PORT ELIZABETH, SOUTH AFRICA – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 October 2026 – On October 29, the BAIC FOTON Africa Partners Conference, themed “Drive to Great,” will take place in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Over 600 distributors, key customers, industry partners and media representatives from 42 African countries and regions will gather to explore commercial vehicle market opportunities and witness FOTON’s progress in localized operations and regional cooperation. From manufacturing achievements to new product launches, the conference promises exciting highlights.
BAIC FOTON Africa Partners Conference
Deepening Localization: Manufacturing Strength in Focus
Localization remains central to BAIC FOTON’s global development. As a key manufacturing base in Africa, the BAIC South Africa Plant strengthens regional production capabilities and market responsiveness.
During the conference, guests will tour the plant to gain firsthand insights into localized manufacturing and operational achievements. The BAIC FOTON Africa Regional Training Center will also be officially unveiled, supporting product technology training, talent development and service capabilities to further strengthen regional operations.
Product Innovation: New Launches and Dynamic Experiences
Addressing Africa’s diverse transportation needs, BAIC FOTON will introduce its latest commercial vehicle lineup. The GALAXUS R5 and C5 heavy trucks will officially launch in Africa, while the TUNLAND PHEV pickup will make its South African debut, offering more choices for different transport scenarios.
Beyond product launches, the conference will feature static displays of medium- and heavy-duty trucks, light commercial vehicles, pickups and vans. Drift performances and test drives will provide immersive opportunities to experience vehicle power, comfort and handling, bringing product innovation to life.
Strengthening Partnerships: Advancing Together in Africa
The conference will facilitate discussions on regional development strategies, market expansion and partner collaboration. Strategic cooperation initiatives and customer vehicle deliveries will further reinforce relationships with African partners.
With growing localized manufacturing capabilities, an expanding product portfolio and stronger service support, BAIC FOTON continues to build a foundation for sustainable development in Africa while exploring new opportunities alongside its partners.
On October 29, the BAIC FOTON Africa Partners Conference will open in South Africa. Stay tuned for more highlights.
Hashtag: #BAICFOTON
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
By Dr. Gyan Pathak The challenge to the constitutional validity of the Chief Election Commissioner’s (CEC’s) decisions have entered a crucial phase on October 27. The Supreme Court has not only given 10 days time to the petitioners to file their rejoinders to the affidavit filed by the ECI, but also indicated that they would […]
Mumbai’s benchmark stock indices declined on Tuesday as selling in information technology shares and elevated crude oil prices weighed on investor sentiment ahead of the US Federal Reserve’s monetary policy decision.
The 30-share BSE Sensex fell 0.16 per cent to 73,497.28, while the NSE Nifty 50 slipped 0.06 per cent to 22,738.55 during Tuesday’s trading. Losses were concentrated in technology stocks, although gains in several consumer and industrial companies helped contain the decline.
The Nifty IT index dropped approximately 1.8 per cent, making technology one of the weakest sectors. Infosys shares declined 2.8 per cent after the company lowered its revenue growth guidance for the financial year ending March 2027, prompting investors to reassess earnings expectations.
Other major technology companies also faced selling pressure. Tata Consultancy Services and HCL Technologies traded lower as investors examined the implications of weaker growth expectations for outsourcing companies dependent on overseas corporate spending.
Crude oil prices remained another concern. Brent crude hovered near $115 a barrel, close to its highest level in six months, following attacks on Saudi Arabia that intensified concerns about energy supplies and geopolitical tensions across West Asia.
Elevated petroleum prices present significant challenges for India’s economy because the country depends heavily on imported crude. Sustained increases can raise transportation and manufacturing costs, complicate inflation management and weaken profit margins for companies unable to pass additional expenses to customers.
Oil-sensitive businesses, including airlines, paint manufacturers, tyre producers and petroleum marketing companies, face particular exposure to changes in energy prices. Investors are monitoring whether higher input costs will affect corporate earnings during the current reporting season.
Attention has also shifted towards the Federal Reserve’s two-day policy meeting, which begins on Tuesday and concludes on Wednesday. Financial markets broadly expect the central bank to maintain its benchmark interest rate at 3.75 to 4 per cent.
The accompanying policy statement and remarks from Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh will be examined for indications of future interest rate adjustments, particularly whether persistent inflation could require additional monetary tightening.
Higher US interest rates can influence investment flows towards dollar-denominated assets, potentially reducing foreign portfolio investment in emerging markets. Changes in American Treasury yields and the dollar’s exchange rate therefore remain important considerations for domestic equities.
Ponmudi R, chief executive of Enrich Money, has identified elevated crude prices, geopolitical uncertainty and the Federal Reserve’s policy outlook as major influences on market sentiment. He has cautioned that tighter American monetary conditions could constrain foreign investment flows.
Tuesday’s weakness followed a recovery in the previous session, when the Sensex advanced 482.92 points to close at 73,606.75 and the Nifty gained 153.20 points to finish at 22,753.20.
Monday’s advance ended four consecutive sessions of losses, during which the Sensex had declined 2.15 per cent and the Nifty 2.36 per cent. The rebound reflected renewed buying in selected companies after the earlier market correction.
Despite Tuesday’s benchmark declines, broader market performance remained comparatively resilient. Small-cap shares gained approximately 1.7 per cent, while mid-cap stocks advanced around 0.5 per cent, indicating that selling pressure was not uniformly distributed.
