Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Barcelona set the stage for what could be a defining moment in mobile innovation as Honor unveiled its Robot Phone at the Mobile World Congress 2026, positioning the device as a radical departure from conventional smartphones. Described by the company as a “new species of smartphone,” the Robot Phone blends advanced imaging, motion intelligence and interactive AI to create a device that not […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Amazon’s cloud operations in the United Arab Emirates were hit by power and connectivity failures after unidentified objects struck a data centre site, triggering a fire that forced authorities to cut electricity to parts of the facility and disrupting services across the region. Amazon Web Services, the cloud-computing arm of Amazon, said on its public status page that two clusters of data centres […]
A prominent XRP investor has publicly defended an ambitious $31 price projection for Ripple’s XRP token, arguing that long-term technical indicators and structural shifts in the digital-asset market could propel the cryptocurrency into a new valuation range. The projection, which has circulated widely across trading forums and social media platforms, suggests XRP may be approaching what chart analysts describe as a “springboard” formation. Supporters of the view […]
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 February 2026 – As design increasingly proves its power to transform creativity into a strategic force of macroeconomic competitiveness, Bangkok Design Week 2026 (BKKDW2026), organized by the Creative Economy Agency (Public Organization) or CEA, together with its partners, enters its ninth edition with a bold ambition — evolving from a national design festival into a leading creative platform for Asia. By uniting networks of designers and international partners from more than 17 countries across Asia and Europe, the festival plays a pivotal role in positioning Bangkok as Asia‘s Creative Festival Hub (Creative Hub of Asia).
Under the theme “DESIGN S/O/S,” Bangkok Design Week 2026 highlights design and creativity as practical tools to help societies act, adapt, and survive amid global challenges. The festival significantly expands its international partnerships, opening new spaces for designers, artists, and creative entrepreneurs to exchange knowledge, technology, and business models. These collaborations aim to foster a new creative business ecosystem as one that leads to investment opportunities, business matching, and the development of Thai creative products capable of competing in global markets.
Explore perspectives from international partners, who shed light on the role of design as a universal language — a borderless bridge between cultures that generates tangible opportunities for Thailand’s creative economy in the global arena.
FROM LEGACY TO THE FUTURE. RESTORATION AS A DESIGN PROJECT
Sustainable Cultural Asset Management for Future Generations
by Embassy of Italy in Bangkok
The first international highlight comes from Italy, through the project Italia Reloaded, presented by the Italian Cultural Institute and the Embassy of Italy in Thailand. The initiative introduces the concept of “Restoration as Sustainability.”
Maria Sica, Director of the Italian Cultural Institute, explains “Restoration is not about the past, it lies at the heart of sustainability. It focuses on reusing existing resources rather than producing new ones, guided by the principle of ‘Not Fake’- repairing without imitation. By integrating innovation, restoration preserves the authenticity and living value of cultural heritage. The project also draws on the historical relationship between Florence and Bangkok, inspired by the legacy of Silpa Bhirasri, serving as a foundation for knowledge transfer and hands-on workshops. These activities aim to elevate Thai craftsmanship to international standards while supporting high-quality cultural tourism. Together, these efforts frame restoration as a strategic pillar of urban cultural asset management — revitalizing historic districts, generating economic vitality, and strengthening a creative business ecosystem that grows sustainably from the city’s existing foundations.
LAHI (Heritage): The Philippine Fashion Exhibition
Fashion as Cultural Diplomacy and a New Economic Bridge in ASEAN
by the Philippine Embassy in Thailand
Representing the Philippines, Bangkok Design Week 2026 serves as the launch platform for “LAHI (Heritage): The Philippines Fashion Exhibition,“ presented through a collaboration between the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Philippine Trade and Investment Center in Bangkok, and the Philippine Embassy in Thailand. Using fashion as a tool of both economic development and creative diplomacy, the initiative underscores Thailand’s role as a strategic partner for the Philippines within ASEAN.
A representative from DTI noted “Bangkok Design Week is a key platform for showcasing Philippine design capabilities to regional and global markets. It also serves as a gateway for cross-border business and investment opportunities, particularly through co-creation.The collaboration explores hybrid products that combine Thailand’s strength in international-standard manufacturing with Philippine design and craftsmanship. This approach not only strengthens the ASEAN brand and elevates products into high-value market segments, but also demonstrates how fashion — when rooted in cultural heritage — can become a competitive economic asset on the global stage.”
Ephemeral Sounds of the Gulf
Listening to Impermanence Through Design That Is Meant to Dissolve
The project “Ephemeral Sounds of the Gulf“ by Japanese mixed-media artist and producer Erika Tsuchiya (VCUarts Qatar) examines the tension between permanence and impermanence in contemporary production and consumption. The work experiments with biomaterial records, using physical media as a sonic and conceptual platform.
Erika Tsuchiya explains “The project reflects the continued economic potential of the physical format market even in a digital era — especially in Bangkok, where vinyl culture is experiencing a revival. At the same time, the project functions as research and development for a future green supply chain in the music industry. By recording natural soundscapes from the Arabian Gulf region and distributing them globally through biodegradable records, the work challenges conventional expectations of sonic perfection, while raising awareness of digital pollution and resource-intensive mass reproduction.
“Presently, designers and creators must be conscious of where materials come from and the impact of their choices. Understanding costs and consequences from the very beginning of the supply chain is the foundation of business models that grow not only in profit, but in long-term sustainability.” Tsuchiya concludes.
