News related to
across

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 March 2026 – Leading global logistics service provider Rhenus Group has officially opened a new warehouse in Philippines’ Paranaque, Metro Manila. This marks the company’s effort to expand its presence as a leading logistics player in the Philippines, with plans to add more warehousing space in the near future.

The warehouse is strategically located in NCR, close to major business districts and offers excellent access to major transport routes via direct access from SLEX Sucat. The brand new 7,320 sqm multi-user warehouse facility features a very high ceiling of around 20m with full insulation. It has the highest level of structural integrity and meets very high safety and security standards. Some of the features include Optical Beam Smoke Detectors, Sprinklers, mechanical cross ventilation system, fully enclosed gated compound, 24×7 security guards, full CCTV coverage with 60 days video retention, intruder alarm system, etc.

With a focus on sustainability, the warehouse utilizes LED lighting, solar panel provision, and a skylight to harness natural light, in an effort to reduce its carbon footprint. The warehouse is in the process of obtaining ISO certifications in Quality Management Systems (QMS), Environmental Management Systems (EMS), and Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Management Systems.

The new warehouse expands the footprint of seven existing facilities across Manila, Cagayan de Oro, and Davao, strengthening nationwide coverage and smooth integration with global supply chains.

The freight and logistics market size in the Philippines is estimated at USD 16.20 billion in 2026 and is expected to reach USD 21.60 billion by 2031^[1].

“Rhenus Philippines will continue to strengthen our position further in the market. With the opening of this new warehouse, we are moving forward with our plan to continue to invest in modern and state-of-the-art facilities. This allows us to expand our footprint and product portfolio to serve our customers’ requirements with the highest level of efficiency, safety, security, and compliance,” said Deepak Sharma, Managing Director of Rhenus Warehousing Solutions Philippines.

Rhenus Philippines has strong expertise in chemical warehousing, consumer goods, machinery and industrial logistics. Together with its freight forwarding entity, it offers a wide range of comprehensive services to customers, including warehousing and distribution solutions, domestic inter-island shipping, customs brokerage, project logistics, as well as air, ocean, and road freight.

More information on Rhenus Philippines is available at:

https://www.rhenus.group/ph/

Hashtag: #Rhenus

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

About Rhenus

The Rhenus Group is one of the leading logistics specialists with global business operations and annual turnover amounting to EUR 8.2 billion. 41,000 employees work at 1,330 business sites in more than 70 countries and develop innovative solutions along the complete supply chain. Whether providing transport, warehousing, customs clearance or value-added services, the family-owned business pools its operations in various business units where the needs of customers are the major focus at all times.

Global Hotel Alliance has strengthened its footprint in East Asia after signing a partnership with Tokyu Hotels & Resorts, bringing a major Japanese hospitality operator into the alliance’s loyalty and distribution network and marking a significant expansion into one of the world’s most established travel markets.

The agreement integrates Tokyu Hotels & Resorts, which manages the TOKYU HOTELS chain and several affiliated brands across Japan, into Global Hotel Alliance’s GHA DISCOVERY loyalty ecosystem. The move allows travellers staying at Tokyu properties to earn and redeem rewards across the alliance’s international portfolio, while offering Tokyu access to millions of loyalty members and a wider global marketing platform.

Headquartered in Dubai, Global Hotel Alliance represents a consortium of independent hotel brands that cooperate on loyalty programmes, distribution systems and shared technology platforms while retaining operational independence. The alliance counts dozens of hospitality brands spanning hundreds of properties worldwide. By welcoming Tokyu Hotels & Resorts, GHA gains an important presence in Japan’s domestic and inbound tourism sector, an area that has drawn increasing interest from international hospitality networks.

Tokyu Hotels & Resorts operates more than 40 hotels across Japan under brands including TOKYU HOTELS, Tokyu REI Hotel and other affiliated concepts. Many of its properties are located in key urban and resort destinations such as Tokyo, Yokohama, Kyoto, Osaka and Sapporo. Through the partnership, the group will connect its hotels to GHA DISCOVERY, a loyalty programme that offers members benefits such as room upgrades, flexible rewards and local experiences tied to destination culture.

