Big Tech’s plan to pour about $635 billion into artificial intelligence infrastructure this year is coming under sharper scrutiny as higher energy costs, grid bottlenecks and tighter financing conditions test the durability of the market’s enthusiasm for the sector. The warning, highlighted by S&P Global Visible Alpha, lands at a delicate moment for equity markets after AI-driven optimism helped lift major indexes through 2025 before momentum faded […]
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 31 March 2026 – The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and Voxovation together with Thailand’s S2O Productions and Channel 3 today announced the debut of Eurovision Song Contest Asia in 2026, with Bangkok selected as the Host City for its inaugural edition, bringing together ten countries across Asia.
South Korea, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam are confirmed alongside Malaysia, Cambodia and Laos, as well as Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan, with more countries expected to join as the competition expands.
Bringing the world’s largest live TV event to Asia, Eurovision Song Contest is now opening a new chapter shaped by the region’s diversity, creativity and cultural identity, and grounded in the same spirit that has always defined the contest: United by Music.
ZOOP is the revolutionary new social media platform launching globally on 9th of April with a dedicated channel covering the new Eurovision Song Contest Asia. ZOOP will place the audience at the centre of the action, driving participation, community and interaction, with cutting-edge technology behind the experience.
Evolving Eurovision Song Contest with Asia
For seven decades, the Eurovision Song Contest has brought countries together through music, storytelling and live television, reaching audiences of hundreds of millions every year.
Now, in collaboration with leading broadcasters and production companies across Asia, Eurovision Song Contest Asia will build on that legacy, creating a new shared stage where cultures meet, voices are amplified, and creative communities connect across borders.
Rooted in the same spirit that has defined Eurovision Song Contest for generations, the contest carries forward a simple but powerful idea, connecting people through music and shared experiences. In Asia, that idea will take on new meaning, shaped by the region’s extraordinary diversity and creative energy.
Martin Green, Director of the Eurovision Song Contest, said:
“As we mark the 70th anniversary of the Eurovision Song Contest, it feels especially meaningful to open this next chapter with Asia, a region rich in culture, creativity and talent.
This is about evolving the show together with Asia, building something that reflects the voices, identities and ambitions of the region, while staying true to what has always made the Contest special.
Eurovision Song Contest Asia will be shaped by the artists, broadcasters and audiences who make it their own, continuing our shared journey of being United by Music.”
Shaping the Future of Eurovision Song Contest in Asia
Designed to grow with the region, the format brings together countries representing more than 600 million people. With no comparable pan-Asian platform today, it is set to become one of the region’s most talked-about entertainment events.
Powered by exclusive social partner ZOOP, the contest will introduce a fan participation platform where audiences do more than watch. ZOOP gives fans new ways to engage with artists, join communities, and be recognised and rewarded for real participation, while helping create a more direct and meaningful connection between talent and audience.
Peter Settman, CEO & Co-Founder of Voxovation, the exclusive licensee of Eurovision Song Contest Asia said:
“From day one, our ambition has been to build the Eurovision Song Contest Asia together with the region’s best creative talent, creating a show that truly reflects Asia’s identity and creative energy.
Together with S2O Productions, we are shaping a show where artists and fans connect across borders in new ways, through participation, community and deeper engagement beyond the stage, with ZOOP helping bring that fan experience to life.
To bring this incredible show to a new continent is something very special. I look forward to millions of people in Asia watching the competition and singing in front of the TV, dancing to the performances and predicting the outcome.”
Bangkok: Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow
Bangkok is a city where tradition and modern expression coexist seamlessly, it offers a natural home for a contest built on diversity and exchange, connecting artists and audiences from across the region and beyond.
The Contest will be broadcasted in partnership with Thailand’s Channel 3, alongside broadcasters from at least 10 countries across Asia, each bringing their own voice, identity and storytelling to the stage.
Hosting Eurovision Song Contest Asia is expected to generate strong international visibility for Bangkok, while supporting tourism, job creation and the continued growth of Thailand’s creative industries.
Thailand Welcomes The Region And The World
Eurovision Song Contest Asia will provide a powerful platform for artists to share their music, stories and identities with audiences across the region and globally, strengthening cultural exchange between Asia and Europe.
The event further reinforces Thailand’s position as a destination for world-class cultural and entertainment experiences.
Chuwit Sirivajjakul, Deputy Governor for Policy and Planning, at the Tourism Authority said:
“When I heard that the European Broadcasting Union and Voxovation were considering Bangkok as the home for the Eurovision Song Contest Asia, I thought, of course, it should be Bangkok, because this city has always been a place where cultures come together, where music fills the air, and where celebration is part of everyday life.
