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Larsen & Toubro is set to expand its data centre footprint to 32 megawatts by the end of March, commissioning 18 MW of new capacity as the engineering major sharpens its focus on digital infrastructure alongside emerging opportunities in green hydrogen and semiconductors.

The additional capacity will lift the group’s operational data centre load from the existing 14 MW, marking a decisive step in a segment that has become a core pillar of its technology-led growth strategy. The commissioning is scheduled to be completed before the close of the financial year, aligning with strong demand from cloud service providers, hyperscalers and large enterprises accelerating their migration to outsourced digital infrastructure.

Larsen & Toubro has steadily built its data centre business over the past few years, leveraging its engineering, procurement and construction capabilities to develop facilities that meet high standards for power efficiency, uptime and scalability. Executives have previously indicated that the group’s focus is on delivering carrier-neutral and hyperscale-ready campuses in key metros, where demand continues to outpace supply despite a wave of new announcements by domestic and global operators.

Industry estimates show that data consumption growth, artificial intelligence workloads and stricter data localisation norms are driving sustained investment in capacity across Asia. India remains one of the fastest-growing markets in this space, with several multinational cloud companies committing to expand their presence. Against this backdrop, L&T’s move to lift capacity by more than double underscores its intention to be a long-term player rather than a peripheral builder.

The data centre expansion is being pursued alongside the company’s ambitions in newer industrial segments. L&T has signalled that it is actively pursuing orders related to electrolysers, a critical component for producing green hydrogen, as governments and industrial groups accelerate decarbonisation plans. Electrolyser manufacturing and deployment are viewed as strategic areas where the company’s heavy engineering background can be translated into repeatable, export-oriented businesses.

Management has also reiterated interest in the semiconductor ecosystem, particularly in supplying equipment, engineering services and infrastructure for chip fabrication and assembly units. While L&T is not positioning itself as a chipmaker, it aims to capture value across the supply chain as multiple semiconductor projects move from proposal to execution stages. The company has indicated that it is evaluating opportunities linked to cleanroom construction, precision engineering and advanced manufacturing systems required by chip plants.

Analysts tracking the capital goods sector note that diversification into data centres and clean energy-linked manufacturing provides a hedge against cyclicality in traditional infrastructure spending. Order inflows from transport, hydrocarbons and power transmission remain important for L&T, but newer verticals are expected to deliver higher margins and longer visibility once scale is achieved.

The data centre business, in particular, benefits from predictable long-term contracts and rising demand for energy-efficient facilities. Power availability and cooling efficiency have become critical differentiators as operators seek to control operating costs and meet sustainability targets. L&T has highlighted its emphasis on optimised designs, modular construction and integration of renewable energy where feasible, in response to customer requirements.

From a financial perspective, the 18 MW commissioning is not expected to materially strain the balance sheet, given the group’s strong cash flows and diversified revenue base. The company has historically funded growth through a mix of internal accruals and selective partnerships, and similar structures are being explored for digital infrastructure projects to manage risk and accelerate execution.

Market participants also point to the broader ecosystem benefits of large data centre builds, including demand for electrical equipment, cooling systems, specialised construction and long-term maintenance services. This creates opportunities for L&T to cross-leverage capabilities across its subsidiaries and verticals, reinforcing the strategic rationale behind the expansion.

The event, supported by the Mission of the People’s Republic of China to ASEAN, the Permanent Mission of Malaysia to ASEAN, and the ASEAN Secretariat, was hosted by the Information Office of the People’s Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, and the Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, and jointly organized by Guangxi Daily (Guangxi International Communication Center), Guangxi Radio and Television, Guangxi Tourism Development Group, and Guangxi Cultural Industry Group. More than 250 guests attended the event, including envoys from the 11 ASEAN countries and external partners such as Russia, the United Kingdom, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil, senior officials from the ASEAN Secretariat, representatives from mainstream ASEAN media, local university faculty and students, and representatives from Chinese-funded enterprises.

