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Airport health authorities across parts of Asia have stepped up screening measures following confirmed Nipah virus infections in southern India, as governments move to limit the risk of cross-border transmission of one of the world’s deadliest zoonotic diseases. Thermal scanning, health declarations and targeted advisories for travellers arriving from affected regions have been expanded at several international gateways, according to aviation and public health officials.

Health officials say the steps reflect heightened vigilance rather than evidence of international spread. Nipah virus, which circulates naturally in fruit bats of the Pteropus genus, does not transmit easily between people but can cause severe respiratory illness and fatal encephalitis when outbreaks occur. The case fatality rate recorded in past outbreaks has ranged between 40 per cent and 75 per cent, making it a pathogen of particular concern for health systems with dense populations and high travel volumes.

Kerala has confirmed a small cluster of infections, triggering contact tracing, isolation of close contacts and temporary restrictions in affected localities. State authorities have emphasised that the outbreak remains contained, with surveillance expanded in hospitals and laboratories instructed to prioritise testing of patients with compatible symptoms. Central health agencies have issued advisories to states to strengthen infection-control protocols, especially in intensive care units.

Against this backdrop, several Asian countries have updated airport health protocols. Major hubs in Southeast Asia have reinstated temperature screening for passengers arriving from Kerala and neighbouring regions, while airlines have circulated guidance to cabin crew on recognising symptoms and handling suspected cases in flight. Travellers reporting fever, headache, cough or altered consciousness are being referred for secondary screening and medical evaluation on arrival.

Public health experts note that such measures are designed to buy time rather than eliminate risk entirely. Nipah virus has an incubation period that can extend beyond a week, meaning asymptomatic travellers may not be detected at borders. However, early identification of symptomatic cases can reduce exposure in crowded terminals and allow faster clinical intervention.

Regional travel checks widen amid Nipah concerns, health specialists say, reflecting lessons learned from previous outbreaks. Since Nipah was first identified in Malaysia in 1998 during an outbreak linked to pig farming, sporadic episodes have been recorded in Bangladesh and India, often associated with consumption of raw date palm sap contaminated by bats or close contact with infected patients. Bangladesh has reported more frequent outbreaks, with evidence of limited human-to-human transmission in hospital and household settings.

There is currently no approved vaccine or specific antiviral treatment for Nipah virus. Clinical management focuses on supportive care, including respiratory support and treatment of complications. Experimental therapies and vaccine candidates are under development, but none has reached late-stage approval. This places a premium on early detection, isolation and rigorous infection control.

Airports are a critical interface in that strategy. Aviation authorities say screening has been calibrated to avoid unnecessary disruption to travel while maintaining public confidence. Airlines operating routes to India have not reported cancellations, though some passengers have faced longer processing times at arrival halls.

Economic analysts point out that even limited health alerts can affect tourism-dependent economies if risk communication is mishandled. Governments have sought to strike a careful balance, emphasising that there is no general travel ban and that routine travel remains safe. Health ministries across the region have coordinated messaging through existing disease surveillance networks to ensure consistent guidance.

Within India, the outbreak has renewed scrutiny of zoonotic spillover risks linked to deforestation, urban expansion and climate variability. Ecologists note that changes in bat habitats can increase contact with human settlements, raising the likelihood of viral transmission. Public health planners argue that long-term prevention will require stronger integration of animal, human and environmental health policies under a “One Health” approach.

Jointly organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) under the theme of “Co-creating New Horizons Amid an Evolving Landscape”, the AFF welcomed more than 150 distinguished speakers from around the world.

A new Global Business Summit was held throughout day-two of the AFF yesterday, to further integrate finance with key industries and drive innovation and economic development.

Co-organised by the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau of the HKSAR Government, the HKTDC, and the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises, the summit explored how finance empowers businesses. It also examined how Hong Kong can support Chinese Mainland enterprises to “go global”, and the prospects for foreign enterprises entering the Mainland market.

In his opening remarks at the summit, Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government, highlighted trade, finance and innovation and technology as the three principal drivers of future economic growth.

“Hong Kong is not just a platform that connects capital, market, projects, talent and opportunity. Hong Kong is willing to be a strategic partner to help you grow, scale up and go global,” Mr Chan said.

On building a more vibrant tech ecosystem, Mr Chan said the HKSAR Government is determined to attract the world’s leading frontier-technology enterprises to establish a presence in Hong Kong.

