Large institutional investors are signalling a strong appetite to accumulate digital assets during market pullbacks, according to a survey indicating that four out of five professional participants would either hold steady or increase exposure even if prices slide by 10%. The finding underscores a shift in how major allocators view volatility, treating declines as entry points rather than exit signals. Major investors show readiness to buy downturns […]
Nairobi has been chosen to host the first Gulfood360 Africa in May 2027, marking a significant expansion of the global food and beverage platform into a continent whose food economy is valued at about $567 billion. The decision, announced on the sidelines of Gulfood 2026 in Dubai, formalises Kenya as the official African host and positions the East African hub at the centre of a strategy to […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 January 2026 – The Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre (HKCERT), under the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), today hosted a media briefing to officially release the annual “Hong Kong Cybersecurity Outlook 2026”. The report reveals that cyberattacks have become more automated, targeted, and destructive with the rapid proliferation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies, posing significant threats to business operations and information security. A record high 15,877 cybersecurity incidents were recorded in Hong Kong in 2025, marking a 27% year-on-year increase. The report also highlights five key cybersecurity risks expected to emerge in 2026, mainly under AI-related threats and supply chain vulnerabilities.
HKCERT also released the findings of the “Hong Kong Enterprise Cybersecurity Landscape”, which analyses the current state of local enterprises’ cybersecurity defences and resource allocation in the face of cyber risks. The study covered 622 enterprises (including 544 SMEs and 78 large enterprises) and interviewed 50 cybersecurity service providers to assess the key factors businesses consider when selecting cybersecurity services. The findings reveal that nearly 70% of enterprises have dedicated cybersecurity personnel, showing the increasing importance local businesses place on cybersecurity. Many SMEs have also begun strengthening their security measures, demonstrating a proactive awareness of cyber threats. However, they were behind large enterprises in terms of technology deployment and resource allocation. Moreover, around 35% of businesses using AI would enter corporate data into AI tools, suggesting that there is still room for improvement in local overall defence capabilities and AI governance awareness.
Mr Edmond LAI, Chief Digital Officer of HKPC, stated, “The proliferation of AI can drive innovation, but it can also become a powerful tool for hackers, making cyber threats stealthier and more scalable. Our report indicates a lack of governance in corporate use of AI tools. In particular, the limited resources and knowledge of SMEs may limit their full understanding of the potential risks involved. Moreover, supply chain attacks have become the weakest link in enterprise security, where a single vendor’s vulnerability can trigger a chain reaction of crises, even if the enterprises have robust protective measures. To address these challenges, enterprises must shift from passive response to proactive deployment, starting with establishing clear AI usage guidelines and audit mechanisms, and deeply integrating them into the overall cybersecurity strategy”.
Overview of Cybersecurity Incidents in 2025:
Phishing Accounts for Nearly 60% – Record-High Number of Cases
According to the latest statistics from HKCERT, a total of 15,877 cybersecurity incidents were reported in 2025, marking a new record high. Among them, phishing attacks remained the most prominent threat, accounting for nearly 60% (57%) of total cases. The rise of generative AI has made phishing messages increasingly realistic and harder to detect, further amplifying the associated risks. Attack delivery methods have expanded beyond traditional email to social media or instant messaging platforms (such as WhatsApp) (34%) and cryptocurrency platforms (18%).
In parallel, cases involving vulnerable systems also saw a sharp increase, with 2,328 incidents (15%), representing a more than 3.5-fold rise compared to the previous year. This suggests that attackers are actively exploiting misconfigurations and unpatched system vulnerabilities. Meanwhile, botnet-related incidents remained steady at 18%. While stable in number, botnets are notoriously difficult to eradicate completely, representing a long-term latent threat.
Top 5 Cybersecurity Risks in 2026
Based on industry expert analysis and HKPC’s ongoing research into the local business environment, and considering industry trends and technological developments, HKCERT predicts that the following five cybersecurity risks will pose significant challenges to businesses in 2026:
30% of Enterprises Lack Dedicated Cybersecurity Staff, SMEs Lag in Defense and Investment
“The Hong Kong Enterprise Cybersecurity Landscape” reveals nearly 70% of enterprises have dedicated cybersecurity personnel, showing the increasing importance place on cybersecurity. By company size, 67% of SMEs have personnel responsible for cybersecurity, and 95% of large enterprises do. Among them, 26% of SMEs have dedicated cybersecurity personnel, which is lower than the 59% of large enterprises, reflecting different challenges in resource allocation and professional support for companies of different sizes.
