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Arjavi Indraneesh Iraq’s proposal for a joint security council bringing Saudi Arabia and Iran into a formal mechanism is more than another attempt at regional mediation. It reflects Baghdad’s growing conviction that diplomatic contact between the two powers, while valuable, is no longer sufficient to prevent security crises from spilling across borders. National Security Adviser […]

The article Iraq tests new security formula for Saudi-Iran rivalry appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Autonomous AI Attack-and-Defence Demonstrates Next-Generation Cybersecurity Talent and Advance Regional Digital Security Talent Development

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 23 August 2026 – The AI x Cybersecurity Challenge, jointly organised by the Digital Policy Office of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, the Chinese Academy of Cyberspace Studies, the Hong Kong Cybersecurity Professional Association, and China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited, and co-organised by Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau of the Hong Kong Police Force, the Hong Kong Productivity Council, Venustech Group Inc., and Hong Kong Cloud Peak Technology Co., Limited, held the Finals today.

Following a 12-hour online qualifying round, a total of 40 teams advanced to the Final Competition, including 20 teams from the Chinese Mainland, 18 from Hong Kong, and two from overseas regions. The Challenge adopts an innovative AI-Driven Dual (AID) competition format, in which artificial intelligence (AI) executes the competition and enables autonomous defence by AI agents. Teams of up to three members showcase their capabilities in leveraging AI technologies for automated vulnerability discovery and exploitation, competing for total prize money of HK$180,000.

The event brings together representatives from Government, industry, academia and research organisations to witness the latest developments in AI-powered cybersecurity innovation. Officiating guests at the Opening Ceremony included Professor SUN Dong, JP, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Mr LI Shuguang, Director-General of the General Office of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, Mr WANG Jiang, Director-General of the Chinese Academy of Cyberspace Studies, Mr Daniel CHEUNG, JP, Acting Commissioner for Digital Policy, Mr WANG Minwei, Deputy Director of the Cyberspace Administration of Guangdong Province, Dr Rocky CHENG, JP, President of the Hong Kong Cybersecurity Professional Association, and Ms SHI Xiaoping, Director and Chief Executive Officer of China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited.

In his opening remarks, the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, said that AI is reshaping every aspect of people’s life at a breathtaking speed. He noted that although innovation may at times bring new threats, these same technologies can also spur defensive capabilities. As such, the Government champions an “AI versus AI” strategy, leveraging AI to forge the strongest shields to effectively manage risks associated with the use of AI.

Professor Sun added that the Government is continuously strengthening related policies, guidelines and ethical frameworks, as well as conducting regular cyber-attack-and-defence drills to better prepare for cybersecurity readiness. Through multi-pronged efforts, the Government hopes to guide society to apply AI responsibly, foster a healthy ecosystem, and strengthen city-wide resilience in face of cyber attacks.

Addressing AI-Era Cybersecurity Challenges Through Talent Development

The rapid advancement of AI is reshaping the global cybersecurity landscape. AI has evolved from a supporting tool for security analysis and threat monitoring into a technology capable of autonomously constructing attack chains and bypassing existing defence mechanisms. This has significantly lowered the technical barriers to cyberattacks, making sophisticated attack techniques more automated and accessible. Threat actors can leverage AI for intelligent vulnerability discovery, automated penetration testing, and even the creation of highly convincing deepfake content, enabling stealthier and more persistent cyberattacks.

As emerging threats such as model security risks, data poisoning, model theft, phishing attacks, supply chain vulnerabilities and automated exploitation continue to evolve, the demand for interdisciplinary talent with expertise in both AI and cybersecurity is becoming increasingly urgent. In response, the organisers aim to promote the practical application of AI technologies through this hands-on competition while cultivating a new generation of cybersecurity professionals equipped with cross-disciplinary expertise.

