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Addressing the second edition of the summit at Le Meridien, Kochi, on Saturday, Abraham said cyberattacks had evolved to a point where they could cripple countries and organisations, disrupt critical infrastructure and interfere with military operations without conventional weapons being used.

He cited a 389 per cent year-on-year rise in confirmed ransomware victims worldwide, a figure also recorded by FortiGuard Labs for 2025, when 7,831 victims were identified compared with about 1,600 a year earlier. The security company linked part of the increase to the availability of AI-enabled crime tools and automated attack capabilities.

Abraham also pointed to the financial impact of online fraud across India, saying reported losses reached Rs 19,813 crore in 2025. Data compiled by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre from the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal put the number of complaints that year at about 21.77 lakh, underscoring the volume of fraud cases confronting enforcement agencies and financial institutions.

The senior police officer said artificial intelligence had changed both the economics and operational reach of cybercrime by allowing attackers to automate tasks that previously required greater technical skill, time and manpower. That shift has increased the need for organisations to design systems capable not only of preventing breaches but also of continuing essential operations and recovering quickly when attacks succeed.

A shortage of cybersecurity skills is adding to the pressure. Abraham referred to a global gap of 4.8 million cybersecurity professionals, an estimate published by ISC2 in its 2024 workforce study. The organisation’s 2025 study shifted emphasis from total headcount to shortages in specific skills, finding that employers were increasingly concerned about capabilities in areas such as artificial intelligence, cloud security and incident response.

Abraham said Kerala’s human-resource base could provide an advantage in meeting demand for cybersecurity expertise, provided training kept pace with rapidly changing threats. His remarks placed workforce development alongside technology investment as a central component of cyber resilience.

Gaganyaan astronaut-designate Air Commodore Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair, who also addressed the summit, said cybersecurity alone would not be sufficient unless India strengthened its own artificial-intelligence capabilities. He said future conflicts and industries would increasingly blur distinctions between physical and digital domains, making sovereign technological capacity more important.

“No amount of cybersecurity is ever completely sufficient. True security can only be guaranteed if we develop our own AI technology,” Nair said, arguing that the country should use its software strengths to build indigenous systems rather than depend entirely on technologies developed elsewhere.

Ernakulam MP Hibi Eden inaugurated the summit. He welcomed an initiative by F9 Infotech to provide cybersecurity training, awareness programmes and certification without charge to government educational institutions across Kerala, an effort aimed at expanding access to basic cyber skills.

F9 Infotech founder Jayakumar Mohanachandran said cyber protection needed to extend beyond corporate leadership and specialist teams to ordinary users, businesses and public institutions. He said more than Rs 56,000 crore in cyber-fraud complaints had been recorded across India over the past three years, while response systems had helped prevent losses exceeding Rs 11,000 crore across roughly 32 lakh complaints.

FortiGuard Labs’ 2026 threat assessment, reflecting 2025 activity, also found that exploitation attempts rose by about 25 per cent to nearly 122 billion worldwide, while critical vulnerabilities could be targeted within 24 to 48 hours of disclosure. The findings illustrated the shrinking window available to defenders to patch exposed systems, revoke compromised credentials and contain intrusions before attackers move laterally through networks or deploy ransomware at scale globally.

Shanmugam, who is also Coordinating Minister for National Security and Home Affairs Minister, said the government maintains a strict principle of not directing individual investment decisions by Temasek portfolio companies. Singapore Airlines, rather than state investor Temasek, is the shareholder in Air India and must decide whether additional funding is commercially justified, he said.

Air India is seeking about $1.5 billion in fresh equity from its owners, Tata Sons and Singapore Airlines, after losses widened sharply in the financial year ended March 2026. Singapore Airlines owns 25.1 per cent of the carrier, while Tata Sons holds the remaining 74.9 per cent.

Singapore Airlines said last week that its board would “carefully consider” any request for additional capital, taking account of the group’s other funding requirements and Air India’s business strategy. The airline said it works with Tata Sons to support Air India’s transformation programme as a significant minority shareholder.