Many SMEs have already implemented basic protective measures, such as 48% of SMEs have adopted email security, but there is still room for improvement when compared to the 79% of large enterprises. For Privileged Access Management (PAM), 29% of SMEs are employed, which is still lower than 60% of large enterprises. The figure on using Advanced cybersecurity practices, such as Remote Access Security Measures (SMEs 31% vs 67%), also reflects that SMEs still need support in promoting technological upgrades, especially when data security is increasingly important today, the protection of SMEs of all sizes cannot be ignored.
Regarding investment and resource allocation, SMEs are generally cautious in their investment, but some companies have gradually increased their investment in cybersecurity and training. In the past year 13% of SMEs increased cybersecurity-related resources (including staff and tools), and 12% invested more resources in cybersecurity training. In comparison, the proportions for large enterprises were 41% and 50%, respectively. Looking ahead to the next 12 months, SMEs are relatively conservative in their plans for increasing resources — no matter in recruitment of cybersecurity personnel (SMEs 5% vs 15%), training (SMEs 13% vs 38%) and budget (SMEs 13% vs 36%). However, as cyber threats evolve, it is believed that enterprises will gradually increase their related investments to strengthen their overall defense capabilities.
HKCERT’s Five Key Recommendations: Helping Enterprises Build Effective Cyber Defenses
HKCERT has outlined five key recommendations to help enterprises strengthen their cybersecurity posture:
As cyber threats grow increasingly complex and attack techniques become more advanced, enabling SMEs to effectively deploy cybersecurity defences has become a shared responsibility across society. In addition to operating a 24-hour incident reporting and supporting hotline, HKCERT continuously monitors local online activities. When cyberattacks targeting Hong Kong are detected, it proactively traces and disrupts the source and issues timely public alerts. In recent years, HKCERT has also leveraged self‑developed AI systems to take down phishing websites in advance, preventing incidents before they occur. To strengthen preventive measures and promote education among SMEs, HKCERT has published multiple security guidelines addressing emerging technology risks, helping technical personnel understand and adopt appropriate protection strategies. At the same time, HKCERT actively promotes cybersecurity awareness through a dedicated webpage on in‑depth analysis of major phishing and ransomware attacks, as well as by organising large‑scale public events and participating in over 30 seminars annually.
Since last year, HKCERT further acted as a bridge between SMEs and cybersecurity service providers to launch the Cybersecurity Service Providers Connect Programme with Digital Policy Office. The Programme offers a one-stop platform that brings together 21 vetted cybersecurity service providers, covering four key areas, including Internet Security Solutions, Cybersecurity Assessment Services, Managed Security and Incident Response Services, and Cybersecurity Training Services. It helps SMEs quickly identify suitable solutions and strengthen their cyber defence capabilities. The Programme will continue to enhance its services, promote resource sharing, and collaborate with the industry to build a safer digital business environment.
Hashtag: #HKCERT
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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.
Ottawa and New Delhi are preparing for a high-level visit in March by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, with negotiations entering an advanced stage on a cluster of agreements covering uranium supply, clean energy cooperation, critical minerals and artificial intelligence. Officials familiar with the talks say the visit is being positioned as a reset in economic engagement after a period of diplomatic strain, with both sides keen to lock in commercially binding deals that reflect shifting global supply chains and technology priorities.
The centrepiece of the expected package is an expansion of civil nuclear cooperation, anchored in long-term uranium supply contracts. Canada is among the world’s largest producers of uranium, while India has been seeking diversified and reliable fuel sources to support its nuclear power programme, which is projected to grow sharply over the next decade. Negotiators have been working to streamline regulatory clearances and pricing mechanisms to give utilities and suppliers greater certainty, while ensuring safeguards and compliance obligations are met.
Energy cooperation is set to extend beyond nuclear. Talks have included collaboration on clean hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, and grid-scale renewable integration. Canadian firms bring experience in cold-climate energy systems, advanced storage and emissions management, while India offers scale, manufacturing depth and ambitious deployment targets. Officials describe the approach as moving from memoranda of understanding towards projects with defined investment timelines and joint development structures.
