Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Azizi Developments has begun preliminary work on workforce accommodation projects in Dubai and Sharjah designed to house more than 31,000 people, with phased completion scheduled through late 2027. The developer’s largest planned community, at Al Sajaa in Sharjah, will accommodate more than 20,000 residents across 36 residential buildings. Site preparation is expected to start later this month, while enabling and shoring works are […]
Ethereum climbed nearly 5% as substantial purchases by large cryptocurrency holders and a recovery in Bitcoin helped lift digital asset prices following a sharp market sell-off. Ether, the native cryptocurrency of the Ethereum blockchain, traded around $2,480 on October 16, registering a gain of approximately 4.6% over 24 hours, according to CoinGecko data. Trading volume reached about $14.48 billion, while its market capitalisation approached $302 billion. The […]
Abu Dhabi is expected to prioritise additional borrowing over withdrawals from sovereign wealth assets if the US-Iran war escalates, according to Fitch Ratings, which forecasts substantial budget surpluses and manageable government debt through 2028. The rating agency said the emirate would favour debt financing rather than drawing down investments beyond the established dividend policy of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), reflecting its ability to access capital […]
French President Emmanuel Macron has promised tougher security measures and prosecutions after nationwide demonstrations over living costs descended into arson, looting and clashes with police, intensifying political confrontation ahead of next year’s presidential election. Macron condemned the destruction following an emergency meeting on Sunday, while stopping short of imposing a state of emergency. His intervention came as police confronted fresh disturbances in Paris and municipal authorities assessed […]
CHANGSHA, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 October 2026 – Co-produced by Hunan Satellite TV and Mango TV and created by Wang Qin Studio, Season 4 of the food and cultural tourism program Go Where Flavors of Hunan Abound premiered on October 12, 2026, and is airing simultaneously on Hunan Satellite TV and Mango TV from Monday to Thursday at 7:30 p.m.
Under the theme “A Season of World-Class Landscapes,” the new season focuses on the development of the Greater Zhangjiajie International Tourism Area. Host Wang Han leads the program’s food exploration team through Zhangjiajie, Cili, Jishou, Fenghuang, Changde, Shaoyang and Huaihua, presenting a cultural tourism journey that connects local cuisine with spectacular landscapes and the stories of the people who call these places home.
Connecting Landscapes Through Food
The opening episode takes viewers to Zhangjiajie, beginning with the towering Bailong Elevator before following the hiking trails along Golden Whip Stream. International tourists encountered along the way share that Zhangjiajie was their planned first stop in China. Zhangjiajie welcomes more than one million international visitors annually from over 190 countries.
Yet the destination’s international appeal extends beyond its extraordinary scenery. It also lies in the flavors nurtured by the land and the people whose lives are rooted in it.
In Longweiba Village, young entrepreneurs who have returned to their hometowns are rediscovering local ingredients such as kudzu root and vine tea, incorporating them into coffee and bingfen, a traditional chilled jelly dessert. Their creations bring new life to familiar mountain flavors and introduce them to younger generations.
In Cili, local cuisine reveals stories passed down through generations. The dish known as Yanghe Dumi carries a history of mutual support dating back to 1935. After receiving help from their neighbors during difficult times, local residents cut pork tripe into rice-sized pieces to prepare a dish that could be shared among more people. The recipe became a lasting reminder of community solidarity.
The team also visits a centuries-old tree associated with the Red Army and samples Xikou beef. Revolutionary commanders He Long and Xiao Ke once held a pre-battle mobilization meeting at the site. The ancient tree, which survived a lightning strike, embodies the resilience of the local community, a quality echoed in the firm, chewy texture of Xikou beef. Together, the stories and flavors reveal the enduring spirit of the mountains.
Discovering the People Behind the Flavors
At Jixiang Rice Noodle Shop in Jishou, owner Wang Jixiang has been running her business for 35 years. The shop serves four varieties of rice noodles with a selection of toppings. Among them, rice noodles topped with stir-fried pork and fermented chili offer a distinctive combination of sour and spicy flavors characteristic of western Hunan.
The journey continues along the Wanrong River and across Xinnü Bridge, adorned with wish plaques, before reaching the creative home of the Miao folk band Miao Ren San Man.
The band members moved from their mountain village to town to support their children’s education and earn a living by running a business, but they never abandoned their musical aspirations. Performing their original song Calling to the Mountains in a Miao village, they express a longing to reach a mountaintop together and release their deepest frustrations through a collective shout.
In Fenghuang, restaurant owner Xiao Yang offers another example of how local culinary traditions are finding new audiences. After leaving military service, he worked as a tour guide and discovered that many visitors knew little about Fenghuang’s distinctive local cuisine.
