Fidelity Investments, the global asset manager overseeing about $6 trillion in client assets, is preparing to enter the fast-evolving stablecoin market with plans to issue its own digital token, signalling a deeper push by traditional finance into blockchain-based payments and settlement infrastructure. People familiar with the matter say the Boston-based firm has been working on the technical and regulatory framework for a dollar-linked stablecoin that would be […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Global advertising revenue is projected to climb to about $1.22 trillion in 2026, marking year-on-year growth of roughly 7.1% as digital channels tighten their grip on marketing budgets and traditional linear television continues to lose ground. Digital formats are expected to command close to 83% of total spend, underscoring a structural shift that has been gathering pace for more than a decade but […]
Wittytool Disk Clone is being pitched to system administrators and managed service providers as a consolidated utility for changing Windows security identifiers while handling large-scale system migration and network cloning, addressing a set of long-standing operational challenges in enterprise IT environments. The software is presented as combining SID management, disk cloning and partition conversion into a single workflow, a positioning that reflects growing demand for streamlined deployment […]
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 […]
Signs are emerging that President Donald Trump’s aggressive immigration drive is carrying political risks, with polling shifts, street protests and unease among key voter blocs suggesting the strategy is beginning to dent public support. The administration has intensified workplace raids, expanded detention capacity and accelerated deportations while federal authorities have moved forcefully to disperse demonstrations against the sweeps, framing the approach as a necessary restoration of law […]
Intel’s fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results point to a company that has steadied its core operations after several turbulent years, even as its ambition to reposition itself as a competitive force in artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing remains largely untested. The numbers indicate improving execution and cost discipline, but they stop short of demonstrating a clear and durable return to growth in the markets now driving the […]
Epic Games is intensifying its efforts to stabilise Fortnite’s live-service infrastructure as player numbers remain strong and the game continues to expand through high-profile collaborations and seasonal updates, company executives and community feedback indicate. Fortnite’s design director Ted Timmons has said the developer is “stepping up” its focus on the live game, acknowledging that while new seasons and crossover content are drawing attention, persistent technical problems risk […]
Salesforce has secured a 10-year contract worth up to $5.6 billion with the United States Army to overhaul the service’s digital infrastructure, embedding cloud computing, advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence across a wide range of defence operations. The Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity agreement, executed through Salesforce’s specialised subsidiary Computable Insights, is intended to unify fragmented data systems, streamline workflows and accelerate decision-making from recruitment and training […]
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 […]
Questions over whether authorities in Washington now influence what appears on TikTok have gained traction after an agreement allowed the video-sharing platform to keep operating in the United States under new ownership and oversight conditions. Some users have reported posts disappearing or engagement dropping and have linked those changes to the deal, arguing it has opened the door to government-directed censorship. The arrangement that kept TikTok online […]
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 UAE-based conglomerate Al Habtoor Group said on Monday it will pursue legal action against Lebanese authorities to recover about $1.7bn in investments it says were lost during the country’s banking crisis, a move that risks complicating Beirut’s efforts to rebuild confidence among Gulf investors. The group said the losses stem from funds trapped in the Lebanese banking system after the financial meltdown that […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 January 2026 – As the global economic landscape grows increasingly complex, precious metals and foreign exchange markets have become pivotal hubs for investors seeking safe-haven asset allocation. At the 3rd Annual “Golden Honor Awards” recently held in Macau, Ming Tak Financial (MTF) emerged from hundreds of global financial institutions to officially win the prestigious “Most Growth-Potential Broker 2025” award, credited to its outstanding technological innovation, transparent trading environment, and rapid expansion in market share.
This honor serves as a testament to MTF‘s exceptional growth trajectory and a high-level affirmation of its professional standing as a cornerstone institution in Hong Kong‘s financial sector—a Type AA Member of the Hong Kong Gold Exchange (HKGX), Member No. 194.
I. Authoritative Endorsement: The Security of a Century-Old Exchange
In selecting a trading platform, security remains the paramount concern for investors. Based in Hong Kong, MTF is strictly regulated by the Hong Kong Gold Exchange (HKGX) and holds the highest-tier Type AA Member License (No. 194).
Compliant Operations: Every trading process adheres strictly to HKGX regulations, eliminating any improper practices and ensuring that every transaction is fair and transparent.
