By Nantoo Banerjee The Reserve Bank of India and the government may officially deny or even pretend to ignore the adverse impact of the continuous downhill journey of the Indian Rupee against the US Dollar on the economy, the disturbing trend, if not contained, is bound to lead the heavily import-reliant nation to high inflation […]
HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 April 2026 – On April 6, 2026, three Vingroup member organizations—the “For Green Future” Foundation, VinUniversity, and VinTechTalent (Vingroup Young Technology Talent Club) – officially launched the Asian Hackathon for Green Future, a competition dedicated to developing technology-driven solutions for a sustainable future. Open to undergraduate and master’s students from universities across Asia, the competition offers a total prize pool of USD 24,000.
The Asian Hackathon for Green Future officially opened for registration on April 6, 2026, marking the start of the competition, with a total prize pool of USD 24,000. Photo courtesy of the “For Green Future” Foundation.
This marks the first time an Asia-wide environmental hackathon exclusively for undergraduate and master’s students is held in Vietnam. The competition aims to identify and develop technology-driven solutions to pressing environmental challenges, while fostering innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration among the younger generation.
Participants will advance through three main stages: Registration & Preliminary (April 6 – May 17, 2026); Online Training Phase (June 2 – June 28, 2026); and Final Round & Hackathon at VinUniversity (July 2 – July 5, 2026, tentative).
During the Registration & Preliminary Round, participants register online in teams of up to four members. Eligible applicants must be current undergraduate or master’s students at universities across Asia.
Application materials include an idea proposal and an introductory video. Based on evaluation by the Technical Board, the Top 30 teams will be selected to advance to the next stage.
The competition encourages interdisciplinary ideas that integrate multiple fields—including technology, environmental sciences, economics, and social sciences—with the aim of creating solutions that are innovative, feasible, and socially impactful.
Proposed ideas should address one of three key challenge areas: Renewable Energy and Low-Carbon Mobility; Urban Air Quality and Climate Resilience; Water Resources and Climate-Resilient Agriculture.
During the Online Training Round, the Top 30 teams will participate in a series of intensive training sessions and expert consultations with multidisciplinary specialists. These sessions are designed to equip teams with deeper domain knowledge and up-to-date insights on sustainability trends and relevant technologies, enabling them to further refine and expand their proposed solutions.
During the Final Round and Award Ceremony, all travel and accommodation expenses for the Top 30 teams will be fully covered. The teams will take part in a 24-hour hackathon at VinUniversity (Hanoi), where they will further develop and refine their technology-driven solutions before presenting them to the Judging Panel. Based on this evaluation, the Top 9 teams will be selected to advance to the final assessment round, from which the winning team will be determined.
The Chair of the Judging Panel is Prof. Duong Nguyen Vu, Vice Provost of Graduate Education at VinUniversity and Chief Scientific Officer at the Center for AI Research. He had been a Professor of Aerospace Engineering at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore until July 2025, where he served as Scientific Director at the Air Traffic Management Research Institute (ATMRI). Under his leadership—as Executive Director until 2025—the institute has emerged as a global leader in air traffic management research, thanks in large part to the scientific foundation he helped establish. Before joining NTU, Prof. Vu was the founding Director of the John von Neumann Institute at Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, spearheading university-industry collaborations and championing innovation and entrepreneurship in education.
Prior to returning to Vietnam in 2010, he was Head of Innovative Research and Senior Scientific Advisor at the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation (EUROCONTROL). He also advised Vietnam’s Minister of Planning and Investment on innovation strategy, contributing to the establishment of the National Innovation Center.
The competition offers a total prize pool of USD 24,000, comprising one First Prize of USD 8,000, one Second Prize of USD 5,000, two Third Prizes of USD 3,000 each, and five Consolation Prizes of USD 1,000 each. Beyond the awards, participating teams will gain valuable opportunities to engage with leading experts from across the region, expand their professional networks, and strengthen their access to the broader innovation ecosystem.
