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Step into The World of Indian Cinema and celebrate the Festival of Lights alongside Deepika Padukone, Shah Rukh Khan and many more, in partnership with MakeMyTrip!

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 October 2026 – This Diwali, Madame Tussauds Singapore and MakeMyTrip invite visitors to celebrate the Festival of Lights with Icons of India, a limited period experience. As partners, the two brands spotlight the enduring global appeal of Indian cinema, celebrating its glamour, energy and cultural influence while creating new ways for audiences to connect with their favourite stars.

Guests can get up close with the wax figures including Deepika Padukone, Varun Dhawan, Shah Rukh Khan and Ranveer Singh, along with a special lineup of activities. MakeMyTrip is offering travellers an exclusive Buy 1 Get 1 deal on tickets for bookings made between 21 October and 15 November 2026.

Wade Chang, General Manager of Madame Tussauds Singapore, said: “Diwali is an important celebration of Indian culture, bringing people together through the shared spirit of light, joy and togetherness. Through the Icons of Indiacampaign, we’re excited to bring guests closer to the most iconic starsand create memorable experience. The partnership with MakeMyTrip is a wonderful opportunity toshare the magic of Indian cinema with even more audiences in Singapore.”

Jasmeet Singh, Chief Business Officer – Holidays & Experiences, MakeMyTrip, said:“Travellers today want to do more than just visit a destination; they want experiences that make the trip memorable. Our association with Madame Tussauds Singapore brings a much-loved attraction closer to Indian travellers, bookable on MakeMyTrip as easily as a hotel or a flight. With many Indians travelling abroad over the festive season, Icons of India gives travellers heading to Singapore one more reason to plan their trip around Diwali.”

Meet the Newest Star: Deepika Padukone
A highlight of the experience is the newly unveiled wax figure of Deepika Padukone, one of the most recognisable stars of contemporary Indian cinema. Dressed in a striking red floor-length gown with an elegant open-back design, the figure captures Deepika’s signature glamour, with her long cascading hair and captivating gaze bringing her distinctive screen presence to life.

With a celebrated career spanning Indian and international cinema, Deepika has established herself as one of India’s most recognisable global stars, having served on the Feature Film Jury at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival and represented Indian cinema on the global stage at the 2023 Oscars. Her newest wax figure now brings this celebrated icon to Madame Tussauds Singapore.

For more information, please visit www.madametussauds.com/singapore/

Hashtag: #MadameTussaudsSingapore #MakeMyTrip

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Madame Tussauds Singapore

Madame Tussauds has been inviting people to walk the red carpet and get closer to the revered – and feared – for over 250 years. With 22 attractions in the world’s top destination cities, we are dedicated to giving millions of visitors the opportunity to mingle with the mighty from A-listers to music legends, heroes of sport, to infamous world leaders. Today, we continue to partner with the global icons of a generation to create astonishing lifelike figures from sittings and offer exciting and interactive experiences to ensure guests have never felt closer to fame.

About Merlin Entertainments
Merlin Entertainments is a world leader in branded entertainment destinations, offering a diverse portfolio of resort theme parks, city-centre gateway attractions and LEGOLAND Resorts which span across the UK, US, Western Europe, China and Asia Pacific. Dedicated to creating experiences that inspire joy and connection, Merlin welcomes more than 60 million guests annually to its diverse global estate in over 20 countries. An expert in bringing world-famous entertainment brands to life, Merlin works with partners including the LEGO Group, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Peppa Pig, DreamWorks and Ferrari to create destinations where guests can immerse themselves in a wide array of brand-driven worlds, rides and uplifting learning experiences.

See www.merlinentertainments.biz for more information.

About MakeMyTrip

MakeMyTrip is a travel technology platform that enables transactions across a range of travel needs, empowering customers with seamless and integrated experiences. It serves a broad and diverse customer base ranging from individuals to enterprises and small and medium sized businesses. Its key brands, MakeMyTrip, Goibibo and redBus, address distinct traveller categories, use cases and price points across the Indian travel ecosystem.

China’s gross domestic product grew 4.5% year on year during July to September, exceeding economists’ forecast of 4.4% and accelerating from 4.3% in the preceding quarter, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.

Bitcoin briefly climbed towards $82,500 as cryptocurrency traders responded to the stronger economic figures and improving conditions in traditional financial markets. Nasdaq futures also advanced, reflecting renewed demand for technology shares following a difficult period for companies associated with artificial intelligence.

The market recovery was uneven, however. South Korea’s Kospi faced selling pressure after an initial improvement, highlighting continuing concerns about technology valuations and the substantial financing requirements of artificial intelligence development.

