Greenlogue/AP The UAE has warned that a global water financing shortfall of as much as $141 billion a year threatens ambitions spanning artificial intelligence, energy transition, food security and rapidly growing cities. The warning was delivered at a private roundtable at the UAE’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York, where about 50 chief executives, investors and philanthropy leaders examined how to turn viable water […]
During the two-day event, more than 60 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and bilateral co-operation agreements were witnessed. The total value of these MoUs, together with new projects and deals finalised before and during the Summit, is over US$3.1 billion.
Hosted by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government since 2016, the summit remains the premier business and investment platform for Hong Kong’s participation in and contribution to the BRI.
Noting that the BRI is a shared blueprint for the future, rooted in a rich history of cross-cultural collaboration, HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee said: “Hong Kong, as a place where East meets West, is where capital, talent, businesses and opportunities converge. In addition to strengthening our relations with traditional partners, Hong Kong continues to expand our network of friends along the Belt and Road.”
Under the theme “Advancing High-quality Development · Embarking on a New Journey”, business and government leaders discussed co-operation across trade and commerce, legal services, green technology, logistics, artificial intelligence and new quality productive forces.
The summit explored new co-operation landscapes and emerging opportunities in trade, investment and development across Belt & Road markets and other regions, with a special focus on ASEAN, Central Asia and the Middle East, underscoring Hong Kong’s unique role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder”.
Mr Lee has led high-level business delegations to explore opportunities in 13 Belt and Road countries across ASEAN, the Middle East and Central Asia, delivering a total of over 250 MoUs and other agreements. These covered policy coordination, trade and investment, expanded connectivity and support for companies, underlining Hong Kong’s focus on opening new markets, forming new partnerships and advancing regional co-operation.
This year’s summit featured three newly-added special chapters – the GoGlobal Chapter, Central Asia Chapter and Middle East Chapter. The GoGlobal Chapter offered a one-stop platform for exchange and matchmaking for Chinese Mainland enterprises looking to tap new markets overseas, while the Central Asia and Middle East chapters invited local officials and business leaders to share investment opportunities.
“In light of the shifting geopolitics, rising trade protectionism and the reshaping of global supply chains, businesses going global is no longer simply an option; it is an increasingly important strategy for Chinese Mainland enterprises to diversify risks, strengthen resilience and pursue new growth opportunities,” said the HKSAR Government’s Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau.
A freshly integrated University Zone highlighted Hong Kong universities’ R&D strengths and their capabilities in technology commercialisation across the Belt & Road region, consolidating Hong Kong’s position as an international education hub. The Summit also introduced a debut Dialogue for Future session, promoting think-tank exchanges on “The Belt and Road Initiative and Asia-Pacific Co-operation in a Changing Global Landscape”.
Through the Project Investment Session, Belt and Road Deal-Making, and Exhibition Zones, this year’s event showcased over 300 investment projects, and arranged more than 800 one-on-one deal-making meetings, helping enterprises connect with potential partners.
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Water shortages and chronic underinvestment are emerging as direct constraints on artificial intelligence, energy systems, food production and urban expansion, sharpening pressure on governments and investors to mobilise far more capital for water infrastructure. The issue moved higher on the global investment agenda this week as about 50 chief executives, investors and philanthropy leaders met at the UAE’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Microsoft plans to invest more than $10 billion across the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait by 2030, extending its cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure while placing digital resilience at the centre of its Gulf strategy. The spending programme will cover continued infrastructure development and a broader expansion of Microsoft’s operations across the four countries, Vice Chair and President Brad Smith […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Abu Dhabi-listed MAIR Group has agreed to acquire a 70 per cent stake in Eslab, owner of Turkish-origin specialty coffee chain Espressolab, marking the investment group’s first international acquisition since its stock-market listing. The company said it had signed a share purchase agreement for 70 per cent of Eslab’s issued share capital. Eslab’s founders and existing shareholders will retain the remaining 30 per […]
Economists interviewed for the series said that, as a key gateway to the world’s second-largest single market, ASEAN businesses cannot afford to overlook the historic opportunity to enter the Chinese market through Hainan. Chen Bo, Senior Research Fellow at the East Asian Institute of the National University of Singapore, said that with multiple policy incentives taking effect, the next decade represents a golden opportunity for Hainan. Xiao Saizi, a professor at the University of Nottingham Malaysia, noted that in the six months since the launch of special customs operations, the number of foreign trade companies registered in Hainan has grown rapidly. High-end manufacturing and processing industries—including chip packaging and testing, premium food processing, aviation maintenance, green energy, medical devices, and biopharmaceuticals—are among the sectors most likely to benefit.
Located at the southernmost tip of China, Hainan is within a four-hour flight of 21 Asia-Pacific countries. This natural geographic advantage makes it an important springboard for ASEAN businesses seeking to enter the Chinese market. Xiao said that Hainan received 106 million domestic and international tourist visits in 2025, making it an ideal testing ground where foreign investors can test the market at relatively low cost.
Previous surveys have shown that foreign exchange settlement is one of the key concerns for foreign investors. By the end of 2025, 11 banks in Hainan had launched EF accounts, enabling cross-border fund flows with 91 countries and regions, with total transaction volume equivalent to CNY 350.9 billion.
Several economists advised ASEAN businesses to conduct thorough internal assessments before making investment decisions. If they determine that the Chinese market will form part of their future growth strategy, they should consider entering Hainan early while the benefits of the Free Trade Port’s policies continue to unfold.