Dr. Le Thai Ha, Managing Director of the “For Green Future” Foundation and Head of the Organizing Committee, shared: “We believe that ideas with the power to shape the future do not always emerge from large laboratories or well-established institutions; they often arise from the insight, initiative, and determination of young people to make a difference. Through the Asian Hackathon for Green Future, we seek to create a platform where students across the region can transform their environmental awareness into tangible, innovative solutions that deliver meaningful impact for communities and the future.”
The Asian Hackathon for Green Future is expected to foster innovation aligned with sustainable development, while contributing to the development of a new generation of young talents capable of cross-border collaboration to create solutions with lasting, positive impact across the region.
Paramount Skydance is moving to shore up financing for its planned takeover of Warner Bros Discovery with nearly $24 billion in equity commitments from three Gulf sovereign wealth funds, a step that would strengthen funding for one of the biggest media deals ever attempted and deepen Middle East capital’s role in reshaping Hollywood. The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is […]
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 April 2026 – Bangkok is set to strengthen its position as an emerging international education hub in Asia, as Wycombe Abbey, one of the United Kingdom’s most established academic institutions, prepares to launch Wycombe Abbey International School Bangkok, scheduled to open in August 2026.
(From left) Chotchawal Leetrairong, Fiona Angel, and William Vanbergen at the announcement of Wycombe Abbey International School Bangkok, reinforcing Bangkok’s growing role as a regional education hub.
The project is a collaboration between Wycombe Abbey, BE Education, and Rabbit Holdings, a subsidiary of BTS Group Holdings Public Company Limited, reflecting the continued expansion of global education networks into Asia and Thailand’s growing relevance as a destination for international schooling.
Founded in 1896 in Buckinghamshire, Wycombe Abbey is widely recognised for its academic excellence and long-standing reputation for combining rigorous British curricula, including IGCSEs and A Levels, with a holistic approach to student development. The model emphasises intellectual curiosity, leadership, and a global perspective.
Wycombe Abbey also represents a rare example of a historic global institution that has successfully maintained its academic standards while expanding internationally. Its schools in Hong Kong and major cities across China have demonstrated the ability to uphold the same quality of education, driven by close collaboration and strict academic oversight from Wycombe Abbey UK. This approach ensures consistency in teaching standards, student outcomes, and the overall educational experience across its international network.
The school’s entry into Thailand comes amid sustained growth in the country’s international education sector. Thailand currently hosts more than 250 international schools serving approximately 70,000 to 80,000 students. The market is valued at over 80 billion baht and continues to expand at an annual rate of around 10%, driven by rising demand from both Thai and expatriate families seeking globally recognised education pathways.
Bangkok’s appeal as an education destination is supported by its quality of life, safety, regional connectivity, and relatively competitive cost of living, positioning the city as a potential regional hub for international families.
Wycombe Abbey’s international network already spans Hong Kong and multiple cities in China, including Changzhou, Hangzhou, and Nanjing. Bangkok will serve as one of its newest strategic locations, with further expansion planned in Singapore and South Korea, strengthening cross-border academic connections and student mobility within Asia.
William Vanbergen, Founder and Chairman of BE Education and Chairman of the Wycombe Abbey International Advisory Board, said the expansion represents more than a geographic extension.
“Wycombe Abbey isn’t just expanding. It is bringing one of the UK’s most respected educational traditions into Asia, while creating a multi-campus network that connects students across locations through shared experiences and collaboration,” he said.
Chotchawal Leetrairong, representing BTS Group Holdings and serving as financial advisor, said the investment aligns with a broader vision of urban development.
“World-class education is a fundamental component of a global city. Our investment reflects a long-term commitment to strengthening Bangkok’s position by supporting international education, talent attraction, and economic development,” he said.
Fiona Angel, Founding Executive Headteacher of Wycombe Abbey International School Bangkok, said the school will focus on developing well-rounded students equipped for a rapidly evolving global environment.
The school will offer a continuous 15-year education pathway from Nursery to Year 13 (ages 2–18), with both day and boarding options. Boarding will remain a central element of the educational model, designed to foster independence, responsibility, and leadership within a structured learning community.
