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The collaboration is grounded in a shared early commitment to institutional tokenization. Franklin Templeton launched the first U.S.-registered mutual fund to use a public blockchain to process transactions and record share ownership in 2021. DigiFT has built one of Asia’s most comprehensively regulated platforms for institutional tokenized asset distribution — holding licences in both Singapore and Hong Kong, including Type 1 and Type 4 licences from the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong. This partnership brings those two track records together: DigiFT will serve as a key distributor across Asia, with both organisations committed to expanding the scope of their work together over time.

The partnership arrives at a decisive moment. In 2025, tokenized real-world assets distributed on public blockchains grew from approximately USD 5.5 billion to USD 18.6 billion, with tokenized U.S. government securities emerging as the leading institutional category. This growth underscores a structural inefficiency in digital markets, where institutional capital is frequently held in non‑yielding stablecoins or on‑exchange balances, while traditional fund infrastructure remains constrained by defined settlement cycles. The Benji Technology Platform and its related tokenization products are designed to address this gap by supporting the tokenization of U.S. government securities strategies that accrue yield continuously, including intraday accrual, through Franklin Templeton’s patent‑pending Intraday Yield mechanism. It also supports 24/7 transferability between permissioned wallets and near‑instant on‑chain settlement, enabling a range of potential institutional treasury management, payment and settlement use cases, and deployable off‑exchange collateral for institutional market participants.

Henry Zhang, Founder and Group CEO of DigiFT, said: “DigiFT was built with a specific conviction: that institutional investors deserve access to the world’s best on-chain financial instruments, through a platform that meets the regulatory standard they require. The partnership with Franklin Templeton reflects that conviction and marks the beginning of a long-term strategic collaboration to bring tokenized solutions to market.”

Chetan Karkhanis, SVP, Digital Asset Partnership Development at Franklin Templeton, said: “The partners we choose reflect our long-term commitment, not just our near-term distribution objectives towards bringing the benefits of blockchain and tokenization to the industry. DigiFT’s leadership and innovative edge, together with the institutional infrastructure they have built, provides a strong foundation for this partnership. This marks the beginning of what we expect to be an expanding and enduring collaboration.”
Hashtag: #DigiFT

https://www.digift.io/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/digifttech/
https://twitter.com/DigiFTTech
https://www.youtube.com/@DigiFTtech

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

By Dr. Gyan Pathak Despite several orders and recommendations of the Supreme Court and the Parliamentary Standing Committee, the Union Government did not structurally reform the National Testing Agency (NTA), and also did not take appropriate actions that helped the education mafia of the country to strengthen its grip over the agency. In the name […]

The article What Is Behind India’s Education Minister’s Refusal To Reform NTA? appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

The event comes amid renewed momentum for New Zealand’s Active Investor Plus (AIP) Visa, following changes introduced in April 2025 to simplify the program and attract more international capital into the New Zealand economy. As of 5 May 2026, Immigration New Zealand had received 688 applications under the new settings, representing a potential total minimum investment of $4.015 billion.

The growing demand reflects a broader shift in global wealth movement, as high-net-worth individuals increasingly seek jurisdictions that offer political stability, transparent governance, quality of life and long-term optionality for their families and capital. For many investors, New Zealand’s appeal lies not only in residency access, but also in the opportunity to participate in investments that support business growth, innovation and economic resilience.

Mr Scott Wehl, Founder of RAM Group and Director of RAM New Zealand, said the Hong Kong briefing provided an important forum for partners and investors to better understand the investment and migration opportunities available through the AIP programme.

“New Zealand continues to attract strong interest from global investors seeking stability, transparency and long-term opportunity,” said Mr Wehl.

“Our Hong Kong briefing was designed to help partners and investors better understand the opportunities that the AIP program offers, and how RAM’s income-focused strategies can support both investor objectives and the broader New Zealand economy.”

Supporting New Zealand’s real economy through private credit

A key focus of the briefing was the role private credit can play in supporting New Zealand’s real economy. Private credit can help broaden the country’s business funding ecosystem by providing an additional source of secured, non-bank capital for businesses seeking funding for growth, working capital, expansion or other productive business needs.

The RAM New Zealand Credit Fund is an approved managed fund under the AIP Growth category and may also be included as part of a Balanced category investment portfolio. The Fund is designed to provide investors with consistent income and capital stability through exposure to secured, asset-backed credit investments in New Zealand.

Through this strategy, RAM seeks to direct offshore investor capital into productive domestic investment while maintaining a disciplined focus on risk management, downside protection and portfolio diversification.

“The RAM New Zealand Credit Fund provides an AIP-aligned investment pathway focused on secured, asset-backed New Zealand credit,” said Mr Wehl.