People Pavilion: Reimagining Streetlights as Urban Landmarks
Shade, Light, and Inclusive Design for the Tropical City
Another tangible example of urban innovation is People Pavilion, or Lan Prakai Muang, a collaboration between Urban Ally and HAS design and research, led by Jenchieh Hung and Kulthida Songkittipakdee. The project reinterprets “the Streetlight Pole” an existing piece of urban infrastructure transforming it into a functional and inclusive public architecture.
The design is grounded in a shared perspective that “the tropical climate is not a constraint, but an urban resource.” Drawing from everyday life in Bangkok where people seek shade during the day and light at night, the pavilion upgrades existing infrastructure into usable public space. This approach reduces construction waste while adding value to existing urban assets through the concept of infrastructure upcycling.
The core of the project goes beyond creating a new space. People Pavilion functions as an urban prototype for sustainable city-making, offering alternative solutions to public space challenges without relying on large-scale budgets. Through cross-sector collaboration and inclusive design, underutilized or neglected areas are transformed into places of tangible social and economic impact supporting a more resilient, adaptive, and people-centered city. Ultimately, the project demonstrates that meaningful urban transformation can be achieved through strategic design, rather than heavy financial investment.
HONG KONG: Projecting Future Heritage
When Everyday Architecture Becomes Tomorrow‘s Blueprint
The exhibition “HONG KONG: Projecting Future Heritage,“originally presented at the Venice Biennale Architettura in 2025, arrives in Bangkok curated by Hong Kong architects and urbanists Sunnie S.Y. Lau and Fai Au. It offers a perspective on social innovation by re-examining architecture embedded in everyday life. Moving beyond iconic landmarks, it invites critical reflection on ordinary buildings and familiar urban structures.
The two creators explain “Under the concept of Future Heritage, we explore strategic commonalities among historic port cities such as Hong Kong, Venice, and Bangkok. Those highlight the role of urban water systems as foundational infrastructures that have shaped these cities’ transformation from historic settlements into economic centers. We also present local architectures that reflect real everyday life, which may become valuable historical heritage in the next 20 – 30 years.”
From a sustainability perspective, the exhibition proposes an approach to urban development that integrates traditional wisdom with contemporary technology. Rather than viewing existing buildings as obsolete or burdensome, it advocates adaptive reuse — reimagining and repurposing structures without demolition — so they can continue to support living, working, and everyday life in meaningful ways. The exhibition underscores that looking back at what already exists is a crucial key to transforming cultural heritage into economic and intellectual capital capable of sustainable growth in the future.
Elevating Bangkok Design Week as the Creative Hub of Asia
These collaborations represent only a fraction of what unfolds at Bangkok Design Week 2026, taking place from 29 January – 8 February 2026. Through CEA’s strategic direction, the festival is being elevated as an international creative platform connecting designers, cities, businesses, and investors from Thailand and abroad. The goal is clear to transform cultural capital into measurable economic value, while firmly establishing Bangkok as one of Asia’s leading creative festival hubs. Driven by the power of the creative economy and sustained through long-term cross-border collaboration, Bangkok Design Week continues to advance a vision of inclusive, competitive, and sustainable growth for the region and beyond.
Hashtag: #CEA #BKKDW2026 #BangkokDesignWeek #DesignSOS #PowerOfDesign #PowerOfThaiDesign
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Bangkok Design Week, first launched in 2018, has long been a fixture on the Bangkok event calendar. It plays a pivotal role in fostering the creative economy and propelling Bangkok to stand out as a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) as a City of Design. Organized by the Creative Economy Agency (Public Organization) or CEA, in collaboration with over 60 public and private organizations, educational institutions, and international partners, the festival draws an estimated 400,000 visitors from both Thailand and abroad each year. Bangkok Design Week serves as a growth engine for Thailand’s creative industries in multiple ways, including showcasing creative businesses and designs, stimulating competitiveness, providing local and international business networking opportunities, and generating economic momentum for downstream sectors such as marketing, printing, online media, galleries, cafes, restaurants, gifts and souvenirs, travel, hotels, and public transportation.
The Creative Economy Agency (Public Organization) or CEA, is a government agency dedicated to promoting creativity as a key driver of Thailand’s creative economy. CEA supports the development of various creative industries and encourages the manufacturing sector to adopt creative approaches, enhancing the value of products and services and boosting Thailand’s global competitiveness.
In evocative shades of champagne, honey, cognac, brown, and whiskey, these unique colours were seen on some of our most beloved actors and actresses- showcased in an exquisite array of cuts and designs, they blended timeless elegance with contemporary style.
Gillian Anderson, together with Nathalie Emmanuel, led the Desert diamond way with striking diamonds by Brazilian jeweller Ara Vartanian. Gillian woreasymmetric stone earrings featuring exceptional brown and white diamonds with complementing rings, whilst Nathalie wore an elongated drop earrings punctuated with brown diamonds, a bracelet and rings. K-Pop Demon Hunter star Audrey Nuna wore Desert diamond ear climbers from ANANYA.
Once reserved for jewellery boxes, brooches have become a go-to on the red carpet amongst the most decerning of wearers- Rising Star nominee Archie Madekwe paired his custom Dior suit with Ara Vartanian white diamond brooch and Desert diamond vintage rings whilst Regé-Jean Page looked to fauna as his inspiration in a Desert diamond dragonfly brooch by Hirsh London.