US Nasdaq futures gained approximately 1% during Asian trading, while contracts tracking the broader S&P 500 advanced around 0.7%. Lower energy prices provided additional support as investors assessed their implications for inflation, corporate earnings and borrowing costs.

China’s economic figures offered a measure of reassurance about activity in the world’s second-largest economy. Quarterly output increased 1.2% from the preceding three months, exceeding expectations for a 1.1% expansion and improving from 0.9% growth during April to June.

The stronger performance was supported by exports and industrial production, although weaknesses in household consumption and property investment continued to complicate the economic outlook.

Official figures showed industrial production increasing 5.5% year on year in September, compared with 5.2% in August. Retail sales grew 1.1%, indicating modest improvement in consumer spending despite persistent pressure on household confidence.

China’s government has established an annual economic growth target of approximately 4.5% to 5%, making the third-quarter performance significant for policymakers considering whether further stimulus measures are necessary.

Growth during the first nine months reached 4.6%, according to official estimates, keeping the economy within reach of the government’s full-year objective.

Financial markets nevertheless remained sensitive to concerns that China’s expansion depends heavily on exports and industrial investment rather than sustained improvements in domestic demand.

The property sector remained a particular concern, with investment continuing to contract despite measures intended to support homebuyers and stabilise developers.

Oil markets supplied another important influence on trading. Brent crude futures declined approximately 1.7% to $107.95 a barrel, while US crude futures slipped 0.8% to $100.62.

The decline followed developments surrounding Washington’s sanctions policy towards Russia. President Donald Trump indicated that restrictions could be eased, potentially allowing additional Russian energy supplies into international markets, although the administration had not finalised its position.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the administration could take up to 60 days to assess the economic consequences of changing sanctions arrangements.

Lower crude prices helped ease immediate concerns about inflation, particularly because energy costs influence transport, manufacturing and household expenditure across major economies.

US government bonds strengthened as yields declined. The benchmark 10-year Treasury yield fell approximately four basis points to 5.0525%, providing some relief to financial markets concerned about elevated borrowing costs.

Expectations surrounding Federal Reserve policy remained important for cryptocurrency investors. Lower inflation could eventually create additional room for monetary easing, although policymakers face competing pressures from energy markets and economic activity.

The Federal Reserve’s benchmark interest rate currently stands between 4.75% and 5%, with financial markets expecting policymakers to leave borrowing costs unchanged at their next meeting.

Across Asian equities, the initial advance reflected bargain hunting following substantial losses in technology stocks. Japan’s Nikkei and South Korea’s Kospi both experienced volatile trading as investors reassessed exposure to semiconductor manufacturers.

Concerns about artificial intelligence spending remained prominent. Goldman Sachs estimates that five major technology companies could increase their combined capital expenditure to approximately $1.2 trillion next year, raising questions about investment returns.

China’s currency strengthened against the dollar, with the yuan reaching approximately 6.6828, its strongest level since July 2022.

Gold traded around $4,181 an ounce, supported by declining bond yields, while the dollar remained under pressure against several currencies.

Elsewhere, European equity futures weakened amid political uncertainty in France, demonstrating the differing regional influences on international investment flows.

Chinese blue-chip shares edged lower after initially benefiting from the economic figures, with investors continuing to assess whether stronger industrial activity would translate into a sustained improvement in domestic consumption.

The partnership aims to connect healthcare brands with consumers seeking everyday tools to monitor and manage their health. In Singapore, 21.4% of citizens were aged 65 and above in June 2026, underscoring the need for accessible health and wellness solutions. The global wellness economy reached US$6.8 trillion in 2024 and is projected to approach US$9.8 trillion by 2029.

SACH brings experience in technology, e-commerce, retail, consumer engagement and live events, helping brands reach consumers through online and offline channels. Solomon, an independent business financing firm, will serve as Capital Partner, contributing capital and commercial and financial expertise to support distribution and expansion.

The companies intend to develop the partnership in stages: Solomon first supports SACH’s distribution of BUZUD as Capital Partner, then joins the distributorship, before both parties establish a dedicated business unit to secure distribution rights and distribute brands across multiple territories. Key terms and responsibilities are being finalised.

BUZUD focuses on accessible healthcare through medical devices and digital health technologies. It has a research collaboration with Tan Tock Seng Hospital to develop AI-supported diabetes management solutions combining carbohydrate estimation with continuous glucose monitoring. BUZUD also operates retail outlets at Raffles Hospital and Novena Square 2, alongside a retail partnership with Guardian Singapore.

Distribution will begin in Singapore, with expansion into other Southeast Asian markets as rights are secured, through e-commerce, retail, live events and partnerships with businesses, hospitals and research bodies.

