Souq Al Jubail welcomed more than 5.8 million shoppers during 2025, reinforcing its position as a central wholesale and retail marketplace and a critical node in Sharjah’s food supply chain. The footfall milestone reflects sustained demand across seafood, meat, poultry, fruit and vegetable categories, alongside complementary services that support traders, households and hospitality operators across the emirate. Located on the Sharjah waterfront, the souq operates as an […]
Nvidia has issued urgent security updates for its GPU display drivers after identifying multiple high-severity flaws that could allow attackers to execute arbitrary code and gain elevated privileges across a wide range of systems. The vulnerabilities, disclosed in a security bulletin dated January 27, affect drivers used on Windows, Linux and virtualised environments, underscoring the broad exposure created by modern GPU deployments in consumer, enterprise and cloud […]
OpenAI is exploring the creation of a social media platform designed to sharply limit automated accounts, a move that would place the artificial intelligence firm in direct competition with X while signalling a broader push to shape how online discourse functions in an age increasingly defined by generative systems. People familiar with the matter say the idea has moved beyond casual internal discussion, with early-stage work examining […]
Dr C. J. Roy, the founder and chairman of Bengaluru-based Confident Group, died by suicide at his company office on Friday as officials from the Income Tax Department were conducting searches and questioning him, police and local authorities said. The 57-year-old was found with a gunshot wound inside his Langford Road office near Richmond Circle and was declared dead after being rushed to a hospital in HSR Layout. Authorities have launched a full investigation into the circumstances of his death, with forensic teams completing initial examinations and a post-mortem underway.
Police said staff heard a shot during the afternoon and alerted authorities, who found Roy injured in an inner room. He had reportedly been retrieving documents at the request of investigators when the incident occurred. Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh described the case as a suspected suicide, noting that formal determinations will follow once the investigation and autopsy are complete. No suicide note has been confirmed at this stage.
The Income Tax Department’s presence at the Confident Group’s premises was part of a broad examination of financial records and compliance, which has extended over several days, according to law enforcement sources. Officers from the department were reviewing documentation linked to tax filings and other regulatory matters when Roy took his life. While some observers have drawn a link between the tax probe and his actions, senior police officials emphasised that motive has not been officially established and will be determined through detailed inquiry.
Confident Group has been a prominent name in the real estate sector for nearly two decades. Founded by Roy in 2005, the company grew from regional developments in Karnataka and Kerala to a diversified conglomerate with interests spanning residential and commercial real estate, hospitality and international ventures. The group’s portfolio included a large number of projects across southern India, and it had expanded into markets such as the UAE and the United States as part of its global strategy.
Roy, born Chiriankandath Joseph Roy and originally from Kerala, was widely recognised within Indian and international business communities. He held a PhD and had previously worked in the corporate sector before building his own enterprise into a major developer known for its ambitious projects and rapid growth. Beyond real estate, Roy was active in film production, backing several Malayalam films, and was seen as a cultural figure in his home state’s entertainment circles.
Industry analysts said the shock of his death will be felt across the real estate sector, where business leaders are already navigating a complex regulatory environment. The dual pressures of compliance with income tax requirements and ongoing litigation in tax and financial courts had placed significant strain on the leadership of Confident Group in recent months. Commentators on social media and industry platforms highlighted the need for greater support systems for executives coping with legal and financial scrutiny, although specific links between the probe and Roy’s decision are yet to be confirmed by officials.
Confident Group’s operations included a mix of residential communities, commercial complexes and mixed-use developments, with the company touting a “zero-debt” business approach that set it apart from many competitors in a sector often challenged by leveraged growth models. The firm’s international footprint, including property development in Dubai, had positioned it as a notable player in cross-border real estate development.
Family representatives and close associates have been approached by investigators as part of the inquiry, and police have indicated that statements from relatives and colleagues are being recorded to build a clearer picture of Roy’s state of mind and the events leading up to his death. As the probe continues, authorities have pledged to share further details when available.