He subsequently introduced Miao-style smoked pork trotters in sour soup, a specialty of the La’ershan area, to a wider market, making modest adjustments to suit broader tastes while preserving its traditional character.
Wang Han also shares the history of Miao sour soup, which he learned about when first tasting the dish. During the migrations of their ancestors, the Miao people often faced shortages of supplies, including salt. They fermented green vegetables and relied on sour flavors for seasoning. Over time, sour soup became a culinary reminder of those journeys.
Today, the distinctive fermented flavor continues to evolve as it is paired with an increasingly diverse range of ingredients. Rather than remaining unchanged, traditional recipes continue to thrive through new interpretations, connecting generations of people to the land and its history.
Connecting Local Journeys with the World
One distinctive feature of the fourth season is the introduction of a food-tasting panel at each destination, bringing together local residents, visitors from other regions and international guests.
After sampling the dishes, panel members vote to select the “Hunan Flavor Signature Dishes.”
Among the selected specialties are claypot rice with farm-raised Chinese giant salamander and Tujia-style Sangun Wawa from Zhangjiajie; Xikou beef and Lao Sizhong rice noodles from Cili; and Fangyuan rice noodles and smoked pork trotters in sour soup from Fenghuang.
This interactive format demonstrates how people from different cultural backgrounds can experience and interpret the same dish in their own ways.
The towering sandstone peaks of Zhangjiajie, the Loushui River in Cili, the Wanrong River in Jishou, and the Tuojiang River, Hongqiao Bridge and traditional stilt houses of Fenghuang together form the scenic landscape of the Greater Zhangjiajie International Tourism Area.
Meanwhile, rice noodles, cured meats, sour soup and distinctive local delicacies bring warmth, flavor and everyday life to these natural and cultural landscapes.
About Season 4 of Go Where Flavors of Hunan Abound
Under the theme “A Season of World-Class Landscapes,” Season 4 of Go Where Flavors of Hunan Abound focuses on the Greater Zhangjiajie International Tourism Area and adopts a two-episode format for each destination.
The first episode, focusing on rural and mountain flavors, takes viewers hiking, exploring lesser-known destinations and participating in local challenges while visiting ordinary households to discover traditional home-cooked dishes.
The second episode explores the culinary life of urban neighborhoods, visiting long-established restaurants, discovering local food traditions and featuring signature dishes prepared by experienced chefs.
Landscapes provide the setting, while local flavors bring the stories to life. By bringing together China’s distinctive natural scenery and authentic regional cuisine, Go Where Flavors of Hunan Abound presents the Greater Zhangjiajie International Tourism Area to international audiences as a vibrant destination rich in culture, character and culinary heritage.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
CHENGDU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 October 2026 – ISYUN, a leading professional Chinese trendy hair dyeing brand, officially announced today that renowned versatile artist and global icon Victoria has been appointed as its Global Brand Ambassador. Marking a milestone strategic move in the brand’s history, this partnership reflects a deep synergy between both parties’ commitment to professional excellence and modern fashion philosophy. The collaboration signifies ISYUN’s accelerated global expansion pace, bringing high-quality at-home hair dyeing and care solutions to the worldwide market, while delivering a brand-new, professional home-styling choice to beauty consumers across Southeast Asia.
China’s Professional Hair Care Brand ISYUN Announces Victoria song as Global Brand Ambassador, Accelerating Global Expansion with Strategic Focus on Southeast Asia
For consumers across Southeast Asia and beyond, Victoria is widely recognized as an influential Asian artist boasting immense popularity and public affinity. Having debuted early in her career as the leader of the top-tier girl group f(x), she established a profound fan base and widespread public recognition throughout Southeast Asia, backed by her solid performance skills, refreshing yet sophisticated personal image, and distinct style identity. Throughout her career, Victoria has consistently approached her artistic endeavors with a rigorous and professional attitude, expanding her footprint into diverse fields including acting, music, and fashion. By continually pushing her own boundaries across Asia, she has cemented her status as a powerhouse of both substance and aesthetic style through her exceptional fashion expression and steady delivery of high-caliber work. Whether effortlessly pulling off sharp, sophisticated professional looks or interpreting dynamic, trendy styles, her daring spirit to break boundaries and pursue meticulous detail perfectly aligns with ISYUN’s brand DNA of “Professionalism, Fashion, and Texture,” while echoing the brand’s dedicated craftsmanship in the hair-coloring sector. As Global Brand Ambassador, Victoria will join hands with ISYUN to champion the brand philosophy of “One Step Closer to Hair Color Freedom,” enabling more consumers—including those in Southeast Asia—to experience the convenience and joy of salon-quality hair care at home.
