HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 October 2026 – Hong Kong has again been rated as the world’s freest economy, according to the Economic Freedom of the World 2026 Annual Report, published on October 6 by the Canada-based Fraser Institute. Hong Kong remained top among 165 jurisdictions worldwide with Switzerland in second place.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government welcomed the latest report, noting that, among the five areas of assessment, the city continued to be ranked first globally in “Freedom to trade internationally” and second in “Regulation”.
“The Fraser Institute’s report once again affirms Hong Kong’s strengths as a free-market economy and its open, efficient and fair business environment,” a spokesman for the HKSAR Government said. “Amid increasing global economic uncertainties and rising trade protectionism, Hong Kong remains firmly committed to maintaining its free port status, zero-tariff policy, and simple and low tax regime, providing a secure, stable, fair, predictable and internationalised business and investment environment for investors and entrepreneurs from around the world.”
“One country, two systems” advantages
The HKSAR Government highlighted that, under the “one country, two systems” framework, Hong Kong enjoys the strong support of the Chinese Mainland and maintains close connections with the rest of the world.
“While offering convenient access to both the Chinese Mainland and international markets, Hong Kong continues to practise common law in both Chinese and English,” the spokesman said. “It also offers financial, shipping, trading and professional services that align seamlessly with international best standards, supported by an efficient government structure and a clean and professional civil service.”
These strengths enable Hong Kong to fully leverage its roles and functions as a ‘super connector’ and ‘super value-adder’, making it the best gateway for Mainland enterprises to enter international markets and for overseas enterprises to enter the Mainland.
Attracting investment and talent
So far this year, Hong Kong has continued to scale new heights in various international competitiveness rankings covering finance, innovation and technology (I&T), education and talent, reflecting wide recognition by the international community of Hong Kong’s core strengths and the HKSAR Government’s efforts to promote high-quality social and economic development.
Indeed, Hong Kong’s favourable business and living environment, coupled with the proactive and concerted efforts of the HKSAR Government and all sectors of the community, continues to attract enterprises and talent from around the world.
Last year, the number of companies in Hong Kong with parent companies overseas or in the Mainland exceeded 11,000, an increase of 11 per cent over 2024 and a record high.
The Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES), established by the HKSAR Government in 2022, has successfully attracted over 120 strategic enterprises to date, including many global industry leaders with a market capitalisation or valuation exceeding $100 billion and possessing cutting-edge technologies.
On talent attraction, from end-2022 to August this year, over 670,000 applications were received and over 470,000 were approved under various talent admission schemes, with more than 310,000 individuals having arrived in Hong Kong.
Over the past year, Hong Kong recorded considerable growth in funds raised through initial public offerings, bank deposits and assets under management in the asset and wealth management business, reflecting international investors’ confidence in and recognition of Hong Kong.
Looking ahead
Last month, the HKSAR’s Chief Executive, John Lee, announced the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) (Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan) and the 2026 Policy Address.
Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan states that Hong Kong will remain committed to a free and open economic system and the free flow of capital, goods, people and information, all of which are Hong Kong’s core strengths under the “one country, two systems” framework.
“These efforts will inject stronger impetus into social and economic development, open up broader development prospects for local enterprises and the public, and provide greater opportunities for enterprises, investors and talent worldwide,” the spokesman said.
Advanced Micro Devices chief executive Lisa Su met Samsung Electronics’ semiconductor leadership in Seoul on Wednesday as the US chip designer sought closer co-operation on memory and manufacturing amid persistent supply constraints driven by artificial intelligence demand.
Su held talks with Young Hyun Jun, Samsung’s vice chairman and chief executive of its Device Solutions division, during a visit to South Korea that also included discussions with SK Hynix chief executive Kwak Noh-jung. The meetings placed high-bandwidth memory, broader DRAM supplies and possible foundry co-operation at the centre of AMD’s efforts to secure capacity for its expanding AI business.
Speaking to reporters in Seoul, Su said AMD continued to explore opportunities with Samsung across both memory and contract chip manufacturing. She described Samsung and SK Hynix as critical partners for AMD’s data-centre ambitions and urged memory producers to add capacity as quickly as possible.
The talks come as shortages across parts of the memory market complicate expansion plans for chip designers and data-centre operators. Demand for high-bandwidth memory, or HBM, has surged because AI accelerators require substantially greater memory bandwidth than conventional computing processors, while strong demand has also tightened supplies of standard DRAM products.
Su said the supply environment remained tight and AMD was working with customers to optimise their memory requirements so available capacity could support more computing. She said the company had built a strong supply chain but was working with suppliers to accelerate its expansion.
AMD expects demand for AI computing to remain elevated for several years and plans to increase chip supply substantially in 2027. Su said during a stop in Taiwan this week that the company had extended its capacity-planning horizon from one or two years to between three and five years as it works with manufacturing partners.
That planning encompasses advanced wafers, packaging, substrates and memory, all of which have become potential constraints as companies race to build AI infrastructure. AMD has been expanding its Instinct accelerator business as it competes with Nvidia for spending by cloud providers and other large data-centre customers.
Samsung already occupies an important position in AMD’s supply plans. The companies signed a memorandum of understanding in March covering next-generation AI memory and computing technologies, with Samsung designated a primary HBM4 supplier for AMD’s Instinct MI455X graphics processor.
Their agreement also covers advanced DRAM products for AMD’s sixth-generation EPYC processors, code-named Venice, and its Helios rack-scale AI platform. Samsung has supplied HBM3E memory for AMD’s MI350X and MI355X accelerators, extending a technology relationship between the companies that spans graphics, mobile and computing products.
HBM4 is particularly important to the next generation of AI hardware because increasingly powerful accelerators need faster transfers of enormous datasets while controlling energy consumption. Memory manufacturers have consequently directed more investment towards HBM, leaving capacity across other memory categories under pressure.
Samsung has been seeking to increase its position in the high-margin HBM market while SK Hynix remains another major supplier to AI chip developers. Strong AI demand has supported memory prices and earnings, though the pace of conventional DRAM price increases is expected to moderate after steep gains earlier this year.
AMD’s discussions with Samsung could also extend beyond memory. Their March agreement provided for talks on a possible foundry partnership under which Samsung could manufacture future AMD products. Su said on Wednesday that AMD was continuing to examine opportunities in that area, without announcing a manufacturing contract.
The possibility would give AMD another potential production option as advanced semiconductor capacity remains heavily sought after. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co remains a central manufacturing partner for AMD, and Su met suppliers in Taiwan before travelling to South Korea as part of her capacity discussions.
Nikkei has disclosed unauthorised access to two employee cloud accounts, with one compromised Microsoft 365 mailbox used to send about 9,000 phishing emails to staff, journalistic contacts and other external recipients. The Japanese media group said on October 4 that a third party was believed to have logged into an employee’s Microsoft 365 account. On September 30, messages from the account were sent inside the company and […]
Ghana’s annual inflation could slow to between 4.1 per cent and 4.4 per cent in September, Databank Research has projected, as improved supplies of key food staples are expected to reverse part of August’s price pressure. The forecast would mark a renewed decline from the 5.0 per cent recorded in August, when headline inflation increased from 4.6 per cent in July. Databank said a late-season improvement in […]
Iranian pressure on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz has intensified as Gulf oil flows recover towards levels seen before the war, exposing the fragile security underpinning the rebound in global energy supplies. UK Maritime Trade Operations has recorded nine attacks in the waterway so far in October, compared with 18 across the Strait of Hormuz and Persian Gulf during all of September. Four of September’s […]
Saudi Aramco is examining additional crude export routes and more overseas storage as prolonged disruption to the Strait of Hormuz exposes increasingly thin buffers in the global oil system, chief executive Amin Nasser has said. Nasser told the Energy Intelligence Forum in London that the disruption represented the most serious energy supply shock of his career, warning that emergency stock releases could provide temporary relief but could […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Oil prices climbed on Wednesday as traders assessed the risk of supply disruption from a developing Gulf of Mexico storm and escalating Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, offsetting signs that more Middle East crude was reaching global markets. Brent crude futures rose 93 cents, or 0.92%, to $101.51 a barrel by 0022 GMT, while US West Texas Intermediate crude gained 82 cents, or […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 October 2026 – The World Green Organisation (WGO) successfully hosted the Sustainable Finance & Climate Innovation Exchange 2026 (ESG XCHANGE 2026) on 9 September 2026 as part of the Hong Kong Green Week 2026 event series, bringing together more than 100 senior executives, industry experts and professionals from banking, investment, insurance, real estate, technology, artificial intelligence, GreenTech, ESG and sustainability, professional services and other sectors.
