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Congratulating Dr Lai on her achievement, John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), said that the HKSAR can “transform from a ‘supporter’ of the country’s great aerospace endeavours into an ‘executor’ “.

“This not only demonstrates the HKSAR’s capability in contributing to the country’s development into an aerospace power, but also showcases how Hong Kong could better integrate into and serve the overall national development,” Mr Lee said.

“This mission is of great significance, as it is not only the first manned spaceflight mission during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, but also the first time for a payload expert from the HKSAR to participate in it.”

The Shenzhou-23 crew will conduct on-orbit rotation with the Shenzhou-21 crew. The crew, including Dr Lai, will stay in the space station and conduct multiple experiments and applications in various fields such as scientific applications.

The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, Professor Sun Dong, led a delegation to the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center to witness this historic moment. Members of the delegation included other government representatives, I&T experts, youths and students.

“I truly believe this is a great demonstration of Hong Kong integrating into and serving the overall national development through concrete actions, while contributing our strength in I&T,” Professor Sun said.

” ‘Science and technology is primary productive force, talent is primary resource, and innovation is primary driver of growth.’ The HKSAR Government will continue to drive the development of I&T, accelerate the establishment of an international I&T centre, and make greater contributions to building our nation into a strong power in science, technology, and aerospace.”

Commissioner for Innovation and Technology of the HKSAR Government, Mr Ivan Lee, said that the Government had been providing funding support for universities and research institutions in conducting aerospace technology-related projects through the Innovation and Technology Fund.

“In 2024, we launched a special call for funding applications, inviting universities to submit project proposals related to aerospace technology. Following a selection process, we supported six projects. Among them was the Multi‑Spectral Imaging Carbon Observatory (MUSICO) developed by a team from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology,” he said.

On the Tiangong Space Station, Dr Lai will conduct experiments including operating the MUSICO — the world’s first lightweight, high-resolution synergistic observatory for carbon dioxide and methane emission point sources.

Born and raised in Hong Kong, Dr Lai is a Superintendent of the Hong Kong Police Force. In the recruitment exercise of China’s fourth batch of preparatory astronauts launched in 2022, she was successfully selected as a payload expert and was deployed to the China Astronaut Research and Training Center for training.

Before embarking on the historic spaceflight, Dr Lai expressed hope that it would inspire more Hong Kong youths to devote themselves to the field of I&T, thereby contributing to the country’s scientific and technological self-reliance and strength.

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The agreement was signed on Tuesday during the Quad foreign ministers’ meeting in New Delhi, where External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held talks covering economic security, energy resilience and Indo-Pacific cooperation. The pact gives both countries a structured route to work together across the full minerals value chain, from exploration and extraction to refining and downstream industrial use.

Critical minerals and rare earth elements have become central to the global contest over clean-energy technologies, semiconductors, electric vehicles, defence systems, communications equipment and advanced manufacturing. For New Delhi, the agreement offers access to US capital, technology partnerships and supply-chain coordination at a time when domestic demand for lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, copper and rare earth magnets is expected to rise sharply.

China’s dominance remains the main strategic driver behind the pact. Beijing controls a large share of global rare earth refining and magnet production, giving it leverage over industries that depend on high-performance permanent magnets, battery inputs and specialised industrial materials. Export restrictions and licensing measures imposed by China on select critical minerals have added urgency to efforts by major economies to diversify sourcing and processing.

New Delhi’s gains could come in several layers. The first is supply security. India’s electronics, defence, renewable energy and electric mobility sectors need stable access to minerals that are often mined in one region and processed in another. A bilateral framework with Washington can help identify viable projects, link producers with manufacturers and create longer-term offtake arrangements that reduce price and availability shocks.

The second benefit lies in processing. India has mineral-bearing resources, a large manufacturing base and expanding demand, but it lacks sufficient refining and separation capacity for several high-value critical minerals. Collaboration with US companies and research institutions could support technology transfer, pilot processing facilities, environmental safeguards and recycling systems. That is particularly important because rare earth value chains are not only about mining; separation, purification and magnet-making often determine strategic control.