It is a place where tradition and innovation do not compete. They collaborate. That is the spirit of Eurovision, which celebrates the unity of diverse musical voices from across Asia and beyond.
We believe travel is in the moments that restore you, inspire you, and connect you to something larger than yourself. Eurovision Song Contest Asia embodies exactly that, and we are proud to welcome it home, marking a new chapter for Thailand’s global presence.”
Participating Countries
The inaugural Eurovision Song Contest Asia will bring together broadcasters from across the region, each representing their country with original music and national talent.
Confirmed participating broadcasters include:
Thailand — Channel 3 produced by S2O productions
South Korea
Philippines — ABS-CBN Corporation
Vietnam — Vietnam Television (VTV3) produced by Dao Music Entertainment
Malaysia — Media Prima (TV3)
Cambodia — TV5 Cambodia produced by GIGIL Cambodia
Laos — Vientiane Capital Television (VTE9) produced by 3SD Group & SG Music
Bangladesh — NTV produced by Bongo Holdings
Nepal — Himalaya TV produced by Saujanya Media
Bhutan — Bhutan Broadcasting Service (BBS)
Additional countries and broadcasters are expected to be announced in the coming weeks as the line-up continues to expand.
Journey to the Grand Final
The Grand Final of Eurovision Song Contest Asia 2026 is scheduled to take place in Bangkok on 14 November 2026.
Be part of the journey and follow Eurovision Song Contest Asia at www.eurovisionasia.com
Hashtag: #Voxovation
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) is the world’s leading alliance of public service media, representing over 110 member organizations in more than 50 countries, with an additional 30+ associates worldwide. The EBU operates Eurovision, the premier global media exchange network, and produces the Eurovision Song Contest, one of the world’s most watched live entertainment events, reaching hundreds of millions of viewers annually. Through its work, the EBU supports collaboration, innovation and the sharing of high-quality content across borders.
Voxovation is a global entertainment company focused on developing, producing and scaling large-format television and live events. Founded by industry leaders with extensive experience in international entertainment formats, Voxovation specializes in bringing globally recognized IP to new markets and building original formats that connect audiences across cultures. The company is the exclusive licensee of Eurovision Song Contest Asia and is leading its development, production and commercialization across the region.
S2O, one of Asia’s most iconic live entertainment and production companies known for delivering large-scale events and premium experiences across Asia. Renowned for its world-class production, immersive water elements, and high-energy experiences, S2O will bring its creative and technical expertise to reimagine the Eurovision format for audiences across the Asian region and beyond. As a production partner for Eurovision Song Contest Asia, S2O will support the delivery of world-class live experiences in Bangkok.
ZOOP is a next-generation social platform designed to connect creators, fans and communities through interactive digital experiences. As the exclusive social partner of Eurovision Song Contest Asia, ZOOP powers fan engagement across the platform, enabling participation, content interaction and community-driven experiences at scale. Built on Hedera technology, ZOOP delivers secure, transparent and scalable infrastructure for digital engagement, bringing audiences closer to the action than ever before.
For media enquiries on ZOOP, contact: 
[email protected]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Oil prices eased in Asian trading on Tuesday after giving up earlier gains, as traders weighed a report that U. S. President Donald Trump had told aides he was willing to end the war with Iran even if the Strait of Hormuz remained largely closed for now, softening some of the market’s immediate fear of a broader supply shock. Brent crude for May […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai authorities were battling a fire aboard a Kuwaiti oil tanker on Tuesday after a drone struck the vessel in waters near Anchorage “E”, with officials saying no injuries had been reported and emergency teams were working under established maritime safety protocols. The incident unfolded off Dubai’s coast as maritime firefighting units moved to secure the tanker, contain the blaze and prevent any […]
In 2025, Phancy reported total revenue of RMB7.135 billion, representing a strong year-on-year increase of 35.6%. Adjusted net profit attributable to the parent company reached RMB17.84 million, a milestone reflecting significant advance in operational efficiency, business model strength, and resilience. During the reporting period, the three core business segments — AI Platform, API, and Agentic AI — delivered synergistic growth, with revenues of RMB6.552 billion, RMB79.9 million, and RMB503 million respectively, representing year-on-year increases of 32.0%, 129.2%, and 93.2%. The company has a total of over 1,000 contracted clients with deep penetration across more than 20 high-value industries, including energy, manufacturing, finance, retail, and telecommunications. Order on hand amounted to over RMB8.9 billion, surpassing the Company’s total revenue in 2025.