The event was supported by AWS Hong Kong as Event Partner and BOC Group Life Assurance Company Limited as Strategic Partner, with Hong Kong Institute of Circular Economy and Cantabrigian Consulting Limited serving as Supporting Organisations.
The event featured a distinguished line-up of senior leaders and experts from the financial, technology, GreenTech, business and social impact sectors to exchange perspectives on the future of sustainable transformation., including:
Mr. Ronald Young, Head of Sustainable Banking Development, Hong Kong Monetary Authority
Dr. William Yu, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, World Green Organisation
Mr. Chris So, Managing Director, AWS Hong Kong
Mr. Terry Yung, Chief Investment Officer, BOC Group Life Assurance Company Limited
Ms. Vivienne Chiu, Chief Brand and Communications Officer, BOC Group Life Assurance Company Limited
Mr. Eugene Li, Head of Outsourcing, GBA NATC Director, IBM
Mr. Ronald Cheung, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Lifewood Data Technology Ltd.
Ms. Annie Cheung, Executive Director and CEO, Peoplebank Hong Kong Limited
Mr. Peter Wong, Deputy CEO, Dialogue-in-the-Dark HK Foundation
Mr. Angus Chan, Senior Manager, GreenTech, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation
Mr. Arthur Lam, Co-founder and CEO, Negawatt Utility Limited
Mr. Terence Chow, Senior Generative AI Go-To-Market Specialist, AWS
Mr. Eric Chau, Enterprise Partner Success Strategist, AWS
From Sustainable Finance to Climate and Technology Innovation
The forum explored how capital, technology, innovation and people can work together to accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable and resilient economy. Speakers shared practical experience and forward-looking perspectives across sustainable finance, GreenTech, artificial intelligence, ESG innovation, talent development, accessibility and social impact.
A keynote presentation by Mr. Ronald Young, Head of Sustainable Banking Development at the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, highlighted key initiatives advancing sustainable finance in Hong Kong. Mr. Terry Yung, Chief Investment Officer of BOC Group Life Assurance Company Limited, shared an investment perspective on sustainable transformation, while Ms. Vivienne Chiu, Chief Brand and Communications Officer of BOC Life, highlighted the role of corporate engagement, strategic partnerships and innovation support in advancing ESG solutions and creating wider societal value.
The discussions reinforced Hong Kong’s role in international finance, technology and innovation, highlighting the importance of cross-sector collaboration in turning ESG strategies into measurable business, climate and societal value.
AI as an Enabler of Sustainable Transformation
Artificial intelligence emerged as a key theme throughout the event, with speakers examining how AI and data technologies can support ESG decision-making, improve operational efficiency, strengthen climate and sustainability intelligence, and accelerate innovation across industries.
At the same time, discussions also highlighted the importance of responsible AI adoption, workforce reskilling, accessibility and social inclusion, ensuring that technological advancement creates broader opportunities for businesses and society.
Turning ESG Strategy into Real-World Impact
Speaking at the event, Dr. William Yu, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the World Green Organisation, highlighted that sustainable transformation requires the collective participation of finance, technology, business and society.
The future of ESG transformation will increasingly depend on how effectively organisations combine finance, technology, AI, human capability and cross-sector collaboration to create measurable business, climate and societal value.
WGO will continue to develop the ESG XCHANGE series as a platform to connect different sectors, promote practical partnerships and translate ESG strategies into business value, climate impact and societal value.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About World Green Organisation
The World Green Organisation (WGO) is an independent non-governmental organisation concerned with environmental conservation and environmentally related livelihood and economic affairs. It provides a holistic approach to a fully integrated three-pronged solution that combines social, environmental and economic dimensions for a paradigm shift towards low-carbon and climate-resilient development pathways.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai’s residential and commercial property transactions totalled AED 90.62 billion in the third quarter of 2026, with off-plan housing retaining the largest share of residential activity, according to market data released by Springfield Properties. The dataset recorded 36,738 transactions during the quarter, including residential sales worth AED 72.58 billion across 33,949 deals. Off-plan residential properties accounted for AED 41.58 billion through 23,457 transactions, […]
Chinese fitness influencer Abeeeer has apologised for riding on a bicycle during the Berlin Marathon and concealing the episode after initially celebrating her finish as a personal best. The creator, identified from her race bib as Sun Yuanyuan with more than 520,000 followers on Xiaohongshu, or RedNote, acknowledged that taking the ride during the September 27 race violated race rules. She said physical discomfort on the course […]
A September security analysis of breaches affecting Rockstar Games has highlighted how compromised identities, third-party integrations and development assets can defeat enterprise controls without attackers exploiting a conventional network perimeter. The analysis by security consultancy Lares reconstructs incidents spanning the 2022 Grand Theft Auto VI leak, an April 2026 third-party breach and the unauthorised release of GTA VI material in August. Its detailed attack-chain findings, however, go […]
Anthropic has expanded access to Claude’s most capable cybersecurity models, allowing vetted defenders and authorised red teams to work with fewer automated restrictions under a redesigned verification programme. The AI company said its expanded Cyber Verification Program, announced on October 6, combines its previous verification scheme with Project Glasswing, a controlled-access initiative created for organisations protecting critical software. The new structure divides access into Defense, Red Team […]
A security investigation has raised fresh concerns over enterprise AI governance after finding more than 13,000 internal images publicly accessible on GitHub, allegedly posted through coding-agent workflows that operated beyond normal corporate approval and monitoring. Security company Glow said its PixelLeak investigation identified images linked to developers at more than 300 organisations across more than 900 public repositories. The material included customer billing records, internal financial systems, […]
US$10 Billion in Venture Capital Convenes to Meet Hong Kong Start-ups; Government, Business and Young Professionals Explore Opportunities in the New Economy
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 October 2026 – The Global Youth Powerhouse Summit 2026, organised by Hong Kong Youth Professional Global Advocacy, was held on 5 October at the Conrad Hong Kong. Now in its third edition, the Summit coincides with the release of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development (2026–2030) and the latest Policy Address, which together set a clear blueprint for the city’s future. Anchored on these core themes and conducted entirely in English, the full-day programme focused on artificial intelligence, geopolitics, Hong Kong as an education hub, capital markets, life and health technology, and start-up financing. Government and business leaders, corporate representatives and young professionals were invited to examine Hong Kong’s strategic opportunities in the new economic landscape.
The Global Youth Powerhouse Summit 2026 brings together more than 600 young professionals, government and business leaders and corporate representatives
The Summit aims to connect young professionals with international resources, enabling participants to engage directly with industry leaders, grasp developments at the frontier of industry, and look ahead to the opportunities and challenges arising from artificial intelligence and Greater Bay Area integration. Previous editions have drawn a strong response. Across three editions, the Summit has attracted more than thousands of in-person participants and about 17,000 online participants from over 30 countries and regions, with social media reach exceeding 50 million.