A third advantage is financing. Critical mineral projects are capital-intensive, slow to develop and vulnerable to volatile prices. The new framework is expected to encourage coordinated investment, risk-sharing and policy support. For India, this could help attract patient capital into mineral exploration, processing parks, recycling ventures and specialised manufacturing units linked to batteries, magnets and electronics.

The agreement also fits into New Delhi’s wider industrial strategy. The government has launched auctions for critical mineral blocks, expanded exploration and moved to build partnerships with resource-rich countries. State-backed and private companies have shown growing interest in lithium, rare earths and battery materials, while domestic manufacturers are seeking greater localisation of supply chains for electric vehicles, solar power, wind equipment and semiconductors.

Washington’s interest is equally clear. The US wants trusted partners that can help build alternatives to China-centred mineral flows. India offers scale, engineering capacity, a large market and geopolitical alignment through the Quad. A stronger minerals partnership can also support US efforts to diversify clean-energy and defence supply chains beyond a narrow group of suppliers.

The pact follows earlier India-US cooperation in technology, defence, semiconductors and clean energy. It also complements Quad-level initiatives designed to strengthen supply chains and energy security across the Indo-Pacific. Australia brings mining strength, Japan brings advanced materials and manufacturing capacity, the US brings capital and technology, and India brings market scale and industrial ambition.

Challenges remain substantial. New mining and processing projects often face long approval timelines, environmental scrutiny, land acquisition issues and high upfront costs. Rare earth separation involves complex chemistry and waste management concerns. Recycling can reduce dependence on fresh extraction, but collection systems and processing capacity remain underdeveloped. India will also need a skilled workforce, stable regulation and clear pricing signals to convert diplomatic agreements into viable industrial projects.

At the interbank foreign exchange market, the currency opened weaker than Monday’s close of 95.26, losing 17 paise as importers and oil companies stepped up dollar purchases. The fall interrupted a brief recovery in the previous session, when the rupee had gained ground after suspected Reserve Bank of India intervention and softer crude prices lifted sentiment.

Market participants said the rupee’s early weakness reflected a broader risk-off mood across Asia. Oil-sensitive currencies faced selling pressure as traders reassessed the likelihood of a quick diplomatic settlement between Washington and Tehran. The rupee, already vulnerable because of the country’s heavy dependence on imported crude, moved in line with regional peers as energy prices rebounded and the dollar drew support from safe-haven demand.

Brent crude moved sharply higher towards the $100-a-barrel mark after fresh military action involving Iran raised doubts over the durability of peace efforts. Higher oil prices typically increase demand for dollars from refiners and importers, widening pressure on the trade balance and adding to inflation risks. For a country that imports nearly nine-tenths of its crude requirement, each sustained rise in oil prices feeds directly into currency, bond and equity market expectations.

The Reserve Bank of India is expected to remain active in the foreign exchange market to prevent disorderly moves rather than defend a fixed level. State-run banks were seen selling dollars in earlier sessions, a pattern traders often associate with central bank intervention. The central bank has used spot and forward market tools through periods of sharp volatility, drawing on its foreign exchange reserves while seeking to preserve market stability.

Foreign exchange reserves remain substantial by global standards, though they have eased from their February peak amid currency management and valuation changes. The buffer gives policymakers room to smooth volatility, but it does not fully insulate the rupee from external shocks when oil prices, global yields and geopolitical risks move in the same direction.

The rupee’s trajectory now hinges on three immediate variables: the price of crude, the strength of the dollar and the credibility of diplomatic efforts in the Middle East. A sustained climb in oil would complicate the inflation outlook and increase pressure on the current account. A softer dollar or clearer signs of de-escalation could help the rupee recover some lost ground, particularly if portfolio flows stabilise.

Bond markets also reflected caution. The benchmark 10-year yield edged higher as traders priced in the risk that imported inflation could narrow the central bank’s room for policy easing. Money-market rates showed a firmer bias, with swap markets reassessing the path of interest rates ahead of the next monetary policy review.

