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Microsoft is moving to scale back several artificial intelligence-driven features in Windows 11 while prioritising performance improvements, a shift that reflects mounting user feedback over system slowdowns and intrusive automation tools. The company has indicated that upcoming updates will focus on responsiveness, stability and user control, marking a departure from an aggressive push to embed AI across the operating system. The recalibration comes after months of criticism […]

Organisations faced a steep escalation in cyber threats targeting application programming interfaces, with average daily API attacks per enterprise climbing to 258 in 2025, marking a 113% increase from 121 the previous year, according to industry cybersecurity assessments tracking enterprise network activity. The data underscores a widening attack surface as businesses deepen reliance on APIs to connect cloud services, mobile applications and third-party platforms. Analysts say the […]

Duos Edge AI has expanded its footprint in Texas with the launch of a second edge data centre in Amarillo, signalling a push to localise artificial intelligence infrastructure and reduce latency for enterprise users in underserved regions. The new facility, announced this week, is designed to support high-performance computing workloads that require rapid data processing at the network’s edge, including real-time analytics, computer vision and industrial automation. […]

Primark is set to enter the Gulf retail market with its first store in Dubai scheduled to open on March 26 at Dubai Mall, marking a significant step in the British-Irish fashion retailer’s expansion beyond its traditional European strongholds. The Dublin-founded company, known for its low-cost apparel and homeware, will simultaneously establish a presence across three major shopping centres in the UAE over a two-month period. Following […]

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Remote working has emerged as a key vulnerability in the UAE’s digital landscape, prompting authorities to warn of a sharp rise in cyber attacks targeting individuals operating outside traditional office networks. The UAE Cyber Security Council has called on employees working from home to act as the “first line of defence”, stressing that human error and weak personal security practices are increasingly being exploited by cybercriminals. Officials […]

MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 March 2026 – Galaxy Macau and StarWorld Hotel have once again reinforced their position as key drivers of Macau’s gastronomic excellence with a collective Five MICHELIN stars in the MICHELIN Guide Hong Kong and Macau 2026. In the 18th edition of the authoritative dining guide and the centenary of the star-rating system – Galaxy Macau and StarWorld Hotel crystalise Galaxy Macau’s leading position at the forefront of the city’s dining scene. The results affirm the Group’s long‑standing commitment to elevating the region’s culinary landscape and cultivating talent, innovation, and consistency across its dining portfolio.

Galaxy Macau and StarWorld Hotel Celebrate the Power of Culinary Mastery – Awarded by The MICHELIN Guide Hong Kong & Macau 2026

Now in its second year of operation, Sushi Kissho by Miyakawa retains its MICHELIN Star, while 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA and Lai Heen continue their one‑star standing. Over on the Macau Peninsula, Feng Wei Ju at StarWorld Hotel maintains its unrivalled Two‑Star recognition for the tenth consecutive year.

Culinary Excellence Led by Visionary Chefs

Sushi Kissho by Miyakawa, the first international outpost of three‑star sushi master Chef Masaaki Miyakawa, continues to distinguish itself through its meticulous Edomae craftsmanship. Seasonal ingredients sourced directly from Japan ensure the restaurant delivers an experience defined by purity, precision, and the chef’s well‑established and tightly-held relationships with artisanal producers.

Sushi Kissho by Miyakawa continues its stellar trajectory by earning One MICHELIN Star for the second year in a row. Master Chef Masaaki Miyakawa personally accepted the award on behalf of his elite team.
Sushi Kissho by Miyakawa continues its stellar trajectory by earning One MICHELIN Star for the second year in a row. Master Chef Masaaki Miyakawa personally accepted the award on behalf of his elite team.

At 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA, Executive Chef Marino D’Antonio showcases Italian cuisine rooted in tradition yet shaped by contemporary technique. Highlighting an unyielding commitment to ingredient‑driven cooking and refined execution, he builds on the culinary legacy of the legendary Chef Umberto Bombana, whose pursuit of “tradition, quality, and consistency” has defined the restaurant’s ethos.

For 11 consecutive years, 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA at Galaxy Macau has held its One MICHELIN Star honour. Executive Chef Marino D'Antonio accepted the 2026 One-star accolade.
For 11 consecutive years, 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA at Galaxy Macau has held its One MICHELIN Star honour. Executive Chef Marino D’Antonio accepted the 2026 One-star accolade.

Scaling on the 51st floor of The Ritz‑Carlton, Macau, Lai Heen maintains its MICHELIN Star for the tenth year. Under Chinese Executive Chef Jackie Ho Hon Sing, the restaurant demonstrates mastery of Cantonese culinary arts through thoughtful sourcing and a disciplined, technique‑forward approach.

