model within a Chinese software ecosystem, emphasising self-reliant technological development. This strategy exemplifies a broader push within China’s AI sector to mitigate the impact of external trade restrictions and build robust, locally supported infrastructures.

Market reception underscored the impact of GLM-5’s launch: Z. ai’s shares surged nearly 29 per cent on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange following the announcement, reflecting investor optimism about the company’s competitiveness and growth prospects. Industry analysts note that GLM-5’s arrival comes amid an acceleration of model releases and chip optimisation efforts by several Chinese AI firms, signalling more intense competition on both domestic and international fronts.

Benchmarks published by Z. ai highlight GLM-5’s strengths and limitations. On software engineering evaluations, the model achieved a score of 77.8 per cent on the widely referenced SWE-bench Verified suite, trailing slightly behind Claude Opus 4.5’s 80.9 per cent but outperforming other notable systems in agentic and multitask contexts. The architecture’s efficient handling of long-context sequences—up to 200 000 tokens—positions GLM-5 for applications requiring extensive reasoning over lengthy inputs.

GLM-5’s low cost of deployment also enhances its appeal. Analyses of pricing data suggest inference can cost around US $1 per million tokens, a fraction of the fees charged by some proprietary APIs, potentially lowering barriers for startups and research teams seeking cutting-edge language modelling without prohibitive expenditure. The MIT licence further expands this accessibility by granting broad rights to adapt and deploy the underlying model weights in commercial and research settings.

Despite its technical achievements and open licensing, experts caution against over-interpretation of benchmark results as definitive proof of superiority. Performance under controlled test conditions does not always translate to uniformly strong real-world applications, particularly in generative and reasoning tasks where robustness and safety remain critical hurdles. Some observers also warn that differences between self-reported evaluations and independent assessments could emerge as the model is adopted more widely.

GLM-5’s emergence reflects broader trends within China’s AI ecosystem, where domestic firms and chipmakers are increasingly synchronised in advancing cutting-edge technologies. Industry developments suggest that model and hardware optimisation efforts are happening in near tandem, with architecture adaptations and inference support enabling faster incorporation of new Chinese semiconductor products. These developments sit against a backdrop of regulatory frameworks that increasingly emphasise the alignment of AI systems with government objectives, including content governance and cybersecurity considerations.

Equity markets have responded robustly since Takaichi’s emphatic landslide in the general election on 8 February, with domestic shares climbing sharply on expectations of pro-growth fiscal measures aimed at bolstering consumption and strategic sector investment. The broader Topix index also advanced, and the yen strengthened against the dollar, reflecting a sense of reduced political risk now that the ruling Liberal Democratic Party holds a commanding super-majority in the lower house of parliament. Despite these gains, bond markets have registered heightened volatility, with Japanese Government Bond yields spiking at various maturities, signalling investor unease over Japan’s already elevated public debt levels and the scale of planned fiscal support.

Takaichi’s policy blueprint encompasses an array of measures long favoured by fiscal conservatives and economic nationalists alike, including a two-year suspension of the 8 per cent consumption tax on food items and expanded public investment across sectors such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence and defence. The Prime Minister frames these interventions as critical to ending what she terms “chronic underinvestment” and galvanising growth after decades of modest performance. Economists note that this approach echoes aspects of previous reflationary strategies such as “Abenomics”, with an emphasis on proactive government involvement in crisis-management and targeted growth stimulation.

While equities have responded positively, fixed-income markets have told a more cautious story. Yields on both short- and long-dated JGBs have climbed, reflecting market pricing in potential increases in government borrowing and inflation expectations should growth accelerate faster than anticipated. Some market participants fear that expansive fiscal operations without clear revenue offsets could elevate Japan’s risk premium, potentially triggering fresh volatility or sell-offs in debt markets should confidence ebb.

The so-called “Takaichi trade” has been a defining narrative across markets, capturing the dual dynamic of optimism in equity performance and trepidation around sovereign debt issuance and currency movements. Investors have been closely monitoring the Bank of Japan’s posture, as monetary authorities navigate between maintaining ultra-low interest rates to support economic activity and addressing inflationary pressures that can be exacerbated by a weaker yen. Signals from central bankers and government advisors suggest that rate adjustments could be considered to counter imported inflation, even as policy remains broadly accommodative.

Currency markets have mirrored these conflicting forces. The yen, which initially weakened against the dollar on expectations of aggressive fiscal support and prolonged monetary easing, has later shown episodes of strengthening as risk sentiment and intervention concerns have ebbed and flowed. Japan’s top currency diplomat has emphasised that authorities remain vigilant to exchange-rate volatility and are in close communication with international counterparts, reinforcing that the policy stance is not shifting toward overt market manipulation.