“We welcome technology and industrial enterprises to establish a presence in the Northern Metropolis. Where justified, we are prepared to tailor incentive packages, which may include land grants, premium concessions, tax incentives and other facilitation measures. Everything is negotiable,” he said.

Prof Frederick Ma, Chairman of the HKTDC, in his welcome remarks at the summit, said: “In these unpredictable times, working together on shared goals adds to the agility and resilience of our economies, our industries and businesses, and our communities. Hong Kong, under the ‘one country, two systems’ arrangement, is perfectly suited to host these conversations and promote cross-sector collaboration, as a super connector, super value-adder and super collaborator.”

A series of plenary sessions held during the summit included the Business Plenary I – Chinese Mainland Enterprises Going Global, and Business Plenary II – Strategic Collaboration for Shared Growth, focusing on the latest opportunities in global market expansion and inbound foreign investment.

The Global Business Summit also featured a series of discussion sessions covering high‑growth, high‑value sectors, including biomedicine and healthcare, green energy, new consumer trends, artificial intelligence and robotics.

Speakers included representatives of prominent enterprises in the respective fields, such as Banking Circle, Infineon AG, Investcorp, JP Morgan, Revolut, Triton Partners, Amgen, Merck, DexForce Technology, JD.com, Pictet Group, AI² Robotics, Galbot and Tencent.

Paul Polman, a business leader, investor and philanthropist who is dedicated to advocating for systemic change, climate action, and social equality, delivered the Keynote Luncheon speech (January 27). He shared his “Net Positive” corporate sustainability strategy, which he has championed in recent years, focusing on advancing sustainable development.

Meanwhile, this year’s AFF Deal-making session, co-organised by the HKTDC and the Hong Kong Venture Capital and Private Equity Association, attracted over 280 investors and over 600 investment projects, resulting in more than 800 one-on-one meetings that successfully connected global capital with investment opportunities.

The AFF also marked the start of this year’s International Financial Week, featuring14 industry events that span a wide range of globally watched financial and business topics, including ASEAN opportunities, digital finance, green finance, family offices, private equity and alternative investments. Together, these events underscore Hong Kong’s unique role as the region’s most comprehensive and diversified international financial centre.

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AI-related Attacks and Supply Chain Risks Emerge as Top Concerns Nearly 30% of Enterprises Lack Dedicated Cybersecurity Personnel

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:

1. AI-Driven Attacks and Agentic AI Risks
2. Weak AI Governance of Enterprises Increases Data Leakage Risks
3. Supply Chain Vulnerabilities and Third-Party Security Gaps
4. Over-Reliance on Cloud Infrastructure Creates Single Points of Failure
5. Emerging Threats from AI-Enabled Devices

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:

1. Assigning Personnel for Cybersecurity: Enterprises should assign employees with basic cybersecurity knowledge to be responsible for daily monitoring and response work, with clear division of responsibilities to ensure timely response to emergencies.
2. Promoting AI Governance and Regulation: As the application of AI tools and third-party platforms becomes increasingly widespread, enterprises should formulate relevant policies and operational guidelines, clearly specifying the available tools and scope of data input, as well as procedures for responding to third-party incidents, to minimise operational and reputational risks.
3. Collaborative Efforts of All Staff to Prevent Phishing Attacks: Enterprises should adopt both technical measures (such as email filtering and multi‑factor authentication) and an organisation‑wide security culture to jointly defend against phishing attacks. This helps enhance each employee’s ability to identify suspicious emails and links, thereby reducing the risk of data leakage.
4. Enhance Cybersecurity Awareness and Training across all Staff: Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility across the entire organisation. Enterprises should regularly provide targeted security training for different departments—especially for roles that handle sensitive data—and strengthen incident response capabilities through simulation exercises and case‑based learning to reduce human error.
5. Strengthen Technical Protection Measures: Enterprises should implement essential cybersecurity technologies, including:
   • Email security and access‑rights control
   • Data protection measures (such as encryption and backup)
   • Remote access security measures mechanisms (such as VPNs and identity authentication)
   • Proactive security solutions (such as intrusion detection and firewall monitoring)

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.

About Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre

Managed by the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre (HKCERT) is the centre for coordination of computer security incident response for local enterprises and Internet Users. Its missions are to facilitate information disseminating, provide advices on preventive measures against security threats and to promote information security awareness.

HKCERT collaborates with local bodies to collect and disseminate information, and coordinate response actions. HKCERT is also a member of the Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams (FIRST) and the Asia Pacific Computer Emergency Response Team (APCERT). We exchange information with other CERTs and act as a point of contact on cross-border security incidents.