Lai Heen at The Ritz-Carlton, Macau has been awarded the prestigious One MICHELIN Star" for 10 consecutive years. Jackie Ho Hon-sing, Chinese Executive Chef of The Ritz-Carlton, Macau accepted the prestigious award.
Lai Heen at The Ritz-Carlton, Macau has been awarded the prestigious One MICHELIN Star” for 10 consecutive years. Jackie Ho Hon-sing, Chinese Executive Chef of The Ritz-Carlton, Macau accepted the prestigious award.

Feng Wei Ju, guided by Chef Chan Chek Keong, continues to define Hunan and Sichuan dining in Macau. Its tenth standout consecutive Two‑Star accolade reflects a menu that balances regional authenticity with elevated refinement—where bold, aromatic profiles are executed with exceptional skill.

Feng Wei Ju at StarWorld Hotel has boasted an impressive 10 consecutive years of two-Michelin-starred recognition. Chan Chek Keong, Assistance Vice President of Food & Beverage Culinary of StarWorld Hotel and Executive Chef of Feng Wei Ju accepted the award on behalf his team.
Feng Wei Ju at StarWorld Hotel has boasted an impressive 10 consecutive years of two-Michelin-starred recognition. Chan Chek Keong, Assistance Vice President of Food & Beverage Culinary of StarWorld Hotel and Executive Chef of Feng Wei Ju accepted the award on behalf his team.

Special Menus Celebrating The 2026 MICHELIN Accolades

To commemorate the MICHELIN Guide distinctions, Galaxy Macau will present a curated series of limited‑time dining experiences:

  • Sushi Kissho by Miyakawa will host exclusive sake‑pairing dinners on March 20–21, featuring seasonal ingredients paired with Sake Hundred and guided by Sommelier Ivan Au Yang, one of only 604 Sakasho sake master sommeliers worldwide.
  • 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA introduces an “Award‑winning Indulgent Lunch” featuring classic Sardinian flavours, available from Thursday to Sunday.
  • Lai Heen launches the commemorative “Splendid Stars Menu,” presenting signature creations such as Crispy Foie Gras Mousse Fritter and Stir‑fried Lobster with Himematsutake and Caviar.
  • Feng Wei Ju unveils a celebratory Degustation Menu showcasing ingredients such as beef loin and sea cucumber, exemplified by its signature Stewed Minced Chicken and Egg White with Matsutake in Bouillon—a hallmark of its culinary craftsmanship.

Committed to Advancing Macau’s Gastronomy Landscape

In a year marked by renewed MICHELIN acclaim, Galaxy Macau and StarWorld Hotel once again demonstrate how heritage‑driven craft and forward‑looking creativity can coexist at the highest level.

In the 18th MICHELIN Guide Hong Kong Macau 2025, Galaxy Macau, the world-class luxury resort, has once again proven its commitment to pushing standards of excellence and shaping new dining experiences that keep Macau firmly on the global gastronomic map.
In the 18th MICHELIN Guide Hong Kong Macau 2025, Galaxy Macau, the world-class luxury resort, has once again proven its commitment to pushing standards of excellence and shaping new dining experiences that keep Macau firmly on the global gastronomic map.

Both properties will continue to champion Macau’s status as a global dining destination by investing in talent development, ingredient excellence, and guest‑centric gastronomic experiences. Their culinary teams remain committed to elevating standards and shaping new dining experiences that keep Macau firmly on the global gastronomic map.

Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau

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

About Galaxy Macau Integrated Resort

Galaxy Macau, The World-class Luxury Integrated Resort delivers the “Most Spectacular Entertainment and Leisure Destination in the World”. Developed at an investment of HK$43 billion, the property covers 1.1 million-square-meter of unique entertainment and leisure attractions that are unlike anything else in Macau. Nine award-winning world-class luxury hotels provide close to 5,000 rooms, suites and villas. They include Banyan Tree Macau, Galaxy Hotel, Hotel Okura Macau, JW Marriott Hotel Macau, The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, Broadway Hotel, Raffles at Galaxy Macau, Andaz Macau, and Capella at Galaxy Macau. Unique to Galaxy Macau, the 75,000-square-meter Grand Resort Deck features the world’s longest Skytop Adventure Rapids at 575-meters, the largest Skytop Wave Pool with waves up to 1.5-meters high and 150-meters pristine white sand beach. Two five-star spas from Banyan Tree Spa Macau and The Ritz- Carlton Spa, Macau help guests relax and rejuvenate.

As the dining destination in Asia, Galaxy Macau offers a wide variety of gastronomic delights, exquisite experiences and ingredients of the finest quality with over 120 dining options from Michelin dining to authentic delicacies.