A Decade of Professional Excellence and Omni-Channel Growth Since its inception in 2013, ISYUN has consistently focused on addressing the core pain points of consumers’ at-home hair coloring experiences, deeply cultivating the niche sector of trendy hair dyes while dedicating itself to creating professional, cutting-edge hair-coloring products tailored to Asian skin tones. Over the past decade, the brand has maintained deep insights into the personalized hair color demands of diverse consumer groups, keeping pace with global beauty trends to continuously expand its trendy color matrix. Currently encompassing six major color families with over twenty distinct shades—ranging from versatile everyday brown tones to highly personalized trendy hues—the brand fully satisfies expression needs across varying scenarios and styles.
Driven by stable product quality and an exceptional user experience, ISYUN has earned widespread recognition and affection from millions of young consumers in the Chinese market. In terms of channel layout, the brand has built an integrated omni-channel sales network: its offline footprint has successfully entered over 10,000 mainstream trendy retail stores nationwide, covering core consumer touchpoints, while its online presence maintains a leading position within the hair-dye category across major e-commerce platforms, backed by sustained sales leadership and stellar user reputation. Furthermore, ISYUN serves as the exclusive official designated professional hair care brand for the China Fashion Week, a testament to its industry-wide product acclaim.
Get Victoria’s Look: Catching the Trend with the All-New “Oxygen Cool Brown” In tandem with the global ambassador announcement, ISYUN is concurrently launching the exact hair color worn by Global Brand Ambassador Victoria: the “Oxygen Cool Brown.” Addressing the industry-wide pain point where traditional hair dyes cause damage during coloring, ISYUN’s product development has always centered on the core concept of “Hair Dyeing and Care in One.” Utilizing the brand’s proprietary essential oil special blending technology, plant-derived extracts such as argan oil, jojoba seed extract, and camellia seed oil are packaged in independent capsules, ready to be poured and mixed directly into the color cream during application. This delivers a simultaneous dyeing and conditioning experience that leaves hair smooth and lustrous post-application, effectively taming frizz and ameliorating post-dye dryness.
The newly introduced “Oxygen Cool Brown” shade—matching Victoria’s stunning hair look—is crafted precisely around the product’s superior color-rendering advantages. The translucent cool brown base blended with natural misty undertones flatters all skin tones while brightening overall complexion, seamlessly adapting to both daily commuting and leisure gatherings as a versatile, high-end, yet practical trendy color. Accompanied by an elegant floral fragrance, the product comprehensively optimizes the at-home coloring sensory experience, breaking public stereotypes regarding pungent chemical odors associated with hair dyes.
Tapping into the Booming Southeast Asian Beauty Market In recent years, Southeast Asia’s beauty and personal care market has experienced continuous expansion, with the rise of younger consumer cohorts driving rapid growth in personalized cosmetic demands. Among these segments, at-home hair care products have emerged as a prominent growth driver in the Southeast Asian market, favored for their operational flexibility, high cost-performance ratio, and diverse stylistic expressions. Simultaneously, Southeast Asian consumers are raising their expectations for hair-dye formulations: demanding both precise color rendering optimized for Asian skin tones and integrated nourishing properties to minimize hair damage. ISYUN’s launch of its global ambassador strategy—exporting mature hair-dye and care portfolios to international markets—precisely meets the soaring demand for professional at-home hair solutions across Southeast Asia.
A senior spokesperson for ISYUN stated, “Signing Victoria as our Global Brand Ambassador marks a vital milestone in our journey toward broader international markets. Victoria’s professional attitude and fashion influence enable us to precisely connect with our core consumer demographic, infusing fresh, trendy vitality into the brand. Leveraging her cross-cultural influence across Southeast Asia, ISYUN will more efficiently engage local youth demographics and communicate our core professional ethos and product value.”
Looking Ahead: Expanding Global Horizons Looking ahead, ISYUN will continue to collaborate with Global Brand Ambassador Victoria to uphold its brand DNA of “Professionalism, Fashion, and Texture,” continually sharpening its product competitiveness and color innovation. The brand remains committed to delivering diverse hair-coloring solutions that integrate trendiness with deep nourishment, bringing the founding vision of “One Step Closer to Hair Color Freedom” to life. As its global footprint steadily expands, ISYUN will continue monitoring the hair characteristics and aesthetic demands of consumers across different global regions, continuously optimizing its offerings to bring professional, convenient, and healthy at-home hair care experiences to more consumers worldwide, collectively exploring new frontiers in home hair-styling aesthetics.