Hashtag: #FreeTradePort
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At the event, mayors and city representatives from six international sister cities of Wuhan called for closer cooperation in technology, industry, education and culture.
Representatives from Manchester in Britain, Kemi in Finland, Cape Town in South Africa, Yangon in Myanmar, Rzeszów in Poland and Turkistan in Kazakhstan took part in discussions on urban innovation, industrial cooperation and cultural exchange.
Manchester: a new start after 40 years of friendship
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the sister-city relationship between Wuhan and Manchester.
Shaukat Ali, lord mayor of Manchester, said the city was ready to deepen cooperation with Wuhan in education, culture, youth affairs, innovation and industry.
“Manchester is committed to promoting urban transformation through open cooperation, sharing opportunities, and fostering common development with international sister cities like Wuhan,” he said.
Ali said Manchester had developed from a post-industrial city into an innovation-oriented economy, with a focus on advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, life sciences and green technologies.
He said the two cities could share experience in urban transformation, innovation districts, university-industry cooperation and low-carbon development, while encouraging links among universities, businesses and research institutions.
He also highlighted existing educational and cultural links, including cooperation between Hubei University and Manchester Metropolitan University and exchanges between the Royal Northern College of Music and Wuhan Conservatory of Music.
Kemi: balancing growth with environmental protection
Mikko Koivulehto, chairman of the City Council of Kemi, said the Finnish city sought to balance economic growth with environmental protection.
“We believe that protecting nature and building a prosperous city can go hand in hand,” he said.
Kemi, a port city in Finnish Lapland, has developed industries based on renewable raw materials, clean energy and the bioeconomy. The city is also seeking to expand tourism and improve livability.
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the friendly exchange relationship between Wuhan and Kemi. The two cities have cooperated in areas including trade, the circular economy, tourism and youth exchanges.
Cape Town: technology and jobs key to urban transformation
Lungelo Mbandazayo, city manager of Cape Town, said technological innovation, talent development, infrastructure and green renewal were key to Wuhan’s transformation.
Cape Town, a UNESCO City of Design, is seeking to expand its technology and digital sectors while promoting green technology and an inclusive economy.
Mbandazayo said youth unemployment remained a major challenge for Cape Town and that technological development needed to create jobs.
After visiting Wuhan companies and technology facilities, he said Cape Town hoped to deepen exchanges with Wuhan in technology and talent.
Yangon: seeking practical cooperation with Wuhan
Yangon Mayor Myo Myint Aung said the city was looking to Wuhan for experience in smart-city development, digital governance, intelligent transport and urban resilience.
Wuhan and Yangon signed a letter of intent on friendly exchanges and cooperation during the event.
Yangon is developing a long-term plan to accommodate population growth and expand its urban, industrial and transport infrastructure.
During a visit to Wuhan on Sept. 19, Myo toured the Optics Valley “Photon” suspended monorail, HGTECH and a Xiaomi smart home appliance factory.
“We came to Wuhan not just to observe, but to learn and cooperate,” he said, adding that Yangon hoped to develop smart manufacturing and strengthen cooperation in information technology.
Rzeszów: opportunities in aerospace and technology
Rzeszów Mayor Konrad Fijołek said the Polish city hoped to cooperate with Wuhan in aerospace, sensor technology, biodiversity and climate action.
Rzeszów is home to the “Aviation Valley,” a major aerospace cluster in Central Europe.
“Exploring cooperation with Wuhan is the reason I came here,” Fijołek said.
After visiting HGTECH and a Xiaomi smart home appliance factory, he said Wuhan’s automated manufacturing and technologies in sensors and satellite systems had impressed him.
He said cities could help connect universities, businesses and research institutions and promote international cooperation.
Turkistan: five areas for cooperation
Turkestan Mayor Azimbek Pazylbekuly said his city hoped to expand cooperation with Wuhan in tourism and culture, education and science, investment and entrepreneurship, digitalization and innovation, and transport and logistics.
Wuhan and Turkistan signed a memorandum of intent on friendly exchanges and cooperation during the event.
Turkistan, an ancient Silk Road city and a UNESCO World Heritage site, has been developing industries including food processing, textiles, furniture and construction materials.
Pazylbekuly said cooperation between governments, businesses, universities and research institutions could help turn the two cities’ exchanges into concrete projects.
The conference also included friendship-city anniversary celebrations and a signing ceremony for 10 cooperation projects. A digital list of cooperation opportunities and an initiative on international friendship-city cooperation were released.
During their stay, the visiting mayors toured Wuhan’s technology, manufacturing and ecological facilities, including the Optics Valley suspended monorail, a Yangtze finless porpoise conservation center, Xiaomi, HGTECH and Dongfeng Motor facilities.
Hashtag: #wuhan
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Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Huspy has acquired Italian credit intermediary Integra Finance and committed $86 million to Italy, marking the UAE-founded property technology company’s entry into its fourth market and a stage in its European expansion. The Dubai-based company said the investment, equivalent to about AED315 million, will support plans to build a mortgage finance and real estate business in Italy by combining Integra’s distribution network with […]
Launched by Al Etihad Payments under the Central Bank of the UAE’s National Payment Systems Strategy, Jaywan is the UAE’s domestic card scheme, built to enhance the resilience, efficiency and sovereignty of the country’s payments infrastructure — part of the UAE’s broader vision to advance digital payments and strengthen its national financial ecosystem.