“We strongly believe capital should do more than support business growth — it should create opportunities and meaningful impact. Our partnership with SACH represents a strategic step into the fast-growing healthcare and wellness sector, where we see tremendous long-term potential. By combining our financial expertise with SACH’s distribution capabilities, we aim to help promising brands like BUZUD expand their reach, scale sustainably and bring innovative healthcare solutions closer to the people who need them,” said Liong Qin Kai, Partner, Solomon Credit Management.

“Great healthcare products only create impact when they reach the people who need them. Our partnership with Solomon marks an important step for SACH into the healthcare and wellness sector, combining their financial strength with our distribution and consumer engagement capabilities. BUZUD is the first of many brands we hope to bring to market, helping them expand their reach, build lasting relationships with customers and make innovative healthcare solutions more accessible across Southeast Asia,” said Jonathan Zhang, CEO, SACH.

The partners are targeting completion of the proposed arrangement in December 2026, with further details to be announced once terms are finalised.
Hashtag: #SACH

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About Solomon Credit Management

Solomon Credit Management is an independent business financing firm lending its own capital to small and medium-sized companies and larger corporates. Its financing approach is grounded in disciplined credit assessment and a clear understanding of each borrower’s business, cash flows and assets.

About SACH

SACH develops products and services across technology, e-commerce, retail, consumer engagement and live events.

Signing of strategic collaboration agreement deepens collaboration on PCIM Asia Shanghai, opening international opportunities for microelectronics companies

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 October 2026 – From efficient power supply for artificial intelligence (AI) data centres to precision control in smart robotics, power electronics is enabling the next wave of industrial innovation. Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) and PCM Asia Shanghai signed a strategic collaboration agreement at Hong Kong Science Park to strengthen their collaboration on PCIM Asia Shanghai, Asia’s premier exhibition for power electronics exhibition.

Together, the two organisations also co-hosted the “Power Electronics Innovation Across Asia” seminar, bringing together international technology companies, academics from local universities, innovators and investors to explore advances in power electronics and power semiconductors, as well as trends and opportunities shaping Asia’s industrial future.

Deepening Cross-Boundary Collaboration to Expand International Market Access

The partnership aims to extend professional exchange into sustained collaboration across the innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem. By combining the corporate networks, industry platforms, and regional strengths of HKSTP and PCIM Asia Shanghai, the partnership will foster knowledge exchange and industry collaboration across power electronics, semiconductors, electrification and renewable energy.

Through annual cross-boundary exchange activities, coordination meetings, and showcasing opportunities for start-ups, innovative solutions and ecosystem participants, the two parties plan to raise the international profile of emerging technologies and ventures, and help companies to build vital market connections.

The collaboration will also strengthen Hong Kong’s role as a hub for strategic partnerships and bring together international research institutions, integrated circuit (IC) design houses, technology developers and investors, while providing access to the manufacturing capabilities in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) and the Chinese Mainland, driving technologies from R&D, device design and prototyping, and pilot production to market adoption.

Mr Terry Wong, Chief Executive Officer of HKSTP, said: “We are entering an era where AI is ubiquitous, embedded in vehicles, factories, power grids, communications networks and smart devices. None of these systems can function without efficient power conversion, power control and power management. That is why power electronics is becoming one of the most important enabling technologies of the next industrial era. With Hong Kong’s strengths in design-led electronics and the manufacturing capabilities of the Greater Bay Area, HKSTP provides an end-to-end pathway from research and prototyping to pilot production, manufacturing and market adoption. Through our partnership with Messe Frankfurt on PCIM Asia, we can help innovators raise their international profile, connect with new partners and expand into global markets. Together, we aim to build Hong Kong into a leading centre for research, design and system integration in power semiconductors, and strengthen its role as a regional gateway for global power microelectronics collaboration.”

Mr. Richard Li, Executive Director of Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd cum Chairperson of the Board of Management, Guangzhou Guangya Messe Frankfurt Co Ltd, said, ‘With 25 years of history, the PCIM Asia series of events has consistently brought together power electronics companies, engineers, and researchers from Asia and around the world. After having held in Shanghai and Shenzhen, PCIM Asia has built a professional exchange platform focusing on power semiconductors, intelligent motion control, renewable energy, and energy management. Meanwhile, Hong Kong possesses outstanding R&D capabilities and global business network, backed by the robust manufacturing base of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. HKSTP has attracted over 300 micro-e companies and has been equipped with comprehensive infrastructure for R&D, prototyping and pilot production. Leveraging Messe Frankfurt’s global exhibition resources as well as the local industrial ecosystem of HKSTP, this strategic collaboration aims to connect Hong Kong’s research capabilities with the Asian power electronics industry. It will elevate the industry exposure of the city’s innovative technologies, and promote long-term sustainable partnerships among industry partners in the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, and the world”

Connecting Research with Industry Needs in AI and Advanced Energy Applications

The event attracted representatives from industry, academia and the wider I&T ecosystem. Through keynote presentations, expert discussions, technology demonstrations, company pitches and talent networking session, the event explored opportunities to bring power electronics innovations to market.

