The Linux Foundation has taken TRACE, an open specification designed to create hardware-backed evidence of how artificial intelligence agents operate, under vendor-neutral governance as companies seek stronger controls over increasingly autonomous AI systems. TRACE, short for Trust, Runtime Attestation and Compliance Evidence, creates cryptographically verifiable records showing what software executed, the policies governing it, the class of data it accessed and the tools it called. The initiative […]
Issac John Uzbekistan has emerged from the three-day Silk Road Finance & Technology Forum with an audacious ambition: to establish Tashkent as Central Asia’s financial technology gateway and, increasingly, as a bridge between the region and the $6 trillion global Islamic finance industry. The question is whether this is achievable — or is it just another aspirational hub strategy in an increasingly crowded financial geography. There […]
SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 August 2026 – From tapping into the metro and paying at local shops to claiming tax refunds, booking family stays and unlocking dining benefits, Shanghai Summer 2026 is introducing visitor-focused products designed to make exploring the city easier for international travellers.
Running from July to October under the theme “Shanghai Summer, Join the Family Fun,” the international consumption season brings together payment networks, banks, hospitality groups and mobility providers to improve the visitor journey.
As a global strategic partner of Shanghai Summer, Visa is expanding its payment-friendly network across the city. Visa’s contactless “Tap to Pay” experience covers dining, accommodation, transport, tourism, shopping and entertainment. Visa data shows that in the first quarter of 2026, offline card spending by international visitors in Shanghai increased by more than 50% year-on-year, while transaction volumes rose by more than 60%.
China UnionPay is expanding its support for international visitors through the Nihao China App, an all-in-one digital platform combining payments, transportation, travel information and multilingual services. Available in more than 160 countries and regions, the app allows users to top up with international Visa or Mastercard cards and pay via UnionPay QR codes at more than 100,000 merchant locations. It also supports metro and bus travel in Shanghai, real-time translation, navigation and instant tax-refund services.
Bank of China Shanghai Branch has launched an upgraded Tax Refund 2.0 programme during Shanghai Summer. The initiative expands tax-refund services into hotels, supermarkets, restaurants, attractions and international talent service centres, supported by integrated POS refund functions and self-service tax-refund machines.
For travellers navigating the city, Shanghai Pass combines transportation, sightseeing and merchant benefits in one product. The card can be used across Shanghai’s metro, buses, ferries, suburban railways, Maglev services and taxis, while cardholders can access privileges at nearly 150 merchants.
Jin Jiang International is taking a similar integrated approach through its “2026 Jin Jiang ∞ Journey, Shanghai Summer” programme, combining hotels with cultural attractions, dining, guided city experiences and family entertainment. Its Shanghai Gourmet Passport 2.0 also connects dining, hotels and cultural experiences for international travellers.
Together, these products are making payment, transport, tax refunds, hotels, dining and attractions more connected — helping international visitors move more freely, pay more simply and experience more of Shanghai.
Hashtag: #ShanghaiSummer
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Financial pressures and burnout emerge as key challenges to life preparedness according to Etiqa Insurance Singapore Life Preparedness Survey 2026
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 August 2026 – Only 49% of Singaporeans feel prepared for the next decade, despite 76% already taking action to improve their financial wellbeing, health and future readiness. The findings, unveiled in Etiqa Insurance Singapore’s Life Preparedness Survey 2026, reveal a disconnect between Singaporeans’ confidence about the future and the proactive steps they are taking today.
This survey, conducted by Kantar in May 2026, tracks indicators of life preparedness across body, mind, money, and future among 1,017 Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents aged 18 and above.
These findings highlight a growing preparedness gap across these dimensions, suggesting that being prepared today requires more than financial discipline alone. It calls for resilience and ability to navigate uncertainty and changing demands in life.
Key findings of the survey include:
Financial security emerged as the single strongest definition of preparedness, with 68% of Singaporeans identifying it as the most important factor in being future ready. Nearly half of Singaporeans (47%) cite lack of money as their biggest barrier to life preparedness, significantly ahead of lack of knowledge (20%), lack of time (16%), and lack of motivation (15%).
68% of Singaporeans expressed readiness to take action to improve their life preparedness. They are most likely to start or increase savings (55%), exercise regularly (49%), spend more quality time with loved ones (38%), improve sleep habits (37%), and learn a new skill or take a course (33%).
76% of Singaporeans have already taken action to address their concerns for 2026. Some of the key concerns are financial worries (49%), conflict issues (32%), lack of exercise (30%), and limited time to upskill (28%).
Life preparedness takes a back seat for older mid-life Singaporeans
One in three (39%) Singaporeans aged 45 to 54 are not ready to take action to improve their life preparedness. Among this group, 24% prioritise managing household finances, while 21% are most concerned about planning for their future care needs.
These findings point to the pressures faced by Singapore’s mid-life population, where financial responsibilities and future caregiving concerns compete with longer-term planning. As competing demands increase, broader life preparedness goals such as improving health, building resilience, and preparing for the future can take a back seat.
Burnout emerges as a key challenge to future life preparedness
Over half (56%) of Singaporeans reported experiencing burnout in the past year, with one in five feeling burned out “very often”.
Burnout begins early in life, affecting 44% of Singaporeans aged 18 to 24. For the 18 to 24 age group, burnout is driven primarily by uncertainty about the future (49%), financial worries (43%), and workload or job demands (43%).
Despite these pressures, 42% of Singaporeans aged 18 to 24 identified wealth accumulation as their top focus area for 2026. This highlights a generation striving to build long-term stability despite elevated levels of mental and emotional strain.
Avoidance of future-planning conversations continues to hinder life preparedness
Many Singaporeans are uncomfortable discussing future care needs, finances and legacy planning with their families. Only 21% of Singaporeans have had open and detailed discussions with their family about these topics. Among Singaporeans aged 55 and above, 13% prefer to handle these matters on their own, reflecting a desire for independence and self-reliance when planning.
The findings suggest there is an opportunity to encourage earlier and more open conversations around future care, finances, and legacy planning to help reduce uncertainty and improve long-term preparedness.
Life Preparedness to navigate life’s uncertainties
“Financial readiness remains an important foundation, but resilience today also requires stronger support systems and more open conversations around long-term planning. People are more likely to take meaningful action when they feel supported, informed and empowered,” said Ms Claudia Soh, CEO, Etiqa Insurance Singapore.
“Our findings show that Singaporeans are taking positive steps to improve their financial wellbeing, health and future readiness, yet many still lack confidence about the future,” added Ms Soh.
