Proton VPN has moved into third position in TechRadar’s global VPN rankings, overtaking ExpressVPN and marking a notable shift in a market where privacy assurances and corporate ethics are becoming decisive factors for users. The change places the Switzerland-based provider behind only NordVPN and Surfshark in one of the most closely watched consumer technology comparisons, signalling how competition among virtual private network services is increasingly shaped by […]
DraftKings has entered the fast-growing arena of regulated prediction markets with the launch of a new app offering event-based contracts tied to real-world outcomes, marking a notable expansion beyond its core sports-betting business. The company said its CFTC-approved platform, DraftKings Predictions, is live in 38 states, positioning the sports-wagering giant at the intersection of finance, forecasting and gaming at a time of heightened scrutiny over how Americans bet on non-sporting events.
The move places DraftKings alongside a small but expanding group of firms offering event contracts overseen by the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission, a regulatory route that differs from state-by-state gambling laws governing sports betting. Through DraftKings Predictions, users can take positions on outcomes ranging from economic indicators to political and cultural events, structured as contracts rather than traditional wagers. The company argues the model emphasises price discovery and market participation rather than gambling, a distinction that has been central to regulatory debates.
DraftKings said the new product operates through a CFTC-registered entity and complies with federal commodities law, allowing it to reach customers in states where sports betting remains restricted. The company framed the launch as a response to consumer demand for alternative ways to express views on real-world outcomes, while maintaining that safeguards are in place to limit misuse and ensure transparency. Executives have also pointed to risk-management tools and customer-verification standards similar to those used in its sportsbook operations.
The expansion comes as prediction markets gain renewed attention in the United States. Platforms offering event contracts have existed for years, often used by academics and traders to forecast elections or economic trends, but broader public adoption has accelerated as digital platforms have simplified access. Supporters argue these markets aggregate information efficiently and can produce forecasts that rival traditional polling or expert analysis. Critics counter that they blur the line between informed trading and speculative betting, particularly when contracts reference sensitive political events.
Regulators have taken a cautious but engaged stance. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission has emphasised that event contracts must meet standards designed to prevent market manipulation and protect the public interest. Questions over which types of events are permissible have led to consultations and, in some cases, requests for platforms to pause or modify offerings. DraftKings’ entry suggests confidence that its structure aligns with federal expectations, though the space remains under active review.
For DraftKings, the strategic rationale extends beyond regulatory arbitrage. The company has spent the past decade building a large, data-rich user base through daily fantasy sports and online sportsbooks. Prediction markets offer a way to diversify revenue streams and engage customers outside traditional sports calendars, potentially smoothing seasonal fluctuations. Analysts note that margins and customer behaviour in event-contract trading differ from sports betting, with pricing dynamics closer to financial markets than odds-making.
Competition is intensifying. Smaller, specialist platforms pioneered the sector, while mainstream financial apps have shown interest in integrating event contracts as a form of alternative asset. Kalshi, one of the most prominent CFTC-regulated prediction exchanges, has argued that clear federal oversight provides legitimacy and scalability. The arrival of a household name such as DraftKings is likely to increase public awareness and could accelerate policy discussions about the boundaries of the market.
The launch also raises political and ethical considerations. Event contracts linked to elections or public policy outcomes have drawn criticism from lawmakers who worry about perceptions of profiting from democracy or crises. DraftKings has indicated it will curate offerings carefully and comply with any guidance restricting certain categories. The company has previously faced regulatory challenges in the evolution of daily fantasy sports and sports betting, experience that may inform its approach to navigating this new terrain.
Investors are watching closely. DraftKings’ shares have historically been sensitive to regulatory signals and product expansion news, reflecting the company’s reliance on favourable legal frameworks. Entering prediction markets could bolster its growth narrative, but it also exposes the firm to federal-level policy shifts rather than the patchwork of state decisions that shaped sports betting’s rollout. The cost of compliance, technology build-out and potential legal challenges will influence how quickly the segment contributes to earnings.
Netskope has unveiled a new data centre in Malaysia, sharpening its expansion across Southeast Asia as governments and enterprises tighten rules on data residency and demand greater control over cloud security. The move places the US-based cybersecurity firm closer to customers in regulated industries that are accelerating cloud adoption while seeking assurances on where sensitive information is processed and stored.
The Malaysia facility, located to serve customers across the country and neighbouring markets, extends Netskope’s NewEdge network, the company’s global security infrastructure that underpins its secure access service edge offerings. By processing traffic locally, the firm says it can reduce latency, improve performance for cloud applications, and help organisations meet domestic compliance obligations without fragmenting their security architecture.
This expansion reflects a broader shift in Southeast Asia, where data protection regimes have become more explicit and enforcement has intensified. Malaysia’s Personal Data Protection Act, alongside sector-specific requirements for finance, healthcare and telecommunications, has pushed multinational firms to re-evaluate cross-border data flows. Similar pressures are evident in Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand, creating demand for security platforms that combine global reach with local presence.
Netskope’s regional strategy has focused on building infrastructure rather than relying solely on partner facilities. The Malaysia data centre complements existing points of presence across Asia Pacific and is designed to support services such as cloud access security brokerage, secure web gateways and zero trust network access. Company executives have said that proximity is increasingly critical as enterprises migrate mission-critical workloads to software-as-a-service platforms and public clouds.
Industry analysts note that the competitive landscape in cloud security has intensified as vendors race to offer compliant, low-latency services. Global rivals including Zscaler, Palo Alto Networks and Cisco have all invested in regional infrastructure to address sovereignty concerns. What differentiates players, analysts argue, is the ability to deliver consistent policy enforcement across geographies while adapting to local legal frameworks.
Malaysia has emerged as an attractive hub for such investments due to its growing digital economy, improving connectivity and government incentives aimed at data centre development. The country has positioned itself as a neutral base for regional operations, with policymakers encouraging foreign technology firms to establish infrastructure that supports domestic innovation and cross-border trade.
For enterprises, the presence of a local Netskope facility may ease long-standing concerns about routing traffic through distant jurisdictions. Financial institutions, in particular, have faced scrutiny over outsourcing arrangements and third-party risk management. Local processing can simplify audits and reporting while maintaining alignment with global security standards.
The expansion also speaks to changing threat dynamics. Cyber risk in Southeast Asia has risen alongside digitalisation, with ransomware, phishing and cloud misconfigurations posing persistent challenges. Security teams are under pressure to gain visibility across hybrid environments that span on-premise systems, multiple cloud providers and a distributed workforce. Vendors that can aggregate telemetry and enforce zero-trust principles close to the user are gaining traction.
Netskope has invested heavily in research and development to support this approach, including machine learning models that analyse cloud usage patterns and detect anomalous behaviour. The Malaysia data centre will feed into these capabilities, enabling faster inspection and response times for regional customers.
Beyond compliance and security, performance considerations are becoming a board-level issue. Latency can directly affect user productivity and customer experience, particularly for real-time collaboration tools and data-intensive applications. By shortening network paths, local infrastructure can deliver measurable gains, strengthening the business case for in-country deployments.