Ethereum slid sharply after losing key technical support near the $2,700 mark, triggering renewed anxiety about a deeper correction across digital asset markets and amplifying a risk-off tone that has weighed on crypto trading through January. The move extended a prolonged pullback for the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency, which has erased a significant portion of gains accumulated during the final quarter of last year and underperformed several large-cap […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai A new investment cooperation pact between the United Arab Emirates and Scotland aims to widen capital flows, align priority sectors and give institutional backing to a growing commercial relationship between the Gulf state and one of the UK’s devolved governments. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the UAE Ministry of Investment and the Scottish Government, setting out a framework to promote two-way […]
President Donald Trump is close to nominating Kevin Warsh as the next Federal Reserve chair, and markets have already delivered a verdict. Stocks and bonds dipped while the dollar strengthened as investors priced in a chair perceived as less inclined toward deep interest-rate cuts. This reaction matters. A Fed chair perceived as less willing to ease policy, tightens financial conditions before a single decision is made. As […]
Reinforcing Thailand’s position as a trusted, high-quality destination through emotion-driven storytelling
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 January 2026 -The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is creating a new wave of momentum for Thai tourism, reinforcing the ‘Trusted Thailand’ image and elevating the nation towards becoming a ‘Quality Destination’ with its latest TVC, “Feel All The Feelings,” featuring a story narrated by the Amazing Thailand Ambassador “Lalisa LISA Manobal”, a world-renowned rapper, singer, dancer and actor.
The film sets to entice tourists to experience and discover the multitude of feelings to be gained from travelling in Thailand, including happiness, serenity, excitement, challenge, and warmth, to establish Thailand as a valuable and unforgettable travel destination.
Ms Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the TAT, revealed, “This year, the TAT remains committed to reinforcing Thailand’s image through the ‘Trusted Thailand’ strategy to warmly welcome tourists, while continuing its push to establish Thailand as a ‘Quality Leisure Destination.’ This is to build confidence among tourists who want to create valuable, unforgettable memories at every step of their journey. Recently, we launched the ‘Feel All The Feelings’ campaign, building widespread communication and awareness across various channels. We are kicking off the year with a new commercial featuring ‘Lalisa LISA Manobal’ as theAmazing Thailand Ambassador, who will showcase Thailand’s tourist attractions and the feelings evoked on each visit. The campaign aims to ‘enhance quality’ while distributing revenue and tourists to new potential areas. TAT cordially invites all Thais to be ‘good hosts’ and share memorable Thai travel experiences.
TVC ‘Feel All The Feelings‘ by TAT portrays unseen attractions and diverse emotions awaiting tourists to discover and experience in Thailand. The story’s inception was inspired by tourists’ desire to seek a range of experiences that fulfil them emotionally and spiritually, helping them ‘Feel Alive’ again. TAT is confident that Thailand can be the answer and add vivid hues to tourists’ lives, as we are a land of diversity, colour, and vitality, ready to offer an exceptional experience for visitors to feel every emotion, from happiness, serenity, excitement, and challenge, to the warmth of smiles and hospitality, the intriguing mystery of new places, and the wonder of unseen locations. We believe that every area and every journey in Thailand will not only create impressive memories but also deliver ‘feelings’ that greatly enrich the travel experience.”
In this ad, Lalisa ‘LISA’ Manobal, in her role as the Amazing Thailand Ambassador, invites everyone to experience the ‘feelings within Thailand’. LISA is often asked, “What does Thailand feel like?” and she reveals the feelings she experiences while resting and recharging in Thailand in the commercial, through every emotion, every feeling, and every rhythm of Thailand’s beauty, which is unlike anywhere else in the world. The production also features renowned stars and actors such as Win – Metawin Opas–iamkajorn, Gulf – Kanawut Traipipattanapong, and Blue – Pongtiwat Tangwancharoen, who join the journey and convey these feelings together.
The TVC showcases beautiful locations nationwide, starting with the captivating beauty of the Lanna Candle Ceremony (Phang Prateep) at Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai province, followed by a spectacular view of the ‘floating pagodas’ in Lampang province. Viewers can marvel at the sea of mist at Phu Langka in Phayao province. The ads also features attractions in other regions to show that, wherever you are, there is always something to discover. Examples include experiencing the beauty of the first light of dawn at Wat Arun in Bangkok, the splendour of the Red Lotus Sea in Udon Thani province, or experiencing the sound of the cascading waters of Thi Lo Su Waterfall in Tak province.
Furthermore, the “Feel All the Feelings“ campaign aims is to shift tourists from popular landmarks to hidden-gem destinations, increasing the quality of their spending and the value per trip, in line with the “Value over Volume” strategy.