AI-Driven Attack-and-Defence Competition Platform

Unlike traditional Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions, this year’s Challenge adopts an innovative AI-Driven (AID) competition format. Participating teams leverage AI-powered automated systems to analyse the competition environment provided by the organisers, identify vulnerabilities and exploit them. The automated capabilities of the AI agents include information gathering, vulnerability discovery and flag submission. The competition environment incorporates both vulnerabilities found in real-world scenarios and simulated zero-day vulnerabilities that may exist in software systems.

The challenge design draws on concepts from international cybersecurity competitions and incorporates practical operating scenarios as well as simulated zero-day attack-and-defence environments, testing participants’ ability to apply AI technologies to real-world cybersecurity challenges. The Challenge aims to enhance participants’ practical attack-and-defence experience and innovation capabilities, promote the research and application of AI security technologies, and nurture a new generation of cybersecurity talent equipped with both strategic vision and practical expertise. Through these efforts, the competition seeks to strengthen capabilities in addressing AI-driven cyber threats.

Government, Industry, Academia and Research Communities Join Forces to Advance AI Security

This year’s Challenge brings together stakeholders from government, industry and research institutions to drive innovation in AI security technologies, strengthen cybersecurity capabilities and cultivate future talent.

Mr Wang Jiang, Director-General of the Chinese Academy of Cyberspace Studies, said, “AI technologies are reshaping the global cyber attack-and-defence landscape. While they lower the barriers to cyberattacks, they also drive the evolution of security protection from reactive response to proactive and intelligent defence. In this technological contest, using technology to counter technology has become an inevitable trend. By focusing on practical AI attack-and-defence capabilities, this competition aims to identify emerging talent and contribute to building a more trustworthy and intelligent cyberspace.”

Ms Shi Xiaoping, Director and Chief Executive Officer of China Mobile Hong Kong Company Limited, said, “As one of the organisers of this competition, China Mobile Hong Kong has devoted substantial resources to building an innovative AI attack-and-defence competition platform. Through continuous technology investment and ecosystem development, we actively fulfil our corporate social responsibility while showcasing Hong Kong’s innovation and leadership in AI cybersecurity to the world.”

Dr Rocky CHENG, JP, President of the Hong Kong Cybersecurity Professional Association, concluded, “AI-driven cyberattacks and agentic AI-related risks have emerged as some of the most significant cybersecurity threats today. Against this backdrop, cultivating interdisciplinary talent with expertise in AI system design, development and practical attack-and-defence capabilities has become an important pillar in strengthening Hong Kong’s overall cyber resilience.”

The Awards Presentation Ceremony will be held in late September 2026 during the China Cybersecurity Week to recognise teams that have demonstrated outstanding performance in the competition. The organisers encourage enterprises and organisations to continuously strengthen their cybersecurity governance, regularly review information system risks, enhance data protection measures and improve cyber incident response capabilities. Young talents are also encouraged to pursue opportunities in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, developing their expertise through training, professional certifications and hands-on competitions. Members of the public and organisations may also make use of the cybersecurity information, training programmes and support services provided by the Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre (HKCERT) and other relevant organisations, helping to foster a safer, more secure and trustworthy digital ecosystem.

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About Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre

Managed by the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre (HKCERT) is the centre for coordination of computer security incident response for local enterprises and Internet Users. Its missions are to facilitate information disseminating, provide advices on preventive measures against security threats and to promote information security awareness.

HKCERT collaborates with local bodies to collect and disseminate information, and coordinate response actions. HKCERT is also a member of the Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams (FIRST) and the Asia Pacific Computer Emergency Response Team (APCERT). We exchange information with other CERTs and act as a point of contact on cross-border security incidents.

About the Hong Kong Productivity Council

The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) is a statutory body established in 1967, dedicated to enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of Hong Kong enterprises through world-class applied R&D, innovative technology services, and integrated manufacturing solutions. As a market-oriented, international R&D organisation, HKPC leverages its deep expertise and extensive industry experience in key areas such as AI, advanced manufacturing, life and health technology, green technology and new energy to drive new industrialisation and support the growth of emerging and future industries.