The funding question has prompted political scrutiny in Singapore because Temasek, which is owned by the Ministry of Finance, is the majority shareholder in Singapore Airlines. Workers’ Party MP Kenneth Tiong has questioned whether Temasek funds should ultimately be used to support Air India and has filed a question for the September 8 sitting of Parliament.

Shanmugam said shareholders and the public were entitled to expect rigorous assessment, accountability and transparency from Singapore Airlines. Shareholders could question management and directors at the company’s annual general meeting, but political views should not replace the professional judgment of its board, he said.

“Neither his views nor those of any minister or any other MP should substitute for the commercial judgment of SIA’s management and board of directors,” Shanmugam said, referring to Tiong.

He said Temasek is accountable to the government for its overall portfolio and long-term performance, but not for individual investments made by its portfolio companies. The government’s role, he added, was to ensure professional management and give companies sufficient independence to make properly considered decisions without political pressure.

Shanmugam warned that directing specific investments could weaken commercial discipline by allowing political considerations to shape corporate decisions. He said companies must be able to accept that some investments will produce gains and others losses, with performance judged across portfolios and over appropriate time horizons.

The debate follows Air India’s continuing financial and operational pressures during its overhaul under Tata ownership. The airline group posted a record loss of more than $2 billion for the last financial year, while its transformation has required extensive investment in aircraft, systems, customer service, maintenance and staffing.

Singapore Airlines became an Air India shareholder after the merger of Vistara with Air India was completed in November 2024. It received a 25.1 per cent stake in the enlarged carrier, combining its former Vistara interest with a cash investment agreed as part of the transaction.

Singapore Airlines subsequently injected further capital into Air India. By the end of March 2025, the total cost of its investment in the carrier stood at about S$2.1 billion, according to its disclosures.

The airline has repeatedly described its exposure to Air India as a long-term strategic investment, giving it direct participation in India’s large domestic aviation market and international traffic flows beyond its Singapore hub. It has also acknowledged that the turnaround will take time and that Air India faces both company-specific and wider industry challenges.

@hkfashionfest @hongkongfashioncouncil

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 September 2026 – The “Hong Kong Fashion Fest Gala 2026”, one of the eight flagship programmes of the third edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest, was held on 3 September 2026. Sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and organised by the Hong Kong Fashion Council, this year’s Gala was held under the theme, “Rhythm of the Heart”, the same theme of the third edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest. The Gala brought together fashion, art and culture in a cross-disciplinary celebration. The opening ceremony was officiated by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, JP and the Hon Sunny Tan, BBS, Legislative Council Member (Textiles and Garment) and Chairman of the Hong Kong Fashion Council. marking the official opening ceremony of this much-anticipated annual event on Hong Kong’s fashion calendar.

Speaking at the Gala, the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, JP, saying: “Building on Hong Kong’s unique kinetic pulse and East-meets-West synergy, and with the Government’s steadfast backing through the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, our creative ecosystem is thriving. Within this dynamic landscape, fashion design stands as an indisputable driving force. The Hong Kong Fashion Fest continues to champion fashion as a profound art form and a canvas for self-expression — one that weaves together vision, culture, and history.”

Meanwhile, Hon Sunny Tan, BBS, Legislative Council Member (Textiles and Garment) and Chairman of the Hong Kong Fashion Council, extended his gratitude to the participating organisers and industry partners for their steadfast support, saying: “The third Hong Kong Fashion Fest reflects the collective commitment of the Government, CCIDA and industry to advancing Hong Kong’s fashion development. With creative talent, international connectivity and strengths across trade, tourism, finance, and textile and apparel, Hong Kong has every ingredient to grow as an international fashion hub for Asia.”

In addition, rising favourite by international brands, Jeffrey Ngai and the popular stylish film actress Louise Wong attended the occasion in glamorous style. They were joined on the red carpet by leading fashion influencers and celebrities from Hong Kong and around the world, including Ameera Khan, Fil Xiaobai, Hanan Besovic, Irene Kim, Susanna Lau and Elva Ni. The star-studded presence added glamour and energy to the gala, highlighting Hong Kong’s extraordinary position and appeal as an international fashion hub.