Critical minerals form another pillar of the discussions. Canada’s reserves of lithium, nickel, cobalt and rare earths are increasingly viewed as strategic assets as governments seek alternatives to concentrated supply routes. India, pushing to build domestic battery and electronics manufacturing capacity, has been exploring offtake agreements, joint exploration and downstream processing partnerships. The proposed framework is designed to align mineral extraction with environmental and community standards, while enabling long-term supply security for manufacturers.
Artificial intelligence cooperation has emerged as a newer, fast-moving track. Policymakers on both sides have been weighing arrangements that combine Canada’s research ecosystem and talent pipeline with India’s large-scale data capabilities and application-driven innovation. Areas under discussion include healthcare diagnostics, climate modelling, financial services and public-sector digital infrastructure. Officials have emphasised the need for guardrails on data governance, intellectual property and ethical use, reflecting growing global scrutiny of AI deployment.
Trade officials say the March visit, if confirmed as planned, would also provide political momentum to broader commercial ties. Bilateral trade has grown steadily over the past decade but remains below potential, particularly in high-value manufacturing and services. Business groups in both countries have been urging clearer pathways for investment approvals, mobility of skilled professionals and dispute resolution mechanisms to reduce friction for companies operating across jurisdictions.
Automated software agents powered by generative artificial intelligence are taking control of programmatic advertising workflows in 2026, shifting decision-making from human traders to systems that plan, execute and optimise campaigns with minimal oversight. Major ad-tech platforms and industry bodies say the change is redefining how digital advertising is bought and sold, accelerating efficiency while raising questions around transparency, accountability and market power. Programmatic advertising, which already accounts […]
Wittytool Disk Clone is being pitched to system administrators and managed service providers as a consolidated utility for changing Windows security identifiers while handling large-scale system migration and network cloning, addressing a set of long-standing operational challenges in enterprise IT environments. The software is presented as combining SID management, disk cloning and partition conversion into a single workflow, a positioning that reflects growing demand for streamlined deployment […]
US population growth slowed markedly last year as a sharp deceleration in immigration offset steady gains from births exceeding deaths, according to newly released data from the US Census Bureau, underscoring how migration flows have become the decisive swing factor in the country’s demographic trajectory. The population expanded at a slower pace than in the preceding year, reflecting fewer arrivals from abroad and a natural increase that […]
Signs are emerging that President Donald Trump’s aggressive immigration drive is carrying political risks, with polling shifts, street protests and unease among key voter blocs suggesting the strategy is beginning to dent public support. The administration has intensified workplace raids, expanded detention capacity and accelerated deportations while federal authorities have moved forcefully to disperse demonstrations against the sweeps, framing the approach as a necessary restoration of law […]
France has moved to sharply restrict children’s access to social media after lawmakers approved legislation that would bar users under 15 from creating or holding accounts without verified parental consent, marking the most far-reaching national intervention of its kind in Europe. The bill, passed by the National Assembly after months of debate over online harms, places legal obligations on major platforms to prevent under-age access and to […]
Salesforce has secured a 10-year contract worth up to $5.6 billion with the United States Army to overhaul the service’s digital infrastructure, embedding cloud computing, advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence across a wide range of defence operations. The Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity agreement, executed through Salesforce’s specialised subsidiary Computable Insights, is intended to unify fragmented data systems, streamline workflows and accelerate decision-making from recruitment and training […]
Questions over whether authorities in Washington now influence what appears on TikTok have gained traction after an agreement allowed the video-sharing platform to keep operating in the United States under new ownership and oversight conditions. Some users have reported posts disappearing or engagement dropping and have linked those changes to the deal, arguing it has opened the door to government-directed censorship. The arrangement that kept TikTok online […]
Bangkok will host Wiki Finance Expo Thailand 2026 in April, positioning the Thai capital as a focal point for discussions on financial technology, digital assets and Web3 innovation across Southeast Asia. The event is scheduled to take place at the Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, bringing together industry executives, policymakers, investors and technology developers at a time when the region’s digital finance ecosystem is expanding at pace.
The expo is expected to draw thousands of participants from Asia, the Middle East and Europe, reflecting Bangkok’s growing role as a neutral convening hub for global fintech dialogue. Organisers have indicated that the programme will centre on payments innovation, decentralised finance, blockchain infrastructure, digital asset regulation and the integration of artificial intelligence into financial services. These themes mirror broader shifts in global finance, where traditional institutions and technology-driven platforms are increasingly intersecting.