“For investors, the Fund is designed to deliver regular income and capital stability, with liquidity aligned to AIP investment timeframes. For New Zealand, the strategy can support the real economy by directing offshore investor capital into domestic private credit and helping provide secured lending to New Zealand businesses.”

RAM’s credit approach is centred on disciplined credit selection and robust portfolio construction. The firm’s New Zealand credit capability is supported by a highly experienced team with more than 200 years of combined credit market experience, guided by leading credit experts and senior leaders with deep knowledge of New Zealand’s financial markets.

“Our approach is grounded in strong governance, prudent credit assessment and a clear focus on capital preservation, which is particularly important for investors seeking stable, income-focused outcomes across market cycles,” said Mr Wehl.

In addition to the RAM New Zealand Credit Fund, RAM also offers the RAM New Zealand Bond Fund, which may be included as part of a Balanced category investment portfolio. The Fund invests in a portfolio of floating-rate, investment-grade bonds issued by established banks and New Zealand entities, and is designed to prioritise capital stability while generating regular income.

With a long-term commitment to New Zealand, RAM will continue to leverage its international presence, investment capability and experience in income-focused strategies to support global investors and contribute to the continued development and diversification of New Zealand’s capital markets.

Hashtag: #RAM

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

About Real Asset Management

Real Asset Management (RAM) is an alternative asset manager, providing investment solutions in Credit, Real Estate, and Private Equity markets, for institutions and wealthy families globally. RAM was founded in 2010 and has a pan-Asia presence of 7 offices in Auckland, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Manila.

RAM provides more than 25 investment strategies and has a team of over 230 finance professionals managing over NZ$9.8bn in assets. RAM is registered as a financial services provider in New Zealand (FSP1011247). We also provide a global set of investment solutions through our group companies licensed by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (AFSL 484263), and the Securities & Futures Commission of Hong Kong (CE BGL803).

For more information about RAM New Zealand, please visit https://ramgroup.co.nz/

The sharpest pressure has fallen on long-dated Japanese government bonds, where the 30-year yield has climbed above 4 per cent, reaching a record since the maturity was introduced in 1999. The 10-year yield has also risen to around 2.8 per cent, its highest level in nearly three decades, marking a decisive break from the low-yield era that defined Japan’s markets for much of the post-deflation period.

The selloff has rippled across global debt markets. US Treasury yields have moved higher, with the 30-year yield testing levels above 5 per cent, while Germany’s benchmark bonds and UK gilts have also weakened. Bond prices move inversely to yields, meaning the surge in yields reflects heavy selling by investors who are demanding greater compensation for inflation, fiscal risk and uncertain central bank policy.

Rising oil prices are the immediate catalyst. Brent crude has moved above $100 a barrel as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East disrupt energy flows and heighten concerns over import costs for major economies. For Japan, which relies heavily on imported energy, the oil shock carries a particularly direct inflationary threat. A weaker yen has amplified the impact, increasing the local-currency cost of fuel, food and other imported goods.

Japan’s inflation backdrop has become more difficult for policymakers. Consumer prices have remained above the Bank of Japan’s 2 per cent target for an extended period, while corporate goods prices have shown persistent pressure from energy, raw materials and logistics costs. Investors are now pricing in a greater chance that the central bank will raise interest rates again, possibly as early as its next policy meetings, after years of extraordinary accommodation.

Fiscal concerns are adding to the strain. Tokyo is preparing additional spending to cushion households and businesses from rising fuel and utility costs, but fresh borrowing could worsen concerns over debt sustainability. Japan’s public debt is already among the highest in the developed world, making long-term bond investors more sensitive to any increase in issuance. The prospect of larger supply has hit demand for longer maturities, where insurers, pension funds and banks traditionally played a stabilising role.

The Bank of Japan faces a delicate balance. Raising rates too quickly could unsettle growth and worsen losses in bond portfolios held by financial institutions. Moving too slowly could allow inflation expectations to become entrenched and place further pressure on the yen. The central bank has already scaled back its dominance of the bond market compared with the period of yield-curve control, leaving prices more exposed to market forces.

Global investors are also reassessing the role of government bonds as a safe asset. During earlier market shocks, US Treasuries, German Bunds and Japanese government bonds often rallied as investors sought protection. The current episode is different because the shock is inflationary rather than deflationary. Higher energy prices reduce household purchasing power, raise business costs and complicate the task of central banks that had hoped to cut rates or keep policy steady.