Company-specific earnings developments also generated substantial movements. Tata Consumer Products rose approximately 5.9 per cent after reporting quarterly profits that exceeded market expectations, attracting buying interest despite the weakness in benchmark indices.
Automotive components manufacturer Sona BLW Precision Forgings advanced around 6.3 per cent following improvements in quarterly revenue and earnings. The gains demonstrated continued investor interest in companies delivering stronger operating results.
Astec Lifesciences, meanwhile, declined approximately 2.5 per cent after reporting lower quarterly profits, reflecting the market’s selective response to corporate financial disclosures.
Institutional investment patterns remained under scrutiny. Exchange data showed foreign portfolio investors sold shares worth approximately Rs 1,462.49 crore on Monday, while domestic institutional investors purchased equities valued at Rs 2,609.57 crore.
Domestic institutional buying helped support Monday’s recovery, although foreign investment decisions remain sensitive to international interest rates, currency movements and geopolitical developments.
Market participants are also awaiting September industrial production figures, scheduled for Wednesday, alongside further quarterly earnings announcements from major listed companies.
The October monthly expiry of Nifty derivatives contracts falls on Tuesday, adding another trading consideration as investors adjust outstanding positions before settlement.
By Ashok Nilakantan Ayers WASHINGTON: The final week of America’s 2026 midterm election campaign has become a high-stakes confrontation between President Donald Trump and a Democratic opposition seeking to turn voter dissatisfaction over the economy into control of Congress. Neither Trump nor former president Barack Obama is on the ballot. Yet both are criss-crossing the […]
New capital positions the robotics and industrial automation group to expand hardware automation across KitchenBASE sites in Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and Australia
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 October 2026 – Six markets across Asia-Pacific stand to gain from a $1.7 billion investment into Atoms, the robotics and industrial automation group founded by Uber co-founder Travis Kalanick. Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) led the round, joined by Uber, Bain Capital, Fifth Wall, and other institutional investors. The result strengthens a group that includes KitchenBASE, a commercial kitchen network spanning six of the most active food markets in the region.
New Capital, New Capability
The a16z-led round also adds Ben Horowitz, co-founder of the firm, to the Atoms board. This positions the group to push harder into robotics across food, mining, and transport. Within Atoms Food, KitchenBASE sits alongside hardware projects such as automated bowl-builders and order conveyance robots built to cut labour friction inside commercial kitchens. Fresh capital gives these projects more room to develop, with knock-on gains for the KitchenBASE network across Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and Australia.
A Boost for Regional Operators
For operators across Asia-Pacific, the benefits are practical. KitchenBASE facilities come licensed and ready-to-fit, and this lets food businesses move in under flexible contracts without the capital outlay of a traditional lease.
Brands that want to test a single market or push into several at once find a foothold in high-demand delivery zones across all six markets. New investment from Atoms in hardware automation and physical workflow management is expected to further sharpen efficiency and reliability, giving KitchenBASE operators a faster path to scale.
Hashtag: #ATOMS
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Atoms
Atoms is an industrial automation and robotics company founded by Travis Kalanick. Atoms Food includes KitchenBASE alongside food-tech hardware projects. Autonomous haulage and machine systems sit under Atoms Mining. Robotic wheelbases and autonomous movement systems for heavy industry fall under Atoms Transport.
About KitchenBASE
KitchenBASE is the food infrastructure arm behind six brands trading across Asia-Pacific. Formally known as Freshlane in Hong Kong, Smart City Kitchens in Singapore, KitchenNow in Taiwan, KitchenBASE in Japan, Kitchen Valley in Korea, and Chef Collective in Australia. Each brand equips food businesses with licensed kitchen space built for speed to market, so operators can rely on a steady base to launch, test, and expand.
Ukraine’s cybersecurity authorities have warned that hackers are infiltrating Dahua surveillance cameras and video recorders through predictable serial numbers, weak passwords and unpatched software vulnerabilities. The Computer Emergency Response Team of Ukraine, CERT-UA, identified intrusions in which attackers altered device configurations and created unauthorised accounts, potentially giving them continuing access to surveillance equipment. The agency has not disclosed the number of affected devices, the dates of the […]
Cybercriminals are exploiting Instagram advertisements and neglected website tracking code to infect vulnerable iPhones with powerful spyware, according to a joint investigation by cybersecurity firms iVerify and Report URI, tracing attacks across social media and retail websites. The researchers identified multiple delivery routes for Coruna and DarkSword, two exploit kits capable of compromising devices and extracting sensitive information. Their findings, published on 21 and 22 October, show […]
Microsoft has opened a voluntary departure programme to approximately 60,000 employees across four countries, offering severance support as the technology group adjusts staffing across several major businesses. The initiative, announced on Monday, covers eligible workers in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and India. It encompasses more than a quarter of Microsoft’s global workforce, although the company has not specified how many departures it expects. Amy Coleman, […]
Iron ore remained close to its lowest level in more than two years as weakening steel demand in China and rising global shipments kept pressure on prices, despite expectations of additional economic support from Beijing. The benchmark November contract on the Singapore Exchange traded around $90.60 a tonne on Monday, October 26, after falling below $90 earlier this month. The most-traded contract on China’s Dalian Commodity Exchange […]
Anthropic has confirmed that its Claude artificial intelligence model obtained Georgia election statistics through a payment-restricted government dashboard without being instructed to do so, prompting new safeguards against unauthorised actions. The company said on Sunday that Claude retrieved aggregate vote counts during an internal statistics project. The information was publicly available for a fee, but the model independently requested an access token and used it to query […]
Veeam Software is holding its VeeamON Tour Dubai conference on Tuesday, bringing together more than 400 technology executives, cybersecurity specialists and partners to examine the protection of corporate data used by artificial intelligence systems. The event, scheduled at Address Sky View, focuses on data security, recovery and governance as businesses increasingly deploy autonomous AI agents capable of accessing sensitive information and performing tasks across enterprise systems. Organisers […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Apple has introduced an OLED-equipped iPad mini with a larger, brighter display, a faster processor, enhanced connectivity and water resistance, marking a substantial redesign of its smallest and most portable tablet. The device, announced on Monday, features an 8.5-inch Super Retina XDR screen, Apple’s A20 Pro chip and a thinner enclosure. Pre-orders open on October 28, with deliveries and retail availability scheduled for […]
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 October 2026 – Singapore fashion label Anmako has launched the SEISO Collection, a new range of occasion wear in Singapore designed for weddings, celebrations, formal events and professional settings.