Experts from international technology leaders, including Mitsubishi Electric, Infineon Technologies, Bosch, STMicroelectronics, Murata, SMC and Vtech, as well as scholars from four local universities discussed AI data centre power supply, smart robotics and advanced energy applications. Discussions focused on translating power semiconductor and intelligent control technologies into integrated, market-ready solutions.

On-site showcases featured gallium nitride (GaN) motor drives, silicon carbide (SiC) chips and power modules, and advanced packaging solutions for AI data centres, intelligent robots and energy systems. The exhibits highlighted how microelectronics can improve energy efficiency and support emerging industries, while creating opportunities for researchers, technology companies and industry partners to collaborate.

Strengthening the Pathway from Research to Pilot Production

HKSTP is home to more than 300 microelectronics companies. Its facilities—including the Hardware Lab, Sensor Packaging and Integration Lab, Heterogeneous Integration Lab and Pilot-Scale Manufacturing Lab—support companies across design, prototyping, and trial production.

Located at the Microelectronics Centre in Yuen Long InnoPark within the Northern Metropolis, the Hong Kong Microelectronics Research and Development Institute (MRDI) supports semiconductor product development and trial production through its pilot lines, helping accelerate the translation of research into practical applications.

HKSTP is also advancing the Microelectronics Centre expansion project (MECX), which will provide approximately 7,500 square metres of additional floor space to attract and support companies across the semiconductor value chain, fostering industry clustering and collaboration.

Hashtag: #HKSTP #PCM

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

https://youtu.be/6Zoz_hxLRxk?si=948OAjqPhndVNE7J

In China, AITO has earned the trust of over 1.2 million customers. Globally, in Brand Finance’s Automobiles 100 2026 ranking, AITO ranked among the world’s top 10 luxury automotive brands and was the No.1 Chinese luxury automotive brand by brand value, making it the only Chinese automotive brand.

Driven by its philosophy of “Intelligence Redefining Luxury”, AITO is committed to bringing together traditional luxury and technological luxury to create an elevated intelligent mobility experience.

“AITO stands for ‘Adding Intelligence to Auto’. We believe a vehicle should be a mobile intelligent agent that understands you and responds to your needs. That is why we introduced our brand philosophy, Intelligence Redefining Luxury. It is our interpretation of what New Luxury means for AITO,” said Clifford Kang, Board Member and Vice President of SERES Group. “We come with deep respect for Europe’s automotive heritage. We come to collaborate and grow with partners around the world. And we come with our philosophy: Intelligence Redefining Luxury.”

As AITO strengthens its global presence, it looks forward to working with partners across the value chain to build a healthy automotive ecosystem, foster mutual growth and bring intelligent luxury mobility to more customers around the world.

Hashtag: #AITO

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For consumers across Southeast Asia and beyond, Victoria is widely recognized as an influential Asian artist boasting immense popularity and public affinity. Having debuted early in her career as the leader of the top-tier girl group f(x), she established a profound fan base and widespread public recognition throughout Southeast Asia, backed by her solid performance skills, refreshing yet sophisticated personal image, and distinct style identity. Throughout her career, Victoria has consistently approached her artistic endeavors with a rigorous and professional attitude, expanding her footprint into diverse fields including acting, music, and fashion. By continually pushing her own boundaries across Asia, she has cemented her status as a powerhouse of both substance and aesthetic style through her exceptional fashion expression and steady delivery of high-caliber work. Whether effortlessly pulling off sharp, sophisticated professional looks or interpreting dynamic, trendy styles, her daring spirit to break boundaries and pursue meticulous detail perfectly aligns with ISYUN’s brand DNA of “Professionalism, Fashion, and Texture,” while echoing the brand’s dedicated craftsmanship in the hair-coloring sector. As Global Brand Ambassador, Victoria will join hands with ISYUN to champion the brand philosophy of “One Step Closer to Hair Color Freedom,” enabling more consumers—including those in Southeast Asia—to experience the convenience and joy of salon-quality hair care at home.