The cards were manufactured at AUSTRIACARD’s Bucharest production facility and combine the company’s secure payment card manufacturing expertise with Wio Bank’s digital-first banking platform, giving Wio customers access to payment products issued under the Jaywan scheme.
The milestone extends AUSTRIACARD’s support for financial institutions participating in the UAE’s national payments ecosystem, reflecting the company’s commitment to secure, high-quality payment solutions and marking a further step in its growth across the Gulf region — and in the shared ambition of AUSTRIACARD and Wio Bank to build a resilient, efficient, locally anchored payments landscape in the UAE.
Burak Bilge, EVP Türkiye, Middle East and Africa, AUSTRIACARD HOLDINGS, said:
“National card schemes are becoming a defining feature of payments across the Middle East and Africa and supporting them is a strategic priority for AUSTRIACARD. Adding Jaywan to the portfolio that already spans international and domestic schemes strengthens what we can offer every issuer we serve. We are pleased to take this step with Wio Bank, the UAE’s first platform bank and one of the region’s fastest-growing digital banks, and we look forward to contributing to the growth of Jaywan and the wider UAE card market.”
Prateek Vahie, Chief Commercial Officer at Wio Bank said:
“At Wio Bank, our focus is on giving customers seamless access to the payment infrastructure that matters most to them. Partnering with AUSTRIACARD to bring Jaywan-issued cards to our customers reflects our commitment to the UAE’s national payments strategy, and it’s another step in building the kind of digital-first banking experience our customers expect.”
About Wio Bank PJSC:
Wio Bank PJSC is the UAE’s leading financial platform, reimagining banking for individuals and businesses. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi and fully regulated by the Central Bank of the UAE, Wio is backed by ADQ, Alpha Dhabi Holding, e& and First Abu Dhabi Bank. By combining advanced technology with a human-centric approach, Wio delivers seamless, personalised financial solutions.
For personal banking, Wio offers smart tools and insights to help individuals and families take control of their finances, enabling them to save, spend and grow with ease. For businesses, Wio provides entrepreneurs and SMEs with a comprehensive digital platform designed to streamline operations, unlock growth opportunities and simplify financial management.
Wio is redefining the banking landscape as a market leader in Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) and embedded finance, delivering innovative solutions that empower people, businesses, and communities with the infrastructure they need to access long-term wealth creation.
Wio Bank has been widely recognised through regional and international industry awards and rankings, including Forbes Middle East, Fast Company Middle East and Finance Middle East.
For more information, visit www.wio.io.
ABOUT AUSTRIACARD HOLDINGS AG
AUSTRIACARD HOLDINGS AG leverages over 130 years of experience in information management, printing, and communications to deliver secure and transparent experiences for its customers. They offer a comprehensive suite of products and services, including payment solutions, identification solutions, smart cards, card personalization, digitization solutions, and secure data management. ACAG employs a global workforce of 2,360 people and is publicly traded on both the Euronext Athens and Vienna Stock Exchanges under the symbol ACAG.
Contact Person: Theoni Dimopoulou, Group Communications & Marketing Manager
Tel.: T: +43 (1) 61065 – 355
E-Mail: [email protected]
Website: www.austriacard.com
Symbol: ACAG
ISIN: AT0000A325L0
Stock Exchanges: Vienna Prime Market, Euronext Athens Main Market
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By Ashok Nilakantan Ayers NEW YORK: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived at the 81st UN General Assembly with an unusually broad diplomatic canvas before him. In meetings with European, Ukrainian, Arab, Asian and other counterparts, India was simultaneously talking to countries that sit on opposite sides of some of the world’s sharpest geopolitical divides. […]
The article Jaishankar’s Speech At UNGA: Multilateralism, Not ‘Choosing Camps’ appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 September 2026 – The Hongkong Land Foundation (“the Foundation”) today announced the launch of “The Central Spark Series” with three winning projects selected from its “AI for Good” Hackathon. Together with its other ongoing initiatives, these projects form part of Hongkong Land’s HK$14 million commitment over the next two years to benefit more than 38,000 people across Hong Kong. The Central Spark Series also aligns with the HKSAR Government’s 2026 Policy Address, supporting its strategic vision for the renewal of Central as well as its agenda to strengthen people’s livelihood and foster a more inclusive society.
The Central Spark Series’ official launch ceremony brought together leaders from across government and the public sector, academia, social enterprise, and commerce. Officiating and attending guests demonstrating this cross-sector collaboration included Mr Ho Kai Ming, JP, Under Secretary for Labour and Welfare; Ms Grace Chan Man-yee, Member of the 8th Legislative Council (Social Welfare Functional Constituency); Ms Jeanne Cheng, JP, District Officer (Central and Western District); Mr Ivan Ho, Harbourfront Commission Chairman; Ms Sam Lam, Interim Director of the Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University; Prof Esterina Nervino, Associate Director of Global Governance & Innovation for a Shared Future at City University of Hong Kong; and Prof Howard Ling, Chief Consultant of Impact Incubator.
In March 2026, the Foundation organised the “AI for Good” Hackathon, a collaborative social innovation programme developed in partnership with The Jockey Club Design Institute for Social Innovation of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Ten NGOs and educational institutions pitched proposals to a panel of industry and community leaders. Three winning projects were selected: Central Connect by the Hong Kong Design Institute, Central as Canvas by Caritas Hong Kong, and Central POP! by the Hong Kong Youth Arts Foundation. These three projects form the foundation of The Central Spark Series, with further details outlined in the appendix.