Anmako Launches SEISO, a New Occasion Wear Collection in Singapore
Officially launched on 21 August 2026, the collection takes its name from the Japanese term 「正装」, meaning “formal wear”, reflecting its focus on clothing for special occasions.
The collection was developed in response to customer demand for occasion wear, particularly for clothing suited to weddings, anniversaries and other significant events. It also expands the brand’s existing range, which covers everyday, holiday and formal wear.
The SEISO Collection incorporates heritage-inspired fabrics and silhouettes into contemporary designs. Traditional elements have been retained and adapted to create pieces intended to remain relevant beyond a single season.
“The SEISO Collection elevates our signature designs and craftsmanship into a more refined collection created especially for formal and meaningful occasions,” said Eiko Sumantri, Director of Anmako.
Batik Tulis Features Across the Collection Batik Tulis is one of the main materials used in the SEISO Collection. Anmako’s batik fabric is mainly produced in Pekalongan and Cirebon, with many pieces made in limited quantities or as one-of-a-kind designs.
The collection also includes Batik Tulis Prada, a type of Batik Tulis featuring gold detailing. SEISO is also the brand’s first collection to include Natural Dye Batik Tulis.
Produced using plant-based dyes, the natural-dye fabric appears in softer shades such as smoky green and blue. It is used in the Batik Tulis Natural Dye Dress, providing a more understated contrast to the brighter colours found in some of the cotton-and-silk Batik Tulis pieces.
Contemporary Adaptations of Traditional Silhouettes Several designs in the collection reinterpret traditional garment forms for contemporary use.
The Sarong Skirt takes inspiration from the traditional sarong but uses a back zip instead of a wrap-and-tie construction. This allows the skirt to retain the overall appearance of a sarong while making it easier to wear.
The Batik Tulis Cotton/Silk Cheongsam Dress expands on Anmako’s approach to the batik cheongsam by combining a cheongsam silhouette with Batik Tulis fabric. The cotton-and-silk blend gives the material a subtle sheen compared with pure cotton, making it more suited to formal occasions.
The collection also includes the White/Gold Lace Dress, which differs from many of Anmako’s existing designs as it uses neither batik nor Japanese fabric. The dress features a clean silhouette with gold detailing, adding another option to the SEISO range.
Most of the occasion wear pieces in the SEISO Collection are one of a kind.
Designed for a Range of Formal Occasions Anmako developed SEISO for customers looking for occasion wear for weddings, graduation ceremonies, conferences, important meetings, festive celebrations and other significant occasions.
The designs have also been kept relatively timeless so that they can be worn beyond a single event or season. Through the collection, Anmako continues to incorporate traditional textiles and garment influences into clothing made for contemporary use.
“We developed SEISO in response to customers looking for distinctive occasion wear pieces for weddings, anniversaries and other special occasions,” said Eiko. “It gave us an opportunity to bring the fabrics and craftsmanship associated with Anmako into a collection created specifically for these moments.”
The SEISO Collection is available at Anmako’s store on Level 3 of Takashimaya and through the Anmako online store, with prices ranging from S$229 to S$899.
The collection will remain available throughout the rest of 2026 and through the Chinese New Year period in 2027.Hashtag: #Anmako
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Anmako
Anmako is a Singapore fashion label inspired by the city’s lifestyle and cultures. Its collections include clothing for everyday wear, holidays and formal occasions, with a focus on distinctive fabrics, craftsmanship and contemporary interpretations of traditional design.
Elvis Presley’s music rights holders have filed a multimillion-dollar lawsuit against artificial intelligence company Anthropic, accusing it of using 274 copyrighted songs without permission to train its Claude chatbot. The complaint, filed on October 23 in the US District Court for the Northern District of California, alleges that Anthropic unlawfully copied song lyrics, incorporated them into its artificial intelligence systems and enabled users to generate unauthorised versions […]
Artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency are moving towards practical financial applications, but regulatory uncertainty, technological limitations and institutional infrastructure remain significant obstacles, industry executives and investment specialists told the CryptoAI Summit 2026 in New York. The conference, organised by blockchain news platform Bitpush, brought together representatives from banking, investment management, technology, academia and digital asset businesses to examine how artificial intelligence could reshape payments, trading and financial services. […]
Artificial intelligence has yet to produce measurable gains in profitability or revenue per employee across most major US companies, according to Apollo Global Management chief economist Torsten Slok, challenging expectations that heavy investment in the technology would rapidly improve business performance. Slok’s analysis, published on October 24, compares the seven largest technology-oriented stocks with the remaining 493 companies in the S&P 500. He found that revenue per […]
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 October 2026 – Singaporeans are more active than ever, spending an average of $150 per month on fitness activities. But as sport and exercise participation hits an all-time high, so does the risk of injury, and most people are not financially prepared for what comes after.