HKPC focuses on addressing businesses challenges and industrial technology needs, promoting the full integration between technological and industrial innovation. Through technology transfer, product innovation, intellectual property protection and commercialisation of R&D outcomes, the Council fosters collaboration with the local business community as well as top global R&D institutions, delivering added value to industries and advancing the development of new productive forces. HKPC’s world-class R&D achievements have been widely recognised over the years, winning an array of local and overseas accolades, reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as an international innovation and technology centre and a smart city.

To help enterprises capitalise on Hong Kong’s strengths in international connectivity to expand into global markets, HKPC offers comprehensive overseas expansion services tailored to critical areas including product development, technology, manufacturing, and management, enabling businesses to successfully go global from Hong Kong.

HKPC is also committed to providing timely and practical support to SMEs and startups with timely and practical , assisting them in accessing Government funding programmes. Through its FutureSkills training initiatives, HKPC helps both industry and academia stay ahead in latest digital and STEM technologies, nurturing a future-ready talent pool for Hong Kong.

For more information, please visit HKPC’s website: www.hkpc.org/en.

The event was attended by core management of Tesson Holdings : Chairman and Executive Director, Mr. Wei Mingren; Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Li Jingquan; Executive Director, Mr. Li Yang; as well as distinguished guests including Ms. Li Jinying (李錦瑩), President of Logistics Planning Research Institute of CFLP; Mr. Yan An (閆安), President of the Digital Lianli Research Institute of the Jiangxi Centre of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) (中科院江西中心數字連理研究院); Professor Yu Changyuan, Chairman of Anlaseo Technology; and Dr. Cheng Zhi, Chief Executive Officer of Anlaseo Technology.

Strategic Evolution: From “Battery Manufacturing” to “Smart Energy Operation”

Tesson Holdings has long been engaged in the research, manufacturing and sales of lithium-ion motive batteries. In 2025, the Company launched its Hong Kong-based “photovoltaic storage charging and checking” AI-inspected ultra-fast charging and zero-carbon microgrid asset operation business, completing the acquisition of the assets of seven new energy integrated service stations and marking its first step towards strategic recharge.

Mr. Wei Mingren said that the recharge does not represent a departure from the Company’s existing industrial foundation, but rather based on the company’s past decade of industrial foundation of the system of motive battery manufacturing business, the experience of the operation of charging network in Hong Kong and the capabilties of industrial integration and capital management.”Based on our manufacturing foundation, Tesson Holdings is accelerating its transformation into a smart energy platform operator, enabling every unit of electricity to unleash greater value.”

Mr. Li Jingquan outlined development pathway of the company:”Battery manufacturing → zero-carbon microgrid and energy storage operations → AI-powered electricity trading and carbon-energy asset management platform.”

He noted that Tesson will leverage its “photovoltaic storage charging and checking” microgrid operations as an entry point, collaborate with supply chain partners to develop zero-carbon microgrids and virtual power plants, while strategic upgrade gradually from an energy equipments manufacturer into a smart energy platform operator.

Mr. Li Yang further elaborated on the company’s core competitiveness built around “Data, Intelligence and Electricity”:”Data” represents the credible data base; “Intelligence” represents the AI-driven capabilities of electricity trading; “Electricity” represents capabilities of electrical assets operation.

The Company will expand its regional market presence actively, aim to secure over 10% of regional market share in multiple cities, and building an operating ecosystem servicing up to 10 billion kWh of electricity consumption.

Industrial Opportunities: Policy Support Driving New Energy Infrastructure Development in Mainland China and Hong Kong

Ms. Li Jinying (李錦瑩) noted that China is simultaneously advancing the upgrading and restructure of two major infrastructure networks — the new power system and modern logistics network.