I. A Gathering of Distinguished Guests, Sharing a Common Vision

This marks the first time that Chinese Spring Festival cultural activities have been held at the ASEAN Headquarters. With the deepening of globalization, the traditional festival of Spring Festival is not only a time for family reunions for the Chinese people, but also a new bond for dialogue between different civilizations. The Chinese Spring Festival embodies the philosophy of “harmony and coexistence”, which aligns perfectly with the ASEAN countries’ pursuit of “unity and cooperation”. Furthermore, the sustainable development concept of “rejuvenating the old and welcoming the new” resonates strongly with the ASEAN region’s vision of “common prosperity”.

Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, stated in his video address that over time, the Spring Festival has evolved into a global celebration. Its inscription on the UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2024 underscores the rich significance of this precious human heritage. Within ASEAN, many member states celebrate the Spring Festival, reminding people of the deep emotional bonds that transcend national borders. ASEAN will continue its commitment to fostering a community proud of its identity, actively undertaking the responsibility of protecting, preserving, and creating culture, arts, and traditions, and promoting the development of the cultural and creative industries. As we welcome the Year of the Horse, we hope everyone will embrace the elegance, vitality, and forward momentum that the horse represents, and embark on the new year together with hope, resilience, and unity.

Wang Qing, Chinese Ambassador to ASEAN, stated in his address that the Spring Festival symbolizes reunion, joy, and harmony. Celebrating the holiday together exemplifies the close bonds between the people of China and ASEAN, the integration of our civilizations, and our harmonious coexistence. The China-ASEAN community with a shared future is growing ever closer, demonstrating powerful vitality and setting an exemplary model for building a community with a shared future for mankind. He specifically noted that Guangxi serves as a vital “connection point” and “intersection point” for China-ASEAN friendship, exchanges, and cooperation, functioning as both a “gateway and engine” within the China-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. In the new year, he extended heartfelt wishes for China-ASEAN friendship and cooperation to surge forward like galloping horses, unstoppable in its momentum.

Ambassador Sarah, Permanent Representative of Malaysia to ASEAN, noted in the address that as the Country Coordinator for China-ASEAN Relations, Malaysia has been privileged to witness and foster the flourishing development of the China-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Cultural celebrations like today’s Spring Festival event vividly demonstrate that our partnership extends far beyond trade agreements and diplomatic protocols. ASEAN and China share a deep, mature, and resilient relationship that will continue to grow and strengthen on the solid foundation of mutual respect, shared interests, and a common vision for peace, stability and prosperity in the region.

Li Pan, Director of the Information Office of the People’s Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, stated in his address that Guangxi is honored to host this event at the ASEAN Headquarters. As the permanent host city of the China-ASEAN Expo, Guangxi serves as an important platform for China-ASEAN economic and trade cooperation and cultural exchanges. Guangxi is working with ASEAN countries to build an artificial intelligence development path of “R&D in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou + Integration in Guangxi + Application in ASEAN”, and actively creating a new trade chain of “Production in ASEAN + Distribution in Guangxi + Sales in China”. In 2026, Guangxi will work hand in hand with all sectors of ASEAN to forge ahead and strengthen the neighborly bond between China and ASEAN over time.

II. Celebrating the Spring Festival and Savoring the Festive Flavors

The event invited guests from around the world to gather together, celebrating the Spring Festival for the Year of the Horse, savoring the flavors of the Chinese Spring Festival, and appreciating the beauty of the arts. The opening performance, “The Beauty of China: Guangxi’s Zhuang Ethnic Charm”, featured a symbolic dance and connected it with a classic excerpt from the Caidiao Opera “Liu Sanjie”, including the “Antiphonal Song”, creating an artistic masterpiece that blends Eastern poetry with innovative ingenuity. The Chinese instrumental performance, “Chinese Chic Performance for Celebrating the Spring Festival of the Year of the Horse”, featured erhu and suona as the main instruments, playing classic melodies such as the theme song from “Journey to the West” and “Black Myth: Wukong”, converging into a “National Trend IP Music Festival”. When Guangxi ethnic instruments, the maguhu (horse-bone fiddle) and the bolie, met Indonesian gamelan, Chinese and Indonesian musicians jointly performed classics like “Jasmine Flower” and “Folk Songs Like Spring River Water”making the phrase “high mountains and flowing water meet a kindred spirit” more concrete and creating a lasting artistic resonance.