Singapore clinics have reported a twofold increase in pickleball-related injuries as the sport’s popularity surges across all age groups. ACL injuries among young athletes are on the rise, with rehabilitation timelines stretching nine to 12 months. Cycling accidents continue to result in serious fractures requiring extended hospitalisation leave.
Whether it is a weekend football match, a morning run with a crew, or an evening game of pickleball, the risk of an injury that keeps a working adult off their feet, and off the payroll, is higher than many realise.
Staying active is one of the best things Singaporeans can do for their health, but a single sports injury can undo months of financial planning. While health insurance covers the hospital stay, it does not replace lost income during the weeks or months of recovery at home. Mortgage payments, household expenses, and rehabilitation costs do not stop just because a pay cheque does.
Allianz Accident Protect Plus, a personal accident insurance plan starting from SGD $14.25 per month, is designed to close that gap. When an accident leaves someone unable to work, the plan pays a weekly cash benefit of up to SGD $200 for up to 104 weeks, even if they are recovering at home rather than in a hospital bed.
The plan also covers medical and surgical expenses of up to SGD $7,000 per accident, including physiotherapy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and chiropractic treatments. For those who do require hospitalisation, a daily hospital income of up to SGD $200 for up to 750 days provides additional support. And because the policy covers injuries sustained through recreational and leisure activities, and accidents beyond the sporting arena, it offers peace of mind whether you are on the court, on the road, or simply going about your day.
Allianz believes that an active lifestyle should be a source of wellbeing, not financial worry. Allianz Accident Protect Plus gives customers the confidence to stay active, knowing that if an injury sidelines them, their finances do not have to be.
Coverage is subject to the terms, conditions, and exclusions of the Allianz Accident Protect Plus policy. Please refer to the Policy Wording for full details. This policy is protected under the Policy Owners’ Protection Scheme which is administered by the Singapore Deposit Insurance Corporation (SDIC). This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Hashtag: #AllianzInsuranceSingapore
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Allianz Insurance Singapore Pte. Ltd.
At Allianz Insurance Singapore, we aim to secure the future and create a positive impact on society and the environment by leveraging our expertise in risk management. As we work toward strengthening our position as one of Singapore’s leading risk solutions providers, we deliver innovative and customer‑focused protection solutions for individuals, SMEs, and mid‑corporate clients – spanning Motor, Home Content, Travel, Personal Accident, Cancer, Hospital Income, and a comprehensive suite of commercial insurance offerings.
The Mosprom Export Support Center arranged a series of meetings between Moscow industrial companies and potential clients in Manama. The parties to the talks discussed joint projects in construction, IT and telecoms, as well as supplies of sweet goods to the local market. This was reported by Maksim Liksutov, Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry. “The capital is a confident leader among Russian regions in […]
New Merck Hong Kong Centre to Connect Global Expertise with Local Innovators and Accelerate R&D Commercialisation
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 October 2026 – Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) and Merck, a leading science and technology company in life science, healthcare and electronics, signed a collaboration agreement today to establish their strategic partnership. Under the agreement, Merck will establish the “Merck Hong Kong Centre” at Hong Kong Science Park, dedicated to bringing in advanced scientific products, showcasing live technological demonstrations, and providing expert consultation services. Through technical training and clinical advisory sessions, an innovation scouting programme, and the co-hosting of an annual flagship event, the partnership will connect HKSTP’s I&T ecosystem with Merck’s domain expertise and global networks, supporting local startups and I&T talent, accelerating the translation of R&D outcomes into real-world applications, and jointly capturing opportunities across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and international markets.
Witnessed by Dr Annika Bolten-Drutschmann, Consul General of Germany (Second row middle), Ms Cordelia Chung, Chairman of HKSTP (Second row first from left), and Mr Peter Yan, Director-General of the OASES (Second row first from right), Mr Terry Wong, Chief Executive Officer of HKSTP (Front row first from left), and Mr Rogier Janssens, President of Merck China (Front row first from right), signed the partnership agreement to establish their strategic partnership.
The HKSAR Government’s recently announced First Five-Year Plan places a strong focus on strategic industries, including life and health technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and new industrialisation, while the latest Policy Address sets out Hong Kong’s ambition to accelerate its development into an international health and medical innovation hub, progressively expanding access to the GBA, international markets, and capital markets. Arriving at a pivotal moment as Hong Kong I&T development enters a new phase, the partnership will bring together top-tier global scientific resources and inject fresh momentum into the city’s I&T sector.
Witnessed by Dr. Annika Bolten-Drutschmann, Consul General of Germany, Ms Cordelia Chung, Chairman of HKSTPand Mr. Peter Yan, Director-General of the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES), Mr. Terry Wong, Chief Executive Officer of HKSTP, and Mr. Rogier Janssens, President of Merck China, signed the partnership agreement. The signing was followed by the “Merck x HKSTP Groundbreaking Ceremony”, marking the official commencement of the Merck Hong Kong Centre and turning the partnership to a new chapter.