Equity markets faced a parallel adjustment, with energy-sensitive sectors, import-heavy companies and businesses exposed to foreign currency costs attracting closer scrutiny. Exporters, especially technology and pharmaceutical firms, may gain a translation benefit from a weaker rupee, but broader market sentiment remains tied to oil, capital flows and global risk appetite.

The pressure on the currency comes at a delicate moment for policymakers. Retail inflation has moderated from earlier peaks, but fuel costs and a weaker exchange rate can quickly alter expectations if the move persists. A weaker rupee raises the landed cost of crude, fertilisers, electronics and other imported goods, while also increasing the rupee value of external debt servicing for firms without adequate hedges.

Companies with dollar liabilities are likely to increase hedging activity if volatility persists. Importers generally prefer to cover near-term exposures when oil and the dollar rise together, while exporters may stagger dollar sales in expectation of better rates. This tug of war often intensifies near month-end, when corporate demand for foreign currency rises.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal’s visit to Ottawa and Toronto, accompanied by more than 100 business leaders, has added momentum to negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which both sides see as central to expanding market access, investment flows and supply-chain cooperation. The visit comes after a prolonged freeze in trade discussions caused by the diplomatic dispute that followed the 2023 killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia.

New Delhi and Ottawa are now working to rebuild trust through a structured commercial agenda covering energy, agriculture, critical minerals, technology, education and services. The scale of the business delegation travelling with Goyal underlines the attempt to shift the relationship from political caution to transaction-led engagement. A “Team Canada” delegation is expected to visit India later this year, signalling that both governments want to sustain ministerial and private-sector contact beyond formal negotiating rounds.

Bilateral trade remains below potential for two large economies with complementary strengths. Merchandise trade between the two countries stood at about $13.6 billion in 2025, with Canada exporting vegetables, mineral fuels, oils and wood pulp, while imports from India were led by precious stones and metals, machinery, pharmaceuticals and manufactured goods. Services trade, especially in technology, education, professional services and mobility-linked sectors, has grown into a significant part of the relationship.

The $50 billion target is ambitious but not beyond reach if negotiations produce tariff concessions, regulatory clarity and stronger investment protections. India is seeking reliable access to critical minerals, energy products, gas, fuel and agricultural inputs from Canada. Ottawa, for its part, sees India as a large growth market at a time when Canada is trying to diversify trade beyond its heavy dependence on the United States.

Energy is likely to become one of the pillars of the renewed partnership. Canada’s reserves of uranium, potash, natural gas and critical minerals fit India’s requirements for food security, clean energy expansion and industrial supply chains. Civil nuclear cooperation has returned to the agenda, with uranium supply discussions forming part of the broader effort to rebuild strategic confidence. India’s rising electricity demand and its plan to expand non-fossil energy capacity give Canada a commercial opening in nuclear fuel and related technologies.

Agriculture and fertilisers also carry strategic weight. Canada is a major supplier of potash, while India’s farm sector requires stable input supplies to support food production. Pulses have long been part of the trade basket, though pricing, phytosanitary rules and domestic market sensitivities have at times complicated flows. A broader agreement could provide more predictable rules, but both sides will have to manage farmer concerns and safeguard mechanisms carefully.

Technology and education offer another route to deeper engagement. Canada remains a major destination for students from India, while companies in both countries are exploring artificial intelligence, clean technology, fintech, cybersecurity and advanced manufacturing. Talent mobility will remain a sensitive but crucial component of any expanded economic relationship, especially as Canada adjusts immigration settings and India pushes for easier access for skilled professionals.

The political backdrop remains complex. Relations deteriorated sharply in 2023 after Canada alleged involvement by agents linked to New Delhi in Nijjar’s killing, an accusation India rejected. Diplomatic expulsions and a pause in trade talks followed, slowing a relationship that had already been marked by differences over separatist activism, security concerns and diaspora politics. The decision to restart CEPA negotiations reflects a pragmatic calculation that economic interests can create stabilising channels even when political trust is still being repaired.