“Life preparedness today is not just about financial discipline. It is about having resilience, support and flexibility to navigate life’s uncertainties, from rising living costs and caregiving responsibilities to health challenges and career transitions. Strengthening preparedness therefore requires building positive daily habits and longer-term planning horizons that help people feel more confident about the future.”
Etiqa Insurance Singapore life preparedness programmes
Etiqa Insurance Singapore supports the community through a range of initiatives focused on improving financial literacy, emotional wellbeing, and future planning. Through community outreach programmes, educational workshops, and accessible insurance solutions, Etiqa Insurance Singapore aims to help Singaporeans build greater confidence in navigating financial, emotional, and lifestyle challenges while preparing for the future.
The full Etiqa Insurance Singapore Life Preparedness Survey 2026 can be accessed here. For more information on our products and services, please visit us at www.etiqa.com.sg Hashtag: #Etiqa
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Etiqa Insurance Pte. Ltd. (Etiqa Insurance Singapore)
Protecting customers since 1961, Etiqa Insurance Pte. Ltd. (EIPL) is a life and general insurance company licensed and regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore and governed by the Insurance Act 1966. Having protected customers in Singapore since 1961 under the name United General Insurance Co. Sdn. Bhd., the company transitioned into the Singapore branch of Etiqa Insurance Berhad in 2009. Today, EIPL in Singapore stands as the pivotal operating entity of Etiqa Insurance Group, a leading insurance and takaful provider in ASEAN.
EIPL offers a comprehensive range of life and general insurance products accessible through its diverse distribution channels, including bancassurance, agents, brokers, financial advisers, partnerships, direct and online sales via Tiq by Etiqa. Etiqa is rated ‘A’ by credit rating agency Fitch for the group’s ‘Favorable’ business profile. The company is a member of the Maybank Group.
Etiqa Insurance Singapore Life Preparedness Survey 2026
The Etiqa Insurance Singapore Life Preparedness Survey was conducted in collaboration with Kantar in May 2026, surveying 1,017 Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents aged 18 and above. This study delves into the attitudes, perceptions, and behaviours of Singaporeans, with a focus on life preparedness across body, mind, money, and future.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 August 2026 – JOYY Inc. (NASDAQ: JOYY) (“JOYY” or the “Company”), a leading global technology company, today released its unaudited financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2026.
For the second quarter, JOYY reported total revenues of US$590.8 million, representing an increase of 16.3% year over year and 6.3% quarter over quarter. Social Entertainment revenue expanded 7.4% year over year and 5.6% quarter over quarter to US$422.7 million. BIGO Ads and SHOPLINE, the second growth engine of the Company, continued to deliver strong performance. BIGO Ads revenue generated US$133.7 million, up 53.1% year over year, while SHOPLINE contributed US$34.4 million, marking an accelerated year-over-year growth rate of 28.6%.
The Company continued to strengthen its profitability in the second quarter, with non-GAAP¹ operating income reaching US$49.1 million, up 28.2% year over year and 29.4% quarter over quarter. Non-GAAP¹ EBITDA reached US$56.9 million, up 18.1% year over year and 24.4% quarter over quarter. Operating cash inflow totaled US$64.9 million during the quarter, while net cash stood at US$3.06 billion as of June 30, 2026.
JOYY continued to deliver on its shareholder return commitment in 2026. Following the update of its three-year shareholder return program in May, the Company plans to return a cumulative US$1.5 billion to shareholders by the end of 2028. From January 1 to August 21, 2026, the Company returned US$358.8 million to shareholders, comprising US$216.4 million in share repurchases and US$142.4 million in dividends.
1. This press release includes certain non-GAAP financial measures as additional clarifying items to aid investors in further understanding the Company’s performance and the impact that these items and events had on the financial results. The non-GAAP financial measures provided above should not be considered as a substitute for, or superior to, the measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. For details of the non-GAAP measures, including the reconciliations of GAAP measures to non-GAAP measures, please refer to the press release titled “JOYY Reports Second Quarter 2026 Unaudited Financial Results” issued by the Company on August 26, 2026.
Hashtag: #JOYY #FinancialReport
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai’s Museum of the Future will close temporarily from September 1 as it begins its most extensive transformation since opening, replacing its main exhibitions with a new generation of immersive experiences scheduled to debut in early 2027. The landmark attraction has urged visitors to see its existing exhibitions before the end of August, bringing forward an earlier indication that the current visitor experience […]
HONG KONG SAR– Media OutReach Newswire – 25 August 2026 – The Hong Kong Designers Association (HKDA) hosted the Hong Kong Design Summit cum BDA Brand Award 2026 Presentation Ceremony Gala Dinner at The Fullerton Ocean Park Hotel Hong Kong, bringing together an elite audience of 180 leading professional designers, creative industry pioneers, and corporate executives, this year’s flagship event serves as an authoritative platform celebrating excellence in design application, cross-sector matching, and strategic design-tech partnerships.
The Summit was honored to have Miss Yvonne Ip, Acting Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries, as the Guest of Honour. In her address, Miss Ip highlighted the power of design to drive business growth and emphasized that the Hong Kong Design Summit, now in its third year, has become a key platform for industry exchange and collaboration, bringing design talent and enterprises together through flagship initiatives like DesignMatch, to turn creative ideas into commercial results. The Hong Kong Designers Association has been a pioneering force in the local design ecosystem for half a century, and CCIDA is proud to partner with HKDA to nurture design professionals, accelerate industrialization, and help local enterprises expand into international markets — advancing Hong Kong’s creative economy together.
Chairman’s Welcome: Driving Real Impact Through Strategic Focus
Opening the evening gala, Ms. Mui Kinoshita, Chairman of HKDA, delivered a heartfelt welcoming address reflecting on the Association’s post-pandemic transformation and strategic vision.
Reflecting on the Association’s post-pandemic vision, Ms. Kinoshita highlighted HKDA’s core strategy—”Two Awards, One Summit, One Platform“—designed to deliver tangible benefits by recognising individual design excellence, honoring corporate design investment, and driving commercial partnerships through DesignMatch. She celebrated HKDA’s expansion from 900 to over 1,300 members, calling it a testament to industry trust. Honoring the Association’s 50-year legacy, she paid tribute to founding pioneers whose dedication laid the foundation for Hong Kong’s creative sector. She concluded with a passionate call for open dialogue and unified collaboration to build a stronger, more caring design industry for the next generation.