This year’s Summit was the largest yet, bringing together more than 600 young professionals, government and business leaders and corporate representatives. Participants from over 60 countries and regions joined online. More than 30 distinguished speakers and moderators were invited, including officials of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and representatives of leading local and international organisations such as Huawei, the Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, Bullish and Endowus. In addition, consular representatives from up to 20 countries attended the Summit.
The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr John Lee, GBM, SBS, PDSM, PMSM, delivered a pre-recorded video speech, encouraging young professionals to seize the opportunities of the times and inject fresh momentum into Hong Kong’s high-quality development. He said: “For our young people, I firmly believe that your opportunities ahead outweigh the difficulties. The HKSAR Government will join hands with all sectors to build platforms for you to thrive in Hong Kong, in our country, and in the global arena.”
The Deputy Secretary for Justice of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, SBS, JP, delivered an opening keynote entitled “Opportunities for the Professional Development of Young People”, and stressed: “As the saying goes, ‘Change is the only constant’—or as our Cantopop classic famously put it, ‘變幻原是永恆’. Today, we no longer measure change in years or decades, but in months and days. For our young professionals, this fast-paced era unlocks unprecedented career horizons. By accelerating Greater Bay Area integration through our new GBA Task Force and empowering you to act as the ultimate ‘super-connectors’ and ‘super value-adders’ helping Mainland enterprises go global, we are turning rapid change into your greatest professional advantage.”
Dr Kevin Lau, MH, Founding Convenor of Hong Kong Youth Professional Global Advocacy, said: “This is more than a high-level forum. It marks a milestone in the maturing of our network of young professionals. This afternoon, venture funds managing an estimated US$10 billion in assets gathered in the room — and what they are looking at is Hong Kong’s next generation. In life and health technology, our core belief is clear: artificial intelligence can assist imaging and diagnosis, but a physician’s care, and the warmth of a human hand, can never be replaced by technology.”
Other distinguished guests included Mr Kevin Choi, JP, Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry; Professor Frederick Ma, GBS, JP, Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council; Ms Bonnie Y Chan, JP, Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited; and Mr James Chau, President of the China-United States Exchange Foundation and World Health Organization Goodwill Ambassador for Sustainable Development Goals. Mr Bryan Che, Chief Strategy Officer of Huawei, and Ms Cindy Chow, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund, also attended in person to exchange views with young professionals.
Panel discussions
Artificial intelligence: from first-time users to advanced users The opening session began with remarks by Mr Kevin Choi, JP, Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, and was moderated by Ms Stephaine Chan, Director of the Office of the Vice Chairman of Esquel Group. Panellists included Ms Ilaria Chan, Chair of the Tech For Good Institute; Mr Bryan Che, Chief Strategy Officer of Huawei; and Ms Cindy Chow, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund. The discussion focused on whether small and medium-sized enterprises, non-governmental organisations and schools can genuinely put artificial intelligence to use, and on the talent, trust and practical-application issues Hong Kong faces in driving “AI for all”.
Mr Kevin Choi, JP mentioned: “Every major technology shift brings uncertainty. Our theme today from entry-level shock to AI-powered users building the next talent leader.”
Ms Stephaine Chan said: “Every AI conversation ends in the same place, right? More investment, better people, better models and stronger policy.”
Ms Ilaria Chan said: “These days, Al is so powerful that they can scan the Internet and social media and find vulnerable young people or old people. They can find it instantly and have a very sophisticated way to trick them and fraud them from scamming.”
Mr Bryan Che: “One of the opportunities of Al is because the interface is much more natural for most people to interact with. On one sense, it’s a lot easier for everyone to get started.”
Ms Cindy Chow said: “So I guess some of the most damaging thing is not allowing people to use or not, you know, really have the attitude to embrace all this new technology, what this new technology has to bring to you.”
Geopolitics: the super-connector This session was moderated by Mr James Chau, President of the China-United States Exchange Foundation and World Health Organization Goodwill Ambassador for Sustainable Development Goals. Speakers included Ms Ilaria Chan, Chair of the Tech For Good Institute; Ms Ellana Lee, Senior Vice President, Managing Editor, Asia Pacific, and Global Head of Productions at CNN; and Professor Frederick Ma, GBS, JP, Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.
Mr James Chau said: “Against this backdrop, we often hear Hong Kong described as a super connector, typically framed in terms of trade volumes, capital markets and logistics but I think that these connections that we’re speaking of really only become very valuable and we understand and recognize the human bonds that pin these together.”
Professor Frederick Ma , GBS, JP said: “We are part of China. And yet we are under one country 2 systems connected to the rest of the world. That is the power of Hong Kong.”
Ms Ellana Lee said: “We made a very strategic decision when the times were tough to stay and remain in Hong Kong. I think that has and you know, we make these decisions not just out of a whim, but we are very calculative on why we need to stay. I have 8 cities across Asia Pacific. Hong Kong happens to be the hub for Asia Pacific. And there’s it boils down to four major reasons.”
Ms IIaria Chan: “Simple of how tech is helping people, there is an organization, WHO care for children that was founded 20 years ago that helps orphans in developing China back then Vietnam, Thailand now in Africa, Middle East to find loving permanent homes. But their bottleneck is how they train social workers and governments on how to take care of orphan welfare. Now this year we’ve actually been launching an online product that is able to scale these bottlenecks, especially in areas that are underfunded. This is a great example of Al tech.”
Education: Hong Kong as Asia’s education hub This session was co-moderated by Mrs Jennifer Yu Cheng, JP, Founder of the Future Leaders Foundation, and Ms Jennifer Ma, Founder of JM Edu Consulting. Speakers included Ms Maggie Chau, School Partnership Advisor at the Academy for Educational Development and Innovation of The Education University of Hong Kong; Mr Dion CHEN, MH, Vice-Chairman of the Hong Kong Direct Subsidy Scheme Schools Council; and Professor Charles Ng Wang-Wai, Vice-President for Institutional Advancement of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
Mrs Jennifer Yu Cheng, JP said: “An education hub is more than a place with excellent institutions. It is a place that students and families choose, where young people flourish, and connects education with research, innovation, careers and a wider community.”
Professor Charles Ng said: “With our national policy. And I think we should do better to support this great initiatives and thinking back actually 2023 and home government already in in the government policy in October, if I remember correctly to start to increase the local student quota from 20% to 40%.”
Ms Jennifer Ma said: “As a consultant we need demand to meet supply and we are definitely seeing the demand for Hong Kong education at K12 level…….The advocacy for Hong Kong to be the gateway for China Resources and talents to leave China and go into international arenas. But at the same time, we also see a lot of international people interested in what’s happening in mainland, and therefore Hong Kong is a great gateway. So, with that global education, global education philosophy, that means they really appreciate Hong Kong trilingual education by cultural mindset.”
Mr Dion CHEN, MH mentioned: “In 2026, a lot of DSS schools will work very hard to try to welcome and also promote welcome to Hong Kong and also promote Hong Kong’s education to the students in different countries.”
Ms Maggie Chau said: “Maggie: I can see that all the universities are actually implementing AI in their curriculum. Talking about teacher education, the programs we offer, I mean, not just The Education University of Hong Kong, the programs we offer in all universities implement Al in the curriculum in a way that we draw attention to the use of Al is it has to be ethical.”