Asset Safety: Client funds are managed under a rigorous independent custody system, safeguarding the integrity and security of every deposit—providing the most solid foundation for safe-haven investments.
II. Core Advantages: Defining Standards for Transparency and Efficiency
MTF is committed to building a leading trading ecosystem in Hong Kong, leveraging technology to solve key investor pain points:
Challenging the Lowest Costs Globally: MTF focuses on optimizing investor costs by offering Fixed Gold Spreads as low as $0.15—a saving of over 60% compared to industry averages. Coupled with a Lifetime Zero-Commission and no-fee policy, MTF truly returns value to its clients.
Ultra-Fast Fund Settlement: Through upgraded payment gateways, MTF achieves deposits arriving in as fast as 5 minutes, a top-tier industry standard that allows global investors to seize opportunities in volatile markets instantly.
Professional Technical Support: Fully supporting the mainstream MT5 platform and EA (Expert Advisors) automated trading, MTF provides millisecond execution speeds and a low entry barrier of $10, democratizing professional investment tools.
III. Brand Strength: MTF Channel Leading Investor Education in Asia-Pacific
A core pillar of MTF‘s competitive edge is its deep-rooted foundation in market education. The official MTF Channel has amassed over 110,000 subscribers, serving as a central hub for Asia-Pacific precious metals investors seeking real-time market analysis and financial insights. Through high-frequency professional commentary and community engagement, MTF has built a seamless online-offline service ecosystem, providing robust decision support for over 100,000 active traders worldwide.
IV. Future Outlook: Driven by Honor, Raising Industry Standards
“Winning this award is not the finish line, but the beginning of a greater responsibility,” stated an MTF representative at the ceremony. Over the coming year, the company will allocate more resources toward upgrading Physical Gold Services and its Online Investor Education Platform to make trading more intuitive and accessible. Ming Tak Financial will continue to uphold its core principle of “Professionalism First, Intelligence for the Future,” with the core mission of “Challenging the Lowest Spreads Globally” to lead the precious metals industry toward higher standards. Hashtag: #MingTakFinancial #MTF
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Ming Tak Financial (MTF)
Headquartered in Hong Kong, Ming Tak Financial (MTF) is a premier precious metals broker in the Asia-Pacific region. As a Type AA Member of the Hong Kong Gold Exchange (Member No. 194), MTF adheres to the principles of compliance and transparency under strict regulatory oversight. Leveraging its core competitiveness in offering the lowest spreads globally—such as fixed gold spreads at $0.15, zero commissions, and 5-minute lightning deposits—MTF has become a trusted safe-haven asset platform for investors worldwide.
AfricAI has secured exclusive continental rights from Micropolis Robotics to commercialise and deploy advanced autonomous robotics platforms across Africa, under a multi-year agreement that industry analysts describe as a pivotal development for robotics infrastructure on the continent. The deal prohibits Micropolis from direct sales or appointing alternative distributors in the territory, establishing AfricAI as the central execution, localisation and go-to-market partner for Micropolis’s robotics systems across industrial, […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 January 2026 – YesAsia Holdings Limited (“YesAsia Holdings”, and together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”) (02209.HK), a leading e-commerce platform operator recognized for its expertise in curating Asian beauty and lifestyle products, has issued a positive profit alert for the year ended 31 December 2025 (the “Reporting Year”).
As disclosed, the Group expects to record unaudited consolidated revenue of approximately US$500.0 million for the Reporting Year, an increase of 44.1% (or approximately US$152.9 million) compared to revenue of US$347.1 million[1] for the year ended 31 December 2024 (the “Prior Year”). The growth was mainly driven by the continuous market diversification efforts for the B2C platform, YesStyle, and an increase in the number of new customers of the B2B platform, AsianBeautyWholesale (ABW), for both online and offline channels.
The Group made several strategic investments to match its commercial growth and strengthen its foundation for future success, including increasing its efforts in marketing, as well as commencing operations at two new logistics facilities, the Mapletree Warehouse in Hong Kong and a warehouse in South Korea, among others. Consequently, the Group expects to report an unaudited consolidated net profit of not less than US$22.0 million for the Reporting Year, representing an increase of approximately 15.8% (or approximately US$3.0 million) over the Prior Year’s net profit.
Further details of the Annual Results will be disclosed in accordance with the requirements of the Listing Rules by the end of March 2026, which shall prevail over the information contained herein. For more information, please refer to the full announcement: https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2026/0127/2026012701175.pdf
[1] Restated to conform to the Reporting Year’s presentation.