Hong Kong Ballet × Robert Wun:

A Groundbreaking Cross-Disciplinary Stage Experience

One of the key highlights of the Hong Kong Fashion Fest Gala 2026 was “Glam Rock”, a specially presented three-act ballet performance by Hong Kong Ballet. Taking an innovative and bold approach to ballet, the production reinterpreted the art form by seamlessly blending classical and contemporary dance. The performance was accompanied by iconic rock anthems from Queen, Depeche Mode, and the legendary Hong Kong band Beyond. The powerful rhythms and dynamic physicality of the dancers delivered an exhilarating and refreshingly unconventional experience for the audience.

The dancers performed in bespoke costumes designed by internationally acclaimed Hong Kong designer Robert Wun. Renowned for his cinematic and sculptural silhouettes and refined narrative-driven aesthetics, Wun’s designs became another visual highlight of the evening. Through “Glam Rock”, world-class choreography, avant-garde fashion and rock music converged into a wholesome and unique artistic expression, offering guests a profound stage experience that combined visual spectacle with cultural references. The production vividly embodied the urban rhythm and creative pulse at the heart of this year’s theme, “Rhythm of the Heart.”

“Top 10 Asian Designers to Watch” Fashion Show and Award Presentation:

Showcasing the Next Generation of Asian Fashion Talent

Another major highlight of the Hong Kong Fashion Fest Gala 2026 was the “Top 10 Asian Designers to Watch Fashion” Fashion Show & Awards Presentation Ceremony,” which showcased the exceptional craftsmanship and distinctive creative visions of ten outstanding designers from different parts of Asia. With a multitude of design languages and cultural sentiment, the showcase presented the dynamic multi-cultural fashion spectacle and forward-thinking approaches to fashion and aesthetics.

Sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), Fashion Asia Hong Kong’s “10 Asian Designers to Watch” programme is presented by the Hong Kong Design Centre. The programme is dedicated to discovering and promoting the next generation of Asian design talent, and to provide emerging designers with greater visibility, professional exchange and industry opportunities.

Hashtag: #HongKongFashionFest #香港时装荟 #CSTB #文化体育及旅游局 #CCIDA #文创产业发展处

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

About Hong Kong Fashion Fest

Announced by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Chief Executive in the 2023 Policy Address, “Hong Kong Fashion Fest” will be organised to develop Hong Kong into a fashion design hub in Asia. Through consolidating various fashion design events and introducing innovative elements and affiliate activities annually, the Hong Kong Fashion Fest promotes Hong Kong’s fashion and textile design brands and boosts Hong Kong’s position as a prime destination for hosting mega cultural and creative events. Under the theme “Rhythm of the Heart”, the third edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest is being held from 1 to 14 September 2026 at various landmarks in Hong Kong. The event will bring together eight flagship programmes organised by six industry organisations and, for the first time, will be combined with CENTRESTAGE – the annual fashion extravaganza organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council – to generate stronger synergies. The event will attract fashion design industry players from all over the world to come to Hong Kong; foster collaboration, innovation and business opportunities; establish platform for local and international fashion designers and brands and connect with different sectors in the fashion design industry of Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and overseas, thereby consolidating Hong Kong’s position as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.

Website: www.hongkongfashionfest.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongfashionfest
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hkfashionfest
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hkfashionfest

About Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA)
The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), formerly known as Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) since 2009, was established in June 2024. CCIDA is a dedicated office under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR Government) to provide one-stop services and support to the cultural and creative sectors with a mission to foster a conducive environment in Hong Kong to facilitate development of the arts, culture and creative sectors as industries. CCIDA’s strategic foci are nurturing talent and facilitating start-ups, exploring markets, promoting cross-sectoral and multi-disciplinary collaboration, promoting industrialisation of the arts, culture and creative sectors under the industry-oriented principle, and fostering a creative atmosphere in the community, thereby reinforcing Hong Kong as Asia’s creative capital and our positioning as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.

Disclaimer: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.