Thailand’s selection as host underscores the country’s strategic importance within Southeast Asia’s fintech landscape. Bangkok already serves as a base for regional operations of banks, digital payment firms and cryptocurrency exchanges, supported by a large consumer market with high smartphone penetration and rising adoption of cashless payments. Regional analysts note that Southeast Asia’s fintech sector has moved beyond experimentation, with platforms scaling rapidly across borders in areas such as e-wallets, buy-now-pay-later services and tokenised assets.
Wiki Finance Expo has established itself as a travelling forum, with earlier editions held in cities including Dubai, Hong Kong and Singapore. The Thailand edition is expected to build on that track record by offering a mix of keynote addresses, panel discussions and business matchmaking sessions. Industry leaders from blockchain firms, digital asset custodians, payment processors and trading platforms are likely to outline strategies for navigating regulatory complexity while pursuing growth in emerging markets.
A central focus of the Bangkok gathering will be Web3, an area attracting increasing interest from both venture capital and established financial institutions. Developers are using blockchain-based architectures to reimagine trading, lending and data ownership, while governments across Asia are assessing how to balance innovation with consumer protection. Participants are expected to debate how decentralised technologies can coexist with existing financial systems rather than replace them outright.
Regulation is set to be another major thread. Southeast Asian jurisdictions have taken varied approaches to digital assets, ranging from proactive licensing frameworks to tighter restrictions on retail participation. Thailand has introduced structured oversight for digital asset businesses, aiming to reduce systemic risk while allowing innovation to continue. Discussions at the expo are expected to explore how clearer regulatory pathways can attract institutional capital and encourage responsible product development.
The event also comes as cross-border payments remain a priority for the region. High remittance flows, driven by labour mobility and trade, have highlighted inefficiencies in legacy systems. Fintech firms are increasingly promoting blockchain-based settlement and real-time payment networks as solutions. Panels in Bangkok are expected to examine whether these technologies can achieve scale while meeting compliance and security requirements.
Beyond policy and technology, the expo is positioned as a commercial platform. Start-ups will have opportunities to pitch to investors, while established companies can seek partnerships or market entry strategies. Organisers have emphasised the importance of connecting global capital with Southeast Asian innovation, particularly as funding patterns shift towards projects with clearer revenue models and regulatory alignment.
Tourism and hospitality stakeholders in Bangkok are also expected to benefit from the influx of international delegates. Large-scale business events have become an important segment of the city’s post-pandemic recovery strategy, complementing leisure tourism. Hosting a high-profile fintech expo aligns with efforts to brand Bangkok not only as a travel destination but also as a regional business and technology centre.
A quiet but unsettling episode in the artificial intelligence ecosystem has sharpened concerns about how quickly powerful autonomous tools are being deployed without robust safeguards. A single message, sent politely and without any technical wizardry, was enough for an attacker to extract a private cryptographic key from a user within minutes. The breach did not rely on malware, brute force or advanced exploits. It relied on trust, […]
Oil prices pushed higher on Wednesday, extending gains as disruptions to crude output and exports from the United States kept supply risks in focus, while simmering tensions across the Middle East added a geopolitical premium to the market. Brent crude futures traded at $67.85 a barrel in early Asian hours, up 28 cents, while U. S. West Texas Intermediate rose 35 cents to $62.74 a barrel. The […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Abu Dhabi–based energy investor XRG is deepening its engagement in one of the world’s largest liquefied natural gas export facilities, moving to acquire an additional equity interest in the Rio Grande LNG project in Texas, industry participants confirmed. The move extends XRG’s ownership beyond its earlier holding and marks a significant step in executing its global gas strategy, signalling confidence in long-term demand […]
This honor serves as a testament to MTF‘s exceptional growth trajectory and a high-level affirmation of its professional standing as a cornerstone institution in Hong Kong‘s financial sector—a Type AA Member of the Hong Kong Gold Exchange (HKGX), Member No. 194.
I. Authoritative Endorsement: The Security of a Century-Old Exchange
In selecting a trading platform, security remains the paramount concern for investors. Based in Hong Kong, MTF is strictly regulated by the Hong Kong Gold Exchange (HKGX) and holds the highest-tier Type AA Member License (No. 194).