Hashtag: #YesAsiaHoldings
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About YesAsia Holdings Limited (02209.HK)
Established in 1997, YesAsia Holdings is a leading e-commerce platform operator recognized for its expertise in identifying and procuring quality Asian beauty, fashion, lifestyle and entertainment products. Headquartered in Hong Kong, the Group deliver products promptly and efficiently to a global audience through its strong ties with over 400 leading Asian beauty brand and supplier partners. The Group operates three major e-commerce platforms: YesStyle, an e-commerce B2C platform for serving the increasingly popular Asian beauty, fashion and lifestyle products, particularly Korean beauty products; AsianBeautyWholesale, a B2B platform for Asian beauty products; and YesAsia, an e-commerce retail platform for entertainment products. YesAsia Holdings is a constituent of the MSCI Hong Kong Micro Cap Index.
Emirates NBD, Dubai’s largest bank by assets, posted a four per cent rise in full-year net profit on Monday, underpinned by record lending growth as borrowing demand strengthened across domestic and international markets. The lender said net profit reached 24 billion dirhams for the year, surpassing market expectations of about 22.8 billion dirhams based on analyst estimates tracked by LSEG. The performance was driven by what the […]
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.
Bringing together local and overseas innovation talents and leaders to deepen cross-border, cross-campus collaboration
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 January 2026 – Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), together with 15 local tertiary institutions, marked a major milestone as Hong Kong Techathon+, the city’s largest international intercollegiate innovation and technology (I&T) annual event, celebrated its 10th anniversary. The Hong Kong Techathon+ Finale was successfully held recently (on 24 January) at Hong Kong Science Park. The team “Cresento” from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology won the Gold Award in the category of Trusted AI and Data Science under the Local Track (Open Group) as well as the Best Presentation Award voted by the audience.
The 10th anniversary finale of Hong Kong Techathon+, co-organised by HKSTP and 15 local tertiary institutions, took place at Hong Kong Science Park, bringing together representatives from local and overseas institutions, industry partners, and innovation teams to mark this milestone.
In parallel, the Global University Innovation Network (GUIN), jointly established by HKSTP and its 15 local tertiary institution partners, convened its inaugural forum on 23 January. The forum brought together GUIN member representatives and academic I&T leaders for in-depth exchanges on innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem development, further strengthening Hong Kong’s position as an international I&T and talent hub.
Hong Kong Techathon+ is co-organised by HKSTP and 15 local tertiary institutions, including: City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Hong Kong Shue Yan University, Lingnan University, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Education University of Hong Kong, The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, The University of Hong Kong, Tung Wah College; and three institutions under the Vocational Training Council – The Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education, and Hong Kong Institute of Information Technology.
Record-high International Participation Highlights Hong Kong’s Role as a Hub for Talent, Markets and Opportunity
This year’s Techathon+ attracted enthusiastic participation from both local and overseas universities, Approximately 1,900 participants formed over 470 teams. Notably, 215 overseas teams joined, underscoring the event’s growing international appeal.
Following rigorous selection, 172 teams advanced to the finale, including 122 local teams and 50 overseas teams from Australia, Brazil, Chinese Mainland, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Portugal, Singapore, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan, the UK, and the US. Kazakhstan, Japan, Korea and the UK participated for the first time through their university representatives, further demonstrating Techathon+’s reach as an international platform for I&T exchange.
A Decade of Growth: From a Local Challenge to One of Asia’s Major Inter-University I&T Platforms
HKSTP Chief Executive Officer Mr Terry Wong said: “Since its launch in 2015, Hong Kong Techathon+ has grown from a local challenge to one of Asia’s largest intercollegiate I&T events — driving creativity and collaboration while creating international impact. Techathon+ brings together outstanding young talents across tertiary institutions, turning ideas into innovative solutions that respond to societal needs and carry strong potential for real-world application. The platform has expanded the global pipeline of innovators and entrepreneurs, reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a hub connecting talents, markets, and opportunities, and writing the next chapter of Hong Kong’s I&T story.”
Beyond a Competition: A Comprehensive “Soft-landing” platform for Entrepreneurship
Hong Kong Techathon+ is more than a university innovation competition. Over the past decade, the platform has engaged over 9,000 participants, nurturing innovative talents and supporting the growth of startups.