Located near Thana City on Bangna-Trad Road, the campus will span over 66 acres, positioning it among the largest international school campuses in Bangkok. Facilities will include an Olympic-standard swimming pool, FIFA-standard football field, tennis and golf facilities, basketball courts, a full athletics track, and a 1,000-seat stadium, supporting both academic and co-curricular development.
The combination of Wycombe Abbey’s academic reputation and the school’s strategic location is expected to further strengthen Bangkok’s position as an emerging Asian education hub. Situated just 10 minutes from Suvarnabhumi Airport, the campus offers convenient regional access for international families, while its high-quality boarding facilities are designed to meet the needs of students and parents across Asia. This positioning is expected to attract a growing number of families seeking world-class education within the region.
Wycombe Abbey has consistently delivered strong academic outcomes. Over the past decade, 28% of its graduates have secured places at Oxford and Cambridge, with many progressing to leading universities worldwide. Across its international network, 38% of students in its Hong Kong and China campuses have been admitted to QS Top 10 universities, while 74% have gained entry to QS Top 50 institutions globally.
With its established academic track record, international network, and large-scale campus, Wycombe Abbey International School Bangkok aims to position itself as a leading provider of British-curriculum education in Southeast Asia, while contributing to Bangkok’s long-term development as a global education destination.
Greenlogue/AP Solar power capacity across the Gulf Cooperation Council has expanded at an exceptional rate, with a new GCC-Stat report showing average annual growth of 88.1 per cent between 2013 and 2024, underscoring how one of the world’s leading hydrocarbon-producing regions is accelerating investment in cleaner energy while also strengthening climate resilience measures. The same report said electricity generated from solar energy climbed from 0.13 thousand gigawatt-hours […]
Beijing HyperStrong Technology, one of the country’s biggest battery energy-storage system suppliers, expects shipments to more than double in 2026 as utilities, renewable developers and industrial customers accelerate orders at home and overseas. The company is projecting deliveries of about 70 gigawatt-hours this year, up from 26 gigawatt-hours in 2025, according to comments published on April 6, a jump that underscores how quickly large-scale storage is moving from a supporting technology to a central piece of power infrastructure.
The forecast places HyperStrong among the more aggressive corporate voices in a market that has expanded far beyond its earlier role of smoothing short bursts of solar and wind volatility. Storage is now being bought to stabilise grids, capture cheap midday renewable power, support evening peaks and back up electricity-hungry data centres. Global spending on batteries for power-sector storage is set to reach about $66 billion in 2025, reflecting the scale of investment now flowing into the sector.
HyperStrong’s position helps explain why its target is drawing attention. The company says it has been ranked among the top three global battery energy-storage system integrators and has held a Tier 1 standing with BloombergNEF since 2024. It also says it is the top integrator in China’s mainland market by cumulative installed and contracted project capacity. On its own figures, it has deployed more than 50GWh across more than 400 projects after being founded in 2011.
Demand inside China remains the first pillar of that growth story. The country’s clean-power build-out has been so rapid that storage is becoming essential to absorb output and protect grid reliability. Government data showed wind and solar capacity reached 1.84 billion kilowatts in 2025, accounting for 47.3% of total installed power capacity and overtaking thermal power for the first time. Separate official data showed installed new-type energy storage reached 136 million kilowatts in 2025, after already topping 70 million kilowatts in 2024.
Policy has also shifted in ways that improve the commercial case for storage. Earlier concerns that many projects were being built faster than they could be profitably used have given way to a more market-based system in which capacity payments, peak pricing and wider power-sector reforms are strengthening returns. Analysts have said those changes, combined with subsidies in some provinces, helped turn storage into a far more investable business. That domestic backdrop matters because it gives manufacturers and integrators a large home market from which to scale.
Overseas demand forms the second pillar. Chinese storage suppliers have benefited from orders tied to renewable expansion, ageing grids and the electricity needs of AI-linked data centres in North America, Europe and the Middle East. HyperStrong has been widening its footprint in Europe and said in March that it had projects across 15 countries there. The company has also been visibly pushing its international profile through industry events in Europe and the Americas, a sign that it sees export growth as more than a side business.