Hashtag: #ISYUN
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Technology companies, start-ups and financial technology ventures could help lift India-UAE bilateral trade to $200 billion, a diplomat told a Dubai forum, identifying opportunities beyond established trade.
Vishnu Vardhan Reddy, Consul General of India in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, said innovation, renewable energy, defence and space technology could contribute to the next phase of economic expansion. He was addressing the Innovators and Investors Series organised by the Indian People’s Forum on October 16.
The proposal comes as both governments pursue a target of $200 billion in bilateral trade by 2032. Trade reached $101.25 billion during India’s 2025-26 financial year, exceeding $100 billion for a second consecutive year, according to official figures.
Reddy urged businesses and investors to establish partnerships capable of taking emerging enterprises into international markets. Investment in technology businesses, he argued, could create additional commercial activity while linking the UAE’s capital providers with enterprises developing products and services in India.
His remarks were an assessment, not a new government commitment or forecast backed by contracts. Achieving the target would require substantial expansion across multiple sectors, including those already accounting for the largest share of bilateral commerce. The $200 billion figure is a bilateral merchandise trade ambition, not a valuation of technology investments or start-up fundraising.
India’s exports to the UAE totalled approximately $37.36 billion in 2025-26, while imports were about $63.89 billion. The UAE remained India’s third-largest trading partner and second-largest export destination. India was the UAE’s second-largest trading partner, according to diplomatic trade data.
The technology emphasis follows a September meeting of the UAE-India High Level Joint Task Force on Investments, where officials agreed to advance work on local-currency settlement, payment-system integration and central-bank digital currencies. Those initiatives are intended to make financial transactions and cross-border commerce more efficient. Officials also discussed cooperation in financial infrastructure, an area where payment interoperability could lower friction for businesses operating in both markets.
The task force also examined investment proposals involving manufacturing, food processing and logistics. Projects discussed included an integrated aluminium complex proposed for Odisha, a food park in Gujarat and opportunities for aviation and logistics development at Dholera.
At the Dubai forum, speakers called for greater participation by UAE investors in start-ups seeking financing, commercial partnerships and access to international customers. The gathering connected entrepreneurs with businesses and potential financial backers.
Two enterprises, JE Plus Healthcare and University Living, presented their business models. JE Plus Healthcare focuses on distribution and logistics for healthcare products, while University Living provides accommodation services for students studying away from home. Both were seeking investment to expand their operations. Their presentations illustrated the range of businesses seeking support, from physical supply chains to digital services for international customers.
Actor and investor Vivek Oberoi told participants that unsuccessful investments were part of entrepreneurship and that investors needed to recognise the lessons associated with business failures. He said he had invested in 35 companies, with mixed results across his portfolio.
Jitendra Vaidya, national president of the Indian People’s Forum, said stronger two-way investment could support commercial ties between the countries. The organisation’s business representatives encouraged investors to examine opportunities in technology, artificial intelligence, machine learning and robotics.
Mahesh Advani, convenor of the forum’s business council, urged UAE investors to consider start-up financing. Piyush Jhunjhunwala, co-convenor of its business and professional council, identified technology-led businesses as a potential destination for private capital.
Figures circulated at the event described a substantial start-up and venture investment ecosystem in India, including companies operating in financial services and advanced technology. However, the figures covered different categories of businesses and financing activity, making direct comparisons difficult without consistent definitions and reporting periods.
The bilateral trade framework rests on the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which entered into force in May 2022. It reduced trade barriers across numerous product categories and provided a platform for wider business cooperation. Trade volumes nevertheless remain sensitive to energy prices, demand conditions and changes in the composition of imports and exports.
Government initiatives now include Bharat Mart, intended to support access to markets, and a Virtual Trade Corridor designed to simplify trade processes. Both form part of efforts to improve the movement of goods and information between the two economies.
The Dubai forum was organised by the Indian People’s Forum, a community organisation that also conducts business and professional networking activities in the UAE.
With chronic pain at midlife in focus this World Menopause Day, Singapore TCM clinic highlights joint and muscle discomfort as an often-overlooked midlife concern.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 October 2026 – Ahead of World Menopause Day on 18 October 2026, the Singapore-based Traditional Chinese Medicine clinic Yi TCM is introducing its Women’s Wellness Starter Session to support women seeking to better understand physical and well-being changes experienced during midlife.
This year’s World Menopause Day theme, “Chronic Pain At Midlife”, draws attention to an issue that is particularly relevant in Singapore. Studies conducted by the Integrated Women’s Health Programme at the National University Hospital and NUS Medicine found joint and muscle discomfort to be among the most commonly reported menopausal symptoms among Singapore women.