The move is expected to bolster Netskope’s channel ecosystem in Southeast Asia, where managed security service providers and systems integrators play a central role in enterprise adoption. Local infrastructure allows partners to offer services tailored to national requirements while leveraging a globally recognised platform.
Eight CryptoPunks non-fungible tokens have been accepted into the permanent collection of New York’s Museum of Modern Art, a move that places one of the most influential crypto-native projects alongside canonical works of modern and contemporary art. The acquisition underscores the growing institutional recognition of blockchain-based art forms, even as debate continues over their cultural and market value. The works were added through a donation organised by […]
Bitcoin’s slide below the closely watched $86,000 threshold has unsettled digital-asset markets, breaking a price floor that traders had treated as a key line of defence since the sharp sell-off in October. The move has triggered renewed volatility across major tokens and prompted a reassessment of risk as investors weigh whether the decline reflects temporary dislocation or a deeper shift in market structure. The breach occurred amid […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Abu Dhabi National Oil Company has finalised a $2 billion green financing facility backed by the Korea Trade Insurance Corporation, strengthening its funding base for lower-carbon projects as it seeks to align hydrocarbon operations with long-term energy transition goals. The facility, structured under ADNOC’s Sustainable Finance Framework, is earmarked for eligible investments across the company’s upstream, downstream and chemicals businesses, including emissions-reduction technologies, […]
Hong Kong and Macau Organisations Honoured for Outstanding Achievements ESG-led Business for a Sustainable Future
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 December 2025 – With global acceleration towards sustainable development and rising expectations from investors and stakeholders for responsible business practices, Hong Kong and Macau enterprises in recent years have been actively integrating Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) vision into their business strategies to drive green transformation and high-quality growth. Organised by Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB) and co-organised by the Hong Kong Productivity Council, the TVB ESG Awards 2025 (the Awards) aim to recognise and commend enterprises and organisations that have demonstrated outstanding performance in ESG and sustainable development. Now in its fourth edition, this annual flagship event recognise outstanding organisations and their achievements in ESG practices over the past year.
The ceremony was officiated by Mr. Michael WONG, GBS, JP, Deputy Financial Secretary (2nd left); Dr. LAM Ching-choi, GBS, JP, Non-official Member of the Executive Council & Chairman of the Council for Carbon Neutrality & Sustainable Development (1st right); Mr. SIU Sai Wo, General Manager (Business Operations), Television Broadcasts Limited (2nd right); and Dr. Lawrence CHEUNG Chi-chong, Chief Technology Officer, Hong Kong Productivity Council (1st left).
The ceremony was officiated by Mr. Michael WONG, GBS, JP, Deputy Financial Secretary; Dr. LAM Ching-choi, GBS, JP, Non-official Member of the Executive Council & Chairman of the Council for Carbon Neutrality & Sustainable Development; Mr. SIU Sai Wo, General Manager (Business Operations), Television Broadcasts Limited; and Dr. Lawrence CHEUNG Chi-chong, Chief Technology Officer, Hong Kong Productivity Council. Following the Green Summit held in July this year, the presentation ceremony also featured sharing sessions, inviting industry leaders and experts to exchange the latest trends and practical experience. In addition, the enhanced matching sessions enabled enterprises to connect with numerous attendees through exhibition booths to promote cross-sector collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Diverse Award Categories Recognise ESG Efforts of Hong Kong and Macau Industries
This year’s Awards include the “Outstanding ESG Award”, “Best in ESG Practices”, “Best in ESG Report”, “ESG Environmental Innovative Technology Award” and “ESG Social Innovative Technology Award”. Entries were open to five groups, namely large, medium, small market capitalisation/ GEM listed companies, as well as non-listed companies and non-profit organisations, to recognise the achievements of enterprises of different scales in ESG practices, reporting and innovation. To identify outstanding performers, a cross-sector professional judging panel appointed by TVB were responsible for assessing entries, using clear and diversified selection criteria that mainly cover five areas: environment, social, corporate governance, sustainability strategy, corporate information disclosure and communication.
Additionally, a new “Greater Bay Area ESG Excellence Enterprise Award (Macau SAR)” has been introduced this year to recognise Macau enterprises and organisations with outstanding ESG performance that actively promote sustainable development in the Macau community. Furthermore, to enhance and recognise the excellent performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in ESG practices and innovation, TVB has collaborated with the “ESG One” platform of the Hong Kong Productivity Council to launch the “SME ESG Excellence Award” this year. The award covers five areas: “Business Decarbonisation”, “Employee Care”, “Supply Chain Partnership”, “Sustainable Governance” and “ESG Technology Enhancement”, helping SMEs to progressively enhance their ESG performance. Organisations that did not receive the above ESG category awards but have actively performed and implemented ESG initiatives in various aspects will be eligible for nomination of “ESG Special Recognition Award – with Merit” or “ESG Special Recognition Award” in acknowledgement of their contributions.
Mr. Michael WONG, GBS, JP, Deputy Financial Secretary, said in his keynote speech, “Hong Kong possesses significant advantages in green economy transformation. As the city’s two major innovation and technology flagships, Hong Kong Science Park and Cyberport have now brought together over 270 green technology companies, representing growth of more than 80% compared to 2023, reflecting remarkably rapid development in recent years. Hong Kong can provide diversified investment and financing channels, enabling international capital to match with quality green projects. As of the end of September this year, there are over 200 SFC-authorised ESG funds with assets under management exceeding HKD1.1 trillion, demonstrating that investors are increasingly prioritising investment in sustainable development. The Government looks forward to continued collaboration with all of you to jointly build our sustainable future and make outstanding contributions to Hong Kong’s green economic development.”
Mr. SIU Sai Wo, General Manager (Business Operations), Television Broadcasts Limited, said, “The TVB ESG Awards 2025 received over 250 corporate entries this year, reflecting the growing importance of ESG for enterprises. We are grateful to all award-winning organisations and partners for their continued support of this flagship award. This year’s awardees excelled in ESG performance and set forward-looking models for the industry. TVB is actively supporting enterprises to devote resources to ESG development, incorporate sustainability into business decision-making and operations, and strengthen their sense of social responsibility. The Awards also provide a professional exchange platform for enterprises of different industries and scales to share their ESG strategies and tangible outcomes with a wider range of stakeholders.”
To help the public gain a more comprehensive understanding of the vision, mission and innovative strategies of various enterprises, the presentation ceremony featured sharing sessions. The judge Dr. Lawrence CHEUNG Chi-chong, Chief Technology Officer, Hong Kong Productivity Council, together with representatives from enterprises receiving the Outstanding ESG Award, exchanged practical insights. As the highest honour of this year’s Awards, the Outstanding ESG Award is conferred upon top-tier organisations in each category that have achieved the best performance in both “ESG Practices” and “ESG Report”. The award-winning enterprises shared their insights in the session titled “Partnering Across Sectors to Co-create a Low-carbon Future”:
Ms. Jessica CHAN, Head of Sustainability of MTR Corporation, shared how MTR leverages its diversified business portfolio to drive carbon reduction and social inclusion in daily operations, thus encouraging business partners to enhance their ESG performance.