Mr. Terry Wong, Chief Executive Officer of HKSTP, said, “We are delighted to welcome Merck, a leading science and technology company, in establishing a strategic partnership with HKSTP and Hong Kong’s I&T ecosystem. As Hong Kong enters an exciting new phase of I&T development, collaboration with global leaders like Merck is crucial to foster the growth of the life and health tech sector. Our shared vision goes beyond offering physical space: we are bringing Merck’s advanced technologies, scientific expertise and global networks closer to our startups and researchers, helping them turn discoveries into practical solutions and explore opportunities for pilot projects, commercial partnerships and investment. Powered by the city’s unique positioning as the super connector between the Chinese Mainland and global markets, this partnership will catalyse collaboration between Merck’s global excellence in life sciences and HKSTP’s thriving ecosystem — taking the discovery and commercialisation of R&D results in the life and health sector to the next level, creating global impact and benefiting humankind.”
Mr. Rogier Janssens, President of Merck China, said, “Hong Kong’s first Five-Year Plan places innovation and technology at the heart of the city’s future, giving science and technology companies like Merck a clear direction for lasting engagement. For 358 years, Merck has advanced science and technology with a patient, generational outlook, and we are now deepening our presence in the Greater Bay Area’s innovation landscape. Merck Hong Kong Centre is the first step of that commitment in Hong Kong. Located next to HKSTP’s shared biomedical laboratory, it places our products and experts alongside the scientists and startups driving the research. We can help them build reliable, reproducible workflows from early experimentation to scale-up, and we can understand earlier what their science needs. Together with HKSTP, we aim to prove this approach in Hong Kong and replicate it elsewhere in China and beyond.”
Under the agreement, the collaboration will focus on four key initiatives:
Merck Hong Kong Centre: The dedicated physical facility at Hong Kong Science Park will provide Park startups and researchers with advanced scientific product supply, live demonstrations of cutting-edge technologies and expert consultation services. The Centre will serve as a physical hub connecting local innovators with Merck’s technology resources.
Training and Consultation Initiative: Connecting Merck’s industry experts with HKSTP’s startups and researchers through technical training, clinical advisory and professional consultation services to promote knowledge exchange and strengthen research and application capabilities.
Innovation Scouting Program: Establishing a structured mechanism to identify, evaluate and connect high-potential startups directly with Merck’s global innovation network, exploring collaboration opportunities including commercial partnerships, proof-of-concept pilot projects and strategic venture investment opportunities.
Merck Innovation Day: An annual flagship event held at Hong Kong Science Park focusing on life science, healthcare and electronics, bringing together startups, academia and industry leaders to showcase innovations and foster cross-sector exchange and co-development.
HKSTP is committed to building a vibrant I&T ecosystem and is currently home to around 400 life and health technology companies, supported by comprehensive R&D infrastructure and one-stop support services that help turn ideas into real-world applications. The partnership will further connect Park companies with Merck’s global resources, while providing Merck with a platform to access emerging technologies, research talent and high-potential companies in Hong Kong and the GBA, fostering two-way innovation exchange and opening up long-term collaboration opportunities.
Hashtag: #HKSTP
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
HKSTP
More information about HKSTP is available at www.hkstp.org.
300+ AI Applications Delivering Surges in Core Metrics and Annual Cost Reduction of Over CNY100 Million (Approx. US$15 Million)
NANJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 October 2026 – Nanjing Iron & Steel Co., Ltd. (NISCO) has worked with Huawei and ecosystem partners to commercially deploy the world’s first steel model powered by swarm intelligence—the YuanYe Steel Large Model (YuanYe)—across multiple scenarios at scale. This helps NISCO transition its core operations from relying on experience to being powered by data and intelligence collaboration.
NISCO’s intelligent operations center that covers the widest business range in the industry and uses 5-dimensional digital twins to deliver integrated production and operations management across spaces, boundaries, organizations, and equipment
As a traditional manufacturer navigating the challenges of transformation and cost efficiency, NISCO has built a robust digital and intelligent foundation by adopting industry-leading products including Ascend, Kunpeng, Huawei Cloud Stack, and Pangu models. By embedding AI into every core stage of production—ironmaking, steelmaking, rolling, and quality inspection—NISCO is forging green and high-end AI-powered super steel plants.
Unlike general-purpose monolithic models, YuanYe innovatively fuses multiple AI models with the steel industry’s metallurgical mechanism models to create a dual-drive, multi-model cluster architecture. This architecture features a “right brain” for probabilistic computing and a “left brain” for precise and scientific decision-making. Powered by massive amounts of sensing data aggregated from millions of operational technology (OT) data points across 26 business domains, NISCO has achieved real-time digital twin mapping within its intelligent operations center, laying solid data and scenario foundations for YuanYe. This enables the entire steelmaking process to become not only visible, but also capable of precise control and intelligent assessment. Now 100% of NISCO’s key equipment is connected and digitally controlled and its new product R&D cycles have been shortened by 50%, reducing annual costs by over CNY100 million (approx. US$15 million).
As the model continues to iterate, NISCO had launched 25 business agents by October 2026. These agents cover a wide range of scenarios, from visual quality inspection and process optimization to production scheduling and operations management, setting a new benchmark for digital and intelligent steel transformation.
