GEMS Education has recorded a modest slowdown in registrations at its UAE schools as families reconsider overseas moves amid uncertainty linked to the Iran war, though the Dubai-based operator says its expansion plans remain unchanged. Chief executive Dino Varkey said the private education group had secured about 90 per cent of its targeted new sales for the next academic year, including fresh admissions and re-enrolments. The level […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai The Central Bank of the UAE has imposed a Dh20 million financial penalty on a branch of a foreign bank after supervisory examinations found significant and repeated failures in its anti-money laundering, counter-terrorism financing and sanctions compliance framework. The action, announced in Abu Dhabi, was taken under the federal law governing the Central Bank and the organisation of financial institutions and activities. The […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Abu Dhabi has awarded ADNOC and six international partners a major concession to develop and produce gas from the Bab Gas Cap, strengthening the emirate’s drive to expand domestic gas supply and reinforce its position in global energy markets. The concession was granted by the Supreme Council for Financial and Economic Affairs, with ADNOC taking a 60 per cent participating interest. The remaining […]
Cornell University undergraduates have won the grand prize at The Farm Robotics Challenge with an autonomous robot that kills weeds using targeted electric shocks, strengthening investor interest in farm automation as growers look for alternatives to herbicides, fuel-heavy machinery and costly manual labour. The winning project, developed by Rootline Robotics, beat 95 other teams in the 2026 competition, which drew entries from 13 countries and spanned schools, […]
Singapore’s push to embed artificial intelligence across business is moving from operational efficiency to the boardroom, forcing companies to confront a harder question: how far can machines assist corporate leadership before accountability becomes blurred?
The debate has sharpened as enterprises test AI systems for strategy modelling, risk alerts, market forecasting, compliance reviews and scenario planning. These tools promise faster decisions and broader analysis, but they also raise questions over directors’ duties, audit trails and responsibility when algorithmic advice shapes corporate choices.
Singapore has positioned itself as one of Asia’s most active AI governance centres, combining public investment, industry adoption programmes and voluntary frameworks rather than sweeping legislation. The approach is designed to encourage innovation while keeping human accountability at the centre of AI deployment. That balance is now being tested as companies examine whether AI can move beyond back-office functions and become a structured part of board deliberations.
The issue has gained urgency because AI systems are no longer limited to producing summaries or automating routine workflows. Newer agentic AI tools can plan tasks, reason across data, trigger actions and interact with software systems with limited human intervention. For corporate boards, such capability creates both opportunity and exposure. A system that can flag liquidity pressure, supply-chain disruption or reputational risk may improve oversight. A system that gives flawed recommendations based on incomplete data, hidden bias or weak assumptions may deepen governance failures.
Singapore’s corporate law framework continues to place responsibility on human directors. Directors are expected to act honestly, use reasonable diligence and discharge their duties in the company’s interests. That obligation does not shift to software vendors, consultants or internal AI teams merely because a board relied on machine-generated analysis. If directors accept AI output without challenge, the legal and reputational risk remains with the board.
Regulators have therefore focused on controls rather than replacement. Financial institutions already face sharper expectations because AI is being used in credit, insurance, fraud detection, wealth management and customer engagement. The fairness, ethics, accountability and transparency principles promoted for data-driven finance have helped shape how firms assess AI systems, particularly where customer outcomes may be affected. Proposed AI risk-management guidance for the sector points towards stronger board oversight, model governance, validation, monitoring and escalation procedures.
For non-financial companies, the same discipline is becoming harder to avoid. Listed companies must show that boards oversee strategy, risk and management performance. As AI begins to influence capital allocation, workforce planning, cyber-risk management and mergers, directors may need to demonstrate that they understand what the tools can and cannot do. Board papers generated by AI may require clear labelling, version control and records of the human judgement applied before decisions are approved.
The government’s wider AI strategy has added momentum. Singapore has refreshed national AI priorities, expanded support for enterprises and set out plans to help thousands of businesses adopt AI meaningfully. Public investment in AI research, computing capacity and talent is intended to strengthen national competitiveness, while partnerships with major technology firms are drawing more AI activity into the city-state.
Corporate leaders are watching these moves closely. Singapore’s appeal as a trusted business hub depends partly on whether it can offer companies a stable governance environment for AI adoption. The city-state has avoided a heavily prescriptive regime, preferring practical frameworks, testing tools and assurance mechanisms. That has helped businesses experiment, but it also means boards cannot simply wait for detailed rules before acting.
A growing concern is explainability. Board decisions often involve judgement under uncertainty, but directors must still be able to justify their reasoning. AI tools can generate polished recommendations without revealing how conclusions were reached or which data points carried the most weight. That creates problems for audit committees, external auditors and regulators when a decision later comes under scrutiny.
Another risk is over-reliance. Directors may treat AI output as neutral because it appears data-driven, even when the underlying model reflects skewed training data, weak prompts or commercial assumptions built by vendors. Smaller enterprises face an added challenge because they may lack internal expertise to test systems independently. For them, AI adoption can depend heavily on third-party products whose limitations are not always clear.
Singapore’s emerging answer is likely to rest on disclosure, assurance and accountability. AI “nutrition labels” under discussion would help users understand intended uses and limitations of AI products. Testing frameworks and accredited evaluation bodies could make it easier for companies to compare tools and identify risks before deployment. These measures would not remove directors’ obligations, but they could give boards a clearer basis for responsible adoption.