Dr. Dai Wenyuan, Founder, Chairman of the Board, and Chief Executive Officer of Phancy Group Co., Ltd. said, “2025 was a landmark year for Phancy. We completed a comprehensive strategic upgrade from ‘Fourth Paradigm’ to ‘Phancy Group’, signifying our transformation from an enterprise AI platform to a full-stack AI ecosystem and officially entering the AI 2.0 era. This performance breakthrough validates the development philosophy and strategic vision we have long pursued, demonstrating our forward-looking industry insight and long-term value creation capabilities. As we embrace the next wave of AI, we will continue to focus on ‘AI Agent + World Model’ as our core technology path, strengthen computing power and foundational capabilities, drive deeper value realization of AI, and work with ecosystem partners to build a sustainable intelligent future.”
Performance Highlights:
Business Highlights:
In 2025, Phancy’s three core business segments — AI Platform, API, and Agentic AI — established a multi-engine growth model, creating a cycle of synergy and mutual reinforcement.
AI Platform: Sustained Growth Driver
Driven by strong domestic demand for localization and the national “AI+” initiative, the AI Platform remained the Company’s core growth engine. With its full-stack product portfolio and leading market position, the segment delivered deep integration between computing power and platform services, lowering barriers to AI adoption. Supported by a comprehensive technology framework and a strong customer base, the AI Platform effectively boosted performance and contributed to the Company’s profitability breakthrough.
The Company continued to drive technological iteration, with a strategic focus on three core offerings: PhanthyCloud, HAMi vGPU, and ModelHub XC.
API Business: Fastest Growth Engine
With the rapid adoption of AI Agents, token consumption has grown exponentially. Phancy’s API business, built on a flexible pay-as-you-go model and a comprehensive ecosystem, achieved leapfrog growth, and became the Company’s fastest growing segment. Token revenue for the first quarter of 2026 alone has already surpassed the full-year total for 2025.
The API business is anchored by the Phanthy platform, complemented by PhanRouter and PhanClaw, creating a comprehensive token ecosystem in synergy with the Sage Platform:
Agentic AI: Long-Term Sustainable Growth
Agentic AI serves as the Company’s revenue cornerstone and a “value multiplier” for empowering a wide range of industries. Operating under a Result-as-a-service model and aligned with national “AI+” energy development policies, this segment expanded rapidly across high-value industries, achieving economies of scale and strong growth momentum. Working in synergy with the AI Platform and API businesses, Agentic AI provides long-term support for revenue and contributes to the high-quality development of the Company’s operations.
In terms of business expansion, the Company is focusing on core scenarios in spot electricity trading and medium- to long-term electricity trading. It has developed a full-chain AI solution encompassing forecasting, decision-making, risk control, and post-trading review. This solution has already been deployed in multiple pilot provinces and recognized by key customers, effectively improving efficiency and profitability in wind power, photovoltaics, and energy storage. This model is now being rapidly extended to other industries, including manufacturing and finance.
Future Outlook:
Looking ahead to 2026, Phancy will continue to advance its four strategic priorities: deepening its AI 2.0 roadmap, accelerating the deployment of industrial-grade AI Agents, driving international expansion, and further extending into the consumer market.
In terms of the AI 2.0 roadmap, the Company will continue to pursue its core philosophy of “AI for Everyone”, focusing on foundational technology R&D and real-world deployment. By refining its end-to-end technology system, Phancy aims to lower barriers to AI adoption and enable more enterprises and users to benefit from AI. For industrial-grade AI Agents, the Company will accelerate deployment under a Result-as-a-service model, deepening its presence in key sectors such as energy and finance, and developing replicable, scalable industry solutions, to expand business scale and profitability. On international expansion, Phancy will strengthen partnerships with overseas brands and channels, building a robust global operations framework to support worldwide growth. In the consumer market, the Company will focus on core consumer needs by launching high-experience smart terminal products, further expanding its customer base and establishing a dual-driven growth model powered by both technology and market reach.
Hashtag: #PHANCY
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Phancy Group (Stock Code: 6682.HK) is a leading artificial general intelligence technology company. Guided by its mission of “AI for Everyone”, the Company is committed to empowering industries across the board through its “AI Agent + World Model” technology approach. Founded in 2014, the Company underwent a comprehensive restructuring in 2025, establishing multiple business divisions including Enterprise Services (Fourth Paradigm), Large Models & AGI (Pantheon), Consumer Electronics (Paradigm Pilot), Smart Energy (PhancyArc), and Smart Sports (Phancy Wonder). To date, the Company has successfully deployed over 10,000 AI applications across sectors such as finance, retail, and healthcare, consistently striving to advance the democratization of AI and help enterprises achieve sustainable growth.
By Nantoo Banerjee The central excise duty cut on petrol and diesel oil to help petro-fuel producers and marketeers partly cover their losses on account of the rising crude oil import prices is an internal government matter. It is not meant to have any impact on retail prices which continue to be very high and […]
The article Petrol, Diesel Levies Need Drastic Cuts For Inflation Control, Economic Growth appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).