The Central Spark Series leverages Hongkong Land’s Central portfolio in the heart of Hong Kong as a dynamic platform for learning, public participation and community engagement. By bringing young people, NGOs, tenants, employees and the wider public into the district, it translates the Foundation’s People, Place and Culture pillars into visible, on-the-ground experiences. Together, these projects demonstrate how different sectors can collaborate to build longer-term partnerships and create measurable social impact by creating more inclusive and resilient communities. They also nurture the next generation in art and culture, heritage and creativity, building a talent pipeline for Hong Kong’s creative industries.
Beyond Hong Kong, the Foundation extends its reach into other communities where Hongkong Land operates. The Foundation recently backed the Cultural Legacy Innovation Challenge in Beijing, supporting local young people to reimagine the travel route along the Beijing Central Axis. The project promotes the city’s heritage and history to residents and visitors from around the world. In addition to monetary support, Hongkong Land volunteers also give back to the community by offering their time and effort. This year, volunteers across Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, Singapore and South Asia have contributed more than 3,000 hours to various projects.
Michael T. Smith, Group Chief Executive of Hongkong Land, and Director of Hongkong Land Foundation, said “Businesses thrive only when their communities flourish. Through our Hongkong Land Foundation, we are committed to unlocking upward social mobility for the next generation through meaningful mentorship, networks, and opportunities. Central, Hong Kong has long stood as the preeminent financial district. Through the Central Spark Series, we will bring together non-profit, academia, talent, commercial partners, tenants, and the wider community to broaden that identity to help make it a vibrant hub for creativity, collaboration, and community.”
Hongkong Land has a longstanding commitment to corporate social responsibility. Since its establishment in November 2020, the Foundation (formerly Hongkong Land HOME FUND) has committed more than HK$133 million in community initiatives benefiting more than 760,000 people. Working alongside its partners over the long term, Hongkong Land remains committed to creating lasting impact for the communities of Hong Kong and beyond.
Appendix: Winning projects of the Central Spark Series
| Project | Details |
| Central Connect by the Hong Kong Design Institute | The project will activate Central as a living classroom, empowering the next generation to reimagine its rich history as a visionary blueprint for the future.
Over 2,400 students will come to Central to get involved in learning activities such as urban sketching, film making and learning the history of the CBD. |
| Central as Canvas by Caritas Hong Kong | This project supports 300 young people with special needs to build confidence and practical art skills through guided art training and collaboration with local artists, tenants, Basehall and tramplus. Their creative work will be transformed into a moving tram gallery, bringing inclusive art into Central and enabling the wider public to experience the district’s heritage and diverse community talent. |
| Central POP! by the Hong Kong Youth Arts Foundation | The project engages around 1,600 young people, working alongside tenants and local artists to activate Hongkong Land’s Central portfolio through art education, exhibitions, art stations, guided tours and live performances. Inspired by Central’s history, architecture and public spaces, the project will create accessible cultural experiences for tenants, visitors and the wider community, enriching daily life in the district while nurturing young creative talent. |
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Hongkong Land is a major listed property development, investment and management group. It focuses on developing, owning and managing ultra-premium mixed-use real estate in Asian gateway cities, featuring Grade A office, luxury retail, residential and hospitality products. With over US$50 billion in assets under management, Hongkong Land’s premium and ultra-premium mixed-use real estate footprint spans over 1.82 million sq. m. lettable area in operation and 1.57 million sq. m. lettable area under development, with flagship mixed-use projects in Hong Kong, Singapore and Shanghai. Its properties hold industry leading green building certifications and attract the world’s foremost companies and luxury brands. Established in 1889, Hongkong Land takes a long-term view, investing significantly alongside its capital partners and concentrating its portfolio where it can create the most value for tenants, customers and investors. Hongkong Land Holdings Limited has a primary listing on the London Stock Exchange, with secondary listings in Singapore and Bermuda. Hongkong Land is a member of the Jardine Matheson Group.
The Hongkong Land Foundation was established in November 2020 (formerly the Hongkong Land HOME FUND) to underscore our long-term commitment to liveable cities and vibrant communities. Building on our legacy of innovation, placemaking, and sustainability, the Foundation focuses on three interconnected pillars: People, Place, and Culture. Through these pillars, we drive social engagement and community development, acting as a catalyst for meaningful social impact. We address long-term socio-economic challenges and enrich lives across the communities we serve – creating lasting positive change, enhancing well-being, and fostering shared prosperity and resilience wherever Hongkong Land operates.
A fresh outage on the C2C submarine cable system is contributing to packet loss and higher latency across parts of Asia, website security provider Sucuri said on Tuesday. Sucuri identified the disruption at 15:00 UTC on September 22, saying multiple simultaneous subsea cable outages were reducing backbone capacity available to its upstream network provider. Traffic was being rerouted over remaining paths, creating intermittent packet loss, slower responses […]
By Ashok Nilakakntan Ayers WASHINGTON: The confrontation between Donald Trump and the American press has entered a new phase. What began on Friday as a presidential declaration against three news organizations — CNN, MS NOW and Politico — became a physical ban on Saturday, when reporters from the three organizations were stopped at the White […]
The article Trump’s White House Media Ban: Fourth Estate Under Attack In USA appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 September 2026 – The Hong Kong Academy for Wealth Legacy (HKAWL) brought the Inspiring Asia Micro Film Festival to Hong Kong for the first time as Regional Lead Partner, and recognised three winning entries at the inaugural Hong Kong regional awards. The festival culminated in a Screening and Award Ceremony on 21 September 2026 at The Hong Kong Jockey Club University of Chicago Academic Complex | The University of Chicago Francis and Rose Yuen Campus in Hong Kong, and was supported by Lee Hysan Foundation as Strategic Partner and Sponsor.