A Decade of Professional Excellence and Omni-Channel Growth
Since its inception in 2013, ISYUN has consistently focused on addressing the core pain points of consumers’ at-home hair coloring experiences, deeply cultivating the niche sector of trendy hair dyes while dedicating itself to creating professional, cutting-edge hair-coloring products tailored to Asian skin tones. Over the past decade, the brand has maintained deep insights into the personalized hair color demands of diverse consumer groups, keeping pace with global beauty trends to continuously expand its trendy color matrix. Currently encompassing six major color families with over twenty distinct shades—ranging from versatile everyday brown tones to highly personalized trendy hues—the brand fully satisfies expression needs across varying scenarios and styles.

Driven by stable product quality and an exceptional user experience, ISYUN has earned widespread recognition and affection from millions of young consumers in the Chinese market. In terms of channel layout, the brand has built an integrated omni-channel sales network: its offline footprint has successfully entered over 10,000 mainstream trendy retail stores nationwide, covering core consumer touchpoints, while its online presence maintains a leading position within the hair-dye category across major e-commerce platforms, backed by sustained sales leadership and stellar user reputation. Furthermore, ISYUN serves as the exclusive official designated professional hair care brand for the China Fashion Week, a testament to its industry-wide product acclaim.

Get Victoria’s Look: Catching the Trend with the All-New “Oxygen Cool Brown”
In tandem with the global ambassador announcement, ISYUN is concurrently launching the exact hair color worn by Global Brand Ambassador Victoria: the “Oxygen Cool Brown.” Addressing the industry-wide pain point where traditional hair dyes cause damage during coloring, ISYUN’s product development has always centered on the core concept of “Hair Dyeing and Care in One.” Utilizing the brand’s proprietary essential oil special blending technology, plant-derived extracts such as argan oil, jojoba seed extract, and camellia seed oil are packaged in independent capsules, ready to be poured and mixed directly into the color cream during application. This delivers a simultaneous dyeing and conditioning experience that leaves hair smooth and lustrous post-application, effectively taming frizz and ameliorating post-dye dryness.

The newly introduced “Oxygen Cool Brown” shade—matching Victoria’s stunning hair look—is crafted precisely around the product’s superior color-rendering advantages. The translucent cool brown base blended with natural misty undertones flatters all skin tones while brightening overall complexion, seamlessly adapting to both daily commuting and leisure gatherings as a versatile, high-end, yet practical trendy color. Accompanied by an elegant floral fragrance, the product comprehensively optimizes the at-home coloring sensory experience, breaking public stereotypes regarding pungent chemical odors associated with hair dyes.

Tapping into the Booming Southeast Asian Beauty Market
In recent years, Southeast Asia’s beauty and personal care market has experienced continuous expansion, with the rise of younger consumer cohorts driving rapid growth in personalized cosmetic demands. Among these segments, at-home hair care products have emerged as a prominent growth driver in the Southeast Asian market, favored for their operational flexibility, high cost-performance ratio, and diverse stylistic expressions. Simultaneously, Southeast Asian consumers are raising their expectations for hair-dye formulations: demanding both precise color rendering optimized for Asian skin tones and integrated nourishing properties to minimize hair damage. ISYUN’s launch of its global ambassador strategy—exporting mature hair-dye and care portfolios to international markets—precisely meets the soaring demand for professional at-home hair solutions across Southeast Asia.

A senior spokesperson for ISYUN stated, “Signing Victoria as our Global Brand Ambassador marks a vital milestone in our journey toward broader international markets. Victoria’s professional attitude and fashion influence enable us to precisely connect with our core consumer demographic, infusing fresh, trendy vitality into the brand. Leveraging her cross-cultural influence across Southeast Asia, ISYUN will more efficiently engage local youth demographics and communicate our core professional ethos and product value.”

Looking Ahead: Expanding Global Horizons
Looking ahead, ISYUN will continue to collaborate with Global Brand Ambassador Victoria to uphold its brand DNA of “Professionalism, Fashion, and Texture,” continually sharpening its product competitiveness and color innovation. The brand remains committed to delivering diverse hair-coloring solutions that integrate trendiness with deep nourishment, bringing the founding vision of “One Step Closer to Hair Color Freedom” to life. As its global footprint steadily expands, ISYUN will continue monitoring the hair characteristics and aesthetic demands of consumers across different global regions, continuously optimizing its offerings to bring professional, convenient, and healthy at-home hair care experiences to more consumers worldwide, collectively exploring new frontiers in home hair-styling aesthetics.

Hashtag: #ISYUN

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

The meeting brought together the Supreme Council Member and the visiting minister as both countries seek to expand commercial partnerships, investment opportunities and diplomatic engagement. Discussions also covered bilateral relations and developments affecting the Gulf region.