About the Hong Kong Productivity Council
The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) is a statutory body established in 1967, dedicated to enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of Hong Kong enterprises through world-class applied R&D, innovative technology services, and integrated manufacturing solutions. As a market-oriented, international R&D organisation, HKPC leverages its deep expertise and extensive industry experience in key areas such as AI, advanced manufacturing, life and health technology, green technology and new energy to drive new industrialisation and support the growth of emerging and future industries.

HKPC focuses on addressing businesses challenges and industrial technology needs, promoting the full integration between technological and industrial innovation. Through technology transfer, product innovation, intellectual property protection and commercialisation of R&D outcomes, the Council fosters collaboration with the local business community as well as top global R&D institutions, delivering added value to industries and advancing the development of new productive forces. HKPC’s world-class R&D achievements have been widely recognised over the years, winning an array of local and overseas accolades, reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as an international innovation and technology centre and a smart city.

To help enterprises capitalise on Hong Kong’s strengths in international connectivity to expand into global markets, HKPC offers comprehensive overseas expansion services tailored to critical areas including product development, technology, manufacturing, and management, enabling businesses to successfully go global from Hong Kong.

HKPC is also committed to providing timely and practical support to SMEs and startups with timely and practical , assisting them in accessing Government funding programmes. Through its FutureSkills training initiatives, HKPC helps both industry and academia stay ahead in latest digital and STEM technologies, nurturing a future-ready talent pool for Hong Kong.

For more information, please visit HKPC’s website: www.hkpc.org/en.

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.

More than 10,000 Ophthalmic Experts to Convene, Reinforcing Hong Kong’s Status as a Leading International Hub for Ophthalmology

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 January 2026 – The 41st Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology Congress (APAO 2026 Congress), in conjunction with the 37th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Hong Kong Ophthalmological Symposium, will be held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) from 5 to 8 February this year. Hosted by the APAO and co-hosted by the Hong Kong Ophthalmological Society and the College of Ophthalmologists of Hong Kong, this congress is the largest and most authoritative ophthalmological academic conference in the Asia-Pacific region. It is expected to attract more than 10,000 ophthalmologists, vision scientists, and ophthalmic professionals from around the globe to exchange the latest breakthroughs in the prevention and treatment of eye diseases and to drive the advancement of the field globally. The opening ceremony will take place on 5 February afternoon, with Professor Lo Chung-mau, Secretary for Health of the HKSAR, as the Guest of Honour.

Theme “Eyes on the Future: Innovating Ophthalmology” to Explore Clinical Applications of Cutting-Edge Technology

Under the theme “Eyes on the Future: Innovating Ophthalmology,” the four-day congress will feature over 300 insightful sessions. It will bring together more than 1,000 distinguished speakers and 10,000 attendees to explore the clinical applications and translations of state-of-the-art technologies. The scientific programme covers 19 subspecialties—from core areas such as cataract, cornea, glaucoma, and retina, paediatric ophthalmology, and oculoplastic surgery, etc., to emerging fields like artificial intelligence, digital innovation, and virtual health. This comprehensive agenda is dedicated to fostering the continuous development of international ophthalmology.

A key highlight of the congress is the 2nd “World EyeCons in Ophthalmology of the 21st Century” Award Ceremony, scheduled for 5 February morning. This prestigious award recognises the world’s most influential ophthalmologists, vision scientists, innovators, and leaders who have profoundly shaped and advanced the field in the 21^st century. Following the ceremony, a symposium titled “Pioneers and Visions: Innovations Shaping the Future of Ophthalmology” will feature presentations from current and past awardees, sharing invaluable insights on breakthrough advancements and the future of eye care.

Accelerate Cross-border and Global Collaboration

In addition to the annual English-language programme, this year’s APAO Congress will feature a special Chinese-language Scientific Programme to enhance regional collaboration and academic exchange, with over 100 leading ophthalmologists from the Chinese Mainland invited for in-depth discussions. A key event is the public health luncheon on myopia control, focusing on the innovative and evidence-based “Chinese Myopia Prevention and Control Model”. Top experts from the Chinese Mainland and abroad will share their perspectives on myopia prevention and control strategies. The objective is to showcase China’s impactful framework for comprehensive and public health management, robust research, new technologies, and effective policy to the global ophthalmic community.