During the event, Guangxi Daily (Guangxi International Communication Center), Guangxi Radio and Television, together with ASEAN media such as TVRI, El John TV, and Harian Inhua, jointly launched the China-ASEAN Spring Festival Short Video Exhibition Week. Using short videos as a link, the event showcased the joyous scenes of China and ASEAN countries celebrating the Spring Festival together from multiple dimensions, inviting netizens around the world to jointly celebrate the Chinese Spring Festival as a global festival through the Internet.

III. Savoring the Cultural Gathering, Welcoming the Prosperous Spring Festival

On the same day, the “Spring Blessings for Success at the Year of the Horse” Chinese Spring Festival Cultural Exhibition and the “Instant Joy Market” Spring Festival Cultural Market were held simultaneously at the ASEAN Headquarters. Guests from various countries experienced the hospitality of “Tea Harmonies the World” through immersive experiences that included playing, appreciating, and tasting, creating “Ancient Charm and Blessings” calligraphy and painting rubbings, admiring the exquisite paper-cutting art, and enjoying a feast of Spring Festival delicacies from all directions.

The most surprising experience for the guests was exploring the smart future using Guangxi’s cutting-edge AI technology. Guests from various countries experienced intelligent translation devices and wore AR glasses, immersing themselves in barrier-free communication and exploring the thousand-year-old legend of the Zuojiang Huashan Rock Art Cultural Landscape. Hardy Chung, a reporter from Harian Inhua, remarked that China’s AI technology not only accurately depicted the beautiful scenery of the Spring Festival but also vividly expressed the touching story of ASEAN and China being connected by mountains and seas and sharing good neighborly friendship, presenting a beautiful picture of cooperation towards the future.

On February 4th, two “Instant Blessings” Pop-Up Events were held at the Halim Station of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway and the Mall Central Park in Jakarta, Indonesia, creating a festive atmosphere for the Chinese Spring Festival. Performers from Guangxi presented a variety of acts including song, dance, opera, and puppetry, attracting many locals to participate in interactive activities, join in the “Guangxi Kemusan Dance”, and share the joy of the Spring Festival. Yi Yan, a social media blogger traveling and living in Indonesia, exclaimed, “This year’s Spring Festival atmosphere in Jakarta is different!”

This event attracted more than 20 media outlets, including People’s Daily, Xinhua News Agency, China Media Group, China News Service, TVRI, METRO TV, bolong.id, and Vietnam News Agency to report on the event and widely spread the concepts of peace, amity, and harmony in the Spring Festival to people at home and abroad.

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

Marvel at the Whimsical Gallop of Horses Adorned in Embroidered Artistry, Alongside an AI Fai Chun Photo Booth and Joyful New Year Rewards

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 February 2026 – This Chinese New Year, Pacific Place and Starstreet Precinct invite you to take a joyful gallop into the Year of the Horse with ‘Whimsical Gallop’ — a celebration that blends artistry, imagination and auspicious cheer. From 5 February to 3 March 2026, the mall is transformed into a contemporary Chinese garden awash in soft, nature-inspired pink hues. Leading the way is a striking 3.5-metre-tall embroidered horse in Park Court, alongside three other beautifully adorned horses brought to life by Hong Kong embroidery atelier YLYstudio. Together, this quartet of horses brings luck and fortune to all.

Beyond the installations, the festivities continue with thoughtful and playful experiences. Create your own personalised blessings at the ‘Splendid Blessings’ AI Fai Chun Photo Booth, and enjoy ‘Galloping Joy’ New Year Shopping Rewards with festive ‘Blooming Splendour’ Lai See packets and exclusive shopping treats. The celebration culminates with lively jazz tap dance performances and a lion dance parade, bringing heritage and modern festivity together for everyone to enjoy.