II. Core Advantages: Defining Standards for Transparency and Efficiency
MTF is committed to building a leading trading ecosystem in Hong Kong, leveraging technology to solve key investor pain points:
III. Brand Strength: MTF Channel Leading Investor Education in Asia-Pacific
A core pillar of MTF‘s competitive edge is its deep-rooted foundation in market education. The official MTF Channel has amassed over 110,000 subscribers, serving as a central hub for Asia-Pacific precious metals investors seeking real-time market analysis and financial insights. Through high-frequency professional commentary and community engagement, MTF has built a seamless online-offline service ecosystem, providing robust decision support for over 100,000 active traders worldwide.
IV. Future Outlook: Driven by Honor, Raising Industry Standards
“Winning this award is not the finish line, but the beginning of a greater responsibility,” stated an MTF representative at the ceremony. Over the coming year, the company will allocate more resources toward upgrading Physical Gold Services and its Online Investor Education Platform to make trading more intuitive and accessible. Ming Tak Financial will continue to uphold its core principle of “Professionalism First, Intelligence for the Future,” with the core mission of “Challenging the Lowest Spreads Globally” to lead the precious metals industry toward higher standards.
Hashtag: #MingTakFinancial #MTF
https://mingtakfn.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@mingtakfn
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Headquartered in Hong Kong, Ming Tak Financial (MTF) is a premier precious metals broker in the Asia-Pacific region. As a Type AA Member of the Hong Kong Gold Exchange (Member No. 194), MTF adheres to the principles of compliance and transparency under strict regulatory oversight. Leveraging its core competitiveness in offering the lowest spreads globally—such as fixed gold spreads at $0.15, zero commissions, and 5-minute lightning deposits—MTF has become a trusted safe-haven asset platform for investors worldwide.
AfricAI has secured exclusive continental rights from Micropolis Robotics to commercialise and deploy advanced autonomous robotics platforms across Africa, under a multi-year agreement that industry analysts describe as a pivotal development for robotics infrastructure on the continent. The deal prohibits Micropolis from direct sales or appointing alternative distributors in the territory, establishing AfricAI as the central execution, localisation and go-to-market partner for Micropolis’s robotics systems across industrial, […]
Elon Musk has escalated a high-profile debate over the security of consumer messaging platforms by asserting that “WhatsApp is not secure” and that even Signal, long regarded as a benchmark for encrypted communication, is “questionable,” urging users to consider XChat instead. His remarks, posted on X, have intensified scrutiny of encryption claims by major tech firms and triggered rebuttals from industry leaders defending existing privacy safeguards. Musk’s […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai PureLab and LODD have launched a pilot programme in Abu Dhabi to transport blood samples using drones, marking a step towards integrating unmanned aerial vehicles into routine medical logistics and emergency healthcare supply chains. The initiative is designed to cut transit times for critical diagnostic samples, reduce reliance on road transport, and strengthen the resilience of laboratory networks during peak demand or traffic […]
By Asad Mirza In today’s fractured world, fissures caused mostly by the ongoing Trumpomania, every nation is working post haste to forge new alliances particularly focussed on trade. The best example of this is the India-EU partnership FTA, to be formalized on January 27.. The enhanced partnership is going to eliminate tariffs on more than […]
The article India-EU FTA Gives A Strong Political Message Of Europe To Trump appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).
South Africa’s vast grasslands have become the testing ground for what is being described as a global first in community-led carbon markets, as farmers and pastoral groups begin to earn tradable carbon credits through regenerative land management verified under a new international standard. The initiative centres on Verra’s recently approved methodology for Improved Agricultural Land Management, which allows greenhouse gas reductions and soil carbon gains from grazing […]
Traffic across key commercial corridors in Dubai has slowed markedly as Gulfood 2026 opens its doors, prompting authorities to issue travel advisories and urging commuters to plan additional time for journeys near major exhibition hubs. The scale of the food and beverage show, running from January 26 to 30, has brought an exceptional influx of visitors, exhibitors and logistics traffic into the city during a working week […]
Digital assets now form the foundation of almost every business operation. Michael Jordan, the CEO of Gem Soft, promotes data sovereignty as a necessary element for organizational strength and strategic freedom. He brings over thirty years of experience in investment banking and six years of leadership at Gem Soft, first as Chief Investment Officer and now as CEO. Jordan emphasizes that real control over data involves privacy, […]
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 January 2026 – ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC), one of the world’s fastest growing data centre colocation providers headquartered in Singapore, today announced two significant initiatives that strengthen Singapore’s position in the global digital and energy transition: the launch of the FutureGrid Accelerator, Southeast Asia’s first live High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC)-powered AI infrastructure testbed; and a suite of strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with four Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) to advance skills development and expand internship and early career pathways for Singaporeans entering the workforce. These initiatives align with national efforts to support talent graduating into a challenging job market, while building the specialised capabilities required for next generation power and digital infrastructure.