Jaishankar described the meeting as an opportunity to exchange views on strengthening relations between the two countries and expanding engagement across the region. He acknowledged Sheikh Saud’s perspectives on bilateral cooperation and confirmed that the situation in the Gulf featured in their discussions.

The talks took place during the final day of Jaishankar’s three-day official visit to the UAE, which began on October 14. The visit was intended to review progress under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and identify opportunities for further cooperation across economic and diplomatic sectors.

Neither side announced a new investment agreement, trade target or commercial project following Friday’s meeting. The discussions nevertheless provided another channel for engagement between India’s government and the leadership of individual UAE emirates, alongside established federal diplomatic arrangements.

Economic cooperation remains central to relations between the two countries. Their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, which entered into force in May 2022, provides preferential market access for eligible goods and establishes mechanisms to facilitate trade and investment.

The agreement has supported efforts to diversify commercial exchanges beyond traditional energy transactions, with businesses exploring opportunities in manufacturing, logistics, infrastructure, technology and services. Its implementation also provides a framework for addressing commercial barriers and encouraging greater participation by companies operating in both markets.

Ras Al Khaimah has pursued investment partnerships involving manufacturing, industrial production, construction materials and logistics. Its industrial infrastructure and connections to regional shipping networks provide opportunities for businesses seeking production facilities and access to markets across the Gulf.

The emirate’s commercial engagement with India was also discussed during a July meeting between Sheikh Saud and India’s Ambassador to the UAE, Deepak Mittal, who was accompanied by business representatives.

That meeting examined opportunities for cooperation across several sectors and ways to utilise Ras Al Khaimah’s economic advantages. The discussions reflected continuing engagement between the emirate’s leadership and businesses interested in developing commercial operations within its jurisdiction.

Friday’s meeting followed talks on Wednesday between Jaishankar and UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi.

The two ministers reviewed cooperation under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and Comprehensive Economic Partnership, with particular attention to trade, investment and economic development. They also exchanged views on international issues and developments affecting regional stability.

Sheikh Abdullah reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and identifying opportunities that support the development priorities of both countries. Their discussions covered existing cooperation and possibilities for expanding engagement in sectors considered important to their respective economies.

The diplomatic exchanges come as governments and businesses assess the implications of uncertainty across the Gulf for investment, shipping and energy supplies. Regional stability remains an important consideration for commercial activity involving the UAE and India, particularly given their extensive trade and transport connections.

Jaishankar also participated in the Raisina Middle East Dialogue in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, joining discussions about international connectivity, strategic partnerships and the changing economic geography of global trade.

Speaking during a session examining continental corridors, he highlighted growing competition, emerging transport constraints and the importance of building reliable partnerships. His remarks addressed the challenges facing countries seeking secure commercial connections amid shifting geopolitical and economic conditions.

The dialogue, held on October 14 and 15, brought together participants to examine regional and international developments, including connectivity initiatives and cooperation between governments.

India’s relationship with the UAE also encompasses energy supplies, defence cooperation and investment, alongside extensive people-to-people connections. These established links provide an additional foundation for discussions involving the federal government and individual emirates.

The Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi estimated that approximately 4.3 million nationals from India were living in the UAE in 2024, representing roughly 35 per cent of the country’s population.

Ras Al Khaimah’s geographical position near the Strait of Hormuz adds a regional dimension to discussions about trade and connectivity. The emirate borders Oman and maintains industrial and maritime facilities serving businesses involved in manufacturing, construction materials and international commerce.

The Nifty IT index climbed 11.7% during the week ended Friday, October 16, its biggest weekly advance since 2008. Meanwhile, an MSCI index tracking global semiconductor companies had fallen approximately 7.4% during the week, putting software exporters on course for their widest relative outperformance since 2004.

The divergence reflects a significant change in investor sentiment towards technology businesses. Semiconductor manufacturers, previously among the biggest beneficiaries of enthusiasm surrounding artificial intelligence, have faced selling pressure amid concerns about infrastructure spending, financing costs and the sustainability of earnings growth.

Software services companies, meanwhile, have attracted renewed interest following quarterly results that suggested corporate technology expenditure was stabilising. Investors have also responded to comparatively modest valuations after a prolonged period of weakness in the sector.

HCL Technologies helped initiate the recovery after reporting stronger quarterly performance and raising its full-year revenue growth guidance. Its shares surged 8.4% on Tuesday, their biggest single-session advance in more than six years, while the broader technology index gained 5.2%.

The company reported quarterly net profit of approximately Rs51.32 billion, representing growth of 10.9%. Revenue increased 2.3% sequentially to Rs356.2 billion, supported partly by demand for engineering and research services.

