Strong visitor turnout has marked the 43rd edition of Ramadan Nights at Expo Centre Sharjah, with organisers reporting sustained footfall as families prepare for Eid Al-Fitr, reinforcing the emirate’s role as a seasonal retail and cultural hub. The exhibition, running through the final stretch of the holy month, has attracted thousands of shoppers daily, driven by extended evening hours, promotional offers, and a broad mix of retail, […]
Tesla is assessing temporary policy changes for its Supercharger network across Gulf countries following heightened regional security tensions linked to Iran, amid unverified claims circulating online that the company has already made charging free in the region. No official confirmation has been issued by Tesla or its chief executive Elon Musk that all Supercharger services in Gulf Cooperation Council markets have been made free of charge. Industry […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Labour market reforms across the United Arab Emirates are reinforcing its position as a benchmark for regulatory governance, with new data indicating sustained growth in workforce participation, improved compliance standards, and rising employer accountability across sectors. Officials overseeing employment policy point to a steady expansion of the private sector workforce, driven by a combination of flexible labour laws, digitised oversight systems, and targeted […]
Dubai’s Rental Disputes Center has launched a joint digital platform with Dubai Police aimed at streamlining rental litigation and improving enforcement efficiency, marking a further push towards integrating judicial and law enforcement services through technology. The system, unveiled at the centre’s headquarters, is designed to connect case management procedures at the Rental Disputes Center with Dubai Police’s operational framework. Officials said the integration would accelerate dispute resolution […]
By Nitya Chakraborty On Wednesday, the 18th day of the U.S.-Israel combo’s war against Iran, Trump got two bad news simultaneously which made him ponder on how to go about on his next forward strategy to ensure Iran’s submission to the U.S. might. The first news was the European governments have refused to respond to […]
The article Trump Is Facing His Moment Of Truth In Iran War With Isolation From NATO appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).
The contribution was presented during a mock cheque presentation ceremony by Tan Sri Mohd Annuar Zaini, Chairman of 7-Eleven Malaysia Holdings Berhad, accompanied by Co-CEO of 7-Eleven Malaysia, Mr. Tan U-Ming.
The contribution will support the preparation and distribution of moreh meals at Masjid Negara following nightly tarawih prayers. Each evening during Ramadan, hundreds of congregants gather at the mosque not only to perform their prayers but also to share simple meals together, reflecting the values of generosity, togetherness and gratitude that define the sacred month.
Masjid Negara has long been a spiritual and community landmark where Malaysians from all walks of life come together during Ramadan. From families and students to workers and travellers passing through the city, the mosque becomes a place where people reconnect with their faith while experiencing the warmth of a community that looks after one another.
Through the Ramadan programme organised by the Persatuan Kebajikan Kakitangan Masjid Negara Kuala Lumpur, food packs are prepared and distributed nightly to congregants to ensure that worshippers who stay for evening prayers can enjoy a meal together before returning home. The initiative reflects the mosque’s ongoing commitment to serving the needs of the community during the holy month.
Tan Sri Mohd Annuar Zaini, Chairman of 7-Eleven Malaysia Holdings Berhad said that Ramadan is a meaningful time for communities to come together and support one another, and the company is honoured to play a small part in supporting the efforts of Masjid Negara in serving its congregants.
“Ramadan reminds us of the importance of compassion, humility and sharing our blessings with the community. We are honoured to support the efforts of Masjid Negara in bringing people together through their Ramadan moreh programme and hope that this contribution will help create meaningful moments of togetherness among worshippers.”
Beyond providing food, the moreh programme plays an important role in strengthening the bonds among congregants who gather nightly at the mosque. These shared moments of fellowship reflect the true spirit of Ramadan where acts of kindness and generosity help bring communities closer together.
This contribution is also part of Semurni Kasih, 7-Eleven Malaysia’s annual community initiative during the Ramadan period, which focuses on supporting meaningful programmes that uplift communities and promote the spirit of care and generosity. Through Semurni Kasih, the company continues to work with various community partners to extend assistance to those in need while encouraging Malaysians to share kindness with one another.
Through this contribution, 7-Eleven Malaysia hopes to play a meaningful role in supporting initiatives that uplift local communities and ensure that the spirit of giving continues to be shared throughout Ramadan.