Guided by the theme “Community Empowerment” and the tagline “Belonging, Resilience, and Thriving”, participating filmmakers, students and community changemakers shared stories that explored inclusion, connection and resilience. The Festival encourages creators and community organisations to document community stories through micro films, fostering dialogue and greater social participation.
Award-Winning Films Spotlight Inclusion, Resilience and Community Connection
The three winning entries reflected these aspirations through stories of cross-cultural friendship, ageing with purpose and disability inclusion, offering perspectives on experiences that are often overlooked in everyday conversations.
A chance encounter lies at the heart of Between the Unsaid, the winner of the Best Micro Film Award, as an unexpected friendship blossoms between a Pakistani tailor and a local florist. Directed by Qasim Khan and produced by Kaneeta Arshad, the Hong Kong drama shows how kindness can cross linguistic and cultural boundaries, bringing comfort amid grief and isolation.
The Story Hunter, winner of the Best AI Film Award, follows an 80-year-old Hong Kong resident who finds renewed purpose by sharing lived experiences. Created by Yimin Chen and Ethan Wong, the drama combines human-written script with AI-assisted production to amplify older adults’ voices and value as storytellers, mentors and active contributors to the community.
Recipient of the Best Project Award, The Superpower of Little Hands challenges perceptions of congenital limb differences through stories co-created by children and parents from the Hand in Hand Association. The documentary shows how peer support, inclusion and understanding can build confidence, belonging and ambition.
Empowering Communities Beyond the Awards
As a flagship annual event of HKAWL’s Impact Link initiative, the Festival reflects its wider efforts to foster dialogue between philanthropy, the social sector and the creative community. As Regional Lead Partner, HKAWL worked with a diverse network of partners to support the Festival’s Hong Kong debut. Beyond the competition itself, Inspiring Asia serves as a platform for capacity building, community participation and collaborative philanthropy, bringing together filmmakers, NGOs, foundations, universities and other partners through activities such as workshops, mentorship, screenings and peer exchange.
“Seeing these powerful community stories come to life on screen was incredibly moving,” said Angel Chia, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Academy for Wealth Legacy. “The winning films demonstrate how storytelling can help people better understand the realities and aspirations of different communities. As a flagship annual event of HKAWL’s Impact Link initiative, Inspiring Asia connects creators and social impact organisations with philanthropists and supporters, helping foster dialogue around strategic philanthropy.”
The journey continues as Hong Kong’s winning entries and selected finalists advance to the Main Phase of Inspiring Asia, bringing their Hong Kong stories to audiences across Asia.
The Screening and Award Ceremony marked the festival’s conclusion in the city, but its impact in creating lasting change continues well beyond the event. In particular, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Programme on Social Innovation (HKJCPSI), operated by The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, will provide capacity-building resources to the Best Project Award winner and shortlisted project teams, helping them strengthen their organisational capabilities and advance the community initiatives featured in their films.
Extending the impact further, the stories will continue to resonate across wider audiences through community screenings from October to December 2026, enabling more people to learn about the experiences and issues they bring to light. Screening details will be announced through HKAWL’s official channels.
Appendix: Hong Kong Regional Competition Award Winners
| Award Category | Film Title | Director / Producer | Film Synopsis |
| Best Micro Film | Between the Unsaid | Qasim Khan, Kaneeta Arshad | The film features Saira, a Pakistani shopkeeper in Hong Kong who is isolated by loneliness, homesickness, and a language barrier. After the sudden loss of her mother, an unexpected friendship with local florist Kim brings comfort, showing how kindness and empathy can bridge cultural and linguistic divides to create strong communities. |
| Best AI Film | The Story Hunter | Yimin Chen, Ethan Wong | The film follows Granny Fa, an 80-year-old widow living alone like an isolated island — until Story Hunters knocked on her door and walked with her through storytelling training. She brought her real-life experiences to university stages, and the warm applause from the younger generation rekindled her passion for life. In the end, she becomes a Story Hunter herself, knocking on the next closed door. |
| Best Project | The Superpower of Little Hands | Hand in Hand Association | Produced by Hand in Hand Association, Hong Kong’s first patient self-help organisation for congenital hand differences, this joyful documentary moves beyond traditional narratives of pity. It highlights four vibrant children with hand differences, celebrating their unique talents, creativity, and zest for life. By showcasing a strong peer-support network of families empowering one another, the film demonstrates how love, confidence, and supportive community allow every special hand to shine without limits. |
Hashtag: #HKAWL
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The Hong Kong Academy for Wealth Legacy (HKAWL) is committed to invigorating a vibrant ecosystem for family offices worldwide by fostering knowledge sharing, capacity building, peer connection, and collaboration. It equips business and wealth owners and inheritors with knowledge in building enduring family legacies, while mobilising family capital to drive measurable social impact and facilitating a strategic philanthropy platform via its Impact Link initiative. By bridging wealth with purpose, HKAWL reinforces Hong Kong’s status as a principal centre for managing family wealth legacies.