Executives from both organisations describe the partnership as strategically aligned with rising demand for travel to Japan. Tourism to the country has surged as international travel continues to rebound, with visitor arrivals climbing sharply and hospitality groups seeking deeper engagement with global distribution networks and loyalty platforms.

GHA’s leadership said the addition of Tokyu Hotels & Resorts strengthens the alliance’s reach in Asia while offering travellers greater access to accommodation options in Japan. Access to the GHA DISCOVERY platform also opens new channels for Tokyu properties to reach travellers from Europe, the Middle East and North America who are already members of the programme.

Tokyu Hotels & Resorts sees the collaboration as a way to enhance international visibility for its hotels while preserving the local identity that defines many of its properties. Japanese hospitality operators have historically relied heavily on domestic demand, though international partnerships have gained momentum as inbound tourism expands and travellers seek more diverse accommodation experiences.

Japan’s tourism sector has undergone major changes in the past decade as the government and private sector push to attract more overseas visitors. Infrastructure upgrades, expanded air connectivity and marketing campaigns have helped position the country as a leading travel destination in Asia. Hospitality companies are responding by strengthening international alliances, investing in technology platforms and adapting loyalty programmes to compete with global hotel chains.

Global Hotel Alliance’s model differs from traditional hotel groups that operate under a single brand portfolio. Instead, it links independent brands that share a common loyalty and technology framework while maintaining separate identities and management structures. This structure appeals to regional hotel companies that want global exposure without surrendering brand control.

Industry analysts note that loyalty ecosystems have become central to hospitality competition. Major international chains rely heavily on large membership bases to drive repeat bookings and reduce reliance on online travel agencies. Independent hotel brands, which often lack such scale individually, have increasingly turned to alliances such as GHA to achieve similar reach.

GHA DISCOVERY now includes millions of members worldwide who accumulate rewards known as DISCOVERY Dollars when staying at participating properties. These digital rewards can be spent on future hotel stays, dining or experiences across the alliance network. The programme also focuses on destination-based benefits designed to highlight local culture and activities.

For Tokyu Hotels & Resorts, integration into the programme allows guests to participate in the broader network while still experiencing Japanese hospitality traditions often associated with domestic hotel operators. Many Tokyu properties emphasise regional design, culinary offerings and proximity to transport hubs, particularly within major metropolitan areas.

The alliance has pursued steady expansion in Asia as travel demand shifts across the region. Partnerships with hospitality companies in markets such as Thailand, Singapore and the Gulf have broadened its reach, while collaborations with regional hotel groups help introduce new destinations to global travellers.

Japan represents a particularly attractive addition to that network. The country hosts some of Asia’s busiest cities, internationally recognised cultural landmarks and a thriving domestic travel culture. Hotel demand has remained strong across urban centres and resort areas, drawing interest from global investors and hospitality brands.

The event marked the rollout of new on-device AI capabilities, progress on the jointly developed Omni Model, and advances in cross-ecosystem connectivity — outlining a shared vision for the next generation of AI Phones.

From Chip to Experience: Advancing On-Device AI

As mobile experiences become increasingly AI-driven, OPPO is advancing its AI strategy centered on “New Computing, New Perception, and New Ecosystem.” At the core of this strategy is “On-device Compute”, enabling low-latency, privacy-preserving, and personalized AI experiences. As Jason Liao emphasized, “On-device Compute is a cornerstone of OPPO’s AI strategy, making AI a perceptible, real-time experience integrated into everyday usage.” This shared vision underpins the deep collaboration between OPPO and MediaTek on flagship chip platforms, accelerating the transition of on-device AI from technical concept to scalable deployment.

Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9500 platform, OPPO’s self-developed on-device AI Translate and AI Portrait Glow now deliver performance comparable to cloud-based solutions. These features will soon roll out to OPPO Find X9 Series through the upcoming ColorOS 16 software update.

The on-device AI Translate can run directly on the device, achieving an average 15% improvement in accuracy over conventional approaches while supporting seamless multilingual translation. It maintains stable output even without internet connectivity or under weak signal conditions, enabling reliable translation across diverse scenarios.

Meanwhile, on-device AI Portrait Glow enhances portraits captured in challenging lighting environments. By intelligently analyzing and reconstructing scene illumination, it improves results in dim or backlit conditions while maintaining natural rendering — all without network reliance. Demonstrations have showcased exceptional performance in both visual realism and adaptability to various scenes.

