Microsoft has acknowledged a significant flaw in its Microsoft 365 Copilot AI assistant that allowed the system to process and summarise emails labelled as confidential, bypassing established data protection controls. The issue, tracked internally as CW1226324, emerged from a coding defect in the Copilot “Work” tab that inadvertently pulled content from users’ Sent Items and Drafts folders — even when those messages carried sensitivity labels and were […]
Producer prices in the Republic of Korea rose for a fifth straight month in January, driven by firmer semiconductor prices and higher agricultural costs, according to central bank data that point to lingering pipeline inflation pressures in Asia’s fourth-largest economy.
Figures released by the Bank of Korea showed the producer price index increased on both a monthly and annual basis, extending a run of gains that began in early autumn. Officials attributed the latest rise largely to a rebound in memory chip prices and elevated food-related costs, reflecting supply constraints and weather-related disruptions.
Semiconductors, a cornerstone of the country’s export-led economy, played a decisive role. Prices for key memory products, including DRAM and NAND flash, strengthened as global demand for data centres and artificial intelligence applications continued to absorb inventories. After a prolonged downturn that weighed on manufacturing output through 2023, chipmakers have benefited from tighter supply and renewed investment in high-performance computing, pushing upstream prices higher.
Industry analysts say the upturn in chip prices has filtered through supply chains, lifting overall producer prices even as energy costs have remained comparatively stable. Manufacturing accounts for a substantial share of Korea’s producer basket, meaning swings in technology components can exert an outsized influence on headline figures.
Agricultural products also recorded notable gains. Unfavourable weather conditions and higher input costs contributed to increases in fruit, vegetable and livestock prices. Food-related producer costs are closely watched because they can pass through to consumer prices with a lag, particularly in a country where household spending on fresh produce forms a visible part of the inflation basket.
The latest data suggest cost pressures remain uneven across sectors. While energy prices have moderated from peaks seen after geopolitical disruptions in global oil and gas markets, certain industrial materials and processed foods have shown persistent firmness. Service-sector producer prices, including transport and logistics, have also edged higher, reflecting wage adjustments and operating expenses.
Economists note that sustained increases in producer prices can eventually feed into consumer inflation, although the transmission is neither automatic nor immediate. Consumer price growth has eased from multi-year highs reached in 2022, but remains sensitive to food and housing costs. The central bank has kept its benchmark interest rate at a restrictive level since early 2023 in a bid to anchor inflation expectations and support financial stability.
Policy deliberations in Seoul have balanced the need to contain price pressures against concerns over slowing domestic demand and household debt. Export performance has improved alongside the semiconductor recovery, yet construction activity and private consumption have shown mixed signals. A continued rise in producer prices may complicate the timing of any monetary easing, particularly if global commodity prices remain volatile.
The global context adds another layer of uncertainty. Demand for advanced chips linked to artificial intelligence has bolstered Korea’s trade outlook, but cyclical risks persist in other manufacturing segments, including petrochemicals and steel. At the same time, agricultural markets remain exposed to climate variability, which can amplify price swings and affect food security.
Market participants are closely monitoring whether the current producer price trend represents a stabilisation after last year’s weakness or the beginning of a more entrenched cost cycle. Some analysts argue that the semiconductor rebound is structural, underpinned by sustained capital expenditure in cloud infrastructure and next-generation devices. Others caution that technology demand can be volatile, and that inventory adjustments may re-emerge later in the year.
For policymakers, the composition of producer price growth is as important as the headline number. Increases concentrated in export-oriented sectors may bolster corporate earnings and investment, whereas broad-based gains across consumer-linked industries could signal renewed inflationary momentum. The central bank has indicated it will continue to assess data on prices, wages and growth before making any shift in its policy stance.
Businesses, meanwhile, face decisions on whether to absorb higher input costs or pass them on to customers. Large technology firms may have greater pricing power in global markets, but small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly in food processing and retail supply chains, operate on thinner margins.