A Garden Where Embroidery Meets Imagination

Across the mall and into Starstreet Precinct, visitors are immersed in a fantastical Chinese landscape of embroidered ornaments, blooming florals, lanterns and gazebos. YLYstudio dedicated over 1,000 hours to handcrafting more than 590 ornaments featuring eight auspicious motifs — feathers, birds, pomegranates, coins, flowers, four-leaf clovers, ladybirds, and clouds — using over 80 types of sequins, threads, and ribbons. These motifs are showcased on the four horses, spreading good fortune while enriching the festive landscape with depth and artistry.

‘Blooming Splendour‘ Lai See Packets – Celebrate the Year of the Horse with Flourishing Flowers

The ‘Blooming Splendour’ Lai See packets are inspired by the elegance of embroidery. They feature delicate floral motifs rendered with painterly precision, blending layers of red, pink, and orange threads to create a sense of graceful movement. At the heart of the design, a sculpted floral emblem evokes abundance, beauty, and new beginnings, enriched with pearl-like accents recalling couture embroidery techniques, where beads, sequins and threads are meticulously layered.

Each set includes 10 Lai See packets in two harmonious colourways, accompanied by a velvet pouch in either soft pink, adorned with a pomegranate charm, or rich green, accented with a lucky four-leaf clover charm. These detachable embroidered charms are thoughtfully designed to be worn or styled long after the festive season, carrying the spirit of prosperity and good fortune throughout the year.

‘Galloping Joy‘ – Elevate Your Experience with Exclusive Shopping Rewards

From 5 to 16 February 2026, shoppers can enjoy festive privileges designed to usher in a prosperous year, including exclusive ‘Blooming Splendour’ Lai See packets, movie ticket exchange coupons, Pacific Place shopping e-vouchers and gourmet treats.

*Shoppers are required to join the Pacific Place Loyalty Programme – above and meet the accumulated same-day spending requirement by electronic payment during the Promotion Period in order to be entitled to redeem Shopping Rewards. The Rewards are limited in quantity and are available on a first-come, first-served basis while stocks last. Other Terms and Conditions apply.

Redemption Period: 5 – 16 February 2026
Redemption Location: Gift Redemption Counter, Level L1 (near Theory)
Redemption Hours: 11am – 10pm

Where Hooves Move to the Rhythm

The Year of the Horse arrives in a dance of joy. Step Out Studio and fellow tap dancers will be tapping out the heartbeat of the season, their rhythms galloping alongside the soaring notes of Jazz Band led by Nate Wong. Together, they will conjure a celebration where artistry and vitality run free. After the lions are awakened in an eye‑dotting ritual, our lion dance parade will unfurl like a living tapestry of tradition — spreading fortune, unity and exuberance throughout the mall, and inviting everyone to stride boldly into the year ahead.

Join the ‘Whimsical Gallop’at Pacific Place and Starstreet Precinct this Chinese New Year — where embroidered artistry, festive celebrations, and joyful rewards come together to welcome a year filled with good fortune and blooming possibilities.

Hashtag: #WhimsicalGallop #HorseInBloom #GallopingJoyAtPP

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

About YLYstudio

YLYstudio is a Hong Kong-based embroidery atelier celebrated for blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. Founded by Lilian Tsang Lai Yu and Matt Hui Yip Long, the studio brings decades of global fashion experience and artistry to every creation.

Lilian Tsang previously served as chief designer for a Hong Kong fashion label and honed her craft at LECOLE LESAGE, the prestigious haute couture embroidery school owned by the Chanel Group in Paris. She also interned at Elisabeth Gasbarre Rousseau Haute Couture Studio in Lyon, France. With a deep passion for teaching, Lilian now shares her embroidery expertise in Hong Kong, inspiring a new generation of artisans.

Matt Hui is a Hong Kong-based fashion designer graduated from the Royal College of Art in 2013. Passionate about the creative process and fine workmanship, he has collaborated on stage costumes for renowned singers including Panther Chan and Bondy Chiu. Since 2024, Matt has also ventured into the film industry as a custom tailor, contributing to international productions such as Ballad of a Small Player and Emmanuelle.