Business groups on both sides are pressing for faster progress. Exporters want lower tariffs, simpler customs procedures and clearer standards rules. Investors are seeking safeguards, dispute-resolution mechanisms and sectoral openings. Canada’s pension funds and institutional investors already have exposure to infrastructure, real estate and financial assets in India, while companies from India are looking at Canadian opportunities in technology, mining, manufacturing and services.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India is examining whether companies that list only debt securities should continue to face disclosure and compliance obligations similar to those imposed on equity-listed companies. The review is part of a wider effort to deepen the corporate bond market, where heavy reliance on private placements, limited retail participation and concentration among highly rated issuers have kept market breadth below policy ambitions.

Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey, who took charge of the regulator in March 2025, has signalled that the next phase of reform will focus on making the debt market more usable for issuers and investors without weakening safeguards. A pilot framework for tokenising corporate bonds is expected to be launched within six to nine months, testing whether distributed-ledger technology can improve settlement speed, servicing, traceability and operational efficiency.

The proposed easing would be especially relevant for entities that raise money only through listed non-convertible securities and do not have listed shares. Such issuers have argued that several provisions under the Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements framework were designed primarily for equity-market governance, where public shareholders carry voting and ownership rights. Debt investors, by contrast, are focused mainly on credit quality, repayment capacity, covenant compliance and timely interest payments.

The regulatory challenge is to separate investor-useful disclosure from procedural duplication. Quarterly financials, credit-rating updates, default alerts, asset-cover statements, related-party exposure and material event reporting remain central to creditor protection. Requirements linked more closely to equity ownership, board-shareholder dynamics and public float may be reviewed where they impose costs disproportionate to the risks faced by bondholders.

India’s corporate bond market has expanded sharply but remains structurally narrow. Net outstanding corporate bonds rose from ₹17.5 trillion in FY2014-15 to about ₹53.6 trillion in FY2024-25, with fresh issuances touching ₹9.9 trillion during 2024-25. The market accounts for roughly 15-16 per cent of GDP, far below deeper Asian and developed markets, and is still dominated by highly rated financial and public-sector issuers.

Private placements remain the preferred route for large borrowers, while public bond issues account for only a small share of overall issuance. That pattern has kept institutional investors at the centre of the market and limited participation by individuals, smaller corporates and lower-rated issuers. For policymakers, the issue is not simply market size but market diversity, liquidity and the ability of bonds to finance infrastructure, housing, manufacturing and growth-stage companies at competitive rates.

Tokenisation is being positioned as a market-infrastructure experiment rather than a replacement for existing bond-market systems. Under such a model, a bond can be represented as a digital token on a permissioned ledger, with ownership transfers, coupon payments and redemption records updated through automated processes. A well-designed pilot could reduce reconciliation gaps, improve audit trails and allow faster post-trade processing while preserving regulatory oversight.

Global fixed-income markets have been exploring tokenisation for similar reasons. Automation through smart contracts can simplify issuance, settlement and corporate actions, while better record keeping can lower operational risk. The benefits, however, depend on legal clarity, interoperability with depositories and clearing systems, cyber-security standards and clear rules on investor rights if technology vendors, wallets or ledger nodes fail.

Sebi’s review also comes amid wider changes in India’s debt-market architecture. Online bond platforms have been brought under regulation, the request-for-quote platform has gained traction, and policymakers are looking at ways to widen access to international debt products through regulated channels. Municipal bonds are also drawing greater attention as cities seek market funding for infrastructure, adding to the broader shift from bank-led financing towards market-based debt.

Investor protection will remain the central test for any relaxation. Lighter disclosure rules could encourage more issuers to list debt securities, but weaker transparency would raise borrowing costs and damage confidence if defaults rise or credit risks are obscured. The most likely outcome is a calibrated framework that retains credit-critical reporting while reducing requirements that do not materially affect bondholder decisions.