NISCO’s hot-rolling production line in its heavy plate plant
Breakthroughs in four core scenarios: YuanYe redefines traditional operations for significant safety, efficiency, and quality gains
In the ironmaking stage, AI makes traditionally invisible blast furnaces transparent. YuanYe leverages blast furnaces’ internal sensor data and metallurgical mechanism analysis to perform real-time dynamic simulations of the ironmaking process. Assisted by furnace temperature prediction and health diagnosis models, furnace operators can predict temperatures and identify issues two hours in advance, with over 90% accuracy. This shifts furnace operations from reactive post-event remediation to proactive pre-control, increasing prime-grade molten iron yield by over 10% while significantly cutting unit energy consumption.
In the rolling stage, AI drives precise predictions and codifies expert experience to enhance the operational stability of steel rolling and secure leadership in product quality. To tackle the highly dynamic and complex operating conditions during the rolling process, YuanYe’s rolling-force prediction model achieves millisecond-level response, narrowing the thickness tolerance to ±0.2 mm and reducing the steel thickness deviation to 1.9% to reach a world-leading standard. The rolling-force hit rate has jumped from 88% to 98%, supporting a steady annual output of over 2.5 million tons of steel plates and increasing the overall yield rate by 0.5%. Enhanced dimensional precision and physical-chemical stability allow NISCO’s products to meet demanding steel specifications across diverse applications, ranging from mega stadiums and oil pipelines to 10,000-ton cruise ships and LNG storage tanks.
In quality inspection, the synergy between robots and AI models serves as a discerning “eagle eye”, doubling metallographic inspection efficiency. During metallographic inspection for finished steel, the integrated smart metallographic inspection system built on YuanYe has achieved full-process automation, covering sample grinding and polishing, image acquisition, and smart grading. Inspection accuracy has risen to over 95%, while per-sample inspection time has been shortened from 10 minutes down to 3–5 minutes. This 80% increase in overall inspection efficiency frees human operators to focus on anomaly analysis and high-level decision-making.
In the energy and environmental control stage, NISCO leverages the YuanYe architecture to develop the S-Link Intelligent Agent for Gas and Flue Gas Sulfur Control. Integrating 602 process parameters alongside multi-modal image and knowledge capabilities, the agent achieves a smart closed loop across source prediction, process optimization, and end-of-pipe compliance. By combining mechanism inversion with time-series forecasting, it issues precise sulfur-risk warnings one hour in advance, achieving a sulfur prediction accuracy of over 95%. Operational optimization algorithms then calculate the optimal gas blending scheme within seconds. Finally, game-theoretic models dynamically allocate emission quotas, slashing natural gas co-firing consumption by nearly 50%. This has reduced downtime caused by emission exceedance by over 25%, and delivered more than CNY600,000 (approx. US$90,000) in annual economic benefits—securing both environmental compliance and drastic cost reduction.
From automating labor to empowering people: Defining a new paradigm of inclusive AI
Li Jinyan, General Manager of the Digital and Intelligent Integrated Development Department and Director of the AI Research Institute at NISCO, said: “Digital and intelligent transformation is inherently human-centric. Its purpose is not to replace people, but to unleash human potential. Our goal is to lift employees out of the endless sea of data, empowering them to direct their creative energy toward work of higher value.” To date, NISCO has deployed over 300 AI models across its plants, alongside more than 1,000 low-code agents and lightweight applications built independently by frontline employees.
As Cheng Yongfu, Senior Industrial Solution Expert at Huawei’s Steel & Non-ferrous BU, noted: “The real value of industrial AI can only be realized when it expands from single-point applications to comprehensive integration with production, operations, and management, which can unlock sustained, scalable empowerment.”
Looking ahead, as model deployment expands and computing demands continue to grow, NISCO will team up with Huawei and other partners to explore the construction of dedicated data centers for smart steel plants. Centered on the AI-native three-tier architecture (AI-native OS, AI-native factory, and AI-native enterprise) and powered by the YuanYe model, NISCO is accelerating high-quality steel development, aiming to provide a replicable and scalable benchmark for the digital and intelligent transformation of the global steel and manufacturing industries.
Hashtag: #Huawei #NISCO
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Joint study shows emerging markets will generate 60% of new online spending over the next decade — most of it from consumers without a credit card
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 October 2026 – Asia is projected to add 702 million middle-class adults between 2026 and 2036, three-quarters of all middle-class growth in emerging markets, according to a new study from World Data Lab (WDL) and EBANX, a global technology company specializing in payment services for emerging markets.
Emerging markets will add USD 8.7T in online spending by 2036
But this new consumer class will not shop the same way developed-market consumers do: by 2036, only 20% of adults in emerging markets will hold a credit card, against 66% in developed markets.
Global online spending is projected to grow from USD 11 trillion in 2026 to USD 25.6 trillion in 2036. Emerging markets add USD 8.7 trillion of that increase (60% of all new online spending), with China (USD +4.7 trillion) and India (USD +1.3 trillion) leading this growth. Indonesia (USD +243 billion), Brazil (USD +249 billion) and Mexico (USD +191 billion) form the next tier.
The categories matter as much as the markets. Online gaming spending in emerging markets grows 14% a year over the decade, the fastest of any category, and SaaS nearly 10%. Emerging markets will generate 76% of global growth in social media spending and 64% in SaaS.
The demographic picture challenges a common assumption. Consumers aged 45 and over account for 51% of emerging markets’ online spending growth through 2036, and spending by those aged 65 and over grows 12% a year, faster than any other age group.