Actress and Model Poppy Delevingne attended the British Vogue and GǪ Fashion and Film Party adorned in Desert diamonds by Ara Vartanian.
For the occasion, Poppy chose to wear a curated selection of pieces in Desert diamond hues, included a striking necklace from the new Empirea collection, set with 17.34 carats of brown diamonds.
These extraordinary moments on the red carpet remind us that natural diamonds are born of the wild, their enduring beauty and unique nature express both style and glamour, as well as timelessness and cultural legacy.
#adiamondisforever #naturaldiamonds #diamonds #BAFTA #DesertDiamonds
Hashtag: #DeBeersGroup #NaturalDiamonds #diamonds #Desertdiamonds #BAFTA #adiamondisforever
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Established in 1888, De Beers Group is the world’s leading diamond company with expertise in the exploration, mining, marketing and retailing of diamonds. Together with its joint venture partners, De Beers Group employs more than 20,000 people across the diamond pipeline and is the world’s largest diamond producer by value, with diamond mining operations in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. Innovation sits at the heart of De Beers Group’s strategy as it develops a portfolio of offers that span the diamond value chain, including its jewellery houses, De Beers Jewellers and Forevermark, and other pioneering solutions such as diamond sourcing and traceability initiatives Tracr and GemFair. De Beers Group also provides leading services and technology to the diamond industry in the form of education and laboratory services via De Beers Institute of Diamonds and a wide range of diamond sorting, detection and classification technology systems via De Beers Group Ignite. De Beers Group is committed to ‘Building Forever,’ a holistic and integrated approach for creating a better future – where safety, human rights and ethical integrity continue to be paramount; where communities thrive and the environment is protected; and where there are equal
opportunities for all. De Beers Group is a member of the Anglo American PLC group. For further information, visit www.debeersgroup.com.
With the rapid development of artificial intelligence, highly Autonomous Networks are becoming a crucial direction for the communications industry, and the importance of industry collaboration is increasingly prominent. To this end, the A2A-T protocol, including the IG1453 beta version and the enhanced prompt meta-model IG1453A, was jointly released by global telecommunications industry partners at the TM Forum Accelerate Week on February 6, 2026. It aims to provide a unified interaction framework for multi-agent collaboration, addressing challenges faced by operators in automated production, such as collaboration efficiency, reliability, and security.
As a standardized agent interaction protocol, A2A-T marks a new stage in agent interaction, unlocking three major industry breakthroughs: a revolutionary improvement in integration efficiency, reducing the system integration cycle from “months” to “days”. Breaking the boundaries of task collaboration to support complex cross-domain, cross-vendor workflows; and accelerating industry ecosystem convergence by lowering interconnection barriers through unified standards, fostering a sustainable collaborative ecosystem.
While standards chart the course for the industry, open source is the optimal path to achieve widespread interoperability and rapid innovation. In line with the evolutionary consensus of the Autonomous Network industry, Huawei is going to open source the core supporting software for the A2A-T protocol, to practically propel this standard from industry consensus to global deployment.
This open source project will encompass key components for implementing the A2A-T protocol, including:
More detailed information will be officially announced during MWC 2026 at the Global Autonomous Network Industry Summit (14:30~16:00, March 2, 2026, Sofitel Barcelona Skipper Hotel). We cordially invite global industry partners to attend the launch event on-site or follow the project’s progress through online channels, working together to promote the prosperity of the Agentic Internet.
Hashtag: #Huawei
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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 March 2026 – The eighth edition of “No Limits”, jointly presented by the Hong Kong Arts Festival and The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, officially opened on 28 February evening at the Auditorium of Kwai Tsing Theatre. The opening programme, The Nature of Why, is performed by Paraorchestra—the world’s first professional inclusive orchestra—offering audiences an immersive arts experience inspired by Nobel Prize–winning physicist Richard Feynman. Fusing live orchestral music, contemporary dance and audience interaction, the work redefines the boundaries of inclusive art.
Under the theme “All of Us, All Ways”, the eighth edition of “No Limits” is committed to revealing the richness of diverse values and connecting people through the arts. For the first time, “No Limits” has collaborated with two of Hong Kong’s flagship performing arts companies—the Hong Kong Dance Company and the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra—to produce multidisciplinary inclusive programmes. These collaborations aim to inspire new perspectives, demonstrate how inclusive arts are being further integrated into Hong Kong’s cultural mainstream, and open up the limitless imagination that diversity brings.