Scammers are exploiting the opening of Grand Theft Auto VI pre-orders with fake early-access offers, bogus beta invitations and imitation websites designed to steal money, passwords and banking details from players waiting for Rockstar Games’ biggest launch in more than a decade. The warning comes as pre-orders for GTA 6 are set to open on June 25 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with the game […]
Free Medication Counselling Service to Prevent Misuse of Medicines and Protect Public Health
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 June 2026 – Mannings is launching its “Safe Disposal of Unused Medicines Programme” for the fourth consecutive year. This year, the programme further expands its collection network through collaboration with six community organisations, increasing the number of collection points across Hong Kong to 75. From 26 June to 23 July 2026, citizens can visit any of the 62 Mannings stores with pharmacies (except Elements, Landmark, Uptown Plaza, and Airport branches) or 13 designated community organisation collection points to dispose of leftover or expired medications (pills only, excluding dangerous drugs, liquid medications, and Chinese medicines) in the “Unused Medicines Collection Box.”
Mannings’ Safe Disposal of Unused Medicines Programme 2026
The participating community organisations this year include the Christian Family Service Centre, Hong Kong Christian Service, St. James’ Settlement, The Hong Kong Society for Rehabilitation, Hong Kong Family Community Pharmacy, and HKUMed Community Pharmacy. These organisations will set up “Unused Medicines Collection Boxes” at 13 designated service centres to facilitate proper disposal. Hong Kong Christian Service will also continue to collect the unused medicines and provide pharmaceutical knowledge directly to the elderly through its home care outreach services, promoting safe medication use.
All collected medicines will be handed over to a chemical waste collector licensed by the Environmental Protection Department and then properly destroyed at a chemical waste treatment centre. The programme encourages citizens to join hands with Mannings in safely disposing of unused medicines, enhancing medication knowledge, and safeguarding both the environment and community health. Please note that the disposal service is available only during the hours when Mannings pharmacists or healthcare professionals at community organisations are on duty. For more details, you can visit any Mannings pharmacy branch or consult a pharmacist on duty via WhatsApp (https://bit.ly/400s4sc).
Complimentary Medication Counselling Service to Educate the Public on Reducing Pharmaceutical Waste at Source
Mannings aims to address the issue at its source by encouraging citizens to develop the habit of regularly checking their home medicine cabinets. This helps prevent excessive storage of medicines, reduces waste, and minimises environmental pollution, while ensuring safe medication use. In addition to the Collection Boxes, Mannings registered pharmacists will enhance support in providing free medication counselling services to assist citizens with any medication-related questions. Citizens who have medication-related enquiries can bring their medicines to any Mannings pharmacy or consult a pharmacist via WhatsApp (https://bit.ly/400s4sc). Pharmacists will explain in detail whether medications overlap or interact, and guide proper usage to reduce accumulation and waste. The service requires no appointment and is completely free of charge.
Over 15 Million Tablets Collected since Programme Launched in 2023
As the first major community pharmacy chain in Hong Kong to pioneer unused medicine disposal services, Mannings has successfully collected and properly disposed of over 15 million tablets between 2023 and 2025. Mannings’ registered pharmacists also sort, tally, and analyse the collected medicines, helping to reduce environmental impact while gaining insights into and educating the public on proper medication practices. This reflects Mannings’ commitment to fulfilling its social responsibility as a community pharmacy and safeguarding public health. Philip Chiu, Chief Pharmacist of Mannings says, “From the past few years of the programme, we observed that many households accumulate significant amounts of unused medicines, including those requiring completion of the entire course, such as antibiotics or chronic disease medications. When citizens fail to follow doctors’ instructions and complete the course, it not only delays recovery but may also increase healthcare costs in the long run. This year, we would like to further promote the idea of ‘home pharmacy checks,’ reminding citizens to regularly review their medicine cabinets to avoid expired or misused medicines, and to feel more reassured in medication use. ”
Chiu further states, “Community pharmacists play a vital role in this process. Beyond providing disposal services, they also educate and counsel citizens to establish correct medication habits. Through this programme, Mannings hopes to help the public understand that medication management and environmental protection are equally important, and that both can progress hand in hand to contribute to community health and sustainable development.” For details on participating Mannings pharmacies and other designated community collection points for the “Mannings Safe Disposal of Unused Medicines Programme,” please visit https://bit.ly/3UuWGy5.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Mannings
Mannings is Hong Kong’s largest health and beauty products chain store with over 320 outlets and over 60 in-store pharmacies operating in Hong Kong and Macau, providing a wide range of quality health care, personal care, skin care and baby products to customers. Our team of Community Health Professionals is available at many of our stores, offering expert advice and free consultations from registered Pharmacists, Dieticians, Beauty and Health Advisors. Mannings has been named by the Hong Kong Retail Management Association (HKRMA) as “Quality Service Retailer of the Year – Personal Care Products Category” for 15 consecutive years (2011 to 2025). Mannings has also been recognised as the “No.1 Most Preferred Brand” in online surveys conducted by global market research company Ipsos (2021-2024) and Nielsen (2025-2026) in Hong Kong for six consecutive years.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai AD Ports Group has lifted its ownership of Global Feeder Shipping to 81 percent after buying an additional 30 percent stake for $300 million, deepening Abu Dhabi’s position in regional container shipping at a time of persistent disruption across key maritime corridors. The transaction, valued at AED1.1 billion, gives the group stronger strategic and operational control over one of its most important maritime […]
My Wallet has moved to a broader multichain identity after MyTonWallet rebranded following its expansion from a TON-native product into an 11-blockchain self-custodial wallet serving more than 9 million users. The change marks a strategic shift for a wallet launched on The Open Network in 2022, as its developers seek to position the platform beyond a single blockchain ecosystem. The product now supports TON, TRON, Solana, Ethereum, […]
By K Raveendran The new FCRA rules may look like an administrative tightening of India’s foreign funding regime, but their political effect is likely to be far larger than their legal wording suggests. On paper, the framework is simple: organisations receiving foreign donations must be more precise about what they do, where they operate, and […]
41 local tech firms, institutes and university spin-offs head to San Diego to forge global partnerships, reinforcing the city’s status as international healthcare innovation hub
HONG KONG SAR/SAN DIEGO, UNITED STATES – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 June 2026 – Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), in collaboration with InvestHK as co-organiser, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) as supporting organisation, and five renowned local universities – The University of Hong Kong, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and City University of Hong Kong – to form the city’s largest-ever delegation of life and health technology innovators to the BIO International Convention 2026 (BIO 2026) in San Diego, from June 22 to 25.