![Celebrating the official launch of the FutureGrid Accelerator; a new benchmark for HVDC-powered AI infrastructure in the region. [Pictured from left to right] Lim Kian Tiong, Chief Financial Officer, LITEON; Bruno Lopez, President & Group Chief Executive Officer, ST Telemedia Global Data Centres; Minister Gan Siow Huang, Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Ministry of Trade and Industry; Professor Lam Khin Yong, Vice President (Industry), Nanyang Technology University Singapore; Brian Dow, Chief Executive Officer, Amperesand.](https://release.media-outreach.com/release.php/Images/725923/FutureGrid-Accelerator-1.jpg)
[Pictured from left to right] Lim Kian Tiong, Chief Financial Officer, LITEON; Bruno Lopez, President & Group Chief Executive Officer, ST Telemedia Global Data Centres; Minister Gan Siow Huang, Minister of State, Ministry of Foreign Affairs & Ministry of Trade and Industry; Professor Lam Khin Yong, Vice President (Industry), Nanyang Technology University Singapore; Brian Dow, Chief Executive Officer, Amperesand.
Officiated by Ms Gan Siow Huang, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Trade & Industry, the announcement underscores a national push to build capabilities not only for AI-ready data centres, but also for the wider energy ecosystem, as Singapore and the region pursue net-zero ambitions.
FutureGrid Accelerator: HVDC innovation for AI and the wider energy transition
Located at the Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) Electrification and Power Grids Centre (EPGC) on Jurong Island, the FutureGrid Accelerator is a pioneering initiative jointly developed by STT GDC and LITEON, supported by the Energy Research Institute @ NTU (ERI@N) and NTU deep-tech spinoff Amperesand. It is the region’s first live testbed demonstrating HVDC integration with real AI workloads, addressing the high-density and high-resiliency requirements of next-generation AI computing.
While central to the future of AI data centre architecture, HVDC represents a broader opportunity: it is a foundational technology that supports more efficient, resilient and integrated power systems. This is critical for Singapore’s long-term energy strategy, its transition to low-carbon energy grids and the region’s increasing need for sustainable power delivery.
Why HVDC Matters: A scalable platform beyond the data centre
As AI and high-performance computing workloads scale, traditional alternating current (AC) power systems face inherent limitations. HVDC overcomes these constraints and delivers several transformative benefits:
“The FutureGrid Accelerator is a strategic investment in Singapore’s long-term digital leadership,” said Bruno Lopez, President and Group Chief Executive Officer, ST Telemedia Global Data Centres. “By bringing together global industry leaders like LITEON with local deep-tech talent such as Amperesand, we are building infrastructure that is ready for future AI workloads while pioneering sustainable practices and setting new benchmarks for energy efficiency and carbon-conscious innovation. This initiative reflects our commitment to future-ready technologies and reinforces Singapore’s position as a global Centre of Excellence for advanced sustainable digital infrastructure. It is a bold step forward in shaping the future of data centres and accelerating energy transition across the region.”
Ms Gan Siow Huang, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs & Trade and Industry, said: “The FutureGrid Accelerator demonstrates how industry and academia can work together to drive innovation and strengthen Singapore’s global leadership in cutting-edge technologies. I also welcome STT GDC’s partnerships with ITE and SP, which will add to the suite of training options for the rapidly growing areas of AI and energy-efficient systems.”
The FutureGrid Accelerator will validate HVDC system performance at power loads of at least 325kW, incorporating the latest AI servers. The environment incorporates LITEON’s data centre reference architecture with Amperesand’s Solid State Transformer (SST) technology—an enabling innovation for next-generation HVDC deployment. STT GDC plans to deploy this technology in future data centres in Singapore and progressively scale adoption across its global operations.
“LITEON is committed to advancing the frontier of power management efficiency, and our collaboration with STT GDC and Amperesand is key to establishing the next standard for sustainable AI infrastructure in Asia,” said Jason Tsao, Head of Direct Current Microgrid at LITEON. “By deploying an end-to-end data centre reference architecture and integrated power management system in a live environment with STT GDC and partners, we are validating a high-density, energy-saving solution ready to meet the extreme demands of global technology leaders.”