Join “LISA“ on her journey as the Amazing Thailand Ambassador and discover feelings awaiting tourists in Thailand with the “Feel All The Feelings“ campaign. The “Feel All The Feelings“ TVC is currently available at official Amazing Thailand channels:
Researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have unveiled a platform technology designed to strengthen the potency of RNA interference therapies, a field that has promised targeted gene silencing yet has struggled with delivery efficiency and durability inside cells. The work centres on improving how small interfering RNA molecules reach the cytoplasm, where they can shut down disease-driving genes with greater precision. RNA interference, […]
atNorth has unveiled plans to build a new high-density data centre in Stockholm, strengthening its Nordic presence as cloud providers, enterprises and artificial intelligence developers push demand for low-carbon digital infrastructure across Europe. The Iceland-based operator said the Stockholm facility would be designed to support compute-intensive workloads, including high-performance computing and AI training, with a focus on energy efficiency and heat reuse. The project adds to atNorth’s […]
Video games once trained patience through repetition and failure, according to a senior psychologist who says the design logic of modern titles has altered how younger players engage with attention, effort and reward. Speaking in his professional capacity, the president of Drugzone Pharmaceuticals Inc said the shift from finite, skill-based progression to systems built around constant engagement marks a decisive break from the gaming culture of the […]
SpaceX is weighing internal consolidation across Elon Musk’s corporate universe as it prepares for what investors describe as one of the largest public listings ever attempted, with discussions touching on potential combinations involving Tesla or the artificial intelligence venture xAI, according to people familiar with the matter. The deliberations, still exploratory, reflect a broader strategy to position SpaceX as the backbone of a vertically integrated space, energy […]
Budapest’s mayor, Gergely Karácsony, now confronts formal charges from Hungarian prosecutors for organising and leading a Pride march that defied a government-imposed ban under new assembly laws last June, officials confirmed this week. Prosecutors have proposed fining Karácsony without a full court hearing, accusing him of violating the law on freedom of association and assembly by staging a public gathering despite an explicit police prohibition. The legal […]
Abu Dhabi has begun consolidating its $263 billion wealth fund ADQ under the umbrella of a newly established sovereign entity, L’imad Holding Co., marking one of the most significant restructurings of the emirate’s investment architecture in years. The move adds another heavyweight to a capital ecosystem already dominated by state-backed investors controlling assets estimated at close to $2 trillion, underscoring the emirate’s push to sharpen coordination […]
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, arrived in Moscow on an official visit to the Russian Federation, underscoring a phase of high-level engagement between Abu Dhabi and Moscow as both sides seek to broaden cooperation across energy, trade, technology and geopolitics. As the presidential aircraft entered Russian airspace, a formation of military jets escorted it in a ceremonial welcome, a gesture […]
Bitcoin slid during Asian trading on Friday as speculation over the future leadership of the United States central bank unsettled risk appetite across global markets, adding to a cautious tone already shaped by shifting expectations for interest rates and liquidity. The world’s largest cryptocurrency fell below the psychological $40,000 level before stabilising, with traders pointing to heightened volatility after reports and commentary suggested renewed political debate around […]
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Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Etihad Rail has taken a significant step towards reshaping freight transport in the Gulf after completing a magnetic levitation freight trial with Italy-based technology firm IronLev, marking the first time such a system has been tested in the Middle East. The trial, conducted at the Al Faya Depot, demonstrated the ability of a maglev platform to move heavy cargo efficiently, signalling a potential […]
The Group was also ranked third in Thailand under the international “Best Place to Work in Thailand 2025” certification, reinforcing ONYX’s commitment to sustainable people management and a strong corporate culture.
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OuReach Newswire – 30 January 2026 – ONYX Hospitality Group has been recognised as the seventh Best Place to Work in the Asia-Pacific region for 2025, awarded by Best Places to Work, an internationally recognised organisation specialising in workplace assessment and employee experience benchmarking. The recognition reflects the Group’s people-centric workplace practices and a culture that places equal emphasis on employee development and service excellence, and is further reinforced by ONYX’s third-place ranking in Thailand under the “Best Place to Work in Thailand 2025” certification, highlighting the Group’s long-standing focus on sustainable people management and a strong, values-driven corporate culture.