Star-Studded Gathering of Design Icons and Industry Leaders
The Gala Dinner was anchored by an extraordinary gathering of creative heavyweights, founding pioneers, and distinguished guests across the design, creative sectors, and corporate leaders. Joining Guest of Honour Miss Yvonne Ip and Officiating Guests, including Dr. Kan Tai-Keung, SBS, BBS, Former Chairman of HKDA (Tenure: 1986, 1987, 1988), Mr. Steve Leung, BBS, Chairman of Hong Kong Design Centre, Mr. Alan Cheung, MH, Chairman of Hong Kong Design Council, Federation of Hong Kong Industries, Mr. Kevin Yeung, Chairman of Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association, were celebrated global design icons and industry leaders who attended in strong support of the Summit, including Ms. Vivienne Tam, Designer and Founder, Vivienne Tam Fashion House, Mr. Tino Kwan, Founder and Principal Consultant of the Tino Kwan Lighting Consultants Limited, and Mr. Gu Wei, Head of AIGC Design Business, Alibaba International Digital Commerce Group. The evening was further graced by prominent design masters, industry executives, and organisational representatives. Their presence, alongside premier corporate partners and judging leaders, underscored the unified strength and collective vision of Hong Kong’s creative community.
The annual event unfolds in two key segments: the Hong Kong Design Summit, featuring the Kick-off Ceremony, DesignMatch business matching, and a landmark MOU signing; followed by the BDA Brand Award 2026 Presentation Ceremony.
Hong Kong Design Summit 2026
The opening segment convenes industry leaders and creative professionals to foster commercial growth and educational innovation:
1. DesignMatch Business Matching Sessions: An exclusive, high-impact B2B networking initiative designed to bridge corporations and design professionals, driving immediate business opportunities and accelerating the translation of creative capital into commercial success.
2. Award-Winning Brands Showcase: A curated, high-visibility showcase where outstanding design firms and corporate awardees demonstrate successful project outcomes and share strategic market insights.
3. Strategic Tripartite MOU Signing: A milestone collaboration between School of Design, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Alibaba International Design, and Hong Kong Designers Association. The parties intend to explore opportunities for collaborative initiatives in design and AI-related education in the creative industry, as well as strategic collaboration for industry development across Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area (GBA). Key potential areas of collaboration include: A) Joint development and delivery of academic and professional training courses (with AI courses as the initial program collaboration); B) Industry–academia partnerships to foster design-tech innovation and applied research; C) Co-organisation of training courses, flagship events, forums, and summits to promote design excellence and cross-sector collaboration.
BDA Brand Award 2026 Presentation Ceremony
The second part of the event highlights design leadership and commercial results through an elite evening program, the BDA Brand Award 2026 Presentation Ceremony. An elite gathering celebrating outstanding brand design applications and recognizing excellence across diverse industries. This year’s competition attracted 150 brand entries from diverse industries, further solidifying BDA’s authoritative position as one of Hong Kong’s top brand awards. The BDA Brand Award invites nominations from professional designers or organizations, with submissions evaluated by a panel of experts based on three aspects: brand story, development, and achievements. Additionally, five assessment criteria are considered: 1) Environmental & Social Impact, 2) Cultural Impact, 3) Innovation & Technology, 4) Brand Image, Identity & User Experience and 5) Market Performance & Value.
The awards celebrated winners across multiple categories, including 1) Best Branding Image Award, 2) Best Cultural & Heritage Award, 3) Best ESG Award, 4) Best Innovation & Technology Award, 5) Best Media & Communication Award, as well as Best Award, Grand Award, and the prestigious Best of the Best Award.
A professional jury panel comprised of esteemed first-round judges—Prof Anthony Kong (Assistant Professor, School of Design, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University), Mr. Kirin Leung (Founder, Kirin+lab), Mr. Joe Wong (Founder, Joe Wong Design), Mr. Kenny Li (Founder, FM+ Concepts & FAVEbyKennyLi), and Mr. Jay Leung (Founder, Starz Group) as well as final-round judges—Ms. Mui Kinoshita (Chairman, HKDA), Prof. Viveca Chan (Founder and Chairman, WE Marketing Group), Ms. Hilda Chan (Chief Marketing Officer, HKSTP), Mr. Bosco Leung (Social Responsibility Lead, MTR Corporation Limited), and Mr. Jimmy Li (Head of Brand Partnership, Harvey Nichols Hong Kong). The judges meticulously assessed submissions through a rigorous process, including an initial online evaluation and live presentations.
From a pool of 150 exceptional brand entries, the jury evaluated each brand’s overall excellence, market impact, and alignment with the selection criteria in their respective fields. It is with great pleasure that we announce Sino Group「GoCircular」as the winner of the Best of the Best Award and fwah! as the winner of the Best of the Best Award (Startups). These brands have demonstrated unparalleled excellence, and their selection as winners is a testament to their outstanding achievements.
Additionally, 14 outstanding brands have been recognized with the Grand Award, including (in alphabetical order)
1. a²CIRCLE x TENKA TAIHEI
2. Bone Studio骨子裡
3. BrainX
4. Cohere Design柏納遨天
5. DCH Living 大昌行生活
6. Gridword Communications Ltd
7. HKUST International Summer Campus
8. ISABELLE.C 伊裳
9. Leo Paper Group 利奧紙品集團
10. LOUDER
11. Mini Greeny Heroes
12. Jumbo Kingdom – Tai Pak Floating Restaurant 珍寶王國 – 太白海鮮舫
13. The Living Art
14. Tiger Circle
The full winner list of BDA Brand Award 2026 is listed on Appendix A.
Fostering Strategic Synergies and Future Growth
The 2026 Summit reinforces HKDA’s commitment to elevating design as a core commercial driver while empowering the next generation of designers through AI-driven education and regional integration. Through structured business matching, strategic academia-industry partnerships, and award recognition, the event continues to solidify Hong Kong’s position as a premier global hub for commercial design innovation.
For more details on the event and program updates, please visit the official website at https://www.hkda.hk/
Appendix A – BDA Brand Award 2026 Winners (*in Alphabetical order)
3. ESG VISA – The Global Passport for Sustainable Business
4. PARTYDAY
5. Silver Innovation
6. Starry Learning
7. Xinera by FoodTrack
Startups – Best ESG Award
1. ESG Visa
Startups – Best Cultural & Heritage Award
1. Tu by Tu
Startups – Best Branding Image Award
1. Excelsior interior design limited
2. EyeComfi
3. LegalOne Global Limited
4. 非遺美食 INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE FOOD
5. Renovation Guide Consultant Limited
6. Ripple & Co.
Hashtag: #HKDA #BDABrandAward #BDA品牌大獎
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Hong Kong Designers Association (HKDA)
Established in 1972, the Hong Kong Designers Association (HKDA) was the first of its kind in Hong Kong and is a founding member of the Hong Kong Design Centre. Its core mission is to promote design’s public interest, cultivate young designers, and elevate the professional status of practising designers across sectors.