Muscle and Joint Pain: An Overlooked Symptom
Muscle and joint pain during the menopausal transition may be associated with hormonal changes, including declining oestrogen levels. As oestrogen receptors are also found in the joints, ligaments, and muscles, a drop in this hormone’s levels may be associated with changes in joint and muscle health and increased pain perception.
“Muscle and joint pain are not always associated with menopause by medical care teams. They are more often diagnosed simply as the wear and tear of overuse or ageing,” a spokesperson for Yi TCM stated.
In Singapore, the average age of natural menopause is 49 years, about two years earlier than in many Western countries. Thus, overlooking these symptoms has major implications, especially as Singapore has become a super-aged society.
The impact of muscle and joint pain also extends beyond physical discomfort. Some midlife women in Singapore may also experience physical and mental exhaustion, reduced muscle strength, and sleep problems.
A TCM Perspective on Menopausal Symptoms
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is used by 1 in 5 adults in Singapore, with many users integrating it with Western medicine. A local study also found interest in information about complementary and alternative approaches for menopausal symptoms among midlife women.
“Rather than addressing each symptom in isolation, TCM physicians focus on underlying patterns of disharmony in the body. This process reveals each patient’s “zheng“, or symptom pattern, and a treatment plan is tailored to help address internal imbalances,” the Yi TCM spokesperson explained. An assessment may reveal deficiencies in the Kidney or Liver, or stagnation of the Qi and Blood.
At Yi TCM, the registered TCM practitioners offer treatments such as acupuncture and customised herbal formulas to support the body’s transition and address imbalances. Acupuncture may help stimulate specific points to support the flow of Qi and Blood, which may help relieve body aches.
Meanwhile, Chinese herbs may also be prescribed depending on the deficiency pattern. “This means symptoms due to Liver and Kidney Yin deficiency may be addressed differently from symptoms due to Qi stagnation,” Yi TCM’s spokesperson added. This way, TCM can be a tailored holistic pathway to help manage joint and muscle pain, as well as the broader symptoms faced by menopausal women such as low energy and insomnia.
Women keen on understanding their individual body constitution and symptoms can also learn more about Yi TCM’s Women’s Wellness Starter Session, which provides an opportunity to discuss concerns experienced during the menopausal transition with a registered TCM practitioner.
How TCM Can Fit Into Broader Integrated Care
While TCM can support women in managing menopausal symptoms, Yi TCM notes that not all aches and pains should be attributed to hormonal changes. Women experiencing severe, persistent symptoms, or those that are new or unusual, are advised to seek medical attention. A healthcare provider can help determine the underlying conditions causing the symptoms.
In Singapore’s regulated healthcare environment, TCM is increasingly used as a complementary treatment instead of a replacement for conventional medical care. Menopausal women experiencing body aches or other symptoms are encouraged to consult practitioners registered with the Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners Board (TCMPB) under the Ministry of Health.
With World Menopause Day approaching, Yi TCM recognises the importance of timely recognition and management of menopausal symptoms in supporting women’s health across their later years. The clinic encourages women to take a step and have open discussions with their medical doctors and TCM practitioners to get a tailored plan for their individual needs.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Yi TCM
Yi TCM is a TCM clinic in Singapore where care is provided by TCMPB-registered bilingual physicians. Across the clinics in Raffles Place, Novena and Somerset, Yi TCM provides personalised TCM care for fertility, women’s and men’s health, pain management and general wellness.
Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke was due before a magistrate on Saturday after Delhi Police arrested him ahead of a protest against disputed electoral roll revisions, extending a confrontation between demonstrators and authorities in the capital. Police took Dipke into custody on Friday under preventive provisions intended to avert a breach of public peace. He was expected to appear before a Special Executive Magistrate, while the […]
By K Raveendran The Bharatiya Janata Party’s increasingly aggressive response to the agitation against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar reveals a political anxiety that its leaders are struggling to conceal. Behind the familiar display of confidence, accusations of opposition conspiracies and warnings about attempts to destabilise the government lies an uncomfortable reality: a movement that […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai EFG Hermes UAE has launched market-making and liquidity provision services on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), extending its brokerage operations to support trading activity and improve liquidity in selected listed securities. The company, regulated by the UAE’s Capital Market Authority, announced the expansion on Friday, saying it would place buying and selling orders under exchange rules and regulatory requirements. The initiative is […]
Meta has released Muse Spark Open, an artificial intelligence model designed to operate on Apple’s Mac Studio computers following a collaboration between the two technology companies. The open-weight system, unveiled on Thursday, contains 816 billion parameters and can run locally across two Mac Studios equipped with Apple’s M5 Ultra processors. Its release allows developers to download the model’s underlying weights rather than depend exclusively on remotely hosted […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Team Abu Dhabi will field 15 sailors at the 15th Mussanah Race Week in Oman, joining more than 100 competitors from seven countries as racing begins on Sunday. The squad, drawn from the Abu Dhabi Marine Sports Club Academy’s modern sailing programme, will compete in Optimist and ILCA dinghy classes at Barceló Mussanah Resort. The event’s competitive programme runs from 18 to 21 […]
Recognition highlights SPEED’s commitment to advancing digital procurement through innovation, stronger governance and technology-driven solutions.
