Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai Future Foundation and autonomous vehicle technology company Oxa have launched a laboratory to develop, test and commercialise self-driving logistics systems for ports, airports and other industrial sites. The Autonomous Logistics Future Lab will operate through SHIFFT, a joint venture established under the Dubai Research, Development and Innovation Ecosystem. Its first commercial deployment is planned in Dubai before the end of 2027. The […]
DeepSeek’s V4-Flash artificial intelligence model has emerged as the cheapest widely recognised system to operate in independent benchmark testing, intensifying pressure on US and Chinese developers to cut prices while maintaining competitive performance. The Hangzhou-based company charges $0.14 per million input tokens and $0.28 per million output tokens for requests that do not use previously cached data. Its cache-hit price is substantially lower at $0.0028 per million […]
Trump Media & Technology Group’s publicly tracked bitcoin holdings have fallen to almost the exact amount it previously disclosed as collateral for convertible notes, intensifying scrutiny over whether a $165 million transfer to Crypto. com was a custody adjustment or a disposal. Wallets linked to the Truth Social parent moved about 2,628 bitcoin to Crypto. com in two transactions during the weekend. The tokens were valued at […]
U. S. President Donald Trump said negotiations with Iran would take place on Monday but declined to impose a deadline for an agreement aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and addressing Tehran’s nuclear capabilities. Trump said the United States had been prepared to launch another major attack against Iran before suspending the operation to allow diplomacy to proceed. Speaking to reporters, he offered few details about […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Abu Dhabi National Oil Company will change the benchmark used to determine official selling prices for all its crude grades from November 1, replacing Murban futures with prompt-month Platts Dubai pricing. The overhaul will cover Murban, Das, Umm Lulu and Upper Zakum crude. ADNOC will announce a premium or discount for each grade against Dubai quotes during the month before the cargo is […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Emirates NBD has agreed to acquire HSBC Egypt’s retail banking business, gaining its customer accounts, branches, cash machines and associated employees in a transaction expected to strengthen the Dubai-based lender’s position in one of the Arab world’s largest financial markets. The acquisition will be conducted through Emirates NBD Egypt, the banking group’s wholly owned subsidiary. Completion is targeted for the second half of […]
HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 August 2026 – The HCM City Development Joint Stock Commercial Bank (HDBank – HoSE: HDB) on July 30 signed a US$721 million international syndicated social loan with the Asian Development Bank, Standard Chartered and other international financial institutions, marking the largest international syndicated social loan ever raised by a Vietnamese organisation.
Dr Nguyễn Thị Phương Thảo, Permanent Vice Chairwoman of HDBank’s Board of Directors, speaks at the signing ceremony, noting that the US$721 million syndicated social loan opens up new resources to support sustainable development and financial inclusion in Việt Nam. — Photo courtesy of HDBank.
The transaction highlights strong confidence among global investors in HDBank and Vietnam’s long-term economic prospects.
The proceeds will be used to expand access to finance for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly women-owned businesses, supporting financial inclusion and sustainable development in Vietnam.
The facility was structured in line with the Social Loan Principles and HDBank’s Sustainable Finance Framework. ADB and Standard Chartered served as joint coordinators, while ANZ, Cathay United Bank, Commerzbank, Maybank Securities, MUFG Bank and the State Bank of India acted as mandated lead arrangers and bookrunners.
The transaction attracted strong interest from international investors, with commitments reaching US$721 million, around 60 per cent above the original target.
CEO of Standard Chartered Vietnam said the facility is the largest syndicated social loan ever raised by a Vietnamese organisation.
“This achievement reflects investors’ confidence in HDBank and its leadership team, and demonstrates optimism about Vietnam’s long-term growth prospects and the growing appeal of the country’s sustainable finance market among global investors,” the CEO said.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, Permanent Vice Chairwoman of HDBank’s Board of Directors, described the loan as a new milestone for the bank.
“It is our first financing facility dedicated exclusively to social initiatives, including programmes supporting women,” she said, adding that the transaction recognised HDBank’s long-standing commitment to community development through programmes supporting businesses, healthcare, education, culture, sports, women and children.
Tran Hoai Nam, HDBank’s Permanent Deputy CEO, said the proceeds would strengthen the bank’s medium- and long-term funding base while expanding lending to SMEs, particularly women-led businesses.
Earlier, HDBank had secured US$270 million in green financing and US$380 million in sustainable finance from international development finance institutions, including IFC, ADB, Proparco, DEG, LeapFrog, FMO, BII, JICA, FinDev and SMBC.