OPPO and MediaTek also unveiled a technology preview of Omni, the industry’s first on-device full-modal AI model designed for multi-modal understanding and interaction. Supporting voice, video, and text inputs, Omni enables live scene understanding and interactive Q&A directly on a smartphone. This advancement strengthens on-device AI’s ability to perceive and interpret the physical world, laying the foundation for more proactive and natural human–computer interaction.

Demonstrating Ecosystem Integration and Innovation

The collaboration was further showcased in the interactive experience zone at the MediaTek booth, where attendees explored Find X9 Pro’s on-device AI capabilities alongside its telephoto imaging with the OPPO Hasselblad Teleconverter. Reno15 Pro was also featured, presenting creative AI imaging tools including AI Motion Photo Eraser, AI Motion Photo Popout, and the AI Flash Photography.

Coming soon, OPPO’s Find X9 Series will bring Android™ Quick Share, enabled in close collaboration with MediaTek and Google. Without installing third-party applications, users can conveniently and securely transfer files between OPPO smartphones and iOS, iPadOS and macOS devices, improving cross-platform interoperability. The feature is expected to begin rolling out via software update starting in March.

At MWC 2026, OPPO Find X9 Pro was shortlisted for the “Best Smartphone” award at the GLOMO Awards, gaining recognition for its innovation across performance, imaging, and AI integration.

Looking ahead, OPPO and MediaTek will continue strengthening collaboration in frontier areas such as on-device AI to advance user experience. Together, the two companies remain committed to delivering more powerful and reliable AI experiences to users worldwide.

* Google, Android and Quick Share are trademarks of Google LLC.

Hashtag: #OPPO

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

About OPPO

OPPO is a leading global smart device brand. Since the launch of its first mobile phone – “Smiley Face” – in 2008, OPPO has been in relentless pursuit of the perfect synergy of aesthetic satisfaction and innovative technology. Today, OPPO provides a wide range of smart devices spearheaded by the Find and Reno series. Beyond devices, OPPO also provides its users with ColorOS operating system and internet services. OPPO has footprints in more than 70 countries and regions, with more than 40,000 employees dedicated to creating a better life for customers around the world.

Leveraging Know Your Customer’s cutting-edge digital compliance platform, DBS Hong Kong will gain real-time access to comprehensive business verification data — including instant retrieval of official company documents and automatic identification of complex ultimate beneficial ownership (UBO) networks across more than 140 jurisdictions.

This AI-powered automation addresses the traditionally manual and cumbersome SME onboarding processes by streamlining the end-to-end business KYC process, efficiently verifying corporate structures and ownership, reducing manual effort and accelerating onboarding timelines. The result is significantly enhanced operational efficiency and a faster, more seamless onboarding experience for DBS Hong Kong’s business customers.

[Lareina Wang, Head of SME Banking, DBS Bank Hong Kong] said,

” At DBS Hong Kong, we are dedicated to reimagining the customer onboarding experience through continuous digital innovation. By engaging Know Your Customer, we leverage advanced technology to streamline CDD workflows, delivering faster service to our customers. This collaboration also represents a major advancement in automating SME onboarding processes that have historically been complicated and manual, solidifying SME banking position of DBS in the market of Hong Kong. “

Claus Christensen, CEO and Co-Founder of Know Your Customer, added,

“Our service provided to DBS Hong Kong exemplifies how financial technology can simplify complex onboarding challenges. With our global data coverage and AI-powered automation, we empower DBS Hong Kong to accelerate KYC processes and provide business customers with an unrivalled onboarding journey. Together, we are shaping the future of digital banking.”

In recognition of its visionary digital strategy, DBS Hong Kong was named Asia’s Best Digital Bank in 2025 by Euromoney. The bank also continues to lead digital innovation, evidenced by over 70% of Hong Kong SMEs already integrating or exploring AI and digital technologies as part of their operations, according to its recent SME survey.

This transformative collaboration underscores DBS Hong Kong’s unwavering commitment to innovation and delivering safe and trusted digital onboarding solutions in Asia’s rapidly evolving financial landscape.