Japan’s investors are being pushed back towards overseas yield trades as the war involving Iran unsettles the country’s traditional refuge assets, weakens the yen and lifts the cost of imported energy. What had looked like a steadier domestic backdrop at the start of 2026 has been disrupted by a surge in oil prices, renewed pressure on the currency and a sharp reassessment of where Japanese savers and […]
Oil is repricing fast. Markets aren’t pricing the consequences. Brent crude has surged more than 55% in March to around $115 a barrel, one of the sharpest monthly moves on record, as conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran intensifies and threats to energy infrastructure escalate. Yet across equities, bonds and currencies, positioning still reflects the belief that this is temporary and reversible. Markets are underestimating what […]
By Dr. Gyan Pathak On the very onset of the Financial Year 2026-27, beginning from April 1, 2026, India faces a multi-layered set of risks, given its position as a major energy importer with strong trade, investment, and remittance linkages with the West Asia region, which has turned into a war zone since the United […]
The article India Faces Multi-Layered Set Of Risks At The Onset Of FY2026-27 appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).
France is expanding its annual energy cheque scheme to an additional 700,000 households, widening a support measure that Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu said would begin reaching 3.8 million households from this week as pressure on household budgets intensifies. The extra recipients are due to start receiving the aid from 1 May after the government used broader data matching to identify more eligible homes. Lecornu said the programme […]
Electronic interference that had scrambled vessel tracking across the Persian Gulf eased over the weekend, allowing ships stranded in the war-affected waterway to show positions closer to their true locations and giving operators a clearer picture of navigation risks in one of the world’s most important energy corridors. Maritime security guidance issued on 29 March said GNSS, GPS and AIS disruption had moderated over the previous 24 […]
South Korea is weighing whether to extend car-use restrictions beyond the public sector as oil prices climb sharply, a step that would amount to the country’s first nationwide driving curbs since the 1991 Gulf War if it is applied broadly to the public. Finance Minister Koo Yun-cheol said wider restrictions could come into play if crude prices rise into a $120-$130 a barrel range, up from about $100-$110 now, as Seoul tries to contain fuel demand and cushion the economic shock from turmoil in the Middle East.
The discussion marks an escalation from measures already in force. Public institutions are operating under a five-day vehicle rotation system, while large companies including Samsung Electronics and SK Group have begun urging staff to cut private car use, reduce parking demand and adopt other energy-saving practices. Officials have also left open the possibility of further fuel-tax relief to soften the burden on households and businesses, though no final decision has been announced on compulsory curbs for private motorists.
At the centre of Seoul’s concern is its exposure to imported energy. About 70% of South Korea’s oil imports come from the Middle East, leaving the country highly sensitive to any disruption in supplies or shipping routes. The government raised its crude oil supply disruption alert to Level 2 on March 18 as tensions mounted, signalling a more serious official assessment of the risks facing one of Asia’s largest energy importers.
The external shock has been severe. Reuters reported that Brent crude climbed to nearly $115 a barrel over the weekend and above $116 on Monday, putting it on course for its biggest monthly jump on record, while US crude also surged past $100. The rally has been driven by a widening conflict linked to Iran and growing anxiety over disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil flows. That backdrop has sharpened pressure on Asian economies that rely heavily on imported fuel, with South Korea among the most exposed.
For policymakers in Seoul, the issue is no longer only about fuel bills. Higher oil prices threaten to spill into inflation, transport costs, industrial input prices and consumer sentiment. A Reuters poll published on Monday projected that South Korea’s imports rose 18% in March, the fastest pace since September 2022, largely because of elevated oil prices, even as exports remained buoyant on strong semiconductor demand. That split picture captures the dilemma facing the government: trade performance is being helped by chips and artificial intelligence-linked demand, but the economy’s dependence on imported energy is pushing up costs and widening vulnerability.
President Lee Jae Myung has responded by urging a nationwide energy-saving drive, while Energy Minister Kim Sung-whan has pushed demand management and warned against panic behaviour. The government has promoted 12 power-saving practices, from shorter showers to shifting electricity use away from peak hours, and has also moved to restart several nuclear reactors, loosen coal plant restrictions and expand renewable energy to offset pressure on gas imports. The mix underlines how Seoul is trying to balance short-term crisis management with longer-term energy security, even as those goals can pull in different directions.
That tension is visible in the broader regional response. Across Asia, governments are looking again at emergency stock releases, fuel-saving directives and, in some cases, greater coal use to bridge supply gaps. Analysts say such measures may shield economies from the immediate shock, but they also expose how quickly climate and transition goals can be tested when energy security comes under strain. In South Korea’s case, the administration’s public emphasis on renewables sits alongside plans to lean harder on nuclear and coal generation if needed.