Hashtag: #HDBank
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Abu Dhabi has raised the maximum gross floor area allowed for homes within the Shuwaib National Housing Project to 900 square metres, giving beneficiary families greater flexibility to build and expand properties around changing household needs. The Department of Municipalities and Transport and Abu Dhabi Housing Authority said the planning adjustment would enable families to create larger living spaces while complying with construction […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Emirates NBD has agreed to acquire HSBC Egypt’s retail banking business, adding its customers, branches, cash machines and supporting employees to the Dubai-based group’s growing operations in one of the Middle East’s largest consumer markets. The transaction will be conducted through Emirates NBD Egypt, the banking group’s wholly owned local subsidiary. It remains subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions and is […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai US President Donald Trump has suspended a planned military attack on Iran after Tehran and several Middle Eastern governments indicated that negotiations could produce a swift agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Trump said the operation had been cancelled on the condition that the parties rapidly finalise a deal addressing maritime access and Iran’s nuclear programme. He warned that US forces remained […]
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has abandoned a proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup’s commercial operations to private investors after opposition from football authorities threatened to fracture the global game. Infantino confirmed that the FIFA Forward Enterprise project “will not proceed”, acknowledging that it had created divisions that were no longer compatible with the governing body’s stated aim of uniting and developing football. The reversal […]
The UAE Youth Kickboxing Championship has opened in Abu Dhabi with 607 male and female athletes competing in one of the country’s largest domestic events for emerging combat-sport talent. The championship began on Friday at Mubadala Dome at Al Jazira Club and will run until Sunday. Organised by the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation, it brings together competitors from 51 clubs across the country. Athletes are […]
The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Ebola outbreak has become the second largest recorded worldwide, with confirmed infections surpassing the total from the country’s devastating 2018-2020 epidemic. Health ministry data issued on Friday showed 3,532 confirmed cases and 1,556 deaths. The outbreak has expanded rapidly across five eastern provinces since it was formally declared on May 15, placing immense pressure on an already fragile health system affected […]
The UK Games Fund has selected 29 independent studios for grants of up to £100,000, marking the largest funding cohort since the programme began in 2015. The companies will use the Prototype Fund awards to develop original intellectual property, test projects with players and strengthen their ability to attract publishers or private investment. The grants will primarily cover employment costs for UK-based staff and contractors involved in […]
The government has approved 543 Data and Artificial Intelligence Labs in industrial training institutes and polytechnics, alongside 58 AI Centres of Excellence, as it seeks to expand advanced technology skills and research capacity beyond the country’s largest urban centres.
The laboratories will be established across Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities under the IndiaAI FutureSkills programme. They are intended to provide practical training in artificial intelligence, data annotation, data curation and applied data science, giving students in technical institutions access to infrastructure and courses aligned with emerging employment needs.
The 58 Centres of Excellence will be developed across states and Union Territories through partnerships involving state administrations, academic institutions and industry. Their mandate is expected to include research, product development, startup support, workforce training and the application of AI to local economic and public-service challenges.
The expansion forms part of the ₹10,372 crore IndiaAI Mission approved in March 2024. The programme is structured around seven areas covering computing capacity, indigenous foundation models, application development, skills, datasets, startup financing and safe deployment of artificial intelligence.
Twenty-seven Data and AI Labs have already been established with the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology in Tier-2 and Tier-3 locations. The additional 543 facilities will take the planned national network to 570 laboratories, extending the initiative through ITIs and polytechnics in all states and Union Territories.
Courses are being designed to offer both foundational instruction and sector-focused training. Planned subjects include data cleaning, Python-based annotation and curation, data science, generative AI awareness and the responsible use of automated tools. The laboratories are also expected to provide hands-on access to computing systems rather than relying solely on classroom theory.
The programme addresses a persistent concentration of technology education, research institutions and high-value digital employment in major cities. Students in smaller industrial and educational centres often face limited access to specialised trainers, computing infrastructure and industry networks, even as companies seek workers capable of handling data-intensive operations and AI-supported processes.
Industrial training institutes and polytechnics have been chosen because of their role in preparing students for technical occupations. Integrating AI modules into these institutions could connect traditional vocational education with changing requirements in manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, agriculture, retail, financial services and public administration.
The government is also developing standardised curricula for different levels of technical ability. The YUVA AI for All programme supports introductory literacy, while the Skilling for AI Readiness framework offers nationally aligned learning pathways for school students, educators, technical trainees and workers without formal computing backgrounds.