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About Under Production (UP)
Established in 2015, Under Production Ltd. (UP) is a dynamic social enterprise dedicated to empowering aspiring creative talents. By bridging the gap between youth and the creative industries, UP equips creators with production expertise and social awareness to transform complex issues into compelling narratives. UP’s expertise spans three core pillars: Film & Video Production, Multi-platform Publishing, and Integrated Campaign Management. Notable projects include social films Constellation and May It Rain, which have gained recognition for their intimate storytelling on social themes. Over the years, UP has built a sustainable creative ecosystem with NGO partners and community collaborators, consistently delivering innovative solutions that create lasting community impact.
About Lee Hysan Foundation (LHF)
Lee Hysan Foundation (LHF) is a private foundation incorporated in 1973 by the Lee Hysan Family to institutionalise the philanthropic work which the family had been doing for many decades. It currently operates as an endowment fund in perpetuity and does not fundraise. LHF’s mission is to advance the well-being of Hong Kong by catalysing policy and systemic change and scaling evidence-based models to transform Education, Social Welfare, Health, Arts and Culture, and the Environment. Through this work, LHF seeks to enable under-resourced people from diverse backgrounds to flourish.
*Although established by the same family, Hysan Development Company Limited is operated separately from LHF and has its own independent management and board of directors.
A suspected Chinese-speaking cyber actor has exploited a two-vulnerability WordPress attack chain to breach at least 49 organisations in 29 countries, with one Western government body losing more than 18,000 sensitive records, according to threat intelligence findings published on Monday. GreyNoise said it had tracked the activity through its Global Observation Grid and linked the campaign to a single malicious cyber actor active from May, with the […]
Digital-asset companies in South Africa have put at least R2.2 billion of transactions on hold as uncertainty grows over proposed rules that would bring cryptocurrencies more firmly within the country’s exchange-control system. At least three deals have been paused because of the proposed changes, according to people familiar with the transactions. The affected agreements include a large private-equity investment and other deals intended to support small-business capital […]
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 September 2026 – Following its first anniversary on 3 September 2026, Suan Dusit Arun – the 11,200 sq m public rooftop park at Dusit Central Park in the heart of Bangkok – has released its first set of visitor, community, and environmental performance data. The figures demonstrate strong public demand for accessible green space in the Thai capital, with an average of 2,621 unique daily visitors during the 12-month reporting period.
The largest public rooftop park in Bangkok’s central business district, Suan Dusit Arun is a defining feature of Dusit Central Park and provides elevated views across Lumpini Park, one of the city’s most important green spaces. It was designed as a practical response to critical urban challenges facing Bangkok, including rising temperatures, limited access to green space, and declining biodiversity.
Open to all, the park offers the luxury of space, nature, and calm in the centre of Bangkok. Its public use and programming are thoughtfully managed to protect the landscape, preserve a comfortable atmosphere, and ensure that visitors can continue to enjoy the park without compromising the qualities it was designed to provide.
Combining beautiful views with a strong social and environmental purpose, the park serves as the unifying landscape connecting the principal elements of Dusit Central Park: the flagship Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel, Central Park Offices, the Central Park shopping centre, and a 69-storey residential tower comprising the ultra-luxury Dusit Residences and contemporary Dusit Parkside.
The design of Suan Dusit Arun reflects the wider architectural philosophy of Dusit Central Park, responding to wind flow and solar orientation while drawing on Feng Shui principles to foster harmony, balance, and a positive flow of energy between people and their surroundings.
With approximately 98% of its layered landscape dedicated to green space, the park combines 184 plant varieties, including 48 Thai species, with accessible areas for recreation, learning, community gatherings, and quiet reflection. Its planting includes native shade trees, flowering varieties, and climate-adapted plants.
The planting includes nine tree species in the three threatened categories of the IUCN Red List – two Critically Endangered, two Endangered, and five Vulnerable. It also reflects Thailand’s cultural heritage through sacred spirit trees, species referenced in classical Thai literature, and jasmine, a symbol of Mother’s Day in Thailand. Pollinator-friendly species include mangrove apple and queen’s crape myrtle.
Water management is another important part of the park’s operation. Harvested or recycled water supplies approximately 25% of irrigation demand, supported by an automated, timer-controlled irrigation system. The planted landscape is estimated to reduce stormwater runoff entering the city’s drainage system by 30–50% compared with a conventional hard-surfaced roof.
While assessment of the park’s environmental performance is ongoing, monitoring conducted within and outside the project area on 13 and 14 March 2026 provided an initial snapshot of conditions. Air temperature within Suan Dusit Arun was recorded at 31°C, compared with 33°C outside the project area. Suspended particulate matter concentrations were also approximately 35% lower within the park during the monitoring period.
“When we conceived Suan Dusit Arun, we wanted it to become an active part of Bangkok’s daily life – a public landscape with a clear social and environmental purpose,” said Chanin Donavanik, Group CEO, Dusit International. “Welcoming more than 951,000 visitors in its first year shows how strongly people value accessible green spaces where they can exercise, learn, connect, and spend time in nature.
“For Dusit, this is how responsible hospitality reaches beyond hotel operations: by creating places that deliver meaningful value for the communities and environments around them. The initial data from Suan Dusit Arun indicates the potential of thoughtful design and responsible operation to improve everyday urban life. We will continue to monitor the park’s performance and report its contribution with care and transparency.”
Beyond its daily public use, Suan Dusit Arun hosted a thoughtfully curated programme of 43 recreational, wellness, and educational events and visits during its first year. Together, these activities engaged more than 9,500 people. They ranged from aerobics, Pilates, and city runs to Children’s Day celebrations, live music, design talks, and study visits by schools and universities.