The market fallout has already been visible in financial assets. South Korean equities were hit as investors fled Asian markets on fears of a prolonged oil shock, though some analysts argue the sell-off has reflected panic rather than a collapse in fundamentals. Technology and industrial names remain central to the country’s earnings outlook, but energy-intensive sectors face a tougher operating environment if high crude prices persist or if physical shortages emerge.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai European shares held their ground on Monday as investors waited for German and euro zone inflation readings that could show how sharply the Middle East war is feeding through into prices, after a surge in oil left the STOXX 600 heading for its worst month since the first pandemic shock of March 2020. The pan-European STOXX 600 was up about 0.2 per cent […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 March 2026 – Samsung ‘Solve for Tomorrow,’ a global inter-school technology competition operating in 68 countries, has been held in Hong Kong since 2013, empowering youth to address social and global challenges through innovation. This year, two core themes guided participants: Topic 1: Environmental Sustainability via Technology — Create sustainable solutions to protect our planet via AI, and Topic 2: Social Change through Sport & Tech: For Better Futures — Harness the power of AI technology and sports to open new opportunities. Both themes rigorously challenged students to innovate beyond traditional boundaries, leveraging AI and cutting-edge technologies to develop creative, practical solutions to complex societal issues and actively shape a better future.
Running from September 2025 to March 2026, the competition, co-organized by AiTLE and fully backed by the HKSAR Education Bureau’s ‘Business-School Partnership Programme’ and Hong Kong Education City, attracted over 250 teams from 100 tertiary, secondary and primary schools. Each team demonstrated unique technological approaches to tackle pressing social issues.
Yiyin Zhao, Managing Director, Samsung Electronics H.K. Company, Limited, stated: ‘Samsung has always believed technology is not merely a tool for changing lives, but a vital force driving social progress. ‘Solve for Tomorrow’ empowers young people to leverage creative thinking and technology to address real-world needs and challenges. It’s more than a competition; it’s a journey of innovative exploration that nurtures and empowers the younger generation. The widespread adoption of AI, in particular, presents unprecedented opportunities for innovation. This year, we were delighted to see students actively using AI and diverse technological solutions across the community, environment, sports, and sustainability, submitting outstanding, inspiring, and practical work. This truly demonstrates the remarkable creativity, keen observation, and effective problem-solving skills of Hong Kong’s youth.”
Samsung Nurtures Tomorrow’s Tech & Innovation Leaders
She also hopes the competition will encourage more students to step out of their comfort zones: “Beyond stimulating creativity and developing innovative solutions, we aim to cultivate critical skills: problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork, and communication. This equips students to navigate the challenges of our rapidly evolving intelligent era confidently. We believe this competition will discover and cultivate the next generation of innovation and technology talent, contributing significantly to both Hong Kong’s and global innovation.
Samsung Solve for Tomorrow extends beyond monetary rewards, actively aligning with the Education Bureau’s ‘Business-School Partnership Programme’ to provide invaluable hands-on experience. Tertiary champions secure corporate internships, while secondary champions and first runners-up gain critical work experience, preparing them for future careers. The competition ignites students’ passion for technology and STEM, building a robust foundation for their innovation journeys and continually inspiring alumni to pursue pioneering solutions.
Final Awards Reveal Extraordinary Creativity
After the initial judging round, 95 outstanding projects advanced. They then refined their innovative solutions in Design Thinking workshops and through expert guidance. The judging panel then selected the nine finalists—the top three teams from each category, who will present their detailed project concepts and results, vying for the ultimate recognition.
Tertiary Category Champion “AquaPulse” – Developed by the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (Shatin), AquaPulse is an AI coastal protection system powered by continuous 24/7 tidal and solar energy with integrated storage. It reliably detects abnormalities such as falling into the sea, even at night or in adverse weather, using millimeter-wave radar and AI vision. Upon detection, it instantly notifies rescue teams via lamppost positioning, significantly shortening response times. AquaPulse also monitors environmental data, aiming to create safer, more sustainable waterfronts for Hong Kong.
Secondary Category Champion “Plastine” – Developed by St. Paul’s College, Plastine is a solar-powered microplastic removal system for freshwater environments. It utilizes advanced electrocoagulation with aluminum electrodes to aggregate microplastics for efficient filtration and collection. Combining IoT sensors and AI algorithms, Plastine intelligently identifies optimal deployment locations. Focused on Hong Kong’s microplastic-rich rivers, it purifies water, safeguards public health, and restores aquatic ecosystems.