Stablecoin payments firm RedotPay is weighing a public listing in the United States that could raise as much as $1 billion, signalling growing investor appetite for crypto-linked financial infrastructure as digital dollar transactions gain traction across retail and cross-border commerce. People familiar with the matter indicate the company has begun exploratory discussions with advisers about a potential initial public offering, though timing and valuation remain subject to […]
Anthropic’s Claude Code, an AI-driven coding agent that autonomously reads, writes and executes software instructions from a user’s terminal or browser interface, is accelerating change across the software development industry and unsettling traditional players in legacy computing and cybersecurity. The tool, which has transitioned from research preview to widespread adoption in developer communities, now integrates security scanning and parallel agent workflows that can handle complex development […]
Storm-related travel bans, widespread flight cancellations and severe blizzard conditions have thrown daily life into disarray across large swathes of the northeastern United States, disrupting transportation networks and leaving hundreds of thousands without power. Authorities in major cities including New York enforced bans on non-essential road travel, while some states declared states of emergency as heavy snow and fierce winds battered the densely populated East Coast. New […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai JTI has secured its Global Top Employer certification for 2026, marking another year of recognition for its workforce policies and signalling steady gains in employee engagement, leadership development and workplace culture across its international operations. The tobacco and nicotine products group, which operates in more than 70 markets, said the renewed certification reflects year-on-year improvements in areas ranging from talent acquisition and career […]
By Nantoo Banerjee The global AI impact summit 2026 in Delhi, last week, couldn’t have come at a more appropriate time when the world continues to be somewhat skeptical about adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI), its limitations and potential consequences. Thanks to the pioneering effort by firms such as Nvidia, Microsoft, Google, Amazon, Meta and […]
Kyndryl has unveiled a Cyber Defense Operations Center in Bengaluru, bringing its network and security operations under a single command structure as enterprises confront an escalation in AI-enabled cyber attacks. The new facility, described by the company as a Cyber Defense Operations Center, is designed to integrate traditional network monitoring with advanced threat detection, incident response and resilience planning. Executives said the unified model is intended to […]
Renault is set to take full control of Flexis, the electric van joint venture it formed with Volvo Group and CMA CGM, marking a decisive shift in the French carmaker’s strategy to consolidate its position in the fast-growing light commercial vehicle segment. The company confirmed it will buy out the stakes held by truckmaker Volvo and shipping group CMA CGM in the venture, which was launched to […]
Britain’s much-trumpeted trade understanding with Washington is under mounting strain after a United States Supreme Court ruling curtailed key elements of President Donald Trump’s tariff authority, raising the prospect that the UK could emerge as one of the most exposed partners in a rapidly changing trade order. For months, ministers in London had pointed to preferential access secured under a revised bilateral framework with the White House, […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 February 2026 – Esperanza Fintech (Securities) Limited (“Esperanza Securities“, or “Company“) announced today that, following the granting of the formal permission on its tokenized investment business by the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong (“SFC“) on 13 February 2026, the Company is introducing an innovative financing and community engagement model for the live entertainment industry.
The tokenized investment model enables Esperanza Securities to issue investment tokens (also known as security tokens) through an investment fund it manages, allowing eligible investors to participate with a significantly lower entry barrier and trade the tokens in secondary markets.
Against the emerging tokenized real-world-asset (RWA) trend worldwide, Esperanza Securities is among the first platforms with a systematic focus on the live entertainment industry. Following the granting of the permission by the SFC, two upcoming tokenized entertainment investments will include the Chris Wong 40th Anniversary Concert which will take place in Hong Kong on 6 to 7 March 2026 and a Korean boy band concert which will take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 11 April 2026.
Innovation beyond technology: a focus on product structure
Entertainment industry assets have long benefited from a clear business model and income structure, which include box office receipts, sponsorships and merchandise revenue. Through tokenization, Esperanza Securities offers a new path for asset owners such as concert organizers to access capital without altering their operational models, while enabling investors to directly participate in opportunities linked to real economic activities.
The application of the tokenized investment model spans beyond the live entertainment industry. In fact, opportunities with clear business models and easily valuated underlying assets possess immense potential for tokenization. For instance, cultural and experiential projects with clear community monetization models and assets with stable and predictable cash flows, such as commercial properties, can all benefit from tokenization.