Partners included Silpakorn University, SCG Packaging Public Company Limited (SCGP), and the Thai Red Cross, alongside schools, community groups, and commercial organisations.
Collaboration with SCGP also extends to waste reduction. Suan Dusit Arun participates in the company’s “Old for New” recycling initiative and separates around 100 kg of cardboard from its operational waste each month for recycling. Event organisers are also encouraged to reduce disposable plastics and choose reusable or recyclable materials wherever practical.
Tree Walk for Bangkok Climate Action Week 2026
To mark Bangkok Climate Action Week 2026, Suan Dusit Arun and Dusit International will collaborate with Big Trees Foundation to host Tree Walk: Discovering the Value of Urban Trees at Suan Dusit Arun on 9 October 2026. Led by landscape architect Touchapon Soontrajarn and professional arborists, the half-day programme will explore how thoughtful landscape design and tree care can support urban cooling, cleaner air, biodiversity, and public well-being.
Running from 9:00–11:30 hrs, the event is limited to 30 participants and costs THB 250 per person, with all proceeds to be donated to Big Trees Foundation to support urban tree conservation. Registration will be available through the Bangkok Climate Action Week platform.
More information is available at bangkokclimateactionweek.org/en/programme/325.
High-resolution images and a short video accompanying this media release are available here: Suan Dusit Arun
Hashtag: #Dusit
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Suan Dusit Arun is an 11,200 sq m public rooftop park at Dusit Central Park, a mixed-use development in the heart of Bangkok, Thailand. Opened on 3 September 2025, the park was designed according to Universal Design principles and brings together Thai flora, shaded walkways, water features, cultural spaces, and panoramic views of Lumpini Park.
Its principal features include the Bird Nest Viewpoint, Cascade 2513 waterfall, and Dusitpini Amphitheatre. Suan Dusit Arun connects Dusit Thani Bangkok, Central Park Offices, Central Park shopping centre, and a 69-storey residential tower comprising Dusit Residences and Dusit Parkside. The park is open to the public free of charge.
For more information, please visit dusitcentralpark.com/roofpark
Established in 1949, Dusit International is a leading hospitality group listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Its operations comprise five distinct yet complementary business units: Dusit Hotels and Resorts, Dusit Hospitality Education, Dusit Foods, Real Estate Development, and Hospitality-Related Services.
Dusit’s diversified investments in real estate development, hospitality-related services, and the food sector are part of its long-term strategy for sustainable growth, which focuses on three key areas: balance, expansion, and diversification.
For more information, please visit dusit-international.com
Microsoft will disable SMS as a primary sign-in method for Microsoft Entra ID workforce tenants from February 1, 2027, ending a passwordless flow that lets users authenticate with a registered phone number and a one-time text message code. The change applies to organisations that allow SMS first-factor authentication, known in Microsoft’s documentation as SignInNoPassword. Once the retirement takes effect, users will no longer be able to enter […]
The model supports text-to-image creation, image-to-image generation and multi-round editing, according to Tencent Cloud documentation published alongside the release. It can accept multimodal inputs combining text and reference images, preserve context across successive editing turns and produce images at resolutions of up to 4K.
Tencent said the model improves on Hy Image 3.0 in text rendering, realism, stylistic expression and editing consistency. The company said internal evaluations showed an overall capability improvement of about 30 per cent over the previous generation, though those performance claims have not been independently established.
The new system is being integrated into Tencent products including its Yuanbao chatbot and a range of design, productivity and creative tools, while developers can access it through Tencent Cloud’s TokenHub platform. Tencent’s cloud documentation lists the model under the identifier hy-image-v3.5-preview and says it can handle up to 100,000 input tokens for conversational image-generation and editing requests.
The release places greater emphasis on iterative visual production rather than single-prompt image creation. Users can provide reference pictures, request changes over several rounds and retain earlier context, allowing the model to perform tasks such as poster design, product-image editing and other workflows that require repeated adjustments.
Tencent also says the model can use external search enhancement and automatic prompt rewriting, while its application programming interface allows developers to specify image dimensions or let the system determine an appropriate format. The model supports output of up to 4,096 by 4,096 pixels under Tencent Cloud’s documented limits.
The launch comes as China’s largest technology groups broaden their AI offerings beyond large language models and compete more aggressively in image, video and agent-based systems. ByteDance has built a strong position in visual-generation tools through its Seedream family, while Alibaba has expanded its Qwen image models alongside a wider push into cloud infrastructure and AI chips.
Tencent said testing among hundreds of its in-house designers found Hy Image 3.5 Preview performed on a level comparable with ByteDance’s Seedream 5.0 Pro. It also claimed the model slightly exceeded Google’s Nano Banana Pro and Alibaba’s Qwen-Image-3.0 Pro in its own assessments. The company did not disclose full methodology or independent benchmark results for those comparisons.
The timing also coincided with Alibaba’s annual Apsara conference in Hangzhou, where the company outlined plans for a much larger next-generation AI model and introduced its Zhenwu V900 accelerator chip. Alibaba Chief Executive Eddie Wu said the planned model would contain between five trillion and 10 trillion parameters, potentially several times the size of its current flagship system.
Tencent has been accelerating investment in its Hunyuan model family while placing more emphasis on deployment across its existing products. Its Hy3 language model, released in July, was designed around a mixture-of-experts architecture and has since been integrated into services including WorkBuddy, Yuanbao and Tencent Cloud.