Capital markets: AI listings, asset tokenisation and the new economy This session was moderated by Ms Emily CHAN Tan, a former CNBC anchor. Speakers included Ms Bonnie Y Chan, JP; Ms Clara CHAN Ka Chai, Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited; Mr Michael Lau, Senior Vice President and Head of Group Business Development at Bullish and Chairman of Consensus; and Mr Samuel RHEE, Co-founder, Chairman and Group Chief Investment Officer of Endowus.
Ms Clara CHAN Ka Chai said: “We always say that from zero to 1 is the most challenging part. So, the patients in terms of having staying power is the core, but it has to go in hand with other qualities like being proactive, being professional.”
Mr Michael Lau said: “I think it’s an interesting proposition to consider that these types of companies that are so capital. I would start looking beyond the current horizon of where we are to see where it could go next. And so I do think that there is a demand looking to that future where this idea of a tokenized capital market could be quite interesting.”
Mr Samuel RHEE mentioned: “First of all, maybe we just take a step back and just try to understand all of the capital markets, not just equities.”
Ms Bonnie Y Chan, JP said: “I want to point out one thing. I mean, we are operating a stock exchange and I think capital markets at the end of the day, the basic function is to match capital with opportunity. So what I’m very focused on is that I’m not just focused on technology or AI.”
Ms Emily CHAN Tan said: “We are not just witnessing a cyclical recovery, but also some would call this the threshold of a capital markets renaissance.”
Life and health technology: building a health-industry hub This session was moderated by Professor Lo Yuk-lam, BBS, Founding President of the Hong Kong Biotechnology Organisation. Speakers included Professor LI King-Chuen, Founding Dean of the School of Medicine at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; Dr Sarah SALVILLA, Director of Health and Strategic Partnerships at FWD Group; and Professor Anthony Wu Ting-yuk, GBS, JP, former Chairman of the Hospital Authority and Non-executive Chairman of Trinity Medical Group. The discussion focused on how AI in healthcare can strengthen the competitiveness of Hong Kong’s health industry.
Professor Lo Yuk-lam, BBS said: “Building HK’s holistic wellness hub, this year marks a defining moment for HK. With the release of our first ever five year plan and their chief executive policy address just a few weeks ago, our city’s road map for healthcare and biotechnology knowledge has never been clearer or more ambitious.”
Professor Anthony Wu Ting-yuk, GBS, JP said: “Every country every city is trying to recruit more talent and I think Hong Kong is an ideal position to attract talents.”
Professor LI King-Chuen said: “Our education system will be individualized. And we will do the factual knowledge transfer through mostly self-directed learning. So we guide them, we build an AI system with prescribed information.”
Dr Sarah SALVILLA said: “Prevention for sure in terms of how do we educate people to be much more proactive in their everyday lives, yes you know, kind of the lifestyle things.”
Start-up pitching: connecting with capital The closing session was moderated by business journalist Ms Elaine Yu, with Mr LU Chin Yung, Senior Vice President (Start-ups) of the Sector Specialist Group at Invest Hong Kong. Representatives of 11 venture funds were present, including the Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund, Clee Capital, Click Ventures, GT Healthcare Capital Partners, Gobi Partners GBA, HKSTP Ventures, MindWorks Capital, Ryoden Medical Holdings, Seveno Capital, Verge HealthTech Fund and W2 Venture Partners. Together, the funds manage an estimated US$10 billion, have invested in more than 600 start-ups across more than 30 economies, and have backed at least nine unicorns, including Airwallex, Animoca Brands, Prenetics and GoGoX. Start-ups taking part in the pitching session included CELLmeric, Entoptica, PointFit, Syngular, Kodifly, AilsynBio, EveryBaby, A-grade, Orimmune Biotech, Nordia Biotech, Oncolmmu Nostics Limited, The Harbour School (THS), VisionBridge, Eden’s Garden, and CARE CONNECT.
Ms Elaine Yu said: “We have 15 startups and I think a group of students as well, very precocious students WHO are already thinking of ideas, real businesses with commercial viability at the cutting edge of science, research, healthcare and so forth. So, this should be a fun dynamic session.”
Mr LU Chin Yung pointed out: “Hong Kong is great in a lot of rankings in the world and this is not given, this is hard earned by your parents, by some of you sitting here. But as a young founder in Hong Kong, if you come to Hong Kong, you get to enjoy all this very safe environment. You have efficiency and then you also have a very clean government. This one I can say for sure. Yeah. And and all this, it helps the the founders to focus on your business, focus on grow, growing instead of you have to deal with many, many things.”
The Summit closed amid lively exchange. Hong Kong Youth Professional Global Advocacy said it will continue to build the Summit into a platform for dialogue between young professionals and leading figures in government and business, helping Hong Kong’s young talent seize the opportunities of the new economy.
Vice-Chairman, Hong Kong Direct Subsidy Scheme Schools Council
Mrs Carrie Cheng, JP
Founder, Future Leaders Foundation
Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, SBS, JP
Deputy Secretary for Justice, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Mr Kevin Choi, JP
Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry
Ms Cindy Chow
Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund
Dr Kevin Lau, MH
Founding Convenor, Hong Kong Youth Professional Global Advocacy
Mr Lau Tak-ho
Senior Vice President and Head of Group Business Development, Bullish, and Chairman, Consensus
Ms Ellana Lee
Senior Vice President, Managing Editor, Asia Pacific, and Global Head of Productions, CNN
Professor King Li
Founding Dean, School of Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Professor Lo Yuk-lam, BBS
Founding President, Hong Kong Biotechnology Organisation
Mr Raymond Lui
Senior Vice President (Start-ups), Sector Specialist Group, Invest Hong Kong
Ms Michelle Ma
Founder, JM Edu Consulting
Professor Frederick Ma, GBS, JP
Chairman, Hong Kong Trade Development Council
Professor Charles Ng
Vice-President for Institutional Advancement, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Mr Samuel Rhee
Co-founder, Chairman and Group Chief Investment Officer, Endowus
Dr Sit Wai-nga
Director, Health and Strategic Partnerships, FWD Group
Professor Anthony Wu, GBS, JP
Former Chairman, Hospital Authority, and Non-executive Chairman, 全仁醫療集團
Ms Elaine Yu
Business Journalist
Ms Jeanne Cheng, JP
District Officer (Central and Western)
Dr Elsie Leung, GBM, JP
Former Secretary for Justice, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Professor Teresa Cheng, GBM, GBS, SC, JP
Secretary-General, International Organization for Mediation, and former Secretary for Justice
The Hon Tommy Cheung, GBM, GBS, JP
Non-official Member, Executive Council
The Hon Dr Lam Ching-choi, GBS, JP
Non-official Member, Executive Council
The Hon Chan Hoi-fung, BBS, MH, JP
Legislative Council Member
The Hon Chan Kin-por, GBM, GBS, JP
Non-official Member, Executive Council
The Hon Nixie Lam
Legislative Council Member
Mr Andrew Yao, SBS, JP
Hong Kong Deputy to the 14th National People’s Congress
Professor Herman Hu, GBS, JP
Hong Kong Deputy to the 14th National People’s Congress
Mr Gordon Lam
Hong Kong Deputy to the 14th National People’s Congress
Mr Chan Chung-ni, SBS, JP
Hong Kong Deputy to the 14th National People’s Congress
Mr Ho Hon-kuen, BBS, MH
Hong Kong Member, 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference
Mr Tu Haiming, BBS
Hong Kong Member, 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference
Mr Kung Wing-tak
Hong Kong Member, 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference
Dr Lo Kam-wing, BBS, JP
Hong Kong Member, 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, and President, The Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong
Mr Li Tai-chong, SBS, OM, JP
Member, National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference
The Hon Lam Wai-chuen
Legislative Council Member
The Hon Lau Man-kwan, JP
Legislative Council Member
The Hon Chong Ho-fung
Legislative Council Member