HKDA’s flagship programmes include the Global Design Award (GDA) (formerly known as Asia Design Awards), which has been celebrating outstanding global designs biennially since 1975; the Hong Kong International Poster Triennial (HKIPT), which has been documented the development of local and international poster design through competition, exhibition and symposium since 2000; the Sponsorship for International Design Awards (SIDA), a distinguished funding scheme for local designers and design-applying enterprises who are winners of international design awards, which has been running since 2011; Design X Technology (DXT), a progressive programme that integrates design and technology as core components in business strategy to drive innovation and competitive advantage since 2020; and BDA Brand Award (BDA) (formerly known as BDA Brand Design Awards), this award evaluates outstanding brand performance through a professional design lens, honoring long-term strategic commitment to design excellence, and was debuted in 2023, also other strategic initiatives including the Hong Kong Design Summit and the DesignMatch business matching programme connect design professionals directly with market demand across government, commercial, and industrial sectors.
With over 1,300 individuals and corporations in its diverse membership base, HKDA offers a wide range of membership options for professionals, associates, affiliates, students, and corporations that cover six design disciplines: Graphics, Spatial, Product, Digital, Fashion, and Education. Prioritising design excellence, education, technology integration, sustainability, business support, diversity, and inclusivity, HKDA has established itself as a vital platform for its members, as well as designers, businesses, and organisations throughout the Asia-Pacific region. Through its commitment to advancing these key areas, HKDA provides valuable resources, networking opportunities, and expert guidance to its members while also serving as a hub for innovation and collaboration in the design industry.
HKDA is committed to raising public awareness of the value and importance of design in society. It partners and collaborates with other design organisations and institutions worldwide, such as the World Design Organization (WDO) and International Council of Design (ico-D), to promote global design excellence, cultural diversity, and international design exchanges. By working with other design organisations on a global scale, HKDA aims to contribute to the development and advancement of the design industry, both locally and internationally.
Washington has sanctioned the Wellbred commodities group and businesses spanning Singapore, the UAE, Switzerland and France, expanding pressure on a global commercial network linked to Iranian oil trader Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani. The measures designate Singapore-based Wellbred Capital Pte Ltd, UAE-based Wellbred Trading FZCO and Switzerland-based Wellbred Trading SA. La Nivernaise de Raffinage SAS, a French cooking-oil refinery controlled by Wellbred Trading SA, has also been placed under […]
Partnership creates new pathways for accountancy students in Guangdong to pursue the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification and gain professional exposure in Singapore
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 August 2026 – The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) and Guangdong University of Foreign Studies (GDUFS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen Singapore–Guangdong collaboration in accountancy education and talent development, creating greater opportunities for GDUFS students in Guangdong to connect with the accountancy profession and pursue international professional pathways.
The MOU was signed in Singapore in conjunction with the 16th Singapore-Guangdong Collaboration Council (SGCC) Meeting, underscoring the strategic significance of the partnership and the growing links between Singapore and Guangdong in education, professional services and talent development.
Under the partnership, GDUFS’ Accounting, Auditing and Financial Management programmes will apply for accreditation under the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification (SCAQ) programme. Once accredited, graduates of these programmes will be eligible for fee waivers relating to five SCAQ Foundation Programme modules, providing a more streamlined pathway towards attaining the Chartered Accountant of Singapore, or CA (Singapore) designation upon fulfilling the remaining SCAQ requirements.
The partnership will also provide GDUFS students with opportunities to connect with ISCA and the wider accountancy profession, which includes industry and professional networks, events and activities. Students will have access to relevant ISCA membership opportunities and the relevant benefits, while those pursuing the SCAQ pathway will receive study support and opportunities such as internship and job-matching recommendations, SCAQ scholarships and access to ISCA’s publications.
The partnership reflects ISCA and GDUFS’s shared commitment to developing the next generation of accountancy professionals with the capabilities, professional networks and international exposure to contribute across markets.
The two institutions will also collaborate on professional learning and development, including guest lectures, workshops and seminars for GDUFS faculty, students and alumni, as well as access to ISCA publications and online resources. Continuous professional development collaboration via ISCA’s specialisation programmes in financial forensics, sustainability and subscription-based online learning platforms for accounting professionals will ensure GDUFS graduates remain updated on evolving industry standards and best practices.
ISCA President Mr Lee Boon Teck said: “Our partnership with GDUFS is about building stronger links between Singapore and Guangdong in accountancy education and talent development. By connecting students with professional pathways, networks and industry exposure and opportunities in Singapore, we hope to equip the next generation of accountancy professionals with the capabilities and international exposure ready to contribute in an increasingly interconnected business environment.”
Professor Yu Pengyi, Dean of the School of Accountancy at GDUFS, said: “This partnership with ISCA marks an important milestone in our internationalisation journey, creating new professional pathways and opportunities for our students. By combining our strengths in language and accounting education with ISCA’s professional expertise and networks, we look forward to developing globally minded accounting professionals who can contribute across markets.”
The five-year partnership provides a framework for ISCA and GDUFS to further develop cooperation in accountancy education, professional development and engagement with the accountancy profession. Hashtag: #ISCA #CharteredAccountants #DifferenceMakers #Accounting #Accountancy #MOU #GDUFS
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA)
The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) is the national accountancy body of Singapore. Established in 1963, ISCA administers the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification programme and is the designated entity by the Singapore Ministry of Finance to confer the Chartered Accountant of Singapore [CA (Singapore)] designation.
ISCA supports over 46,000 members across industries in Singapore and globally, with members in more than 40 countries. With a growing international presence, ISCA has 12 overseas chapters, 7 offices across 10 countries and a network of over 150 strategic partners, strengthening professional connections and opportunities across borders. ISCA is also a member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide, a global network representing more than 1.8 million Chartered Accountants and students across over 190 countries.