Competition, however, is unlikely to ease. China’s battery and clean-tech industries have shown how quickly rapid capacity growth can feed price wars and margin pressure. Rival suppliers ranging from CATL and BYD to other storage specialists are expanding at speed, while trade frictions and policy shifts abroad could complicate the export story. At the same time, technology is moving on: lithium-ion remains dominant for daily cycling, but sodium-ion and longer-duration storage systems are being pushed for specific use cases, especially where mineral costs, safety or duration become bigger factors.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Huawei has raised its research spending to one of the heaviest levels in the global technology industry, saying it invested CNY192.3 billion in 2025, or roughly $27.8 billion, equal to 21.8% of annual revenue. The figure came with group revenue of CNY880.9 billion and net profit of CNY68 billion, underlining how the Shenzhen-based company is continuing to prioritise long-term technology development even as […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai du and Ericsson have completed a 5G standalone proof of concept in the UAE that they say could widen the reach of fixed wireless access for households, using millimetre wave technology to deliver faster home broadband over a broader area than is typically associated with high-band spectrum. The companies said the trial was carried out in residential areas and is intended to support […]
Dentsu has appointed Yusuke Kagohara as chief financial officer for Southeast Asia, handing him a mandate that goes beyond traditional finance oversight as the advertising and marketing group tightens governance and prepares for a more disciplined phase of expansion across one of Asia’s most competitive markets. The appointment took effect immediately, and Kagohara will report to Sanjay Bhasin, chief executive for Southeast Asia.
The move lands at a sensitive point for global agency networks. Growth remains available across Southeast Asia, but margins, client expectations and regulatory scrutiny are all sharpening. Dentsu’s own framing makes clear that this is not merely a replacement hire. Company statements and industry reports describe the post as part of a wider effort to deepen strategic and financial discipline and strengthen governance across the regional cluster, which covers Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. The business employs more than 4,000 people in the region under what Dentsu describes as a borderless operating model formed in 2023.
Kagohara arrives with a profile that fits that brief. Before this appointment, he served as group head of risks and controls at Dentsu Group Inc., where he worked on internal controls, enterprise risk management and broader governance and remediation efforts. Earlier assignments included chief financial officer and deputy chief financial officer roles in Beijing and at Dentsu Creative China, experience that gave him exposure to large and complex operating environments in Asia. Industry coverage of the appointment has also highlighted his background in corporate strategy, transformation and all-round finance, suggesting the company wanted someone comfortable with both compliance architecture and commercial execution.
That background matters because agency finance chiefs are no longer judged only on forecasting, cost control and reporting. They are increasingly central to how networks integrate acquisitions, police internal controls, price AI-enabled services and defend profitability while clients demand more measurable returns. Dentsu has been signalling this shift at group level for months. Its global management overhaul announced in February was pitched around stronger execution, while its 2025 integrated report and governance materials emphasised capital discipline, internal investment, productivity and the strengthening of leadership and controls.
Southeast Asia gives that challenge extra complexity. The cluster spans fast-growing but highly uneven markets, each with different media structures, regulatory standards, client mixes and digital maturity. Dentsu has described the region as one of the world’s fastest-growing, and its own ad spend outlook has projected Asia Pacific growth ahead of the wider global economy. In December, the company forecast that global advertising spend would rise 5.1 per cent in 2026 to more than $1 trillion, with Asia Pacific remaining the fastest-growing region. For a network trying to convert that momentum into durable earnings, stronger financial control becomes a strategic tool rather than a back-office function.
Bhasin’s comments underline that point. In remarks carried by multiple reports and company-linked posts, he said growth on its own was not enough and that the business needed expansion that was “accountable, resilient, and built to last”. He described Kagohara’s experience in governance, transformation and complex markets as critical to the next stage of Southeast Asia’s development. Kagohara, for his part, said the region stood out for its scale, complexity and ambition, adding that strong fundamentals were universal even when market conditions varied widely. Those comments indicate a leadership view that the next test for Dentsu is not whether Southeast Asia can grow, but whether it can do so with tighter controls and greater consistency across markets.