About Pacific Place

Located in the heart of Admiralty, Pacific Place is the destination for exceptional service and unique experiences. As a pioneer of innovative retail concepts in Hong Kong, Pacific Place continues to transform the retail scene by delighting visitors with an array of curated experiences through diversified offerings. Since its inception in 1988, Pacific Place has established itself as Hong Kong’s premier lifestyle hub, a mixed-use development that continues to evolve and grow as the ultimate destination to shop, dine, work, stay, relax and play. It houses one of Hong Kong’s largest collections of luxury brands and diverse dining offerings, making every visit a memorable one. In addition to being a prime transportation hub, Pacific Place is home to five Grade-A office towers, 268 serviced apartments, and four five-star hotels: The Conrad, Island Shangri-La, JW Marriott and Upper House Hong Kong.

About Starstreet Precinct

Starstreet Precinct is a vibrant destination in Wan Chai, comprised mainly of Wing Fung Street, Star Street, Moon Street, Sun Street, and St. Francis Yard. Over the years, the neighbourhood has evolved from a quaint, historic landmark, into an eclectic hangout hotspot for those with a unique sense of style and character. Filled with cosy cafés, restaurants, bars, boutique shops with the most coveted fashion selections, galleries and interior design stores, the precinct offers an array of day-to-night experiences. With a focus on community and a passion to foster a sustainable lifestyle for all, Starstreet Precinct and its tenants are collectively working to build a better future together. Connected to Pacific Place and Admiralty station through the Three Pacific Place underground link, the neighbourhood is a hidden gem in the heart of Hong Kong.

Y Combinator continues to generate outsized returns from companies with roots in India even as its broader influence across Asia shows signs of long-term retreat, reflecting a strategic shift by the world’s best-known startup accelerator amid changing regional dynamics. While founders from Bengaluru, Chennai and Delhi remain visible in its demo days and alumni rosters, the programme no longer shapes Asia’s startup narrative in the way it once did.

Founded in 2005 in Silicon Valley, Y Combinator built its reputation by backing early-stage companies that later became global giants, including Airbnb, Stripe and Dropbox. Its appeal in Asia peaked during the previous decade, when limited access to global capital and mentorship made association with a US-based accelerator especially valuable. India emerged as one of the biggest beneficiaries, with dozens of YC-backed startups securing follow-on funding, overseas market access and high-profile exits.

Companies such as Razorpay, Meesho and Groww, all of which passed through the YC ecosystem in earlier years, became reference points for founders seeking validation from global investors. India’s expanding pool of engineers, rising digital adoption and a large domestic market aligned well with YC’s software-first investment philosophy. These successes continue to deliver financial returns for the accelerator through equity stakes that have appreciated sharply as several firms reached unicorn valuations or prepared for public listings.

Yet the accelerator’s footprint across Asia has narrowed. YC formally closed its China-focused efforts earlier in the decade, citing regulatory complexity and difficulties operating within a tightening policy environment. Activity in Southeast Asia also slowed, with fewer batches featuring startups from Indonesia, Vietnam or Thailand compared with earlier years. The shift reflects not only YC’s internal priorities but also the maturation of Asia’s startup ecosystems, which now offer more local alternatives.

Across Asia, domestic accelerators, corporate venture arms and sovereign-backed funds have stepped in to fill gaps once dominated by Silicon Valley programmes. In India, initiatives backed by large conglomerates, universities and state governments provide capital, mentorship and market access without requiring relocation or deep integration into the US ecosystem. Southeast Asia has followed a similar path, with regional venture firms increasingly willing to lead early rounds.

YC itself has changed. The accelerator has leaned further into its core strengths, focusing on fewer geographies while doubling down on artificial intelligence, developer tools and enterprise software. Its decision to emphasise remote participation during and after the pandemic reduced the symbolic value of spending months in Silicon Valley, a factor that once set YC apart for Asian founders. While remote access broadened participation, it also diluted the sense of exclusivity that helped the programme stand out.

For Indian startups, the relationship with YC has become more transactional. Participation is still seen as a strong signal of quality, especially for companies targeting global markets or US-based customers. However, founders increasingly view YC as one of several possible launchpads rather than a defining milestone. Follow-on funding now depends less on accelerator pedigree and more on unit economics, regulatory clarity and the ability to scale within complex local markets.