ISCA advances professional development and lifelong learning through ISCA Academy, its training arm and drives community impact through ISCA Cares, its charity arm.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai France and Saudi Arabia have unveiled a €6 billion leisure development near Paris that is expected to include three theme parks, with a flagship attraction built around the Dragon Ball manga and anime universe. The project will be developed around Cergy-Pontoise, about 30 kilometres northwest of the French capital, and is expected to create about 22,000 direct jobs. Qiddiya Investment Company, the Saudi […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Saudi Aramco has signed agreements with French companies carrying a potential combined value of more than $3.7 billion, expanding cooperation in drilling equipment, specialised oilfield products and industrial artificial intelligence. The agreements were announced during a Saudi-French investment roundtable in Paris on Monday, August 24, attended by Aramco president and chief executive Amin H. Nasser. They form part of a broader push by […]
When a government has to step into the market and start buying back its own debt, it is not a display of strength. It’s an admission. Scott Bessent’s US Treasury doubled the size of its bond buyback programme this week. Reports now suggest officials are considering drawing close to $1 trillion from the Treasury General Account to help fund it. Washington will call this prudent debt management. […]
Alibaba Cloud has opened its third data centre in South Korea, increasing local computing capacity as businesses accelerate investment in artificial intelligence, cloud applications and data-intensive services.
The facility, launched on August 18, expands the company’s Korea region only about 14 months after its second data centre began operating. Alibaba Cloud established its first South Korean data centre in 2022 after entering the market in 2016, reflecting a faster infrastructure build-out as demand for generative AI and enterprise AI agents increases.
The third site adds capacity for computing, storage, networking, databases, security, containers and cloud-native services. It will also support workloads requiring lower latency and stronger disaster-recovery arrangements, while giving customers more options to distribute applications across separate facilities.
Alibaba Cloud has not disclosed the new centre’s power capacity, investment cost, number of graphics processing units or current utilisation rate. The company has indicated that additional computing equipment can be installed as customer demand expands.
Operating three data centres also changes the resilience of Alibaba Cloud’s South Korean infrastructure. With two facilities, disruption at one centre could leave the remaining location handling workloads alone. The addition of a third allows applications to remain distributed between two facilities if another suffers an outage.
The expanded configuration has enabled Alibaba Cloud to raise the service-level availability commitment for its Korea region from 99.95% to 99.99%, strengthening its pitch to companies running business-critical applications and AI services.
Enterprise AI is becoming an increasingly important part of that strategy. Alibaba Cloud is introducing six agentic AI services in South Korea covering development, testing, deployment, operations and cybersecurity. They include AgentRun, STAROps, ACS Agent Sandbox, Agent Security Center, AI Security Guardrails 2.0 and Agentic SOC.
The services are aimed at companies seeking to move AI agents from experimental projects into production environments, where governance, reliability and security become more demanding. Enterprises are increasingly looking beyond access to large language models towards infrastructure capable of operating autonomous or semi-autonomous software agents at scale.
Alibaba Cloud is pairing those services with its broader full-stack AI offering, including infrastructure, development platforms and the Qwen family of AI models. Qwen models have recorded more than 3 billion downloads globally, while developers have created more than 300,000 derivative models based on the family.
South Korean companies are already using parts of Alibaba Cloud’s AI ecosystem. Gwangju-based Gendive has integrated Alibaba models including Wan for video generation and HappyHorse for image generation into its DevDive enterprise automation platform. NAVER Z’s ZEPETO platform also uses Alibaba Cloud infrastructure to support real-time 3D avatar generation and immersive services across Asian markets.
Alibaba Cloud has built local partnerships with companies including Megazone Soft and Team Sparta, seeking to combine its infrastructure with consulting, implementation and industry-specific services. Such alliances are important in a South Korean cloud market where global hyperscalers compete with strong domestic technology groups.
Data sovereignty is another factor shaping cloud investment. Businesses handling sensitive information increasingly want workloads hosted within national borders, particularly as regulators pay greater attention to cybersecurity, resilience and governance surrounding AI systems. Alibaba Cloud says its South Korean infrastructure is designed to comply with applicable local data-protection and cybersecurity requirements.
The Korea expansion forms part of Alibaba’s wider commitment to spend about 380 billion yuan, roughly $53 billion when the programme was announced, on AI and cloud infrastructure over three years. The group has already committed substantial capital to computing capacity, chips and AI development as it attempts to establish cloud services as a larger growth engine.
Alibaba Cloud revenue rose sharply in the April-June quarter of 2026, with cloud and AI-related sales reaching about 48.4 billion yuan and growing 45% from a year earlier. The expansion has come at a cost: Alibaba’s quarterly capital expenditure climbed to nearly 67.7 billion yuan as spending on computing infrastructure and semiconductor components increased.
The company has also expanded cloud infrastructure in France, Japan, Malaysia and Mexico. With the new South Korean facility, Alibaba Cloud says its global network has reached 104 availability zones across 30 regions.
Bitcoin climbed back above $79,000 on Monday, extending a powerful rebound that has restored bullish momentum after weeks of pressure across cryptocurrency markets. The world’s largest digital asset briefly traded around $79,200 before encountering resistance near the psychologically important $80,000 level. The move capped a sharp recovery from levels near $63,400 earlier in the week, representing a gain of more than 20% from the trough. Bitcoin subsequently […]
The US Treasury is considering tapping its roughly $950 billion cash balance to support purchases of longer-dated government bonds, potentially giving Secretary Scott Bessent greater scope to counter pressure in the Treasury market. The Treasury General Account, or TGA, is being treated as a possible source of cash for purchases of off-the-run securities, although officials have not specified how much could be deployed or when a decision […]
More than 9,300 Amazon Web Services access keys exposed publicly over four years remained usable this month, including hundreds capable of giving an intruder unrestricted control of corporate cloud accounts. Security researchers examining AWS credentials exposed between August 2022 and August 2026 re-tested 10,616 complete key pairs on August 10. Some 9,308, or about 88%, still authenticated successfully, pointing to a persistent failure by organisations and developers […]
Cybersecurity investigators have linked a supply-chain attack on three widely used Rust software packages to infrastructure associated with North Korean threat actors, raising fresh concerns over attempts to compromise developers before applications are even built. Malicious versions of arrayref, internment and append-only-vec were published on crates. io, the official package registry for the Rust programming language, on August 20. The altered releases introduced a dependency called proc-macro1, […]
Standard Chartered has become the first bank to distribute a regulated Hong Kong dollar stablecoin, opening access to Anchorpoint Financial’s HKDAP for eligible institutional clients and partners as Hong Kong pushes tokenised money deeper into mainstream financial services.
The London-headquartered banking group said it will help qualifying customers integrate HKDAP into financial and commercial operations. Planned applications include money-market fund subscriptions, settlements with asset managers, transfers between entities within the bank’s international network and cross-border payments.