The timing also follows a change in the seat Kagohara is filling. Trade reports late last month said Bharti Agrawal, who had served as CFO for Southeast Asia at Dentsu, had moved to Monks as chief financial officer for APAC marketing services. That succession gives the new appointment a sharper operational significance, because it suggests Dentsu moved quickly to avoid drift in a role that sits at the centre of planning, compliance and regional coordination.
Italy has introduced temporary jet fuel limits at four airports as supply strains tied to the Middle East conflict begin to hit European aviation, raising the prospect of operational disruption just as airlines prepare for heavier spring and summer traffic. Notices to airmen issued for Bologna, Milan Linate, Venice and Treviso said Jet A1 availability from Air BP Italia was limited, with restrictions running between April 2 […]
Coffee Stain has shut its mobile-focused Malmö studio, ending a unit that was set up to bring the company’s irreverent game brands to phones and tablets and leaving fresh questions over how the newly listed Swedish group intends to handle mobile development. The closure was disclosed by Daniel Persson, the company’s vice-president of mobile, who said Coffee Stain had decided to close the office in Malmö and […]
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 April 2026 – Swiss Watch, Malaysia’s premier luxury timepiece and jewellery curator, has been appointed as the Purveyor of Fine Watches and Jewellery to His Royal Highness, the Sultan of Selangor. This prestigious seal of approval from the Royal family marks a truly historic milestone for Swiss Watch.
His Royal Highness, The Sultan of Selangor, with the Executive Directors of Valiram.
Proudly Malaysian, Swiss Watch has grown to become a cornerstone of the luxury watch and jewellery community in the region, collaborating closely with the world’s most esteemed maisons. This Royal Warrant is a testament to this journey, reflecting Swiss Watch’s unwavering dedication, its shared pursuit of excellence, and the sincere commitment of its network of Watch Experts.
“Our team has been instrumental in shaping Swiss Watch into a leading watch retailer in the region – we would not have come this far without their continuous contributions. This recognition is a momentous milestone in our ongoing journey in Celebrating Fine Watchmaking, and Swiss Watch is more committed than ever to continue creating exceptional experiences that celebrate the legacy of fine watchmaking,” said Ashvin Valiram, Executive Director of Valiram.
The recognition validates Swiss Watch’s position as a leader in luxury watch and jewellery retail, operating 10 Swiss Watch boutiques and more than 30 specialist boutiques across Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, and Thailand. Each boutique serves as a curated destination where discerning collectors can discover the world’s most renowned watch and jewellery maisons.
Swiss Watch has been given the Royal Warrant plaque by His Royal Highness, The Sultan of Selangor.
Established in 2001 by leading luxury and lifestyle retail specialist Valiram, Swiss Watch has built a distinguished heritage rooted in local excellence while maintaining global standards of luxury. The company’s journey began with its first boutique at Penang International Airport, featuring an extensive selection of 16 watch brands at that time, earning the company a spot as one of the most prestigious watch emporiums.
This recognition reinforces Swiss Watch’s philosophy of discretion, expertise, and service excellence — values that remain central to its identity as it continues to honour the art of horology for future generations.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Swiss Watch
Swiss Watch began as a multi-brand emporium of luxury watches established by luxury and lifestyle retail specialist Valiram. The business has grown remarkably since its inception in 2001 and today comprises ten Swiss Watch boutiques, and more than 30 specialist watch and jewellery boutiques representing the world’s best-loved brands and a sizable portfolio of almost 40 brands across Malaysia, Singapore, Australia and Thailand. Swiss Watch has become synonymous with horology destinations that cater for watch enthusiasts and collectors as much as it does for the first-time watch buyer, offering a compelling shopper experience through elegantly appointed boutiques enriched by exceptional service. Discover more at swisswatchglobal.com.