She highlighted that logistics facilities are evolving beyond traditional transportation hubs into important industrial platforms for energy consumption, green transformation and electrical data collection. The cooperative operation of energy flows, logistics flows and data flows is reshaping the pattern of national infrastructure. Tesson Smart Energy timely deploy related industries

Since 2026, the company has entered into strategic cooperation memorandum of understanding with DST Sustainable Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd. (地上鐵綠色科技（深圳）股份有限公司) (DST) and China Railway First Group Co., Ltd respectively. The first pilot project of China Railway First Group, located at car park of Hoi Wang Road in Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong, and will be developed into a zero-carbon integrated facility combining parking, charging and vehicle inspection functions.

Meanwhile, the joint venture company established with DST plans to build 10 more multi-functional battery swapping stations.

The launch event follows the completion of the Company’s financing activity of placing of new shares. With the completion financing activity of placing, strategic launching and industrial partnership signings simultaneously, signaling the new energy strategic of”Tesson Smart Energy”which is driven by “Technology + Industry + Capital” formally set sail.

Strategic Partnerships Covering the Full “Industry–Research–Application” Value Chain

The three strategic partnership signings at the event covering national think tank, research institutions and university spin-offs, surrounding modern power and development of new energy ecosystem, forming a complete layout from strategic planning, technology development and commercial application.

Mr. Wei Mingren said the significance of these signings is not only “plans announcing”, but rather is “in progress and amplifying the outcomes through ecological cooperation”.

The cooperation between Tesson Holdings and Logistics Planning Research Institute of CFLP is particularly crucial. Both parties will establish a joint venture big data operation company in Beijing to formally advance to transport logistics, important scenario of power consumption.

As a national logistics think tank and the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) publishing organization, the Logistics Planning Research Institute of CFLP, both parties will work together to explore the integration path of new and renewable energy power and green logistics, pushing logistics industry to upgrade in the direction of low-carbonization and intelligentization.

Afterwards, Tesson Holdings also signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Zhongke Lianli (中科连理) focusing on development of industrial brain data resource, digitization of logistics hub energy and scenario collaboration of modernized power grid, further improving the capabilities of digitization and intelligentization of new energy industry

Finally, Tesson Holdings entered into a strategic partnership with Hong Kong Polytechnic University Anlaseo Technolgy, which is a startup incubator of Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Anlaseo Technology was also subsidized by the Hong Kong Government’s “Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme (RAISe+)”.Its intelligent battery sensor system enabling intelligent lifecycle monitoring of batteries through edge computing and AI algorithm, providing the core technological support in the of field of such as electrical safety awareness and smart management. .

Future Outlook: Anchoring the Strategic Position of Smart Energy Platform Operator

With the upgrade of strategy of “Tesson Smart Energy” and the implementation of significant industrial cooperation partnership signings, Tesson Holdings is in the stage of systematically advancing the deployment of new energy ecosystem.

Looking ahead, Tesson Holdings will continue advancing systematic deployment across energy generation, distribution and consumption sectors with core strategic brand of “Tesson Smart Energy”.

Through a dual strategy combining strategic acquisitions and organic development, Tesson Holdings aims to build an integrated new energy ecosystem covering renewable energy generation, energy storage, charging infrastructure, electricity trading and carbon-energy asset management.

Hashtag: #Tesson

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About Tesson Holdings

Tesson Holdings Limited (Stock Code: 01201.HK) is a company listed on Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited principally engaged in the research, manufacturing and sale of lithium ion motive battery and investment and operation of new energy electric vehicles ultra-fast charging stations

On 10 August 2026, the company formally launches the newest strategic brand “Tesson Smart Energy” accelerate new business innovation such as the deployment of photovoltaic storage charging and checking zero-carbon microgrid, AI-powered electricity trading, operation of carbon-energy assets, transforming into a premier new energy smart electricity platform operator.