Embark on a delightful and rewarding journey at Galaxy Promenade, the one-stop shopping destination boasting some of the world’s most iconic luxury brands. Be the first to get the latest limited-edition items; explore fascinating pop-ups by coveted labels and revel in fabulous shopping rewards and privileges. Our VIPs are entitled to a highly-curated experience with dedicated personal shoppers at guests’ service, and be invited to exclusive luxury brand events. A different caliber of privileges and rewards also await. Discover the joys of fashion and stand at the forefront of style and sophistication—Galaxy Promenade has everything guests need to stay ahead of the style game.

Galaxy Cinemas takes immersive movie experiences to the next level with the latest audio-visual technology, ultra-luxurious facilities and bespoke services; CHINA ROUGE, one-of-a-kind cabaret lounge that evokes the glamor of Shanghai’s golden era with stylish entertainment and customizable surrounds; and Foot Hub, which presents the traditional art of reflexology for authentic relaxation and revitalization. For Authentic Macau Flavours and Vibrant Asian Experiences, Broadway Macau – just a 90-second walk via a bridge from Galaxy Macau, has over 35 Authentic Macau & Asian Flavours at Broadway Food Street. The 2,500-seat Broadway Theatre plays host to world-class entertainers and a diverse array of cultural events.

Meeting, incentive and banquet groups are also catered to with a portfolio of unique venues in Galaxy Macau and an expert service team. Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) is the latest addition to the Group’s ever-expanding integrated resort precinct and will usher in a new era for the MICE industry in Macau. GICC is a world-class event venue featuring 40,000-square-meters of total flexible MICE, and the 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena – the largest indoor arena in Macau.

For more details, please visit www.galaxymacau.com, and

About StarWorld Hotel Macau
StarWorld Hotel, Galaxy Entertainment Group’s (GEG) first five-star flagship hotel, is located in the heart of Macau’s business and entertainment hub on the Macau Peninsula. The iconic 39-storey hotel is famed for its distinctly Asian characteristics of intelligence, experience and innovation and its star-rated quality in hospitality, entertainment, accommodation and dining.

Opened in 2006, StarWorld Hotel is the hub to see everything the city has to offer, and it appeals to tourists from all over the world. Renowned for its ultra-high levels of personal services to guests, StarWorld has won numerous prestigious awards including the 5-Star Diamond Award from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences, the Top 100 Hotels of China designation from the China Hotel Industry Summit, the Top 10 Glamorous Hotels of China designation from the China Hotel Starlight Awards, the Supreme Award for the Most Glamorous Hotel of Asia from the Golden Horse Awards of China Hotels and the “Top Class Comfort Hotels” from Michelin Guide Hong Kong & Macau from 2014 to 2020.

For more information, please visit .

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HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 March 2026 – On March 20, 2026, in Ho Chi Minh City, Vincom Retail hosted the event “The New Era – Partnering to Shape the Future”, welcoming more than 500 domestic and international partners. The large-scale forum served as a platform for stakeholders to exchange market perspectives, update on emerging trends, and explore collaboration opportunities as Vietnam’s retail sector enters a new growth cycle.

Vincom Retail unites hundreds of partners to pioneer the future of retail in Vietnam

The event brought together 500 key partners, including leading international retail brands such as UNIQLO, MUJI, Decathlon, Pandora, CGV, AEON Beta Cinema, SuperPark, KOHNAN, Central Retail, WinMart, Starbucks, Dookki, Guardian, and MEDICARE, alongside major domestic brands and chains including ACFC, Maison, Phoenix Group, Golden Gate, Aladdin Group, Takahiro, RuNam, Highlands Coffee, and The New Playground…

At the event, Vincom Retail’s leadership emphasized the rapid transformation of the retail industry, where shopping malls and commercial streets are evolving beyond traditional retail spaces to become lifestyle destinations. These destinations integrate immersive experiences, foster community connections, and lead modern consumption trends. This shift reflects changing consumer behavior, with a growing preference for experience, emotion, and interaction over mere purchasing and ownership.

Setting the direction for future growth, Vincom Retail unveiled its strategic vision toward 2030, focusing on developing world-class destinations. The company aims to position itself as a leading retail real estate developer and operator in Asia, setting benchmarks in trend leadership and customer experience, with a diverse and expansive asset portfolio and an extended international footprint supported by a global ecosystem. This unique platform enables pioneering brands and concepts to converge and co-create breakthrough experiences, many of which are being introduced in Vietnam for the first time, delivering fresh value to consumers while shaping the future of retail and establishing new regional standards.

In terms of product strategy, Vincom Retail is focusing on two core formats. Vincom Mega Mall is positioned as a “Mega Shoppertainment Destination”, a large-scale experiential hub that leads market trends. Meanwhile, Vincom Collection is developed as a “Retail-tainment Destination”, combining shopping and tourism, built around five key pillars: Play – Discover – Shop – Savor – Relax.