With a diverse portfolio spanning hotels, resorts, serviced apartments, and luxury residences under well-established brands including Amari, OZO, Shama, and Oriental Residence, ONYX Hospitality Group continues to strengthen its position across key strategic markets in the region. As the Group approaches its 60th anniversary in 2026, these accolades further highlight ONYX’s long-standing commitment to building a resilient organisation powered by engaged and capable people.
The “Best Places to Work” certification is an internationally recognised programme that benchmarks organisational excellence in human resource practices and employee engagement. Certification is awarded through a comprehensive evaluation covering employee engagement, employee experience, and the effectiveness of HR policies and practices. In this year’s assessment, ONYX Hospitality Group demonstrated strong performance across multiple dimensions, including a supportive work environment, an open and inclusive corporate culture, and a people development strategy closely aligned with the Group’s regional business direction.
One of the key pillars supporting ONYX’s evolution as a trusted workplace is ONYX Academy, the Group’s comprehensive learning and development institute. ONYX Academy delivers structured programmes spanning foundational skills training, advanced role-specific competency development, and clearly defined career pathways for employees at all levels. By prioritising both future-ready capabilities and practical, applicable skills, the Academy equips team members for sustainable personal and professional growth.
The effectiveness of ONYX Academy has also been recognised at an industry level through multiple honours at the EXA: Employee Experience Awards 2025, including awards for the General Manager Development Programme (GM Track), the NextYou Initiative, the HR Leadership Enhancement Programme, and the Group’s ESG initiatives. These accolades further underscore ONYX Hospitality Group’s long-term and focused commitment to meaningful employee development.
Alongside capability building, ONYX Hospitality Group continues to foster a corporate culture rooted in openness and dynamism, encouraging employees to think creatively, experiment, and contribute new ideas. The Group actively supports agility and adaptability by creating space for diverse voices across the organisation. Employee well-being is also prioritised through the ONYX Cares programme, which holistically supports physical and mental health, relationships, and team engagement—contributing to a work environment that nurtures both individual fulfilment and organisational growth.
Saranya Watanasirisuk,Senior Vice President, Corporate Human Resources, commented: “At ONYX Hospitality Group, we believes that our people are the foundation for delivering exceptional experiences and service. Our success in human resource management is driven by strong leadership support at every level, enabling employees to grow across all dimensions. This commitment spans from recruitment and holistic learning systems to cultivating an environment that encourages creativity, experimentation, and the full expression of individual potential. These efforts have positioned ONYX not only as an employer of choice, but also as an organisation trusted by partners and guests alike.”
Receiving the “Best Place to Work” Certification at both national and regional levels marks another significant milestone for ONYX Hospitality Group. The achievement reinforces its commitment not only to being a regional leader in hospitality management, but also to being an organisation that genuinely values its people.
Looking ahead, ONYX remains dedicated to continuously enhancing the workplace environment and delivering meaningful employee experiences that support long-term growth and sustained competitiveness.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About ONYX Hospitality Group:
ONYX Hospitality Group, a reputable force in Southeast Asia’s hospitality industry, operates a collection of comprehensive yet complementary brands – Amari, OZO, Shama and Oriental Residence – catering to the distinctive needs of discerning business and leisure travellers in Southeast Asia where their expertise lies. In addition to its brand portfolio, ONYX Hospitality Group also operates additional hospitality services across spa and food and beverage. With over five decades of management experience, the company extends its innovative solutions throughout the region, upholding internationally recognised standards and ensuring optimal operational manoeuvrability. By fostering enduring relationships with like-minded business partners, ONYX Hospitality Group delivers unparalleled experiences in a dynamic and competitive market, meeting the ever-evolving demands of travellers.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 January 2026 – Madame Tussauds Hong Kong welcomes the wax figure of all-round entertainer Tan Jianci, launching a nearly three-month-long limited tour from today until 12 April 2026. Tan Jianci wax figure will greet everyone in the “Hong Kong Glamorous” zone, exquisitely presented in a classic black suit, ready to interact with visitors and adding a touch of star-studded brilliance to the upcoming Spring festival.