Azad Mirza Nearly six months into the US-Israel war on Iran, the Strait of Hormuz has become less a shipping lane than a rhetorical battlefield. This week that theatre reached a new pitch: Donald Trump posted an AI-generated map on Truth Social labelling the waterway “NEW US Territory,” insisting the strait is “open and operating” […]

The article Hormuz: Trump’s territorial bravado and Iran defiance appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Organized by Enterprise Asia, the ceremony was held on 7 August 2026 at Jing An Shangri-La, Shanghai. This year’s recipients exemplified how strategic vision, innovation, and a commitment to positive impact can create lasting value for businesses, communities, and the wider economy.

Following a comprehensive evaluation by a distinguished panel of judges, over 150 nominees were assessed across ten AREA categories and five APEA categories. The AREA celebrated enterprises and leaders who have made significant contributions through responsible business practices and sustainability-driven initiatives. Meanwhile, the APEA recognized organizations and entrepreneurs who have demonstrated exceptional performance, strategic agility, and forward-thinking leadership in shaping the future of business.

In his welcome address, Enterprise Asia President Richard Tsang highlighted the need for enterprises to embrace transformation and responsible growth, noting that resilience, strategic foresight, and purpose-driven leadership remain key to achieving long-term success in an increasingly dynamic global landscape.

Among the outstanding AREA award recipients, Chery Automobile Co., Ltd. was recognized under the Green Leadership category for its Trusted Circular Materials system. By developing advanced recycling networks, digital traceability, and high-value recycled plastics, Chery has recovered over 10,000 tonnes of waste plastics, reduced approximately 9,000 tonnes of CO₂e emissions, and advanced sustainable automotive manufacturing.

Further advancing circular economy practices, SUS ENVIRONMENT won the Circular Economy Leadership award for its City-Benefiting Low-Carbon Solid Waste Management Model, demonstrated through the Xi’an Gaoling Project. By integrating waste-to-energy, district heating, AI-powered operations, and multi-source waste co-processing, the project has processed 5.34 million tonnes of waste, generated 2.24 billion kWh of green electricity, and achieved over 1.92 million tonnes of carbon reductions.

China Hongqiao Group Limited, a three-time consecutive AREA award recipient, has once again received the award under the Circular Economy Leadership category for advancing circular economy development through recycled aluminum. Its closed-loop circular economy model enables recycled aluminum to save approximately 95% of energy and reduce carbon emissions by over 85% compared with traditional electrolytic aluminum.

Honored with the AREA under the Corporate Governance category, E.SUN Bank (China) has embedded transparency and accountability throughout its operations. The bank implemented comprehensive Board meeting records three years ahead of regulatory requirements while strengthening stakeholder disclosure, maintaining a Moody’s Baa1 rating since 2022 and customer satisfaction above 97%.

Demonstrating the power of industry-wide collaboration, The Hong Kong Association of Banks received the AREA under the Social Empowerment category for its Anti-Fraud Education initiative. The initiative reached more than 11,000 people in 2025 and has contributed to strengthen its community outreach, with over 300 activities conducted across Hong Kong to date. According to figures released by the Hong Kong SAR Government, reported deception cases decreased by 2.9% in 2025 compared with 2024, marking the first decline after nine consecutive years of growth.

Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited was honored with three prestigious awards at the AREA — the Social Empowerment Award, Investment in People Award and Corporate Sustainability Reporting Award, recognizing its exceptional and impactful sustainability practices. The Bank exemplifies a strong commitment to corporate social responsibility through a diverse range of initiatives that promote social inclusion, nurture talent development, and continuously enhance ESG disclosure. These accomplishments highlight its leadership in advancing responsible business practices and establish a new benchmark for excellence within the financial sector.

Techtronic Industries (TTI), a world leader in cordless technology, was awarded two AREA accolades, receiving recognition under the Circular Economy Leadership and Social Empowerment categories. Through its award-winning initiatives, “Advancing Circularity Through Sustainable Product Innovation” and “Empowering Exceptional People and Strengthening Communities” , TTI is creating lasting social impact while accelerating the transition towards a more circular and sustainable future.