On the same day, four leading eye care organizations will jointly establish the new Hong Kong Interdisciplinary Myopia Control Expert Taskforce (Hong Kong Myopia Taskforce). This collaborative initiative is led by the Hong Kong Ophthalmological Society, the College of Ophthalmologists of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Association of Private Eye Surgeons, and the Hong Kong Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus Society. This taskforce will pioneer the integration of academic research, clinical services, and public education to propose a comprehensive myopia control strategy for Hong Kong. Furthermore, it will promote more holistic, cost-effective, and long-term myopia management solutions by incorporating cutting-edge technologies such as AI, wearable devices, and novel therapies for the public’s benefit. This session will be officiated by Dr Ronald Lam Man-kin, Director of Health of the HKSAR, as the Guest of Honour.

For APAO 2026 Programme Schedule, please visit：https://2026.apaophth.org/program-overview/。

APAO 2026 to Enhance Hong Kong’s Clinical Prowess and Showcase World-Class Scientific Standards

Professor Jason Yam Cheuk-sing, President of the APAO 2026 Congress & President of The Hong Kong Ophthalmological Society, stated, “Hosting the APAO Congress for the fifth time is a testament to Hong Kong’s internationally recognised strength in ophthalmology. This world-class platform not only allows us to engage with top global experts and enhance our clinical capabilities in managing complex cases but also enables us to showcase Hong Kong’s cutting-edge ophthalmic technology and scientific prowess to the world, solidifying our leadership position as an international ophthalmology hub. We sincerely thank the generous support of the Funding Programme under the Innovation and Technology Commission, which has made this prestigious event possible.”

Professor Dennis Lam Shun-chiu, President of Academia of Retina International and Scientific Program Committee Chair of the APAO 2026 Congress, said, “At the upcoming APAO Congress, two significant societies will be officially established: the Global Ophthalmic Artificial Intelligence and Technology Innovation Society (GOATS) and the Asia-Pacific Stem Cell and Gene Therapy Society (APSOCGT). We are confident that these initiatives will provide substantial impetus for the advancement of ophthalmic artificial intelligence, technological innovation, stem cell and gene therapy, facilitating their translation from foundational research to clinical application, not only within the Asia-Pacific region but also on a global scale.”

Professor Clement Tham Chee-yung, President of the Hong Kong Glaucoma Society and Secretary-General of the Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology, noted, “In recent years, we have seen new treatment options for glaucoma, one of which is ‘minimally invasive glaucoma surgeries (MIGS).’ The key advantage of MIGS is the implantation of microscopic tubes into the eye to increase the outflow of aqueous humour, thereby reducing intraocular pressure and preventing further vision loss.”

Concurrent Large-Scale Ophthalmic Exhibition Welcomes Students and the Public

During the congress, a large-scale ophthalmic exhibition will also be held at the HKCEC, bringing together renowned international ophthalmic brands to showcase their latest technologies and products, providing a platform for industry professionals to network and source. The “Technology and Innovation in Ophthalmology Exhibition” will spotlight the research capabilities of local top-tier universities, featuring the outstanding research achievements of the ophthalmology teams from The Chinese University of Hong Kong and The University of Hong Kong.

The exhibition will also gather professional and charitable organisations—including the Hong Kong Ophthalmological Society, the College of Ophthalmologists of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Association of Private Eye Surgeons, and the Eye Care Charitable Foundation—to introduce various eye care services, medical information, and support programmes. To promote science education, this exhibition has been included in the Education Bureau’s “Business-School Partnership Programme – Ophthalmology Rising Stars Program,” with free admission for registered students and the public. This initiative aims to deepen public understanding of how cutting-edge technology drives the development of eye care and to demonstrate the societal value of academic research.

Free exhibition admission. Register now: https://www.i-concept.events

For more details about the APAO 2026 Congress, please visit https://2026.apaophth.org/.

This press release is issued by the APAO 2026 Congress.

Hashtag: #APAO2026

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About the APAO 2026 Congress

The Asia-Pacific Academy of Ophthalmology (APAO) Congress is the largest and most authoritative academic conference for ophthalmology in the Asia-Pacific region. The upcoming congress (APAO 2026) will be held in Hong Kong from 5 to 8 February 2026, in conjunction with the 37th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Hong Kong Ophthalmological Symposium. It is expected to attract more than 10,000 ophthalmologists, vision scientists, and ophthalmic professionals from around the globe. This prestigious event provides a premier international platform for attendees to exchange professional knowledge, showcase innovative technologies, and foster collaborations to collectively advance the latest global developments in preventing blindness and restoring sight. For more information, please visit https://2026.apaophth.org/.