The company has also strengthened its AI research leadership. Former OpenAI researcher Yao Shunyu serves as Tencent’s chief AI scientist, while computer-vision specialist Tian Yonglong joined the company in July and leads vision-language model development within the Hunyuan team.
Tencent’s Hong Kong-listed shares climbed more than 6 per cent during Tuesday trading as investors reacted to the product launch and a broader rise in technology stocks. The stock had also advanced in the previous session.
For business users, Tencent Cloud is positioning Hy Image 3.5 Preview as a professional visual-production model rather than a consumer-only image generator. Its documentation says users can combine multiple reference images with text instructions, carry generated images forward into later editing rounds and receive synchronously generated results without submitting separate polling requests.
Alibaba Group unveiled its Zhenwu V900 artificial intelligence accelerator on Tuesday, saying the processor delivers three times the performance of its predecessor and is its most powerful AI chip yet. Chief Executive Eddie Wu introduced the chip at Alibaba’s annual Apsara Conference in Hangzhou, placing proprietary semiconductors at the centre of the company’s expanding artificial intelligence strategy. Alibaba said the V900, designed by its T-Head semiconductor unit, […]
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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 September 2026 – To enhance public understanding and awareness of green buildings, the Hong Kong Green Building Council (HKGBC) has launched “My Green Space” Student Competition since 2011. The Competition encourages students to unleash their creativity and integrate green building concepts into real life, thus creating ideal green spaces.
The 2026-2027 edition, solely sponsored by Chinachem Group, explores “The Ideal Nature-Positive Built Environment“. It seeks to inspire the younger generation to reimagine the relationship between cities and nature through creative thinking and to nurture future green building pioneers.
Aligning with Policy: Urban Transformation and Ecological Balance
Natural ecosystems and biodiversity are essential foundations of human well-being and sustainable development. Amid escalating climate challenges, transforming cities into more sustainable built environments is paramount to balancing human development with nature conservation.
The Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (BSAP) updated by the Government of the HKSAR, underscores the urgency of protecting local biodiversity to foster the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, as well as between urban development and ecological conservation. The Hong Kong Nature-based Solutions Design Guidelines (HKNbSDG) provides a localised framework in this regard for designing and implementing solutions to enhance climate resilience, promote biodiversity and coexistence of development and nature conservation.
This year’s Competition invites students to present their vision of a liveable, regenerative, zero-waste and circular built environment through the lenses of design, planning, engineering, climate-resilient strategies and nature-based solution, to help drive society toward a carbon-neutral and nature-positive future.
Open to Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Students with Comprehensive Support and Learning Experiences
The Competition features five divisions covering different learning stages: Junior Primary, Senior Primary, Junior Secondary, Senior Secondary, and Tertiary. To foster cross-regional collaboration, the Tertiary category welcomes student teams from across the Greater Bay Area.
Participants may submit entries in the form of 2D artworks (for the Junior Primary and Senior Primary Divisions only), 3D models, multimedia works, or proposals. Each entry must include at least one building of any type, allowing participants to explore the possibilities of green building through different creative formats.
To equip participants with fundamental knowledge of green building, HKGBC will organise “Green Building Tour and Training Workshop” to impart relevant knowledge. “The Companion Scheme” will also be launched, under which young green building practitioners from the “Green Building Young Leaders (GBYLs)” Programme will answer participants’ technical questions on a voluntary basis and provide professional advice throughout the Competition.
Entries will be assessed on four criteria: application of sustainability from the environment, economics and social aspects or green building concepts, originality, creativity and innovation, effectiveness of presentation, and feasibility of implementation. Participants who join the “Green Building Tour and Training Workshop” and complete the designated questionnaires will receive bonus marks.
Attractive Prizes and Development Opportunities to Help Students Build Careers
Each category offers Champion, First Runner-up, Second Runner-up and Merit awards, with cash prizes of up to HK$8,000, trophies and certificates. As the sole sponsor, Chinachem Group will also offer special awards to demonstrate its ongoing commitment to nurturing future talent. Full award details will be announced later.
Beyond cash prizes and certificates, HKGBC offers diverse extra recognition and development opportunities. Winning entries will be exhibited at D．PARK , further showcasing participants’ creativity and achievements and enriching their personal portfolios.
Tertiary winners may also be invited to internship interviews with Chinachem Group, Arup, and other leading green building organisations, thereby laying a solid foundation for future careers in green building and sustainable development.
Details of “My Green Space” Student Competition 2026-2027：
| Registration Period: | From now until 31 December 2026 | ||||||
| Entry Submission Deadline: | 31 March 2027 6:00pm | ||||||
| Online Registration: | https://forms.gle/2gLsgvCq51VrCH7J8
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For details of the Competition, please visit the Competition website:
www.hkgbc.org.hk/studentcompetition
Hashtag: #HKGBC
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
The Hong Kong Green Building Council (HKGBC) is a non-profit, member-led organisation established in 2009 and has become a public body under the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance since 2016. The HKGBC strives to promote the standard and development of sustainable buildings in Hong Kong. The HKGBC also aims to raise green building awareness by engaging the government, the industry and the public, and to develop practical solutions for Hong Kong’s unique, subtropical built environment of high-rise, high density urban area, leading Hong Kong to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and to become a world’s exemplar of green building development. The Founding Members of the HKGBC include the Construction Industry Council (CIC), the Business Environment Council (BEC), the BEAM Society Limited (BSL) and the Professional Green Building Council (PGBC).
To learn more about the HKGBC, please visit www.hkgbc.org.hk.
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