As the sole recipient of both the APEA and AREA in 2026, OrbusNeich Medical Group Holdings Limited was recognized under the Corporate Excellence and Health Promotion categories respectively. Operating in more than 70 countries and regions, the Group continues to drive innovation in interventional medical devices while advancing regional clinical capabilities through its cross-border medical education initiative, ultimately improving patient outcomes across Asia-Pacific.

In the APEA segment, Onewo Inc. was honoured under the Corporate Excellence category for redefining space services through technology-driven innovation. Powered by its proprietary “Link X” AI platform, the company manages over 5,300 residential and 3,400 property and facility management projects nationwide,driving the space service industry toward a smarter and more sustainable future.

The AREA and APEA 2025 China Chapter are co-organized by Enterprise Accelerator Co., Ltd. and proudly supported by Eruid (Shanghai) Inspection & Certification Co., Ltd., MayCham China in Shanghai, SingCham Shanghai, Strategic Public Relations Group (SPRG), The Hong Kong Institute of Directors, and Tang Cultural Media. PR Newswire is the official news release distribution partner, with Dailywire.asia as the official media partner and Osin Au Pty Ltd as the official beverage sponsor.

About Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards (AREA)
The Asia Responsible Enterprise Awards program recognizes and honors Asian businesses for championing sustainable and responsible entrepreneurship in the categories of Green Leadership, Investment in People, Health Promotion, Social Empowerment, Corporate Governance, Circular Economy Leadership, Corporate Sustainability Reporting, and Responsible Business Leadership. For more information, visit: https://enterpriseasia.org/area/.

About Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards
Launched in 2007, the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards is the region’s most prestigious award for outstanding entrepreneurship, continuous innovation, and sustainable leadership. The Award provides a platform for companies and governments to recognize entrepreneurial excellence, hence spurring greater innovation, fair business practices, and growth in entrepreneurship. As a regional award, it groups leading entrepreneurs as a powerful voice for entrepreneurship and serves as a by-invitation-only networking powerhouse. The program has grown to encompass 16 countries/ regions and markets all over Asia. For further information, please visit www.apea.asia.
Hashtag: #Business #Sustainability #ESG

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

About Enterprise Asia

Enterprise Asia is a non-governmental organization in pursuit of creating an Asia that is rich in entrepreneurship as an engine toward sustainable and progressive economic and social development within a world of economic equality. Its two pillars of existence are investment in people and responsible entrepreneurship. Enterprise Asia works with governments, NGOs and other organizations to promote competitiveness and entrepreneurial development, in uplifting the economic status of people across Asia and in ensuring a legacy of hope, innovation and courage for the future generation. Please visit https://www.enterpriseasia.org/ for more information.

By Suryamurthy Energy security often becomes a national priority only when a crisis erupts. The current conflict spreading across West Asia has once again reminded India how fragile global energy supply chains can be — and how deeply its own economy remains tied to them. The disruption of tanker routes through the Strait of Hormuz, […]

The article India pushes coal gasification to reduce import risks appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

• allnex is the global market and technology leader for Sag Control Agent (SCA) resin, a unique technology enabling excellent appearance of Automotive OEM coatings.
• Today allnex announced to build its first SCA production facility in APAC, the largest global Automotive market.
• This investment will significantly improve regional supply resilience, reduce lead times, and enhance service for our customers based in the APAC region
• And it will support faster adaptation of the next-generation of SCA’s including high-solid, low-bake, and sustainable “green SCA” solutions.

FRANKFURT, GERMANY – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 August 2026 – allnex, a leading global manufacturer and solution provider of coating resins and additives, today announced plans to expand its manufacturing footprint in Asia-Pacific with a strategic investment in Sag Control Agent (SCA) capacity at its Rayong site in Thailand.

Scheduled to begin operations in January 2028, this new SCA capacity investment, signifies allnex’s commitment to support its customers in the world’s fastest-growing automotive coatings markets.

By bringing SCA production into the APAC region, and importantly closer to customers, allnex will strengthen supply reliability, shorten lead times, and provide greater responsiveness to evolving market needs.