Bridging global investors to Asian assets through a 24×7 platform
Through the proprietary platform, espetopia.com (“Platform“), Esperanza Securities enables eligible investors to back real economy linked Asian projects, anytime and anywhere, without geographical limitations.
Eligible investors from all over the world can access all investment-related information, trade investment tokens and redeem utilities and experiences associated with the underlying assets through the Platform. This infrastructure enhances the visibility of Asian opportunities in global markets and effectively pools global capital to fund real economic developments, across verticals from cultural intellectual properties to the broader experience economies.
Looking ahead: charting a digital financing path for high-quality real assets
Looking forward, Esperanza Securities will continue to advance its asset-backed tokenized investment model under a prudent and compliant framework. The Company aims to progressively build a sustainable digital investment ecosystem centered on real assets with clear economic foundations.
As market acceptance of RWA digitization continues to grow, the Company sees promising potential for asset-backed tokenization to become an integral financing option alongside traditional public listings and private placements.
Hashtag: #EsperanzaFintech
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Esperanza Fintech (Securities) Limited
Esperanza Securities is a licensed corporation under the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap 571 of the law of Hong Kong) with permission to carry out Type 4 (advising on securities) and Type 9 (asset management) regulated activities. On 13 February 2026, Esperanza Securities received a “no further comment” letter from the SFC in relation to its proposal to tokenize managed funds, effectively granting formal permission for Esperanza Securities to conduct tokenized investment businesses.
About Esperanza Fintech Group
Esperanza Fintech Group is a fintech group headquartered in Hong Kong. The group’s licensed businesses include (i) gold trading and tokenized gold services operated by Esperanza Fintech (Commodities) Limited, a DPMS (dealers in precious metals and stones) Category A Registrant (No. A-B-25-03-08913) with the Hong Kong Customs with permitted businesses including the issuance, redemption and trading of gold backed instruments on www.espetopia.com; (ii) client asset custodian service operated by Esperanza Fintech (Nominees) Limited, a licensed Trust or Company Service Provider in Hong Kong (Licence No. TC010260), regulated by the Hong Kong Companies Registry; and (iii) tokenized investment services operated by Esperanza Securities, an SFC-regulated asset manager with permission to carry out tokenized investment businesses.
More than 40 million people across the eastern United States were under blizzard warnings as a powerful winter storm pushed towards the Atlantic seaboard on Sunday, threatening to dump up to two feet of snow and unleash fierce winds from the Mid-Atlantic to New England. Forecasters warned that the system, driven by a rapidly intensifying low-pressure area offshore, could rank among the most significant winter storms to […]
Dubai has moved into the next stage of its real estate tokenisation drive, expanding the initiative onto the XRP Ledger in a bid to widen investor access and streamline property transactions through blockchain technology. The second phase of the emirate’s Real Estate Tokenisation Project allows approved investors to trade fractionalised property interests recorded on the XRP Ledger, a public blockchain associated with Ripple. Officials say the move […]
Greenlogue/AP More than 40 manufacturing facilities have been awarded the Green Factory Seal by Bahrain’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce, marking a push to embed environmental standards and energy efficiency deeper into the kingdom’s industrial base. Officials said the certification recognises factories that meet benchmarks on resource conservation, waste reduction, emissions control and compliance with national environmental regulations. The scheme forms part of a broader strategy to […]
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 February 2026 – Lumen Technologies has achieved the Palo Alto Networks NextWave Cortex XSIAM Select Specialisation Status in Singapore. This specialisation recognises partners who have demonstrated expertise in deploying and managing Cortex XSIAM, enabling them to help customers transform their security operations centres (SOCs).
Lumen’s Advanced MDR offering delivers comprehensive, AI-powered threat detection and response across cloud, on-premises, identity, and OT environments – helping customers gain full-spectrum visibility and control over their security operations. Built on Palo Alto Networks Cortex XSIAM platform, which unifies XDR, SOAR, ASM, and SIEM capabilities, the solution simplifies SOC workflows, eliminates console switching, and accelerates incident response through automation and advanced analytics. This platform-centric approach not only improves detection accuracy but also reduces operational complexity and licensing overhead.