“No Limits” 2026 presents 11 boundary-breaking programmes across music, theatre, dance and film, in a total of 29 performances. In addition to Paraorchestra’s immersive orchestral-dance production The Nature of Why, highlights include: Wayfaring Beyond, a brand-new large-scale outdoor dance work co-produced by “No Limits” and the Hong Kong Dance Company, and co-choreographed and performed with the award-winning China Hong Kong Para Dance Sport Association; Light and Shadow on Strings, co-produced by “No Limits” and the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, featuring visually impaired rising star erhu player Yang Enhua in a concert blending traditional and contemporary Chinese music; the Asia premiere of award-winning contemporary dance work Harmonia by Theatre Bremen and Hungarian choreographer Adrienn Hód, challenging established notions of bodily value in dance; the Asia premiere of Precarious Moves, a semi-autobiographical solo performance by Vienna-based artist Michael Turinsky that confronts social expectations and established frameworks surrounding disabled bodies; “No Limits” Asia newly commissioned theatre work Two Blind Women in the Snowy Tokugawa Nights – Sleeping Fires with renowned director Kuro Tanino; and the Asia premiere of Zer-Brech-Lich, an original playful and sensorial musical dance theatre work by Swiss-based choreographer Alessandro Schiattarella, created and performed with three disabled performers. This year, “No Limits” launches the “Local Creative Research and Development Scheme”, pairing local artists with individuals of diverse abilities to co-create new works exploring inclusive practices. The initiative injects fresh vitality into Hong Kong’s inclusive arts landscape, while research outcomes will be presented during “No Limits” 2026 to showcase the potential of inclusive arts.
Ms Sum Fong-kwang, Vivian, JP, Permanent Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, said: “‘No Limits’ provides a stage for artists with different abilities to showcase their creativity and talents, fostering an inclusive community. It bridges people with different origins, backgrounds and abilities, which on the one hand enriches our arts and cultural offerings, and on the other, showcases the role of creativity as a continuous driver of societal development. I wish this year’s ‘No Limits’ resounding success, and every audience find inspiration and enlightenment through the programmes.”
At the opening ceremony, Mr Sebastian Man, Vice Chairman of the Hong Kong Arts Festival Society, said: “Since its inception in 2019, ‘No Limits’ has promoted inclusion through local and international inclusive arts performances, as well as the Jockey Club ‘No Limits’ Education and Community Outreach Programme, showcasing the remarkable talents of artists with diverse abilities. As we enter the eighth edition, we are delighted to collaborate for the first time with Hong Kong’s flagship arts companies to present two locally produced programmes that embody the spirit of diversity and inclusion. We sincerely thank The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, co-presenter of ‘No Limits’, for its long-standing support. We also thank our Strategic Supporting Partner, Arts with the Disabled Association Hong Kong, for providing comprehensive accessibility services to ensure that everyone can experience the power of the arts. Above all, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to every participating artist for their tremendous dedication.”
Mr Nicholas D Hunsworth, Steward of The Hong Kong Jockey Club, said: “In keeping with No Limits’ theme this year “All of Us, All Ways” – a series of community programmes will be presented by artists with varying abilities to promote inclusion. It reminds us that differently abled people are not different at all, but an integral part of a diverse society. The Hong Kong Jockey Club has long supported arts and cultural projects to enrich lives and build a culturally vibrant city – as evidenced by over 50 years’ funding for the Hong Kong Arts Festival. The Hong Kong Jockey Charities Trust – in partnership with the Hong Kong Arts Festival – has co-presented No Limits since its inauguration in 2019.”
Building on its established practices, “No Limits” 2026 continues to advance social inclusion and talent development through a wide range of initiatives under the Jockey Club “No Limits” Education and Community Outreach Programme. These initiatives promote inclusivity and creativity, strengthen networks across the education and community sectors, and lay the foundation for a more empathetic and inclusive society. Programmes include the inclusive dance project VISION, International Symposium The Way Forward: A Humanistic–Tech Framework for Inclusive Innovation, school touring concert The Ways We Move, as well as the “No Limits” Creative Training Programme and Community Showcases.
In addition to live performances, online screening programmes include the documentary A Space in Time by Riccardo Servini and Nick Taussig, which follows a couple and their two sons born with Duchenne muscular dystrophy as they journey forward together; Sarah Polley’s Away from Her, portraying a couple of over 40 years facing early-onset Alzheimer’s disease; Taku Aoyagi’s documentary Fujiyama Cottonton, set at Mirai Farm, which serves people with disabilities, and exploring the beauty of everyday life, creativity and community; and Caroline Cavalcanti’s Lapse, a heart-warming story of two teenagers—a deaf skateboarder and a rap enthusiast—who form a bond through sign language and shared struggles.
Tickets for live performances are now available via URBTIX. Half-price concessionary tickets are offered to full-time students, people with disabilities and one companion, and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) recipients. (www.urbtix.hk/series/124?bannerCode=NL2026)
Community programmes are free and open to the public without prior registration. Programmes screened online will be available free of charge on the official website www.nolimits.hk from 30 March to 25 May 2026.
Extending the spirit of inclusion beyond the stage, “No Limits” has also launched a brand-new accessibility-themed plush toys collection. Purchase “No Limits” programme tickets worth HK$500 or more in a single transaction via URBTIX to receive one No Limits Inclusive Plush Toy Redemption Coupon upon ticket collection. Available while stocks last.
Arts Accessibility Services
“No Limits” collaborates with the Arts with the Disabled Association Hong Kong to enhance high-quality art projects with accessibility services and ensure that audiences with varying needs can enjoy performances without barriers. Accessibility services differ from programme to programme, and include audio description, accessible captions, sign language interpretation, theatrical interpretation, braille booklets, audio booklets, easy-to-read booklets and relaxed performances. Extra wheelchair seats may be available at the venues, and guide dogs are welcome.