Vincom Retail is currently the largest retail real estate developer in Vietnam

A prime example is the “super destination” model integrating Retail – Tourism – Entertainment at Vinhomes Green Paradise Can Gio, featuring 15 next-generation retail complexes. Among them, Vincom Mega Mall Can Gio and Vincom Collection Cosmo Bay are the first projects to be unveiled, promising multi-layered experiences that harmonize with nature and prioritize sustainable operations.

Beyond strategic insights, the forum also featured real-world success stories and forward-looking perspectives from pioneering brands that have helped shape Vietnam’s evolving experiential retail landscape. Mr. Vu Ngoc Thuan, Founder of restaurant chains Longwang, Tianlong, Bo To Quan Moc, and GMaster, shared: “Partnering with platforms like Vincom provides a strong launchpad for brands to accelerate growth, expand further, and professionalize according to international standards.”

Mr. Shin Jae Hyuk, representative of Dookki, also highlighted growth strategies to capture market opportunities: “Together with our trusted partner Vincom, we will continue to create new milestones for Vietnam’s F&B market. Our goal is not only to sell tteokbokki, but to deliver the joyful culture of Korean cuisine to customers at an accessible price point.”

Vincom Retail plays a critical role as a developer, platform, and connector, bringing international brands to Vietnam while supporting Vietnamese brands in their journey to expand globally.

Additionally, SuperPark, a global indoor activity park brand, shared insights into the development of family-oriented active entertainment, one of the fastest-growing trends in next-generation shopping malls. These real-world examples highlight the strong opportunities for brands to collaborate with Vincom Retail to scale operations, develop innovative retail concepts, optimize performance, and enhance customer experience.

As the market enters a new phase of growth, the event not only facilitated strategic dialogue but also strengthened sustainable partnerships between Vincom Retail and its stakeholders. As a market pioneer, the company continues to support brands in scaling up, elevating business models, and capturing long-term growth opportunities. Notably, emerging super destinations such as Can Gio – envisioned as a future national tourism hub – are expected to serve as powerful growth drivers, contributing to the transformation of Vietnam’s retail landscape.

Vincom Retail is currently the largest retail real estate developer in Vietnam and ranks among the top three in Southeast Asia by scale. The company operates 90 shopping malls with a total gross leasable area of 1.9 million square meters, and manages 5,500 shophouses totaling 1.5 million square meters across 31 out of 34 provinces and cities nationwide, partnering with more than 1,000 brands.

Hashtag: #VincomRetail

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

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 March 2026 – As cyber threats intensify globally, the World Economic Forum (WEF) projects that the global economic impact of cyberattacks will surge from US$8.44 trillion in 2022 to US$23.84 trillion by 2027[1], exposing a widening gap between escalating risk and cyber readiness.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which form the backbone of most economies, are particularly vulnerable. The WEF’s 2024 Global Cybersecurity Outlook[2]highlights that limited access to cyber services, tools and skilled talent continues to hinder smaller organisations from achieving even baseline resilience, an increasingly urgent concern in today’s highly interconnected digital ecosystem. As a result, SMEs are often more exposed to common risks such as accidental data leaks and unpatched vulnerabilities in the software and open‑source components used to build modern digital applications.

To help address these challenges, three homegrown companies from Singapore, AgileMark, Scantist and StrongKeep are pioneering technologies that make cybersecurity more accessible and effective for businesses, including SMEs without dedicated security teams. Their solutions focus on strengthening data loss protection and mitigating risks from human behaviours like screen photography and unsafe network use, uncovering hidden vulnerabilities in software systems, and simplifying the adoption of essential security measures through easy-to-deploy platforms.

These companies are supported by the S$20 million CyberSG Talent, Innovation and Growth Collaboration Centre (TIG Centre), a joint initiative between the National University of Singapore (NUS) and the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA). The TIG Centre works closely with cybersecurity companies and start-ups to co-develop solutions that help organisations stay ahead of emerging threats while enabling the safe and confident adoption of new technologies.

“Many businesses today, especially SMEs, face escalating cyber risks but often lack the resources to protect themselves effectively. In Singapore, online scams and ransomware attacks continue to be key concerns. At the same time, advances in AI are transforming both cyber threats and cybersecurity and rapidly expanding the attack surface of enterprises. Through the CyberSG Talent, Innovation and Growth Collaboration Centre, we support innovators developing practical solutions to address these challenges, and bring Singapore’s most promising cybersecurity start-ups to the global stage at the RSAC 2026 Conference,” said Mr Willis Lim, Executive Director, TIG Centre.

AgileMark: Preventing data leaks caused by everyday human actions

Many data exposure incidents stem not from sophisticated cyberattacks, but from routine behaviours such as photographing screens, copying sensitive documents or working in unsecured environments.