Celebrate the New Year of the Horse with Tan Jianci’s Wax Figure
From Stage to Screen: A Journey of Multi-Directional Development
Hailed as a “Hexagonal Warrior” for his all-around prowess, Tan Jianci has delivered eye-catching performances across multiple fields. In film and television, from the calm portraitist Shen Yi in “Under the Skin” to the impressive and stunning dual roles of Xiang Liu and Fangfeng Bei in “Lost You Forever,” he has won widespread acclaim for his nuanced and powerful acting. In 2025, his roles in the film “I Miss You” and the TV series “Under the Skin 2” earned him dual nominations for Best Actor at the Macau International Film Festival’s Golden Lotus Awards, making him the first actor ever to achieve simultaneous nominations in both film and television categories at the same ceremony.
Meanwhile, Tan Jianci has achieved remarkable success in music. His personal albums, such as “DREAMS” and “HUAN,” showcase his depth and diversity as a creator. His single “Bad Monalisa” not only dominated major charts but also won “Annual Chinese Digital Single” at the 2025 TMEA Awards, where he himself was awarded “Annual Best All-Round Singer.” At the end of 2025, the two lead singles, “PROOF” and “DEAD REFLEX,” from his third album rapidly topped daily charts on multiple music platforms upon release, once again proving his powerful appeal in music.
Furthermore, Tan Jianci actively shines in variety shows and the fashion world. In 2025, he graced the covers of three major mainstream women’s fashion magazines—”ELLE,” “Harper’s Bazaar,” and “Marie Claire”—becoming the first male celebrity that year to achieve covers on all three of these top five publications. Notably, the sales for his “ELLE” New Year issue broke industry records, showcasing his strong commercial value and fashion influence.
Tan Jianci Wax Figure Limited-Time Tour: An Immersive Star-Studded Experience
Tan Jianci’s wax figure now resides in the “Hong Kong Glamorous” zone. Dressed in a classic black suit, the figure’s highly accurate facial features and meticulous details showcase masterful craftsmanship, earning it the affectionate nickname “God of Unfiltered Photos” from fans. Running from 30 January to 12 April 2026, this nearly three-month exhibition allows visitors not only to take close-up photos with the figure but also to engage with interactive installations in the zone. The charm of Tan Jianci’s diverse talents across film, music, and fashion offers visitors a dreamy moment of being “in the frame with their idol” and embarking on a personalised star-studded journey.
Madame Tussauds Hong Kong warmly invites visitors to participate in the “Celebrate the New Year with Tan Jianci” engagement game. From 9 February to 23 February 2026, fans are encouraged to share their own creative photos or videos with Tan Jianci’s wax figure on social media. Participants should tag Tan Jianci and the official accounts of Madame Tussauds Hong Kong and include the hashtags #MeetMoreInTheNewYear and #MadameTussaudsHongKong.The most creative participants will have the chance to win a mystery gift. Welcome to The Peak to capture a unique interactive moment with Tan Jianci wax figure.
Exclusive New Year Surprises Unlocked: Multiple Perks for Festive Joy
In celebration of the New Year, Madame Tussauds Hong Kong is launching a variety of exclusive offers. From 13 February to 23 February 2026, all paid guests will receive a “Mystery Red Packet,” which contains a randomly selected mini card of a celebrity wax figure from Madame Tussauds Hong Kong—each card is a unique collectible. The attraction will also feature the “Year of the Horse Wishing Tree,” where visitors can write down their wishes for the new year, hoping that all their wishes will come true.
To further enhance the festive vibe, Madame Tussauds Hong Kong introduces a limited package—enjoy admission to Madame Tussauds Hong Kong, plus a VR experience and a selected beverage to elevate your immersive visit while sipping on a delightful drink. Adult package prices have been reduced from HKD 370 to just HKD 285.