Hashtag: #KnowYourCustomer

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

About DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited

DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia with a presence in 19 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS is in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank’s “AA-” and “Aa1” credit ratings are among the highest in the world.

Recognised for its global leadership, DBS has been named “World’s Best Bank” by Global Finance, “World’s Best Bank” by Euromoney and “Global Bank of the Year” by The Banker. The bank is at the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking, having been named “World’s Best Digital Bank” by Euromoney and the world’s “Most Innovative in Digital Banking” by The Banker. In addition, DBS has been accorded the “Safest Bank in Asia” award by Global Finance for 17 consecutive years from 2009 to 2025. In 2026, DBS won the “Triple A award – Best Digital Customer Onboarding Experience – Hong Kong”

DBS provides a full range of services in consumer, SME and corporate banking. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS understands the intricacies of doing business in the region’s most dynamic markets.

DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, as it banks the Asian way. Through the DBS Foundation, the bank creates impact beyond banking by uplifting lives and livelihoods of those in need. It provides essential needs to the underprivileged, and fosters inclusion by equipping the underserved with financial and digital literacy skills. It also nurtures innovative social enterprises that create positive impact.

With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. For more information, please visit www.dbs.com.

About Know Your Customer Limited

Know Your Customer Limited is an award-winning RegTech company specialised in next-generation business verification solutions for financial institutions and regulated organisations worldwide. For teams struggling with inefficient client due diligence and onboarding processes, Know Your Customer offers an intuitive digital compliance workspace that combines unmatched real-time registry data, covering over 140 countries, seamless integrations, and AI-powered smart automation. This streamlined approach transforms the compliance function at its core, allowing customers to customise their solutions by selecting only the functionalities they need, all accessible via a robust REST API.

Founded in Hong Kong in 2015, with a local presence in Singapore, Dublin, London, and Shanghai, Know Your Customer has built a global customer base across 11 verticals and 18 jurisdictions. The company also maintains a wide network of technology and data partners, ensuring high-quality entity data and enhanced compliance processes for its customers.

For more information visit https://knowyourcustomer.comor follow Know Your Customer Limited on LinkedIn or X.

Thanks to powerful partnerships with industry leaders, NOTE 60 Ultra represents Infinix’s boldest entry in the flagship tier, debuting in Barcelona during MWC 2026

BARCELONA, SPAIN – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 March 2026 – Infinix is cementing its status within the premium smartphone segment in a bold new way with NOTE 60 Ultra, its landmark flagship debuting in Barcelona during Mobile World Congress 2026.

Co-developed with Italian automotive and design legend Pininfarina, NOTE 60 Ultra’s design is driven by an emotion-led aesthetic inspired by super cars. Beneath its bold design lies a fully realized flagship experience, integrating breakthrough in-house innovations with best-in-class partner technologies. A professional-grade 200MP ultra-high-definition imaging system, built-in multi-country satellite communication connectivity, and immersive audio precision-tuned by SOUND BY JBL come together to challenge expectations in the premium segment.

Supercar Design DNA in a Flagship, Shaped by Pininfarina

In the premium segment, the design language is a device’s opening statement. A user’s perception at first glance is shaped by aesthetics, long before a single specification is considered.

Drawing inspiration from the aerodynamic philosophy and pioneering spirit of high-performance sports cars, Infinix, in partnership with Pininfarina, takes a radical departure in sculpting a flagship. What stands out immediately is what’s missing: the camera bump. As premium handsets adopt larger sensors, they often sacrifice form with increasingly protruding camera modules.

True to the sports car heritage, NOTE 60 Ultra introduces a fully integrated, single-body rear: the Aluminum Unibody Design. At the heart of this craftsmanship is the World’s 1st Uni-Chassis Cam Module, formed a single, continuous sheet of CORNING® GORILLA® GLASS VICTUS that virtually conceals the presence of the camera. Much like a supercar sculpted for low-drag, the rear design maintains a smooth, uninterrupted silhouette. This also ensures a natural in-hand feel and unobtrusively slips into any pocket, while reinforcing the phone’s durability and structural integrity.