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 October 2026 – SPEED (Sistem Perolehan Elektronik Dinamik), operated by CDC International Sdn Bhd (CDCi), has been recognised in the Innovative Tech Companies of the Year category at the Asia Corporate Excellence & Sustainability (ACES) Awards 2026, marking another milestone in the company’s efforts to advance digital procurement through technology-driven solutions.
The recognition reflects SPEED’s continued development as an integrated digital procurement ecosystem designed to help organisations modernise procurement processes, strengthen governance and improve operational efficiency.
At the centre of this achievement is SPEED, a digital procurement solution designed to modernise procurement practices by integrating advanced technology, streamlined workflows and data-driven capabilities to enhance efficiency, transparency and accountability.
Beyond process automation, SPEED incorporates capabilities such as real-time analytics, electronic bidding and intelligent procurement tools to support informed decision-making, strengthen procurement oversight and improve supplier engagement. Through its centralised platform, SPEED integrates supplier management, sourcing, procurement administration and reporting, enabling organisations to streamline end-to-end procurement activities while enhancing visibility, compliance and governance.
Chief Executive Officer of CDC International (CDCi), Putri Nurul Ida Yahya, said the recognition reflects the company’s continued focus on developing practical technology solutions that address organisational needs.
“Technology innovation must deliver meaningful value beyond system capabilities. Through SPEED, our focus is on helping organisations establish more structured, efficient and accountable procurement practices while ensuring that technology continues to evolve alongside their operational needs,” she said.
She added that the award provides further encouragement for CDCi to continue strengthening SPEED’s capabilities, particularly in intelligent procurement, system integration and data-driven solutions. Beyond technological advancements, SPEED also supports wider supplier participation through structured onboarding and management processes, enabling businesses of different sizes to access procurement opportunities within a more transparent and inclusive environment.
Moving forward, CDCi remains committed to enhancing its solutions to support organisations in adopting more adaptive, accountable and technology-enabled procurement practices.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
CDC International Sdn Bhd
SPEED (Sistem Perolehan Elektronik Dinamik) is a governance-driven digital procurement platform designed to support the full procurement lifecycle within a secure and scalable environment. Deployed across statutory bodies and institutional organisations in Malaysia, it enables structured procurement execution, policy compliance and audit readiness, while connecting procuring entities to a nationwide supplier ecosystem. SPEED is developed, implemented and operated by CDC International Sdn Bhd, a Malaysian enterprise solutions provider specialising in system-led procurement governance.
By Ashok Nilakantan Ayers NEW YORK: New York’s recurring airport chaos is not simply a problem of bad weather or overcrowded terminals. It is the result of several vulnerabilities converging in one of the world’s most consequential aviation regions: limited airspace, enormous passenger demand, aging and complex infrastructure, construction risks, and a highly interconnected air-traffic-control […]
Britain has advised against all but essential travel throughout Saudi Arabia after escalating missile and drone attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement heightened threats to airports, major cities and energy installations. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office expanded its warning on Friday to cover the entire kingdom, including Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam. It retained a stricter instruction against all travel within 10 kilometres of the border with Yemen. […]
Circle is preparing to enter approximately 40 emerging and developing markets as demand for dollar-backed digital currencies accelerates, chief executive and chairman Jeremy Allaire said. The expansion will target economies across Southeast Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East, where individuals and businesses are increasingly using stablecoins for payments and access to digital financial services. Allaire outlined the plans during the International Monetary Fund and World […]
Ras Al Khaimah Ruler Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi held talks with India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Friday, focusing on strengthening economic and trade cooperation between the UAE and India.
The meeting brought together the Supreme Council Member and the visiting minister as both countries seek to expand commercial partnerships, investment opportunities and diplomatic engagement. Discussions also covered bilateral relations and developments affecting the Gulf region.
Jaishankar described the meeting as an opportunity to exchange views on strengthening relations between the two countries and expanding engagement across the region. He acknowledged Sheikh Saud’s perspectives on bilateral cooperation and confirmed that the situation in the Gulf featured in their discussions.