More than 120 AI-related courses are available through the Skill India Digital Hub, including 11 focused specifically on generative artificial intelligence. A 15-hour course titled AI to be Aware introduces learners to generative tools, practical applications, limitations and responsible usage under the National Skills Qualification Framework.
The laboratory rollout is being accompanied by a wider effort to strengthen research and deployment. The IndiaAI Mission has identified 762 potential AI use cases across 62 ministries, covering areas such as healthcare, agriculture, climate management, cybersecurity, financial regulation and government service delivery.
Eleven national hackathons and innovation challenges have been launched to move selected ideas from initial development towards pilot projects and wider implementation. The government has also approved applications for AI solutions designed around domestic languages, datasets and operational conditions.
The common computing programme has onboarded more than 38,000 graphics processing units, which are being offered to startups, researchers and academic institutions at subsidised rates. Access to such computing power is essential for training and testing large models, but costs remain a barrier for smaller companies and institutions.
Twelve organisations and consortia have been selected to develop large and small language models using domestic datasets. Participants include startups, technology companies and academic groups working on multilingual, multimodal and sector-specific systems. The resulting models are expected to support government applications and become available to the broader research and startup ecosystem.
Talent development under the mission includes support for more than 8,000 undergraduate students, 5,000 postgraduate students and 500 doctoral researchers. The laboratory network is designed to widen the entry point further by reaching students enrolled in vocational and diploma-level programmes.
Implementation will depend on the availability of qualified instructors, reliable connectivity, maintained hardware and sustained coordination between institutions and industry. Training outcomes will also need to be measured against employment, certification and practical competence rather than the number of laboratories formally approved.
The European Union has invited bids to build as many as seven artificial intelligence gigafactories, launching a public-private investment drive worth more than €30 billion to expand Europe’s computing capacity and reduce its dependence on foreign technology providers. The facilities will combine more than 100,000 advanced AI processors with specialised software, secure cloud systems, high-speed networks, large-scale storage and energy-efficient data centres. They are designed to support […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai GEMS School of Research and Innovation will launch a Motorsport Academy in September, giving pupils structured access to racing, engineering, simulation technology and the wider business of competitive motorsport. The programme will be introduced for the 2026-27 academic year and will initially accept students from Years 4 to 9. Applications are open, with enrolment numbers expected to be limited to maintain personalised coaching […]
Two transactions worth about $18 billion have reinforced private investors’ appetite for Gulf assets despite geopolitical disruption, tighter credit conditions and growing scrutiny of regional risk. The deals combine a $16 billion partnership involving Kuwait’s crude oil pipeline network and the roughly $2 billion first close of a Saudi-focused private equity fund backed by the Public Investment Fund. Together, they illustrate how infrastructure and sovereign-linked investment platforms […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai UAE sovereign wealth funds and private companies are preparing to expand investments in India, targeting artificial intelligence, logistics, food security and infrastructure as the two countries deepen their economic partnership. Several significant announcements are expected over the coming months, UAE Ministry of Investment Undersecretary Mohammad Abdulrahman Alhawi said, highlighting sustained interest among government-backed funds and businesses in opportunities across the country. “Our sovereign […]
President Donald Trump has cast doubt on renewed negotiations with Iran and warned that US military attacks could intensify, deepening fears that the five-month conflict will extend further across the Middle East. Speaking during a Cabinet meeting at Camp David, Trump said he was losing confidence in Iranian negotiators because they had misrepresented their intentions. He indicated that Washington was preparing to strike Iran harder unless Tehran […]
MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 31 July 2026 –VinFast has officially launched its electric motorcycle ecosystem in the Philippines, opening 21 VinFast showrooms alongside the debut of three models, Evo, Feliz II, and Viper. The milestone marks an important step in VinFast’s expansion in one of Southeast Asia’s largest two-wheeler markets, bringing modern, cost-effective, and sustainable mobility solutions closer to consumers while laying the foundation for a comprehensive green mobility ecosystem in the Philippines.
Vinfast Opens 21 Electric Motorcycle Showrooms, Deepening Its Green Mobility Presence In The Philippines.
The 21 pioneer dealerships will begin operations in major cities nationwide, expanding consumer access to VinFast products and authorized services. The network is expected to grow further in the coming period, progressively expanding VinFast’s presence across the Philippines.