The outlook was discussed during “Navigating Payments: How innovation and fragmentation are changing the game for e-commerce,” a webinar co-hosted by World Data Lab (WDL) and EBANX.
“Over the next ten years, people aged 45 and over will add USD 4.4 trillion in online spending in emerging markets, half of all the growth. Some of them already shop on their phones and will keep doing so as they get older. Others will buy online for the first time in their fifties or sixties. Merchants who build their checkout only for a 25-year-old will miss both groups,” explained Wolfgang Fengler, CEO of WDL.
The study models consumer spending, demographics, and financial access across 184 countries to 2036, drawing on the World Bank’s Global Findex and WDL’s consumer models, combined with EBANX’s experience processing payments for global merchants in emerging markets since 2012.
“If your checkout only takes credit cards, you are competing for one in five adults in emerging markets and conceding the other four”, said Marie-Elise Droga, Chief Revenue Officer of EBANX. “The merchants growing fastest with us didn’t wait for cards to arrive: they added the payment rails their customers already use, and they’re taking new buyers, bigger baskets and recurring revenue that card-only competitors can’t even see.”
834 million new online buyers, 281 million new credit cards
Between 2026 and 2036, the global economy will add 834 million online buyers but only 281 million credit card holders—a ratio of nearly three to one. In emerging markets, two in three new online buyers (67%) will arrive without a credit card. Adults without it already account for 55% of online spending in emerging markets, a share that rises to 90% in India and 93% in Sub-Saharan Africa. Credit cardless adults also represent 52% to 59% of spending in every digital category, from gaming and SaaS to streaming and travel.
Digital payment use is also running ahead of online shopping. Of the 2.6 billion emerging-market adults spending between USD 6 and USD 25 a day, 70% already pay merchants digitally while only 33% buy online, leaving at least 957 million digitally active consumers who are not yet online buyers. Many hold a bank account or mobile wallet but no card that works at an international checkout.
“This is closely tied to the innovation that came out of the financial industry in emerging markets, which developed solutions for an increasingly mobile economy and for the habits of local consumers. Today, we call them local payment methods, or LPMs, and they allowed e-commerce growth to decouple from the credit card, which still has very low penetration in these countries,” said Estelita Hass, head of Market Intelligence at EBANX.
Subscriptions are the next frontier — and India shows why
Recurring categories such as streaming, SaaS and online education will reach USD 2.1 trillion a year in emerging markets by 2036, with USD 1.1 trillion coming from adults without a credit card. In India, 82% of recurring online spending will be cardless. Account-based recurring rails are beginning to close that gap: a global SaaS company saw a 20% uplift in new subscribers after adding UPI at checkout in India, and cybersecurity company Nord Security now generates 28% of its revenue in Brazil through Pix Automático, Brazil’s recurring instant payment, six months after launching it with EBANX.
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ABOUT EBANX
EBANX is the leading technology platform connecting global businesses to the world’s fastest-growing digital markets. Founded in 2012 in Brazil, EBANX was built with a mission to expand access to international digital commerce. Leveraging proprietary technology, deep market expertise, and robust infrastructure, the platform enables global businesses to offer hundreds of local payment methods and streamline cross-border payments across Latin America, Africa, and Asia. With a global footprint, it established a technology and regulatory headquarters in Singapore in 2026. More than just payments, EBANX drives growth, enhances sales, and delivers seamless purchase experiences for businesses and end users alike.
By Nitya Chakraborty Incumbent President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, better known globally as Lula made a dramatic comeback in October 25 run off Presidential elections by comfortably defeating the far right candidate Flavio Bolsonaro who was the frontrunner after the first round of elections on October 4. After 100 per cent counting […]
Overnight AI challenge saw 60 participants tackle a series of challenges using OpenAI Codex, with Kay Hng Quek taking the top prize
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 October 2026 – Coupang, a Seattle-based technology company that serves customers in 190 countries and territories, co-hosted an overnight AI hackathon, AI Grand Prix Singapore 2026 (“AI Grand Prix“) with OpenAI. It was presented by Elev8, with Carousell Group as venue partner.
Held from 24 to 25 October 2026 at Carousell Campus, the overnight AI Grand Prix brought together 60 participants, selected from a pool of 150 applicants, to tackle a series of challenges that tested their technical skills, creativity and ability to solve problems under pressure. All participants competed in individual challenges and formed 14 teams for the group challenge. Engagement remained strong through the night, with participants continuing to work on their solutions into the early hours.
From Challenge to Working Solution
Unlike a traditional hackathon centred on a single problem statement, the AI Grand Prix was a multi-challenge competition, requiring them to adapt their approach as the competition progressed. Using OpenAI Codex, participants were tasked with three distinct challenges: Game Hack, which focused on developing creative AI-powered games; Spot the Mismatch, a technical challenge to identify discrepancies in AI-generated product descriptions, images and prices; and Group Hack, in which 14 teams developed AI-powered shopping experiences and solutions. Performance across the challenges was assessed collectively to determine the overall rankings.
Taking the top spot was Kay Hng Quek, who demonstrated strong, consistent problem-solving skills across different technical challenges. He received the Champion’s Builder Kit, a special first-place award comprising a Mac mini, DJI Mic 3 and Elgato Stream Deck Plus, designed to support continued experimentation and creation as an AI builder.
A total of US$13,000 in OpenAI API credits was shared among the winners and OpenAI subscription benefits were also provided to all participants, alongside unlimited Codex usage resets during the event to encourage experimentation with different ideas and approaches. The top 10 participants are scheduled to attend an exclusive networking dinner on 26 October with leadership and technical representatives from Coupang and OpenAI, offering an opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences in building with AI.
