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Washington’s defence establishment is confronting a sharper supply-chain warning after President Donald Trump left Beijing claiming major trade progress, while China kept key controls on materials vital to US weapons, aircraft, satellites and advanced electronics. Trump ended his two-day visit by declaring that he had reached “fantastic trade deals” with President Xi Jinping, saying the understandings would benefit both economies. The commercial package pointed to tariff discussions, […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Saudi Arabia’s main security, safety and fire protection trade platform is set for its biggest edition as demand accelerates across critical infrastructure, smart cities, commercial property, industrial sites and large-scale development projects. Intersec Saudi Arabia 2026 will run from 16 to 18 November at Riyadh Front Exhibition & Conference Center, shifting into a larger venue format and expanding exhibition space by 40 per […]

By Nitya Chakraborty Now that the U.S. President Donald Trump is back to Washington DC. After his two day summit talks in Beijing on May 14 and 15, it is appropriate to decode the gains of the summit. There were four major issues– Taiwan, Iran war, trade deals and facilitating more business for the American […]

The article Decoding Global Geopolitical Impact Of Trump-Xi Summit In Beijing appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Dubai is positioning itself as a citywide stage for blockchain and Web3 activity as MENA Blockchain Week opens a decentralised programme designed to connect founders, investors, institutions, regulators and technology communities across multiple venues. MENA Blockchain Week, known as MENABCW, has been launched as a seven-day initiative running from 18 to 24 May 2026, with Dubai serving not as a single conference location but as the broader […]

Cape Town to host continent’s largest energy gathering as focus shifts from aspiration to execution

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – EQS Newswire – 14 May 2026 – The Africa Energy Forum (https://apo-opa.co/4ugdl9y) returns from 16-19 June 2026, bringing together the companies, investors and governments driving Africa’s move from energy access to industrial-scale infrastructure.

The companies gathering in Cape Town are deploying capital into transmission infrastructure, building mining corridors that will define trade routes for decades, financing baseload capacity that can power heavy industry, and developing renewable projects that will anchor Africa’s manufacturing future. Forum Sponsor Sun Africa leads a group of sponsors whose projects and investments are already shaping how the continent builds its industrial base.

“I am looking forward to joining the conversation in Cape Town this June. What excites me about this year’s Summit is the calibre of capital and commitment in the room — companies that are financing baseload capacity for heavy industry, building mining corridors that will define trade routes for decades, and deploying renewable projects that will anchor Africa’s manufacturing future. That is the kind of long-term, structural thinking that Sun Africa has always believed this continent deserves, and it is exactly the conversation we need to be having.” Sun Africa, CEO, Adam Cortese.

ACWA Power, Infinity Power and AMEA Power are building gigawatt-scale renewable capacity across the continent. Globeleq and TotalEnergies are financing and operating projects that demonstrate how private capital can deliver industrial-grade infrastructure. British International Investment and IFC are structuring deals that blend concessional and commercial finance to unlock sovereign wealth fund participation. Nedbank CIB is providing the sustainable finance structures that allow projects to reach financial close.

“As Africa moves from aspiration to execution, this year’s agenda focuses on the hardware of industrialisation – the steel, concrete and transmission lines that will define Africa’s industrial future,” said Simon Gosling, Managing Director of EnergyNet.

The companies driving this shift face common challenges: structuring bankable projects where perceived risk exceeds actual performance, moving critical minerals from extraction to processing, building transmission corridors that serve both mines and cities, and deploying patient capital into long-term infrastructure.

Cape Town provides the right setting. South Africa is navigating private transmission investment, energy trading, mining-driven renewable deployment, and tensions between industrial growth and climate commitments – challenges the rest of the continent will face. The city’s reforms offer a live case study.

The agenda reflects where these companies are focusing their resources. Critical minerals receive a two-day dedicated stream exploring downstream processing, transport corridors and value capture from reserves representing over 30% of global supply. Sessions examine the Lobito Corridor, Liberty Corridor and Simandou infrastructure as models for large-scale project finance.

Transmission and baseload themes address grid expansion, private investment structures and 24/7 availability for data centres and manufacturing. Energy trading sessions explore how sponsors are transforming project finance through creditworthy off-take, whole technology discussions will cover AI for revenue protection, data centre supply chains and CBAM compliance.

More broadly, the forum structure supports deal-making. The speaker programme includes closed-door roundtables bringing together DFIs, sovereign wealth funds, Middle East ministers, utilities, regulators and the private sector for frank discussions on capital deployment.

This will bring together senior public and private sector leadership, with notable speakers including H.E. Honourable Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Minister of Electricity & Energy, South Africa; H.E. Honourable Samantha Graham-Marè, Deputy Minister of Electricity & Energy, South Africa; Dan Marokane, GCE, Eskom, South Africa; H.E. Honourable Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Vice President, Liberia; H.E. Honourable Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Minister of Electricity & Energy, South Africa; H.E. Honourable Lerato Mataboge, African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy; Precious Edward, Head, IPP Office, South Africa; Obaïd Amrane, CEO, Ithmar Capital, Morocco, Chair, Africa Sovereign Investors Forum (ASIF) & Chair, International Forum of Sovereign Wealth Funds (IFSWF); Mike Teke, Group CEO, Seriti Resources; and Jonathan Hoffman, CEO, Globeleq.

Regional fireside chats, meanwhile, will spotlight opportunities across North, East, South and West Africa. Day One features ministerial sessions with participation from Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Energy and The Gambia’s Ministry of Environment, Climate Change & Natural Resources.

Additional sponsors driving the programme include AKSA as Exhibitor Sponsor, with lead sponsor support from Synergy Consulting, ATIDI, Engie, European Investment Bank, Standard Bank, Red Rocket, USP&E Global and Sungrow.