Paying homage to Italian cultural and racing heritage, NOTE 60 Ultra arrives in four striking colorways: Torino Black, Monza Red, Amalfi Blue, and Roma Silver. Each hue draws inspiration from the most iconic scenes and legends of Italy’s motorsport and cultural history, capturing the spirit of speed, lifestyle, and emotional beauty.

Just as a supercar announces its ignition through sound and light, NOTE 60 Ultra mirrors the ritual. A Floating Taillight signature spans the rear, illuminating as the device powers on. And as a final nod to automotive heritage, NOTE 60 Ultra features an Active Matrix Display reminiscent of a supercar dashboard at startup. Concealed within the rear surface, the hidden display lights up to reveal notifications, expressive icons, or a pixel-style virtual companion.

Dual Flagship Cameras for Detail, Zoom, and True-to-Life Imaging

Although discreet at first glance, Infinix makes no concessions on camera performance and earmarks a new era for Infinix’s imaging capability. Delivering performance on par with industry-leading standards, Infinix’s Dual Flagship Imaging Architecture marks several brand-first breakthroughs and improvements across three dimensions, reinforcing its position as a signature offering.

Under the hood, it’s clear that NOTE 60 Ultra refuses to settle for less. Discreetly integrated within the Uni-Chassis Cam Module is a powerful triple-camera array. Anchored by a next-generation 200MP Samsung ISOCELL HPE sensor, NOTE 60 Ultra delivers ultra-high-definition clarity. And ensuring flagship-grade versatility across focal lengths, the phone is complemented by a 50MP Samsung ISOCELL JN5 periscope telephoto lens and a 112° ultra-wide lens.

However, hardware alone does not define the full experience. For the first time, Infinix supports the XDR display standard with Ultra HDR Capture. Powered by a proprietary XDR Image Engine, Infinix’s advanced system delivers a superior dynamic range, ideal for true-to-life photos of bright lights at night or breathtaking sunset scenes.

The result is exceptional resolution that sets a higher bar for precise framing in daylight or after dark, while faithfully preserving details often lost in standard photography. Whether exploring daytime cityscapes or distant horizons, NOTE 60 Ultra excels with its advanced optical‑to‑digital zoom performance. Crisp, detailed shots are captured across a versatile zoom range, from a 2× optical crop and native 3.5× optical zoom to a 7× lossless digital zoom, extending up to 100× for extreme distances.

Expansive Satellite Calling and Messaging Coverage

Beyond what meets the eye, NOTE 60 Ultra carries a more subtle capability designed to accompany the user’s ambition, as far as and wherever the road leads. NOTE 60 Ultra is the first¹ to introduce dual-way satellite calling with expansive global coverage across a far greater number of countries¹. Powered by two-way messaging and calling beyond traditional terrestrial networks, NOTE 60 Ultra offers an added peace of mind whether navigating remote terrain beyond cellular coverage or facing large-scale network disruptions. The device bridges regional connectivity gaps to maintain communication and enables emergency location sharing when it matters most.

Ultra-Fast, Enduring Functionalities for an All-Around Flagship Experience

NOTE 60 Ultra combines category-leading performance and enduring power to support multi-sensory entertainment without interruption. Complementing this, its latest user experience delivers forward-looking innovations and AI-driven optimizations, making it more accessible and seamless for everyday use.

Impressively, Infinix debuted the Proprietary Battery Self-Healing Technology. Despite featuring a massive 7000mAh silicon-carbon battery within a slim, lightweight frame, NOTE 60 Ultra is engineered to restore up to 1%² of battery health every 200 charge cycles. Complementing this breakthrough, NOTE 60 Ultra supports wired 100W All-Around Fast Charge and 50W wireless charging, achieving a full charge from 1% to 100%² in only 48 minutes through a wired connection.

Even with a massive battery, Infinix pulls out all the stops to optimize for both speed and energy management. Featuring a 4nm all-big-core MediaTek Dimensity 8400 Ultimate chipset together with Infinix’s self-developed performance engine, NOTE 60 Ultra achieves up to 25%² faster multitasking, accelerated app responsiveness, and sustained smoothness.