Primary Category Champion “Yoga 24 Go!” Wellness Exercise App – Developed by Tai Po Old Market Public School, “Yoga 24 Go!” is an innovative wellness application. It intelligently integrates the health wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine’s 24 solar terms with the body’s 12 meridians. Guiding users through specific yoga poses for each solar term, the app promotes “seasonal wellness” by targeting health goals such as nourishing the liver in spring, the heart in summer, the lungs in autumn, and the kidneys in winter
Award List (for details, please refer to the appendix):
| Tertiary Category | Champion |
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| 1st Runner-up |
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| 2nd Runner-up |
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| Merit Award (3 teams) |
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| Secondary Category | Champion |
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| 1st Runner-up |
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| 2nd Runner-up |
|
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| Merit Award (3 teams) |
|
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| Primary Category | Champion |
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| 1st Runner-up |
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| 2nd Runner-up |
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| Merit Award (3 teams) |
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| The Most Active Participating School Award |
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Hashtag: #Samsung #SolveforTomorrow
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Samsung Solve for Tomorrow is an annual competition that brings together the creativity and passion for new technologies of young people around the world to solve social problems in local communities. In 2013, Samsung introduced this meaningful event to Hong Kong, inspiring tens of thousands of students to develop innovative solutions to address social issues in the City. Samsung is promoting the new educational philosophy of STEM. Besides encouraging Hong Kong students to deepen their knowledge of STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics – Samsung hopes that they can develop empathy and a sense of responsibility and apply their STEM knowledge to contribute to society. Through the competition, Samsung hopes to cultivate tomorrow’s thought leaders, equipping them with both technological knowledge and a sense of responsibility as global citizens. To learn more about Samsung Solve for Tomorrow, please visit: 
https://hkclubs.samsung.com/hk/offer/solvefortomorrow2025/
Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, home appliances, network systems, memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions, consistently elevating their performance and innovation to new heights. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at http://news.samsung.com/.
Mubadala Energy has tightened its grip on one of Southeast Asia’s most closely watched offshore gas provinces after winning the Southwest Andaman exploration Production Sharing Contract in Indonesia, a move that extends the Abu Dhabi-based company’s push to build scale in the country’s Andaman basin. The block was awarded by Indonesia’s oil and gas regulator, Direktorat Jenderal Minyak dan Gas Bumi, under the second bid round for […]
Opening in stages with a planned ramp-up, following the phased launch of its office towers since late 2025, Westlake 66 marks a major milestone in the Hang Lung’s Mainland portfolio and represents the latest embodiment of its “Pulse of the City” positioning. It will set a new benchmark for regional mixed-use development and redefine sophisticated lifestyle experiences in a top-tier Chinese city, leading the experiential retail trend and establishing a curated destination where culture, commerce, and community converge.
Situated in the Wulin CBD of Hangzhou in Zhejiang Province — one of China’s wealthiest provinces by GDP and purchasing power — Westlake 66 spans a gross floor area of approximately 390,200 square meters, bringing together a world-class shopping mall, five Grade A office towers, and the 194-key Mandarin Oriental Hangzhou — the first Mandarin Oriental in Zhejiang — to serve the discerning tastes of Hangzhou’s affluent and growing population.
Hashtag: #HangLungProperties
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
www.hanglung.com. Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Donald Trump has triggered fresh controversy after using crude language about Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the Future Investment Initiative Institute summit in Miami Beach, telling the audience the Saudi leader had not expected to “be kissing my a” and adding that “now he has to be nice to me.” The remarks, delivered on 27 March at the Saudi-backed forum, drew […]
India’s rupee surged on Monday after the Reserve Bank of India tightened banks’ foreign-exchange position limits, forcing lenders to cut dollar holdings and unwind arbitrage trades that had built up as the currency slid to a record low at the end of last week. The rupee rose as much as 1.4% in early trade and was quoted around 93.48 to 93.85 per US dollar, marking its sharpest one-day gain since February.
The immediate trigger was the RBI’s March 27 directive capping banks’ net open rupee positions in the onshore deliverable market at $100 million by the close of each business day from April 10. That replaced a looser framework under which banks’ boards could set limits up to 25% of total capital. Traders said the order prompted a burst of dollar selling as banks moved to reduce exposures that had become profitable while the rupee was weakening.
The rebound followed a bruising stretch for the currency. On Friday, the rupee hit a record low of about 94.84 to the dollar after heavy pressure from higher crude prices, risk aversion and foreign outflows. Reuters reported the rupee had fallen more than 4% in March, putting it on course for its worst monthly performance in more than seven years, while broader anxiety over the Middle East conflict and its implications for energy markets deepened concern over India’s import bill and external balance.