The aircraft, operating the Muscat–Kannur sector on May 15, was preparing for a night departure from Muscat International Airport when it became misaligned during take-off. Instead of tracking along the runway centreline, the aircraft moved along the right-side edge-light area and hit multiple lights before the crew rejected the take-off. The pilot acted after hearing a loud bang and receiving a cockpit alert.

No injuries were reported among passengers or crew. The aircraft stopped on the runway and was disabled after the impact, prompting evacuation and ground response procedures. The Boeing 737-800 has remained grounded in Muscat pending technical inspection, repairs and regulatory clearance.

The occurrence has been classified as an accident by Oman’s Air Accidents Investigation Sector, which has opened a probe into the sequence of events, crew actions, runway conditions, lighting environment and air traffic control communication. The investigation is expected to examine why the aircraft was not aligned with the runway centreline before take-off clearance was acted upon.

Flight IX-712 serves an important expatriate corridor between Oman and Kerala’s Kannur district, which has a large base of workers and families linked to the Gulf. The route is part of Air India Express’s wider West Asia network, where the airline operates high-frequency services catering mainly to price-sensitive passengers, migrant workers and family traffic.

The aircraft involved was a Boeing 737-800, a narrow-body model widely used for short- and medium-haul operations. The type is part of Air India Express’s core fleet and is configured for high-density international services. The 737-800 is regarded as a mature aircraft platform, but runway alignment events remain serious because they can expose aircraft to structural damage, tyre failure, hydraulic loss and runway obstruction risks during the most critical phase of flight.

Runway edge lights are designed to mark the lateral boundary of a runway, while centreline guidance helps crews maintain the correct track during take-off and landing, especially at night or in reduced visibility. Misidentification of lighting cues can become more hazardous during night operations, when visual references are narrower and cockpit workload is high. Investigators will assess whether lighting layout, crew situational awareness, taxi routing, clearance procedures or human factors contributed to the incident.

The hydraulic leak is a key technical concern because aircraft hydraulic systems power essential functions including flight controls, braking, landing gear and steering. A flat tyre during an aborted take-off also raises operational risk, as the aircraft must stop safely while managing heat, braking load and directional control. The crew’s decision to reject take-off after the bang and warning indication prevented the aircraft from becoming airborne with possible system damage.

The incident comes at a time of intensified scrutiny of airline operational discipline, runway safety and crew resource management across global aviation. Regulators have placed growing emphasis on runway incursion prevention, proper line-up procedures, cockpit cross-checking and visual confirmation before take-off. Airports and airlines are also under pressure to strengthen safety reporting systems so that operational errors are identified and corrected before they lead to more serious outcomes.

Air India Express, now operating under the Tata group’s aviation restructuring plan, has been expanding and consolidating its network as part of a broader integration of low-cost operations. The airline has a substantial presence on Gulf routes, where competition is intense and aircraft utilisation remains high. Any grounding of a narrow-body aircraft can disrupt schedules, especially on tightly planned international rotations.

Kannur International Airport has depended heavily on Gulf connectivity since its opening, with Oman, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain forming core markets for the airport’s passenger flows. Services from Muscat are particularly significant for northern Kerala travellers, who often prefer direct flights over longer road journeys to airports in Kozhikode, Kochi or Mangaluru.

Founded in Singapore over 30 years ago, EtonHouse today operates over 100 schools across eight countries, and is widely recognised for its inquiry-led approach to international education.

The partnership positions EtonHouse as a long-term education partner to Bhutan, focused on listening, learning, and co-creating a school experience that honours Bhutanese culture and strengthens capability within the region. Professional development and education conferences will support collaboration among educators across Bhutan, enabling professional exchange and high-quality practice, contributing to a strong, future-ready pedagogical landscape.

A shared vision for Bhutan’s future education landscape

EtonHouse Bhutan aligns with the Royal Government’s vision to nurture world-class talent through greater access to high-quality international education. The school is designed to develop globally competent learners rooted in Bhutan’s cultural heritage and the principles of Gross National Happiness. This partnership reflects Singapore’s enduring contribution to international education, sharing a model that harmonises academic rigour with Asian values, creativity and innovation, advancing Bhutan’s long-term educational aspirations.