Analysts and investors are also paying attention to cross-border implications. The government faces pressure to deliver on substantial trans-Pacific investment pledges, which hinge on significant capital flows and corporate involvement in overseas projects. Japanese firms have expressed both interest and caution, as logistical and regulatory complexities weigh on decision-making. These external commitments add another layer of scrutiny to Takaichi’s broader economic narrative, which seeks to balance growth ambitions with geopolitical and fiscal credibility.

Within Japan, views on Takaichi’s approach are sharply divided. Supporters argue that decisive action is necessary to break longstanding cycles of low growth and demographic headwinds, positing that strategic tax relief and investment can catalyse domestic demand and technological competitiveness. Critics caution that without robust revenue strategies and prudent debt management, the fiscal trajectory may amplify structural risks rather than alleviate them. Central to this debate is the question of policy coordination: how fiscal expansion will align with monetary oversight and long-term debt sustainability while maintaining investor confidence and macroeconomic stability. New Zealand][7])

This year’s ranking honors 500 outstanding companies that are elevating the Asia-Pacific region’s role on the global economic map under the title ASIA-PACIFIC’S BEST COMPANIES OF 2026. Vingroup achieved a total score of 89.68, ranking 57th. Vinhomes ranked 352nd with a score of 80.69.

The results are based on a rigorous and transparent evaluation process conducted by TIME in collaboration with Statista. The assessment draws on comprehensive data collection and in-depth analysis across three key criteria: Financial Performance, Sustainability Transparency (ESG), and Employee Satisfaction.

Under the Financial Performance criterion, Vingroup received high recognition from TIME, recording consolidated net revenue of VND 332.77 trillion in 2025, up 76% year-on-year, the highest in the Group’s history. This exceptional performance was driven by the simultaneous launch of large-scale real estate mega-projects nationwide, alongside strong breakthroughs in its technology and industrial segments.

Vinhomes reported consolidated net revenue of VND 154.102 trillion in 2025. Its total consolidated net revenue (adjusted) reached VND 183.923 trillion, while consolidated profit after tax amounted to VND 42.111 trillion, representing year-on-year increases of 30% and 20%, respectively, compared to 2024. These figures not only exceeded business targets but also set new records, securing Vinhomes’ place among the region’s most prestigious Top 500 companies.

Under Sustainability Transparency (ESG), Vingroup continued to demonstrate meaningful contributions across environmental, governance, and social dimensions. ESG principles are integrated across all of the Group’s operations, from advancing green industrial development and building a comprehensive electric vehicle ecosystem centered on VinFast, to developing Vinhomes’ large-scale urban projects based on sustainable planning standards from inception.

A standout example is Vinhomes’ mega-project, Vinhomes Green Paradise, located in Can Gio. The project aims to achieve international certifications including BREEAM Communities and ISO 37122. Beyond merely adhering to global standards, Vinhomes Green Paradise pioneers an upgraded ESG++ urban model built upon five pillars: Environment – Social – Governance – Regeneration – Climate Change Adaptation. This ESG++ framework is set to become the benchmark for all future Vinhomes developments.

With a forward-looking vision, Vinhomes Green Paradise has also become the first Official Participant in the “7 Wonders of Future Cities” campaign initiated by New7Wonders, affirming its global aspiration in shaping a model city of the future.

Under the Employee Satisfaction criterion, Vingroup ranked 55th globally, while Vinhomes placed 335th, reflecting a dynamic working environment that fosters creativity, dedication, and continuous personal development.

In Vietnam, Vingroup and Vinhomes have consistently led national rankings of “Best Workplaces” announced by independent organizations, reinforcing their human capital strategy as a core foundation for sustainable, long-term growth.

This marks the third consecutive year that Vingroup and its subsidiaries have been honored by TIME in prestigious global rankings. Previously, VinFast was named among the world’s Most Influential Companies 2024 and included in ASIA-PACIFIC’S BEST COMPANIES OF 2025. Also in 2025, Vingroup became the first and only Vietnamese company to be honored among the World’s Best Companies 2025.

The continued recognition of Vingroup and its ecosystem companies by TIME underscores the rising strength and expanding global influence of Vietnamese enterprises.

TIME, headquartered in New York, USA, is one of the world’s most respected publications, with a history spanning 103 years and a broad international presence. Its annual rankings are widely regarded for their objectivity, rigorous evaluation methodology, and comprehensive criteria, earning strong credibility within the global business community.