Investors tracking Asia’s venture landscape note that YC’s reduced presence does not imply a loss of relevance everywhere. India remains an exception because of its scale, talent depth and ongoing pipeline of software-led startups with global ambitions. YC partners continue to engage with Indian founders, and each batch includes a steady, if smaller, number of companies from the country. Returns from earlier bets ensure that India remains financially meaningful to the accelerator.

At the same time, YC no longer sets the pace for Asia-wide innovation trends. Local accelerators and venture funds are shaping sectors such as fintech, climate technology and logistics, areas where regulatory nuance and on-the-ground execution matter as much as global networks. Governments across the region have also become more involved in startup promotion, offering grants, sandboxes and procurement opportunities that reduce reliance on foreign programmes.

The Honourable Paul CHAN Mo-po, GBM, GBS, MH, JP, Financial Secretary of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, officiated at the forum and expressed, “The country has consistently given strong support to Hong Kong’s development of innovation and technology. Whether in the ’14th Five‑Year Plan’ or in the recommendations for the ’15th Five‑Year Plan’, there is clear support for Hong Kong to develop into an international innovation and technology hub”. He added, “Looking ahead, we will continue to proactively align with national development strategies, promote the deep integration of technological innovation and industrial innovation, and further strengthen the linkage between technology and industry. We will encourage enterprises to devote more effort in research and development, expand the scope of technology applications, and nurture innovative enterprises with an international outlook and forward-looking vision, driving the economy toward a high value-added and more diversified future”.

The Honourable Sunny TAN, Chairman of Hong Kong Productivity Council, said in the closing remarks, “The ’15th Five-Year Plan’ brings significant and far-reaching development opportunities to Hong Kong. At the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee’s recent group study session, President Xi Jinping urged adopting a strategy whereby industry poses questions and science and technology provide the answers. HKPC will continue to play an active role in promoting innovation and industrial upgrading, closely echoing the overall development strategies of the national and HKSAR Government, and making good use of innovative technologies to address business challenges, providing comprehensive support to enterprises to accelerate their upgrading and transformation, enhance their competitiveness, and seize new opportunities”.

Unlocking Hong Kong’s Connectivity Advantages and Gathering Leadership Wisdom

The “ForeSight Visionary Leaders Panel” was held at the day, moderated by Mr Vincent WONG, Columnist and Media Veteran, and invited industry leaders including Ms ZHI Tao, Founder of Beijing Yunji Technology Ltd., Mr WANG Yong Chao, Founder and Chairman of Henan Oriental Materials Company Ltd., Mr Jonathan CHIU, President of Schneider Electric Hong Kong, Mr Peter YAN, JP, Director-General, Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and Mr Mohamed D. BUTT, MH, Executive Director of Hong Kong Productivity Council, to share their insights. The topic features three key areas of enterprise going global, technological empowerment and talent development, and delved into the practical experience of how enterprises can achieve innovation-driven and high-quality development under the national “15th Five-Year Plan” through Hong Kong’s role as a “bridgehead”, Chinese brands going international through Hong Kong, Hong Kong’s advantages in technical support and innovative talent gathering, and how it can provide the Chinese Mainland enterprises with a one-stop platform for upgrading and going globally.

Realising the Full Empowerment of Enterprises to “Go Global”

HKPC echoes the national and HKSAR Government’s development strategies to address business challenges and industrial technology needs. Over the years, HKPC has successfully assisted many Chinese Mainland and local enterprises in expanding overseas markets, with many of these expansions implemented in Southeast Asia, Europe, ASEAN and the Middle East, etc., achieving upgrades and internationalisation. In recent years, HKPC and OASES have jointly established an “introduction-application-growth-go global” service model to help enterprises go global, with success cases include Westwell, Yunji Technology, UNISEE, etc. HKPC will continue to work with OASES to leverage the advantages of “Made in Hong Kong” to help enterprises connecting the world through Hong Kong.