NOTE 60 Ultra excels in its class with a captivating, 1.5K Ultra HDR cinematic display. Delivering fluid 144Hz responsiveness and exceptional 4500-nit peak brightness, visuals remain vibrant across most lighting conditions. Even in motion, intelligent predictive stabilization minimizes motion sickness, whether watching a film or playing games from within a car. And just as a high-performance vehicle demands calibrated acoustics, NOTE 60 Ultra doesn’t settle for less. It delivers high-fidelity audio through a stereo system with SOUND BY JBL, completing a truly compelling entertainment experience.

The NOTE 60 Ultra’s optimized performance enables its intelligent AI features to run fluidly and efficiently with minimal battery drain. Its integrated AI ecosystem focuses on practical daily-enhancing functions, including real-time vitals tracking via Advanced Health Monitor, personalized file organization and an adaptive AI-powered knowledge base, all evolving with user preferences. These AI capabilities are seamlessly woven into GlowSpace, a new interface debuting on XOS 16.³ Powered by Android 16, GlowSpace introduces a fully reimagined UI centered on fluid motion and luminous details that animate with every interaction.

Through co-engineering with leading technology and innovation partners, Infinix has aligned NOTE 60 Ultra around a unified vision of excellence. The outcome is a benchmark-setting flagship defined not by spectacle, but by deeply integrated and purposeful engineering, inside-out.

Product availability

NOTE 60 Ultra comes with a promise of 3 years of major OS updates and 5 years of security patches.

NOTE 60 Ultra is available in four colors: Torino Black, Monza Red, Amalfi Blue, and Roma Silver.

It will be available in a single variant with 12GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, and built-in eSIM⁴.

NOTE 60 Ultra comes with a deluxe gift box with automotive-inspired display stand design. A Supercar-Inspired MagCharge Base in Zinc Alloy, a Kevlar-Pattern MagPad, a Custom Kevlar MagCase, and a Track-Edition SIM Ejector Pin are included in the gift box.

Disclaimer

¹As of launch, this device is the first commercially available smartphone to support two‑way satellite calling across multiple countries. Feature availability, supported regions and coverage are subject to local certification, network deployment and market conditions.

²All data comes from Infinix laboratories. The testing data may vary slightly between different test versions and testing environments.

³The specific XOS upgrade plan for each model will be announced separately. Please note that availability of this upgrade may be limited in certain countries.

⁴eSIM availability is carrier and region-dependent; it may not be supported in all countries.

Hashtag: #Infinix

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

About Infinix

Established in 2013, Infinix is an innovation-driven brand dedicated to delivering cutting-edge technology, bold design, and outstanding performance. The brand provides smart, enjoyable mobile experiences that enhance everyday life. Beyond smartphones, Infinix has expanded its portfolio to include TWS earbuds, smartwatches, laptops, tablets, smart TVs, and more—building a comprehensive ecosystem of smart devices. Currently, Infinix products are available in over 70 countries and regions worldwide, including Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.

For more information, please visit: http://www.infinixmobility.com/

A major highlight was the prestigious Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) 2026 Conference and Exhibition, which ranks among the world’s top three international higher education conferences. The event attracted over 3,500 leading international education professionals to explore the latest trends and critical issues in higher education.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of APAIE 2026, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)’s Secretary for Education, Dr Christine Choi said, “To further promote higher education in Hong Kong to the world, we are dedicating this week as the ‘Study in Hong Kong’ Week, during which we will share our success stories and connect more closely with partners worldwide.”

“Under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong enjoys the distinctive advantages of being part of China with strong support from our Motherland and at the same time being centrally located in Asia.

“Our universities are globally recognised, with five of them within the world’s top 100 and Asia’s top 20. Hong Kong claimed all top four spots in the ranking of the world’s most international universities last year. Indeed, one in every four of our students come from outside Hong Kong. The proportion is even higher for academic staff, with around 70 per cent from elsewhere.”

Held under the theme “Asia-Pacific Partnerships for the Global Good”, APAIE 2026 featured pre-conference workshops, summit forums, keynote speeches, and exchange activities.

Dr Choi met with education officials and representatives from various regions on international education development trends and co-operation. She held separate meetings with the State Secretary of the Ministry of Education, Research, Development and Youth of the Slovak Republic, Mr Róbert Zsembera, and the Director General of the International Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Education and Training of Vietnam, Dr Nguyen Thu Thuy, to exchange views on the development, co-operation, and promotion of international higher education.