The move gives HKDAP a major banking distribution channel less than two weeks after Anchorpoint began its limited institutional rollout on August 12. The stablecoin, whose name stands for HKD At Par, is designed to maintain a one-to-one value with the Hong Kong dollar and is currently available through a controlled beta programme.
Standard Chartered is the majority shareholder in Anchorpoint, which was established with HKT and Animoca Brands. The venture received one of Hong Kong’s first stablecoin issuer licences in April, alongside HSBC, following the introduction of the territory’s Stablecoins Ordinance in August 2025.
Standard Chartered’s role as distributor is distinct from Anchorpoint’s function as issuer. Under Anchorpoint’s business-to-business-to-consumer model, authorised distributors provide access to the token after conducting customer onboarding and know-your-customer checks. That structure is intended to connect regulated tokenised money with banks, exchanges, asset managers, companies and, eventually, individual users.
Access remains restricted during the beta stage to corporates and professional investors. Anchorpoint aims to broaden availability to retail users as early as the end of 2026, subject to operational and market readiness.
HKDAP currently operates on the Ethereum mainnet. Its reserves are held under a trust arrangement for token holders, with Standard Chartered Trustee acting as trustee. The token does not pay interest and is not positioned as an investment product. Instead, it is designed as digital cash for payments, settlement and movement of funds.
Early activity remains deliberately limited. Anchorpoint disclosed circulation of HK$522,000 and transaction volume of HK$658,160 as of August 19, with reserve assets of about HK$1.62 million. Issuance over the preceding 30 days totalled HK$524,130, while HK$4,170 had been redeemed. The small amounts reflect the controlled institutional testing phase rather than a mass-market launch.
The distribution agreement nevertheless represents an important step towards commercial use. Standard Chartered plans to introduce additional HKDAP applications over the coming month, expanding beyond experiments into transactions that could demonstrate whether regulated stablecoins can reduce settlement times and connect conventional banking infrastructure with blockchain-based markets.
The bank has been accelerating its digital-asset strategy across several areas. It already provides institutional trading in deliverable spot Bitcoin and Ether, has expanded digital-asset custody services and has developed blockchain-based settlement and collateral arrangements. In July, it also launched integrated institutional access to Circle’s USDC minting and redemption infrastructure.
Standard Chartered’s scale could give HKDAP a distribution advantage. The group operates across 55 markets and reported total assets of about $993.4 billion at the end of June 2026, up from roughly $920 billion at the end of 2025. First-half operating income reached a record $11.6 billion, while pre-tax profit rose to $4.8 billion.
Hong Kong’s regulated stablecoin experiment is taking shape cautiously. The monetary authority has imposed capital, reserve-management, redemption, governance, anti-money-laundering and risk-management requirements on licensed issuers, seeking to distinguish supervised fiat-backed tokens from the less regulated stablecoins that dominate global cryptocurrency trading.
HSBC, the other initial licensed issuer, is preparing its own Hong Kong dollar stablecoin for launch during the second half of 2026. The entrance of two globally significant banks places Hong Kong among the jurisdictions attempting to develop regulated alternatives to dollar-denominated tokens such as USDT and USDC, which account for the overwhelming majority of global stablecoin activity.
HKDAP’s first commercial targets centre on areas where settlement speed can offer measurable benefits. Tokenised investment products can potentially be subscribed to and redeemed using programmable money without waiting for traditional banking hours. Cross-border corporate transactions and intragroup treasury transfers could similarly move continuously while maintaining a direct link to regulated fiat reserves.
Bitcoin held close to $78,000 on Monday after its strongest weekly advance in more than three years, while gold climbed to a three-month high and major alternative cryptocurrencies paused after sharp gains. The largest cryptocurrency was trading around $77,000-$78,000 after gaining about 23% over the week ended August 23. Bitcoin briefly rose above $79,000 during the surge, its highest level in roughly three months, before profit-taking and […]
A powerful anonymous artificial intelligence model designed for coding has emerged with an unusually large context window, free access and a data policy that allows its unidentified operator to retain users’ prompts and responses. Ox Alpha appeared on OpenRouter on August 20 as a “stealth” reasoning model aimed at coding, sustained agentic work and production workloads. Its developer and operator have not been identified publicly, while OpenRouter […]
HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 August 2026 – A Vietnamese men’s grooming brand is preparing to enter the U.S. market with a business model that has been developed and scaled across Asia. The move will be an important test of East West Barbershop (Dong Tay Barbershop)’s ability to expand internationally, taking one of Asia’s leading men’s grooming chains into the world’s most competitive barbershop market.
East West Barbershop (Dong Tay Barbershop) has established a presence in several overseas markets, including Thailand, China, Uzbekistan and Europe.
From a Vietnamese barbershop to an international network of more than 130 locations
In the global men’s grooming industry, building an international brand requires barbershop chains to solve a fundamental challenge: How can they standardize services, train staff, maintain a consistent customer experience and scale their model without losing their identity?
This is the formula behind many of the world’s leading names in the hair and grooming industry, including Great Clips, Supercuts, Sport Clips Haircuts, TONI&GUY, QB House and Jawed Habib Hair & Beauty. These brands have transformed a service industry traditionally dependent on individual craftsmanship into scalable business systems.
East West Barbershop (Dong Tay Barbershop) is pursuing a similar path. Founded in Vietnam in 2018, the company has grown into a network of more than 130 locations, with over 1,000 barbers, while gradually expanding into international markets. At this scale, East West operates in a different league from independent barbershops.
The value of a barbershop chain with hundreds of locations lies in its ability to deliver a consistent experience across the entire network. This is also why East West Barbershop (Dong Tay Barbershop) has been ranked among the Top 10 large-scale grooming brands in the world.
But as it prepares to enter the U.S. market, the key question is whether this model can be successfully transferred and operated in a completely different market.
Beyond the haircut: When a barbershop becomes an experience
East West Barbershop (Dong Tay Barbershop) seeks to differentiate itself by developing an “Experiential Barbershop” concept, combining grooming with relaxation and entertainment.
From the moment customers walk through the door, they are greeted by a space filled with greenery, along with relaxation areas featuring pool tables, chess, a piano, a bar and bookshelves. The chain, which caters exclusively to men and boys, also features car-themed barber chairs and dedicated play areas for its younger customers.
East West Barbershop (Dong Tay Barbershop) — The ultimate destination for men to relax and unwind
Its services extend well beyond a haircut, including hair washing, ear cleaning, massage, hair restoration treatments, perming, coloring, nail care, shoe cleaning and phone sanitization.
East West Barbershop (Dong Tay Barbershop) aims to change the way customers perceive a barbershop. Rather than simply purchasing a grooming service, customers can take time to relax, look after themselves or bring their children along to a space designed around the overall experience.