The selloff has implications beyond financial markets. Higher sovereign yields raise funding costs for governments already facing pressure from defence spending, ageing populations, energy subsidies and climate-related investment. They also affect mortgage rates, corporate borrowing and equity valuations. Technology shares and other growth-sensitive assets tend to come under pressure when long-term yields climb, because future earnings are discounted more heavily.

Japan’s shift is especially important because its low yields long encouraged domestic investors to buy overseas bonds. As yields rise at home, insurers and pension funds have less incentive to take currency risk abroad, potentially reducing demand for US and European debt. That repatriation effect could intensify volatility in global markets if Japanese institutions continue to rebalance portfolios.

Tech Giants Microsoft, Adobe, BytePlus, HP, and iFLYTEK Headline the Event; Over 10,000 Professional Visits Expected to Bridge the “Deployment Gap” through High-Impact Exhibitions, Strategic Summits, and Hands-on Skills Labs

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 May 2026 – 2026 represents a definitive turning point as Artificial Intelligence transitions from experimental “pilot” phases to industrialized, enterprise-scale implementation. AI+ Power 2026, Hong Kong’s premier exhibition & conference for commercial AI applications, returns to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) from 4-5 Jun 2026. Now in its sixth edition, the event actively responds to the HKSAR Government’s “AI+” development strategy. Under the theme “AI+ Power in Action,” the expo focuses on how AI creates value and unlocks new market opportunities for enterprises. By showcasing a diverse array of AI solutions on-site, the event empowers businesses to remain competitive in an increasingly challenging business environment.

The 2026 Enterprise Imperative: Beyond Prompting – Agentic AI Enters the Era of Autonomous Execution

For today’s business leaders, the challenge is no longer understanding AI — it is choosing the right tools and applying them effectively. According to Gartner’s 2026 Strategic Trends, the enterprise landscape has moved beyond the initial GenAI hype into the era of Agentic AI — autonomous systems capable of independent decision-making and workflow execution. While most enterprises have begun AI deployment, the ultimate differentiator for 2026 is achieving the transition from “conversation to execution” and securing a measurable Return on Investment (ROI).

Culsin Li, Founder and Chief Visionary Officer of AI+ Power, noted: “In 2026, the most critical executive skill is becoming leaders who can strategically direct AI adoption. With AI applications entering the ‘no-code’ era, technical implementation is no longer the primary hurdle; the focus for leadership returns to the core of business: identifying operational pain points and defining strategic needs. AI+ Power 2026 serves as a premier platform where attendees can gain insights from expert-led case studies and source ready-to-deploy AI solutions to immediately resolve bottlenecks. We provide a comprehensive one-stop ecosystem, enabling decision-makers to transition seamlessly from strategic inspiration to procurement and final implementation.”

AI+ Power 2026 features six high-impact pillars designed to accelerate AI adoption:

Pillar 1: AI+ Summit – Strategic Roadmaps for Vertical Transformation

The AI+ Summit features a formidable roster of global pioneers, including Microsoft, HP, Adobe, BytePlus, and iFLYTEK, who will dissect the shift from smart office revolutions to autonomous AI agents.

To address the critical pillars of corporate governance and financial practice, the Summit has curated two flagship strategic forums:

• CEO Panel: AI Transformation for Hong Kong’s Legacy Leaders — Moderated by Dr. Toa Charm, Chairman of the Data and AI Literacy Association (DALA), this session explores how C-suites navigate AI strategy and talent governance while balancing technological innovation with business value creation. It also examines how leaders can accelerate the scalable adoption of AI across Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area (GBA), and Asia to ensure AI visions translate into tangible organizational impact.
• FinTech 2.0: From Future of Work to Agentic Workflows — Moderated by Mr. Peter Koo, Convenor, FinTech Specialist Group of Hong Kong Computer Society. Partners from the “Big 4” (EY, Deloitte, KPMG, and PwC) will share the stage for a rare joint session to dismantle how Agentic AI automates KYC and risk monitoring, and explores “Data-to-Revenue” pathways. The forum will also address the convergence of AI with Tokenisation, Stablecoins, Digital Assets, and RegTech.

The Summit will also cover MarTech, enterprise productivity, retail, and education, featuring leaders from MTR Lab, HSBC, Maxim’s Group, Hong Yip, HKT, PrimeCredit, and Logitech, alongside academic representatives.

Pillar 2: AI+ Expo – The Modern Workplace & Smart Living Revolution

Industry leaders Canon HK, Logitech, Shure, and iFLYTEK will demonstrate how AI-driven hardware eliminates operational friction, allowing teams to focus on core creativity.