The simultaneous opening of 21 showrooms comes just over a month after the success of VinFast’s early booking program, which attracted thousands of customers nationwide. The strong market response to VinFast’s battery-swapping electric motorcycles not only demonstrates the products’ appeal but also underscores the company’s investment commitment and rapid expansion in the Philippines.
VinFast aims to develop its dealerships as all-in-one destinations, bringing product displays, energy solutions, and technical services together under one roof. Customers can receive personalized consultations, take test rides, experience a one-minute battery swap, explore home-charging solutions, and choose an ownership option that best suits their needs, with professional support throughout the entire journey, from initial product discovery to after-sales service.
In addition to the official showcase of the brand’s first product lineup and its full range of available colors, the launch featured test rides and one-minute battery-swapping demonstrations. The brand also shared its official local pricing, battery solutions, and supporting ecosystem, including plans to deploy 30,000 battery-swapping cabinets nationwide in partnership with infrastructure providers.
Following the launch event, a series of public experience activities will take place at the new dealerships throughout August 2026. Customers will be able to see and test ride the three models, learn about battery technology and sales policies, and explore flexible ownership options. Details of the test ride program and applicable terms are available on VinFast’s official website: vinfastauto.ph/en.
To celebrate the occasion, participating dealerships will introduce a variety of exclusive offers and promotional programs, providing additional benefits and value for early adopters.
Ms. Vo Thi Cam Tu, CEO of VinFast E-Scooters & E-Bikes, International Markets, said: “Opening 21 VinFast showrooms alongside the launch of our three electric motorcycle models reflects VinFast’s long-term investment commitment to the Philippines. Beyond offering products that meet diverse mobility needs, we are building a comprehensive ecosystem that makes it easier for customers to access our vehicles, energy solutions, and support services throughout their ownership journey. As our electric mobility ecosystem continues to expand, we believe electric motorcycles can become an increasingly practical and convenient choice in the everyday lives of Filipinos.”
Evo, Feliz II, and Viper each offer distinct characteristics designed to meet a wide range of mobility needs and riding styles. Evo combines elegant styling with everyday agility, offering a top speed of 80 km/h and a range of up to 150 km with two fully charged batteries. Feliz II emphasizes practicality and versatile performance, with a top speed of 90 km/h. Rounding out the lineup is Viper, featuring a sporty design, maximum power output of 5,200W, and a top speed of 90 km/h, aimed at younger riders who value technology and engaging riding experience.
All three models feature two under-seat battery compartments and are compatible with VinFast’s battery-swapping solution, giving riders greater flexibility and convenience in everyday use. Customers can also choose between purchasing their motorcycle with batteries included or subscribing to a battery subscription plan, depending on their needs and usage patterns.
Notably, VinFast electric motorcycle owners will receive free battery swaps at public swapping stations operated by strategic partner V-Green for one year, with up to 20 swaps per month per vehicle. The models are also covered by a 4+2-year or 60,000+12,000-km warranty, whichever comes first, providing customers with greater benefits, lower operating costs, and long-term peace of mind.
VinFast’s entry into the Philippine electric motorcycle market builds on its expansion across key Southeast Asian markets, following the opening of 20 electric motorcycle dealerships in Indonesia in July 2026. By steadily expanding its presence, VinFast is building out a comprehensive green mobility ecosystem across the region, making it easier for consumers to transition to smarter, more modern, and environmentally-friendly transportation solutions.
Hashtag: #VinFast
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
New regional programme will assess environmental hygiene practices, support hospital improvement, and recognise excellence in patient safety across Asia Pacific, with winners honoured at the APSIC 2028 Congress.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 31 July 2026 – The Asia Pacific Society of Infection Control (APSIC), in collaboration with Schuelke, has launched the APSIC Environment Hygiene Excellence Award, a programme to recognise hospitals that demonstrate excellence in environmental hygiene and infection prevention across the Asia Pacific region. The programme was announced today at the APSIC 2026 Congress.
APSIC Executive Committee (ExCo) members and APSIC Environment Hygiene Excellence Award (APSIC EHEA) Expert Panel representatives at APSIC 2026 Malaysia. Pictured from left are Prof. Doo Ryeon Chung, Dr. Zhiyong Zong, Prof. Surinder Pada, Ms. Lily Lang Ren Lee, Dr. Namita Jaggi, Prof. Wing Hong Seto, Prof. Moi Lin Ling, Ms. Glenys Harrington and Ms. Patricia Tai-Yin Ching. The APSIC EHEA Expert Panel comprises Prof. Moi Lin Ling (Programme Chair), Prof. Anucha Apisarnthanarak (APSIC President, not pictured), Ms. Patricia Tai-Yin Ching (APSIC Vice President), Prof. Surinder Pada, Dr. Namita Jaggi and Prof. Sasheela Sri La Ponnampalavanar (not pictured).