In collaboration with InvestHK and HKTDC, HKSTP led a delegation of 41 park companies, institutes and spin-offs from five renowned local universities to showcase the Hong Kong’s life and health technology innovations at BIO 2026 in San Diego.
Building on last year’s momentum, the 2026 Hong Kong delegation doubled the size of the Hong Kong Pavilion, expanding to a record of 41 organisations from HKSTP, including partner companies, research institutes, and for the first time with top five universities spin-offs. This landmark presence showcased Hong Kong’s deep strength across AI-enabled biotech, therapeutics, diagnostics, and pharma innovation, with potential outstanding “First-in-Class” and “Best-in-Class” assets. The delegation underscores the city’s leading role as Asia’s largest and the world’s second largest fundraising hub for the biotechnology sector.
Mr. Terry Wong, CEO of HKSTP, said, “BIO 2026 is a premier platform to showcase Hong Kong’s groundbreaking innovation, deepen partnerships, and open new pathways into global healthcare markets. As a super-connector, Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to bridge global innovators with opportunities across Asia and beyond. With strong R&D capabilities backed by world-class universities—five ranked among the QS Top 100, including two with medical schools now placed in the global top 20—Hong Kong’s biotech and medical research excellence is increasingly recognised worldwide. As the city’s innovation ecosystem orchestrator, HKSTP brings together talent, capital, research institutions, clinical partners, and industry leaders to accelerate the journey from discovery to impact. We will continue to empower life and health technology ventures, translating innovation breakthroughs into life-changing solutions that benefit communities around the world.”
HKSTP and Park Companies Advanced in Cross-border Innovation and Market Expansion
A key highlight of BIO 2026 is witnessing the signing of three major strategic partnerships:
LabCentral — HKSTP signed an MOU with one of the largest global non–profit biotech incubators, supporting life sciences startups with high-impact lab infrastructure and scientific community programmes. The collaboration will deepen ties between the U.S. and Hong Kong life sciences ecosystems through startup support, ecosystem engagement, and co-developed programmes, events and strategic initiatives. It will also help connect startups, investors, corporate partners and research institutions, creating stronger pathways for cross-border innovation and commercialisation.
Immuno Cure – the developer of the first-in-human novel therapeutic HIV vaccine ICVAX – announced its collaboration with OPIS, an international Contract Research Organization (CRO), at BIO 2026. Leveraging OPIS’s full-service, multi-country clinical trial expertise and regulatory knowledge, the partnership will support overseas clinical trial execution and establish a global framework to prepare for international expansion.
Zhaoke Ophthalmology signed an MOU with Laboratório Teuto, the first company to produce generic medicines and OTCs (Over the Counter – Prescription Exempt Medicines) in Brazil, to explore cross-border cooperation in ophthalmology. This is Zhaoke’s first strategic MOU in Brazil market. Leveraging its innovative pipeline and Teuto’s commercial network in Brazil, the partnership aims to bring advanced eye care treatments to Latin American patients while demonstrating the globalisation of Hong Kong-born biotech innovation.
Beyond the BIO 2026 Hong Kong Pavilion, HKSTP CEO Mr Terry Wong attended the “Translating Innovation Across Borders: Creating Global Gateways for Biotech Startups” panel sharing session. Mr. Wong shared his insights on cutting-edge biotech trends, Hong Kong’s strengths on life and health tech development, and HKSTP’s role in building a global bridge for nurturing global startup expansion, sustainable innovation and collaboration.
Furthermore, HKSTP and five Hong Kong university delegates visited the Salk Institute, home to six Nobel Laureates during BIO 2026 to explore partnerships and shape global biotech momentum through collaborative platforms. HKSTP, in collaboration with InvestHK as co-organiser, HKTDC as the supporting organisation, and powered by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco, hosted a Global Mixer during the exhibition. Industry leaders, incubators, and venture capital firms – including Bayer Pharmaceuticals, Johnson & Johnson Innovation, LabCentral, Roche, Simcere Pharmaceutical, and T.Rx Capital – were invited to join the judging panel for startup pitching sessions. The Pavilion also featured executive sharing and curated networking events for commercialisation, licensing, partnerships, investment and international market expansion.
Global recognition at Biomedical Pitch Competition
In the lead-up to BIO 2026, HKSTP actively drove engagement across the biotech sector and co-organised the 2026 Biomedical Pitch Competition with the Boston Capital Investment Club in Boston on May 23 and 24. Competing against around 170 biotechnology companies worldwide, HKSTP park company Meta Pharmaceuticals (HK) Limited won Third Place for its next-generation autoimmune therapeutics. The recognition underscores the strength of Hong Kong’s biotech pipeline and HKSTP’s commitment to translational medicine, commercialisation and globally scalable healthcare solutions.
HK’s biotech ecosystem rises to another level
Hong Kong continues to expand its global healthcare footprint as the world’s second-largest biotech fundraising hub. As Hong Kong’s flagship innovation and technology ecosystem, HKSTP is home to more than 300 life and health technology companies and helps innovators turn pioneering ideas into real-world impact. Its ecosystem connects capital, talent, infrastructure and market access across the biotech innovation journey.
Hashtag: #HKSTP
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation
Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) was established in 2001 to create a thriving I&T ecosystem grooming 13 unicorns, more than 17,000 research professionals and over 2,500 technology companies from 26 countries and regions focused on developing healthtech, AI and robotics, fintech and smart city technologies, etc.