Ms. Angel SZE, Company Secretary and Head of ESG Management Committee, Fosun International Limited, who shared how Fosun is driving innovation and global development to create value, while highlighting effective ESG practices for cross‑industry and cross‑regional enterprises.
Ms. Connie LAU, Assistant General Manager, Legal Department, China State Construction Development Holdings Limited, who used examples of innovative applications to demonstrate the company’s breakthroughs and decarbonisation goals.
Mr. Jonathan CHIU, President, Schneider Electric Hong Kong, who highlighted the company’s commitment as a global energy technology leader to driving efficiency and sustainability by electrifying, automating and digitalising industries, businesses and homes, contributing to Hong Kong’s low-carbon transition.
Mr. Peter LEE, Chief Sustainability Officer, Airport Authority Hong Kong, elaborated on how the authority collaborates with business partners and extends the sustainability concept to the society and education sector.
Mr. Oswald AU, Managing Director, Riskory Consultancy Limited, shared how SMEs can drive ESG through innovative solutions and practical actions, while leveraging mega event economy development to create greater impact.
The judge Dr. Lawrence CHEUNG Chi-chong, Chief Technology Officer, Hong Kong Productivity Council (1st left), together with representatives from enterprises receiving the Outstanding ESG Award, Ms. Jessica CHAN, Head of Sustainability of MTR Corporation (2nd left); Ms. Angel SZE, Company Secretary and Head of ESG Management Committee, Fosun International Limited (3rd left); Ms. Connie LAU, Assistant General Manager, Legal Department, China State Construction Development Holdings Limited (4th left); Mr. Jonathan CHIU, President, Schneider Electric Hong Kong (3rd right) ; Mr. Peter LEE, Chief Sustainability Officer, Airport Authority Hong Kong (2nd right); Mr. Oswald AU, Managing Director, Riskory Consultancy Limited (1st right), exchanged practical insights in the session titled “Partnering Across Sectors to Co-create a Low-carbon Future”.
Building on these insights, another sharing session titled “Building a Green and Sustainable Pathway: Advancing Liveable, Inclusive Smart Cities” invited Mr. Andy WONG, Senior Manager, Advocacy, Our Hong Kong Foundation, as moderator. He was joined by Ir. Franco CHEUNG, Director (Projects), Hong Kong Housing Society, Mr. Samuel KWONG, Senior Associate Director – ESG, Chinachem Group and Mr. Jeffery LOK, Managing Director, Kwan On Chemical Enterprise Co. Ltd., for in-depth discussions on topics such as decarbonisation planning, the application of green building technologies including Modular Integrated Construction (MiC), kitchen and grease trap waste oil recycling, exploring the roadmap for Hong Kong and Macau’s sustainable urban development and environmental benefits.
The sharing session titled “Building a Green and Sustainable Pathway: Advancing Liveable, Inclusive Smart Cities” invited Mr. Andy WONG, Senior Manager, Advocacy, Our Hong Kong Foundation (1st left), as moderator. He was joined by Ir. Franco CHEUNG, Director (Projects), Hong Kong Housing Society (2nd left); Mr. Samuel KWONG, Senior Associate Director – ESG, Chinachem Group (2nd right); Mr. Jeffery LOK, Managing Director, Kwan On Chemical Enterprise Co. Ltd. (1st right) for in-depth discussions.
This year’s ceremony attracted enthusiastic participation from numerous enterprises and organisations, including listed companies, non-listed companies and non-profit organisations, signalling the local market’s increasing commitment to ESG. Enhanced matching sessions with exhibition booths were arranged before and after the ceremony, allowing participants to engage in in-depth exchanges on green technology solutions, sustainable development and eco-friendly materials, and to explore collaboration opportunities.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About TVB ESG
Since 2022, TVB ESG has been committed to building a professional exchange platform for local sustainable development, promoting a deeper understanding, implementation, and strategic development of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) issues among businesses and different sectors of society. TVB ESG works closely with various organisations to foster cross-sector collaboration, help enterprises expand their professional networks and strengthen industry connections, while enhancing their visibility in the market and industry through diverse channels, thereby amplifying their impact in the ESG field.
To enhance industry exchange and promote a culture of sustainability, TVB ESG organises three core events every year, the Green Forum, the Green Summit and the “TVB ESG Awards”. These events aim to focus on key environmental issues and emerging trends, bringing together industry leaders and experts to provide forward-looking insights for enterprises, promote knowledge sharing, and facilitate the exchange of best practices. Through the “TVB ESG Awards”, TVB ESG also recognises enterprises and organisations with outstanding achievements in sustainable development, encouraging the industry to continuously implement and elevate ESG standards.
By Dr. Gyan Pathak Two decades old Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) 2005 is finally replaced by Viksit Bharat – Guarantee For Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Bill 2025 on the last day of the Winter Session of the Parliament on December 19. Lok Sabha passed the Bill in […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire -19 December 2025 – HKAccidentLawyers.com and the HKCivilClaim.com today released the 2025 Annual Claims Data Report, providing summaries for each key data point to enhance legal literacy among accident victims.
1. Work Injury Claims Data (Total: 1,032 Cases) Sick Leave Distribution:
0 – 30 Days: 279 cases
31 – 100 Days: 323 cases
101 – 300 Days: 261 cases
301 – 700 Days: 145 cases
701 – 1,000 Days: 18 cases
1,001 – 2,000 Days: 3 cases
Over 2,000 Days: 3 cases
Summary: Over 58% of cases involve fewer than 100 days of sick leave, indicating that minor injuries remain the norm. However, extreme cases exceeding 2,000 days highlight the dire need for long-term legal and financial support for severely injured workers.
Assessment of Earning Capacity:
0% – 4%: 745 cases
5% – 14%: 188 cases
15% – 34%: 52 cases
35% – 64%: 11 cases
65% – 94%: 10 cases
95% – 100%: 26 cases
Summary: A “pyramid” distribution is observed, with 72% involving minor impairments. Yet, the 26 cases of near-total disability (95-100%) underscore the catastrophic impact of high-risk workplace accidents on families.
Estimated Results:
HK$0 – $50,000: 381 cases
HK$50,001 – $100,000: 226 cases
HK$100,001 – $200,000: 147 cases
HK$200,001 – $500,000: 109 cases
HK$500,001 – $1,000,000: 125 cases
HK$1,000,001 – $2,000,000: 31 cases
HK$2,000,001 – $5,000,000: 13 cases
Summary: 16% of inquiries yield estimates above HK$500,000. These cases often involve complex future loss of earnings, signaling a high demand for specialized legal advocacy in high-value claims.
2. Traffic Accident Claims Data (Total: 868 Cases) Injured Body Parts:
Back / Spine: 176 cases
Lower Back / Hips: 118 cases
Head: 112 cases
Shoulder: 111 cases
Neck: 105 cases
Leg: 104 cases
Knee: 74 cases
Arm: 68 cases
Summary: Back and spine injuries are the most frequent, often resulting from whiplash in rear-end collisions. These injuries are critical for PSLA (Pain, Suffering, and Loss of Amenities) evaluations in civil court.