About Hong Kong Fashion Council
Established in 2024, Hong Kong Fashion Council is a not-for-profit representative body dedicated to uniting all fashion initiatives in Hong Kong to support the growth of the fashion industry. HKFC envisions Hong Kong as Asia’s leading international fashion hub, leveraging the city’s unique geographical and multicultural context to drive creativity, innovation, collaboration, and sustainability in fashion. Committed to supporting stakeholders throughout the entire fashion ecosystem, HKFC is building a collaborative network between the East and the West to showcase Asia’s vibrant fashion identity.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hongkongfashioncouncil
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/hongkongfashioncouncil
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hongkongfashioncouncil/

The campus at Koregaon Park Annexe is being designed around artificial intelligence and Internet of Things systems that will monitor environmental conditions, occupancy and infrastructure and adjust building operations in real time. Bajaj Finserv describes the project as its first “sentient” corporate campus.

Fadnavis unveiled a commemorative plaque at the September 4 ceremony, which was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar, Pune Mayor Manjusha Nagpure, Bajaj Finserv Chairman and Managing Director Sanjiv Bajaj and other officials.

The company said the project would consolidate its diversified financial services businesses at a common address for the first time, bringing together operations spanning lending, deposits, payments, insurance and investments. The complex is also planned to include what Bajaj Finserv says will be Pune’s tallest steel tower.

Fadnavis said Bajaj Finserv had built a significant position in the state’s fintech ecosystem by using technology to widen access to loans, insurance and other financial services. He said the new campus would strengthen Pune’s role as a financial-technology centre and described the project as a major addition to Maharashtra’s business infrastructure.

The development is intended to use AI and IoT systems across energy management, water consumption, air quality, crowd density, movement and safety. Sensors and analytics are expected to help the campus respond to changes in weather and occupancy, while predictive maintenance systems will monitor critical infrastructure. Automation and robotics are also planned for some campus operations.

Bajaj Finserv said sustainability, environmental design and employee wellbeing would be the three main design pillars. The buildings are being planned to global LEED and Indian Green Building Council standards, with renewable energy intended to power the campus.

The company has set a target of recycling 80 per cent of water used at the site, alongside rainwater harvesting and zero-waste measures. Those features form part of Bajaj Finserv’s stated goal of achieving carbon neutrality for Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by the 2031-32 financial year.

Sanjiv Bajaj said the project was intended to combine environmental responsibility with the group’s financial inclusion goals. He said the campus would use eco-efficient and biophilic design, AI-driven systems and renewable energy while placing employee health and wellbeing at the centre of the workplace plan.

Green zones are expected to include Ayurvedic gardens, Miyawaki forests and replanted native forests, with species from Maharashtra selected to support biodiversity. The design will seek to increase natural daylight and ventilation and reduce cooling requirements, according to the company.

Indoor environmental monitoring is planned at floor and cluster level, covering air quality and temperature. Employees are also expected to use an integrated Bajaj One application for services such as navigation, parking and facility bookings.

The project includes plans for a medical centre with telemedicine and emergency-response facilities as well as dedicated wellness support. Bajaj Finserv said these services would be integrated with the wider digital infrastructure of the campus.

The company also plans to incorporate art, craft and heritage traditions from across the country into the development, including lesser-known and lost art forms. Elements of Bajaj Finserv’s corporate social responsibility programmes and work produced by programme beneficiaries are expected to feature within the campus design.

Fadnavis used the ceremony to highlight the Bajaj group’s long association with Maharashtra and its role in the state’s industrial development. He also referred to the legacy of Jamnalal Bajaj, the industrialist and freedom movement figure associated with the group’s early history.

Bajaj Finserv already has several corporate and group offices in Pune. The new site is intended to serve as the company’s principal corporate office and create a single large workplace for businesses that are now spread across different locations.

As part of his official visit to Vietnam, on the afternoon of September 4, 2026, His Excellency Min Aung Hlaing, President of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, and the high-level Myanmar delegation visited the VinFast Hai Phong Manufacturing Complex, where they learned firsthand about the remarkable and rapid development journey of the Vietnamese automotive brand.

HAI PHONG, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 September 2026 – Mr. Pham Nhat Quan Anh, Chairman of VinFast, personally welcomed His Excellency President Min Aung Hlaing and led the delegation throughout their visit to the VinFast Hai Phong Manufacturing Complex. Mr. Quan Anh accompanied the President and the delegation through the Body Shop and General Assembly Shop, introducing VinFast’s integrated manufacturing processes, advanced production lines featuring a high level of automation, and its internationally competitive portfolio of electric vehicles.