Our growing innovation ecosystem offers comprehensive support to attract and nurture talent, accelerate and commercialise innovation for technology ventures, with the I&T journey built around our key locations of Hong Kong Science Park in Pak Shek Kok, InnoCentre in Kowloon Tong and three modern InnoParks in Tai Po, Tseung Kwan O and Yuen Long realising a vision of new industrialisation for Hong Kong, where sectors including advanced manufacturing, micro-electronics and biotechnology are being reimagined.
Hong Kong Science Park Shenzhen Branch in Futian, Shenzhen plays positive roles in connecting the world and the mainland with our proximity, strengthening cross-border exchange to bring advantages in attracting global talent and allowing possibilities for the development of technology companies in seven key areas: Medtech, big data and AI, robotics, new materials, microelectronics, fintech and sustainability, with both dry and wet laboratories, co-working space, conference and exhibition facilities, and more.
Through our R&D infrastructure, startup support and enterprise services, commercialisation and investment expertise, partnership networks and talent traction, HKSTP continues to contribute in establishing I&T as a pillar of growth for Hong Kong.
More information about HKSTP is available at www.hkstp.org.
ByteDance is exploring a $20 billion offshore loan as the TikTok owner seeks fresh financial firepower for artificial intelligence infrastructure, in what would be the company’s largest global borrowing if completed. The Beijing-based technology group has opened preliminary discussions with banks on a facility that could run for three years, with an option to extend the maturity to as long as five years. The size, pricing and […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Ruggieri has formed a project-based collaboration with Dubai-based Novara Events Management to develop large-scale pyrotechnic and multimedia experiences for the Gulf events market, bringing together one of Europe’s oldest fireworks houses and a regional organiser targeting high-impact live productions. The agreement positions the 300-year-old French pyrotechnics specialist to deepen its presence in a market where festivals, national celebrations, destination launches, private events and […]
OpenAI has expanded its Daybreak cybersecurity programme with Patch the Planet, a new initiative aimed at helping open-source maintainers find, validate and fix software flaws before attackers can exploit them. The project, built with security research firm Trail of Bits and supported by HackerOne, Calif, researchers and maintainers, shifts the focus from simply discovering vulnerabilities to landing tested patches in widely used software. It comes as artificial […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 June 2026 – Paris VivaTech 2026, Europe’s largest startup and technology event, has successfully concluded. The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) led four top Hong Kong innovation and technology (I&T) enterprises in a strong showing, presenting Hong Kong’s cutting-edge technologies in emerging and future industries, including smart mobility, green technology, advanced manufacturing and the low-altitude economy, to global industry leaders, technology experts and investors from around the world. This year, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), in partnership with the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels as a Strategic Partner, has set up the “Hong Kong Tech Pavilion”. As one of the supporting organisations, HKPC collaborated with various partners to collectively advance the growth of Hong Kong’s vibrant I&T ecosystem.
Through “The Cradle – Go Global Service Centre”, HKPC actively empowers Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong enterprises to expand into global markets.
As one of the members of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government’s GoGlobal Task Force, HKPC provides enterprises with “Six Tactics to Go Global” through “The Cradle – Go Global Service Centre” (The Cradle), delivering comprehensive going-global services spanning smart manufacturing, international standards and testing services, as well as technology R&D and evaluation. HKPC actively empowers both Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong enterprises to expand into global markets. Simultaneously, HKPC is actively enabling European and international enterprises to access the Chinese Mainland market through Hong Kong, fully building a seamless, two-way bridge that highlights Hong Kong’s unique strategic advantage as an indispensable “two-way springboard”.
Mr Yonghai DU, Chief Innovation Officer of HKPC, attended the Hong Kong Seminar-cum-Networking Reception, themed “Building Resilient Tech Ecosystems: Powering the Next Wave of International Tech Leadership from Hong Kong,” organised by the HKTDC, engaging in in-depth exchanges with global industry leaders to advance Hong Kong’s position as an international I&T centre connected to the global innovation ecosystem.
Empowering Local I&T Enterprises to Seize Global Business Opportunities, Deepening Two-way Collaboration Between the Chinese Mainland and Europe
Mr Yonghai DU, Chief Innovation Officer of HKPC, said: “As one of the world’s leading technology events, VivaTech serves as an exceptional gateway for Hong Kong’s I&T enterprises to step onto the international stage. HKPC continues to lead the industry in participating in prestigious exhibitions at home and abroad, showcasing Hong Kong’s R&D strengths in full. Hong Kong’s unique advantage in integrating with the world allows it to provide high-quality strategic support that helps Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong enterprises to ‘go global’, while also serving as a key ‘two-way springboard’ that helps outstanding European and international enterprises entre the Chinese Mainland market through Hong Kong. HKPC will continue its unique position as a bridge, driving complementary strengths and fostering mutually beneficial collaboration across regions.”
He added that since its establishment, “The Cradle” has received more than 500 expressions of interest and has provided over 300 projects with go global services, including preliminary assessments, smart manufacturing technologies, testing and certification, as well as on-site visits. Drawing on HKPC’s extensive experience in leading enterprises to go global, HKPC will continue to empower more I&T enterprises successfully expand overseas and tap into global markets.
Top-tier and Diverse I&T Achievements Make Their Debut, Shining on the European Tech Stage
The four participating Hong Kong I&T enterprises showcased a range of cutting-edge technology fields to the European market at the “Hong Kong Tech Pavilion”, including Asgard Group Limited, specialising in smart energy and EV charging solutions; Laputa Eco-Construction Material Company Ltd, which develops sustainable construction technology, specialising in carbon capture and utilisation technologies; Oriental Materials Hong Kong Limited, which focuses on advanced manufacturing and manufacturing of semiconductor equipment; and Harmony SkyTech Limited, which specialises in the low-altitude economy and unmanned systems.