The Hon Lee Kwong-yu, MH
Legislative Council Member
The Hon Leung Tsz-wing, MH
Legislative Council Member
Mr Ng Yuk-yeung
Hong Kong Member, 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference
The Hon Fong Kwok-shan
Legislative Council Member
The Hon Lau Ka-keung, BBS, MH, JP
Legislative Council Member
The Hon Revd Canon Peter Koon, SBS, JP
Legislative Council Member
Mr Pablo Macedo Riba
Consul General of Mexico in Hong Kong
Dr Esteban Ramírez González
Consul General of Mexico in Hong Kong
Mr Alberto Martínez
Representative, Consulate General of Spain in Hong Kong
Ms Silvia Civera
Representative, Consulate General of Spain in Hong Kong
Mr Javier Sampedro
Commercial Representative, Consulate General of Spain in Hong Kong
Mr Juha Niemi
Consul General of Finland in Hong Kong and Macao
Mr O’Brien Ernesto Guerra Córdova
Consul General of Venezuela in Hong Kong
Mr Ammala Saenchonghack
Consul General of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in Hong Kong
Mr Riaz Ahmed Shaikh
Consul General of Pakistan in Hong Kong
Mr Yos Sokhemrin
Consul General of Cambodia in Hong Kong
Mr Maurits Ter Kulve
Consul General of the Netherlands in Hong Kong
Ms Lim Kim Suan
Consul General of Brunei Darussalam in Hong Kong
Mr Hassan Doutaghi
Consul General of Iran in Hong Kong
Mr Ali Abdulla Al-Hitmi
Deputy Consul General of Qatar in Hong Kong
Ms Helen Silvester
British Council
Mr Wilhelm Brauner
Belgium-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce
Professor Sin Kuen-fung, MH
Co-Executive Director, Academy for Educational Development and Innovation, The Education University of Hong Kong
Mr Lam Siu-hong, JP
Commissioner for Youth, Home and Youth Affairs Bureau
Mr Arnold Lau
Assistant Director-General, Invest Hong Kong
Professor James Dai
Associate Dean of Students, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Dr Chan Pui-yin
Vice-President, Hong Kong Medical Association
Ms Cecilia Ho
Chief Executive, Lee Hysan Foundation
Mr Quentin Merour
Consulate General of France in Hong Kong
Ms Christine Ma Lau
Founder and Principal, JEMS Character Academy
Ms Agnes Chan, BBS
Senior Advisor, Office of the Chairman, Greater China, EY
Ms Melissa Pang, BBS, MH, JP
Former President, The Law Society of Hong Kong, and Member, National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference
Mr Patrick Yeung
Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce
Ms Kimberly Kwok
Founder, Mighty Oaks
Mr Larry Chiang
Founder and Chief Executive Officer, International Finance Capital Group Limited
Ms Sophia Kao, GBS, JP
Former Chairperson, Women’s Commission, and founding Chairperson, Financial Reporting Council
Ms Marie Mercy
Consulate General of France in Hong Kong
Mr Peter Shum
Deputy Chairman of Federation of Hong Kong Industries
Mr Daryl Lin
JCI Hong Kong
Mr Jacky Chung
Hong Kong Trade Development Council (represented by Mr Andrew Chui)
Mr Silas Chu
Hong Kong Trade Development Council
Mr Lot Chan
Assistant Director of Health (Preparatory Office for Centre for Medical Products Regulation)
Dr Jeff Lee
Head of the Health Informatics and Technology Office
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Hong Kong Youth Professional Global Advocacy
Hong Kong Youth Professional Global Advocacy is a community organisation founded in 2023 by young professionals in Hong Kong. It seeks to serve as a bridge between Hong Kong and the world, uniting Hong Kong young people globally through a range of exchange activities and cultivating an overseas youth network that supports “Hong Kong opportunities”. The organisation brings together more than 120 young professionals across finance, real estate, building surveying, manufacturing, environmental protection, healthcare, law, accounting and technology, and works closely with professional bodies, industry associations and the media. Through monthly salons and online exchanges with the Greater Bay Area, Southeast Asia and countries along the Belt and Road, it promotes understanding of the development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Chinese Mainland, explores opportunities for collaboration, and ultimately aims to build a stronger network of professional youth and deepen exchange and cooperation with young people around the world.
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 October 2026 – De Beers continues its participation in Homo Faber 2026 by supporting Botswana-based master basket weaver Shakunona Parata, who will demonstrate her weaving practice and present a new sculptural work created in collaboration with Beullah Serema and Peter Mabeo of Mabeo Studio. Based in Botswana, Mabeo Studio explores the intersection of craft, design and culture, collaborating with artisans to create contemporary works that draw on local materials, cultural heritage and a deep respect for craftsmanship.
Diware in crating & Portrait of Shakunona Parata
Curated by Artistic Director Es Devlin, this year’s theme for Homo Faber, An Island of Light, examines the interplay between light, materials and creativity, placing the work of craft artists from around the world at the heart of the experience. In keeping with Homo Faber’s focus on the maker, their materials, tools and processes, Parata will weave live in the A Rooted Ascent room alongside presenting Diware, a new sculptural work created with Mabeo Studio.
A member of the Ngamiland Basket Weavers, from the north-western region of Botswana, Parata will present basket-weaving techniques using locally gathered materials drawing on skills and practices passed through generations. Parata learnt her skills from her mother and grandmother, and continues to experiment with different approaches to technique, pattern and colour.
Her work is guided by her personal connection to the Okavango River, the movement of its seasons and the materials it yields. Through Parata’s work, the project recognises both an individual practitioner and the wider community and traditions of making of which she is part.
Alongside a live weaving presentation at Homo Faber, Parata and Mabeo Studio have created a new sculptural work called Diware, that brings together natural materials from Botswana including woven palm leaves, naturally gathered porcupine quills, carved wood and semi-precious stones.
The work is founded on Manyevora, a traditional Mbukushu attire associated with Diware, a historic healing ceremony that today is more commonly represented through dance. The Manyevora is the most prominent element in the Diware sculpture, comprised of foraged materials from nature. The natural and crafted materials have been brought together deliberately, each retaining its own character. This combination of elements reflects an interest in convergence, between maker and material, individual and community, people and place.
Through Homo Faber, De Beers explores the craft skills and organic materials that originated from the same landscape as natural diamonds. Parata’s presentation follows South African artist Abongile Sidzumo’s participation in August. De Beers’ wider collaboration with Mabeo Studio will continue at Frieze Masters in London this October, where the studio is working with basket weavers from this collective, as well as potters and wood carvers from across Botswana on a new commission for Voyage Through the Diamond Realm, Chapter Two.
Lynn Serfaty, General Manager – Natural Diamonds, De Beers, says: “Shakunona Parata’s work at Homo Faber reflects the skill, dedication and heritage that shape the relationship between natural materials and craft. We are pleased to support her collaboration with Beullah Serema and Peter Mabeo of Mabeo Studio as part of this year’s Homo Faber.”
Shakunona Parata, says: “My life and that of the river are connected. The flood plains of the Okavango river guides my activities and rituals. My basket weaving practice is an extension of nature, of the river through the materials it yields, the movement of the seasons and my hands, seeing through my eyes with conscientiousness of all that is around me and within me, through my work.”
Mabeo Studio, says: “Homo Faber presents an opportunity to consider relationship. While it is helpful to recognise the highly valued and respected individual maker, in our studio, we also see it as worthwhile to be aware of how any practice is but a small expression of a whole. To see the indivisible wholeness of life and living, intangibly in approach and physically with how natural materials are related with, across cultures, through simple and dedicated craft acts.”