AgileMark mitigates this risk by introducing visible, dynamic watermarks on corporate screens. These act as behavioural cues to deter unauthorised capture, reinforce employee awareness of data sensitivity, and enable traceability if leaks occur. Designed with a human-first approach, it addresses the reality many SMEs face: limited time, resources and expertise to manage complex tools. By focusing on user behaviour rather than adding new systems, it reduces risk without increasing operational burden. Today, AgileMark protects over 300,000 devices globally, reducing investigation time from weeks to hours and enabling faster response to potential data breaches.

Scantist: Finding security flaws in software before hackers do

As organisations accelerate software development, greater reliance on open-source components and third-party dependencies has increased exposure to supply chain risks and hard-to-detect vulnerabilities.

Scantist provides an AI-powered application security platform that helps organisations manage open-source, software supply chain and AI-related risks across the development lifecycle, from code to deployment. Complementing its defensive capabilities, Scantist also offers an autonomous, agentic penetration testing solution that simulates attacker behaviour, enabling more frequent testing and reducing assessment timelines from days to hours. For SMEs in particular, Scantist makes advanced security testing and risk management more accessible without requiring large in-house security teams, helping businesses strengthen resilience and keep pace with evolving threats in a cost-effective, scalable manner.

StrongKeep: Making cybersecurity simpler and more affordable for SMEs

Many SMEs face barriers to adopting cybersecurity tools due to cost, complexity and the need for specialised expertise.

StrongKeep addresses this challenge with an all-in-one cybersecurity platform tailored for SMEs. The platform integrates essential protections such as device security, website filtering, phishing awareness training and password management into a single, easy-to-use system. Organisations can deploy the platform and begin protecting their systems in under 60 minutes, even without dedicated cybersecurity staff. With subscriptions starting from S$39 per month, the solution enables SMEs to achieve comprehensive protection and compliance up to 10 times faster than traditional approaches.

Showcasing Singapore’s cybersecurity solutions at the RSAC Conference 2026

AgileMark, Scantist and StrongKeep are among eight TIG Centre-supported companies that will showcase their solutions at Singapore’s national pavilion at the RSAC 2026 Conference, held from 23 to 26 March 2026 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, United States.

Organised by the TIG Centre and SGTech, the leading trade association for Singapore’s tech industry, the Singapore Pavilion underscores Singapore’s role as a cybersecurity innovation hub and a strategic gateway to Asia’s rapidly expanding digital economy.

Hashtag: #cybersecurity #singaporecybersme #CybersgTIG #nusenterprise #NUS


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

National University of Singapore (NUS)

The National University of Singapore (NUS) is Singapore’s flagship university, which offers a global approach to education, research and entrepreneurship, with a focus on Asian perspectives and expertise. We have 16 colleges, faculties and schools across three campuses in Singapore, with more than 40,000 students from 100 countries enriching our vibrant and diverse campus community. We have also established more than 20 NUS Overseas Colleges entrepreneurial hubs around the world.

Our multidisciplinary and real-world approach to education, research and entrepreneurship enables us to work closely with industry, governments and academia to address crucial and complex issues relevant to Asia and the world. Researchers in our faculties, research centres of excellence, corporate labs and more than 30 university-level research institutes focus on themes that include energy; environmental and urban sustainability; treatment and prevention of diseases; active ageing; advanced materials; risk management and resilience of financial systems; Asian studies; and Smart Nation capabilities such as artificial intelligence, data science, operations research and cybersecurity.

For more information on NUS, please visit .

NUS Enterprise

At NUS Enterprise, the entrepreneurial heart of the National University of Singapore (NUS), we advance the University as a global magnet for talent and an engine for impactful innovation. We seed ideas, spark innovation, and scale ventures through our distinctive 360° framework, integrating education, ecosystem support, and world-class venture building and investment.

This creates a self-reinforcing cycle powering both educational and entrepreneurial outcomes across industries and communities. Since 2001, NUS Enterprise has nurtured 10 unicorns, over 3,000 start-ups, and 4,300 students. Our ambition: to improve the lives of 1 billion people by 2035.

For more information on NUS Enterprise, please visit .

The CyberSG Talent, Innovation and Growth Collaboration Centre

The CyberSG Talent, Innovation and Growth Collaboration Centre, established by the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA) in partnership with the National University of Singapore (NUS), will play a key role in achieving a comprehensive approach to ecosystem development which consolidates and enhances CSA’s existing talent and innovation initiatives. The Centre will enable synergies between cybersecurity talent, innovation and growth industry, by serving as a national node to integrate and create relevant programmes for industry and talent development. It will help build a vibrant cybersecurity ecosystem by bring together industry, academia, individual and government stakeholders to leverage the opportunities posed by digitalisation.