Representatives from all four I&T enterprises agreed that their participation helped them tap into cross-regional business opportunities, making a significant landmark for Hong Kong’s I&T sector, while HKPC’s “The Cradle” provided indispensable professional team support, helping them align precisely with international technical standards and localise their products, serving as a solid backing for their cross-regional expansion and rapid entry onto the international stage. Hashtag: #HKPC
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About 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.
Alibaba Group Holding has asked a US federal court to remove it from a Pentagon blacklist that identifies the e-commerce and cloud computing group as a company supporting China’s military, escalating a legal fight over Washington’s widening use of national security powers against large Chinese technology businesses. The case, filed in San Jose, California, challenges the Department of Defense’s decision to place Alibaba on its Section 1260H […]
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 24 June 2026 – In a labour market shaped by rapid industry transformation and evolving skills demands, the link between higher education and employment outcomes has become a key consideration for students and families evaluating their education pathways.
In Singapore today, employability is no longer defined by academic achievement alone. Employers are looking for graduates who can apply knowledge in real workplace settings, work across cultures, adapt to new technologies and continue learning as industries evolve. This is especially relevant as Singapore’s labour market continues to move towards growth areas such as digitalisation, technology, sustainability, healthcare, business transformation and professional services.
Against this backdrop, Singapore Institute of Management Global Education, or SIM GE, continues to strengthen its role as a private education institution that prepares learners for the demands of today’s workplace and the opportunities of tomorrow’s economy.
Employability begins with industry relevance For prospective students, one of the biggest considerations when choosing a higher education pathway is whether their studies will remain relevant by the time they graduate. This is particularly important in a job market where roles are changing quickly and where employers increasingly value both technical capability and transferable workplace skills.
SIM GE addresses this by offering a broad range of academic programmes through partnerships with reputable universities from Australia, Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States. These programmes span disciplines such as business, computing, social sciences, aviation, nursing and other applied fields, giving students access to international curricula while studying in Singapore.
This global education model is particularly relevant for Singapore’s open economy. Graduates entering the workforce are expected to understand local business realities while being able to operate in regional and international contexts. By learning from local and international faculty, and studying alongside peers from diverse backgrounds, SIM students are exposed to global perspectives that can support their workplace readiness.
Career support that connects learning to work Employability also depends on how students translate classroom learning into career action. At SIM GE, career preparation is supported through Career Connect, which provides career workshops, career guidance, résumé reviews, mock interviews, profiling support, internship and job opportunities, as well as career events such as company visits, networking sessions, career talks and fairs.
This structured support is important because many students do not only need a qualification, they also need guidance in understanding industries, articulating their strengths, preparing for interviews and building professional networks. These practical areas can influence how confidently graduates enter the job market.
Through CareerSense, SIM students can also access an integrated online platform to browse and apply for internships, jobs and career events. This helps students take a more proactive approach to career planning while creating a clearer bridge between academic life and employment opportunities.
Real world exposure through internships and traineeships One of the strongest contributors to graduate employability is exposure to work before graduation. Internships allow students to understand workplace expectations, test their skills in real business scenarios and build confidence before entering full time employment. SIM GE supports this through internships with a range of employers, from SMEs to multinational corporations. Its Work Integrated Learning for Life initiatives and internship related awards further encourage students to gain practical experience and develop holistically across cognitive, interpersonal and applied skills.
For fresh graduates, SIM’s Graduate Traineeship Programme provides structured traineeship opportunities across industries, typically lasting three to six months. The programme is designed to help graduates gain hands on experience, build workplace confidence and develop industry relevant capabilities as they transition into full time employment. This emphasis on work exposure responds directly to a key concern among prospective students, which is whether they will be ready for employment after graduation. By combining academic learning with career guidance, internships and traineeships, SIM GE helps students build not only credentials but also workplace familiarity.
The value of practical exposure is reflected in the experience of Keisha Shevila, a SIM-University of Wollongong Computer Science graduate who secured a Software Engineer role before completing her degree. In sharing her journey, she credited Career Connect with helping her better understand the job search process and preparing her “more confidently for entering the workforce”.
Building future ready graduates through skills and adaptability The future of work is increasingly shaped by AI, automation, sustainability and cross functional collaboration. In this environment, students need more than role specific knowledge. They need adaptability, communication skills, critical thinking, creativity, cultural awareness and the confidence to keep learning.
SIM GE’s broader student experience supports this development. Beyond academic programmes, students can participate in more than 70 student clubs and co-curricular activities that build leadership, communication and teamwork skills. The EDGE Award, developed in partnership with employers, recognises students’ cumulative achievements across their learning journey and encourages a more holistic approach to personal and professional growth.
SIM GE’s diverse learning environment also plays an important role. With students from more than 50 nationalities, the campus experience provides opportunities for cultural exchange, collaboration and global awareness. These are qualities that are increasingly valuable in multinational and regional workplaces.
Aligning with Singapore’s skills first economy Singapore’s workforce strategy continues to place strong emphasis on skills, lifelong learning and adaptability. National reports and government agencies have highlighted rising demand in areas linked to the digital, green and care economies, as well as the importance of AI literacy and transferable skills. This makes higher education choices more consequential. Prospective students are not simply choosing a programme. They are choosing a platform for long term career resilience.
SIM GE’s approach aligns with this direction by combining academic pathways, global university partnerships, employability support, industry exposure and continuous skills development. Its graduate outcomes also reflect this emphasis, with SIM reporting a secured employment rate of 81 per cent based on the Private Education Institution Graduate Employment Survey 2024/2025.
Preparing graduates for Singapore today and tomorrow Employability in Singapore today is shaped by industry relevance, practical exposure and future ready skills. SIM GE’s proposition sits at the intersection of these priorities. For students, this means access to internationally recognised academic pathways, career services, internships, traineeships, employer engagement, student development opportunities and a diverse campus environment. For employers, it means a pool of graduates who have been encouraged to build both knowledge and workplace ready capabilities.