At the General Assembly Shop, where VinFast vehicles are completed, President Min Aung Hlaing expressed his strong impression of the quality and high standards of VinFast’s Vietnamese-made electric vehicles. The President also praised the modern infrastructure and advanced facilities of the manufacturing complex, as well as VinFast’s remarkable journey in establishing itself as the No. 1 automotive brand in Vietnam and rapidly expanding its presence internationally.

As of September 2026, VinFast has maintained the No. 1 position in Vietnam’s automotive market for 24 consecutive months, while expanding its presence to more than 10 countries worldwide, including key markets such as Indonesia, India, the Philippines and North America.

The visit by President Min Aung Hlaing takes place against the backdrop of Vietnam and Myanmar strengthening cooperation across multiple areas, contributing to greater connectivity and exchanges, while opening up new opportunities for cooperation between the business communities of the two countries.

The visit also provided an opportunity for VinFast to showcase to Myanmar’s leadership the latest achievements of Vietnam’s automotive industry, as well as the manufacturing capabilities and technological expertise of a Vietnamese enterprise. It further contributed to strengthening connectivity between Vietnam and Myanmar in the areas of industry, trade and green mobility.

As one of Vietnam’s modern automotive manufacturing complexes, the VinFast Hai Phong Manufacturing Complex represents an important milestone in the journey of a Vietnamese automotive brand onto the global stage. Built on its manufacturing foundation in Vietnam, VinFast is expanding its operations across international markets, with a strategic focus on developing a green mobility ecosystem and accelerating the transition toward electric transportation.

The VinFast Hai Phong Manufacturing Complex has previously welcomed numerous senior leaders and heads of state during their official visits to Vietnam. Former Indonesian President Joko Widodo, former President of Bulgaria Rumen Radev and former Prime Minister of Luxembourg Xavier Bettel are among the international leaders who, while in office, visited the facility, toured VinFast’s electric vehicle production lines and learned firsthand about VinFast’s electric vehicle offerings.

The visits by heads of state and senior leaders to the VinFast Manufacturing Complex not only reflect international interest in the manufacturing capabilities and technological potential of a Vietnamese enterprise but also create opportunities to strengthen economic connectivity and advance cooperation in industry and green mobility between Vietnam and countries across the region.

With its vision of “For a Green Future,” VinFast continues to accelerate investment in manufacturing capabilities, technology and its electric vehicle ecosystem, with the ambition of bringing Vietnamese green mobility products and solutions to an increasing number of customers around the world.

Hashtag: #VinFast

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

The event gathered over 350 guests, including Sam Hou Fai, Chief Executive of the Macao SAR; Tiong King Sing, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture of Malaysia; Sim Tze Tzin, Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry of Malaysia; and Ouyang Yujing, Chinese Ambassador to Malaysia. They were joined by members of the Macao SAR government and entrepreneurial delegations, representatives from the Chinese Embassy in Malaysia, and prominent figures from various sectors in Malaysia.

Sam Hou Fai stated that this visit to Malaysia aims to renew traditional friendship, build further consensus, and elevate pragmatic cooperation between Macao and Malaysia to a higher level. Macao aspires to serve as a bridge for deepening cooperation between Malaysia and Mainland China, working together to open a new chapter of mutual benefit, win-win outcomes, and synergistic development. He pointed out that both Macao and Malaysia are key nodes on the “Maritime Silk Road,” sharing deep cultural and people-to-people bonds and close exchanges. Facilitated by mutual visa-free entry and direct flights, the two regions have achieved fruitful cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, MICE, and education. Malaysia is not only an important economic partner and international tourist source market for Macao, but also demonstrates immense potential for collaboration in cultural exchange, educational partnerships, and the promotion of Muslim-friendly tourism.

Tiong King Sing highlighted Malaysia’s strategic position in ASEAN—a fast-growing regional market—and Macao’s role in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). By linking their networks, both sides can help businesses unlock vast opportunities between ASEAN and the GBA. He emphasized Malaysia’s readiness to strengthen cooperation in trade, tourism, and education. He urged both sides to bridge connections and engage businesses, schools, tourism operators, and cultural groups to deliver tangible results.