SCAs are a unique and cornerstone technology of allnex’s Automotive OEM product portfolio and they define its market leadership position in this application. allnex SCA resins have superior sag control functionality, enabling exceptional appearance in premium high-gloss clearcoats. These specialty resins ensure that coating manufacturers are able to meet the ever increasing demands of car producers for performance, efficiency, and sustainability.

Since allnex invented SCA resins four decades ago, all allnex SCA production was concentrated in its Bergen op Zoom facility in The Netherlands. In the last few years, APAC has become the largest SCA market globally with strong future growth projections driven by increased car production and requirements for better appearance. By making this investment in APAC, allnex will not only provide customers with proximity of supply and greater assurance, it will also ensure to have enough capacity available in time, to meet future growth.

“This strategic capacity investment for a unique technology, is driven by our commitment to our customers and their growth ambitions in Asia-Pacific. By localizing SCA production in Thailand, we are responding directly to customer needs for greater supply security, shorter lead times, and faster access to innovation. The new facility will strengthen our ability and agility to support both global and regional customers in APAC and allows us to meet future market demand.” said Ruben Mannien, Senior Executive Vice President APAC.

The Rayong site was selected following a comprehensive evaluation of multiple locations across the region. The site offers existing infrastructure, strong technical capabilities, and strategic proximity to key automotive manufacturing hubs, including China, India, Korea, and Southeast Asia.

The investment will include dedicated reactors for the production of SCA resins for plastic automotive parts and metal car bodies.

Beyond improving supply resilience, the new facility will support allnex’s latest SCA innovations designed for next-generation clearcoat systems, including high-solid, low-bake, and more sustainable coating technologies. These solutions help customers improve productivity, reduce energy consumption, and differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive market.

Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2027, ensuring production readiness ahead of anticipated market growth.

Hashtag: #allnex

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Driving the Thai Economy and Charting New Strategic Pathways for the Future of ASEAN

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 August 2026 – The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry, and Banking (JSCCIB), comprising the Thai Bankers’ Association, the Board of Trade of Thailand, and the Federation of Thai Industries, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Thailand, the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), and the World Bank, has announced its readiness to convene a high-level leadership conference, ‘The Bangkok Business Summit 2026,’ under the theme ‘Reinvent Thailand, Resilient ASEAN.’

To be held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), the summit will showcase the vision of public-private sector collaboration aimed at restructuring Thailand’s economy. This event serves as a milestone paving the way toward the IMF-World Bank Group Annual Meetings 2026, which Thailand will proudly host in Bangkok in October 2026, as well as Thailand’s upcoming ASEAN Chairmanship in 2028.

A key highlight of The Bangkok Business Summit 2026 includes a keynote address entitled ‘Thailand’s Offer to the World’ by Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister of Thailand. The address will declare Thailand’s readiness as a global investment hub, shifting the nation from cost-based competition to enhancing capabilities, innovation, and digital infrastructure. Furthermore, Dr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, will deliver a policy address on ‘Unlocking the Next Growth Engines for Thailand & ASEAN,’ revealing policy reform steps designed to unlock private sector investment and drive the country’s new economic engines. Professor Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, will address positioning Thailand as a regional investment platform for high-tech industries.

Mr. Payong Srivanich, Chairman of the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry, and Banking (JSCCIB), stated that this event aims to answer a critical question: How can Thailand transform global shifts and its central location in ASEAN into new opportunities for investment, job creation, and sustainable growth?

“The Bangkok Business Summit 2026 is not merely a platform for exchanging perspectives, but a venue where Thailand presents its concrete strengths, opportunities, and development directions to the global business community—bridging the government’s vision, recommendations from international organizations, and the practical expertise of the private sector,” Mr. Payong stated.”Thailand’s challenge today is not just growth, but building competitive growth in a rapidly changing world. We need a platform for collaborative efforts to ‘Reinvent Thailand’ by creating new economic engines and elevating our competitiveness so Thailand can capture new opportunities and become an integral part of a ‘Resilient ASEAN’ capable of adapting to global dynamics.”