“The FutureGrid Accelerator underscores NTU’s role as a strategic partner in shaping the future of sustainable AI infrastructure”, said Prof Lam Khin Yong, NTU’s Vice President (Industry). “By integrating cutting-edge HVDC technologies with our research capabilities and the entrepreneurial drive of NTU spin-offs like Amperesand, we are advancing impactful solutions that can significantly enhance energy efficiency and grid resilience. This collaboration showcases how universities can drive transformative innovations at the intersection of energy, digitalisation and sustainability.”
“Amperesand is obsessed with revolutionising Medium Voltage to critical load power delivery for next-generation AI data centres, defence, and other essential electrified assets. We focus on first principles to achieve market leading power density, efficiency, and reliability,” said Brian Dow, CEO and Co-Founder of Amperesand. “In this era of AI data centre and other critical power systems becoming economic and national security interests for many countries, Amperesand’s MV SST Platform enables in-country cyber-secure controls and data, regionally available supply chains, and low CAPEX intensity local manufacturing. Our solution is an intelligent, universal Medium Voltage power source that works on-and-off grid to improve critical infrastructure resilience as new large electrical loads come online.”
Developing Energy-Ready Skills: Partnerships with ITE, SP, NTU and NUS
STT GDC signed MOUs with the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), Singapore Polytechnic (SP), NTU Singapore and National University of Singapore (NUS). These partnerships will benefit more than 8,000 Singaporeans over five years through industry-aligned training in AI infrastructure and sustainable energy systems. This ensures the scaling of HVDC—and the broader energy transition—is matched by the transformation and availability of skills, jobs and talent development pathways.
Mr Lopez added, “Talent is the decisive enabler as we advance AI and sustainability infrastructure. These partnerships build a skilled workforce needed to strengthen Singapore as a global hub for advanced digital and energy systems.”
Key initiatives and impact:
Hashtag: #STTelemedia
https://www.sttelemediagdc.com/
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC) is one of the fastest-growing data centre providers with a global platform serving as a cornerstone of the digital ecosystem that helps the world to connect. Powering a sustainable digital future, STT GDC operates across Singapore, the UK, Germany, Italy, India, Thailand, South Korea, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam, providing businesses an exceptional foundation that is built for their growth anywhere. For more information, visit https://www.sttelemediagdc.com/
Appendix: Partner Quotes
Mr Peter Lam, Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Technical Education (ITE): “At ITE, our focus is on equipping our students with future-ready skills for Singapore’s evolving economy. Through the partnership with STT GDC, our students gain valuable real-world training and exposure to advanced tools in data centre operations. This strengthens our efforts to prepare career-ready students and develop talent for Singapore’s growing digital infrastructure sector.”
Mr Soh Wai Wah, Principal and CEO of SP: “Singapore Polytechnic is committed to developing a future-ready workforce that can support Singapore’s growing demand for sustainable and resilient data centre operations. This partnership with STT GDC brings together our strengths in training, applied learning and industry collaboration to nurture talent in environmental sustainability and green solutions for data centres. Through co-developed programmes, mentorship, student projects and internships, we will build deeper capabilities and broaden pathways for learners to contribute to this important sector. SP looks forward to advancing this effort with STT GDC to support Singapore’s long-term industry and sustainability goals.”
Professor Lam Khin Yong, Vice President (Industry), Nanyang Technological University: “STT GDC is a partner that shares our commitment to advancing impactful research and developing future-ready talent. Leveraging NTU’s strengths in artificial intelligence, energy-efficient systems and translational innovation, this partnership will accelerate the co-development of next-generation AI data centre technologies while providing our students and researchers with valuable real-world experience. Together, we are helping to build a robust pipeline of skilled professionals who will support Singapore’s ambitions in sustainable and AI-driven digital infrastructure.”
Ms Joan Tay, Senior Director, NUS Centre for Future-ready Graduates: “NUS’ partnership with STT GDC is timely, as demand grows for skilled professionals to manage complex, high-density AI infrastructure. Through internships, training, industry engagement and access to recognised certification, we bridge education and industry to equip students with the skills and experience needed to thrive in today’s fast-evolving digital infrastructure space.”