As prospective students consider their higher learning options, the question is no longer only what they can study. It is also how that education will prepare them for the future of work. For SIM GE graduates, the answer lies in an education experience designed not only to support academic achievement but also to develop employable, adaptable and globally minded individuals ready to contribute to Singapore’s evolving economy.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About SIM Global Education
SIM Global Education (SIM GE) is a leading private education institution in Singapore and the region. We offer more than 140 academic programmes ranging from diplomas and graduate diploma programmes to bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes with some of the world’s most reputable universities from Australia, Canada, Europe, United Kingdom, and the United States. SIM GE’s cohort is made up of 17,000 full- and part-time students and adult learners, of which approximately 41% are international students hailing from over 50 countries.
SIM GE’s holistic learning approach and culturally diverse learning environment aim to equip students with knowledge, industry skills and employability competencies, as well as a global perspective to succeed as future leaders in a fast-changing, technologically driven world.
For more information on SIM Global Education, visit www.sim.edu.sg
Dubai WoodShow 2026 opened with deals worth more than AED150 million, strengthening the exhibition’s role as a regional marketplace for timber, woodworking machinery, furniture inputs and advanced manufacturing technology. The three-day trade event, running from 22 to 24 June at Dubai World Trade Centre, has drawn more than 400 exhibitors from over 45 countries, with more than 600 international brands and five country pavilions. The opening-day transactions […]
ALMATY, KAZAKHSTAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 June 2026 – Green SM has officially launched its all-electric ride-hailing service in Kazakhstan, marking the company’s first presence in Central Asia. The launch also represents Green SM’s expansion into its sixth international market, reinforcing its long-term global growth strategy.
The launch ceremony was held in Almaty with the attendance of Mr. Nguyen Thanh Le, Appointed Ambassador of Viet Nam to Kazakhstan; Mr. Berikbol Shatabayevich Mandibayev, Head of the Department of Entrepreneurship and Investment of Almaty; along with representatives of the Government of Kazakhstan, the Embassy of Vietnam in Kazakhstan, and strategic partners, businesses and organizations across the transportation, energy, technology, finance, infrastructure and service sectors.
In its initial phase, Green SM will operate in Almaty with a fleet of VinFast VF 6 Eco vehicles, an all-electric SUV designed to meet the needs of everyday urban travel. Combining quiet operation, a comfortable cabin, and modern safety features, the VinFast VF 6 Eco is expected to provide residents and visitors in Almaty with a more convenient, reliable, and enjoyable mobility experience.
Alongside its electric vehicle fleet, Green SM continues to invest in the development of its Green Drivers through comprehensive training programs covering operations, safety, and customer service. This forms part of the company’s ongoing efforts to maintain consistent service standards and deliver safe and dependable transportation experiences for users in Kazakhstan.
To celebrate the launch, Green SM is offering a promotion of 26%, up to KZT 2,626 for customers booking rides through the Green SM application. Users in Kazakhstan can now access Green SM services via the Green SM app, available on both the App Store and Google Play.
In parallel with the service launch, Green SM has established partnerships with five strategic partners across the transportation, tourism, technology, and service sectors through the Green Alliance Frontier initiative. The initiative serves as a platform connecting organizations that share a commitment to sustainable development and creating positive impacts for local communities across multiple markets.
Mr. Nguyen Quoc Tuan, Global Chief Executive Officer of GSM, said: “Kazakhstan is a market with strong potential, dynamic growth, and rising expectations for modern services. We come to Kazakhstan with respect for the market, a long-term commitment to investment, and a desire to work alongside local partners in developing high-quality mobility solutions that meet the everyday needs of the community. At Green SM, we believe sustainable growth must be built on trust and meaningful value for society. That is the foundation we hope to build together with our customers, partners, and the people of Kazakhstan in the years ahead.”
Kazakhstan is experiencing the rapid development of modern urban centers alongside rising expectations for quality of life and better services. Green SM’s presence in Kazakhstan reflects the company’s long-term vision of bringing all-electric mobility solutions closer to users in more regions around the world. Green SM enters Kazakhstan with the aspiration of contributing to better mobility experiences for local communities: quieter journeys along busy city streets, more comfortable travel in everyday life, and greater reliability through service standards that are consistently maintained across every trip.
Founded in Vietnam in 2023, Green SM currently operates a green mobility ecosystem across Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia, the Philippines, India, and Kazakhstan. With an all-electric fleet, a technology-driven platform, and consistently applied operational standards, Green SM is steadily expanding its green mobility ecosystem across international markets, with the goal of providing modern, safe, and sustainable transportation solutions for communities around the world.
Hashtag: #GreenSM
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
By Nitya Chakraborty The opposition INDIA bloc which completed its three years on June 23 is passing through a critical period when the very foundation of this alliance, the strong regional parties, are shattered by defections and splits backed by the ruling party BJP. Mamata Banerjee who gave the name of the alliance at the […]
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 June 2026 – Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul formally launched Thailand FastPass at Government House, mobilizing over USD 21 billion (approximately 700 billion baht) in strategic high-tech investment. The program integrates eight government agencies to cut regulatory approval timelines by up to 50 percent, accelerating approved investments from license to operating factory.
FastPass targets high-value sectors including advanced electronics, aerospace technology, precision machinery and automation systems, and recycled plastics.
By coordinating eight key government agencies—including Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI), the Department of Industrial Works, the Customs Department, the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP), the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT), the Energy Regulatory Commission, the Metropolitan Electricity Authority, and the Provincial Electricity Authority—the initiative removes historical friction in permitting, environmental approvals, and infrastructure connectivity.
At the ceremony, the eight agencies formalized their coordination by signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) committing to reduce approval and licensing timelines by 20 to 50 percent across key investment milestones, including factory permits, free-zone processing, environmental impact assessments, and power grid connections.
The ceremony drew more than 300 attendees, including foreign diplomats, international chambers of commerce, and multinational executives.