Dr Choi also toured the “Study in Hong Kong” Pavilion, where she learned about the promotional efforts of University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded universities and how they expand international networks to recruit students from various regions for study and exchange in Hong Kong. She also visited other booths at the exhibition, exchanging views on higher education development with representatives from various countries and regions.

Dr Choi noted that Hong Kong, as Asia’s world city, possesses advantages in global connectivity, world-class infrastructure, and rich cultural experiences that attract outstanding talent.

During the Week, UGC-funded universities hosted campus tours, allowing overseas guests to experience first-hand the fusion of diverse cultures from different regions. Universities also organised student exchange activities to foster friendships among international students from different regions, deepen their understanding of Hong Kong, and help them better integrate into local campus life.

“While Hong Kong is highly popular among students from the Chinese Mainland, those from other parts of the world, especially in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Belt and Road countries or regions, have increased significantly in recent years,” Dr Choi said.

“As we welcome more non-local students to our schools and universities, we hope Hong Kong can serve as a springboard for them to engage with the Chinese Mainland and the wider Asia-Pacific, and as a pathway to widen collaborations across this vibrant region.”

Hashtag: #hongkong #brandhongkong #asiasworldcity #StudyinHongKong #Asia-PacificAssociationforInternationalEducation #APAIE

https://www.brandhk.gov.hk/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-hong-kong/
https://x.com/Brand_HK/
https://www.facebook.com/brandhk.isd
https://www.instagram.com/brandhongkong

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

Purpose-built for explosive and high-risk conditions, HAEXC Mobile’s intrinsically safe devices meet stringent international safety standards, including ATEX and IECEx certification. These solutions enable reliable communication for industries requiring certified intrinsically safe phone technology, including oil and gas, marine, defence, and heavy industrial sectors.

Enabling Safe Communication in Hazardous Zones
Workers operating in hazardous environments require devices that can perform safely without creating ignition risks. HAEXC Mobile’s intrinsically safe (IS phone) and explosion-proof devices are specifically engineered to function safely in environments classified as Zone 1 and Zone 2, where explosive gases may be present.

The company’s portfolio includes certified Zone 1 phone and Zone 2 phone models designed to support mission-critical communication for:

• Industrial workers using phones for oil and gas operations

• Personnel requiring reliable hazardous area phone solutions

• Defence and specialised applications requiring IECEx phones for military environments

• Maritime professionals seeking durable phones for marine & offshore deployment

These devices provide dependable performance while protecting workers and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Integrated Safety Features Including EX Camera and EX Proof Camera Technology
In addition to intrinsically safe communication, HAEXC Mobile devices incorporate advanced imaging solutions such as EX camera and EX proof camera capabilities. These explosion-proof camera systems enable workers to safely capture images and videos for inspection, reporting, and compliance documentation without compromising safety.

The company’s intrinsically safe phone solutions also feature:

• Push-to-Talk communication for instant team coordination

• Lone worker protection and emergency alert features

• Rugged, shock-resistant and waterproof design

• Long battery life for extended field operations

• Secure enterprise mobility integration

These features make HAEXC Mobile’s devices ideal for organisations seeking reliable IS phone solutions in demanding environments.

Supporting Critical Industries Worldwide
“As industries continue to digitise their operations, the need for reliable and safe communication tools becomes even more important,” said Raymond Tan, Managing Director of HAEXC Mobile Pte Ltd.

“Our intrinsically safe phone and hazardous area phone solutions are designed to protect frontline workers while enabling seamless communication in even the most hazardous conditions, including oil and gas facilities, marine environments, and military applications.”

HAEXC Mobile’s rugged devices are widely used as certified phones for oil and gas, marine, and industrial sectors, helping organisations enhance safety compliance and operational efficiency.

Driving the Future of Industrial Safety Technology
With increasing demand for intrinsically safe mobile solutions, HAEXC Mobile continues to innovate in explosion-proof communication technology, including intrinsically safe smartphones and integrated EX camera solutions.

The company’s mission is to empower organisations with reliable communication tools that protect workers and support safer industrial operations worldwide.