On the final day, YES! (Youth Energy Summit) takes place as part of the aef stream under the theme ‘Empowering Today’s Entrepreneurs – Building Tomorrow’s Industrialists’. Here, impact leaders will present scalable initiatives creating entrepreneurship opportunities in Africa’s energy sector, while industry partners lead interactive workshops building practical skills for 600 young people in attendance.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of EnergyNet Ltd..

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Forpartnerships, please contact:
Poliana@EnergyNet.co.uk

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South Africa’s rand firmed in early Wednesday trade as investors turned their attention to Beijing, where talks between U. S. President Donald Trump and China’s President Xi Jinping were expected to influence appetite for emerging-market assets, commodities and risk-sensitive currencies. By 0749 GMT, the rand was trading at 16.4517 against the dollar, about 0.4% stronger than its previous close. The move followed a weaker session on Tuesday, […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Abu Dhabi has moved to tighten control over its infrastructure delivery pipeline with a unified governance framework designed to cut approval delays, improve coordination and accelerate capital projects across the emirate. The Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre announced the framework on the opening day of the Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit 2026, bringing 14 government entities into a common mechanism covering municipalities, utilities, […]

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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 May 2026 – G2E Asia + Asian IR Expo opens today at The Venetian Macao, bringing together global leaders across gaming, entertainment, and integrated resorts as digital innovation continues to reshape the industry’s next phase of growth.

Taking place from May 12-14, 2026, the co-located events are expected to welcome 8,000 industry professionals from over 90 countries and regions. Spanning more than 30,000 sqm, the exhibition features over 150 brands showcasing next-generation technologies, immersive solutions, and digital infrastructure across the sector.

Against the backdrop of an estimated ~8% annual growth trajectory in Asia’s integrated resorts sector, according to a 2025 report by Research and Markets, the event underscores the region’s accelerating role as a global growth engine, where technology innovation and rising demand are increasingly converging.

Reflecting this shift, “Asia’s integrated resorts sector is entering a pivotal phase of transformation, as markets across the region continue to evolve with a broader mix of tourism, entertainment and lifestyle experiences,” said Yip Je Choong, Senior Vice President, Commercial, APAC, RX (Reed Exhibitions). “With G2E Asia and Asian IR Expo co-located, we are creating a platform that brings together stakeholders across the value chain to support innovation, collaboration and long-term, sustainable growth.”

Across the exhibition floor and conference programs, key industry leaders are actively engaging with peers to exchange insights and explore new opportunities for collaboration.

Leading Industry Figures Mark Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony, held in the Expo Hall, officially marked the commencement of G2E Asia + Asian IR Expo 2026, with senior industry figures from across gaming, hospitality, and entertainment in attendance.

Guests included: (List to be provided)

Their participation reflects the industry’s sustained engagement and long-term commitment to advancing innovation across integrated resorts, gaming, and entertainment ecosystems.

Conference Programs Led by Global Industry Voices

G2E Asia and Asian IR Expo each feature dedicated three-day programs led by senior industry figures addressing technologies, regulations, and market forces shaping the sector’s future.

On Tuesday, May 12, Mr. Grant Chum, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Sands China Ltd., delivers the opening keynote for G2E Asia Conference and Asian IR Summit, setting the strategic tone with insights into global industry trends shaping gaming and entertainment.

On Thursday, May 14, Mr. Mario Yau Kwan Ho, Chairman and Co-Chief Executive Officer of NIP Group INC., and Co-owner of Boston Celtics, is set to present a keynote for Asian IR Summit, offering perspectives on global market shifts and the evolving integrated resorts landscape.

Across both programs, speakers include:

  • Mr. Adrian Lee, Head of Sales, Google Customer Solutions, Hong Kong & Macau, Google
  • Mr. AI Watson, Chief Executive Officer, Dataworks Group
  • Mr. Alan Teo, Chief Executive Officer, Hoiana Resort & Golf
  • Mr. Cheng Wai Tong, Deputy Director, Macao Government Tourism Office
  • Mr. Gregory Hawkins, President and Chief Operating Officer, Solaire
  • Mr. Joseph Bufalino, Executive Director of Responsible Gambling, Marina Bay Sands
  • Mr. Kenneth Feng, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director, MGM China Holdings Limited
  • Mr. Walt Power, Chief Executive Officer, The Grand Ho Tram
  • And more.

Event Highlights Across May 12-14

Across three days, the co-located event presents a curated ecosystem of exhibition, education, and industry networking experiences.

Exhibition (May 12-14)
Discover innovation across gaming, entertainment, and integrated resorts, with more than 150 brands spanning the full industry ecosystem.

G2E Asia Conference (May 12-14)
Access critical market insights, regulatory developments, and business opportunities across Asia from the region’s leading platform for gaming and entertainment leaders.

Asian IR Summit (May 12-14)
Explore strategic insights across hospitality, technology, sports, and entertainment with senior leaders across the evolving integrated resorts sector.

Tech Talk (May 12)
Gain actionable insights from leading experts on leveraging Artificial Intelligence, applying Machine Learning in real-world operations, and using data to drive smarter, more profitable decisions.

May 12 Slots Networking:
Engage in exclusive roundtables for slots operators and suppliers to co-design next-generation gaming cabinets with embedded biometric feedback.

May 12 G2E Asia After Party:
Unwind with industry peers at a Venetian-themed gala featuring a live preview of 2027’s most anticipated VR casino suite.

May 13 Table Games Networking:
Exchange insights between operators and providers on gameplay evolution, innovation, and future table game ecosystems.