Combo Ticket Details: Experience The Peak for HKD 390
Madame Tussauds Hong Kong is reintroducing Peak Tram combos (2-in-1 and 3-in-1) at attractive package prices for more surprises and value. From now on, visitors can purchase the following combo tickets at valued rates on the official website:
Combo Ticket Type
Guest Category
Price (HKD)
3-in-1 Combo
（ Madame Tussauds Hong Kong Ticket + Peak Tram Return Ticket + Sky Terrace Ticket）
Adult
390
Child / Senior (65+)
320
Under 2
FREE
2-in-1 Combo
（ Madame Tussauds Hong Kong Ticket + Peak Tram Return Ticket）
Adult
335
Child / Senior (65+)
290
Under 2
FREE
3-in-1 Morning Combo
Adult
380
Child / Senior (65+)
310
Under 2
FREE
2-in-1 Morning Combo
Adult
325
Child / Senior (65+)
275
Under 2
FREE
Limited Package
（ Madame Tussauds Hong Kong Ticket + VR Experience + selected beverage）
Adult
285
Child / Senior (65+)
250
Visitors from around the world are invited to celebrate the New Year at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong, capturing unforgettable photos and creating cherished memories with Tan Jianci and more other star figures. Join the festivities and make this celebration special. Hashtag: #MadameTussaudsHongKong #MeetMoreInTheNewYear
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Madame Tussauds
Madame Tussauds has been inviting people to walk the red carpet and get closer to the revered for over 250 years. With 17 Merlin-operated attractions in the world’s top destination cities, we are dedicated to giving millions of visitors the opportunity to mingle with the mighty from A-listers to music legends, heroes of sport, to world leaders. Today, we continue to partner with the global icons of a generation to create astonishing lifelike figures from sittings and offer exciting and interactive experiences to ensure guests have never felt closer to fame.
About Merlin Entertainments
Merlin Entertainments is a world leader in branded entertainment destinations, offering a diverse portfolio of resort theme parks, city-centre gateway attractions and LEGOLAND® Resorts which span across the UK, US, Western Europe, China and Asia Pacific. Dedicated to creating experiences that inspire joy and connection, Merlin welcomes more than 62 million guests annually to its diverse global estate in over 20 countries. An expert in bringing world-famous entertainment brands to life, Merlin works with partners including the LEGO® Group, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Peppa Pig, DreamWorks and Ferrari to create destinations where guests can immerse themselves in a wide array of brand-driven worlds, rides and uplifting learning experiences.
A significant wave of liquidations surged through global cryptocurrency markets as leveraged long positions worth about $140 million were wiped out within a single hour, underscoring sharp price swings and persistent volatility that have unsettled traders and risk models alike. The liquidation event affected tens of thousands of leveraged accounts and came amid rapid price fluctuations in major digital assets, particularly Bitcoin and Ethereum, with derivatives trading […]
Kaspersky has introduced a new online tool aimed at helping industrial companies in the Middle East quantify cyber risk in operational technology environments, as manufacturers, energy firms and utilities face mounting pressure to justify cybersecurity spending with clearer financial metrics. The cybersecurity company said the OT Cybersecurity Savings Calculator is designed to translate technical exposure in industrial control systems into potential monetary losses, allowing executives to […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 January 2026 – The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) yesterday unveiled the PolyUResearch Excellence Report at a high-profile forum co-hosted with Clarivate, a leading global provider of transformative intelligence. The landmark report provides a comprehensive evaluation of PolyU research achievements and impact, reaffirming the University’s position as a global innovation powerhouse. The event, “Research Excellence Report Launch cum Impact Forum: Innovating for Global Impact”, drew around 100 distinguished attendees, including academic leaders from other tertiary institutions in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland, industry partners and policymakers. According to Clarivate, PolyU achieved a remarkable 65% surge in high-impact research output and a 55% rise in highly cited papers from 2020 to 2024, and led all University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded institutions in research publications in 2024, underscoring its position at the forefront of Hong Kong’s academic excellence.
The event was officiated by Prof. Timothy TONG, Chairman of the Research Grants Council (RGC); Mr Osher GILINSKY, Vice President for Asia Pacific, Academia and Government, Clarivate; and Prof. Christopher CHAO, Senior Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU, who delivered opening remarks.
Celebrating PolyU’s exceptional research achievements and their far-reaching impacts on society, the Nation and the world, Prof. Tong stated, “The PolyU Research Excellence Report vividly demonstrates its commitment to sustainable development, reflecting the dedication and innovation of its faculty, researchers and students.” Prof. Tong commended PolyU for its effective use of research resources, noting the significant advancements in AI-driven medical breakthroughs, climate solutions and sustainability. He further emphasised the RGC’s ongoing commitment to supporting research that addresses major societal challenges, exemplified by initiatives such as the Research Impact Fund. Additionally, he reaffirmed the RGC’s partnership with universities in strengthening Hong Kong’s status as a global knowledge hub.