For more event details, please visit the “No Limits” website: www.nolimits.hk
Click here for programme details: www.nolimits.hk/programme
Urbtix: https://www.urbtix.hk/series/124?bannerCode=NL2026
Appendix
Programme
| Date | Programme | Performer/ Director | Venue |
| Highlights | |||
| 27 Feb – 1 Mar 2026 | The Nature of Why | Paraorchestra | Auditorium,
Kwai Tsing Theatre |
| 28 Feb – 1 Mar 2026 | Wayfaring Beyond | Hong Kong Dance Company & China Hong Kong Para Dance Sport Association | Parade Ground,
Tai Kwun |
| 13-15 Mar 2026 | Zer-Brech-Lich | Alessandro Schiattarella and Ensemble | Black Box Theatre,
Kwai Tsing Theatre |
| 17-18 Mar 2026 | Precarious Moves | Michael Turinsky | The Box,
Freespace, WestK |
| 21-22 Mar 2026 | Harmonia | Unusual Symptoms / Theatre Bremen / Adrienn Hód | The Box,
Freespace, WestK |
| 27-29 Mar 2026 | Two Blind Women in the Snowy Tokugawa Nights – Sleeping Fires | Kuro Tanino | Studio Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre |
| 28 Mar 2026 | Light and Shadow on Strings | Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra (Chamber Ensemble)
Yang Enhua (Solo and Ensemble) |
Auditorium,
Tsuen Wan Town Hall |
| “No Limits” International Symposium | |||
| 8 Mar 2026 | The Way Forward: A Humanistic–Tech Framework for Inclusive Innovation | JC Cube, Tai Kwun | |
Online Programmes
| Free screening available on “No Limits” website | Programme | Director |
| 30 Mar – 25 May 2026 | A Space in Time | Riccardo Servini & Nick Taussig |
| 30 Mar – 25 May 2026 | Away From Her | Sarah Polley |
| 30 Mar – 25 May 2026 | Lapse | Caroline Cavalcanti |
| 30 Mar – 25 May 2026 | Fujiyama Cottonton | Taku Aoyagi |
Hashtag: #NoLimits
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Launched in 1973, the Hong Kong Arts Festival is a major international arts festival committed to enriching the cultural life of the city. In February and March every year, the Festival presents leading local and international artists from all genres of the performing arts, giving equal importance to great traditions and contemporary creations. The Festival also commissions and produces work in theatre, music, chamber opera and contemporary dance by Hong Kong’s own creative talents and emerging artists, many of which have subsequently had successful runs in Hong Kong and overseas. Every year, the Festival also presents more than 250 “PLUS” and educational activities that offer diverse arts experiences to the community as well as tertiary, secondary and primary school students. In addition, through the “No Limits” project co-presented with The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, the Festival strives to create an inclusive space for people of different abilities to share the joy of the arts together.
For more information about the Hong Kong Arts Festival, please visit https://www.hk.artsfestival.org/.
Launched in 2019 and co-presented by the Hong Kong Arts Festival and The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, “No Limits” offers barrier-free performances and events and explores and promotes inclusiveness and understanding through the arts.
Every year from February to March, “No Limits” showcases a series of fascinating programmes of music, dance, theatre and film by international and Hong Kong artists of different abilities. It also presents free film screenings as well as education and community programmes including an international symposium.
“No Limits” is committed to provide accessible in-venue performances and programmes for people with different abilities, highlighting creativity and talent in a variety of forms, spreading the message of inclusion to the society.
For more information about “No Limits”, please visit https://www.nolimits.hk
Cyber criminals are exploiting counterfeit Zoom and Google Meet pages to install employee monitoring software on unsuspecting Windows systems, security researchers have warned, marking a shift towards using legitimate enterprise tools as covert surveillance implants. Investigations by multiple cyber security firms show that threat actors are building convincing replicas of video-conferencing portals belonging to Zoom and Google Meet, part of Google’s Workspace suite, to trick users into […]
Threat actors are exploiting a legacy Windows feature to deliver remote access malware while sidestepping conventional browser safeguards and some endpoint monitoring tools, according to new findings from cybersecurity researchers. Investigators at Cofense Intelligence have identified an ongoing campaign in which attackers abuse the Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning protocol, known as WebDAV, in combination with Windows File Explorer. The technique allows malicious files hosted on remote […]
Despite the complex and ever-changing external environment, Mr Chan noted that Hong Kong’s financial market had performed strongly and the city’s financial system remains robust.
In 2025, Hong Kong ranked first globally for funds raised through initial public offerings.
“We will continue to consolidate our existing strengths, tap into emerging fields, strengthen market systems and risk control and deepen financial co-operation in the Greater Bay Area,” Mr Chan said. “By doing so, we will enhance Hong Kong’s role as an international financial centre on all fronts and contribute to the national strategic goal of ‘accelerating China’s development as a financial powerhouse’ “.
With Hong Kong being the world’s largest hub for offshore Renminbi (RMB) business, the Financial Secretary said the city would leverage its unique strengths and proactively align with national development strategies.
For advancing the internationalisation of the RMB, Mr Chan said Hong Kong would facilitate the wider use of RMB in activities such as trade and cross-boundary business; reduce transaction costs; enrich product offerings in the offshore RMB market; improve price discovery in the short-to-medium-term-interest-rate market; and attract high-quality issuers to increase RMB bond issuance in Hong Kong.
In 2025, the stock market delivered a stellar performance. The Hang Seng Index rose by 28 per cent over the year. The daily turnover surged by 90 per cent to a historic high of close to $250 billion (US$32 billion).