The seminar featured presentations, business matching, and sharing sessions highlighting Macao’s “Tourism+” initiatives, especially “Tourism + Healthcare” big health. Notably, Macao Union Medical Center’s advanced services are meet diverse international healthcare needs.

Additionally, Macao’s upcoming private healthcare law will introduce a “day hospital” category, a one-stop licensing system, and regulations for telemedicine, outreach services, and advanced therapies, fostering a clear, flexible investment environment. Leveraging Macao-Hengqin synergy, the region seeks to partner with Southeast Asian firms to capture medical tourism and big health opportunities.

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

The showcase connects creative imaging with everyday printing across instant cameras, photo printers, label makers and portable A4 printers.

BERLIN, GERMANY– Media OutReach Newswire – 4 September 2026 – The global debut of the EQ3 takes center stage in Hanin’s consumer printing showcase at Booth H20-139 during IFA Berlin 2026.

For many instant-camera users, the ideal experience sits between two worlds: the emotional pull of a large physical print and the control to shape an image before it leaves the camera. The EQ3 brings those ideas together in a square-format hybrid instant camera designed for users seeking larger instant prints.

The EQ3 draws on more than two decades of Hanin’s experience in printing technology. Today, more than 400 R&D professionals support a growing portfolio of products serving users across more than 100 countries and regions.

Edit In Camera. Print Only What Is Worth Keeping.
The EQ3 offers customizable filters, image adjustment and in-camera collage creation. Users can refine images before printing, helping reduce wasted prints without sacrificing spontaneity.

Its larger square format suits portraits and everyday scenes, while dye-sublimation printing produces durable photos. A removable battery makes replacement easier and supports longer use.

“The moment can be spontaneous; the print should be intentional,”said Shaowei Song, General Manager of Hanin’s Consumer Electronics Division. “EQ3 gives people the freedom to create first, then keep the moments that matter in a larger square format.”

The display also includes the Z1, Z2, M3, M5S, M6 and M6 Pro, spanning ZINK ink-free and dye-sublimation printing. Selected models offer built-in displays, reprinting and Bluetooth connectivity for app-based printing.

From Creative Imaging to Everyday Printing
Beyond instant cameras, the portfolio includes photo printers for smartphone images, label makers for homes and small businesses, and portable A4 printers for documents beyond the desk.

Together, the categories connect creative expression with everyday use and create opportunities for retailers, distributors and technology partners.

Booth: H20-139
Date: September 4-8, 2026

Explore Hanin’s consumer electronics portfolio

Hashtag: #Hanin

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

About Hanin

www.haningroup.com

LSAF Global, in partnership with ISCA and the Professional Services (PS) Centre Alliance, brings the PS Centre ecosystem to businesses in Indonesia.

The challenge is often not finding advisers. It is knowing where to start.

LSAF Global, in partnership with the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) and the Professional Services (PS) Centre Alliance, is bringing the PS Centre ecosystem to businesses in Indonesia, connecting them with professional expertise, trusted networks and opportunities across Singapore, Indonesia and the region.

The PS Centre is a collaborative network that aims to make that easier by giving businesses a trusted starting point to find professional expertise, local market knowledge and business connections when expanding across the region.

Businesses in Indonesia can tap on the wider PS Centre network, which currently spans Hongqiao in Shanghai, Ho Chi Minh City, Nanjing and Singapore.

The network is set to grow further, with Johor, Shenzhen and Bangkok among the next locations being developed.

Together, the PS Centres and wider ecosystem are intended to create trusted business corridors across the region so that companies entering a new market do not have to start from zero.

Cross-border business is getting harder

The collaboration in Indonesia comes at a time when companies are looking overseas for growth while facing a more complicated business environment.

Tariffs and geopolitical tensions are changing where companies manufacture and source their products. Supply chains are being redesigned. AI and cyber risks are creating new business questions. Sustainability requirements are changing how companies operate and report.

Increasingly, these problems do not sit neatly within one profession.

A company may start with a tariff question only to discover that it also needs tax, legal and supply chain advice. Another may see an opportunity in Indonesia but need help finding local partners and understanding how best to enter the market.