The school will offer a seamless K–12 pathway for over 500 students. In the Early Years, children will experience the EtonHouse Inquire. Think. Learn curriculum inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach. Primary students will engage in the International Primary Curriculum alongside Singapore Mathematics and UK-aligned core subjects, progressing to the Cambridge Lower Secondary, IGCSE and International A Level qualifications from Cambridge. Bhutanese History and Dzongkha remain integral, complemented by a multilingual language programme offering English, Dzongkha and Mandarin, alongside a strong emphasis on STEM, sustainability and holistic wellbeing.

“The Ministry of Education and Skills Development has entered into a landmark partnership with EtonHouse International Education Group to establish an international school in Bhutan, a significant milestone in the nation’s ongoing education reform, guided by His Majesty’s vision for a future-ready and globally competitive education landscape.

The initiative will provide Bhutanese students with access to internationally benchmarked learning opportunities while ensuring the deep integration of local knowledge, culture, and values into the curriculum. It seeks to create a dynamic platform for young Bhutanese to experience world-class education within the country, reducing the need to pursue such opportunities abroad and thereby strengthening Bhutan’s human capital for the future.

Beyond enhancing access to quality education, the partnership aims to strengthen national education capacity and bolster Bhutan’s attractiveness to skilled professionals and international institutions, positioning the Kingdom as an emerging hub for world-class learning,” said Mr Tshewang C. Dorji, Secretary of the Ministry of Education & Skills Development.

“Establishing Bhutan’s first international school marks a defining moment for education in the Kingdom. As a global education group, we bring internationally recognised standards and access to a worldwide learning network that connects students and educators across countries. Through the EtonHouse Global Classroom, students engage with peers across our international network, gaining global perspectives through shared learning and cultural understanding. Our ambition is to build a globally engaged school in Bhutan that expands opportunities and contributes to long-term national development.” said Mr Ng Yi-Xian, Group CEO of the EtonHouse International Education Group.

Creating Opportunities for Students and Advancing Educator Excellence

A dedicated scholarship scheme will provide full tuition sponsorship to up to ten outstanding Bhutanese students, reinforcing the school’s commitment to accessibility and national talent development.

EtonHouse will leverage its membership in the Reggio Children International Network to provide preschool educators in Bhutan with access to internationally recognised Reggio Children expertise, professional learning and regional educator exchange, strengthening teaching practice across the region.

A campus that celebrates Bhutanese identity and global perspective

“The design and curriculum of EtonHouse Bhutan pay homage to Bhutan’s cultural roots while opening doors to the world. Every space has been conceived to inspire curiosity, reflection, and innovation, echoing the nation’s aspiration to educate its youth for both local contribution and global engagement.” said Evelyn Tay, CEO of EtonHouse International Education Group, Singapore and EtonHouse Bhutan International School.

The purpose-built campus reflects a thoughtful fusion of traditional Bhutanese craftsmanship and contemporary collegiate design. Learning environments are designed in calm, neutral tones, reflecting the EtonHouse approach to inquiry-led, child-centered learning.

Students will have access to facilities including:

• Research and Innovation Centre, integrating the Library, STEAM and ICT to support inquiry, experimentation and interdisciplinary learning
• Dedicated Science Laboratories, designed for hands-on learning across Biology, Chemistry and Physics
• Cultural Learning Spaces, honouring Bhutanese History and Dzongkha as integral parts of the curriculum
• Multipurpose Sports Hall, supporting physical development, teamwork and wellbeing
• Dedicated Performing Arts Studio, enabling expression through music, drama and movement
• Reggio-inspired Ateliers, where children explore ideas through the hundred languages of expression, including light, sound, clay, mark-making and natural materials

Next steps

With enrolments opening for Nursery 1 to Year 5 (from 3 to 10 years) and plans to expand progressively to serve students aged up to 18 years, families interested in discovering more about EtonHouse Bhutan International School are warmly invited to attend our Experience Day on 30 May. This special event offers an opportunity to find out more and experience what defines the EtonHouse approach.