Xin Fu, VP of Engineering at Coupang (left), and winner Kay Hng Quek (right)
“AI Grand Prix was an incredible opportunity to push myself beyond my comfort zone and explore what’s possible with AI. The variety of challenges encouraged us to think creatively, adapt quickly and approach problems from different perspectives. What made the experience even more rewarding was being surrounded by talented, passionate builders who shared ideas and inspired one another. I’m grateful to have been part of such an exciting community, and especially for Jerel, my cofounder, who brings out the best in me,” said Kay Hng Quek, overall champion of AI Grand Prix Singapore 2026.
“Technology and innovation are at the heart of how we create better experiences for our customers, and we see tremendous potential for AI to further transform the future of commerce. Singapore is home to an exciting community of engineers and researchers, and we are thrilled to co-host this event with OpenAI to provide a platform for them to come together, experiment and innovate with AI,” said Xin Fu, VP of Engineering at Coupang.
Derrick Choi, Head of Applied AI, Codex (APAC) at OpenAI, said, “AI is changing how software is built, giving developers new ways to accelerate the journey from concept to product. The AI Grand Prix highlighted the breadth of Singapore’s developer community. It was a great opportunity to give builders a chance to try different approaches with Codex and explore how they could use it to tackle real-world problems.”
The AI Grand Prix marks Coupang’s first event with OpenAI and underscores its continued investment in building the future of commerce with AI, while leveraging Singapore’s position at the heart of Southeast Asia’s technology ecosystem.
Hashtag: #Coupang
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About Coupang
Coupang is a technology and Fortune 150 company listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CPNG) that provides retail, restaurant delivery, video streaming and fintech services to customers around the world under brands that include Coupang, Eats, Play, Rocket Now and Farfetch. It operates in over 190 countries and territories around the world.
With products sold in more than 80 countries, Thailand’s leading Sriracha producer highlights its global distribution strength, product innovation and ambition to grow Thai Sriracha on the world stage.
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 October 2026 – Exotic Food Public Company Limited (XO), a leading Thai manufacturer and exporter of premium sauces, condiments and culinary products, is showcasing the strength of Thai brands on the global stage at SIAL Paris 2026, one of the world’s leading international food industry exhibitions, held from 17–21 October in Paris, France. The company’s participation reflects its ambition to take authentic Thai flavours beyond traditional export markets and build globally competitive brands through product innovation, international market expertise and strong distribution partnerships.
Ms. Vasana Jantarach and Mr. Jittiporn Jantarach, executives of Exotic Food, at the Flying Goose booth at SIAL Paris 2026, showcasing the company’s position as a leading global Sriracha producer and exporter, with products sold in more than 80 countries.
With products distributed in more than 80 countries and available at over 30,000 points of sale worldwide, Exotic Food has established a strong international presence through its flagship brands, Exotic Food and Flying Goose. Europe remains one of the company’s key markets, where its portfolio of Thai sauces, condiments and culinary products continues to reach consumers through international retail and distribution networks.
Bringing together more than 8,000 exhibitors from 130 countries and showcasing over 400,000 products, SIAL Paris 2026 serves as a major meeting point for the global food industry. For Exotic Food, the exhibition provides an important platform to connect with international buyers and distributors, strengthen existing business relationships and explore new market opportunities, while demonstrating how Thai food brands can compete in an increasingly diverse global marketplace.
At SIAL Paris 2026, Exotic Food is presenting its portfolio of authentic Thai flavours alongside innovations developed for international consumers. A key highlight is the Flying Goose Sriracha range, featuring more than 50 flavours, together with creative product collaborations such as Sriracha-flavoured potato chips and peanuts. The showcase reflects the company’s ability to combine Thai culinary heritage with an understanding of evolving global food trends, bringing familiar Thai flavours into new product categories and consumer experiences.
The company’s distinctive bright-red exhibition booth draws inspiration from Thai culture and the signature identity of Flying Goose Sriracha, creating a strong visual expression of its Thai roots and international brand positioning.
Mr. Jittiporn Jantarach, Chief Executive Officer of Exotic Food Public Company Limited, said, “Taking Thai flavours to the world is only the beginning. Building a successful global brand requires a deep understanding of international consumers, the ability to adapt to different markets, and a long-term commitment to quality and innovation.
“At Exotic Food, we combine our Thai culinary heritage with global market expertise to create products that resonate with consumers across cultures. Our presence at SIAL Paris reflects not only how far Thai brands have come, but also their potential to compete and grow on the world stage.”
Beyond international expansion and product innovation, Exotic Food continues to strengthen its sustainability commitments as part of its long-term business strategy. The company has achieved ISO 14068-1:2023 certification, supporting its roadmap towards Carbon Neutrality by 2040 and Net Zero Emissions by 2050. The certification reinforces its commitment to internationally recognised environmental standards and sustainable operations, particularly as sustainability becomes an increasingly important consideration for global business partners and international trade.
Through its participation in SIAL Paris 2026, Exotic Food continues to demonstrate how Thai companies can move beyond traditional food exports to establish distinctive, internationally competitive brands. By combining authentic Thai flavours with global market understanding, continuous innovation and responsible business practices, the company is reinforcing the growing potential of Thai brands in the international food industry.
Hashtag: #ExoticFood
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