Nature of Injuries:
Sprain: 241 cases
Fracture: 180 cases
Contusion: 169 cases
Nerve / Brain: 139 cases
Internal: 74 cases
Dislocation: 65 cases
Summary: While sprains are most common, the high number of nerve and brain injuries (139 cases) is concerning, as these often lead to permanent functional impairment.
Estimated Results:
HK$0 – $100,000: 422 cases
HK$100,001 – $200,000: 162 cases
HK$200,001 – $500,000: 179 cases
HK$500,001 – $1,000,000: 98 cases
HK$1,000,001 – $2,000,000: 5 cases
HK$2,000,001 – $10,000,000: 0 cases
Over HK$10,000,000: 2 cases
Summary: Traffic claims show extreme polarization. While most stay below HK $100k, two cases exceeded HK$ 10 million, reflecting the massive social cost of life-altering road collisions.
Mandatory Disclaimer
IMPORTANT: All compensation figures are generated by the “AI Compensation Calculator” based on user input. These are preliminary estimates only and not final actual compensation amounts. Final payouts depend on court rulings, liability apportionment, and medical evidence. Victims must seek formal legal advice from practicing lawyers.
A federal appeals court in the United States has breathed new life into a class-action lawsuit accusing Apple of running the App Store as an unlawful monopoly, a ruling that sharpens pressure on one of the world’s most valuable companies and adds momentum to antitrust scrutiny facing Big Tech across several jurisdictions. The Ninth U. S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a lower court decision that had […]
South Korea’s central bank has unveiled temporary measures to increase the supply of US dollars in the onshore foreign exchange market, responding to renewed pressure on the won and heightened volatility driven by global monetary conditions and capital flows. The steps, announced in Seoul, are designed to stabilise market functioning rather than signal a shift in the broader policy stance, according to officials familiar with the decision.
The Bank of Korea said it would expand and fine-tune existing mechanisms that channel dollar liquidity to domestic banks, including adjustments to foreign exchange swap operations and closer coordination with financial institutions that rely on short-term dollar funding. The announcement followed sharp movements in the won that reflected a stronger dollar globally, shifting expectations over US interest rates and risk-averse sentiment among international investors.
Authorities stressed that the measures are temporary and targeted. Central bank officials indicated that the aim is to smooth excessive fluctuations and ensure that firms and banks can access foreign currency at reasonable costs, rather than to defend a specific exchange rate level. Market participants have long viewed this distinction as important, particularly after past episodes when heavy-handed intervention drew criticism from trading partners.
South Korea’s economy is deeply integrated into global trade and finance, making its currency sensitive to swings in the dollar. Exporters and importers alike depend on predictable access to foreign currency, while domestic banks hold sizeable short-term foreign liabilities that can become vulnerable during periods of stress. Episodes of dollar scarcity can amplify volatility, as companies rush to hedge exposures and banks scramble to secure funding.
The central bank’s move builds on a toolkit refined over the past decade. FX swap facilities allow banks to exchange won for dollars with the central bank for a set period, easing immediate shortages without depleting official reserves. By adjusting maturities, volumes and pricing, policymakers can influence conditions in the onshore market while signalling readiness to act if dislocations worsen.
Government officials, speaking separately, said fiscal and regulatory authorities were aligned with the central bank’s approach. The finance ministry has held regular consultations with the Bank of Korea and financial regulators to monitor cross-border capital movements, particularly as global investors rebalance portfolios in response to shifting yield differentials. Officials noted that South Korea’s foreign exchange reserves remain ample by international standards, offering a buffer against disorderly market moves.
Economists said the measures reflect a broader trend among Asian central banks grappling with a strong dollar environment. While many economies in the region maintain flexible exchange rates, policymakers have shown a willingness to step in when liquidity dries up or price action becomes detached from fundamentals. In South Korea’s case, analysts pointed to stable external balances and a manageable current account position as factors that give authorities room to act calmly.
Banks welcomed the announcement, saying predictable access to dollar liquidity helps reduce funding costs and limits the risk of knock-on effects to credit markets. A senior treasury executive at a major commercial bank said the adjustments would “help smooth day-to-day operations” at a time when global markets remain sensitive to policy signals from Washington and other major capitals.
Currency strategists cautioned, however, that temporary measures alone cannot offset sustained external pressures if global conditions remain unfavourable. They noted that the won’s performance will continue to be influenced by US monetary policy expectations, geopolitical developments and investor appetite for emerging market assets. Any prolonged mismatch between dollar demand and supply could require further action, though officials have signalled a preference for gradual, market-friendly steps.
The Bank of Korea has repeatedly emphasised that foreign exchange policy operates alongside, not in place of, its primary mandate of price stability. With inflation dynamics evolving and domestic growth facing headwinds from weaker external demand, policymakers are balancing multiple objectives. The central bank has avoided linking the FX measures directly to interest rate decisions, underscoring that liquidity management in currency markets serves a different purpose.
Two former employees of cybersecurity firms have pleaded guilty in a United States federal court to criminal charges after admitting they secretly carried out ransomware attacks against companies they were supposed to help protect, a case that has sent shockwaves through the cyber-security industry and reignited concerns about insider threats. Prosecutors said the defendants used their technical knowledge and access to professional tools to identify vulnerabilities in […]
Abu Dhabi Global Market has entered its second decade with a sharp acceleration in global financial activity, announcing the addition of 11 major international financial institutions whose combined assets under management exceed $9 trillion, a move that underscores the centre’s rapid ascent as a leading global hub for asset management. The influx lifts total assets managed within ADGM to about $1.27 trillion, a steep rise from $635 […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Kuwait is set to sign a contract next week with China Communications Construction Company to advance the long-delayed Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port, signalling renewed momentum behind a project seen as pivotal to the country’s trade ambitions and its role in regional logistics. Public Works Minister Noura Al-Mashaan confirmed the timeline on Thursday, following formal approval by the Central Agency for Public Tenders for the […]
Dubai has built its reputation as one of the most business-friendly cities in the Middle East. With a strong regulatory framework, world-class infrastructure, and a steady influx of international professionals, the emirate continues to attract entrepreneurs, executives, and investors from around the globe. In such a dynamic environment, efficiency is not a luxury—it is a necessity. Business travelers arriving in Dubai often face tight schedules, multiple meetings […]
Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, known as Masdar, has withdrawn from a consortium seeking to take ReNew Energy Global private, bringing the proposed buyout of the Nasdaq-listed renewable power producer to an abrupt end and sending a fresh signal about the challenges facing large-scale clean energy transactions. ReNew disclosed the development in a filing to the US Securities and Exchange Commission, confirming that the investor group will […]
The United Arab Emirates has consolidated its standing in 2025 as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies, underpinned by a surge in non-oil activity, sustained investment inflows and a regulatory framework designed to attract capital and talent. Data released through the year point to broad-based expansion across trade, manufacturing, logistics, tourism, finance and technology, reinforcing a shift away from hydrocarbons as the primary engine of growth.