HCL Technologies also disclosed advanced artificial intelligence revenue of $219 million, indicating that established outsourcing companies are beginning to generate identifiable income from technology that investors had previously viewed principally as a competitive threat.

Tech Mahindra reinforced the positive sentiment with quarterly revenue growth of 2.4%, reaching approximately Rs161.8 billion. Net profit rose 8.3% to Rs16.1 billion, supported by improvements in its communications business.

Wipro shares also advanced after the company reported quarterly revenue of Rs247.53 billion, exceeding market expectations. However, its deal bookings declined 45% from a year earlier to $2.6 billion, highlighting continued uncertainty surrounding demand for outsourcing contracts.

Wipro projected constant-currency revenue growth ranging from a decline of 1.5% to an increase of 0.5% for the following quarter. Management indicated that two delayed large contracts could be finalised, although their completion remains uncertain.

The contrasting figures illustrate why analysts remain cautious about treating the market recovery as evidence of a sustained improvement across the entire technology services industry.

Investors have nevertheless become increasingly sensitive to the valuation differences between software exporters and semiconductor manufacturers. Shares linked to artificial intelligence infrastructure had commanded substantial premiums based on expectations of expanding demand for processors, memory and computing capacity.

Those assumptions have come under pressure as investors question whether technology companies can generate sufficient returns from enormous commitments to data centres and related infrastructure.

Higher bond yields have compounded those concerns by increasing financing costs for capital-intensive businesses. Inflation pressures in the United States have also revived expectations that monetary policy could remain restrictive, reducing enthusiasm for highly valued growth stocks.

Semiconductor companies including Nvidia, Broadcom and Advanced Micro Devices have faced broader selling pressure, alongside memory manufacturers and businesses supplying artificial intelligence infrastructure.

However, the reversal does not necessarily indicate deteriorating demand for computing hardware. Analysts distinguish between concerns about share valuations and the underlying commercial requirements for advanced processors.

Software exporters face different challenges. Generative artificial intelligence could automate programming, testing and customer support functions, potentially reducing the labour-intensive contracts underpinning traditional outsourcing revenues.

At the same time, businesses adopting artificial intelligence require integration, cybersecurity, cloud management and technology consulting services, creating opportunities for established providers.

The balance between these competing forces remains important for revenue forecasts and profitability expectations.

Friday’s trading demonstrated the strength of the rotation. The Nifty IT index rose 3.9% to close around 31,924 points, while the broader Nifty 50 gained approximately 0.7% to 23,146.

The Sensex finished at 74,729, contributing to the benchmark indices’ strongest weekly performance in six months.

Despite the rebound, technology shares remain below their earlier peaks. Wipro had lost nearly 32% during the year before Friday’s close, compared with a decline of approximately 17% for the broader technology index before the week’s recovery.

Against this backdrop, Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CPF), in partnership with the Charoen Pokphand for Rural Lives’ Development Foundation, is expanding the “Eggs for Next Gen” program, a long-running school nutrition initiative, to 1,030 schools across Thailand, with 12 new schools joining this year. The expansion builds on nearly four decades of efforts to help children gain regular access to fresh eggs as a source of quality protein, while enabling schools to establish sustainable food production.

Launched in 1989, the program goes beyond providing food for school lunches. Participating schools receive support including poultry houses, equipment, laying hens and feed, together with technical knowledge in animal health, farm management, sanitation, production planning and egg management. Students and teachers gain practical agricultural skills, while schools can use eggs for meals and manage surplus production to generate revolving income that helps sustain future production cycles.

The initiative had reached 1,030 schools across 74 provinces, benefiting more than 229,502 students, 17,447 academic staff and2,690 communities. More than523 persons with disabilitieshave also participated in the programme, which targets approximately28 million eggs per production cycle.

Eggs for Next Gen reflects CPF’s broader view that food security depends not only on producing enough food, but on making nutritious food consistently available, accessible and sustainable over time. By helping schools produce fresh eggs locally, the programme brings quality protein closer to children, supports healthier diets, and builds practical knowledge and capabilities that allow schools to maintain food production beyond a single cycle. In this way, the initiative moves beyond short-term food support toward stronger food self-reliance at the school and community level.

As a global integrated agro-industrial and food company with operations and investments across 17 countries and products distributed in more than 50 countries, CPF advances its “Kitchen of the World” vision by placing food security at the heart of its sustainability strategy. Its global presence helps expand access to food for consumers worldwide, while its approach goes beyond producing sufficient food to strengthen quality and food safety, nutrition, responsible production and sustainable supply chains. Together, these efforts support a more resilient and sustainable food system capable of serving people over the long term.