Apple chief executive Tim Cook has publicly praised the company’s Chinese developers and manufacturing partners, signalling a measured response as regulatory scrutiny and geopolitical tensions weigh on one of its most critical markets.

Speaking during engagements in China, Cook highlighted the “extraordinary” role of local developers in Apple’s ecosystem and emphasised the company’s long-standing collaboration with suppliers and technology partners across the country. The remarks came at a time when Beijing has intensified oversight of foreign technology firms and promoted domestic alternatives, raising questions about the operating environment for global companies.

China remains central to Apple’s business, both as a manufacturing hub and as one of its largest consumer markets. A substantial share of the company’s iPhones, iPads and Mac computers are assembled through an intricate network of suppliers led by firms such as Foxconn and Pegatron. At the same time, the country contributes a significant portion of Apple’s revenue, with urban consumers forming a key segment for premium smartphone sales.

Cook’s comments appeared calibrated to reinforce Apple’s commitment to China while avoiding direct reference to the regulatory challenges. Officials in Beijing have tightened rules governing data security, app distribution and foreign technology usage within state-affiliated institutions. These measures have created uncertainty for international companies, particularly those reliant on digital services and hardware integration.

Apple has faced periodic restrictions affecting its ecosystem, including limitations on certain apps and services. Reports of curbs on iPhone use in government-linked workplaces have added to concerns about demand stability, although the company has not publicly confirmed the extent of such measures. Analysts note that even incremental policy shifts can have a disproportionate impact given Apple’s scale in the market.

Cook’s outreach to developers underscores another strategic priority. China hosts one of the largest communities of iOS app creators, contributing to the global App Store economy. By highlighting their role, Apple is reinforcing the narrative that its platform supports local innovation and entrepreneurship, a message aligned with Beijing’s broader push for technological self-reliance.

At the same time, Apple has been diversifying parts of its supply chain beyond China, expanding production in countries such as India and Vietnam. This shift reflects lessons drawn from pandemic-related disruptions and escalating trade tensions between Washington and Beijing. However, industry experts caution that replicating China’s manufacturing ecosystem elsewhere remains a complex and long-term undertaking, given its scale, skilled workforce and logistics infrastructure.

Market dynamics within China are also evolving rapidly. Domestic smartphone brands, including Huawei, Xiaomi and Oppo, have intensified competition, particularly in the high-end segment where Apple has traditionally maintained strong margins. Huawei’s resurgence, supported by advances in semiconductor capability despite earlier sanctions, has altered the competitive landscape and placed additional pressure on foreign players.

Cook’s remarks can be seen as part of a broader effort to sustain goodwill with Chinese authorities and stakeholders while navigating these shifts. Maintaining strong relationships with local partners is essential not only for production continuity but also for regulatory compliance and market access.

Investors are closely monitoring Apple’s positioning in China, viewing it as a bellwether for broader trends affecting multinational technology firms. Any prolonged slowdown in demand or disruption in supply chains could have implications for global revenue and earnings forecasts. At the same time, Apple’s brand strength and ecosystem integration continue to provide a degree of resilience, particularly among affluent consumers.

Government policy remains a critical variable. Beijing has signalled support for domestic technology champions while also seeking to attract foreign investment, creating a dual-track approach that can be difficult for companies to interpret. For Apple, balancing these competing dynamics requires careful messaging and operational flexibility.

Pressure is mounting on the UK government to tighten import rules that domestic retailers say are distorting competition, as calls grow to align with measures already being advanced in the United States and European Union targeting low-cost e-commerce shipments. Industry groups representing high street chains and independent businesses have urged ministers to reconsider the “de minimis” threshold that allows low-value goods entering the country to avoid customs […]

Escalating missile exchanges between Iran and Israel have entered a more intense phase, with sustained barrages causing injuries, infrastructure damage and widespread disruption across multiple regions. Authorities in Israel reported dozens wounded after waves of projectiles struck urban centres, marking a sharp rise in the scale and frequency of attacks as the confrontation stretches into its fourth week. Air raid sirens sounded across major cities, including Tel […]

Heavy rain, strong winds and widespread dust are set to affect large parts of the United Arab Emirates over the coming days, prompting authorities to issue alerts and step up preparedness measures across key sectors. The National Centre of Meteorology has forecast a period of unstable weather driven by a combination of low-pressure systems and shifting wind patterns, with conditions expected to vary sharply between regions. Officials […]

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 March 2026 – Singapore’s economy continues to evolve amid rapid technological change and sustainability priorities, workforce capabilities are expected to shift significantly over the next few years. Workforce insights from Singapore agencies and global labour market research indicate that professionals will need to strengthen both emerging digital competencies and transferable professional skills to remain competitive.