Non-oil foreign trade climbed 24.5 per cent in the first half of 2025 to AED1.7 trillion, a pace that far exceeds the prevailing global trade growth rate. The increase reflects rising re-exports, stronger demand from Asia, Europe and Africa, and the UAE’s role as a commercial bridge linking major markets. Officials have highlighted gains in machinery, electronics, precious metals, food products and pharmaceuticals, supported by expanded port capacity, faster customs procedures and new trade agreements.
Investment indicators have moved in tandem with trade. The UN Conference on Trade and Development’s World Investment Report 2025 ranked the UAE 10th globally for inbound foreign direct investment in 2024, with inflows of AED167.6 billion. That placing keeps the country among the world’s most attractive destinations for capital, alongside much larger economies, and underscores confidence in the policy environment, infrastructure and legal protections available to investors.
Economic planners attribute the momentum to a combination of structural reforms and targeted incentives. Liberalised ownership rules, long-term residency options for professionals and entrepreneurs, and streamlined licensing have lowered barriers for international firms. Specialised free zones continue to draw companies in logistics, clean energy, advanced manufacturing, fintech and digital services, while onshore jurisdictions have simplified company formation and compliance.
Non-oil GDP growth has been supported by strong domestic demand and an expanding population of skilled workers. Tourism has posted record levels of hotel occupancy and visitor spending, aided by expanded air connectivity and major events that have kept demand resilient across seasons. Retail and hospitality have benefited from rising consumer confidence, while real estate transactions have remained active across residential, commercial and industrial segments.
Manufacturing has emerged as a key contributor, with investments flowing into metals, food processing, pharmaceuticals and building materials. The push to localise supply chains and boost exports has been reinforced by incentives for advanced manufacturing and the adoption of automation and artificial intelligence. Renewable energy and clean technology projects have also attracted capital, aligning economic growth with climate commitments.
The financial sector has played a central role in channelling investment. Banks have reported healthy credit growth to businesses, while capital markets have seen new listings and debt issuance that broaden funding options. Asset managers and private equity firms have expanded regional operations, using the UAE as a base for Middle East, Africa and South Asia strategies. Regulatory clarity in digital assets and fintech has further widened the investor base.
Trade policy has complemented domestic reforms. Comprehensive economic partnership agreements have reduced tariffs and opened access to fast-growing markets, supporting exporters and logistics providers. Improved customs digitisation has shortened clearance times, enhancing the country’s competitiveness as a trans-shipment hub. The scale of non-oil trade growth indicates that these measures are translating into higher volumes rather than merely price effects.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Hotel occupancy across the UAE climbed to 79.3 per cent during the first ten months of 2025, underlining the sector’s sustained momentum as visitor flows, air connectivity and investment continue to reinforce the country’s position as a global tourism hub. The figure marks an increase from 78 per cent a year earlier and places the UAE among the strongest performers both regionally and […]
Cisco has said that a sophisticated group of China-linked hackers is actively exploiting a previously unknown vulnerability to breach the networks of its customers, raising concerns across governments and large enterprises that rely on the company’s equipment for critical communications and data traffic. The company disclosed that the attackers have been using a zero-day flaw to gain unauthorised access to affected systems before patches were available, allowing […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 December 2025 – IX Asia Indexes today announced the 2nd Half 2025 Review of the IX Digital Asset Industry Classification System (“DAICS®“), aiming to provide professionals worldwide with a transparent and standardized classification scheme to determine sector and exposure of particular digital assets. DAICS® classifies digital assets into 2 main categories: a) Cryptocurrencies and b) Asset Backed Tokens (ABTs) in a 3-tier system for each category. For Cryptocurrencies: Tier 1-Industry/ Tier 2-Sector/ Tier 3-Sub-sector; and for ABTs: Tier 1-Asset Type/ Tier 2-Branch/ Tier 3-Sub-branch. The results are as follows:
DAICS® coin coverage: As of 3rd December, the top 50 coins by average market capitalization across the past 90 days
DAICS®market capitalization coverage: 96.98%*
The % coverage of market capitalization of the 50th ranked coin: 0.048%**
Member changes within the Top 50 Coins in DAICS®: eight coins added and nine coins deleted
Additions: Zcash (ZEC), World Liberty Financial USD (WUSD), PayPalUSD (PYUSD), Memecore (M), Worldcoin (WLD), Story (IP), Arbitrum (ARB), KuCoin (KCS)
Deletions: Mantra (OM), GateToken (GT), Official Trump (TRUMP), VeChain (VET), Render (RENDER), First Digital USD (FDUSD), Filecoin (FIL), Cosmos (ATOM), Algorand (ALGO)
9 Green Coins labelled: Cronos (CRO), Pi (PI), Internet Computer (ICP), Hedera, Sui (SUI), Toncoin (TON), Arbitrum (ARB), Mantle (MNT), Tron (TRX)
Note: *Special currency treatment of DAICS®applies, where any wrapped or second-level cryptocurrency is not considered in the calculation for the market capitalization of DAICS® **Based on 3rd December 2025 G: Green Coin
The rankings of additions and deletions for the DAICS® top 50 cryptocurrencies are listed in Appendix 1. All classification changes, including the ixCrypto Infrastructure Index and ixCrypto Stablecoin index, will take effect on 23rd January 2026, with market capitalization, rankings, and weightings available at www.ix-index.com.
1. Cryptocurrencies
1.1. Structure and Definitions
Tier 1: Industry Changes The industry groups remain unchanged, with 5 industries and the respective weightings as follows:
Industry
Weighting (%)
Payment (110)
73.87%
Infrastructure (120)
19.89%
Financial Services (130)
4.82%
Tech & Data (140)
0.22%
Media & Entertainment (150)
1.20%
Tier 2: Sector Changes The number of sectors has increased from 17 to 18. There is one new sector added under the industry group “Tech & Data (140)”:
Identification (14040) Definition: Cryptocurrencies that facilitate decentralized identity authentication and/or blockchain-based validation of digital intellectual property rights. The classification emphasizes trust, data consent, and privacy as core architectural features while the crypto by itself is not an identity token.
1.2. Reclassification Changes This review doesn’t have any reclassification of the existing coins. The DAICS® 2H 2025 cryptocurrencies classification is available in Appendix 2.
1.3. Green Coin Label This review identifies 9 Green Coins, classified based on their energy-per-unit-transaction, which is defined as the amount of energy consumed for a successful single unit transaction of the coin in the blockchain network. The coins selected rank in the top 20 percentile of the least energy-consuming cryptocurrencies out of the 50 DAICS® constituents. The top 20 percentile’s threshold in this review is ≤ 0.150 Wh. The table below lists these low-energy coins.