Environmental hygiene is a critical component of infection prevention and patient safety, yet standards and implementation of environmental hygiene vary significantly across the region’s healthcare settings. The new programme aims to raise awareness, strengthen best practices, and support hospitals to improve environmental hygiene through a structured, scientifically guided framework.
Participating hospitals will be evaluated using APSIC-developed guidelines and audit criteria, with assessments conducted through an independent scientific framework led by an APSIC-appointed expert panel comprising infection prevention specialists from across the region.
“Environmental hygiene is fundamental to infection prevention and patient safety, yet often under-recognised. This initiative brings renewed focus to raising standards across healthcare systems in Asia Pacific,” said Professor Moi Lin Ling, APSIC Programme Chair, APSIC Environment Hygiene Excellence Award
Through this regional collaboration, APSIC and Schuelke aim to:
Promote awareness and adoption of best practices in environmental hygiene across healthcare institutions in Asia Pacific.
Provide hospitals with structured tools to assess performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
Enable benchmarking and knowledge exchange among healthcare institutions to advance infection prevention standards regionally.
Shortlisted hospitals will receive expert-led educational support, including regional webinars and on-site training sessions, to help strengthen infection prevention strategies and improve operational environmental hygiene practices. Finalists will undergo an on-site audit by APSIC experts, and winners will be honoured at the APSIC 2028 Congress.
“As a long-standing partner in infection prevention, Schuelke is committed to supporting healthcare institutions in advancing environmental hygiene standards through scientific collaboration and education,” said Patrick Kaminski, President and CEO, Schuelke Asia Pacific.
The programme represents one of the first coordinated regional efforts to standardise, assess, and recognise excellence in environmental hygiene across healthcare systems in Asia Pacific. By combining scientific criteria, expert review, and practical education, the initiative is designed to support meaningful and measurable improvements in hospital hygiene, patient safety, and infection prevention outcomes.
Healthcare institutions interested in participating in the programme can find more information at www.ehea.health Hashtag: #Schuelke
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Asia Pacific Society of Infection Control (APSIC)
APSIC was established in 1998 and is a multinational, voluntary organisation dedicated to advancing infection prevention and control practices to reduce hospital-associated infections, respond to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, and improve patient outcomes. APSIC brings together multidisciplinary infection prevention and control professionals across the region to share knowledge, experience, quality improvement initiatives, and research findings through training courses, seminars, congresses, and conferences in Asia Pacific. APSIC also works to establish collaborative partnerships that promote cost-effective, evidence-based practices across the region.
Schuelke, headquartered in Norderstedt, Germany, is a global leader in infection prevention and control with more than 135 years of experience. Guided by its purpose, “We protect lives worldwide,” Schuelke is committed to advancing health and safety through innovative solutions, scientific expertise, and strong partnerships across the healthcare ecosystem.
In an increasingly interconnected world where infectious risks transcend borders, Schuelke works closely with healthcare professionals, institutions, and industry partners to strengthen infection prevention practices across diverse care settings.
The company operates across four key business areas—Healthcare, Consumer Health (OTC), Direct Patient Care, and Life Sciences—offering a comprehensive portfolio of solutions spanning antisepsis, disinfection, hygiene management, and specialised applications.
With globally recognised brands such as mikrozid®, microshield®, octenisept®, desmanol®, and desderman®, Schuelke provides trusted solutions for surface disinfection, skin antisepsis, hand hygiene, and wound care, supporting healthcare professionals in maintaining safe and effective clinical environments.
Spinneys will raise its ownership of its Saudi Arabian subsidiary to 70 per cent by acquiring an additional 20 per cent stake from Abdul Mohsen AbdulAziz Al Hokair Holding Group for SAR18 million. The Dubai-listed premium grocery retailer said the transaction covers shares in Al-Ma’kulat Al-Fakhirah for Food Products, known as Spinneys KSA. Completion remains subject to regulatory approvals, including clearance from Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Investcorp has acquired a majority stake in Berger Financial Group, entering North America’s wealth management market through a platform overseeing more than $3 billion in client assets. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Berger’s management team and financial advisers will retain a significant ownership interest, while the company’s existing leadership will continue to manage its day-to-day operations. Investcorp will gain representation […]
https://apsic-apac.org/