Non-local teams also participated in a four-day immersive programme, featuring I&T ecosystem seminars, mentorship, investor matching, visits at Hong Kong Science Park, and tours to Chinese Mainland I&T bases, helping participants explore market expansion opportunities across the Greater Bay Area.
HKSTP also invites selected high-potential finalist teams and winners to join its Ideation Programme, offering up to HK$100,000 in seed funding (along with support aligned with participating universities’ startup programmes), free co-working spaces, access to advanced technology resources and professional mentorship. Through HKSTP’s incubation and industry networks, teams are supported from prototype development to sustainable startups operations – scaling progressively and building international impact.
Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the exclusive Technology Enabler for the 10th Edition of Hong Kong Techathon+, providing participating startups with access to leading cloud and artificial intelligence technologies and platforms. Through this collaboration, AWS offered competing teams technology resources in generative AI and machine learning, professional technical support, and workshop to accelerate innovation and drive Hong Kong’s development as an international I&T hub.
Inaugural GUIN Forum: Deepening Global University Innovation Collaboration
The first Global University Innovation Network (GUIN) Forum was successfully held on 23 January at Hong Kong Science Park, bringing together GUIN member institution representatives and I&T experts. The forum focused on three key areas:
Exploring strategies for university-industry technology transfer collaboration to achieve win-win innovation outcomes
Examining the Greater Bay Area as a hub for international innovation collaboration, including opportunities for research commercialisation and cross-border partnership, and
Strengthening global collaboration networks through actionable pathways.
Speakers included Dr Tony Raven, former CEO of Cambridge Enterprise; Professor Poh Kam Wong, Emeritus Professor at National University of Singapore; and Dr Alwin Wong, Chair of the Association of Technology Transfer Professionals (ATTP), among others.
Co-founded last year by HKSTP and 15 local tertiary institution partners with support from multiple overseas institutions and partners, GUIN aims to bring together leading minds to advance international collaboration in innovation and entrepreneurship, reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a global talent and innovation hub.
In his welcome address at the forum, Mr Terry Wong, Chief Executive Officer of HKSTP remarked: “We are building GUIN into a ‘global platform for innovation exchange and incubation’ — sharing knowledge, co-creating initiatives, and connecting startups with campus incubation resources and markets worldwide to turn concepts into tangible outcomes.”
Since last summer, HKSTP and university partners have launched the Theme-based Global Incubation Programmes under GUIN with three initiatives currently underway focusing on dentistry, visual technology, and the circular economy. The inaugural ” Global Hub for Future Dentistry” programme has attracted 40 top applicants worldwide. Additional thematic incubation programmes are in preparation, and GUIN members and partner organisations are welcomed to co-develop this expanding international collaboration.
The 10th Edition of Hong Kong Techathon+ Partial Awards List:
Local Track (Student Group)
Technology Theme
Award
Winning Team
Project Brief
Trusted AI & Data Science
Gold
SpeakRight
An AI‑powered voice‑changing solution designed to demonstrate and enhance speech training applications.
Sustainability & ESG
Gold
Hydroforge Tech
Development of cost‑efficient AEM electrolysis systems using a binder‑free, self‑growing electrode technology to enable scalable green hydrogen production.
Life Science & Healthcare
Gold
Nanos
A tech‑driven Contract Development & Manufacturing Organisation (CDMO) platform that rescues undeliverable drug candidates through proprietary drug‑carrier optimisation, targeting breakthrough therapies including Alzheimer’s.
Digital Economy & Smart City
Gold
Smart Mall Wayfinding with AI Paedestrian Dead Reckoning Technology
An AI-powered Pedestrian Dead Reckoning (PDR) solution – an infrastructure‑light indoor navigation that delivers accurate mall wayfinding using AI‑powered pedestrian dead‑reckoning with minimal deployment cost.
Tech FYP Group
Gold
OmniWatch AI – A Scalable, Multi-Model AI Proctoring Engine and Invigilator Dashboard
A privacy‑preserving, multi‑modal AI platform for onsite digital exam proctoring that detects suspicious behaviours in real time and enables scalable, non‑intrusive invigilation.
Local Track (Open Group)
Technology Theme
Award
Winning Team
Project Brief
Trusted AI & Data Science
Gold
Cresento*
A Hong Kong–based sports technology startup developing AI‑powered smart shin guard solution, delivering actionable performance insights for safer, smarter football training.