Industry
Low Energy-per-transaction (≤ 0.150 Wh)
Payment (110)
CROG PIG
Infrastructure (120)
ICPG SUIG ARBG TRXG
HBARG TONG MNTG
Financial Services (130)
NIL
Tech & Data (140)
NIL
Media & Entertainment (150)
NIL
Note:G as ‘Green Coin‘ labelling for cryptocurrencies that adhere to the principles of sustainability
2. Asset Backed Tokens (ABT) 2.1. Structure and Definitions
Tier 1: Asset Type Changes The asset types remain unchanged at 6 as follows: 1) Culture (205), 2) Real Estate (215), 3) Financials (235), 4) Entertainment (255), 5) Natural Resources (265), and 6) Green Economy (275)
Tier 2: Branch Changes The number of branches has increased from 31 to 32, with a new branch added under Financials (235): Tokenized funds (23540).
2.2. Classification Changes This review doesn’t have any reclassification of the existing assets.
2.3. Coverage of DAICS® A classification summary and definition table of both cryptocurrencies and ABTsare available in Appendices 3 and 4. For further information regarding the methodology of the DAICS®, please refer to the “IX Digital Asset Industry Classification System”- principle and guiding methodology on the company website https://ix-index.com/daics.html.
For more details on DAICS® qualification criteria, please email [email protected].
Appendix 1
Additions and Deletions in DAICS® Top 50 Cryptocurrencies
Additions
Current Rank
Cryptocurrencies
28
Zcash (ZEC)
31
World Liberty Financial USD (WUSD)
41
PayPal USD (PYUSD)
45
MemeCore (M)
46
Worldcoin (WLD)
49
Story (IP)
50
Arbitrum (ARBG)
51
KuCoin (KCS)
Deletions
Prev. Rank
Cryptocurrencies
Current Rank
34
Mantra (OM)
300+
41
GateToken (GT)
67
43
OFFICIAL TRUMP
56
45
VeChain (VET)
55
46
Render (RNDR)
58
47
First Digital USD (FDUSDG)
71
48
Filecoin (FIL)
61
50
Cosmos (ATOM)
54
51
Algorand (ALGO)
52
G: Green Coin
Appendix 2
Classification of the Top 50 Coins by Industry and Sector
Category
Industry
Sector
Cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrencies (1)
Payment:
Blockchain based money, designed for transactional purposes. This includes daily transactions usage and stablecoins.
Transaction & Payment
BTC XRP BCH XLM LTC
XMR CROG ZEC PIG KAS
Stablecoin
USDT USDC USDe
DAI WUSD PYUSD
Infrastructure:
Bedrock blockchain that facilitates the operation of other decentralised applications. This includes the creation and running of dedicated blockchain platforms, achieving interoperability between networks, increasing the amount or speed of transactions etc
Application Development Protocol & Smart Contract
ETH SOL TRXG ADA HYPE SUIG AVAX
HBARG TONG NEAR ETC APT ICPG
Interoperability
LINK DOT
ATOM
Scaling & Sharding
MNTG ARBG
POL
Supporting System
NIL
Financial services:
Tokens that provide on-chain asset management services, crypto-exchange services, funding, lending and other capital markets related services
Exchange Tokens
BNB LEO BGB
UNI OKB KCS
Lending & Borrowing
AAVE
Staking
ENA
Financial Asset Tokenization
ONDO
Tech & Data:
Provision of data management and storage, and development of innovative crypto technology
Storage & Sharing
NIL
Data Management
NIL
Artificial Intelligence
TAO
Identification (NEW)
WLD
IP
Media & Entertainment:
Recreational and media services. Including content creation and distribution, advertising through crypto-asset incentive mechanisms, gaming and collectibles
Social Media & Community
DOGE SHIB
PEPE M
Streaming
NIL
Gaming
NIL
Metaverse
NIL
Note: G as ‘Green Coin‘ for cryptocurrencies that adhere to the principles of sustainability NEW for newly added sector
Appendix 3
DAICS® Industry and Sector Definition
Category
Industry
Sector
Sector definition
Cryptocurrencies (1)
Payment: (110)
Definition Blockchain based money, designed for transactional purposes. This includes daily transactions usage and stablecoins.
Transaction & Payment (11010)
Cryptocurrencies that are used for store of value, unit of account, medium of exchange
Stablecoin (11020)
Cryptocurrencies where price is pegged to a / a basket of, reference asset
Infrastructure: (120)
Definition Bedrock blockchain that facilitates the operation of other decentralised applications. This includes the creation and running of dedicated blockchain platforms, achieving interoperability between networks, increasing the amount or speed of transactions etc.
Application Development Protocol & Smart Contract (12010)
layer-1 blockchain network that facilitates DApp creation and smart contract execution and smart contract
Interoperability (12020)
Network that increases inter-connectivity and integration of the fragmented cryptocurrency ecosystem
Scaling & Sharding (12030)
Networks that increase the ability to cope with the influx of many transactions at a time and blockchain network that can be split into smaller partitions, to improve scalability and process transactions quicker
Supporting System (12040)
Networks/sidechains that improve functionality of layer-1 network
Financial services: (130)
Definition Tokens that provide on-chain asset management services, crypto-exchange services, funding, lending, and other capital markets related services
Exchange Tokens (13010)
Cryptocurrencies that represent the stable coin in the exchange ecosystem and allow users to covert from digital asset on decentralised or centralised system int fiat currencies
Lending & Borrowing (13020)
Borrowing and lending crypto assets with interest in return and other secondary financial tools derived from primary underlying asset, such as crypto futures and options
Staking (13030)
Holding and “staking” of certain amount of cryptocurrency in a wallet to facilitate network operations
Financial Asset Tokenization (13040)
Cryptocurrencies/protocols that focus on the tokenized issuance and management of financial assets
Tech & Data: (140)
Definition Provision of data management and storage, and development of innovative crypto technology
Storage & Sharing (14010)
Crypto protocols that provide decentralized storage and/or sharing of data filing and resources.
Data Management (14020)
Networks/Protocols that facilitate the indexing and querying of data from blockchain(s), enabling efficient data retrieval and management for decentralized applications
Artificial Intelligence (14030)
Cryptos/Protocols that facilitate the use of AI powered apps or projects directly using blockchain platform.
Identification (14040) (NEW)
Cryptocurrencies that facilitate decentralized identity authentication and/or blockchain-based validation of digital intellectual property rights. The classification emphasizes trust, data consent, and privacy as core architectural features while the crypto by itself is not an identity token.
Media & Entertainment: (150)
Definition Recreational and media services. Including content creation and distribution, advertising through crypto-asset incentive mechanisms, gaming and collectibles
Social Media & Community (15010)
Cryptos that provides mast social community and followers without a close secondary industry sector
Streaming (15020)
Cryptos that provides rights to access decentralised video-streaming sites
Gaming (15030)
Cryptos which mainly used in gaming or gaming supporting industry
Metaverse (15040)
Cryptos that is commonly used in collective virtual open space, created by the convergence of virtually enhanced physical and digital reality. This includes the use of VR and/or AR and/or 3D.