Hashtag: #7ElevenMalaysia
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
7-Eleven Malaysia Holdings Berhad through its subsidiary 7-Eleven Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. is the owner and operator of 7-Eleven stores in Malaysia. Incorporated on 4 June 1984, 7-Eleven Malaysia has made its mark in the retailing scene and has been a prominent icon for over 40 years. 7-Eleven Malaysia is the pioneer and largest 24-hour standalone convenience store operator in Malaysia with over 2,700 outlets nationwide and serves more than 1 million customers daily. 7-Eleven stores can be found across bustling commercial districts to serene suburban residential compounds throughout Malaysia, from petrol stations and LRT stations to shopping malls and medical institutions. My7E loyalty app boasted an impressive membership of 3.6 million users. As we forge ahead, our commitment remains steadfast in enriching the experience for our valued members, offering an array of rewards that enhance their journey as My7E enthusiasts. 7-Eleven is Always There For You. To learn more, please visit our website at 
www.7eleven.com.my
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Al-Futtaim Health has introduced a programme offering free mental health consultations across the United Arab Emirates, positioning the initiative as part of a broader effort to address rising psychological stress and improve access to care in a region where demand for services continues to outpace supply. The healthcare provider said the consultations are designed to support individuals experiencing stress, anxiety, or emotional strain, […]
Iran is seeking to have its matches at the upcoming FIFA World Cup relocated from the United States to Mexico, amid growing uncertainty over logistical, political and security considerations surrounding the team’s participation in the North American tournament. The request reflects mounting concerns within Iranian football authorities about travel restrictions, diplomatic tensions and the practical challenges of staging fixtures on US soil. Officials have indicated that moving […]
TPConnects Technologies has introduced a Model Context Protocol integration within its Astra NDC platform, positioning the Dubai-based firm at the forefront of efforts to standardise how artificial intelligence systems interact with airline retailing infrastructure. The move signals a shift in how carriers and travel sellers deploy AI-driven tools, with the company describing the MCP layer as a step towards more interoperable and context-aware digital commerce in aviation. […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai National Properties has unveiled plans for a 26-storey Grade A commercial tower in Barsha Heights, marking a significant addition to Dubai’s expanding office real estate market and signalling sustained investor confidence in the emirate’s commercial property sector. The development, announced by the real estate arm of National Bonds, is positioned to cater to rising demand for premium office space in Dubai, where occupancy […]
Gaps between on-premise and cloud identity systems are creating a growing security blind spot, as organisations adopting hybrid Active Directory environments struggle to maintain consistent user credentials across platforms. Security analysts warn that “identity drift” — a condition where user attributes, permissions or credentials fall out of sync between systems — is emerging as a critical vulnerability in enterprise infrastructure. Hybrid identity setups, commonly built around Microsoft’s […]
Security researchers have uncovered a vulnerability in Amazon Web Services Bedrock’s code interpreter environment, raising concerns over the robustness of isolation safeguards in generative AI systems and prompting renewed scrutiny of cloud-based development tools used by enterprises. The flaw, identified in Bedrock’s sandboxed execution layer, centres on weaknesses in DNS handling that could allow data exfiltration from supposedly isolated environments. Analysts say the issue highlights structural challenges […]
Nigeria’s telecommunications sector faces escalating risks from artificial intelligence-driven fraud, prompting warnings that operators must strengthen defences with advanced detection systems and tighter internal controls to protect revenue and customer trust. A new advisory from PwC highlights how fraudsters are increasingly deploying generative AI tools, automated bots and deepfake technologies to exploit vulnerabilities across mobile networks, digital payment platforms and customer verification systems. The firm says the […]
South Africa’s long-term inflation expectations have fallen to their lowest level on record, signalling a shift in sentiment among households, businesses and financial analysts as price pressures ease and monetary policy credibility strengthens. The Bureau for Economic Research’s latest quarterly inflation expectations survey, covering the first three months of the year, shows average expectations for inflation over the next five years declining notably compared with previous readings. […]
Supply chains across the Gulf are under mounting strain as escalating conflict in the Middle East disrupts shipping lanes and drives a sharp rise in insurance premiums, with business leaders warning of wider economic fallout and higher consumer prices. The Federation of GCC Chambers said companies across member states were facing severe logistical bottlenecks after maritime risks intensified in key transit routes, including the Strait of Hormuz […]
Zimbabwe’s abrupt ban on the export of unprocessed lithium has sent ripples through global battery supply chains, triggering uncertainty among miners, refiners and manufacturers while intensifying competition for alternative sources of the critical mineral. The government’s move, aimed at forcing local beneficiation and boosting domestic value addition, has effectively halted shipments of lithium ore to key overseas buyers. The policy has disrupted established trade flows, particularly those […]
Greenlogue/AP Escalating conflict involving Iran has triggered sharp volatility across global energy markets, prompting a stark warning from the United Nations’ climate leadership that the turmoil exposes structural dependence on fossil fuels and reinforces the urgency of transitioning to cleaner energy systems. Simon Stiell, executive secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, described the disruption as a clear demonstration of how geopolitical shocks tied […]
Dubai Police reopened key airport-bound roads after a disruption linked to a fire incident near Dubai International Airport forced temporary closures and traffic diversions, easing congestion that had built up across surrounding districts and arterial routes. Authorities said precautionary measures were introduced early Monday after reports of a fire in the vicinity of Dubai International Airport, prompting swift action from emergency services and traffic management teams. Access […]
Senior executives within the fund have indicated that elevated equity valuations and tightening liquidity conditions have prompted a reassessment of asset allocation, with a renewed emphasis on fixed-income securities offering more predictable returns. The adjustment comes after a sustained phase during which pension funds and institutional investors channelled significant capital into equities, buoyed by strong benchmark indices and robust inflows into retirement savings schemes.