“In today’s global economy, speed is the ultimate competitive differentiator,” said Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister of Thailand. “The Thai government is shifting from regulator to active business facilitator. By removing regulatory hurdles, increasing speed, and ensuring policy transparency, we are driving physical investments that will generate next-generation employment and secure Thailand’s long-term regional competitiveness.”
The push to turn approved projects into physical factories follows a historic surge in investment applications. BOI received a record USD 54.5 billion (approximately 1.8 trillion baht) in investment applications in 2025. Momentum has carried into 2026, with first-quarter applications already exceeding USD 30.3 billion (approximately 1 trillion baht).
The USD 21 billion total spans two FastPass cohorts. In the first phase, FastPass resolved regulatory bottlenecks for 76 previously approved projects valued at over USD 14.4 billion (approximately 474 billion baht). Today’s ceremony launched the second cohort: 25 projects from 23 companies worth USD 6.7 billion (approximately 223 billion baht), each receiving a formal Thailand FastPass certificate.
“We are focusing heavily on ‘realized investment’ entering the actual economy,” said Mr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. “The FastPass mechanism is designed to deliver immediate, concrete economic results in the short term, while laying down long-term structural benefits that will distribute wealth across our broader economy. These 25 pilot projects from 23 companies are projected to generate over 13,000 high-skilled jobs. Combined with the 76 projects cleared under FastPass in the preceding phase, total investment mobilized by the program exceeds 700 billion baht.”
This mechanism converts corporate capital into domestic benefits across five key dimensions: driving investment-led GDP growth, generating high-skilled careers, transferring technical know-how, integrating local SMEs, and creating localized economic multipliers within regional communities.
“The FastPass program fundamentally changes how Thailand works with global investors,” said Mr. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary-General of the BOI. “We put eight agencies into one pipeline. Permit timelines that once stretched for months can now be cut by up to half. That gets factories built, creates high-skilled jobs, and pulls Thai suppliers into global supply chains.”
Global corporations participating in the FastPass program cited Thailand’s strategic location, modern infrastructure, robust supply chains, skilled workforce, and favorable investment policies as the key drivers for their expansion.
“Thailand possesses the talent, infrastructure, and policy support necessary for next-generation industries,” said Mr. Simon Gwozdz, CEO of Equatorial Space (Thailand) Co., Ltd., a developer of low-Earth orbit space launch vehicles. “The BOI’s one-stop coordination significantly reduces regulatory complexity.”
“The availability of raw materials, infrastructure, and proactive government support were critical in our decision to anchor our regional operations here,” said Mr. Donald Carpenter, CFO of U.S.-based PureCycle Technologies, Inc. “The FastPass mechanism directly improves our operational efficiency.”
“The speed of obtaining factory licenses under the scheme has accelerated our operational readiness, creating a smoother path to scale,” said Mr. Larry Foo of SAM Precision (Thailand), a Malaysia-based manufacturer of precision components for the semiconductor industry.
“The depth of Thailand’s electronics supply chain and supportive state policies were critical to our investment decision,” said Mr. Kris Leetavorn, Director of Advanced Connection Technology, a high-density printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturer. “The FastPass program drastically simplifies state coordination, allowing us to hit aggressive deployment timelines.”
To demonstrate Thailand’s readiness for advanced industries, the government showcased technologies currently being deployed or manufactured in Thailand, including humanoid robotics, LiDAR sensor systems, aerospace technology, and advanced electronics.
“Thailand FastPass proves what is possible when all agencies move in the same direction—approved investments actually get built,” Mr. Narit concluded. “The world is reshuffling supply chains. Investors need clarity and speed. Thailand is ready to deliver both. We will keep expanding FastPass to cover more permits and more strategic industries, creating quality jobs, strengthening supply chains, and raising Thailand’s long-term competitiveness.”
USD conversion based on a reference exchange rate of approximately 33 baht per USD (Bank of Thailand, June 2026).
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Thailand Board of Investment
Established in 1966, the Office of the Board of Investment (BOI) has continuously played an essential role for over 60 years in promoting value-adding investment for the country, from both foreign and Thai investors, to enhance national competitiveness and drive sustained economic growth and long-term national competitiveness.
Investment Services Center, PR Section, The Office of the Board of Investment (BOI)
Abu Dhabi sovereign investor Mubadala is reviewing a potential commitment to a private equity project fund seeking to acquire control of MNC Solution, a listed South Korean defence components maker, in a deal that would deepen Gulf exposure to Seoul’s expanding weapons supply chain. The proposed investment would be made through a fund being assembled by Korea Investment & Securities Co. Partners Private Equity Division, which was […]
Simultaneous Launch of the New Fo Tan Campus: Introducing One-Stop Academic Consulting and Private Candidate Programs, Championing an “Individualized Teaching” Tutoring Philosophy to Solve the “Transition Gap” for Cross-Border Students
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 June 2026 – As the Hong Kong government’s various talent admission schemes continue to deepen, a significant wave of high-achieving elite families has settled in the city. Latest official data from the Labour and Welfare Bureau[1] reveals that more than 410,000 applications have been approved under these admission schemes over the past three years. Among the approved cases, the “Top Talent Pass Scheme” (TTPS), which targets high-income individuals or graduates of top-tier global universities, recorded over 120,000 successful applications. Notably, nearly 40% of approved applicants in Categories B and C graduated with bachelor’s degrees from top international universities, possessing strong, insightful mindsets and professional capabilities. This significant intake of highly educated “New Hong Kong” families has enriched the local talent pool while directly accelerating substantial demand for international education and curriculum transitions.