SIM Academy (SIMA), the professional development arm of the Singapore Institute of Management, offers programmes that support several capability areas highlighted in Singapore’s workforce insights. According to SkillsFuture Singapore’s Skills Demand for the Future Economy report, emerging demand is being shaped by growth in the digital, green and care economies, alongside transferable capabilities such as business management and data-related skills. These trends reflect the increasing importance of capabilities such as data and artificial intelligence literacy, cyber resilience awareness, sustainability and ESG knowledge, project management and delivery, as well as risk management and strategic planning. SIMA’s professional development programmes are designed to help working professionals build competencies in these areas as organisations adapt to technological change and sustainability priorities.

Global labour market analysis supports this shift. The World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report identifies AI and big data, networks and cybersecurity, and technological literacy among the fastest growing skills worldwide as organisations adopt digital technologies and automation.

In Singapore, workforce insights from SkillsFuture Singapore SSG and Workforce Singapore WSG highlight growing demand for skills aligned with the digital, green and care economies, alongside transferable competencies such as project management, risk assessment and digital tool proficiency.

Among the emerging capabilities, data and AI literacy is becoming increasingly important across industries as organisations adopt data driven decision making and artificial intelligence enabled tools. According to the World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report, AI and big data are among the fastest growing skill areas globally as companies accelerate digital transformation. In Singapore, organisations including small and medium sized enterprises are also exploring practical ways to adopt AI in their operations. To support this need, SIM Academy offers programmes focused on digital innovation and emerging technologies. These include AI.dea: An AI Bridge Programme, developed in collaboration with Singtel, that helps SMEs develop actionable AI adoption strategies and prepare for scalable AI implementation.

Another skill gaining prominence is cybersecurity, which increasingly affects organisations of all sizes and sectors. In Singapore, the growing importance of cybersecurity skills is reflected in national workforce and digital economy priorities. SIM Academy supports capability building in this area through selected programmes for different audiences. These include Cyber Resilience programmes for corporate learners, as well as cybersecurity training offered under the SkillsFuture Career Transition Programme SCTP. Together, these programmes support workforce development in cybersecurity and organisational resilience in an increasingly digital operating environment.

Singapore’s sustainability agenda is also shaping workforce needs. With the government advancing initiatives under the Singapore Green Plan 2030, businesses are strengthening capabilities related to sustainability strategy and ESG practices. SIM Academy offers sustainability focused programmes such as Life Cycle Assessment for Sustainability, which equips professionals with knowledge in LCA frameworks, enhance sustainability decision-making and strategic sustainability and compliance.

Organisations are also prioritising risk management and strategic planning capabilities as they navigate evolving geopolitical, technological and economic uncertainties. SIM Academy’s leadership and management programmes help professionals develop strategic thinking, systems leadership and decision making capabilities relevant to today’s complex business environment.

SIMA offers more than 300 professional development courses across areas such as management and leadership, digital innovation and sustainability. These programmes are designed to support working professionals in upgrading their skills and staying competitive in a rapidly changing economy.

References:

  1. SIM Academy Professional Development – https://www.sim.edu.sg/professional-development/overview
  2. SIM Academy Course Listings – https://www.sim.edu.sg/professional-development/courses/course-listing
  3. Life Cycle Assessment for Sustainable Organisation – https://www.sim.edu.sg/professional-development/courses/course-listing/life-cycle-assessment-for-sustainable-organisations
  4. PMP Prep Course – https://www.sim.edu.sg/professional-development/courses/course-listing/project-management-professional-pmp-l4-sfw
  5. World Economic Forum Future of Jobs Report – https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2025/
  6. SkillsFuture Singapore Skills Demand for the Future Economy Report – https://jobsandskills.skillsfuture.gov.sg/insights/sdfe
  7. Singapore Green Plan 2030 – https://www.greenplan.gov.sg/
  8. SkillsFuture Singapore Green Skills Committee Report – https://www.ssg.gov.sg/newsroom/green-skills-committee-report-identifies-green-skills-and-training-pathways-needed-for-a-low-carbon-economy-/
  9. Ministry of Education / SkillsFuture Singapore speech on skills demand – https://www.moe.gov.sg/news/speeches/20250122-opening-address-by-ms-gan-siow-huang-minister-of-state-ministry-of-education-for-the-launch-of-the-skills-demand-for-the-future-economy-report-2025-marina-bay-sands-expo-and-convention-centre
  10. MyCareersFuture CareersCompass insights on future skills – https://content.mycareersfuture.gov.sg/futureproof-career-top-demand-skills-2025/

Hashtag: #SIMAcademy #SIMA

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

About SIM Academy

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Our programmes encompass a comprehensive range of lifelong learning opportunities designed to empower professionals with the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to become effective change-makers and leaders in today’s volatile and uncertain business landscape.