Be Part of the Future of Entertainment and Integrated Resorts

Industry professionals from gaming, entertainment, and integrated resorts sectors – including operators, providers, and hospitality experts – will gain strategic insights, networking opportunities, and explore cutting-edge innovations that are shaping the future of the sector.

Registration is available online and onsite.

To learn more about G2E Asia, visit www.G2EAsia.com.
To learn more about Asian IR Expo, visit www.AsianIRExpo.com.

Hashtag: #G2EAsia #AsianIRExpo2026

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

World-First Innovations Showcase Hong Kong’s Thriving Life and Health Tech Ecosystem from Bench to Bedside

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 May 2026 – Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) joined alongside 38 Park companies in the two flagship events of the 5th International Healthcare Week — the Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair (“Medical Fair”) and the Asia Summit on Global Health (“ASGH”), held from 11 – 13 May. Showcasing at these premier medical innovation and technology (I&T) events, HKSTP is demonstrating its pivotal role in nurturing and supporting the growth of biotechnology enterprises. During ASGH, HKSTP also hosted a dedicated investor pitch session, providing Park companies with an exclusive stage to connect directly with global capital and pursue fundraising opportunities.

HKSTP joined Medical Fair and Asia Summit on Global Health with 38 Park companies, comprehensively demonstrating the diverse strengths of Hong Kong's life and health technology sector as it progresses from R&D to commercial application.
HKSTP joined Medical Fair and Asia Summit on Global Health with 38 Park companies, comprehensively demonstrating the diverse strengths of Hong Kong’s life and health technology sector as it progresses from R&D to commercial application.

Over 30 Market-Ready Solutions across Four Key Industry Focus

On the opening day of the Medical Fair, the HKSTP pavilion drew numerous industry professionals, investors and professional buyers, who gathered to explore Hong Kong’s latest I&T achievements and actively discuss collaboration opportunities. Participating companies span four critical areas — health monitoring, surgical assistance, precision medicine, rehabilitation training — comprehensively demonstrating the diverse strengths of Hong Kong’s life and health technology sector as it progresses from research and development (R&D) to commercial application.

Mr Terry Wong, CEO of HKSTP, said: “HKSTP has always been a steadfast partner to tech ventures, building a vibrant and well-established ecosystem for biotech companies ranging from start-ups with early-stage innovation to experienced innovators with market-ready solutions. To meet their diverse needs, we offer end-to-end support from R&D to clinical applications, including lab facilities, funding connections and market expansion. Our presence at this event fully reflects the innovative vitality and strength of Hong Kong’s life and health tech ecosystem. We hope to showcase Hong Kong’s cutting-edge medical R&D achievements to the international community, while delivering a clear message: Hong Kong is not only a top-tier scientific research base, but also the strongest springboard for technology enterprises to go global. By uniting forces across all sectors, we will further solidify Hong Kong’s leadership as an international health tech hub.”

Park company Highlights:

  • Endovision offers an intestinal endoscopic imaging system that leverages AI and real-time imaging to assist physicians in conducting more precise examinations. The solution has already obtained EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR) certification.
  • Mirror Caring presents SyncKnee, a smart wearable solution integrating flexible sensors, embedded systems and AI analytics to deliver real-time monitoring of knee joint health and data-driven insights.
  • Voice Empowerment Technology features a customised “AI Voice Reconstruction Tool” designed to enhance the efficiency of speech therapy services, offering breakthrough communication support for patients with aphasia and speech disorders.

“World-First” Cutting-Edge Medical Technologies Take Centre Stage

This year, HKSTP has also set up a dedicated exhibition zone at the Asia Summit on Global Health (ASGH), spotlighting a range of groundbreaking biomedical solutions, including several “world-first” innovations:

  • Agilis Robotics: The world’s first robotic-assisted “En Bloc Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumour”, achieving precise tumour resection margins and offering a minimally invasive surgical option with faster recovery for early-stage cancer patients.
  • GenEditBio: The world’s first in vivo genome editing therapy (often referred to as “DNA surgery”) targeting corneal dystrophy, with Phase I clinical trials expected to commence this year, aiming to improve patients’ quality of life.
  • Meta Pharmaceuticals: The world’s first oral inhibitor for treating autoimmune diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and multiple sclerosis, enhancing medication convenience and delivering safer, more effective anti-inflammatory therapy.

Dedicated Investor Pitch Session: Connecting Global Capital to Accelerate Enterprise Growth

For early-stage biotech companies, funding is crucial to sustaining research and achieving breakthroughs. To this end, HKSTP is fulfilling its role as a “super-connector” by hosting the “Life and Health Technology Innovation Pitch” at ASGH, to bridge between Park companies and the global market and deepen international partnerships.

HKSTP hosted the "Life and Health Technology Innovation Pitch" session, providing Park companies with an exclusive stage to connect directly with 12 global investors and pursue fundraising opportunities.
HKSTP hosted the “Life and Health Technology Innovation Pitch” session, providing Park companies with an exclusive stage to connect directly with 12 global investors and pursue fundraising opportunities.

The pitch session bought together 12 leading global investors from the UK, the US, Singapore, Canada and beyond, creating a top-tier platform for fundraising and business matching, and accelerating the translation of life and health tech innovations. Ten Park companies with breakthrough technologies took the stage to attract international capital, further showcase their innovative solutions and advance to the next stage of growth and global expansion.