According to the Q2 market trends observation by For You Education, an esteemed tutoring and admissions consulting institution in Hong Kong, TTPS parents demonstrate highly strategic foresight in planning their children’s education. Most favor international schools or a “dual-track” pathway via Direct Subsidy Scheme (DSS) schools, triggering an exponential increase in consultation and registration volumes for international examinations such as IB, IGCSE, and A-Level. For You Education identifies three core reasons behind this phenomenon: first, parents view studying abroad as a critical pathway to cultivating a global worldview and expanding horizons; second, international curricula offer rigorous academic depth, allowing students to focus on their strengths and achieve higher academic merit; third, international examinations feature flexible pacing and allow retakes, granting students greater autonomy in their preparation.
Bridging the Dual Gap of “Language and Academic Depth”: Comprehensively Enhancing the Support System via “Private Candidate Programs”
When transitioning into the Hong Kong or international education systems, cross-border students often encounter two major hardships: the “language adaptation period” of moving from a Chinese-medium to an all-English teaching environment, and the “systemic differences” in curriculum breadth and depth between mainland and international examinations. Taking International A-Level (IAL) as an example, though it offers fewer subjects than the Mainland National Higher Education Entrance Examination (Gaokao), it requires deeper academic exploration and a higher degree of self-directed study within specific disciplines.
Traditional mainland education focuses heavily on intensive test-drilling, whereas international curricula (such as IB and IAL) emphasise critical thinking and research writing, such as IB’s Extended Essay. Unlike the high-stakes Gaokao, which allows students to take the exam only once, international tracks offer greater subject flexibility and an elevated margin for error. For instance, GCE A-Level allows students to choose three to four specific subjects based on their personal strengths for deep focus, while permitting modular retakes, resulting in significantly greater autonomy in preparation.
For You Education observes that many TTPS families discover that, after relocation, their local schools do not offer international curricula such as IB or IAL. Consequently, despite students’ willingness to sit, they lack institutional support and resources within their schools. To address this market gap, For You Education has carefully designed its “Private Candidate Programs” to fully support students registering for international public examinations as private candidates. Through comprehensive curriculum structuring and pre-exam coaching, the team helps students overcome institutional barriers and seamlessly transition to top global universities.
Official Opening of Fo Tan Campus: One-on-One and High-Efficiency Group Tutoring Aimed Directly at Return on Investment (ROI) in Education
To better serve newly arrived TTPS families, For You Education announced the official opening of its new branch campus in Fo Tan this quarter. The new campus features upgraded teaching facilities and a centralized team of core professional tutors. Most For You Education tutors possess prestigious international academic backgrounds and extensive cross-border teaching experience, equipping them with a nuanced understanding of the linguistic, psychological, and academic blind spots faced by mainland students transitioning to Hong Kong. Following a comprehensive service upgrade, the center offers an array of solutions encompassing Hong Kong international school admissions, IB tutoring, IGCSE curriculum, and A-Level subject selection.
For You Education opened a new campus in Fo Tan
In response to growing parental expectations regarding the Return on Investment (ROI) of international education, the new Fo Tan campus will prioritize personalized one-on-one and high-efficiency small-group teaching models. Practicing a modern philosophy of “individualized teaching,” the tutoring team assists students in precisely selecting subjects aligned with their personality traits and academic strengths (such as guiding suitable students to pivot from DSE to IAL tracks where they can better leverage their core academic capabilities). Over the past few years, the institution has successfully guided numerous cross-border and local students through their academic transition periods, securing placements at top global institutions across the UK, the US, and Hong Kong.
Cultivating Critical Thinking in the AI Era: “Learning Supplement” Rather Than “Replacement”
Global education frameworks are undergoing a paradigm shift, and the rise of AI technology has introduced parental anxiety regarding future academic majors and career landscapes. Addressing these concerns, Mr.Terry Lo, the Founder and Director of For You Education, stated:
“In the AI era, the core assessment metrics of international examinations like the IB program are shifting away from pure knowledge transmission toward ‘critical thinking’ and ‘knowledge application’. While consolidating our foundation in traditional academic tutoring, For You Education actively guides students on how to properly leverage advanced AI tools to assist their preparation and enhance learning efficiency. However, AI can never replace a tutor’s emotional care, the discovery of a student’s unique potential, or intellectual mentorship. We believe that learning to master AI tools to boost personal productivity is vital today, and we look forward to exploring this boundary alongside our students. We aim to utilize technological advantages to shorten students’ adaptation phases while maintaining close communication with parents who care about educational cost-effectiveness, ensuring children steadily build adaptability and competitiveness along their admissions journey.”
To assist parents in staying up to date with the latest trends in international education, the new Fo Tan campus of For You Education is now open for consultations. Parents are welcome to visit in person or browse online for successful case studies and academic consulting (admissions advice) assessment services, tailoring the optimal breakthrough path for their children’s inclusive education.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
For You Education
Founded in 2013, For You Education is a premier, highly experienced subject-specialist tutoring institution in Hong Kong. For years, the Center has championed an “efficient learning model” to deliver high-quality educational services to students from prestigious local and international schools across Hong Kong. Classes are conducted primarily through one-on-one and high-efficiency small-group formats to address the personalized learning needs of each student.
In addition to local school curriculum support, For You Education specializes in international examinations, including the International Baccalaureate (IB), International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE/GCSE), GCE A-Level, and SAT. It uniquely provides core academic guidance for Internal Assessments (IA), Extended Essays (EE), Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and Individual Oral Commentaries (IOC). For You Education currently operates three major campuses across Hong Kong: the Hong Kong Island Main Campus (Causeway Bay), the Kowloon Branch (Yau Ma Tei), and the newly completed Fo Tan Branch, establishing a comprehensive bridge to global educational excellence.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Abu Dhabi-listed Burjeel Holdings has launched a $1.5 billion senior unsecured sukuk programme on the London Stock Exchange’s International Securities Market, giving the healthcare group a new funding platform as it pushes into specialised care, research, digital transformation and AI-enabled medical services. The programme, established through Burjeel Sukuk Limited, marks one of the group’s most significant capital-market steps since its Abu Dhabi Securities […]