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Sticker prices for website domains are drawing fresh scrutiny after a developer’s account of soaring renewal fees for a. online address highlighted what analysts describe as a structural imbalance in the domain name market, where low entry costs can mask significantly higher long-term expenses. The case centres on a developer who secured a. online domain at a heavily discounted introductory rate, only to face a sharp increase […]

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SoftBank Group is advancing plans for a large-scale artificial intelligence data centre in Ohio, aiming to anchor one of the most energy-intensive computing hubs in the United States with electricity generated predominantly from natural gas, a strategy that underscores the growing tension between AI expansion and climate goals. The Japanese conglomerate is exploring development on federally owned land, with early estimates indicating the facility could require energy […]

Gemini Trust Company is facing a lawsuit from shareholders who allege the cryptocurrency exchange misled investors about its financial health and internal stability, intensifying scrutiny on one of the sector’s most prominent platforms during a period of heightened regulatory pressure and market volatility. The complaint, filed in a United States court, centres on claims that Gemini overstated its growth prospects while failing to disclose operational challenges and […]

  Dubai Business Events (DBE), operating under the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, has completed a productive appearance at IBTM World 2026 in Barcelona. The participation further demonstrated Dubai’s rise as a leading destination for international meetings and business events, while highlighting its expanding events portfolio and alignment with the D33 Dubai Economic Agenda.A delegation of 32 partners joined DBE at the show, including major hotels, […]

Growing international demand, strengthened long-haul connectivity, and the continued evolution of Laguna Phuket are reinforcing Thailand’s largest island as a stable, private, and internationally accessible place to live and invest.

PHUKET, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 March 2026 – Phuket’s evolution from a world-renowned holiday island into a mature international residential community is entering a new phase, supported by expanding long-haul connectivity and sustained global confidence in Thailand as a safe and welcoming destination.

Phuket Strengthens Position as a Secure International Residential Destination for Global Families

The island has recorded consistent growth in long-term residents and international property buyers, reflecting a broader shift among globally mobile families seeking stability, quality of life and secure residency pathways. Phuket offers privacy, natural beauty and international-standard infrastructure within a country known for hospitality and political stability.

Thailand welcomed more than 35 million international visitors in 2025. Long-haul arrivals exceeded 11 million, rising 13% year-on-year and generating approximately 668 billion baht in tourism revenue. Despite short-term geopolitical fluctuations, long-term demand for Thailand as a stable and accessible destination has remained resilient.

Connectivity continues to strengthen with new direct long-haul services from Europe, including Paris, London and Scandinavia. Improved access is driving interest in extended stays, family relocation and residential investment, as visitors increasingly explore long-term living options.

Phuket offers international-standard healthcare, leading international schools, yacht marinas, championship golf courses and well-developed infrastructure. High-speed connectivity and direct air links to more than 80 cities ensure seamless access to global business and travel networks while maintaining privacy and lifestyle comfort.

Industry research ranks Phuket among the world’s leading destinations for branded residences, alongside Dubai, Miami and New York. Foreign buyers account for more than 60% of condominium purchases, underscoring sustained international confidence.

Thailand’s structured long-term visa framework provides renewable residency pathways for retirees, investors, entrepreneurs and remote professionals. For buyers of select premium residences, Banyan Group facilitates Thailand Elite long-term residency visas, offering multi-year entry privileges.

At the centre of this evolution is Laguna Phuket, developed by Banyan Group. Over 35 years it has grown into one of Asia’s most established integrated resort and residential communities. Spanning more than 1,000 acres along Bang Tao Beach, Laguna Phuket includes six hotels, an award-winning golf course, wellness facilities, RAVA beach club and more than 3,000 branded residences linked by scenic lagoons. Residents from over 70 nationalities call it home.

The next phase includes approximately 5,000 additional residences across Laguna Phuket and neighbouring Laguna Lakelands, reflecting sustained confidence in Phuket’s long-term residential future.

Banyan Group Residences, ranked fifth worldwide and number one in Asia in branded residences, plans to launch approximately US$1 billion in new residential projects in Phuket, reinforcing its commitment to the island’s continued development.

Phuket today represents more than a luxury retreat. It has matured into a secure, internationally integrated residential market offering stability, privacy and long-term clarity for globally minded families.
Hashtag: #BanyanGroup

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

Cybersecurity strategies built around prevention are facing renewed scrutiny as organisations grapple with a wave of disruptive attacks targeting cloud infrastructure, exposing weaknesses in how resilience is designed and implemented. Security analysts and industry leaders say the shift to cloud computing has outpaced the evolution of defensive frameworks, leaving many enterprises vulnerable not because they lack protection tools, but because they underestimate the importance of operational continuity […]

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RYO YAMADA
HITORI GOTOH
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