Sustainability & ESG
Gold
Off-Grid AEM Hydrogen Production Driven by Fluctuating Renewable Energy
A modular off‑grid AEM electrolysis system designed for stable hydrogen production from fluctuating renewable energy sources.
Life Science & Healthcare
Gold
Illuminatio Medical Technology
A medical imaging startup developing non‑invasive diagnostics to improve the assessment of chronic liver disease (CLD).
Digital Economy & Smart City
Gold
MicroLink
A micro‑LED‑based optical interconnect technology enabling faster, more energy‑efficient data transfer for next‑generation AI data centres.
Global Track
Technology Theme
Award
Winning Team
Project Brief
Life Science & Healthcare
Gold
Cancer Immunotherapy
A next‑generation cancer immunotherapy programme developing novel PD‑1 combination treatments to improve outcomes for solid tumours.
Non-Life Science & Healthcare
Gold
ROTOBOOST
ROTOBOOST develops Thermo‑Catalytic Decomposition (TCD) technology to produce low‑cost, low‑carbon hydrogen from diverse hydrocarbon feedstocks, enabling efficient pre‑combustion carbon removal at industrial scale.
*Winner of Best Presentation Award voted by the audience.
Hashtag: #HKSTP
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
A sweeping winter storm delivered an unusual alignment of heavy snowfall across five of the largest metropolitan areas on the US East Coast, marking a weather milestone highlighted by meteorologist Andrew Markowitz, known online as “Snowstradamus”. Writing on X, Markowitz said the storm marked the first instance in 3,655 days in which Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, DC each recorded at least six inches […]
Digital assets now form the foundation of almost every business operation. Michael Jordan, the CEO of Gem Soft, promotes data sovereignty as a necessary element for organizational strength and strategic freedom. He brings over thirty years of experience in investment banking and six years of leadership at Gem Soft, first as Chief Investment Officer and now as CEO. Jordan emphasizes that real control over data involves privacy, […]
Advancing R&D, talent development and the region’s energy transition
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 January 2026 – ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC), one of the world’s fastest growing data centre colocation providers headquartered in Singapore, today announced two significant initiatives that strengthen Singapore’s position in the global digital and energy transition: the launch of the FutureGrid Accelerator, Southeast Asia’s first live High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC)-powered AI infrastructure testbed; and a suite of strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with four Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) to advance skills development and expand internship and early career pathways for Singaporeans entering the workforce. These initiatives align with national efforts to support talent graduating into a challenging job market, while building the specialised capabilities required for next generation power and digital infrastructure.
Celebrating the official launch of the FutureGrid Accelerator; a new benchmark for HVDC-powered AI infrastructure in the region.
[Pictured from left to right] Lim Kian Tiong, Chief Financial Officer, LITEON; Bruno Lopez, President & Group Chief Executive Officer, ST Telemedia Global Data Centres; Minister Gan Siow Huang, Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Ministry of Trade and Industry; Professor Lam Khin Yong, Vice President (Industry), Nanyang Technology University Singapore; Brian Dow, Chief Executive Officer, Amperesand.
Officiated by Ms Gan Siow Huang, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Trade & Industry, the announcement underscores a national push to build capabilities not only for AI-ready data centres, but also for the wider energy ecosystem, as Singapore and the region pursue net-zero ambitions.
FutureGrid Accelerator: HVDC innovation for AI and the wider energy transition Located at the Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) Electrification and Power Grids Centre (EPGC) on Jurong Island, the FutureGrid Accelerator is a pioneering initiative jointly developed by STT GDC and LITEON, supported by the Energy Research Institute @ NTU (ERI@N) and NTU deep-tech spinoff Amperesand. It is the region’s first live testbed demonstrating HVDC integration with real AI workloads, addressing the high-density and high-resiliency requirements of next-generation AI computing.
While central to the future of AI data centre architecture, HVDC represents a broader opportunity: it is a foundational technology that supports more efficient, resilient and integrated power systems. This is critical for Singapore’s long-term energy strategy, its transition to low-carbon energy grids and the region’s increasing need for sustainable power delivery.