Event Details:
Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair (Medical Fair)
Date: 11–13 May 2026
Venue: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hall 3DE
HKSTP Booth: 3E-E06

Asia Summit on Global Health (ASGH)
Date: 11–12 May 2026
Venue: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hall 3FG
HKSTP Booth: 3F-A11
Hashtag: #HKSTP

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

About Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation

Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) was established in 2001 to create a thriving I&T ecosystem grooming 13 unicorns, more than 17,000 research professionals and over 2,500 technology companies from 26 countries and regions focused on developing healthtech, AI and robotics, fintech and smart city technologies, etc.

Our growing innovation ecosystem offers comprehensive support to attract and nurture talent, accelerate and commercialise innovation for technology ventures, with the I&T journey built around our key locations of Hong Kong Science Park in Pak Shek Kok, InnoCentre in Kowloon Tong and three modern InnoParks in Tai Po, Tseung Kwan O and Yuen Long realising a vision of new industrialisation for Hong Kong, where sectors including advanced manufacturing, micro-electronics and biotechnology are being reimagined.

Hong Kong Science Park Shenzhen Branch in Futian, Shenzhen plays positive roles in connecting the world and the mainland with our proximity, strengthening cross-border exchange to bring advantages in attracting global talent and allowing possibilities for the development of technology companies in seven key areas: Medtech, big data and AI, robotics, new materials, microelectronics, fintech and sustainability, with both dry and wet laboratories, co-working space, conference and exhibition facilities, and more.

Through our R&D infrastructure, startup support and enterprise services, commercialisation and investment expertise, partnership networks and talent traction, HKSTP continues to contribute in establishing I&T as a pillar of growth for Hong Kong.

More information about HKSTP is available at .

Washington has widened the corporate stakes around President Donald Trump’s China visit by inviting Elon Musk and Apple chief executive Tim Cook to join a business delegation accompanying him to Beijing for talks with President Xi Jinping. The trip, scheduled around high-level meetings on May 14 and 15, is being shaped as a test of whether the world’s two largest economies can stabilise a relationship strained by […]

By Nitya Chakraborty The U.S. President Donald Trump begins his three-day visit to China on May 13 for his summit with the Chinese President Xi Jinping, the outcome of which has special significance for Trump in shaping his political future in the context of the midterm elections in November this year. Among both leaders, the […]

The article Donald Trump-Xi Jinping Are Both Aiming For Win-Win Outcome At Beijing Summit appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Nairobi became the centre of a sharper debate over Africa’s economic future on Monday as the Africa Forward Summit 2026 opened with agriculture emerging as a test of whether new Africa-France partnerships can move beyond diplomacy into measurable gains for producers. Co-hosted by President William Ruto and President Emmanuel Macron, the two-day gathering brings heads of state, multilateral lenders, business leaders, innovators and civil society groups to […]

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 May 2026 – The Global Mediation Summit, the first international conference hosted by the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) since its inauguration in Hong Kong last October, was held today (May 8) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The event, with the Department of Justice (DoJ) and the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy as the key sponsors, gathered more than 400 leaders, policymakers and distinguished professionals from 48 countries and regions. They explored frontier topics such as cross-cultural international mediation, financial and investment dispute mediation, and the development of a global mediation ecosystem.

Speaking at the Summit, John Lee, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), noted that Hong Kong has long supported mediation.

HKSAR's Chief Executive, John Lee (first row, centre), attends the Global Mediation Summit today (May 8), joined by the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China in the HKSAR, Cui Jianchun (first row, second left); the Secretary for Justice, Paul Lam (first row, far right); the Secretary-General of the IOMed, Professor Teresa Cheng (first row, second right), along with other guests.
HKSAR’s Chief Executive, John Lee (first row, centre), attends the Global Mediation Summit today (May 8), joined by the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the HKSAR, Cui Jianchun (first row, second left); the Secretary for Justice, Paul Lam (first row, far right); the Secretary-General of the IOMed, Professor Teresa Cheng (first row, second right), along with other guests.

“Hong Kong is committed to becoming a global mediation capital. And we are well-positioned to do so,” Mr Lee said.

“Under ‘one country, two systems’, Hong Kong is a thriving hub for international finance, shipping and trade. We benefit from our country’s strong support and the opportunities it gives us, while maintaining extensive international connectivity as a world city.

“Hong Kong is the only common law jurisdiction in China, our country. And our legal professionals are internationally acknowledged for their professionalism and integrity. And now, as IOMed’s headquarters, Hong Kong is at the very heart of global dispute resolution and its promising future.”

image-1.jpeg

Paul Lam, Secretary for Justice of the HKSAR, highlighted the HKSAR Government’s ongoing support for the IOMed in different ways.

“First, it will be responsible for the maintenance of the Headquarters. Second, the DoJ will continue to second Hong Kong legal professionals to the IOMed Secretariat. Since 2023, the DoJ has already seconded a total of four counsel to assist in the establishment of the IOMed. Third, the Government will actively promote the use of IOMed mediation by, among other things, taking the lead in procuring the inclusion of an IOMed mediation clause in suitable international agreements to which the HKSAR Government is a party,” Mr Lam said.

“Hong Kong is well recognised as a leading international legal and dispute resolution services centre. Indeed, one of the mandates stated in the National 15th Five-Year Plan is that Hong Kong shall strengthen its status in this respect.”

Since the IOMed’s inauguration, the number of signatory states has climbed from 37 to 41, while the number of contracting states has gone from eight to 13.

“IOMed is the first inter-governmental international organisation set up by a Convention to promote exclusively the use of mediation,” said Professor Teresa Cheng, Secretary-General of IOMed, in her welcome remarks at the summit. “It fills an institutional gap and brings forth mediation as a true viable alternative to resolving international disputes alongside litigation and arbitration.”

Professor Cheng shared two important developments of the IOMed.