Kobboon Srichai, Head of Corporate Affairs and Investor Relations at CPF, said:

“For CPF, food security means ensuring that people can access food that is safe, traceable and affordable today and in the future. To achieve this, we need to strengthen the entire food system, from production to access. By combining technology and automation, strong partnerships, and advances in biotechnology and nutrition, we can improve both the quality and resilience of the food system. Eggs for Next Gen demonstrates how these capabilities can be translated into practical impact, improving children’s access to quality nutrition while helping schools and communities build greater food self-reliance over the long term.”

With the program now expanding to 1,030 schools, CPF continues to translate its food expertise into practical action. Supporting healthier children, stronger communities and a more resilient and sustainable food system.

Hashtag: #CPF #Zerohunger #WorldFoodDay2026 #FoodSecurity #FoodAccessForAll #SustainableFoodSystems #CPFSustainability

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

Japan’s foreign ministry confirmed on Thursday that the initial project would cost approximately $10 billion, with construction scheduled to begin before the end of 2026. Expansion of production facilities could eventually raise the total investment to about $21 billion, although the second factory remains conditional.

The agreement forms part of a $550 billion Japanese investment commitment negotiated with President Donald Trump’s administration in 2025, alongside a reduction in American tariffs on Japanese vehicles and other imports to 15 per cent.

GlobalFoundries said the first manufacturing plant at its existing Malta campus would begin production in 2029. An additional investment of approximately $10 billion would finance a second facility, with a decision on that expansion expected before the end of 2028.

Japan will supply the investment capital, while GlobalFoundries will provide manufacturing technology, technical expertise and operational management. The factories will be jointly owned by American and Japanese interests under an arrangement intended to expand semiconductor output without requiring the company to finance construction itself.

The first plant is expected to produce approximately 900,000 silicon wafers measuring 300 millimetres annually when fully operational. A second plant would add comparable capacity, substantially increasing the company’s manufacturing footprint in upstate New York.

GlobalFoundries estimates that the initiative will support approximately 27,000 construction and associated supply-chain jobs, alongside more than 1,000 skilled manufacturing positions in New York’s Capital Region. Those figures are projections rather than employment already created.

The US Commerce Department will separately receive an equity interest of approximately four per cent in GlobalFoundries. Chief executive Tim Breen said the transaction would raise the government’s overall holding to about seven per cent. The company is majority owned by Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Investment Company.

GlobalFoundries shares advanced after the announcement, reflecting investor interest in an expansion model that could increase manufacturing capacity while limiting construction expenditure.

The ownership arrangements distinguish the investment from conventional private-sector semiconductor expansion. Japanese financing will underpin the factories, while the American government will gain a larger financial interest in the operator and participate in the broader manufacturing initiative.

GlobalFoundries also agreed with the Commerce Department to revise an existing award under the CHIPS and Science Act, reallocating $955 million towards investments in silicon photonics, silicon-germanium technology and advanced packaging at facilities in Malta and Burlington, Vermont.

These technologies are used in communications systems and data centres, where manufacturers are seeking faster connections and more efficient processing of large volumes of information. The separate funding revision does not represent an additional Japanese commitment to the two factories.

Japan’s foreign ministry described the New York project as the first semiconductor investment under the bilateral Strategic Investment Initiative announced in September 2025. It said the initiative was intended to strengthen supplies of mature-node chips used in automobiles, industrial machinery, smartphones and artificial intelligence data centres.

Although attention has focused heavily on advanced processors for artificial intelligence, mature-node semiconductors remain essential components in vehicles, industrial equipment and connected devices. Their availability is important to manufacturers seeking more geographically diversified supply chains.

The first facility will be built at an established semiconductor manufacturing location, allowing the investment to draw on existing industrial infrastructure and a local workforce. However, the announced timetable does not mean projected production capacity will be available immediately when operations begin.

Breen said GlobalFoundries had been chosen because large fabrication projects required manufacturing expertise and operational capabilities alongside financing. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick welcomed the investment as a contribution to domestic manufacturing and employment.

The Japanese government expects the project to create commercial opportunities for its semiconductor equipment and materials suppliers. Tokyo Electron and SCREEN Holdings have expressed interest in supplying manufacturing equipment, while Tokyo Ohka Kogyo has indicated interest in materials and components.

Renesas Electronics, a major Japanese chipmaker supplying automotive and industrial customers, has expressed interest in purchasing output from the proposed facilities. Its participation could provide an important customer relationship as production plans advance.

Japan’s foreign ministry also identified smaller suppliers, including Fujikin and Kusakawa Seiki, as potential participants in the equipment and materials supply chain. Their involvement remains prospective, rather than a confirmed allocation of orders.