For more information, visit:
https://www.haexc-mobile.com/
Hashtag: #IntrinsicallySafe #ExplosionProof #ISPhone #Zone1Phone #Zone2Phone #HazardousAreaPhone

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

HAEXC Mobile Pte Ltd

HAEXC Mobile Pte Ltd specialises in rugged and intrinsically safe mobile communication devices designed for hazardous industrial environments. Its product portfolio includes Zone 1 phone, Zone 2 phone, intrinsically safe phone, hazardous area phone, and explosion-proof devices with integrated EX proof camera technology.

These solutions are widely used across oil and gas, marine & offshore, defence, petrochemical, and industrial sectors where safety-certified communication is essential.

Learn more at:
https://www.haexc-mobile.com/

The yuan rebounded in both onshore and offshore trading after the People’s Bank of China lifted its daily midpoint setting by the largest margin in more than six months. The central bank fixed the yuan at 6.9088 per dollar, roughly 148 pips firmer than the previous guidance level, a move interpreted by traders as a deliberate effort to anchor expectations following two sessions of depreciation.

China operates a managed floating exchange rate system in which the yuan is permitted to trade within a band of two per cent above or below the daily midpoint set by the central bank. The fixing therefore serves as a powerful signal to markets about the authorities’ preferred direction for the currency.

Following the adjustment, the onshore yuan strengthened to around 6.88 per dollar during Asian trading hours, while its offshore counterpart posted similar gains. Currency dealers said the stronger guidance helped calm investors after geopolitical tensions and shifts in global risk sentiment had unsettled foreign-exchange markets earlier in the week.

Prior to the short-lived decline, the yuan had been on a sustained upward trajectory for several months, supported by a weaker US dollar, resilient export performance and continued capital inflows into China’s financial markets. The currency reached its strongest level since April 2023 during that rally, prompting concerns among policymakers that rapid appreciation could erode exporters’ competitiveness.

Authorities have responded with a series of calibrated measures aimed at smoothing the pace of currency gains rather than reversing them entirely. Among the most notable steps was the decision to remove a 20 per cent risk-reserve requirement on certain foreign-exchange forward contracts, effectively lowering the cost of betting against the yuan and encouraging market participants to buy dollars.

Analysts say such adjustments illustrate the central bank’s balancing act between maintaining exchange-rate stability and allowing market forces to play a greater role. Officials have repeatedly emphasised the importance of preventing excessive volatility while ensuring the currency reflects underlying economic fundamentals.

Currency strategists note that Beijing has a wide toolkit for influencing the yuan’s trajectory. These tools include modifying the daily reference rate, adjusting foreign-exchange reserve requirements for banks, and guiding state-owned financial institutions to participate in the market when volatility intensifies.

Despite the latest intervention through the midpoint setting, the fixing remained weaker than many market forecasts, highlighting the cautious stance adopted by policymakers. The approach suggests authorities are comfortable with moderate appreciation but wary of rapid movements that could unsettle financial markets or complicate domestic economic management.

China’s export-oriented companies have been particularly sensitive to exchange-rate fluctuations. A stronger yuan reduces the value of overseas earnings when converted into the local currency, potentially squeezing margins for manufacturers and technology firms whose revenues are denominated largely in dollars.

Market participants say the central bank’s latest move aims to reinforce stability while avoiding a signal that authorities intend to drive the currency significantly higher. Such signalling is important in an environment where global investors remain alert to geopolitical developments and shifts in US monetary policy.

The broader international context has also played a role in shaping currency movements. Escalating tensions in the Middle East have fuelled demand for traditional safe-haven assets, including the US dollar, prompting fluctuations across major currency pairs. For China, which relies heavily on imported energy, volatility in global markets can quickly translate into financial-market turbulence.

Attention among investors is now turning to the annual meetings of China’s national legislature and political advisory body, where policymakers are expected to outline economic priorities for the year ahead. The gatherings typically provide guidance on growth targets, fiscal policy and structural reforms that influence expectations for the yuan and other financial assets.

Economists are closely watching signals on monetary policy as well. Some analysts anticipate modest policy easing in the months ahead, including a potential reduction in benchmark lending rates and a cut to banks’ reserve requirement ratios aimed at supporting domestic demand.