First, a maritime dispute was successfully resolved through mediation administered by IOMed at its Hong Kong Headquarters in early May, just a few days ago. “The case marks an important milestone: it is the first international maritime dispute involving a charterparty chain referred to IOMed for mediation,” Professor Cheng said.

Second, aligning with Hong Kong’s goal to further develop the commodities market, and the intention to stipulate use of IOMed mediation in the related contracts and policy, the Secretariat of IOMed is working with the HKSAR Government and other stakeholders to explore the establishment of a dedicated special panel of mediators for commodities market disputes under the IOMed framework.

The Global Mediation Summit is the finale event of the Mediation Week 2026 held in Hong Kong under the theme of “Mediate First: An Attempt of Mediation, Harvests Abundant Harmony”, with a view to promoting mediation as a friendly way to amicably resolve disputes and conflicts, and to build a more harmonious community.

“Our commitment to mediation, locally and globally, is clear in the five-day Mediation Week programme that ends today with this Summit,” Mr Lee said. “Mediation Week events spotlighted disputes related to schools, sports, neighbourhoods and the elderly. The goal in each case was to apply mediation structure and skills to achieve peaceful and rational solutions to our problems.”

Hashtag: #hongkong#brandhongkong#asiasworldcity#globalmediationsummit#IOMed





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

France have been tipped to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating Spain in the final, with Bank of America analysts placing Kylian Mbappé at the centre of their forecast for the expanded tournament in North America. The projection, based on a survey of 65 respondents across the bank’s Global Research department, gives France its third World Cup title after triumphs in 1998 and 2018. Mbappé […]

SEMICON Southeast Asia 2026 opened in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday, putting Malaysia at the centre of a regional push to capture a larger share of the global semiconductor value chain as chipmakers rethink production networks, sourcing risks and capacity plans.

The three-day industry gathering at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre runs from 5 to 7 May and is expected to draw more than 20,000 policymakers, manufacturers, suppliers, investors, researchers and technology specialists. Held under the theme “Transform Tomorrow”, the event is being staged in strategic partnership with Malaysia’s Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority.

The launch ceremony was officiated by Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Malaysia’s Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry, with senior SEMI executives, MIDA leadership and global semiconductor company representatives in attendance. The programme places manufacturing scale-up, advanced packaging, intelligent manufacturing, sustainability and workforce development at the centre of discussions, reflecting the industry’s shift from pure capacity expansion to more resilient and geographically diversified ecosystems.

Malaysia enters the event with a strong base in electrical and electronics manufacturing, particularly assembly, testing and packaging. The country has long been a critical node for chip back-end operations, with Penang and Kulim playing key roles in outsourced semiconductor assembly and test activity. The policy focus is now moving further up the value chain into chip design, advanced packaging, automation, materials, equipment support and higher-value manufacturing services.

Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, chief executive officer of MIDA, said Malaysia was no longer positioning itself as a passive beneficiary of industry shifts. “The semiconductor industry is at an inflection point, and Malaysia intends to be at the centre of what comes next,” he said, pointing to the MADANI Economy Framework and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030 as policy anchors for a broader industrial upgrade.

The E&E sector secured RM28.5 billion in approved investments in 2025, underlining continued investor interest despite a more fragmented global trade environment. Malaysia’s broader semiconductor strategy is focused on supply-chain integration, stronger domestic enterprise capability and talent development, as the country seeks to build a deeper industrial base around its existing production strengths.

Ajit Manocha, president and chief executive officer of SEMI, said closer coordination across design, manufacturing, materials and supply chains had become essential as artificial intelligence, high-performance computing and advanced electronics reshape demand. He said SEMICON Southeast Asia was designed not only as a technology showcase but as a platform for partnerships that can support long-term industry growth and resilience.

The timing of the Kuala Lumpur event is significant. Global semiconductor sales are on course to approach $1 trillion in 2026, driven largely by demand for AI accelerators, memory, advanced logic, data-centre infrastructure, automotive electronics and edge devices. Monthly industry sales crossed $99 billion in March 2026, while first-quarter sales were sharply higher than the previous quarter, showing the scale of the current upcycle.

Capital expenditure is also accelerating. Spending on 300mm fab equipment is projected to rise to about $133 billion in 2026 and $151 billion in 2027, as chipmakers expand capacity for advanced logic and memory while governments push for more localised semiconductor supply chains. Yet Southeast Asia remains under-represented in new front-end fabrication plans compared with China, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan and the United States, leaving room for Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Thailand and the Philippines to compete more aggressively for future investment.

SEMICON Southeast Asia 2026 features the Executive Leadership Summit, the MIDA Strategic Semiconductor Forum and Seminar, the Sustainability and Energy Summit, TechZoomers Challenge and TalentCONNECT. These sessions are designed to connect policy, capital, manufacturing capability and workforce planning, rather than treating the exhibition as a conventional trade fair.

The emphasis on talent is especially important. Semiconductor expansion is being constrained not only by investment cycles and export controls but also by shortages of engineers, technicians, automation specialists and materials experts. Malaysia’s challenge is to match global investor confidence with a skilled workforce capable of supporting advanced packaging, precision manufacturing and design-linked activity.

The official ceremony underscores Southeast Asia’s growing role in the global semiconductor value chain through collaboration, innovation and ecosystem-wide partnerships

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 May 2026 – SEMICON Southeast Asia (SEMICON SEA) 2026 was officially launched today at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), bringing together policymakers, manufacturers, suppliers, researchers, investors and emerging talent from across the global semiconductor ecosystem for three days of industry dialogue, technology showcases and business engagement.

The opening ceremony was officiated by YB Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani, Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI), and attended by SEMI leadership, the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) led by the Chief Executive Officer Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, and senior executives from global semiconductor companies.