Recognising PolyU’s outstanding global research performance, Mr Gilinsky elaborated, “In recent years, PolyU has demonstrated high research productivity in high quality, driving for high impact for the society. PolyU was granted 1,020 patents between 2020 and 2024, the second highest among UGC-funded universities. To enhance research translation, PolyU has formed partnerships with companies including NVIDIA, Huawei and Alibaba. These achievements illustrate PolyU’s international connectivity, diverse disciplinary strengths and strong culture of research translation. Leveraging its strength with the Chinese Mainland resources, PolyU is also accelerating knowledge transfer and identifying emerging areas for discovery, particularly in AI-powered healthcare, sustainable engineering, advanced manufacturing and smart city development—fields where it aims for global leadership.”
Prof. Chao emphasised, “The report is a testament to years of dedicated effort, groundbreaking innovation and the unwavering commitment of the PolyU academic community. In 2025, we are proud to have 21 PolyU scholars named Highly Cited Researchers by Clarivate, while 428 rank among Stanford University’s World’s Top 2% Most-cited Scientists—placing PolyU second among Hong Kong tertiary institutions. Our Strategic Plan 2025/26 – 2030/31, themed ‘Unite to Meet Challenges, Innovate to Benefit Society,’ will further empower PolyU to deliver even more transformative contributions to society.”
Clarivate has been forging continuous collaborations with numerous institutions, including co-authoring the report series The impact of research undertaken by universities in Hong Kong with UGC in 2022. Produced by Clarivate using authoritative data from the Web of Science, the PolyU Research Excellence Report delivers a comprehensive assessment of the University’s overall research performance and achievements, highlighting PolyU’s global leadership in engineering, advancements in powering medical research with emerging AI technologies, and unique contributions to the hospitality, fashion and textile, design and art disciplines that distinguish the University on the global stage.
PolyU’s strengths are exemplified by its leadership in Hong Kong’s research output growth, achieving the highest number of publications among UGC‑funded universities in 2024. Nearly 40% of its outputs are internationally co-authored, while 27% involve QS Top 50 university partners. The quality and impact of the University’s research output are further evidenced by its strong disciplinary performance. In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, seven PolyU disciplines rank in the global Top 30, while, overall, 26 disciplines are listed among the world’s Top 100, underscoring the breadth and depth of the University’s academic excellence across multiple fields.
Following the report launch, the Impact Forum featured a high-level panel discussion on “Innovations and Challenges in Research Evaluation”. The discussion facilitated insightful exchanges between the panel and attendees on evolving approaches to research assessment, the importance of measuring societal impact and strategies for fostering cross-institutional collaboration.
Engineering Leadership: Ranked 6th globally in Engineering and 2nd in Civil Engineering (Subject Rankings of U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities Rankings 2025-2026), with research supporting Hong Kong’s Cross Bay Link project and national space missions. PolyU engineering publications grew by 68% between 2020-2024, with 38% of Hong Kong’s engineering publications affiliated with the University in 2024.
AI-driven Medical Innovations: 261 patents in Computing and Control solutions, including LungRT Pro (a radiotherapy support system), Scolioscan® (radiation-free scoliosis diagnosis) and STARS (a smartphone-based vision screening tool for children). These life‑changing innovations demonstrate PolyU’s strong interdisciplinary integration across computer science, optometry, biomedical engineering, rehabilitation sciences and nursing.
Unique Disciplines: Global top rankings in Hospitality and Tourism Management, and Textile Science and Engineering (1st and 5th respectively in ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2025), as well as Art and Design (22nd in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025). Groundbreaking work includes smart wearables for stroke patients, AI-powered tourism demand forecasting platforms and sustainable community design projects.
Collaborative Impact: Over 600 international collaboration agreements with 390+ institutions across 45 countries and regions, and 3,100+ collaborative projects in the Chinese Mainland. Between 2020 and 2024, nearly 40% of its high-quality research publications were co-authored with international institutions. PolyU Unicorn startups have created over 5,000 international job opportunities and generated significant economic value.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai-based Danube Properties has appointed former Australia fast bowler Brett Lee as its Global Ambassador, a move aimed at strengthening the developer’s international presence and sharpening its brand messaging across key overseas markets. The announcement, made by founder and chairman Rizwan Sajan, positions the retired cricketer as the face of Danube Properties’ outreach to global audiences, leveraging Lee’s worldwide recognition and credibility […]
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