Key Highlights & Session Overview

• Special Keynote: Mr. Vitai Ratanakorn, Governor of the Bank of Thailand, will present on ‘Thailand’s New Horizons: From Ambition to Delivery.’
• Global Insights Panel: Featuring in-depth discussions with Mr. Carlos Felipe Jaramillo, World Bank Vice President for East Asia and Pacific, Mr. Sarvesh Suri, Regional Vice President for Asia and Pacific, The International Finance Corporation (IFC), and Mr. John W.H. Denton, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) exchanging views on economic trends, investments, and business opportunities.
• Report Launch: Launch of the World Bank’s latest report, ‘Building Thailand’s Future Today: The Investment and Growth Playbook.’ The report proposes a roadmap for Thailand to achieve high-income country status through investment and reforms that create jobs, boost productivity, and lay the foundation for long-term growth, highlighting potential industries such as advanced manufacturing, sustainable & wellness tourism, digital services, agriculture & food, and the creative economy.
• Luncheon Discussion: Thai Beverage Public Company Limited will host a special session entitled ‘Growth Reaches Communities: Sufficiency Economy Philosophy,’ presenting the Sufficiency Economy Philosophy as a framework that creates balance, strength, and sustainability from local communities to the business sector and macroeconomy.

Afternoon Tracks

• Track 1: Building Resilience (Infrastructure, Energy, and Digital Finance): Led by Mr. Piti Disyatat, Deputy Governor for Monetary Stability, Bank of Thailand, in building competitiveness and the ability to attract future industries to the country. The session will include discussions on the topics of ‘Efficient Energy & Low-Carbon Infrastructure’ and ‘Policy Architecture and Low-Carbon Cities in Action’ focusing on investing in key infrastructure that will drive the industrial transition to a low-carbon society, with leaders from various sectors, including the Ministry of Energy, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, PTT Public Company Limited, Gulf Energy Development Public Company Limited, Siam Cement Public Company Limited, Thai Airways Public Company Limited, and Google LLC and the topic of ‘Building Thailand’s Trusted Economy: Digital Public Infrastructure for Inclusive Growth,’ focusing on digital public infrastructure in the financial sector for sustainable growth, and safe and inclusive digital finance, with senior executives from Bangkok Bank, Krungsri Bank, TMBThanachart Bank, and Ascend Money.
• Track 2: New Horizons (Future Industries, Agri-Food, and Human-Centric Economy): Led by Professor Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, focusing on developing high-potential talent within organizations and positioning Thailand as a regional investment platform for high-tech industries, semiconductors, AI infrastructure, and advanced R&D.

Additionally, the Bangkok Business Summit 2026 will feature a panel discussion titled ‘The Future of Agrifood Business.’ Under the concept of Elevating to a Regional Strategic Asset, leaders from top companies including Sea Value PCL and Olam Agri (Singapore) will share their perspectives on how Thailand’s agrifood industry is evolving beyond its traditional role as the ‘Kitchen of the World’ to become a vital strategic asset for regional food security, and another discussion on ‘The Future of the Human-Centric Economy,’ integrating health, wellness, tourism, and the creative economy centered around people rather than isolated sectors. Panelists include Minor International, Bangkok Dusit Medical Services (BDMS), and Cerecin.

Closing & Actions

To conclude the summit, leaders from the three JSCCIB member organizations will summarize actionable proposals to transform insights into concrete practices. These encompass enhancing competitiveness, building investment ecosystems, and developing future industries. The event will culminate in the signing of a Letter of Intent for Cooperation on the Digital & AI Compact between Thailand’s economic agencies and the World Bank.

Note: Speakers and the event program are subject to change without prior notice due to unforeseen circumstances. We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.
Hashtag: #JSCCIB

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