Held under the theme ‘Transform Tomorrow’ in strategic partnership with MITI and MIDA, SEMICON Southeast Asia 2026 is expected to welcome more than 20,000 innovators, policymakers and technology experts. The three-day event focuses on key industry priorities including manufacturing scale-up, advanced packaging, intelligent manufacturing and workforce development, as companies respond to demand driven by artificial intelligence, high-performance computing and advanced electronics.

Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, Chief Executive Officer of MIDA, said Malaysia is approaching the next phase of semiconductor growth as an active builder rather than a beneficiary of global trends.

“The semiconductor industry is at an inflection point, and Malaysia intends to be at the centre of what comes next. Under the MADANI Economy Framework and the New Industrial Master Plan 2030, we are not simply maintaining our position in the global semiconductor supply chain, we are deliberately reshaping it. The NIMP 2030 sets a clear direction for the E&E sector to move beyond assembly and test into design, advanced packaging and innovation-driven manufacturing, and MIDA is here to make that transition real. The RM28.5 billion secured by the E&E sector in 2025 is proof that global confidence in Malaysia has not wavered. What we are now building is the ecosystem to match that confidence, through supply chain integration, local capability development and the kind of high-value partnerships that platforms like SEMICON Southeast Asia are uniquely placed to catalyse,” said Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim.

“SEMI’s role has always been to bring together the global semiconductor ecosystem, and that responsibility becomes even more important as the industry grows in scale and complexity. Today, innovation is no longer confined to a single segment. It requires closer alignment across design, manufacturing, materials and supply chains. SEMICON Southeast Asia provides a platform to bridge these different parts of the ecosystem, enabling stakeholders to engage in more meaningful collaboration and move from discussion to execution,” said Ajit Manocha, President and CEO of SEMI.

“As demand continues to be driven by artificial intelligence, high-performance computing and advanced electronics, the ability to coordinate across regions and capabilities will be critical. SEMICON Southeast Asia 2026 is not only about showcasing technology, but about strengthening the partnerships needed to support long-term industry growth and resilience.”

The event features key leadership programmes including the Executive Leadership Summit, MIDA Strategic Semiconductor Forum and Seminar, Sustainability and Energy Summit, TechZoomers Challenge and TalentCONNECT, reflecting SEMICON Southeast Asia’s role not only as an exhibition platform, but as a convening point for leadership, capability and execution across the region’s semiconductor ecosystem.

Marking over a decade of strategic collaboration, MIDA and SEMI today reinforce 12 years of a transformative partnership dedicated to elevating Malaysia’s standing in the global semiconductor value chain. This enduring alliance remains anchored on three core pillars designed to future-proof the nation’s industrial landscape:

  • Ecosystem Integration: Harmonising domestic and international supply chains to ensure seamless operational synergy.
  • Enterprise Capability: Empowering local businesses to scale their technical expertise and compete on a global stage.
  • Talent Advancement: Cultivating a high-skilled workforce as the essential bedrock of Malaysia’s long-term economic resilience and competitive edge.

SEMICON Southeast Asia 2026 runs from 5–7 May 2026 at MITEC, Kuala Lumpur, with participation from companies and organisations across Asia, the United States and Europe.

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

About MIDA

MIDA is the government’s principal investment promotion and development agency under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) to oversee and drive investments into the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA has 12 regional and 20 overseas offices. MIDA partners with investors at every stage of their journey, supporting sustainable growth and long-term value creation for Malaysia. For more information, please visit and follow MIDA on X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube.

About SEMI

SEMI® is the global industry association connecting over 4,000-member companies and 1.5 million professionals worldwide across the semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain. We accelerate member collaboration on solutions to top industry challenges through Advocacy, Workforce Development, Sustainability, Supply Chain Management and other programs. Our SEMICON® expositions and events, technology communities, standards and market intelligence help advance our members’ business growth and innovations in design, devices, equipment, materials, services and software, enabling smarter, faster, more secure electronics. Visit , contact a regional office, and connect with SEMI on and to learn more.

Tamil Nadu’s vote count pointed to a dramatic political rupture on Monday, with actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam emerging as the strongest challenger to the ruling DMK and threatening to redraw the balance of power in one of the country’s most important industrial states.

Trends through the afternoon showed TVK ahead in more than 100 seats in the 234-member Assembly, close to the 118-seat majority mark. The AIADMK alliance was holding second place in several tallies, while the DMK, led by Chief Minister M K Stalin, slipped sharply from its dominant position. The count remained fluid, with leads shifting by constituency and round, but the scale of TVK’s performance confirmed that Vijay’s first full electoral test had moved beyond symbolism.

The most striking signal came from Kolathur, Stalin’s long-held constituency in Chennai, where TVK candidate V S Babu established a lead during counting. Udhayanidhi Stalin also faced pressure in Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni, intensifying the perception of an anti-incumbency wave cutting through the DMK’s urban and welfare-heavy support base. Vijay himself was leading in both seats he contested, strengthening expectations that he could become central to government formation if TVK sustains its advantage.

TVK’s surge is particularly significant because Tamil Nadu has for decades been shaped by two Dravidian blocs, with the DMK and AIADMK alternating in power. Vijay entered politics with a campaign built around corruption allegations, youth unemployment, social justice language and a promise to offer an alternative to entrenched party networks. His appeal among young voters, first-time voters and urban families appears to have translated into a statewide challenge rather than a personality-driven protest vote.