• Henkel is celebrating its 150th anniversary under the motto “Future? Ready!”, highlighting its pioneering spirit, innovation, and commitment to responsibility
• Recognition and benefits for employees during the anniversary year, as well as initiatives and events worldwide

DÜSSELDORF, GERMANY – Newsaktuell – 19 January 2026 – This year, Henkel is celebrating a special anniversary: 150 years ago, on 26 September 1876, Fritz Henkel founded the company, which over the course of its history has developed into a global group with around 47,000 employees in more than 70 countries.

The 2026 anniversary year is held under the motto “Future? Ready!”, expressing confidence in Henkel’s continued successful development, even in challenging times marked by geopolitical tensions, technological transformation, and growing volatility. At the heart of the anniversary are the qualities that have shaped the company since its founding a pioneering spirit, innovative strength, and responsibility.

“150 years mark an important milestone in Henkel’s history. They stand for continuity, a pioneering spirit, and the courage to constantly rethink the status quo,” says Dr. Simone Bagel-Trah, Chairwoman of the Supervisory Board and Shareholders’ Committee of Henkel. “As a family-owned company, we bear responsibility towards our employees, society, and future generations. We are proud of how our employees around the world continue to bring the shared Henkel spirit to life and carry it forward every day. Our purpose expresses what we stand for: creating value and positive impact with our pioneering and entrepreneurial spirit, always keeping the well-being of today’s and future generations in mind. Or, as we say: Pioneers at heart for the good of generations. This gives me great confidence and trust as we look ahead.”

“With this special anniversary, we want to reaffirm our confidence in our capabilities, our people, our innovative strength, and our corporate culture,” says Henkel CEO Carsten Knobel. “Under the motto ‘Future? Ready!’, we are entering our anniversary year – a year in which we look back with great pride on our long history and, at the same time, look ahead with confidence to the path ahead of us. At the heart of the anniversary are our employees around the world, because they are the key to our success. That is why we are actively involving them in the celebrations – through tangible benefits such as advantages in the employee share program, an additional day of vacation, and, of course, a variety of events worldwide around the company’s birthday in September.”

An anniversary that brings people together: Benefits for Henkel employees

As part of the employee share program in 2026, Henkel will offer all participants an exclusive anniversary benefit. The company will top up every employee investment by 41 percent, enabling stronger participation in Henkel’s business success. In simple terms: employees who invest 100 euros in Henkel shares will receive shares worth 141 euros. In addition, all employees worldwide will be granted an extra day of vacation in their birthday month during the anniversary year.

In 2026, special celebrations and activities will take place at Henkel sites around the world, connecting the company’s past with a forward-looking perspective. The highlight will be September 26, the company’s founding day.

Tradition meets the future: Henkel looks back on 150 years of company history

Founded in 1876 in Aachen, Henkel has evolved from a small detergent manufacturer into a global company with leading market positions and strong brands such as Loctite, Persil, and Schwarzkopf. Today, Henkel generates annual sales of more than 21 billion euros and employs 47,000 people worldwide.

A comprehensive academic perspective on the company’s history is provided by the independent study “Henkel – From a detergent manufacturer to a global company” by Prof. Dr. Joachim Scholtyseck. The German version of the publication will be published on January 30, 2026. The English language version will be published in later spring 2026.

Further information, images, and the digital Henkel History Timeline are available here: https://www.henkel.com/press-and-media/facts-and-figures/150-years-of-henkel

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Henkel

With its brands, innovations and technologies, Henkel holds leading market positions worldwide in the industrial and consumer businesses. The business unit Adhesive Technologies is the global leader in the market for adhesives, sealants and coatings. With Consumer Brands, the company holds leading positions especially in laundry & home care and hair in many markets and categories around the world. The company’s three strongest brands are Loctite, Persil and Schwarzkopf. In fiscal 2024, Henkel reported sales of more than 21.6 billion euros and adjusted operating profit of around 3.1 billion euros. Henkel’s preferred shares are listed in the German stock index DAX. Sustainability has a long tradition at Henkel, and the company has a clear sustainability strategy with specific targets. Henkel was founded in 1876 and today employs a diverse team of about 47,000 people worldwide – united by a strong corporate culture, shared values and a common purpose: “Pioneers at heart for the good of generations.” More information at www.henkel.com