Pillar 3: AI+ Skills Lab — Zero-Barrier Mastery for Decision Makers

To address the enterprise talent gap, the AI+ Skills Lab has been launched this year to provide hands-on, practical training. Led by a team of veteran practitioners including Arik Chan from GDG HK (CISSP-certified), Frankie Wu from GDG HK and also Founder of Nexamind AI, and Roland Leung, Director of Datality Lab, the lab is tailor-made for non-technical decision-makers. It emphasizes a “small-class, laptop-ready” approach; featured highlights include OSINT-driven fraud detection using Google Gemini, the deployment of privacy-safe enterprise AI agents, and rapid AI-powered commercial video creation using Seedance 2.0 and KlingAI 3.0. This practical experience empowers participants to “Learn Today, Apply Tomorrow,” transforming AI into real-world productivity.

Pillar 4: Embodied AI & Robotics — The First “Smart Living Experience Zone”

Breaking away from pure software solutions, the event debuts the first “Smart Living Experience Zone,” presenting the physical manifestation of AI integrated with robotics in environmental management, medical rehabilitation, and gerontech. Highlights include environmental robots capable of automatic waste classification and autonomous cleaning; medical assistant systems for physical therapy and ward delivery; and non-invasive “passive fall detection” care solutions. These innovations are setting new benchmarks for automated operations across the property management, healthcare, and social welfare sectors.

Pillar 5: AI Strategic Advisory Hub & Industry Networking — Unlocking New Business Opprtunities

The event proudly presents the “AI Strategic Advisory Hub,” a flagship initiative designed to disrupt the traditional one-way nature of business matching. Technical experts from leading providers will transform into “Consultants”, offering decision-makers immediate diagnostics and tailored deployment advice. Navigating a vast array of technical choices can be overwhelming; this “Advisory Hub” is dedicated to helping enterprises pinpoint high-ROI implementation pathways, ensuring that technology investments translate directly into tangible profitability. Furthermore, the two-day event features exclusive industry networking sessions to foster deep dialogue and strategic exchanges between technology pioneers and enterprise leaders.

Pillar 6: AI+ Power Awards 2026 — Recognizing the Future Leaders of Commercial AI

The AI+ Power Awards 2026, a highly anticipated flagship event, returns to honor the region’s most innovative, impactful, and commercially viable AI applications. This year has seen an unprecedented level of competition, and the first-round finalists have officially been announced. Shortlisted organizations in key categories such as “AI+ in Business” and “AI+ Project of the Year” include industry pioneers such as Maxim’s Group, CITIC Telecom CPC, iFLYTEK, ASTRI, and Lingnan University. The final winners will be grandly unveiled in late May.

Capturing the Momentum of AI Scaling: Building a New Era for Innovation

AI+ Power 2026 responds proactively to the HKSAR Government’s “AI+” strategy, embodying the core spirit of “AI+ Power in Action.” We are committed to transforming policy vision into commercial reality, helping enterprises successfully transition from AI “observers” to “active practitioners.”

Through high-level summit exchanges, immersive exhibition experiences, step-by-step practical training, and prestigious award recognition, we empower every attendee to seize first-mover advantages in the age of AI scaling. Together, we are driving Hong Kong’s evolution into the premier Asia-Pacific hub for commercial AI innovation.

Secure Your Advantage: Register Now

Online pre-registration for AI+ Power 2026 is now officially open. Trade visitors and industry professionals are invited to register for free admission and pre-book seats for keynote summits and hands-on Skills Lab workshops. Please note that workshop seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Register Now: https://bit.ly/3R9W3fC

Event Details:

• Date: 4-5 June 2026 (Thursday–Friday)
• Venue: Hall 5FG, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC)
• Admission: Free for trade visitors (Pre-registration required; group registration available)
• Official Website: www.aipluspower.com

Hashtag: #AIPower #AIPower2026

https://www.aipluspower.com/

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

About AI+ Power’s Organizer – Baobab Tree Event Management Co., Ltd.

Baobab Tree Event Management Co., Ltd. (BTE) is a Hong Kong–based event and exhibition organizer founded in 2011, with offices in Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Beijing. With over 20 years of industry experience, the company specializes in event management, exhibition operations, marketing, sales, and on-site delivery.

The company manages the delivery of Hong Kong’s signature mega events, including the Hong Kong Chinese New Year Parade and the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, both organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, while also developing and managing professional exhibitions across multiple industry sectors such as AI and digital technology, Food & Beverage, Veterinary, Non-Woven, Professional AV, and PCB & electronics manufacturing, serving regional and international markets.

Committed to sustainable development, the company integrates ESG principles into its operations and has completed an independent ESG assessment, achieving Level 1 status under an assessment framework developed by the The University of Hong Kong and ESG Development Co., Ltd.

Official website: www.baobab-tree-event.com