The recalibration is being closely tracked by bond traders and policymakers alike, given the fund’s size and influence. With assets under management running into several lakh crore rupees, its portfolio decisions often ripple across markets. Analysts suggest that a rotation back into government securities and high-grade corporate bonds could provide much-needed support to yields that have remained elevated amid persistent borrowing requirements and global rate uncertainty.
Market data indicates that benchmark 10-year government bond yields have faced upward pressure over the past year, reflecting a combination of domestic fiscal dynamics and global monetary tightening cycles. While inflation has moderated within the central bank’s tolerance band, the trajectory of interest rates has remained cautious, limiting appetite for long-duration debt. Against this backdrop, a large institutional shift towards bonds may ease supply-demand imbalances.
Fund managers argue that equities, after a prolonged rally, are showing signs of valuation stretch in certain sectors. Price-to-earnings multiples in segments such as financials and consumer stocks have expanded significantly, prompting concerns about forward return potential. The pension fund’s move reflects a broader reassessment within long-term capital pools that prioritise capital preservation alongside growth.
Officials familiar with the strategy say the shift does not signal a wholesale retreat from equities but rather a rebalancing to maintain target allocations. Retirement funds, by design, require a calibrated approach that aligns with long-term liabilities, often necessitating periodic adjustments in response to market conditions. The current tilt towards bonds is viewed as part of that disciplined framework rather than a reactionary move.
The development also intersects with policy considerations. Government borrowing programmes remain substantial as authorities continue to fund infrastructure expansion and welfare commitments. Stable demand from domestic institutional investors such as pension funds and insurance companies plays a critical role in ensuring smooth absorption of debt issuances without excessive volatility in yields.
Economists note that domestic factors are increasingly shaping the bond market’s trajectory, even as global influences persist. The interplay between fiscal policy, inflation trends, and monetary stance has created a complex environment where investor positioning becomes a key determinant of market stability. In such a scenario, large pension funds shifting allocations can act as a counterweight to external shocks.
At the same time, some market participants caution that the scale and pace of the shift will determine its actual impact. If the transition is gradual, its effect on yields may be limited, particularly if foreign portfolio flows remain volatile. Conversely, a more pronounced reallocation could compress yields and improve liquidity in secondary markets.
Industry experts highlight that pension funds globally tend to rotate between asset classes based on valuation cycles and macroeconomic signals. The current adjustment by UTI Pension Fund aligns with similar trends observed in other markets, where long-term investors are seeking to lock in yields amid expectations that interest rates may remain higher for longer than previously anticipated.
The move also carries implications for equity markets, which have benefited from sustained domestic institutional inflows. While there is no immediate indication of a sharp withdrawal, a moderation in fresh allocations could influence market momentum, especially in sectors heavily reliant on institutional support. Traders say the impact may be more visible in mid- and small-cap segments, where valuations have risen sharply.
Regulatory frameworks governing pension funds encourage diversification and prudent risk management, limiting excessive concentration in any single asset class. The rebalancing towards bonds is consistent with these guidelines, reinforcing the importance of stability in retirement portfolios. It also underscores the evolving maturity of the pension fund ecosystem, which is becoming a more active participant in capital market dynamics.