The outcome carries implications well beyond party politics. Tamil Nadu is a manufacturing and export powerhouse, with deep clusters in automobiles, electronics, textiles, leather, engineering, logistics and renewable energy. Chennai and its surrounding industrial belt host major auto and component manufacturers, while Hosur, Sriperumbudur, Coimbatore, Tiruppur and Ranipet have become key nodes in supply chains tied to smartphones, electric vehicles, garments and precision manufacturing.

Investors will be watching whether a possible TVK-led government preserves policy continuity. The state has benefited from a predictable administrative culture, skilled labour, ports, highways, renewable energy capacity and sector-specific industrial policies. Major projects involving Tata Electronics, Foxconn-linked supply chains, Hyundai, Renault Nissan, Ola Electric, VinFast, Tata Motors’ Jaguar Land Rover facility and a wide network of small suppliers rely on stable land, power, logistics and labour arrangements.

Vijay’s party has promised cleaner governance and a people-focused administration, but it is yet to demonstrate how it would manage fiscal pressures, industrial incentives, welfare spending and Centre-state relations. Tamil Nadu’s welfare model is expensive, and any new government would inherit commitments on subsidies, social schemes, infrastructure projects and public-sector obligations. A sharp shift in policy could unsettle investors, while a calibrated transition could allow TVK to combine political change with economic stability.

For the DMK, the trends represent a severe test of its governance record. Stalin’s administration has promoted Tamil Nadu as a trillion-dollar economy contender, pushed investment summits, expanded electronics manufacturing and defended its welfare programmes. Yet voter fatigue, price pressures, local grievances, perceptions of dynastic control and the attraction of Vijay’s outsider image appear to have weakened the ruling party’s hold.

The AIADMK, despite remaining competitive in parts of western and southern Tamil Nadu, also faces a strategic challenge. TVK’s ability to draw votes across urban, semi-urban and rural seats threatens to disrupt the opposition space that the AIADMK had hoped to consolidate. If no party crosses the majority mark, negotiations with smaller parties and alliance partners could determine the next government.

Matein Khalid As the world’s leading trading power, China’s vast export engine fuelled a $1.2 trillion current account surplus in 2025. At the same time, it is the largest importer of crude oil globally, with around 40 percent sourced from the Middle East. This exposure gives Beijing a clear stake in Gulf stability – prioritising secure maritime transit through energy chokepoints and uninterrupted access to the GCC’s trillion-dollar development […]

By Nitya Chakraborty Just two weeks before the scheduled summit of U.S President Donald Trump with the Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on May 14-15, the report of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) on the status of AI related applications, has unnerved the U.S. administration as the latest Chinese supremacy in robot related […]

The article China’s Lead Over U.S. In AI Patent Applications Casts Its Shadow Over Trump-Xi Summit appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Having led 100+ Hong Kong tech firms to SE Asia over the past year, accelerating global expansion through strategic collaboration

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 April 2026 – Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation continues to deepen its innovation and technology (I&T) collaboration with Southeast Asia, actively playing an orchestrating role in supporting Hong Kong’s tech firms go global. HKSTP debuted as an official exhibitor at Southeast Asia’s largest public safety conference, Milipol TechX Summit 2026 (MTX 2026). Under the theme “Supercharging Innovation for Our Safer Tomorrow”, MTX 2026 is a strategic platform to advance business opportunities through government-backed collaboration. HKSTP showcased 10 park companies presenting breakthrough public safety solutions and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Singapore’s TechX Ventures (TechX, a private subsidiary by the HTX – Home Team Science and Technology Agency of Singapore) — HKSTP’s first MoU signed with an organization in Southeast Asia — establishing a structured framework to advance cross-border innovation partnerships focused on practical applications in public safety.

HKSTP debuted as an official exhibitor at Southeast Asia’s largest public safety conference, Milipol TechX Summit 2026 (MTX 2026). Eric Or, Chief Ecosystem Development Officer and Gladys Oon, Director of Partnerships and Account Management of HKSTP, officiated the opening of HKSTP Pavilion.
HKSTP debuted as an official exhibitor at Southeast Asia’s largest public safety conference, Milipol TechX Summit 2026 (MTX 2026). Eric Or, Chief Ecosystem Development Officer and Gladys Oon, Director of Partnerships and Account Management of HKSTP, officiated the opening of HKSTP Pavilion.

Singapore and Hong Kong share a substantive relationship, grounded in regular high-level engagement. These include the Prime Minister of Singapore’s official visit to Hong Kong last month, during which he met with the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and visited the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone (the Hong Kong Park in the Loop). The I&T connection also features HKSTP-led delegations to Singapore platforms such as Singapore Week of Innovation and Technology (SWITCH) and SLINGSHOT 2025, etc. Over the past year, more than 100 HKSTP park companies explored Southeast Asian opportunities, securing over HK$25 million in confirmed business deals with additional potential contracts exceeding HK$20 million directly supported by HKSTP.

Eric Or, Chief Ecosystem Development Officer, HKSTP, said, “At HKSTP, we enable innovators to solve real public safety challenges where trust and demonstrated results matter most. Collaborating with TechX and Singapore’s Public Safety ecosystem gives ventures faster access to decision-makers, enables solution testing in operational environments, and supports scaling validated technologies across Asia.”

Eric Chua, Chief Executive Officer, TechX Ventures said: “SPINN District was designed to be more than a startup village — it is a proving ground where bold founders showcase innovations that matter. Seeing HKSTP’s park companies engage meaningfully with the global public safety ecosystem at MTX 2026 reflects exactly the kind of cross-border momentum we built this platform for. This MoU marks the beginning of something lasting: a structured pipeline that turns innovation into operational impact, as we work together to build a safer world.”