As consumers increasingly value the overall experience alongside service quality, this approach reflects the changing dynamics of the men’s grooming market.
The United States: East West Barbershop’s next major test
The United States is no random choice. It represents the next step in East West Barbershop (Dong Tay Barbershop)’s international strategy, building on a business model that has already been tested in Vietnam and several overseas markets.
Mr. Nguyen Hoai Thanh, Chairman of Dong Tay Barbershop Vietnam Joint Stock Company, said: “We chose the United States not because it is the easiest market to enter, but because it is one of the most demanding and competitive barbershop markets in the world. If a model built in Vietnam can succeed in the U.S., it would be the clearest testament to East West Barbershop’s ability to take its brand and business model to the international stage.”
The U.S. is home to many major barbershop and salon brands and is one of the world’s most mature markets for franchising in the service sector.
Great Clips is a prime example. With thousands of salons across the United States and Canada, the brand demonstrates the scale a haircut business can achieve when its model is standardized and successfully replicated.
Supercuts, Sport Clips and many other chains have likewise spent years building strong brand recognition and extensive customer networks.
Against this backdrop, the Vietnamese brand must answer a fundamental question: Why would American consumers choose a brand from Vietnam over names they already know and recognize?
East West Barbershop (Dong Tay Barbershop)’s answer is not simply to compete on price. Its goal is to “export” a business model that combines customer experience, workforce training, operating standards and franchising.
This requires the company to turn its operational experience into a transferable system while addressing the many differences between Vietnam and the United States.
East West Barbershop (Dong Tay Barbershop) identifies barber training, skills standardization and the ability to adapt to a new environment as key foundations of this process. International expansion also creates opportunities for Vietnamese barbers to gain exposure to international working environments.
East West Barbershop (Dong Tay Barbershop) has also linked its development with social initiatives, including free vocational training for young people, mobile haircut programs offering free services, and contributions to charitable activities. These efforts contribute to a distinctive brand story: a service business seeking to develop its brand, its profession and its community at the same time.
After nearly a decade of establishment and development, East West Barbershop (Dong Tay Barbershop) is gradually proving that a business model built in Vietnam can be standardized, franchised, and compete on the same playing field as the major players in the global hair industry.
If successful in the U.S., East West Barbershop (Dong Tay Barbershop)’s story will go beyond being a Top 10 brand or a network of more than 130 locations. It will be the story of how a Vietnamese service business transformed capabilities built at home into a model capable of reaching the global stage.
Iran is preparing for a sharp escalation in US economic pressure as President Masoud Pezeshkian says the country is fighting an “all-out economic, military and security war” and Washington readies another sanctions package. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is expected to outline the measures on Monday, with the Trump administration signalling that the campaign will seek to isolate Tehran from international trade and financial networks. The measures […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Formula One remains committed to ending its 2026 championship in Abu Dhabi, with chief executive Stefano Domenicali saying the scheduled December finale at Yas Marina Circuit remains firmly on the calendar. Domenicali moved to ease uncertainty surrounding the final Middle East rounds during the Dutch Grand Prix weekend at Zandvoort. He said preparations for Abu Dhabi were progressing well and Formula One remained […]
Autonomous AI Attack-and-Defence Demonstrates Next-Generation Cybersecurity Talent and Advance Regional Digital Security Talent Development
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 August 2026 – The AI x Cybersecurity Challenge, jointly organised by the Digital Policy Office of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, the Chinese Academy of Cyberspace Studies, the Hong Kong Cybersecurity Professional Association, and China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited, and co-organised by Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau of the Hong Kong Police Force, the Hong Kong Productivity Council, Venustech Group Inc., and Hong Kong Cloud Peak Technology Co., Limited, held the Finals today.
Following a 12-hour online qualifying round, a total of 40 teams advanced to the Final Competition, including 20 teams from the Chinese Mainland, 18 from Hong Kong, and two from overseas regions. The Challenge adopts an innovative AI-Driven Dual (AID) competition format, in which artificial intelligence (AI) executes the competition and enables autonomous defence by AI agents. Teams of up to three members showcase their capabilities in leveraging AI technologies for automated vulnerability discovery and exploitation, competing for total prize money of HK$180,000.
The event brings together representatives from Government, industry, academia and research organisations to witness the latest developments in AI-powered cybersecurity innovation. Officiating guests at the Opening Ceremony included Professor SUN Dong, JP, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Mr LI Shuguang, Director-General of the General Office of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, Mr WANG Jiang, Director-General of the Chinese Academy of Cyberspace Studies, Mr Daniel CHEUNG, JP, Acting Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr WANG Minwei, Deputy Director of the Cyberspace Administration of Guangdong Province, Dr Rocky CHENG, JP, President of the Hong Kong Cybersecurity Professional Association, and Ms SHI Xiaoping, Director and Chief Executive Officer of China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited.
In his opening remarks, the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, said that AI is reshaping every aspect of people’s life at a breathtaking speed. He noted that although innovation may at times bring new threats, these same technologies can also spur defensive capabilities. As such, the Government champions an “AI versus AI” strategy, leveraging AI to forge the strongest shields to effectively manage risks associated with the use of AI.
Professor Sun added that the Government is continuously strengthening related policies, guidelines and ethical frameworks, as well as conducting regular cyber-attack-and-defence drills to better prepare for cybersecurity readiness. Through multi-pronged efforts, the Government hopes to guide society to apply AI responsibly, foster a healthy ecosystem, and strengthen city-wide resilience in face of cyber attacks.
Addressing AI-Era Cybersecurity Challenges Through Talent Development
The rapid advancement of AI is reshaping the global cybersecurity landscape. AI has evolved from a supporting tool for security analysis and threat monitoring into a technology capable of autonomously constructing attack chains and bypassing existing defence mechanisms. This has significantly lowered the technical barriers to cyberattacks, making sophisticated attack techniques more automated and accessible. Threat actors can leverage AI for intelligent vulnerability discovery, automated penetration testing, and even the creation of highly convincing deepfake content, enabling stealthier and more persistent cyberattacks.
As emerging threats such as model security risks, data poisoning, model theft, phishing attacks, supply chain vulnerabilities and automated exploitation continue to evolve, the demand for interdisciplinary talent with expertise in both AI and cybersecurity is becoming increasingly urgent. In response, the organisers aim to promote the practical application of AI technologies through this hands-on competition while cultivating a new generation of cybersecurity professionals equipped with cross-disciplinary expertise.