Officials associated with the fund emphasise that long-term growth prospects of the economy remain intact, supporting continued engagement with equities over time. However, the current environment calls for a measured approach that balances return expectations with risk mitigation, particularly in the face of global uncertainties and shifting monetary conditions.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Aramco Stadium has been named Strategic Partner for the 2026 edition of the Sports Investment Forum, a move that underscores the growing alignment between Saudi Arabia’s large-scale sports infrastructure projects and global investment platforms. The event is scheduled to take place from April 20 to 22 at The Ritz-Carlton in Riyadh, drawing policymakers, investors and industry executives as the Kingdom accelerates its push […]
This investment and partnership reflect a shared ambition to strengthen connections between Southeast Asia and Greater China, leveraging Hong Kong’s role as a regional gateway for advanced automotive capabilities, technology development, and global talent. With the support from the HKIC, CARSOME will drive initiatives across areas such as supply chain sourcing and technology collaboration, accelerating the application of data and artificial intelligence (AI) in the automotive sector, which further empowers CARSOME for its regional expansion.
“CARSOME has spent the last several years focused on building a resilient, profitable business with strong fundamentals,” said Eric Cheng, CARSOME Group Co-founder and CEO. “This strategic collaboration and fundraise is a vote of confidence in our continued momentum and long-term vision. This partnership gives us crucial access to innovation capabilities, cross-border networks, and world-class talent that will support our work in AI, data, and next-generation mobility services across Southeast Asia.”
Clara Chan, Chief Executive Officer of the HKIC, said, “We are pleased to support CARSOME as part of our continued effort to harness technology to drive industry transformation, contributing to Hong Kong’s long-term economic development and resilience. With Hong Kong’s unique position as a gateway connecting global innovation and investment opportunities, CARSOME exemplifies the type of high-conviction, technology-driven enterprise that aligns with the HKIC’s mandate to foster scalable innovation across our strategic sectors. We look forward to supporting forward-thinking companies like CARSOME in creating tangible value for the future of Hong Kong.”
Chibo Tang, Managing Partner of Gobi Partners, said, “CARSOME is a leading example of how Southeast Asian startups are well-positioned to create close ties with partners in Greater China, leveraging each region’s unique strengths. We are pleased to be a returning investor in CARSOME, having supported them for almost a decade. Gobi was an early believer in CARSOME’s ability to scale across international borders, and we are happy to see their early potential come to fruition as they reimagine the way consumers across Asia purchase vehicles.”
Hashtag: #CARSOME
http://www.carsome.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/carsome/
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
CARSOME is Southeast Asia’s largest integrated car e-commerce platform. With operations across Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore, CARSOME aims to digitize the region’s used car industry by reshaping and elevating the car transaction and ownership experience.
Together with subsidiary brands iCar Asia, WapCar, and CarTimes, CARSOME Academy, and CARSOME Capital, CARSOME provides end-to-end solutions to consumers and used car dealers across the decision funnel, from car content consumption, car inspection, and ownership transfer to financing and other ancillary services, as well as an automotive training institution, promising to bring trust, transparency, and choice to our customers. For more information, please visit www.carsome.com.
The HKIC was established in 2022 as the Patient Capital institution wholly owned by and representing the HKSAR Government. It adopts an “Investment +” approach, seeking reasonable financial return in the medium to long term and at the same time creating and supporting growth impetus with a view to contributing to Hong Kong’s economy and society.
The HKIC currently manages the “Hong Kong Growth Portfolio”, “Greater Bay Area Investment Fund”, “Strategic Tech Fund”, and “Co-Investment Fund”. At this stage, it is focusing on three key sectors, namely Hard and Core Technology, Biotech, and New Energy and Green Technology, as well as the relevant applications.
As of January 2026, the HKIC has invested in over 170 projects. Every Hong Kong dollar invested by the HKIC has attracted over 6 Hong Kong dollars from long-term capital for investment. Visit the website for more information: https://www.hkic.org.hk/
Founded in 2002, Gobi Partners is a leading pan-Asian investment firm specialising in bespoke capital solutions for family offices, sovereign wealth funds, financial institutions and corporate investors. Headquartered in Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur, Gobi manages US$1.7 billion across 20 funds, investing in early to growth-stage companies with the potential for generational and global impact.