Mr Peter YAN, JP, Director-General, Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said, “Hong Kong possesses a robust financial system, deep talent pool, and an international environment that integrates with international regulations, standards and operation practices. Coupled with the government’s relevant industry policies and long-established overseas networks, Hong Kong provides unique support for Chinese Mainland enterprises to use Hong Kong as a base to go global, as well as for overseas enterprises to development in the GBA. OASES is dedicated to attracting global strategic enterprises from five strategic I&T sectors, actively aligning with the national 15th Five-Year Plan. We provide comprehensive landing support services and assist enterprises in establishing their ‘first project’ in Hong Kong, fully leveraging Hong Kong’s role as a ‘Super Connector’ and ‘Super Value-Added'”.

At the same time, HKPC, as a member of the GoGlobal Task Force of the HKSAR Government, will continue to focus on providing “Six Tactics to Go Global” for enterprises through “The Cradle Go Global Service Centre” (The Cradle), including smart production, Technology research and development and evaluation, international standards and testing, professional services, training and on-site visits, and funding schemes, to support Hong Kong to leverage its unique advantages and empower enterprises to expand overseas with high quality.

Since its establishment in April, The Cradle has attracted more than 350 companies that have expressed interest in using its services. Among these, over 100 cases have entered a concrete follow‑up stage. Together with overseas expansion projects supported prior to its establishment, the cumulative total exceeds 450 cases.

For more details, please watch the video “Six Tactics to Go Global“.

Bringing the strengths of Government, Industry, Academia, Research and Investment to Build an Innovative Industrial Ecosystem

HKPC has been working closely with the government, industry, academia, research and investment sectors to promote new industrialisation and enhance the new quality productive forces of industries, including:

• The major project led by Harbin Institute of Technology on key technologies and equipment for circular economy: Provide dynamic identification and big data resource pool construction solutions for multi-source solid waste in megaurban agglomerations
• The project led by Jiangsu University on wheat green smart processing and key technology integration and industrialisation demonstration: Provide core technical support such as AI and the Internet of Things
• Tsinghua University: Jointly established a technology centre to focus on the industrial transformation of intelligent manufacturing and AI technology
• Zuquan Research Institute of Fudan University: Signed a cooperation agreement to promote collaboration and transformation of scientific and technological outcomes between Shanghai and Hong Kong

HKPC will continue to promote cross-sectoral dialogue between government, industry, academia, research and investment, focusing on the implementation of future industries and technology applications, and helping to build Hong Kong into a key node in the global I&T value chain.

Click here to download the high-resolution photos

Photo caption:

1. HKPC’s annual flagship event, “ForeSight 2026”, themed “Empowering the Innovation Ecosystem and Bridging Hong Kong with New Opportunities under the 15th Five‑Year Plan,” brought together numerous government and business leaders.
2. The Honourable Paul CHAN Mo-po, GBM, GBS, MH, JP, Financial Secretary of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, delivered a speech as the guest of honour at the “ForeSight 2026”, pointing out that going forward, efforts will continue to proactively align with national development strategies and promote the deep integration of technological innovation and industrial innovation.
3. The Honourable Sunny TAN, Chairman of the Hong Kong Productivity Council and Legislative Council Member, said in his closing remarks that the Productivity Council will leverage innovation and technology to address enterprises’ real pain points, provide all‑round support to help enterprises accelerate their upgrading and transformation, enhance competitiveness, and seize new opportunities.
4. The Honourable Paul CHAN Mo‑po, Financial Secretary of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, GBM, GBS, MH, JP (centre); The Honourable Sunny Tan, Chairman of the Hong Kong Productivity Council and Legislative Council Member (second from right); Mr Peter YAN, JP, Director-General, Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (second from left); Mr Emil YU, BBS, JP, Deputy Chairman of the Hong Kong Productivity Council (far right); and Mr Mohamed D. BUTT, MH, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Productivity Council (far left), attended HKPC’s annual flagship event, “ForeSight 2026”.
5. Moderated by veteran media professional Dr. Vincent WONG, industry leaders shared their insights at the “ForeSight Visionary Leaders Panel”.