Hashtag: #Vingroup #Vinhomes

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

The partnership will create a strategic wealth corridor between Dubai and Hong Kong, enabling institutional‑grade RWA tokenization that connects Middle Eastern capital with Asia‑Pacific opportunities. By combining FOM’s AI‑driven investment intelligence and family‑office expertise with DMCC’s regulated, commodity‑rich ecosystem, the collaboration aims to unlock fractional, cross‑border ownership of high‑value assets, enhance liquidity for traditionally illiquid holdings, and accelerate the adoption of compliant, on‑chain wealth solutions for ultra‑high‑net‑worth investors and family offices.

The event, hosted by FOM with the support of InvestHK, convened over 100 high‑profile representatives from global family offices and institutional investors, including notable participants from Sunwah Group, CT Bright (CP Group), Keyestone Group, Lee Kum Kee Group, MindWorks Capital, Park Capital Group, E Fund Asset Management Hong Kong, K. Wah, and many others.

Dr. Anina Ho, Founder & CEO, FOM, stated “Today we formalize our collaboration on cross-border digital asset and RWA initiatives between Dubai and Hong Kong. This partnership bridges two of Asia’s leading financial hubs, creating institutional-grade solutions for family offices navigating digital wealth transformation.”

Belal Jassoma, Senior Director of Tech Ecosystems, DMCC, added, “This partnership reflects the next phase of digital asset adoption – moving beyond experimentation to institutional‑grade infrastructure. By connecting Dubai and Hong Kong as twin hubs for regulated real‑world asset tokenization, we are strengthening the framework through which family offices and institutional players can operate with confidence. Through DMCC’s Crypto Centre, Wealth Hub and other ecosystems and Dubai’s regulatory frameworks, combined with FOM’s strong family offices network, this collaboration establishes a practical wealth corridor that enhances cross‑border collaboration, transparency, and long‑term business expansion across two of the world’s most dynamic trade centers.”

Key value propositions

1. Establishing a powerful UAE-HK wealth corridor

Under the MOU, FOM and DMCC will collaborate to integrate the Middle East and Hong Kong financial ecosystems, leveraging DMCC’s specialized licensing, corporate structuring capabilities, and free‑trade zone advantages alongside FOM’s cutting‑edge digital asset solutions and connectivity to Hong Kong. This strategic alliance is poised to help family offices and high‑net‑worth individuals (HNWIs) in Dubai and Hong Kong capture the surging demand for compliant, institutional‑grade digital asset and alternative investment solutions, while maintaining strong governance and operational efficiency.

The initiative positions Dubai and Hong Kong as twin hubs for regulated RWA tokenization, connecting Middle Eastern capital with Asia‑Pacific opportunities through secure, transparent, and institutionally robust digital asset infrastructure. For family offices, this means greater diversification, improved risk‑adjusted returns, and streamlined access to global opportunities without compromising regulatory compliance.

2. Enhancing digital asset ecosystem

Through the strategic partnership, FOM and DMCC will develop robust frameworks for tokenizing RWAs including real estate, commodities, and other institutional-grade assets, thereby establishing standards for asset custody, settlement, compliance, and cross-border tokenization operations. This UAE-Hong Kong wealth corridor will not only facilitate capital flows but also provide a transparent and compliant environment for digital asset issuance, trading, and reporting, empowering family offices and institutional investors with confidence and clarity in private‑market deal‑making and public‑market participation.

Shaping the future of RWA tokenization

Following the MOU signing, the event featured insightful panel discussions titled “Turning Real‑World Assets into Digital Wealth” and “Everyday Digital Wealth: Stablecoins, Payments and Tokenized Income,” along with a fireside chat on “The Future of Digital Asset Platforms.” These discussions examined how Dubai and Hong Kong can collaboratively advance regulated structures, stable‑wealth solutions, and real‑world applications for institutional and family capital.

Distinguished panelists and speakers included Dr. Anina Ho, Founder & CEO, FOM; Mr. Belal Jassoma, Senior Director of Tech Ecosystems, DMCC; Mr. Ben Zhou, Co-Founder & CEO, Bybit; Mr. Bernard Charnwut Chan, GBM, GBS, JP; Ms. Denise Zhou, Chief Strategy Officer, FOM; Mr. Henri Arslanian, Co‑Founder, Nine Blocks Capital; Mr. Jesse Guild, Vice President, Product Management, Crypto & Digital Assets, Mastercard; Mr. Lennix Lai, Chief Commercial Officer, OKX; Ms. Lingling Jiang, Partner, DWF Labs; and Mr. Yat Siu, Co‑Founder & Executive Chairman, Animoca Brands. Together, these leaders exchanged insights on how emerging technologies, including blockchain, AI, and quantum computing are reshaping asset management and cross‑border investment frameworks. The event showcased the powerful synergy between Hong Kong’s innovation ecosystem and Dubai’s regulatory excellence, creating the foundation for global RWA leadership.