The PS Centre ecosystem brings different forms of expertise and business networks together so companies do not have to navigate these issues alone.

The collaboration comes amid strong economic links between Singapore and Indonesia.

From Singapore to Indonesia and from Indonesia to the region

The PS Centre ecosystem is designed to work across markets.

Singapore businesses entering Indonesia can connect with local professional advisers, business networks and partners on the ground through LSAF Global and the wider PS Centre ecosystem.

Indonesian businesses looking towards Singapore can tap the Singapore PS Centre and Singapore’s professional services ecosystem.

A business looking beyond Indonesia and Singapore can tap the wider network for support in Vietnam and China. As new centres open, the network will extend into more markets.

Across its existing locations, the PS Centre network has already facilitated more than 90 business connections, supported 100 companies and engaged over 700 businesses and professionals.

The ambition goes beyond opening centres in different cities.

It is to build a connected ecosystem and trusted business corridors that connect opportunities in one market with trusted expertise and networks in another.

Helping businesses solve cross-border challenges

A key initiative being expanded across the PS Centre network is the Business Growth Clinic.

Its premise is simple.

Businesses do not always know which professional they need. They simply know they have a problem to solve.

A manufacturer may produce different parts of the same product across several countries and need help understanding how changing tariffs affect its business.

A professional services firm may want to access talent in another market but is unsure how to structure its operations.

Another business may be looking for an overseas partner, considering an acquisition or trying to understand how geopolitical changes could affect where it invests next.

Instead of figuring out which adviser to approach first, businesses can bring their problem to the Business Growth Clinic.

Depending on the issue, accountants, lawyers, tax specialists, valuers, consultants and other professionals can come together to understand the problem and connect the business with the expertise it needs.

Businesses in Indonesia will also be able to tap the Business Growth Clinic through the PS Centre ecosystem. A Singapore company facing a business issue in Vietnam can tap expertise through the Ho Chi Minh City PS Centre. An Indonesian business looking to establish operations in Singapore can connect with professionals through the Singapore PS Centre. A business exploring China can access support through Hongqiao.

As the PS Centre network expands, the reach of the Business Growth Clinic will expand with it.

Mr Lee Boon Teck, President of the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA), said: “Businesses do not always know which professional they need. They simply know they have a problem to solve. The strength of the PS Centre lies in the network we are building together: connecting businesses with professional expertise, trusted networks and opportunities across markets. The PS Centre Alliance can help businesses in Singapore and Indonesia make the connections they need to grow across the region.”

Connecting businesses with professional expertise

The initiative is led by the PS Centre Alliance, comprising the Association of Small & Medium Enterprises, Institute of Valuers & Appraisers Singapore, Singapore Business Federation, Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Singapore Manufacturing Federation, Tax Academy of Singapore, The Law Society of Singapore and ISCA.

The Alliance brings together organisations representing both sides of the equation: businesses looking for opportunities and professional services firms with the expertise to help them pursue those opportunities.

In Indonesia, this gathering of the PS Centre Alliance partners to build relationships with local business and professional organisations, including the Indonesian Employers Association (APINDO), Singapore Chamber of Commerce Indonesia, The Indonesia Capital Market Institute (TICMI) and Kongres Advokat Indonesia (KAI).

These relationships will help connect businesses with people who understand the local market while linking them to the wider PS Centre network.

Building sustainability capabilities in Indonesia

ISCA and Universitas Sahid (USAHID) will enter a three-year collaboration to strengthen sustainability capabilities in Indonesia.

The collaboration will facilitate access to the ISCA Sustainability Professional Certification for eligible USAHID students, faculty members, alumni and other participants. It will also support learning and knowledge sharing in sustainability reporting and related areas.

The collaboration aims to connect academic learning with professional practice and build a stronger pool of professionals who can support businesses as sustainability requirements evolve.

Prof. Dr. Ir. Giyatmi, M.Si., Rector of Universitas Sahid, said: “Bringing the Professional Services Centre ecosystem to businesses in Indonesia represents an important step in strengthening collaboration between Indonesia and Singapore’s professional and business communities. We believe the ecosystem can serve as a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, professional development, and stronger connections between academia and industry. Universitas Sahid is pleased to support this initiative and looks forward to contributing to the development of future-ready professionals who can support sustainable and regional economic growth.”