For more information, please visit etonhouse.edu.sg/bhutan.

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About EtonHouse International Education Group

Founded in 1995 in Singapore, EtonHouse has grown into a global education group with more than 100 schools across eight countries. The Group offers a highly recognised international education pathway from infant care to high school, including the International Baccalaureate, Cambridge, and the Reggio Emilia-inspired approach, all designed to nurture inquiry, creativity, and intercultural understanding. Beyond schools, EtonHouse is deeply committed to community impact through teacher training, philanthropy, and purpose-driven educational initiatives.

To commemorate this milestone, ACPL hosted a gala dinner on 25th of May, where it unveiled its new corporate logo, symbolising the company’s evolution and forward-looking vision. The refreshed logo reflects ACPL’s continued commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and its role in enabling the future of global digital connectivity.

ACPL’s operational strength is anchored by its fleet of purpose-built cable vessels and supporting assets. Today, the company operates three cable ships and one barge — ASEAN Restorer, ASEAN Explorer, ASEAN Protector, and its latest addition, ASEAN Challenger, which was inaugurated in 2024. With the addition of this vessel, ACPL is better positioned to deliver timely and reliable cable operations, supporting the rapidly growing demand for submarine cable infrastructure driven by the continued expansion of global data traffic, cloud services, and digital connectivity.

“Our 40th anniversary is not only a celebration of our past, but a commitment to our future,” said Mr. Yue Meng Fai, Chief Executive Officer of ASEAN Cableship Pte Ltd. “The launch of our new corporate logo reflects our evolution as a company — one that is rooted in a strong heritage while continuously advancing towards the future. We will continue to safeguard our heritage of trusted operations, empower our people as a united team with resolute commitment to quality, enhance our fleet to remain reliable and innovative, and shape our future by leading the transformation of global connectivity in a responsible and sustainable way.”

The anniversary event brought together industry partners, stakeholders and clients to commemorate ACPL’s achievements and to mark the next chapter of its journey. Throughout the year, ACPL will commemorate this milestone through various initiatives that honour its legacy while reinforcing its dedication to responsible operations and long-term value creation.

With 40 years of trusted legacy, ACPL remains committed to connecting the world — resolutely, reliably and responsibly.

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ASEAN Cableship Pte Ltd (ACPL)

Established in 1986, ASEAN Cableship Private Limited (ACPL) is a leading provider of submarine cable installation, repair, and maintenance services in the Asia Pacific region. Headquartered in Singapore, ACPL was formed by a consortium of six prominent telecommunications entities from the original ASEAN member countries, reflecting strong regional cooperation across Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. ACPL has built a strong reputation as a pioneer in submarine cable repair and maintenance, supporting critical telecommunications infrastructure under the Southeast Asia and Indian Ocean Cable Maintenance Agreement (SEAIOCMA), spanning from Djibouti to Guam and from Taiwan to Australia.

In addition to its repair and maintenance capabilities, ACPL is also an established submarine cable installer and integrator. Its services include main lay submarine cable installation and maintenance, shore-end landing and beach works, project management, offshore and diving support services, Universal Joint consumable supplies and jointing equipment, as well as engineering consultancy, site surveys, and desktop studies. ACPL remains committed to advancing submarine cable system installation and repair, delivering professional and reliable services to meet evolving customer needs and support a sustainable, connected future.

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As Singapore CBD office rents rise for a fifth consecutive quarter and vacancy hits a record low, CoWorkSpace aims to shield members from rent increases that flex operators typically pass through.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 May 2026 – CoWorkSpace is conveniently located at 6 Raffles Quay #16-01, occupying an entire floor within the office tower and comprising more than 50 private suites designed for startups, SMEs, and established corporations across shipping, financial intermediaries, family offices, professional services, business consultancy, technology, and trade-related industries.