Mr Chan said the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) would continue enhancing the securities market, attracting issuers and boosting market efficiency.
“We will also introduce the next stage of reforms, including enhancing the regulatory regime for listed companies, providing specific guidelines for overseas companies seeking secondary listing in Hong Kong, offering more overseas markets as recognised exchanges, and continuing to explore with the market the provision of an over-the-counter trading platform for delisted stocks or those requiring special handling.
“The electronic bond-trading platform will also be launched in the second half of this year, thereby reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as a global fixed income and currency hub,” he said.
To attract more family offices and funds to set up in Hong Kong, Mr Chan said Hong Kong would enhance the tax regime, including expanding the scope of “fund” to cover specific funds-of-one, as well as classifying digital assets, precious metals, and specified commodities, etc. as qualifying investments eligible for tax concessions.
Regarding the development of digital assets, the Government published the second policy statement for developing Hong Kong into a global hub for digital asset innovation through the establishment of a comprehensive regulatory framework.
A bill will be introduced this year to establish licensing regimes for, among others, digital asset dealing and custodian service providers.
“We will also explore the adoption of electronic signature for bond issuance documents and the digitalisation of bearer bonds,” Mr Chan said.
To promote the application of fintech and enhance the efficiency of the asset management market, the CMU OmniClear, a market infrastructure operator established by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, will establish a digital asset platform this year. It will support the issuance and settlement of digital bonds. The platform will also be gradually extended to other digital assets and linked with other tokenisation platforms in the region, consolidating Hong Kong’s leading role in the realm of digital assets.
In order to build an international gold trading market in Hong Kong, Mr Chan said the Government would explore offering tax incentives for eligible institutions conducting gold trading and settlement in Hong Kong; assist the industry in setting up an industry-led trade association to consolidate resources, step up promotion, and foster ties with industry stakeholders from around the world; and help the industry keep abreast of the latest gold market developments, acquire relevant skills and develop a training framework.
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Paramount Skydance has emerged as the probable victor in a high-stakes contest to acquire Warner Bros Discovery, as streaming giant Netflix declined to increase its offer, effectively withdrawing from the pursuit and handing momentum to its rival. Paramount’s revised proposal of $31 per share in cash and commitment to cover substantial termination and regulatory fees was judged superior by the Warner Bros Discovery board, setting the stage […]
OpenAI has disclosed that a ChatGPT account with connections to individuals affiliated with Chinese law enforcement was exploited as part of a multi-faceted cyberattack and influence operation, according to its latest threat report on malicious AI use. The account was used to draft, plan and document activities that included online harassment, covert influence campaigns and operational coordination across hundreds of platforms, prompting OpenAI to ban the associated […]
Cyber security researchers have identified a fresh phishing campaign distributing an updated strain of Agent Tesla that relies on process hollowing and layered anti-analysis techniques to bypass conventional detection tools, underscoring the malware’s enduring role in credential theft and corporate espionage. Investigators tracking the activity say the operation begins with carefully crafted phishing emails masquerading as invoices, purchase orders or shipping documents. Attached files typically contain malicious […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai Lynx is expanding its academies programme as its partnership with Publicis Groupe Middle East enters a fourth year, signalling a sustained push to cultivate creative talent across the region’s communications industry. Organisers of the annual Dubai Lynx Festival, widely regarded as the Middle East and North Africa’s leading platform for creative excellence, confirmed that Publicis Groupe Middle East will continue as the […]
Music for Comfort is the world’s first music album developed using monaural beats specifically designed for grief support in open spaces, while The Colours of Missing You is a children’s book that guides both young and old through the experience of grief using colour and storytelling. Together, these resources offer gentle, accessible pathways for emotional expression and reflection.
In line with the same commitment to bridging tradition and technology, Direct Funeral Services has also introduced Memory Weave, an AI-driven tool designed to help families honour and celebrate their loved ones through deeply personalised digital tributes, extending remembrance beyond the farewell.
Driven by a deep understanding of the needs of grieving families, Direct Funeral Services partnered with The TENG Company to co-develop Music for Comfort. The album is positioned as the world’s first to utilise monaural beats specifically designed for grief support in open environments such as funeral wakes.
Comprising 10 original tracks, the album was developed in collaboration with researchers from the Singapore Institute of Technology, with compositions aligned to the emotional stages of farewell. Early research findings indicate promising reductions in commonly reported grief-related symptoms, including anxiety and emotional overwhelm.
Alongside the album, Memory Weave, an interactive digital tool that offers families and friends a collaborative way to celebrate a life well lived. Attendees can contribute photos, videos, or audio messages via the app. These shared memories are then woven into a personalised digital montage, accompanied by music from the Music for Comfort album and played throughout the wake, offering attendees an intimate and reflective glimpse into the many facets of the departed’s life.
Jenny Tay, Managing Director at Direct Funeral Services, shares, “Every person’s life is a tapestry of stories and moments that deserve to be celebrated. With Memory Weave, we aim to provide families with meaningful ways to remember their loved ones, while creating a deeply personal farewell. By combining innovation with compassion, we hope to honour the beauty of each life lived.”