As a Select Partner, Lumen supports seamless deployment of Cortex XSIAM, empowering customers to transform their security posture with confidence. Customers benefit from continuous threat hunting, tailored playbooks, and asset discovery powered by Lumen’s SOC analysts and Black Lotus Lab. With deep regional expertise, a strategic global network of SOCs, and a customer-first success model, Lumen ensures proactive defence against evolving threats.
Lumen has also recently been recognised in the Major Players Category in the IDC MarketScape: Asia/Pacific (excluding Japan) Managed Detection and Response (MDR) Services 2025 Vendor Assessment[1]. Lumen believes this recognition further validates its leadership in delivering scalable, outcome-driven security solutions.
“Our Advanced MDR offering is designed to give customers clarity and control in the face of growing cyber complexity. Partnering with Palo Alto Networks allows us to deliver a unified, intelligence-driven platform that not only strengthens security operations but also aligns with our customers’ business goals. This specialisation validates our ability to deliver trusted, outcome-focused cybersecurity, backed by deep regional expertise and a commitment to proactive protection,” said Ignatius Wong, Senior Director, Managed & Professional Services, APAC at Lumen Technologies.
Michelle Saw, Vice President, GTM Shared Services and Ecosystems, Asia-Pacific and Japan at Palo Alto Networks, said, “Lumen’s achievement is a significant milestone that reinforces our commitment to a partner ecosystem focused on delivering world-class security outcomes in APAC. In today’s complex threat landscape, customers need the power of a unified, AI-driven platform like Cortex XSIAM, combined with the deep regional expertise and managed services of a trusted partner like Lumen. We are proud to collaborate with Lumen to empower businesses across the region to transform their security posture and confidently face the next generation of cyber threats.”
[1] IDC MarketScape: Asia/Pacific (excluding Japan) Managed Detection and Response (MDR) Services 2025 Vendor Assessment, doc #AP52998725, September 2025.
Hashtag: #LumenTechnologies
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Lumen
Lumen is unleashing the world’s digital potential. We ignite business growth by connecting people, data, and applications – quickly, securely, and effortlessly. As the trusted network for AI, Lumen uses the scale of our network to help companies realise AI’s full potential. From metro connectivity to long-haul data transport to our edge cloud, security, managed service, and digital platform capabilities, we meet our customers’ needs today and as they build for tomorrow.
Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have intercepted what they describe as organised, terrorist-linked cyberattacks aimed at government systems and critical national infrastructure, preventing attempts to disrupt essential digital services and infiltrate strategic networks. The UAE Cybersecurity Council said coordinated operations targeted state entities and vital sectors through ransomware deployment, phishing campaigns and network intrusion efforts. Officials characterised the incidents as part of a broader attempt to […]
Advantest Corporation, a leading supplier of semiconductor testing equipment, has disclosed that a ransomware attack has disrupted parts of its internal network, prompting containment measures and raising concerns across the global chip supply chain. The Tokyo-listed company said it detected unauthorised access to its systems on 15 February Japan Standard Time and swiftly moved to isolate affected servers. Several internal systems were taken offline as a precaution […]
New location expands company’s global infrastructure, while offering faster data processing, robust security measures and regulatory compliance
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 February 2026 – Anaplan, the global leader in AI‑driven scenario planning and analysis, today announced the launch of its new Amazon Web Services data center in Singapore. This strategic expansion is designed to accelerate digital transformation and empower businesses in Southeast Asia with advanced artificial intelligence capabilities for real-time planning and decision-making.
The new data center will significantly enhance Anaplan’s global infrastructure and offer faster data processing, improved security and regulatory compliance. These features are essential for protecting sensitive information and meeting local data sovereignty requirements, which is especially critical for industries such as public sector and financial services.