The collaboration in Indonesia marks another step in building a regional network where businesses, professional services firms and local partners can connect across markets.

As businesses increasingly look beyond their home markets for growth, the aim is simple: when a business sees an opportunity across borders, it should not have to start from zero.

For additional quotes from PS Centre Alliance partners, please refer to the attached Annex.

ANNEX

Ms Hamidah Aidillah, Vice President, Association of Small & Medium Enterprises, said: “For Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) looking to grow overseas, finding the right connections and trusted support in a new market can be challenging. Through the PS Centre Alliance’s collaboration in Indonesia, businesses can gain access to professional expertise and local networks, helping Singapore SMEs better navigate the Indonesian market and pursue opportunities for growth across the region. This move is also in line with ASME’s internatiolisation efforts across ASEAN. ”

Mr Lie Kok Keong, Council Chairperson, Institute of Valuers and Appraisers Singapore, said: “Bringing the PS Centre ecosystem to businesses in Indonesia creates meaningful new opportunities for Chartered Valuers and Appraiser (CVA) holders to connect with a wider network of professionals in Indonesia through fostering knowledge exchange and capacity building. We encourage CVA holders to leverage on the wider network to build ties with their Indonesian counterparts to grow and create opportunities together.”

Mr Mark Lee, Chairman of Singapore Business Federation, said: “Businesses today need to remain agile and diversify their markets to build long-term resilience. Indonesia’s long term growth prospects and close ties with Singapore offer significant opportunities for our companies. By bringing PS Centre Jakarta and SEC@Jakarta together, we can make it easier for businesses to access our collective networks, advisory expertise and facilitation support, and help them turn these opportunities into meaningful partnerships and growth.”

Mr Ernie Koh, Council Member, Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCCI), said: “Indonesia is an important market for many Singapore businesses seeking to expand their regional presence. Through the PS Centre Alliance’s collaboration in Indonesia, enterprises can access trusted professional support and local networks, helping them better navigate the market and build the connections needed for cross-border growth.”

Mr Wayne Yap, Chief Executive Officer of the Singapore Manufacturing Federation, said: “Professional services firms are important partners in helping manufacturers understand new markets, manage business requirements and expand with confidence. Through the PS Centre ecosystem, businesses will bring together professional expertise, industry networks and local market connections to support manufacturers and other businesses pursuing opportunities in Indonesia and across the region.”

Mr Dennis Lui, Chief Executive Officer, Tax Academy of Singapore, said: “Tax is not a footnote to cross-border investment – It can determine whether opportunity becomes reality. Tax Academy of Singapore sits at the intersection of government, industry, and academia, enabling us to translate policy into practical capability and connect the people who make investment happen. Through the PS Centre Alliance’s collaboration in Indonesia, we want to bring that strength to the Singapore-Indonesia corridor – helping businesses move from opportunity to execution.”

Ms Peggy Yee, Treasurer and Council Member of The Law Society of Singapore said: “With more businesses expanding across borders and industries, the ability to navigate legal and regulatory complexities will become a critical skill for both businesses and firms. Bringing the PS Centre ecosystem to businesses in Indonesia will further provide valuable and trusted support for enterprises in the region, ensuring access to trusted legal expertise along with other professional services.”

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About the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA)

The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) is the national accountancy body of Singapore. Established in 1963, ISCA administers the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification programme and is the designated entity by the Singapore Ministry of Finance to confer the Chartered Accountant of Singapore [CA (Singapore)] designation.

ISCA supports over 46,000 members across industries in Singapore and globally, with members in more than 40 countries. With a growing international presence, ISCA has 12 overseas chapters, 7 offices across 10 countries and a network of over 150 strategic partners, strengthening professional connections and opportunities across borders. ISCA is also a member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide, a global network representing more than 1.8 million Chartered Accountants and students across over 190 countries.

ISCA advances professional development and lifelong learning through ISCA Academy, its training arm and drives community impact through ISCA Cares, its charity arm.

For more information, visit www.isca.org.sg.