The firm’s team of over 90 investment professionals operates from 17 locations, curating a diversified portfolio of more than 400 companies, with 75 exits achieved to date. Gobi is recognised for its long-term, values-aligned approach, building ecosystems at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and inclusion. From pioneering TaqwaTech for two billion Muslims, to advancing the circular economy, to promoting gender-diverse leadership, Gobi backs the trends that are reshaping societies.
Gobi’s edge lies in identifying structural and demographic shifts, forging partnerships with universities and institutions of higher education; bridging world-class research with private capital and bringing deep technology breakthroughs to commercialisation.
For more information, please visit: https://gobi.vc/
Asia Partners is a growth equity firm focused on the next generation of high-growth technology and technology-enabled companies that will transform the Southeast Asia economy. Its mission is to empower founders to build a new generation of tech giants, through deploying capital that directly addresses the region’s ‘Series C/D Gap’, and expertise in operating skills, drawing upon its collective experience of growing eight multi-billion dollar companies, including three in Southeast Asia.
Visit the website for more information: https://www.asiapartners.com/
The event was attended by an official delegation from the Embassy of Malaysia in the Philippines, Mr. Norjufri Nizar Edrus, Deputy Chief of Mission; Ms. Azlina Che Dir, Trade Commissioner; and Mr. Mohd Amsyari Yahya, Assistant Trade Commissioner from MATRADE Manila.
The conference highlighted AutoCount’s product developments, software localization for Philippines BIR compliance, and 2026 roadmap, reinforcing its commitment to helping SMEs thrive in the country’s digital economy and cashless payment ecosystem.
Driving the Cashless Revolution: Euronet QRPH Integration
The key highlight of the conference was the unveiling of AutoCount’ integrated Point of Sale (POS) solution. By partnering with Euronet Services Inc., AutoCount now enables merchants to accept standardized QRPH payments directly within their existing POS workflow.
This integration eliminates the need for additional external hardware and complex manual entry, addressing the growing consumer preference for contactless transactions in the Philippines. Key benefits for merchants include:
Full BIR Compliance for Philippine SMEs
Navigating tax regulations is a challenge for local businesses. Retailers can now operate with confidence that their system meets BIR requirements for official receipts, sales reporting, and proper record-keeping, eliminating compliance concerns and allowing them to focus on growing their business instead.
Speaking at the launch, AutoCount CEO, Mr. Choo Yan Tiee highlighted, “The retail landscape is changing fast. Customers expect convenience, cashless options, and faster checkout. QR payments are no longer optional. They are becoming the standard. With this integration, we are equipping our partners, and support merchants with a future-ready solution that aligns with the Philippines’ digital payment direction.”
Empowering a Growing Partner Ecosystem
The conference was attended by over 60 partners from the Philippines, and Malaysia, reflecting the growing strength of AutoCount’s regional network. A dedicated session showcased partner-developed plugins, proving the software’s flexibility and extensibility to support diverse industries and business requirements.
Strategic Vision for 2026
The event concluded with a roadmap focused on deeper localization and strengthening the Authorized Partner network in Philippines. As the digital economy accelerates, AutoCount remains committed to delivering compliant, scalable, BIR CAS-ready accounting and POS solutions for SMEs.
Hashtag: #BusinessSolutions #SMEGrowth #DigitalTransformation #DigitalEconomy #AccountingSoftware #POSSoftware #BIRAccredited #CashlessPayments #PhilippinesSMEs #EntrepreneursPH #PhilippinesBusiness #AutoCount #PartnerConference2026 #Euronet #MATRADE
https://ph.autocountsoft.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/autocount-my/
https://facebook.com/autocountphilippines
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
The Group is principally engaged in the development and distribution of financial management software comprising accounting, Point of Sale (POS) and payroll under its “AutoCount” brand. Its range of software is designed to support the fundamental finance and accounting functions of a business.
By Nantoo Banerjee Notwithstanding the assurance given in Parliament last week by Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri on India’s ‘robust’ energy supplies, fuel and gas prices in the country are expected to shoot up soon in keeping with the global trend. The minister’s statement appears to be substantially political having little […]
The article Petro Products Prices In Import-Dependent India May Surge Further appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).
Arabian Post Special Missile and drone strikes linked to the widening confrontation around Iran have forced Gulf governments to confront a reality long considered unlikely: the region’s economic hubs, energy infrastructure and aviation networks can no longer assume insulation from large-scale conflict. Airports, oil terminals and urban centres across the Gulf have experienced disruptions as Iranian projectiles and drones targeted sites tied to military or logistical support […]