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About De Beers Group
Established in 1888, De Beers Group is the world’s leading diamond company with expertise in the exploration, mining, marketing and retailing of diamonds. Together with its joint venture partners, De Beers Group employs more than 20,000 people across the diamond pipeline and is the world’s largest diamond producer by value, with diamond mining operations in Botswana, Canada, Namibia and South Africa. Innovation sits at the heart of De Beers Group’s strategy as it develops a portfolio of offers that span the diamond value chain, including its jewellery houses, De Beers London and Forevermark, and other pioneering solutions such as diamond sourcing and traceability initiatives Tracr and GemFair. De Beers Group also provides leading services and technology to the diamond industry in the form of education and laboratory services and a wide range of diamond sorting, detection and classification technology services. De Beers Group is committed to ‘Building Forever,’ a holistic and integrated approach to sustainability that underpins our efforts to create meaningful impact for the people and places where our diamonds are discovered. Building Forever focuses on three key areas where, through collaborations and partnerships around the globe, we have an enhanced ability to drive positive impact; Livelihoods, Climate and Nature. De Beers Group is a member of the Anglo American plc group. For further information, visit www.debeersgroup.com.
About Homo Faber
Homo Faber Biennial is an international celebration of contemporary craftsmanship in Venice, curated by the Michelangelo Foundation for Creativity and Craftsmanship. The flagship project of Homo Faber, a cultural movement centred on creative artisans worldwide, it brings together the work of hundreds of master artisans, rising stars and designers in the magnificent setting of Fondazione Giorgio Cini. Homofaber.com.
About Mabeo Studio
Mabeo Studio is a collective instigated in Botswana. Mentally, it is not geo politically constrained. Operating between the various fields of art, design, architecture, and associated means of communication; each field is applied in its own right yet, with a sense of nonspecific, broad curiosity, consideration and observation. Disciplines and classification are only used as a particular mode of implementation in and through time as actual life continues.
With art and design at times being viewed through topical issues and thought patterns of the day, ideas around aestheticism and fresh directions are all either as significant or as insignificant as the physical materials being manipulated and, as significant or insignificant as the psychology of all involved.
The studio interest is to engage in ways that subtly go beyond structured norms and to question the widespread preoccupation with visual sensuality and the unfounded appearance of originality and responsibility. Ongoing initiatives to attract attention are not a priority, other than to increase the probability of meeting collaborators who are conscientious and curious about simpler and more natural approaches.
Perceiving resonance and discord between international art or design influences from the past and present, within the valued natural environment, old cultures and clear attitudes surrounding the studio locale; a craft rooted approach, combined with basic industrial methods that can be contaminated with technology on the rare occasion is adopted.
A universal, free and accommodating approach that is premised on the ability to observe and to relate humanely is practiced. Looking beyond and through industry experience into a non-constrained sense, all materials, including the sustainable use of thought as actual material, are engaged with.
By Dr. Gyan Pathak Members of Parliament of INDIA bloc and other opposition parties began their Save Democracy March on Tuesday October 6 from the Parliament to Election Commission of India (ECI) in protest of “Vote Theft” and irregularities in SIR process, but only to be stopped by the Delhi Police. They were not allowed […]
BUSAN, SOUTH KOREA – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 October 2026 – The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Ministry of Commerce, has announced its readiness to bring Thai companies in the film and content industry to the Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM) 2026, a major marketplace for content and film in Asia, taking place in Busan, Republic of Korea, from October 10–13, 2026. This year, Thailand has been selected as ACFM’s first-ever Country of Honor, providing an important opportunity to showcase the capabilities of Thailand’s film and content industry to an international audience. DITP will also host the flagship networking event “Thai Night Busan 2026” to promote Thailand’s entertainment industry and strengthen international partnerships.
The Republic of Korea is one of the world’s leading countries in film and entertainment and a major hub for Asia’s content industry. Its annual content exports exceed USD 12 billion, and it plays a prominent role in global digital media and over-the-top (OTT) platforms. DITP supported Thailand’s film and entertainment industry at ACFM consistently from 2012 to 2019. However, Thai Night activities has been on hiatus since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The return of the event reflects the growing international interest in and recognition of Thai films, series, animation, and digital content.
DITP is deeply honoured that Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi will graciously preside over the opening ceremony of Thai Night Busan 2026. Her Royal Highness’s longstanding support has provided great encouragement to Thailand’s entertainment industry. Her gracious presence will lend great distinction to the event and further enhance its international profile. The event will take place on October 11, 2026, at Park Hyatt Busan, under the theme “Reimagining Thailand,” presenting the country’s capabilities and fresh perspectives through creativity and its content industry.
DITP and the Department of Cultural Promotion will jointly organise the Thailand Pavilion at ACFM 2026, bringing 20 Thai companies to participate in business matching alongside Thai Night Busan 2026. These activities aim to facilitate co-production discussions, sales and licensing of Thai content, expansion into overseas markets, and networking between Thai companies and international buyers, investors, creators, directors, and media representatives across film, television, series, animation, and related services.
The initiative also aims to showcase Thailand’s creative capabilities and approaches to producing quality content, while connecting business development with the country’s food, culture, lifestyle, and tourism destinations. This initiative will drive exports, strengthen Thailand’s global brand, and support the growth of Thailand’s creative economy.
HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 October 2026 – Vingroup and Alstom, a global leader in rail technology, have signed a rolling stock contract and a Technology License Agreement (TLA). Under the agreement, Alstom will transfer technology for train manufacturing and assembly in Vietnam and supply a total of 200 Metropolis trainsets to accelerate the operation of Hanoi’s urban rail projects.
Ms. Nguyen Thu Hang, CEO of Vinhomes (left), and Mr. Yann Maixandeau, Alstom’s Managing Director for East Asia, sign the contract between the two parties.
Under the contract, all trains designed and manufactured by Alstom for Hanoi’s urban rail lines will be new-generation five-car trains, offering advanced features in design, operational efficiency and safety. The aluminium car body reduces axle load, saving energy and reducing track wear. The wide-body design maximises interior space and increases passenger capacity. The train runs fully automated and driverless, at GoA4, the highest grade of automation. The modern braking system combines regenerative and disc brakes, ensuring safety while recovering energy during braking.
The first 83 trainsets will be designed and manufactured at Alstom’s Valenciennes Petite-Forêt site in France, one of Alstom’s centres of expertise for metros. In addition to supplying the 83 complete trainsets, Alstom will provide technology, engineering expertise, tooling support and key components, enabling Vingroup to develop local capabilities to manufacture and assemble the next 117 trainsets in Vietnam.
The contract between Vingroup and Alstom lays an important foundation for strengthening Vietnam’s self-reliance and modernising its rail industry ecosystem. The partnership also opens opportunities to establish a long-term industrial partnership and progressively expand Vietnam’s participation in the global value chain.
Mr. Martin Sion, Alstom CEO, said:“This agreement is a major milestone for Alstom in one of the fastest-growing mobility markets in the world. By combining Alstom’s global expertise with VINGROUP’s industrial strength and long-term vision, we are creating a unique partnership that supports both the expansion of Hanoi’s metro network and the development of local rail capabilities. This agreement also demonstrates the strength of French rail technology and reinforces Alstom’s position as a trusted partner for major mobility projects across the region.”
Mr. Nguyen Viet Quang, Vice Chairman and CEO of Vingroup, said:“High-speed rail, urban rail, bridges, ports, logistics and other next-generation transport infrastructure are among the key areas under Vingroup’s Infrastructure pillar. Our strategy is to connect world-class international resources, technologies and expertise with the strong execution capabilities of Vingroup’s ecosystem, enabling us to contribute to the development of infrastructure platforms with long-term significance for Hanoi and Vietnam.”