At the centre of the RBI’s move is the gap between the domestic market and the offshore non-deliverable forward, or NDF, market. Banks had been exploiting pricing differences between the two venues, building large arbitrage books that were profitable during the rupee’s slide. Estimates for those positions vary, but Reuters and other market reports put them broadly in the $25 billion to $50 billion range. By suddenly tightening the rules, the central bank appears to have targeted not only volatility in the spot market but also the speculative mechanics that were amplifying pressure on the currency.
That has given the rupee breathing room, but it has also shifted the strain onto banks. Lenders have warned that rapid compliance could force a disorderly unwinding of positions and crystallise losses in treasury books. Several banks have asked the RBI for three months to comply, arguing that a phased adjustment or permission to hold existing trades to maturity would reduce the risk of market disruption. Equity investors appeared to register that concern, with banking shares falling amid estimates that mark-to-market losses could run into thousands of crores if the unwind is abrupt.
The central bank’s intervention is being read in dealing rooms as one of its strongest attempts in years to reassert control over rupee pricing. Market participants said the RBI has already been active in local and offshore markets, using reserves and liquidity tools to keep the currency from sliding too quickly. The new cap adds a regulatory weapon to that defence. It also sends a signal that the central bank is prepared to curb trading strategies it sees as destabilising, even at the cost of squeezing bank profitability in the short term.
Whether the rupee can hold on to these gains will depend less on technical unwinding and more on the backdrop that pushed it down in the first place. Brent crude has climbed sharply, with Reuters reporting a move above $115 a barrel on Monday and a monthly gain of nearly 60%. For an economy that imports the bulk of its oil, that raises the risk of a wider current account deficit, imported inflation and renewed pressure on the currency. Bond yields also edged higher, indicating that traders remain alert to the wider macroeconomic fallout even as the rupee recovers ground.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Nabil Fahmy is set to become the next secretary-general of the Arab League after Arab foreign ministers unanimously backed Egypt’s nominee in a virtual meeting on 29 March, clearing the way for the veteran diplomat to take over in July when Ahmed Aboul Gheit’s second term ends. The ministers’ decision still requires formal endorsement at the next Arab summit in Saudi Arabia, but […]
India has cut special excise duties on petrol and diesel after a sharp rise in global crude prices, seeking to shield consumers from a broader inflation shock as the Iran war and disruption around the Strait of Hormuz continue to unsettle energy markets. A government order issued late on Thursday reduced the special excise duty on petrol to Rs 3 a litre from Rs 13, while the levy on diesel was removed entirely from Rs 10 a litre. At the same time, New Delhi imposed fresh windfall taxes on diesel and aviation turbine fuel exports to recover part of the revenue loss and manage the fiscal hit.
The move underlines the pressure facing policymakers as oil prices remain volatile and the rupee weakens, raising the cost of imports for one of the world’s biggest crude buyers. Brent crude climbed above $112 a barrel on Friday, extending a rally driven by doubts over any near-term ceasefire and persistent fears that supply disruptions in the Gulf could deepen. Traders and analysts have said the risk premium now reflects not only lost barrels but also the strategic importance of Hormuz, through which a large share of global oil and liquefied natural gas flows.
For India, the tax cut is as much about inflation management as political optics. Retail prices at state-run fuel retailers have been largely held steady even as global crude costs have climbed, forcing public-sector oil marketing companies to absorb losses on every litre sold. Reuters reported that those losses were running at about Rs 24 a litre on petrol and Rs 30 on diesel at the time of the duty cut, a burden that had begun to raise concerns about the financial strain on the country’s dominant fuel retailers. By lowering excise duties, the government creates room for those companies to keep pump prices stable without taking the full blow on their balance sheets.
That relief, however, comes with a cost. The excise reduction is expected to trim government revenue by roughly Rs 70 billion every fortnight, with the net impact estimated at about Rs 55 billion after accounting for the new export levies on diesel and jet fuel. Those numbers matter because New Delhi is already balancing slower growth risks, higher import costs and sensitivity in bond markets. India’s 10-year government bond yield rose as investors weighed the inflationary impact of oil and the possibility that fiscal targets may come under pressure if energy turbulence persists.
Currency markets have been sending a similar warning. The rupee slipped beyond 94 to the US dollar, marking a record low and capping its weakest fiscal-year performance in more than a decade. Higher oil prices have compounded external pressures by widening import costs and fuelling worries over inflation, while signs of reduced support from the Reserve Bank of India have added to volatility in both the currency and government debt markets. The combination of a softer rupee and expensive crude intensifies the urgency for measures that can prevent fuel inflation from feeding into transport, food and manufacturing costs.