Note: NEW for newly added sector
Appendix 4
DAICS® Asset Type and Branch Definition
Category
Asset Type
Branch
Sub -branch
Asset-Backed Tokens (2)
Culture: (205)
Definition Real asset relating to sports, art, cultural drama, festive collectibles and design IPs etc.
Art (20510)
This shall be further developed in the future with more digital assets available in the market
Sports (20520)
Festive Collectibles (20530)
Design IPs (20540)
Drama and Play IPs (20550)
Real Estate:(215)
Definition Assets that mainly derived its valuation from property, real estate, and land
Commercial Property (21510)
Residential Property (21520)
Governmental Property (21530)
Residential and Commercial Land (21540)
Financials: (235)
Definition Real financial asset including listed company shareholdings on regulated centralised exchanges and private company shareholdings; debt instruments; property trusts and derivatives that settled on regulated exchange (CeFi and DeFi).
Definition Ownership of the IPs assets in the area of entertainment in real world such as concert, play, shows, circus, musicals, songs, movies, games, events and programs, and souvenir collectibles that is derived from the above areas.
Movies (25510)
This shall be further developed in the future with more digital assets available in the market
Songs (25520)
Concerts (25530)
Gaming (25540)
All Other Entertainment Events and Collectibles (25550)
Natural Resources: (265)
Definition Natural resources asset that derived directly from sea, sky, atmosphere and underground and can be classified as a commodity with standardisation such as precious metals, agricultural, energy and metals.
Precious Metals (26510)
Agricultural (26520)
Energy (26530)
Metals (26540)
Green Economy (275)
Definition Ownership of Projects Asset that falls under the definition of the UN 17SDG²s, with over 80% of the income or jobs provided on these 17 initiatives.
No Poverty & Zero Hunger (27510)
Following definition of the United Nations 17 sustainable development goals²
Good Health and Well-Being (27520)
Quality Education (27530)
Gender Equality (27540)
Clean Water and Sanitation/Affordable and Clean Energy (27550)
Decent Work and Economic Growth/ Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure/ Partnerships for the Goals (27560)
Reduced inequalities/ Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions (27570)
Sustainable Cities and Communities/Responsible Consumption and Production (27580)
Climate Action (27590)
Life Below Water & Life on Land (27500)
Note: NEW for newly added branch
² United Nations 17 sustainable development goals covering 1) No Poverty 2) Zero Hunger 3) Good Health and Well-Being 4) Quality Education 5) Gender Equality 6) Clean Water and Sanitation 7) Affordable And Clean Energy 8) Decent Work and Economic Growth 9) Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure 10) Reduced inequalities 11) Sustainable Cities and Communities 12) Responsible Consumption and Production 13) Climate Action 14) Life Below Water 15) Life on Land 16) Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions and 17) Partnerships for the Goals https://sdgs.un.org/goals
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About DAICS®
DAICS® covers both cryptocurrencies and asset-backed tokens (“ABTs”), to be reviewed semi-annually at the end of June and December. On the cryptocurrency side, it is a three-tier system that groups cryptocurrencies into 5 main industries: 1) Payment, 2) Infrastructure, 3) Financial services, 4) Technology & Data, and 5) Media & Entertainment. These industries are further divided into sectors and sub-sectors to be introduced in the future. Under asset-backed tokens, there are 6 asset types: 1) Culture, 2) Real Estate, 3) Financials, 4) Entertainment, 5) Natural Resources, 6) Green Economy. These asset types are further divided into branches and sub-branches to be introduced in the future.
About the IX Asia Tokenization Advisory Committee and Working Group
The establishment of the IX Asia Tokenization Advisory Committee (“Advisory Committee”) is to pursue the goal and vision of formulating a standard for a global tokenization framework in a compliant and transparent way. The key role of the Advisory Committee is to formulate the guidelines and references for tokenization in terms of infrastructure, business, financial stability, sustainability, internal control, and classification. The Advisory Committee is comprised of industry-recognised leaders from blockchain consultancy, sustainable projects, and the field of the Art industry.
The establishment of the Working Group is to identify, evaluate and recommend key directions and founding principles according to their specific industry knowledge and expertise in relating to the creation of the specified token. It will examine and propose improvements to the guidelines and references for tokenization. The working group is formed of a diverse group of market experts representing relevant sectors and markets, to provide input and discuss case studies for creation of tokenization framework, best practices and development of real-world projects.
Hang Lung’s Vision for Academic Excellence Drives Hong Kong’s Global Competitiveness
HONG KONG SAR & SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 December 2025 – The winners of the 2025 Hang Lung Mathematics Awards (“HLMA”), co-organized by Hang Lung Properties Limited (SEHK Stock Code: 00101) (“Hang Lung” or the “Company”) and the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (“HKUST”), have been announced. Siu Man Li from the Hong Kong Chinese Women’s Club College received the Gold Award for his research report titled “Markov Chains Associated with Ultraspherical Polynomials: An Analysis of Weak Convergence and First Passage Time Functionals”.
Dr. Choi Yuk-lin, Secretary for Education of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (left) and Professor Richard Schoen, Chair of the 2025 HLMA Scientific Committee (right) present the Gold Award to winner Siu Man Li from Hong Kong Chinese Women’s Club College at the 2025 Hang Lung Mathematics Awards.
The Silver Award and the Bronze Award were won by Augus Kui Lam Huang, Inna Belle Lee, Chun Lam Lo, Lok Hei Qiao, and Cheuk Lok Wong from St. Paul’s Co-educational College, and Edison Sze Ho Fu, Yun Tung Ko, Hoi Chun Puk, and Wai Kwan Yeung from Queen’s College, respectively. All winning teams demonstrated exceptional problem-solving abilities, creativity, and academic rigor evident in their work on challenging mathematical topics.
The awards were presented at tonight’s ceremony, celebrating the remarkable achievements of the student finalists and reaffirming HLMA’s sustained contribution to advancing STEM education in Hong Kong. In her opening remarks, Dr. Choi Yuk-lin, JP, Secretary for Education of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said, “The Hang Lung Mathematics Awards not only honours mathematical endeavours, but also reflects its enduring commitment to inspiring a continued passion for mathematics among our students and nurturing Hong Kong’s young talents. This aligns well with the promotion of self-directed learning, problem solving and creativity in Hong Kong’s school education. I hope all of us in the society can join hands in the promotion of digital education and mathematical modelling for the benefit of our students.”
Mr. Adriel Chan, Chair of Hang Lung Properties, also addressed the audience, stating, “As we celebrate the winners of the Hang Lung Mathematics Awards, we are reminded that talent development is a long-term investment. HLMA embodies our commitment to nurturing the next generation of thinkers and leaders who will navigate an increasingly complex world. We are heartened by the strong support from students, schools, and the academic community, which reinforces our shared mission to advance mathematics education and push the boundaries of excellence. Together, we are empowering young minds to pursue their passion and unlock their potential in mathematics, science, and technology.”