Vingroup is the general contractor for Hanoi’s metro projects through its subsidiary Vinhomes. The partnership with Alstom aims to provide rolling stock for Hanoi’s urban rail projects while progressively developing local capabilities, enabling Vingroup to contribute over the long term to the development of the city’s urban rail network.
Under Hanoi’s Capital Master Plan with a 2045 vision, the city’s urban rail network is planned to reach 979 kilometres, comprising 18 lines and serving as the backbone of the city’s public transport system.
With a total planned length of nearly 1,000 kilometres, the network would also represent one of the largest urban rail development programmes in Southeast Asia, helping reduce traffic congestion, mitigate environmental pollution and improve the quality of life for Hanoi’s residents.
Hashtag: #Vingroup
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Vingroup
Established in 1993, VINGROUP is one of the leading diversified private economic groups in the region, operating across six core sectors: Industrials & Technology, Real Estate & Services, Infrastructure, Green Energy, Culture and Social Enterprises.
Vinhomes is Vietnam’s leading real estate brand, pioneering the development of large-scale, high-quality urban communities with professional planning, comprehensive amenities and a modern, green and clean living environment, helping shape new lifestyles for Vietnamese residents.
Alongside 32 urban developments currently in operation across the country, Vinhomes continues to focus on developing new-generation mega and super-scale urban developments of leading regional scale and stature, aspiring to create “some of the world’s most desirable places to live” while contributing significantly to the transformation of Vietnam’s urban landscape.
Alstom is the pure rail leader, committed to making rail the backbone of sustainable transportation. We design and deliver a complete range of future-ready solutions – from high-speed and regional trains to metros, monorails, trams, turnkey systems, end-to-end services, infrastructure, signalling and digital rail solutions. With 87,800 people in 61 countries, Alstom brings together global expertise and multi-local presence to make every journey smarter, cleaner and more enjoyable. Together with our partners and customers, we realise the power of rail. Listed in France, Alstom generated revenues of €19.2 billion for the fiscal year ending 31 March 2026.
Upgrades improve print quality, strengthen security and simplify ID card issuance
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 October 2026 – HID, a global leader in trusted identity solutions, is rolling out enhancements across its FARGO® DTC ID card printers, including the DTC1250e, DTC4500e and DTC1500 models, to help organizations issue secure, professional-quality ID cards faster, with less IT support and the ability to easily scale as needs evolve.
Organizations that issue ID cards — from schools and healthcare systems to government offices, corporate campuses and others — need printers that are easy to operate, produce consistently high-quality credentials and keep pace with growing security requirements. The latest enhancements address each of those priorities.
Built to Print: Faster, Sharper Output and Stronger Security Speed and reliability are essential for high-volume credential issuance. Printing more cards in less time with fewer interruptions, these printers have been updated with newer, faster hardware and electronics platforms. Support for high-capacity ribbons also streamlines the issuance workflow and maintains high productivity, reducing reloads and lost time. For front-desk and HR staff who issue dozens of badges a day, this means shorter lines and less time waiting on a stalled print job.
“We’ve been at this for a long time. For more than three decades, organizations have trusted us to power their ID badging programs,” said Apryl Erickson, VP and Head of FARGO. “With thousands of printers in the field worldwide, we’re excited to build on that legacy by delivering enhanced solutions that provide greater value to our end users and support their mission-critical issuance processes.”
Card quality matters just as much as issuance speed. With 300 x 600 dpi resolution, an enhanced color profile and adjustable K-panel printing, organizations benefit from having professional-quality ID cards that look sharper, have crisper text, cleaner logos and more accurate color.
When an organization issues credentials, they need to enhance card security and safeguard cardholder data. As such, all DTC printers offer enhanced AES-256-GCM encryption and resin scramble data protection. On the DTC1500 and DTC4500e, a built-in, customizable watermark overlay adds a layer of security at no added cost.
Built to Last: Secure, Reliable, Sustainable Performance and Less Downtime Reliable and sustainable, the enhancedDTC printers are backed by three-year product warranties, provide ongoing printer health monitoring and are specifically engineered for efficient energy use.
Organizations also need to keep operator maintenance low. An integrated diagnostic utility and Color Assist tool are now built directly into the printer driver, so common issues can be identified and resolved without a support call. An optional OLED SmartScreen on the DTC1250e further simplifies day-to-day operation, helping non-technical staff be productive from day one with no IT ticket required.
Built for More: Room to Grow Without Starting Over Programs rarely remain static, and organizations need to scale as their needs grow without incurring the cost of new hardware. FARGO DTC printers offer field-upgradable dual-side printing and encoding options that let organizations start with what they need and add capabilities later, without having to buy new base hardware, as programs expand.
These upgrades build on more than 30 years of DTC printing expertise. The portfolio also integrates with HID’s broader ecosystem for access control and identity management, helping organizations expand their credentialing programs as needs evolve. The DTC1500 and DTC4500e are also compatible with FARGO Connect™, a secure, cloud-based card printing platform that provides real-time fleet visibility.
The enhanced DTC printer portfolio is commercially available now. Product availability for enhanced FARGO DTC1250e and DTC4500e printers is slated for late October/early November, varying by region. Enhanced FARGO DTC1500 units will follow later in Q4 2026.
Building on these enhancements, HID plans to further expand the FARGO DTC portfolio later this year with a streamlined, single-sided printer designed for organizations with lower-volume issuance needs. It will not be available in the United States and Canada. It will be offered only in select regions outside these markets. The new model will bring the same reliability and ease of use while providing an accessible entry point into the broader FARGO portfolio.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About HID
HID powers the trusted identities of the world’s people, places and things. We make it possible for people to transact safely, work productively and travel freely. Our trusted identity solutions give people convenient access to physical and digital places and connect things that can be identified, verified and tracked digitally. Millions of people around the world use HID products and services to navigate their everyday lives, and billions of things are connected through HID technology. We work with governments, educational institutions, hospitals, financial institutions, industrial businesses and some of the most innovative companies on the planet. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, HID has over 4,500 employees worldwide and operates international offices that support more than 100 countries. HID is an ASSA ABLOY Group brand. For more information, visit www.hidglobal.com.
Combining real-time AI credit monitoring with Ethereum smart contracts and USDC settlement, Asia’s digital trade finance leader addresses a US$2.5 trillion SME trade financing funding gap opportunity.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 October 2026 – Qupital, Asia’s leading AI-driven fintech platform specializing in cross-border e-commerce trade finance, today announced the official launch of the world’s first AI-driven on-chain e-commerce lending protocol. The breakthrough solution shifts day-to-day trade loan operations into an automated, highly transparent framework powered by smart contracts and proprietary AI credit monitoring.
The launch comes directly ahead of Token 2049, as Qupital positions itself at the intersection of Decentralized Finance (DeFi) and Real-World Assets (RWA). By deploying USDC via Ethereum smart contracts, Qupital eliminates legacy banking delays and manual oversight, delivering instant, 24/7 liquidity to high-growth global merchants. The protocol utilizes automated dynamic credit monitoring to continuously adjust credit exposure based on real-time sales-to-loan performance. When store metrics deviate from set parameters, smart contracts automatically invoke payment gateway APIs to intercept platform cashflows, which captures store earnings to satisfy debt obligations and revenue targets.
Key Innovations of the Protocol
Instant, 24/7 Global Liquidity: Complements existing banking channels by deploying USDC directly to e-commerce merchants via smart contracts, enabling real-time capital access synchronized with global e-commerce velocity.