The government has paired the tax changes with broader supply assurances. Officials have said retail fuel prices will remain stable and that supplies of fuel, fertiliser and coal are adequate. India has also increased the availability of liquefied petroleum gas for industrial use, an indication that authorities are trying to prevent energy stress from spilling into factories and power demand. That broader messaging is aimed at containing panic in a market already on edge over whether the Middle East conflict could trigger a more prolonged energy shock.
The burden of holding down prices has not been distributed evenly across the sector. State-run retailers, which control more than 90 per cent of the country’s fuel stations, have largely refrained from raising pump prices, while private players have begun adjusting. Nayara Energy, for example, increased gasoline and gasoil prices this week, citing the combined impact of a weaker rupee and surging global crude prices. The divergence highlights the structural challenge for the government: keeping inflation contained without unduly damaging the finances of state-backed refiners and marketers.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Motorists in the UAE are likely to pay more for petrol and diesel in April after the Iran war sent crude prices sharply higher and intensified disruption across the Gulf’s main energy and shipping routes, raising the cost base that feeds into the country’s monthly fuel-price adjustment. April rates were due to be announced on March 31, and local pricing remains tied […]
Artificial intelligence is redrawing the economics of data centres at a speed that is forcing developers, utilities and investors to rethink where digital infrastructure can be built and how it can be financed. A new 2026 marketplace report from Colliers says global investment in data centres topped $580 billion in 2025, up 27 per cent from a year earlier, as hyperscalers and infrastructure groups poured money into […]
Co-organized by the People’s Daily and Lianhe Zaobao, the two-day event featured 12 young representatives who explored how their generation is shaping the future through innovation, cultural renewal and cross-border collaboration.
In the first panel, “Youth Driving Tech Innovation,” participants working in robotics, flying cars and data verification discussed both the opportunities and challenges of the AI era.
Tan Wei Hua, head of design at Singapore-based LionsBot International, addressed concerns over “AI anxiety” and its impact on jobs. “New jobs are going to be created. The next generation will be doing something entirely different,” he said, pointing to robotics as a growing field of opportunity.
Quah Zheng Wei, CEO and co-founder of Accredify, encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to take the first step. With the tech industry evolving rapidly, he stressed that “nothing is holding you back.”
From an industry perspective, Michael Du, CFO and vice president of ARIDGE, said emerging technologies are expanding possibilities in everyday life. Meanwhile, Xu Huazhe, assistant professor at the Institute for Interdisciplinary Information Sciences at Tsinghua University, highlighted the strengths of younger generations: “With the correct taste, they will build the most meaningful things.”
The second panel, “Contemporary Renewal of Traditional Culture,” shifted focus from innovation to heritage. Artists and cultural practitioners in wood sculpture, paper art, jewelry design and journalism explored how tradition can be revitalized in modern contexts.
Wood sculpture artist Deng Kun emphasized the importance of cultivating an eye for beauty, while Lianhe Zaobao arts and culture journalist Zhang Heyang described traditional culture as “a place of spiritual haven for today’s youth.”
Designer Longhong Ziwei, founder and art director of the accessory brand Soft Mountains, said engaging with Yi heritage has inspired her work and resonated with international audiences.
Singaporean paper and mixed media artist Koh Pei Li, drawing inspiration from everyday urban life, highlighted the value of noticing overlooked details. Through her work, she hopes to reconnect people with the subtle beauty around them.
In the final panel, “Jointly Building a Sustainable Future,” speakers from architecture, fashion, and marine conservation offered interdisciplinary perspectives on sustainability.
Chen Kan, principal architect of TAB Architecture and Design, spoke about the philosophy of “being-with” as a guiding principle. “We need a deeper capacity to coexist with others,” he said.
Goy Zhenru, principal architect of Goy Architects in Singapore, emphasized designing in harmony with nature. She highlighted the importance of connecting living spaces with natural elements such as breeze and sunlight to create comfort and environmental awareness.
Sam Shu Qin, co-founder of Our Singapore Reefs and Our Blue Spaces, who describes herself as “a gardener underwater,” expressed hope that younger generations will recognize their ability to give back to the ocean.
For fashion designer Chen Peng, founder of brand CHENPENG, sustainability is both cultural and practical. “It should be culture-based and do no harm to the earth. It’s not a choice, but a natural extension of philosophy,” he said.
The dialogue marked a step forward in media cooperation and people-to-people exchanges between China and Singapore. By amplifying youth perspectives, it showcased the innovative energy and collaborative potential of both countries, while helping to build a long-term platform for bilateral engagement and shared progress.
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Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Gold prices climbed sharply on Friday, reversing part of this week’s slide as investors stepped back into the market after bullion fell to a four-month low, while traders also watched for any sign that tensions in the Middle East might ease. Spot gold rose more than 3% at its intraday peak before trading about 2.6% higher at $4,491.78 an ounce by afternoon dealings […]