Why HVDC Matters: A scalable platform beyond the data centre As AI and high-performance computing workloads scale, traditional alternating current (AC) power systems face inherent limitations. HVDC overcomes these constraints and delivers several transformative benefits:
Up to 30% overall energy savings compared to conventional AC systems
A reduction of up to 400 tonnes of CO2 equivalent (CO2e) per megawatt per year
45% lower copper consumption and a 30–40% smaller power-infrastructure footprint
The ability to support ultra-high-density racks exceeding 1,000kW, with higher reliability and lower cost
Native compatibility with renewable power sources able to feed directly to the direct-current system, avoiding inefficient power conversions
“The FutureGrid Accelerator is a strategic investment in Singapore’s long-term digital leadership,” said Bruno Lopez, President and Group Chief Executive Officer, ST Telemedia Global Data Centres. “By bringing together global industry leaders like LITEON with local deep-tech talent such as Amperesand, we are building infrastructure that is ready for future AI workloads while pioneering sustainable practices and setting new benchmarks for energy efficiency and carbon-conscious innovation. This initiative reflects our commitment to future-ready technologies and reinforces Singapore’s position as a global Centre of Excellence for advanced sustainable digital infrastructure. It is a bold step forward in shaping the future of data centres and accelerating energy transition across the region.”
Ms Gan Siow Huang, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs & Trade and Industry, said: “The FutureGrid Accelerator demonstrates how industry and academia can work together to drive innovation and strengthen Singapore’s global leadership in cutting-edge technologies. I also welcome STT GDC’s partnerships with ITE and SP, which will add to the suite of training options for the rapidly growing areas of AI and energy-efficient systems.”
The FutureGrid Accelerator will validate HVDC system performance at power loads of at least 325kW, incorporating the latest AI servers. The environment incorporates LITEON’s data centre reference architecture with Amperesand’s Solid State Transformer (SST) technology—an enabling innovation for next-generation HVDC deployment. STT GDC plans to deploy this technology in future data centres in Singapore and progressively scale adoption across its global operations.
“LITEON is committed to advancing the frontier of power management efficiency, and our collaboration with STT GDC and Amperesand is key to establishing the next standard for sustainable AI infrastructure in Asia,” said Jason Tsao, Head of Direct Current Microgrid at LITEON. “By deploying an end-to-end data centre reference architecture and integrated power management system in a live environment with STT GDC and partners, we are validating a high-density, energy-saving solution ready to meet the extreme demands of global technology leaders.”
“The FutureGrid Accelerator underscores NTU’s role as a strategic partner in shaping the future of sustainable AI infrastructure”, said Prof Lam Khin Yong, NTU’s Vice President (Industry). “By integrating cutting-edge HVDC technologies with our research capabilities and the entrepreneurial drive of NTU spin-offs like Amperesand, we are advancing impactful solutions that can significantly enhance energy efficiency and grid resilience. This collaboration showcases how universities can drive transformative innovations at the intersection of energy, digitalisation and sustainability.”
“Amperesand is obsessed with revolutionising Medium Voltage to critical load power delivery for next-generation AI data centres, defence, and other essential electrified assets. We focus on first principles to achieve market leading power density, efficiency, and reliability,” said Brian Dow, CEO and Co-Founder of Amperesand. “In this era of AI data centre and other critical power systems becoming economic and national security interests for many countries, Amperesand’s MV SST Platform enables in-country cyber-secure controls and data, regionally available supply chains, and low CAPEX intensity local manufacturing. Our solution is an intelligent, universal Medium Voltage power source that works on-and-off grid to improve critical infrastructure resilience as new large electrical loads come online.”
Developing Energy-Ready Skills: Partnerships with ITE, SP, NTU and NUS STT GDC signed MOUs with the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), Singapore Polytechnic (SP), NTU Singapore and National University of Singapore (NUS). These partnerships will benefit more than 8,000 Singaporeans over five years through industry-aligned training in AI infrastructure and sustainable energy systems. This ensures the scaling of HVDC—and the broader energy transition—is matched by the transformation and availability of skills, jobs and talent development pathways.
Mr Lopez added, “Talent is the decisive enabler as we advance AI and sustainability infrastructure. These partnerships build a skilled workforce needed to strengthen Singapore as a global hub for advanced digital and energy systems.”
Key initiatives and impact:
Building a talent pipeline: STT GDC will provide internship placements across ITE, SP, NTU and NUS over the next five years, with support from Enterprise Singapore. The programme offers immersive, hands-on experience in data centre operations and corporate functions such as IT, sustainability, finance and marketing, supported by mentoring from industry professionals. In addition, STT GDC will offer 100 sponsorships for Data Centre Foundation Certificate (DCFC®) offered by EPI, a global certification body for data centre facilities, data centre operations and industry professionals, accelerating entry into the sector.