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About CoWorkSpace

CoWorkSpace is an owner-operated serviced office at 6 Raffles Quay #16-01 in Singapore’s Central Business District. The property offers over 50 private suites, giving startups, SMEs, and established corporations a prestigious address, fully sheltered access to Raffles Place and Downtown MRT stations, privacy, and flexible medium to long-term membership options. Industries served include shipping, financial intermediaries, family offices, professional services, business consultancy, technology, and trade-related industries. More information at CoWorkSpace Serviced Office.

Regulators have moved against Futu Securities International, Tiger Brokers and Longbridge Securities, accusing them of operating securities businesses on the mainland without approval, soliciting domestic clients and processing offshore trading orders in breach of securities, fund and futures rules. The action has disrupted a once-popular route for mainland investors seeking exposure to global technology stocks, Hong Kong initial public offerings and US-listed Chinese companies.

The China Securities Regulatory Commission and other agencies have ordered a two-year rectification programme aimed at closing unauthorised cross-border securities, futures and fund businesses. During the wind-down period, affected mainland clients will be allowed to sell existing holdings and withdraw money, but will not be permitted to make new purchases through the targeted channels.

The clampdown marks a sharp escalation from the regulatory warning issued in late 2022, when online brokers were told to stop opening new accounts for mainland investors and remove trading apps from domestic app stores. Existing clients had largely been allowed to continue trading, preserving a grey-zone channel that gave better-off retail investors access to overseas markets despite China’s capital controls.

Futu has disclosed a proposed penalty of about 1.85 billion yuan, while Tiger Brokers’ parent, UP Fintech Holding, faces penalties and confiscation of illegal income totalling more than 400 million yuan. Longbridge has said it will comply with rectification requirements and that client fund safety is not affected. Regulators have also indicated that illegal gains from related onshore and offshore entities will be confiscated, with final administrative decisions subject to formal procedures.

Market reaction was swift. Shares of Futu and UP Fintech fell sharply in US trading after the enforcement announcement, while pressure spread to parts of the Chinese ADR universe as investors assessed whether reduced mainland retail participation could weigh on offshore-listed stocks. Hong Kong market participants also began reassessing the impact on brokerage flows, custody transfers and IPO distribution.

Citic Securities has estimated that as much as HK$250 billion in assets in Hong Kong could be affected by the crackdown, with Futu accounting for a large portion. The figure underlines the scale of wealth that had moved through offshore brokerage platforms even after Beijing tightened scrutiny of capital outflows and online financial services.

Investors are now exploring alternatives, including moving positions by custodian transfer to licensed Hong Kong banking channels, using accounts with international banks, or relying on approved schemes such as Stock Connect, the Qualified Domestic Institutional Investor programme and Wealth Management Connect. Those channels, however, have limits on eligibility, investment scope, quotas and product access, making them less flexible than the digital brokerage platforms that gained popularity during the pandemic-era boom in US and Hong Kong equities.

Beijing’s concern is not only securities law compliance. The wider policy objective is to control capital outflows, strengthen oversight of retail investment activity and prevent unlicensed overseas institutions from marketing financial products inside the mainland. The campaign also aligns with efforts to support domestic capital markets, where authorities have been trying to stabilise sentiment and encourage household savings to flow into regulated local investment products.

For the brokers, the enforcement action threatens an important part of their client base. Futu and Tiger expanded rapidly by offering low-cost, mobile-first access to overseas securities, appealing to younger and wealthier mainland clients who wanted exposure beyond A-shares. Both companies have been diversifying into Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Australia and the United States, but mainland-linked business remains material to investor perceptions of their growth prospects.

The crackdown may also reshape Hong Kong’s role as a financial gateway. Licensed institutions could benefit from account transfers and higher compliance-driven demand, but regulators in the city are expected to scrutinise whether account-opening documents, residency claims and fund-transfer routes meet legal requirements. That could raise operational costs and slow onboarding for brokers and banks serving mainland-related clients.