AI-Guarded Risk Control: Integrates Qupital’s proprietary AI engine with automated payment gateway APIs to monitor sales performance and capture settlement cashflows directly, drastically reducing credit risk. Merging AI intelligence with on-chain execution for trade finance. Powering digital trade through automated, smart-contract-driven liquidity vaults unlocks unprecedented operational efficiency and dynamic risk control without human intervention.
Automated Capital Efficiency: Replaces manual back-office drawdown verification and settlement calls with smart contracts, accelerating capital turnover and reducing operational overhead.
Real-Time Proof of Reserves & Auditability: Every active loan is tokenized on-chain to Qupital’s Treasury Vault, providing institutional lenders and partners with 1:1 real-time balance sheet verification.
A Multi-trillion Market opportunity B2B cross-border stablecoin settlements are projected to reach $5 trillion by 2035, with over 54% of cross-border enterprises preparing to adopt stablecoin payment infrastructure. Qupital’s protocol directly addresses this surge in institutional and merchant demand.
“Agentic commerce and instant global settlement require financing infrastructure that operates around the clock. While traditional banking channels remain a core pillar of our trade finance operations, utilizing blockchain rails allows us to streamline distribution and accelerate settlement times. Integrating our proprietary AI risk engine directly into on-chain frameworks eliminates operational friction, minimizes non-performing loans, and expands our global footprint.”
— Winston Wong, Co-Founder & CEO of Qupital
Having processed over US$9.5 billion in cumulative trade financing while maintaining industry-leading credit performance, Qupital’s move on-chain sets a new institutional standard for tokenized trade finance. The company already has an active pipeline of USD 100 million in financing to be fulfilled on-chain.
Building on its recently announced Series C financing, Qupital continues to execute on its long-term growth roadmap. The launch of the protocol further diversifies Qupital’s capital execution options and accelerates its entry into new global markets. By bringing real-world quality trade assets on-chain, Qupital directly addresses the multi-trillion-dollar SME financing gap, delivering accessible, frictionless capital to digital enterprises that are underserved by traditional banks and financial institutions worldwide.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Qupital
Qupital is a Series C stage fintech platform and Asia’s leader in data-driven financing solutions for digital businesses. Headquartered in Hong Kong, Qupital empowers e-commerce businesses trading on global platforms including Amazon, JD.com, Tmall, TikTok Shop, and Pinduoduo. As the first platform in Asia to securitize e-commerce merchant loans, Qupital combines industry-leading credit performance and sustained profitability with backing from global financial institutions including HSBC and MUFG, as well as strategic investors including M Capital, Alibaba, MindWorks Capital, Greater Bay Area Homeland Development Fund, and the Innovation and Technology Ventures Fund of the Hong Kong SAR Government.
Greenlogue/AP The US Supreme Court opened its new term on Monday by weighing whether federal law blocks Colorado communities from pursuing state-law damages claims against ExxonMobil and Suncor Energy over alleged climate harms. The dispute, Suncor Energy v County Commissioners of Boulder County, could determine the viability of dozens of similar lawsuits brought by states and local governments seeking compensation from fossil-fuel producers for costs associated with […]
Qualcomm has agreed to license patents underpinning Huawei Technologies’ LogicFolding chip architecture as part of a broad multiyear intellectual-property agreement spanning 5G, artificial intelligence, computing and networking technologies.
The agreement gives Qualcomm access to technology Huawei has presented as an alternative route to higher semiconductor performance when conventional transistor shrinking becomes harder and more expensive. It also marks an important commercial endorsement of Huawei’s expanding patent portfolio as the company seeks a larger role in global AI and computing markets.
Huawei and Qualcomm said the arrangement includes cross-licences to their patent portfolios across multiple technology fields. Qualcomm will separately purchase certain Huawei patents registered in the United States covering computing, AI, networking and other technologies. That purchase remains subject to required regulatory approvals.
Financial terms and the duration of the agreement were not disclosed. Huawei said completion of the transaction would lift the cumulative value of its patent licensing agreements above $6.9 billion. The company has said its intellectual-property licensing operation has generated positive revenue since 2021.
LogicFolding forms part of Huawei’s Tau Scaling Law, a semiconductor design framework unveiled in May. Rather than depending solely on geometric scaling — making transistors progressively smaller — the approach seeks to reduce the time required for signals to travel through chips and electronic systems.
Huawei says LogicFolding can shorten critical signal paths by reorganising circuits across vertically integrated layers. The company argues that compressing signal-propagation delay can raise effective transistor density and improve performance and energy efficiency without relying entirely on successive advances in lithography.
The technology has particular strategic importance for Huawei because US export controls have restricted its access to some advanced semiconductor equipment and technologies. China-based chipmakers cannot obtain the most advanced extreme-ultraviolet lithography systems made by ASML, complicating efforts to manufacture chips using leading-edge processes through conventional methods.
Huawei has therefore increasingly emphasised architecture, packaging, interconnection and system-level optimisation as ways of extracting more computing performance from available manufacturing technology. LogicFolding is one element of that effort, although Huawei’s performance claims and longer-term projections remain subject to commercial-scale validation.
Huawei has already introduced the architecture in its latest Kirin processors. The Kirin 9050 Pro used in the Mate XT 2 foldable smartphone incorporates LogicFolding, providing an early commercial application of the design approach. Huawei has also outlined plans to extend the underlying method beyond mobile processors towards AI accelerators and other high-performance computing systems.
The patent arrangement does not mean Qualcomm is adopting Huawei’s complete chip architecture in its products. Patent licensing provides legal rights to use covered inventions under agreed terms, while individual product designs, manufacturing decisions and implementation choices remain separate. Neither company disclosed which Qualcomm products, if any, could eventually incorporate technologies covered by the LogicFolding patents.
The broader agreement also deepens a long-running intellectual-property relationship between the companies. Huawei made its first patent-licensing payment to Qualcomm in 2001, while the new pact is their first licensing agreement to encompass 5G technologies.
John Han, executive vice-president and general manager of Qualcomm Technology Licensing, said the agreement recognised Huawei’s continuing innovation and intellectual property in 5G and other technology fields. He also said it reaffirmed recognition of Qualcomm’s 5G technology and its standard-essential-patent licensing programme.
Huawei chief intellectual property officer Alan Fan said the agreement demonstrated the value of Huawei’s innovations while recognising Qualcomm’s foundational contributions to modern communications technology. Both companies said their licensing practices were intended to be consistent with fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory principles.
The deal comes as Qualcomm broadens its business beyond smartphone processors into personal computers, automotive systems, networking and data-centre computing, areas where efficient AI processing and high-speed interconnects are increasingly important.
Qualcomm’s licensing business remains central to its model, with the company saying its portfolio contains 200,000 granted and pending patents across more than 100 countries and jurisdictions, including foundational cellular and AI inventions.
Israel’s election campaign has been jolted by the attempted seizure of a Flydubai flight, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presenting the episode as validation of his pre-election security warnings while opponents accuse him of turning a still-unfolding investigation into political ammunition. The dispute has intensified as investigators in the United Arab Emirates examine the September 30 attack aboard Flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv. UAE Attorney-General […]
Luxury homes in central London are approaching a 50% fall in inflation-adjusted value from their market peak, underlining the scale of a decade-long downturn that has reshaped one of the world’s best-known high-end property markets. Prime central London values are now about 26% below their 2014 peak in nominal terms, according to Savills, after falling another 2.5% during 2026 through its September assessment. Once the rise in […]
https://www.brandhk.gov.hk/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-hong-kong/
https://x.com/Brand_HK/
https://www.facebook.com/brandhk.isd
https://www.instagram.com/brandhongkong