Developing industry-ready talent with ITE: The collaboration with ITE will benefit approximately 800 students annually — totalling 2,400 students over three years — from ITE’s engineering and information and communications technology (ICT)-related Higher Nitec and Work-Study Diploma courses. Key initiatives include co-developing industry-relevant curricula for full-time and Continuing Education & Training (CET) courses in data centre operations and sustainability; deploying a data centre virtual reality system at the ITE Extended Reality Centre for immersive training; supporting lecturer attachments and student internships; and enabling students to pursue the sponsored DCFC® course.
Sustainability leadership with SP: The partnership with SP develops expertise in environmental sustainability and green data centre solutions. Initiatives include joint exploration of green technologies and practices; industry seminars and events to promote sustainable solutions; and targeted programmes for training, mentorship, applied projects and internships.
Innovation and research leadership with NTU: The partnership with NTU combines cutting-edge joint R&D of solutions for AI data centres powered by direct current sources; training, curriculum and talent development for the AI data centre sector; industry and career talks; and internship opportunities across STT GDC’s group of companies.
Graduate pathways with NUS: STT GDC’s collaboration with NUS supports accessible entry points for graduates through internships, training opportunities and ongoing career and industry engagement to raise awareness of digital infrastructure pathways.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About ST Telemedia Global Data Centres
ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC) is one of the fastest-growing data centre providers with a global platform serving as a cornerstone of the digital ecosystem that helps the world to connect. Powering a sustainable digital future, STT GDC operates across Singapore, the UK, Germany, Italy, India, Thailand, South Korea, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam, providing businesses an exceptional foundation that is built for their growth anywhere. For more information, visit https://www.sttelemediagdc.com/
Appendix: Partner Quotes
Mr Peter Lam, Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Technical Education (ITE): “At ITE, our focus is on equipping our students with future-ready skills for Singapore’s evolving economy. Through the partnership with STT GDC, our students gain valuable real-world training and exposure to advanced tools in data centre operations. This strengthens our efforts to prepare career-ready students and develop talent for Singapore’s growing digital infrastructure sector.”
Mr Soh Wai Wah, Principal and CEO of SP: “Singapore Polytechnic is committed to developing a future-ready workforce that can support Singapore’s growing demand for sustainable and resilient data centre operations. This partnership with STT GDC brings together our strengths in training, applied learning and industry collaboration to nurture talent in environmental sustainability and green solutions for data centres. Through co-developed programmes, mentorship, student projects and internships, we will build deeper capabilities and broaden pathways for learners to contribute to this important sector. SP looks forward to advancing this effort with STT GDC to support Singapore’s long-term industry and sustainability goals.”
Professor Lam Khin Yong, Vice President (Industry), Nanyang Technological University: “STT GDC is a partner that shares our commitment to advancing impactful research and developing future-ready talent. Leveraging NTU’s strengths in artificial intelligence, energy-efficient systems and translational innovation, this partnership will accelerate the co-development of next-generation AI data centre technologies while providing our students and researchers with valuable real-world experience. Together, we are helping to build a robust pipeline of skilled professionals who will support Singapore’s ambitions in sustainable and AI-driven digital infrastructure.”
Ms Joan Tay, Senior Director, NUS Centre for Future-ready Graduates: “NUS’ partnership with STT GDC is timely, as demand grows for skilled professionals to manage complex, high-density AI infrastructure. Through internships, training, industry engagement and access to recognised certification, we bridge education and industry to equip students with the skills and experience needed to thrive in today’s fast-evolving digital infrastructure space.”
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![Celebrating the official launch of the FutureGrid Accelerator; a new benchmark for HVDC-powered AI infrastructure in the region. [Pictured from left to right] Lim Kian Tiong, Chief Financial Officer, LITEON; Bruno Lopez, President & Group Chief Executive Officer, ST Telemedia Global Data Centres; Minister Gan Siow Huang, Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Ministry of Trade and Industry; Professor Lam Khin Yong, Vice President (Industry), Nanyang Technology University Singapore; Brian Dow, Chief Executive Officer, Amperesand.](https://release.media-outreach.com/release.php/Images/725923/FutureGrid-Accelerator-1.jpg)