The strategic partnership between FOM and DMCC unites cutting-edge technology with world-class regulatory framework to establish a UAE-Hong Kong wealth corridor, connecting cross-border capital flows, enabling compliant digital transformation, and powering institutional-grade RWA opportunities for family offices and institutional investors.

Photos and photo captions:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1FfQLNGYvDLKEoHWqKNxKyIK64tGU0aAC?usp=sharing

1. Belal Jassoma (left), Senior Director of Tech Ecosystems, DMCC and Dr. Anina Ho (right), Founder & CEO, FOM sign a MOU during an exclusive family office dinner themed “The Future of Tokenizing Wealth” on February 9, 2026.
2. Belal Jassoma (left), Senior Director of Tech Ecosystems, DMCC and Dr. Anina Ho (right), Founder & CEO, FOM shake hands after the MOU signing.
3. Dr. Anina Ho, Founder & CEO, FOM delivers welcome remarks and introduces the event theme “From Theory to Real Use Cases in Tokenizing Wealth Between Dubai and Hong Kong.”
4. Belal Jassoma, Senior Director of Tech Ecosystems, DMCC shares insights on “Bridging Physical Commodities & Digital Assets as a Global Trade Hub.”
5. During the panel discussion titled “Turning Real World Assets into Digital Wealth,” moderated by Ms. Denise Zhou (left), Chief Strategy Officer, FOM, Mr. Lennix Lai (center), Chief Commercial Officer, OKX, and Mr. Belal Jassoma (right), Senior Director of Tech Ecosystems, DMCC share their insights on how tokenization is transforming traditional asset ownership and access.
6. During the panel discussion titled “Everyday Digital Wealth: Stablecoins, Payments and Tokenized Income,” moderated by Mr. Henri Arslanian (first from the left), Co‑Founder, Nine Blocks Capital, Mr. Jesse Guild (second from the left), Vice President, Product Management, Crypto & Digital Assets, Mastercard, Ms. Lingling Jiang (second from the right), Partner, DWF Labs, and Mr. Yat Siu (first from the right), Co‑Founder & Executive Chairman, Animoca Brands explore how digital assets and tokenized products are taking shape in everyday finance.
7. During the fireside chat moderated by Ms. Denise Zhou (left), Chief Strategy Officer, FOM, Mr. Ben Zhou (right), Co-Founder & CEO, Bybit shares insights on the future of digital asset platforms.

General Disclaimer
The press release is distributed solely as a corporate announcement of a strategic partnership and event recap, and not as an offer or solicitation to acquire any specific investment product, token, fund, or securities.

The information herein is based on sources believed reliable but not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness. Recipients should conduct their own due diligence and consult qualified advisors before investing. No liability is accepted for decisions based on this material.

Hashtag: #FOM

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About FutureOne MENA

FutureOne MENA (“FOM”) is a pioneering consultancy firm focused on connecting family offices with future technology, with a particular emphasis on tokenization and RWAs, enabling them to access, structure, and invest in next-generation finance. FOM integrates comprehensive market analysis with proprietary multi-agent AI systems to deliver actionable insights across technology, political, economic, financial, and security dimensions. As the cornerstone of the AFFLUENCE Integrated Ecosystem, FOM connects QonBay (digital payments), FutureOne MENA (family office network), FutureOne Bloom (ESG finance), FutureOne Capital (asset management & RWA), and FutureRyse (quantum AI optimization), empowering investors with intelligent tools for portfolio optimization, deal analysis, and strategic engagement with tokenized assets. For more information, please visit www.futureonemena.com.

About DMCC

Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (“DMCC”) is a leading international business district that drives the flow of global trade through Dubai. We make it easier for our members to do business, helping them access the world’s fastest growing markets from a dynamic district that offers everything they need to thrive. This approach is why we are the preferred location for over 26,000 top multinationals and high-impact startups, contributing significantly to Dubai’s position as a global hub for trade and innovation. DMCC is where the world does business. For more information, please visit dmcc.ae.