The talks took place during the final day of Jaishankar’s three-day official visit to the UAE, which began on October 14. The visit was intended to review progress under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and identify opportunities for further cooperation across economic and diplomatic sectors.
Neither side announced a new investment agreement, trade target or commercial project following Friday’s meeting. The discussions nevertheless provided another channel for engagement between India’s government and the leadership of individual UAE emirates, alongside established federal diplomatic arrangements.
Economic cooperation remains central to relations between the two countries. Their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which entered into force in May 2022, provides preferential market access for eligible goods and establishes mechanisms to facilitate trade and investment.
The agreement has supported efforts to diversify commercial exchanges beyond traditional energy transactions, with businesses exploring opportunities in manufacturing, logistics, infrastructure, technology and services. Its implementation also provides a framework for addressing commercial barriers and encouraging greater participation by companies operating in both markets.
Ras Al Khaimah has pursued investment partnerships involving manufacturing, industrial production, construction materials and logistics. Its industrial infrastructure and connections to regional shipping networks provide opportunities for businesses seeking production facilities and access to markets across the Gulf.
The emirate’s commercial engagement with India was also discussed during a July meeting between Sheikh Saud and India’s Ambassador to the UAE, Deepak Mittal, who was accompanied by business representatives.
That meeting examined opportunities for cooperation across several sectors and ways to utilise Ras Al Khaimah’s economic advantages. The discussions reflected continuing engagement between the emirate’s leadership and businesses interested in developing commercial operations within its jurisdiction.
Friday’s meeting followed talks on Wednesday between Jaishankar and UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi.
The two ministers reviewed cooperation under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and Comprehensive Economic Partnership, with particular attention to trade, investment and economic development. They also exchanged views on international issues and developments affecting regional stability.
Sheikh Abdullah reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and identifying opportunities that support the development priorities of both countries. Their discussions covered existing cooperation and possibilities for expanding engagement in sectors considered important to their respective economies.
The diplomatic exchanges come as governments and businesses assess the implications of uncertainty across the Gulf for investment, shipping and energy supplies. Regional stability remains an important consideration for commercial activity involving the UAE and India, particularly given their extensive trade and transport connections.
Jaishankar also participated in the Raisina Middle East Dialogue in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, joining discussions about international connectivity, strategic partnerships and the changing economic geography of global trade.
Speaking during a session examining continental corridors, he highlighted growing competition, emerging transport constraints and the importance of building reliable partnerships. His remarks addressed the challenges facing countries seeking secure commercial connections amid shifting geopolitical and economic conditions.
The dialogue, held on October 14 and 15, brought together participants to examine regional and international developments, including connectivity initiatives and cooperation between governments.
India’s relationship with the UAE also encompasses energy supplies, defence cooperation and investment, alongside extensive people-to-people connections. These established links provide an additional foundation for discussions involving the federal government and individual emirates.
The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi estimated that approximately 4.3 million nationals from India were living in the UAE in 2024, representing roughly 35 per cent of the country’s population.
Ras Al Khaimah’s geographical position near the Strait of Hormuz adds a regional dimension to discussions about trade and connectivity. The emirate borders Oman and maintains industrial and maritime facilities serving businesses involved in manufacturing, construction materials and international commerce.
Adobe is confronting its weakest analyst sentiment on record as Wall Street grows increasingly concerned that artificial intelligence could undermine its established creative software business. A succession of downgrades has pushed the proportion of analysts recommending Adobe shares to buy towards historic lows, reflecting doubts about the company’s ability to sustain growth, protect subscription revenues and defend its position against emerging AI-powered competitors. Only 29% of analysts […]
An Israeli advertising company used online advertisements to track internet users and facilitate spyware infections, potentially exposing hundreds of millions of people worldwide, cybersecurity researchers have disclosed. Investigations published on Thursday by the University of Toronto’s Citizen Lab and advertising security company Confiant identified Discover-Tech as an intermediary connecting commercial surveillance operators with major digital advertising networks. The researchers documented spyware infections at Al Jazeera and surveillance […]
Cybersecurity researchers have identified more than 20,000 Cloudflare Pages subdomains used by a longstanding operation that redirects internet users to fraudulent technical support centres. Infoblox said its investigation, published on Thursday, linked the Help Traffic Distribution System, or Help TDS, to Hotejka, a Russian-language affiliate programme believed to be a successor to the previously exposed ROI777 network. The assessment rests on historical domain records, shared infrastructure, persistent […]
32,000+ visitors, RM100,000 in local business revenue and international sporting participation put Sabak Bernam’s unique heritage landscape on the tourism map
SABAK BERNAM, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 October 2026 – From a 30-kilometre British-era waterway built to sustain Selangor’s paddy fields to a destination for sport, culture, tourism and community enterprise, Ban Canal is entering a new chapter — and Karnival Ban Canal 2026 is set to take it further.