While Music for Comfort was initially conceived for funeral settings, its therapeutic potential extends beyond death care. The album may also support individuals navigating other forms of emotional loss, including divorce, illness, separation, or major life transitions. Building on The TENG Company’s Music for Mindfulness album released in 2023, Music for Comfort represents a continued exploration into emotional well-being through music. Four of the album’s ten tracks were released on Spotify in the last quarter of 2025:
(https://open.spotify.com/album/1KBClxkYV8YN78UdqTXjw5?si=XeYiRmXwR-mInRV3i vQzLA).
Written by Darren, The Colours of Missing You is an exquisitely illustrated book that helps both children and adults navigate the intricate emotions of grief. Inspired by Darren’s personal experience of losing his sister in 2022, and drawing on his expertise as a psychotherapist and leader in the deathcare industry. As the third title in a series of grief-support publications, this book uniquely uses the colours of the rainbow to represent the non-linear nature of grief.
Each colour – from red for anger to blue for sadness and indigo for healing – invites readers to acknowledge and process their feelings without judgment. The book’s captivating visuals were brought to life by Shan Jiang, a Shanghai-born, London-based artist renowned for his collaborations with global brands like Nike and NASA.
“The typical ways of addressing grief through silence, avoidance, or clinical terms can feel heavy and inaccessible. What we need is a softer entry point. Music and story help us feel first, before we think,” said Darren TK Cheng, CEO of Direct Funeral Services.
Together, these initiatives by Direct Funeral Services reflect a growing shift towards more compassionate and inclusive approaches to grief support in Singapore, underscoring how thoughtful integration of art, technology and human care can create meaningful spaces for remembrance, reflection and healing.
Hashtag: #DirectFuneral
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Established in 1980, Direct Funeral Services began with humble beginnings and has since grown to become a household name in Singapore’s death care industry, providing funeral pre-planning and specialised funeral services for Taoists, Buddhists, Christians, Catholics, and more. With a steadfast commitment to providing thoughtful, professional, and innovative afterlife services, the company has supported generations of families in celebrating and honouring the lives of their loved ones.
Beyond serving families, Direct Funeral Services is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of death planning and fostering the value of filial piety among the younger community. Through compassionate initiatives and outreach efforts, the company continues to encourage meaningful conversations around end-of-life matters.
Even as Direct Funeral Services embraces innovation, including AI-driven solutions like A Life Well Lived and Memory Weave, the company’s fundamental belief in respect and compassion remains at the heart of everything it does. This guiding principle ensures every service is delivered with care, dignity, and a deep understanding of each family’s unique needs.
To learn more about how Direct Funeral Services is transforming the art of remembrance, visit directfuneral.com.sg or contact their 24/7 helpline at +65 6555 1115. For media enquiries, please contact Direct Funeral at 
[email protected].
How the UAE Education System Works: Regulators, Curricula, Inspections and School Types The United Arab Emirates is home to one of the most diverse and rapidly expanding education sectors in the world. With over 600 private schools spread across seven emirates, families relocating to the country are met with a system that can feel overwhelming at first glance. Multiple regulators, 17 different curricula, and three distinct school […]
The addition of Miles&Smiles marks an important milestone in ASMALLWORLD’s strategic effort to strengthen its global reach and broaden the geographic diversity of its airline partnerships. With Turkish Airlines’ connectivity across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, ASMALLWORLD members can now enjoy even greater access to new destinations and cultural experiences. This collaboration underscores ASMALLWORLD’s commitment to building partnerships that combine meaningful travel rewards with exceptional service and global accessibility.
“As the airline with the most global destinations, Turkish Airlines represents excellence in connectivity and service, making them an ideal partner for our members,” said Zain Richardson, CEO of ASMALLWORLD. “This collaboration with Miles&Smiles expands our airline portfolio with a programme that shares our commitment to quality and to discovery, while also offering our members greater flexibility and access to an extensive international network.”
A Global Partnership with Turkish Airlines
Founded in 1933 and headquartered in Istanbul, Turkish Airlines is renowned for its award-winning service and one of the most extensive route networks in the world, flying to more countries than any other airline. As a member of the Star Alliance, Turkish Airlines provides seamless connections across six continents, covering over 350 destinations.
ASMALLWORLD members who select Turkish Airlines as their preferred airline partner will receive generous Miles&Smiles miles packages as part of their ASMALLWORLD membership:
These miles can be redeemed for award flights, upgrades, and other exclusive rewards within the Miles&Smiles programme, offering members a premium travel experience from start to finish.
“We are delighted to collaborate with ASMALLWORLD and extend our Miles&Smiles privileges to its distinguished members,” said Nuran Erdağ Haberdar, Vice President, Loyalty Management at Turkish Airlines. “This partnership reflects our commitment to excellence, and we look forward to welcoming ASMALLWORLD guests on board to experience the renowned hospitality of our flag carrier and our extensive global flight network.”
Expanding Premium Travel Benefits
This new partnership reinforces ASMALLWORLD’s commitment to offering its members a choice of leading global airlines and travel partners across multiple regions. By integrating Turkish Airlines into its membership portfolio, ASMALLWORLD continues to strengthen its position as an unparalleled luxury travel ecosystem, combining community, benefits, and exclusive experiences under one brand.
In addition to air miles, ASMALLWORLD members enjoy a curated suite of privileges that include VIP hotel benefits such as room upgrades and hotel credit for spa and food and beverage, elite hotel status, airport lounge access via Priority Pass, elite rental car status with SIXT, and invitations to exclusive global events.