Signals Plan to Make Malaysia Regional Compliance Hub

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 February 2026 – XTransfer, the world’s leading B2B cross-border financial platform, was honoured to be invited to join the Malaysia Economic Forum (Forum Ekonomi Malaysia 2026). Bill Deng, Founder and CEO of XTransfer, shared insights on how Malaysia can accelerate technology application and innovation to help micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) scale exports under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP), during FEM 2026’s panel discussion, “Made by Malaysia: Accelerating Technology Applications & Innovation”.

Bill was honoured to join YB Tuan Liew Chin Tong, Deputy Minister of Finance of Malaysia, and Mr Ooi Ching Liang, Senior Director of Engineering at SkyeChip, for a discussion focused on strengthening high-growth, high-value industries, advancing R&D commercialisation, increasing productivity and competitiveness, and supporting MSMEs in global value chains.

Drawing on XTransfer’s work with MSMEs across markets, Bill noted that many Malaysian businesses are “able to export,” but face persistent barriers to scaling exports. The most common issues are trust, compliance, and scale, which often surface as payment delays, repeated documentation requests, FX uncertainty, and working capital pressure as orders grow.

“For B2B SMEs in foreign trade, the biggest constraint isn’t demand. It’s the operational complexity behind cross-border payments, foreign exchange, and compliance,” Bill said. “In particular, AML requirements can be difficult for both traditional banks and SMEs to manage efficiently, creating friction that slows down legitimate trade.”

Bill highlighted a structural shift in global trade flows from a single dominant corridor to non-U.S., intra-Asia, and broader South–South routes. This trend is increasingly clear in real SME transaction patterns. Bill shared, “In 2025, XTransfer’s average collection amount from Asia, Africa, and Latin America grew by 106% year-on-year, with Africa exceeding 270%, Latin America reaching 94%, and ASEAN reaching 82%.” YB Liew noted the trend and thinks it is a direction Malaysia should pursue.

XTransfer also said it plans to establish Malaysia as its regional compliance centre, citing Malaysia’s strong geographic and time-zone advantages, a mature regulatory environment, availability of talent in compliance and risk operations, and cost efficiency. “Malaysia gives us the talent, governance environment, and regional proximity to scale compliance as intra-Asia and emerging-market trade accelerates,” Bill added.
Hashtag: #XTransfer #Malaysia #SMEs #13MP #FEM2026

https://www.xtransfer.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/xtransfer.cn
https://x.com/xtransferglobal
https://www.facebook.com/XTransferGlobal/

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Gunskirchen, Austria – Newsaktuell – 10 February 2026 – In a demonstration of precision aviation, Luke Czepiela traced the full ideal line of the Bahrain International Circuit at low level, including short takeoffs and landings (STOL) on the start/finish straight. The achievement is documented in the short film Aircraft Meets Racetrack, the first project to emerge from BRP-Rotax’s Brand Ambassador partnership with Luke Czepiela, launched in 2025. The short film premiered during the Bahrain International Circuit’s official F1 pre‑season press conference today.

When Racing Meets Aviation

The project transfers what racing drivers follow on the ground with high precision accuracy into the sky. The circuit’s racing line becomes an aerial flight path, demanding exceptionally tight tolerances, high and low speeds, and uncompromising line discipline. Conducting the maneuver required extreme precision. Low altitude, shifting wind conditions, more than 495 light poles, and the narrow, enclosed layout of the Grand Prix track created an environment with virtually no margin for error.

“Flying a racing line from the air demands absolute control at low altitude and instant reaction in every phase,” said Czepiela, Rotax Brand Ambassador. “It is precision flying in its purest form.”

The flight was performed in a CubCrafters Carbon Cub UL equipped with the 160‑hp Rotax 916 iS engine. The aircraft’s lightweight STOL design, immediate throttle response, and exceptional power‑to‑weight ratio made the aerial replication of the racing line possible.

Production took place during the 2025 Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals in Bahrain – marking the first time all project partners collaborated on‑site. Working closely with the Bahrain International Circuit, Red Bull Bahrain, and local authorities, the team implemented a comprehensive safety and operations plan. The track and airspace were fully closed to ensure uninterrupted filming, supported by constant air traffic coordination and emergency services on-site.

“With Luke Czepiela, we aimed to create something that authentically unites our two passions: racing and aviation,” said Peter Ölsinger, General Manager of BRP‑Rotax and Vice-President Sales, Marketing RPS‑Business & Communications. “This project represents technical precision, long‑standing partnerships, and the courage to pursue new creative paths.”

The film not only showcases a great achievement it underscores Rotax’s mission to connect disciplines, push boundaries, and deliver high‑performance experiences on the ground and in the air.

Links:
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNgMGArCGBU
Presskit: https://newsroom.ketchum.at/Media.aspx?menueid=34496

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