Professor Nancy Ip, President of HKUST, said, “HKUST is pleased to continue our partnership with Hang Lung in this biennial competition. Hang Lung Mathematics Awards is more than an academic contest; it is a platform that challenges students to push the boundaries of their knowledge and apply rigorous methodology to original research. By cultivating a community of aspiring mathematicians and providing them with access to world-class training, we are advancing our shared vision of transforming Hong Kong into a global hub for innovation and technology.”
A group photo of the winning teams of the 2025 Hang Lung Mathematics Awards with Dr. Choi Yuk-lin, Secretary for Education of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Mr. Ronnie C. Chan, Honorary Chair of Hang Lung Properties; Mr. Adriel Chan, Chair of Hang Lung Properties; Mr. Weber Lo, Chief Executive Officer of Hang Lung Properties; Kenneth Chiu, Chief Financial Officer of Hang Lung Properties; Professor Nancy Ip, President of HKUST; Professor Richard Schoen, Chair of the HLMA Scientific Committee; Professor Ngaiming Mok, Chair of the HLMA Steering Committee; and members of the Scientific Committee, Steering Committee, Executive Committee, and Screening Panel.
During the ceremony, a lively Panel Discussion was held on the theme of “Ubiquity of Mathematics: the Language of Discovery.” The discussion featured Professor Richard Schoen, 2017 Wolf Prize Laureate in Mathematics and Chair of the 2025 HLMA Scientific Committee, and Professor Ngaiming Mok, 2022 Future Science Prize Laureate, Chair of the HLMA Steering Committee and member of the Scientific Committee. Moderated by Ms. Jennifer Zhu Scott, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Power Dynamics, the distinguished speakers shared their insights on the evolving landscape of mathematics education and the essential skills required for the next generation to thrive in a technology-driven era.
The 2025 Hang Lung Mathematics Awards attracted the participation of close to 100 teams from over 50 secondary schools in Hong Kong. Under the guidance of a supervising teacher, each team decided on a mathematics topic, designed and conducted research, and compiled their findings into a research report. This impactful initiative is pivotal in the cultivation of future mathematical and scientific minds.
Appendix
Founded in 2004, the Hang Lung Mathematics Awards is a biennial competition that inspires secondary school students to formulate their own research journey and realize their creative potential in mathematics. Throughout its illustrious history, 2,800 students from over 200 schools have participated, submitting more than 500 research reports. Hang Lung donates HK$2.5 million for each competition—HK$1 million is allocated as prize money with the remainder supporting HKUST in providing vital initiatives including academic consultation, assessment, administration, and educational outreach activities. HKUST also offers scholarships for teachers nominated by the winning schools to further their studies through the Master of Science Program in Mathematics for Educators.
Over the past two decades, the HLMA has made a profound impact on cultivating young mathematical talent, with many past winners having gone on to graduate from top universities worldwide and now contributing significantly to society through work in academia and professional fields. HLMA plays an important role in recognizing and fostering a lasting love of mathematical inquiry that extends far beyond secondary school.
This year, the Hang Lung Mathematics Awards drew participation from nearly 100 teams across over 50 secondary schools in Hong Kong. A total of 15 teams were shortlisted for the Oral Defense stage, where a Scientific Committee comprising internationally renowned scholars and educators evaluated the research reports through a rigorous, multi-step review process. The teams were invited to present and defend their findings before the Scientific Committee in a formal setting, an experience that closely resembles the oral defense process required for a postgraduate degree.
For a detailed list of winners of the 2025 Hang Lung Mathematics Awards, please refer to the attachment.
Attachment
List of Winners of the 2025 Hang Lung Mathematics Awards
Award
Research Title
Team Member(s)
Teacher
School Name
Gold
Markov Chains Associated with Ultraspherical Polynomials: an Analysis of Weak Convergence and First Passage Time Functionals
Siu Man Li
Mr. On Ping Chung
Hong Kong Chinese Women’s Club College
Silver
Incentric Subdivisions of Triangles and Iterated Function Systems
Augus Kui Lam Huang
Inna Belle Lee Chun Lam Lo Lok Hei Qiao Cheuk Lok Wong
Mr. Pak Leong Cheung
St. Paul’s Co-educational College
Bronze
On the Generalisations of the No-Three-in-Line Problem
Edison Sze Ho Fu Yun Tung Ko Hoi Chun Puk Wai Kwan Yeung
Mr. Hang Chun Chan
Queen’s College
Honorable Mentions (listed by school name in alphabetical order)
Research Title
Team Member(s)
Teacher
School Name
On the Number of Multiplicative Type En Friezes
Lok Him Chan David Kai Hei Gu Sui Ping Tang Ho Wong
Mr. Yuk Lun Fong
HKUGA College
What Can You Split and Draw?
Triton Cheuk Lok Kho Eron Ching Long Kwok Man Hei Tung
Mr. Yuk Lun Fong
HKUGA College
The Mathematics of Riffle Shuffling from Single to Multi-Deck Card Games
Daniel Haifeng Wang Justin Haisong Wang
Ms. Alexandra Streeter
King George V School
On the Images of Rational Numbers under a Certain Type of Fractal Interpolation Function
Tsz Hei Chiu Alex Sheung Fai Lam Hin Chun Lee Jamie Chun Hin Ng Ka Lam Tang
Dr. Wai Shan Cheung
St. Joseph’s College
Producing Annoying Sounds with Chalk by Varying Angle of Contact
Joshua Cheung Haoyang Dong Jizheng Li Ming Ze Li Maximilian Ng
Mr. David Bian
Victoria Shanghai Academy
Hashtag: #HangLungProperties
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Hang Lung Properties
Hang Lung Properties Limited (SEHK stock code: 00101) creates compelling spaces that enrich lives. Headquartered in Hong Kong, Hang Lung Properties develops and manages a diversified portfolio of world-class properties in Hong Kong and the nine Mainland cities of Shanghai, Shenyang, Jinan, Wuxi, Tianjin, Dalian, Kunming, Wuhan and Hangzhou. With its luxury positioning under the “66” brand, the company’s Mainland portfolio has established its leading position as the “Pulse of the City”. Hang Lung Properties is also recognized for leading the way in enhancing sustainability initiatives in the real estate industry, all the while pursuing sustainable growth by connecting customers and communities.
About The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) (https://hkust.edu.hk/) is a world-class university known for its innovative education, research excellence, and impactful knowledge transfer. With a holistic and interdisciplinary pedagogy approach, HKUST was ranked 6th in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026, 3rd in the Times Higher Education’s Young University Rankings 2024, and 19th globally and 1st in Hong Kong in the Times Higher Education’s Impact Rankings 2025. Thirteen HKUST subjects were ranked among the world’s top 50 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, with “Data Science and Artificial Intelligence” coming in 17th worldwide and first in Hong Kong. Our graduates are highly competitive, consistently ranking among the world’s top 30 most sought-after employees. In terms of research and entrepreneurship, over 80% of our work was rated “internationally excellent” or “world leading” in the Research Assessment Exercise 2020 of the Hong Kong’s University Grants Committee. As of July 2025, HKUST members have founded over 1,900 active start-ups, including 10 Unicorns and 17 exits (IPO or M&A).
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