Hashtag: #ASMALLWORLD
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Established in 1933 with a fleet of just five aircraft, Star Alliance member Turkish Airlines has grown into a global carrier operating 523 passenger and cargo aircraft. The airline serves 356 destinations worldwide, including 303 international and 53 domestic routes, across 132 countries. More information about Turkish Airlines can be found on its official website www.turkishairlines.com or its social media accounts on Facebook, X, 
YouTube, LinkedIn and Instagram.
Centred around the ASMALLWORLD social network, the company operates a luxury travel ecosystem that serves discerning travellers and industry partners.
At its core, the ASMALLWORLD social network is the trusted community for modern luxury travellers, offering a platform to connect, share experiences and enjoy a wealth of travel privileges.
ASMALLWORLD members can engage through its app and website, receive travel inspiration, and meet in person at over 800 global ASMALLWORLD events every year, ranging from casual get-togethers, access to exclusive launches, galas, major global sporting events, and larger flagship weekend experiences hosted in iconic destinations such as Saint-Tropez and St. Moritz.
Beyond the social network, the ASMALLWORLD Group extends into bespoke travel planning, luxury hospitality, and strategic B2B collaborations. Through its diverse portfolio, the Group fosters a like-minded global community, curated access to the best luxury travel benefits and lifestyle experiences.
Other businesses in the ASMALLWORLD travel ecosystem include:
ASMALLWORLD Collection, a high-end online hotel booking engine focused on the world’s most admired hotels, offering the unique “ASMALLWORLD VIP Rate,” which allows customers to enjoy exclusive travel benefits at no extra cost.
ASMALLWORLD Bespoke Travel, operates as a high-end travel agency offering personalised travel
curation services, serving as a B2B partner to independent travel advisors while providing direct B2C
experiences to its individual members.
ASMALLWORLD DISCOVERY, part of Global Hotel Alliance alongside 45 leading hotel brands, services independent hotels in providing access to the GHA DISCOVERY loyalty network
ASMALLWORLD Hospitality, a hospitality and management consultancy that supports owners and developers of hospitality assets throughout the different lifecycle stages of their assets, including acquisition, development, operations and exit.
First Class & More, a subscription-based smart luxury travel service that allows members to enjoy luxury travel at insider prices.
The World’s Finest Clubs, the world’s leading nightlife concierge offers its members VIP access to the most exclusive nightlife venues around the world.
Jetbeds, a premier booking platform specialising in affordable Business and First-Class flights, offering exclusive deals, expert advice and personalised service.
For more information, please visit:
www.asmallworldag.com
www.asmallworld.com
www.asmallworldcollection.com
www.asmallworldbespoke.com
www.asmallworlddiscovery.com
www.asmallworldhospitality.com
www.first-class-and-more.de
www.first-class-and-more.com
www.finestclubs.com
www.jetbeds.com
Shell Plc has opened preliminary discussions to sell a minority interest in the North West Shelf liquefied natural gas project in Western Australia, engaging potential buyers that include a unit of Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. and Midocean Energy, according to people familiar with the matter. Talks are centred on Shell’s holding in the A$34 billion development, one of Australia’s longest-running LNG export ventures, located near Karratha […]
Nvidia delivered record quarterly and annual revenue, beating Wall Street expectations and pushing back against claims that the artificial intelligence boom is overheating. The Silicon Valley chip designer said revenue for the fourth quarter of its fiscal year ended 26 January 2025 rose to $39.3 billion, up sharply from a year earlier and above market forecasts. Full-year revenue reached $130.5 billion, more than doubling on the previous […]
Microsoft has warned that threat actors are exploiting seemingly legitimate Next. js repositories to compromise software developers, embedding staged backdoors inside projects that mimic technical assessments and open-source tools. Security researchers at Microsoft said the campaign targets developers who routinely clone public repositories for evaluation, collaboration or recruitment exercises. The attackers publish projects that appear credible, often styled as coding challenges or portfolio pieces, and rely on […]
Hyundai Motor Group has proposed establishing hydrogen fuel-cell infrastructure across Canada as part of South Korea’s effort to secure a multibillion-dollar contract to build a new class of submarines for the Royal Canadian Navy, executives involved in the bid have said. The move, designed to appeal to Ottawa’s focus on broader industrial benefits beyond defence capabilities, envisages hydrogen production and refuelling corridors that could serve heavy-duty transport […]
Jada Fund of Funds, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, is preparing to channel more capital into private credit as Gulf investors reposition their portfolios amid volatility affecting segments of the global lending market. Chief executive Bandr Alhomaly said the Riyadh-based fund has agreed to back India-headquartered venture debt manager Stride Ventures, marking a step in its strategy to widen access to alternative financing for […]
Any firm in the UAE must have a corporate bank account. It helps pay bills and conduct international operations. However, bank account opening in Dubai isn’t as easy as it first appears. Strict AML and verification procedures complicate the process and can delay the company’s launch for a significant period. Let’s explore how to avoid possible challenges. Key Details of Bank Account Opening in Dubai Account opening is allowed […]
Nordic data centre operator atNorth has confirmed plans to develop a 300MW high-density colocation campus in Sollefteå Municipality, Sweden, marking one of the largest artificial intelligence-focused infrastructure projects announced in the region. The facility, to be built at the Hamre Industrial Park, is scheduled to begin operations in the first half of 2028. Company executives said the campus is designed to meet accelerating demand for AI and […]