Returning for its fourth edition from 6 to 8 November 2026 at Ban Canal Parit 14, Simpang Lima, Sabak Bernam, the award-winning Karnival Ban Canal (KBC 2026) is building a distinctive rural tourism platform around the theme Alam * Budaya * Lestari (Nature * Culture * Sustainability).
The festival attracted more than 32,190 visitors in 2025 and generated over RM100,000 in local business revenue. KBC 2026 aims to build on that momentum, attracting visitors from across Malaysia and internationally while creating greater economic opportunities for local communities.
Where heritage meets adventure
KBC 2026 brings together experiences rarely found in a single festival — from the Larian Bendang and fishing competitions to Kanu Slalom featuring international participants from countries including Japan and China, wall climbing and a flying fox spanning the historic Ban Canal.
The festival will also showcase Sabak Bernam’s multicultural heritage through traditional performances, Bual Bicara Malam Jumaat, local food and produce, Platform Selangor (PLATS) entrepreneur showcases, Jualan Eko Tani and nightly entertainment featuring leading Malaysian artists.
The result is more than a weekend festival. It is a platform connecting tourism, local enterprise, culture, sport and community participation, bringing visitors directly into the rural economy.
A growing platform for brands and partners
As visitor numbers and local economic activity grow, KBC 2026 is also emerging as an attractive platform for corporate partners looking to connect with audiences through experiential, community-driven and sustainability-led engagement.
Corporate partners can gain visibility across the festival ecosystem through digital and social media exposure, main-stage LED presence, on-ground branding and opportunities for direct audience engagement.
Sponsorship opportunities are available across Gold, Silver and Bronze partnerships, with scope for brands to develop activations aligned with their marketing, sustainability and community-impact objectives.
For brands looking beyond conventional advertising, KBC offers something different: the opportunity to be part of a growing destination story while putting the brand directly into the experiences of the people who visit it.
From historic waterway to living tourism destination
Ban Canal sits within the transition and buffer zones of the proposed Anjung Utara Selangor Biosphere Reserve (AUSBR) — Selangor’s 297,661-hectare “ridge-to-sea” living-economy nomination under UNESCO.
Originally constructed to channel water to the state’s interior paddy fields, the historic waterway is being reimagined as a platform for eco-tourism, rural enterprise and community development.
Karnival Ban Canal is a tangible expression of that transformation, demonstrating how natural and cultural assets can generate tourism activity, support local businesses and create new economic opportunities while preserving the character of the landscape.
Driven by the Selangor State Government, MBI Selangor, SABDA and the Sabak Bernam District Council (MDSB), KBC 2026 brings together government, communities, businesses, athletes, artists and visitors around a common proposition: that sustainable tourism can be both commercially vibrant and locally meaningful.
As Ban Canal continues its transformation, KBC 2026 offers visitors a reason to discover Sabak Bernam, businesses a platform to engage new audiences, and sponsors an opportunity to become part of a destination with a story that is still being written.
Hashtag: #SABDA
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
SABDA
The Sabak Bernam Development Area (SABDA) is a strategic economic development initiative of the Selangor State Government under Rancangan Selangor Pertama. SABDA seeks to unlock Sabak Bernam’s full economic potential while strengthening Malaysia’s food production, raising local incomes and improving community livelihoods. Its vision is to establish Sabak Bernam as a driver of sustainable economic growth, food security, resilience and environmental stewardship.
Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporation) (MBI Selangor)
Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporation) (MBI Selangor) is the strategic investment arm of the State Government of Selangor, mandated to drive sustainable economic growth and long-term value creation for the state.
MBI Selangor plays a central role in catalysing high-impact developments, facilitating strategic partnerships and unlocking the potential of key sectors to strengthen Selangor’s position as a leading economic hub in Malaysia and the region. Its investment focus spans infrastructure, industrial development, energy, digital economy and other priority sectors aligned with the state’s long-term development agenda.
Guided by the aspirations of Rancangan Selangor Pertama (RS-1), MBI Selangor actively supports initiatives that enhance competitiveness, attract quality investments and create meaningful socio-economic opportunities for the people of Selangor.
Through a disciplined and forward-looking investment approach, MBI Selangor is committed to delivering sustainable, inclusive and resilient growth, while strengthening governance, environmental stewardship and stakeholder value across its portfolio.
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