The collaboration between HKSTP and TechX is aimed to establish a comprehensive framework to identify, co-create, and validate operational public safety solutions. Under the partnership, HKSTP and its counterparts will move from identified needs to real deployment through annual solution scouting visits to Hong Kong Science Park, funding of around HK$600,000 (S$100,000) per company for proof-of-concept trials with Singapore Public Safety experts, and an ongoing exchange of challenges and insights. This demand-led model accelerates problem-solution fit and reinforces HKSTP’s leadership in regional safety technology collaboration.

The HKSTP Pavilion, themed “Hong Kong’s Technology for Public Safety and Security — Global Application and Global Impact,” featured 10 park companies showcasing solutions proven in deployments across Hong Kong enforcement departments, the Greater Bay Area, and Singapore-related projects. Cutting-edge public safety technologies were showcased across AI-Driven & Robotics, Network & Communications Infrastructure, and Drones, Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) & Low-altitude Economy (LAE). MTX is the largest public safety conference in Southeast Asia, the HKSTP pavilion is strategically positioned within the startup-centric SPINN District, effectively facilitated targeted engagements, secured curated matching opportunities with Singapore government agencies for each participating company, and advanced pilot projects and partnerships.

Park companies eSIX and Weitu AI participated in the signature global innovation challenge Dimension X Cohort 6 and the inaugural cohort of the In-Beta tech verification capability programme organized by Hatch, the innovation centre of Singapore’s HTX, achieving significant success. These companies were the only Hong Kong representatives selected for the programmes, underscoring the global competitiveness and real-world impact of Hong Kong’s innovation ecosystem. eSIX, which delivers patented high-speed networking for Industrial IoT and 5G-enabled remote machine control, was awarded a place at Dimension X. The company received S$100,000 in prize money to complete a four-month proof-of-concept and was invited to showcase its solutions. Weitu AI, which provides world-leading multimodal video understanding for fast, accurate analysis across industries was awarded a place at In-Beta, received S$30,000 in prize money with opportunities to verify their promising tech through rapid experimentation and onsite demo.

Building on existing engagement across the region, HKSTP will continue to strengthen collaboration with regional partners, expand support for park companies, and promote technology‑driven solutions that enhance safety and resilience. The initiative reflects HKSTP’s ongoing commitment to fostering sustained innovation and regional cooperation.

Hashtag: #HKSTP

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

About Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation

Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), established in 2001, has built a thriving innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem in Hong Kong, supporting 12 unicorns, nurturing over 17,000 research talents, and hosting more than 2,500 technology companies from 26 countries and regions specializing in biomedicine, AI and robotics, fintech, and smart city development. HKSTP is dedicated to positioning Hong Kong as an international I&T hub.

To align with Hong Kong’s future development, HKSTP is committed to attracting and cultivating I&T talent, accelerating the commercialization of innovative outcomes, and providing comprehensive support for technology companies and professionals on their innovation journey. Its vibrant I&T ecosystem continues to grow, encompassing Hong Kong Science Park in Pak Shek Kok, InnoCentre in Kowloon Tong, and three InnoParks in Tai Po, Yuen Long, and Tseung Kwan O. These facilities drive advancements in applied technology, focusing on industries such as advanced manufacturing, micro- electronics, and biotechnology, steering Hong Kong toward new industrialization.

Hong Kong Science Park Shenzhen Branch, located in Futian, Shenzhen, leverages the strategic advantage of “support of the Motherland, connecting to the world.” It serves as a bridge for “bringing in and going global,” actively fostering cross-border I&T collaboration. The Shenzhen Branch supports global technology companies and professionals by providing research and collaboration spaces, with a focus on enterprises in seven key sectors: Medtech, big data and AI, robotics, new materials, microelectronics, fintech, and sustainable development.

HKSTP is dedicated to advancing Hong Kong’s I&T development by providing research infrastructure, startup and enterprise support services, professional investment and business expertise, fostering partnership networks, and attracting top talent. These efforts drive innovation as a new engine for economic growth for Hong Kong.

More information about HKSTP is available at .

About TechX Ventures

TechX Ventures is a wholly owned subsidiary of Singapore’s Home Team Science & Technology Agency (HTX) that operates at the intersection of government mandate and entrepreneurial drive. TechX serves as the engine behind a thriving innovation ecosystem where cutting-edge science and technology are put to work protecting people.

At the heart of it, TechX is established to connect global innovators and partners in advancing public safety innovation. Guided by our Safer World philosophy — the belief that progress means nothing if it doesn’t safeguard public safety — TechX approaches safety not as a sector, but as a shared mission. This conviction shapes every partnership forged, every programme designed, and every measure of success. Safety, at TechX, is our purpose.

TechX delivers its mission through two core areas of expertise: to build and to connect. TechX designs and develops innovation initiatives and programmes alongside partners from across the globe, including flagship platforms such as HTX’s Innovation Centre, Hatch — a structured innovation centre that gives frontier deep-tech a clear pathway to validate and deploy solutions for real public safety challenges. TechX also bridges industry, startups, and government agencies into a global network, producing landmark events such as Millipol TechX, and bringing international communities like DEF CON® to Singapore for the first time.

With active partnerships spanning over 30 ecosystems globally — from Hong Kong to South Korea, and the United States, TechX sits at the heart of a growing worldwide alliance united by one ambition: Bringing Together a Safer World.

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Arabian Post Staff -Dubai   Qatar’s media-sector push has gained fresh momentum after Media City Qatar and the International Association for MediaTech entered a Platinum Partnership designed to raise the country’s profile as a regional centre for media, technology and content creation. Announced in Doha on 26 April 2026, the agreement gives Media City Qatar wider access to IAMT’s international platforms, industry events, market intelligence and training […]

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