“The launch of Anaplan on AWS in Singapore represents a strategic milestone and reinforces our shared commitment to customers across Asia-Pacific,” said Carol Potts, general manager for North America ISV sales at AWS.
By leveraging the Anaplan platform, businesses in the region will gain access to leading AI and machine learning technologies, enabling them to:
Optimize planning processes: AI-driven insights will help businesses make more informed, data-driven decisions in real-time, streamlining operations and improving efficiency.
Enhance data security: The data center ensures that data remains within Singapore, adhering to local regulations.
Drive AI innovation: Backed by a reliable and secure infrastructure, companies can scale their operations by embedding cutting-edge AI technology directly into cross-functional planning processes and workflows, empowering teams to move faster, make smarter decisions, and stay ahead of the competition.
“We are delighted to bring the Anaplan platform, including our new suite of role-based AI agents, to Singapore and the broader Southeast Asia region,” said Amit Bagga, managing director, APAC, at Anaplan. “Data sovereignty is a stringent requirement for our clients, and our new location ensures that their data remains within Singapore, adhering to local regulations. Plus, with Anaplan Intelligence, businesses can harness the power of AI to optimize and unify their finance, workforce, sales, and supply chain planning processes, gain deeper insights and make strategic decisions with confidence.”
This regional addition marks another milestone in Anaplan’s $500 million innovation roadmap, aimed at expanding the company’s global reach and supporting local businesses with the latest AI-driven planning and analytics technology. The company has also made other data center expansions in the Asia-Pacific region, including in India, Indonesia, and Australia, further solidifying its commitment to the region.
Hashtag: #Anaplan
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Anaplan
Anaplan is the only AI-driven scenario planning and analysis platform designed to optimize decision-making in today’s complex business environment so that enterprises can outpace their competition and the market. By building connections and collaboration across organizational silos, our platform intelligently surfaces key insights — so businesses can make the right decisions, right now. More than 2,500 of the world’s best brands, including nearly half of the Fortune 50, continually optimize their decision-making by planning with Anaplan. To learn more, visit www.anaplan.com.
Michael Saylor has indicated that his company could expand its already vast Bitcoin holdings, renewing debate over corporate exposure to the world’s largest cryptocurrency and reinforcing his long-standing conviction that digital assets will define what he calls the “Orange Century”. Saylor, executive chairman of MicroStrategy, now rebranded as Strategy, shared remarks on social media that were widely interpreted by market participants as a signal of further purchases. […]
Dubai has outlined the next phase of a Dh690 million overhaul of Hessa Street, setting out plans to ease persistent congestion along one of the city’s busiest east–west corridors and shorten daily travel times for thousands of motorists. Officials said the upgraded stretch will introduce additional lanes, new signal-controlled junctions and grade-separated interchanges designed to improve traffic flow between Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road. The […]
Aston Martin is exploring the sale of branding rights linked to its Formula One team as the luxury carmaker warns that losses are set to deepen, underscoring the financial strain facing one of Britain’s most storied automotive marques. The company said it is assessing options to monetise the commercial value of the Aston Martin name within Formula One, a move that could involve selling or licensing branding […]
Copper prices edged higher on Friday but remained on course for a third consecutive weekly decline, as a firmer US dollar and persistent concerns over global demand continued to weigh on sentiment across industrial metals markets. Benchmark three-month copper on the London Metal Exchange climbed during morning trade, recovering from earlier losses as short-covering set in ahead of the weekend. Despite the rebound, prices have retreated over […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai President Donald Trump has declared an immediate increase of the global tariff rate to 15 per cent, intensifying a high-stakes confrontation over trade policy following a ruling by the United States Supreme Court that he exceeded his authority with earlier broad tariff measures. The move comes as he invoked a different legal framework to maintain pressure on foreign producers and to limit what […]
United States import tariffs have largely been paid by domestic businesses and households rather than foreign exporters, according to a growing body of economic research, sharpening debate in Washington over the long-term costs of trade protection. Studies by Federal Reserve economists and leading academic institutions show that the bulk of duties imposed during the trade disputes of the past decade were passed through to American importers in […]
www.espetopia.com