AI-Driven Attack-and-Defence Competition Platform
Unlike traditional Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions, this year’s Challenge adopts an innovative AI-Driven (AID) competition format. Participating teams leverage AI-powered automated systems to analyse the competition environment provided by the organisers, identify vulnerabilities and exploit them. The automated capabilities of the AI agents include information gathering, vulnerability discovery and flag submission. The competition environment incorporates both vulnerabilities found in real-world scenarios and simulated zero-day vulnerabilities that may exist in software systems.
The challenge design draws on concepts from international cybersecurity competitions and incorporates practical operating scenarios as well as simulated zero-day attack-and-defence environments, testing participants’ ability to apply AI technologies to real-world cybersecurity challenges. The Challenge aims to enhance participants’ practical attack-and-defence experience and innovation capabilities, promote the research and application of AI security technologies, and nurture a new generation of cybersecurity talent equipped with both strategic vision and practical expertise. Through these efforts, the competition seeks to strengthen capabilities in addressing AI-driven cyber threats.
Government, Industry, Academia and Research Communities Join Forces to Advance AI Security
This year’s Challenge brings together stakeholders from government, industry and research institutions to drive innovation in AI security technologies, strengthen cybersecurity capabilities and cultivate future talent.
Mr Wang Jiang, Director-General of the Chinese Academy of Cyberspace Studies, said, “AI technologies are reshaping the global cyber attack-and-defence landscape. While they lower the barriers to cyberattacks, they also drive the evolution of security protection from reactive response to proactive and intelligent defence. In this technological contest, using technology to counter technology has become an inevitable trend. By focusing on practical AI attack-and-defence capabilities, this competition aims to identify emerging talent and contribute to building a more trustworthy and intelligent cyberspace.”
Ms Shi Xiaoping, Director and Chief Executive Officer of China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited, said, “As one of the organisers of this competition, China Mobile Hong Kong has devoted substantial resources to building an innovative AI attack-and-defence competition platform. Through continuous technology investment and ecosystem development, we actively fulfil our corporate social responsibility while showcasing Hong Kong’s innovation and leadership in AI cybersecurity to the world.”
Dr Rocky CHENG, JP, President of the Hong Kong Cybersecurity Professional Association, concluded, “AI-driven cyberattacks and agentic AI-related risks have emerged as some of the most significant cybersecurity threats today. Against this backdrop, cultivating interdisciplinary talent with expertise in AI system design, development and practical attack-and-defence capabilities has become an important pillar in strengthening Hong Kong’s overall cyber resilience.”
The Awards Presentation Ceremony will be held in late September 2026 during the China Cybersecurity Week to recognise teams that have demonstrated outstanding performance in the competition. The organisers encourage enterprises and organisations to continuously strengthen their cybersecurity governance, regularly review information system risks, enhance data protection measures and improve cyber incident response capabilities. Young talents are also encouraged to pursue opportunities in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, developing their expertise through training, professional certifications and hands-on competitions. Members of the public and organisations may also make use of the cybersecurity information, training programmes and support services provided by the Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre (HKCERT) and other relevant organisations, helping to foster a safer, more secure and trustworthy digital ecosystem.
1. The Finals of the AI x Cybersecurity Challenge.
2. Officiating guests, including Dr Rocky CHENG, JP, President of the Hong Kong Cybersecurity Professional Association,Mr Daniel CHEUNG, JP, Acting Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr LI Shuguang, Director-General of the General Office of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, Professor SUN Dong, JP, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Mr Wang Jiang, Director-General of the Chinese Academy of Cyberspace Studies, Mr WANG Minwei, Deputy Director of the Cyberspace Administration of Guangdong Province and Ms Shi Xiaoping, Director and Chief Executive Officer of China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited (from left to right) preside over the launch ceremony of the AI x Cybersecurity Challenge, marking the official commencement of the competition.
3. Officiating guests and representatives of the organisers and co-organisers, including Hong Kong Productivity Council, pose for a group photo at the Opening Ceremony, demonstrating their shared commitment to advancing innovation in AI and cybersecurity and nurturing regional AI security talent.
4. Professor Sun Dong, JP, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, delivers a speech at the Opening Ceremony, pointing out that AI is reshaping every aspect of people’s life at a breathtaking speed. He noted that although innovation may at times bring new threats, these same technologies can also spur defensive capabilities. As such, the Government champions an “AI versus AI” strategy, leveraging AI to forge the strongest shields to effectively manage risks associated with the use of AI.
5. The 40 finalist teams showcase innovative AI-driven cybersecurity technologies by independently designing and deploying autonomous AI agents to compete in a simulated attack-and-defence environment.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre
Managed by the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre (HKCERT) is the centre for coordination of computer security incident response for local enterprises and Internet Users. Its missions are to facilitate information disseminating, provide advices on preventive measures against security threats and to promote information security awareness.
HKCERT collaborates with local bodies to collect and disseminate information, and coordinate response actions. HKCERT is also a member of the Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams (FIRST) and the Asia Pacific Computer Emergency Response Team (APCERT). We exchange information with other CERTs and act as a point of contact on cross-border security incidents.
About the Hong Kong Productivity Council
The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) is a statutory body established in 1967, dedicated to enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of Hong Kong enterprises through world-class applied R&D, innovative technology services, and integrated manufacturing solutions. As a market-oriented, international R&D organisation, HKPC leverages its deep expertise and extensive industry experience in key areas such as AI, advanced manufacturing, life and health technology, green technology and new energy to drive new industrialisation and support the growth of emerging and future industries.
HKPC focuses on addressing businesses challenges and industrial technology needs, promoting the full integration between technological and industrial innovation. Through technology transfer, product innovation, intellectual property protection and commercialisation of R&D outcomes, the Council fosters collaboration with the local business community as well as top global R&D institutions, delivering added value to industries and advancing the development of new productive forces. HKPC’s world-class R&D achievements have been widely recognised over the years, winning an array of local and overseas accolades, reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as an international innovation and technology centre and a smart city.
To help enterprises capitalise on Hong Kong’s strengths in international connectivity to expand into global markets, HKPC offers comprehensive overseas expansion services tailored to critical areas including product development, technology, manufacturing, and management, enabling businesses to successfully go global from Hong Kong.
HKPC is also committed to providing timely and practical support to SMEs and startups with timely and practical , assisting them in accessing Government funding programmes. Through its FutureSkills training initiatives, HKPC helps both industry and academia stay ahead in latest digital and STEM technologies, nurturing a future-ready talent pool for Hong Kong.
For more information, please visit HKPC’s website: www.hkpc.org/en.
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