By Saifur Rahman Credit rating agencies have reaffirmed the UAE’s stable economic outlook with Moody’s Investor Services reaffirming Aa2 rating with Stable Outlook on April 3, 2026 – five weeks since the breakout of the war against Iran and the regional uncertainty. Moody’s completed a periodic review of the ratings for the UAE on March 30, 2026, which reaffirmed its previous rating, reflecting continued global confidence in […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai and Abu Dhabi have retained places among the world’s leading smart cities in the latest IMD Smart City Index, underscoring how the two emirates have turned digital infrastructure, public services and urban planning into a defining part of their global profile. The 2026 index placed Dubai sixth and Abu Dhabi tenth out of 148 cities, while the 2025 edition had ranked them […]
Greenlogue/AP Parched hillsides and a sharply weaker winter rain pattern are putting Darjeeling tea under fresh strain, with planters warning that the famed first flush harvest is again under pressure and that the flavour profile underpinning the tea’s global prestige is becoming harder to preserve. Rainfall deficits across eastern and north-eastern parts of the country were severe through early February, and Darjeeling itself was reported to have […]
3Commas has launched QuantPilot, a new AI-driven crypto trading platform aimed at giving retail traders access to tools more commonly associated with quantitative desks, as competition intensifies among trading software providers seeking to simplify strategy design, market research and execution. The company said the product is now in early access, with a public waiting list open through quantpilot. com, and positioned it as a no-code system that […]
Researchers at the Institute of Semiconductor Physics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences say they have developed and patented a wearable sensor designed to attach to the arm and track stress through compounds found in sweat, adding a new Russian entrant to a fast-moving global race to turn biochemical signals into consumer-friendly health data. According to the official account carried by Emirates News […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai CASIO has introduced the G-SHOCK GMA-P2126W in the UAE, extending its analogue-digital range with a women-focused model that ties compact proportions and rugged performance to an International Women’s Day campaign centred on confidence, independence and everyday resilience. The launch, handled by CASIO Middle East and Africa, brings to the local market a watch that leans on the familiar 2100-series octagonal design while shifting […]
du said its National Hypercloud has received certification and endorsement from the UAE Cybersecurity Council, a step the company described as making it the first compliant, secure and sovereign cloud infrastructure approved for deployment across both public and private sectors in the UAE. The announcement places the telecom group at the centre of a fast-moving contest over where sensitive data is stored, who controls the infrastructure, and […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Uber has launched a five-day promotion in the UAE offering 20 per cent off rides to selected destinations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, in a campaign aimed at steering more residents and visitors towards local shopping, dining and cultural districts at a time when consumer-facing businesses are navigating softer momentum across the non-oil economy. The offer began on April 3 and runs until […]
Abu Dhabi’s cultural calendar for 2026 is being redrawn, with Abu Dhabi Festival now set to begin its main programme in October under a revised line-up that still includes Croatian cellist Hauser and Tunisian oud virtuoso Dhafer Youssef, while other large-scale music events in the emirate have also been pushed back amid regional disruption to travel and live entertainment logistics. The changes place several of the capital’s […]
Gold prices surged on 27 March as bargain hunters returned to the market after a sharp pullback earlier in the week, lifting bullion by more than 3% and sending other precious metals higher as investors weighed signs that tensions in the Middle East might ease. Spot gold climbed as much as $4,554.39 an ounce during the session before trading around $4,491.78 by mid-afternoon in New York, while […]
Washington has doubled to $40 billion a US-backed maritime reinsurance facility aimed at coaxing commercial vessels back through the Strait of Hormuz, as the five-week war with Iran continues to unsettle one of the world’s most important trade arteries. The expanded programme, announced on Friday by the US International Development Finance Corporation and Chubb, adds AIG, Berkshire Hathaway, Travelers, Liberty Mutual, Starr and CNA to the scheme, […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Iran’s downing of a US F-15E Strike Eagle and the loss of another American combat aircraft in the Gulf theatre have pushed Washington’s war with Tehran into a more dangerous phase, exposing the risks of a campaign that has already rattled oil markets and widened instability across the Middle East. US officials said one member of the F-15E crew was rescued while another […]
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