(From right to left) Mr Peter YAN, JP, Director-General, Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises; Mr Jonathan CHIU, President, Hong Kong, Schneider Electric Hong Kong; Mr WANG Yong Chao, Founder & Chairman of Henan Oriental Materials Company Limited; Ms ZHI Tao, Founder of Beijing Yunji Technology Ltd.; and Mr Mohamed D. BUTT, MH, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Productivity Council.

Hashtag: #HKPC #Foresight2026

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

About Hong Kong Productivity Council

The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) is a statutory body established in 1967, dedicated to enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of Hong Kong enterprises through world-class applied R&D, innovative technology services, and integrated manufacturing solutions. As a market-oriented, international R&D organisation, HKPC leverages its deep expertise and extensive industry experience in key areas such as AI, advanced manufacturing, life and health technology, green technology and new energy to drive new industrialisation and support the growth of emerging and future industries.

HKPC focuses on addressing business challenges and industrial technology needs, promoting the full integration between technological and industrial innovation. Through technology transfer, product innovation, intellectual property protection and commercialisation of R&D outcomes, the Council fosters collaboration with the local business community as well as top global R&D institutions, delivering added value to industries and advancing the development of new productive forces. HKPC’s world-class R&D achievements have been widely recognised over the years, winning an array of local and overseas accolades, reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as an international innovation and technology centre and a smart city.

To help enterprises capitalise on Hong Kong’s strengths in international connectivity to expand into global markets, HKPC offers comprehensive overseas expansion services tailored to critical areas including product development, technology, manufacturing, and management, enabling businesses to successfully go global from Hong Kong.

HKPC is also committed to providing timely and practical support to SMEs and startups with timely and practical, assisting them in accessing Government funding programmes. Through its FutureSkills training initiatives, HKPC helps both industry and academia stay ahead in latest digital and STEM technologies, nurturing a future-ready talent pool for Hong Kong.

For more information, please visit HKPC’s website: www.hkpc.org/en.

By Nitya Chakraborty Nearly 48 hours after Donald Trump’s announcement about the India-US trade deal and Narendra Modi’s confirmation in his telephonic conversation, much has been written in the media by the experts, mostly following the lead given by the commerce minister Piyush Goyal in his press meet on Tuesday as to what positive impacts […]

The article Trump Has Linked India-US Trade Deal To India Acting As Partner In His Pacific Strategy appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Heralding An Auspicious Chinese New Year with A Fun, Festive Horse-Year Collection

JOHOR BAHRU, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 February 2026 – Following the success of its first flagship store at Paradigm Mall, Petaling Jaya, Sipzz, the Gen‑Z lifestyle tumbler brand, is opening its second flagship store at Paradigm Mall, Johor Bahru. To celebrate, the brand is unveiling its Chinese New Year 2026 Collection, themed 「喝一口，好运马上到｜Sip Your Way to Prosperity」, featuring two playful and festive tumblers: The Fortune Ride H2Oh (360ml) and H2Oh (550ml) The Lucky Hop H2Oh (550ml), designed to bring good fortune, joy and stylish hydration to everyday life.

Malaysia’s Marketing Manager of Sipzz Ms. Catherine Soo said, “Hydration is more than just a daily necessity — it’s an opportunity to create enjoyable, meaningful moments. There is a growing market of health and wellness conscious communities, especially in Malaysia and Singapore. Through our thoughtfully-designed tumblers, we would like to inspire young people and working adults to stay hydrated every day while enjoying a touch of playfulness and style. Our CNY 2026 Collection brings this philosophy to life, combining festive design with functionality for everyday use.”

In conjunction with the soft opening of the Sipzz outlet at Paradigm Mall JB, visitors can explore an immersive and interactive showcase from 5 to 8 February 2026 with activations such as DIY tumbler customisation, personalised name engraving and festive photo moments crafted for social sharing. The collection transforms everyday hydration into a modern festive ritual, combining practicality with symbolic celebration to engage visitors, encourage family participation and create memorable connections during the Chinese New Year period.

Designed for consumers who value meaningful daily habits over traditional décor gifting, the collection emphasises thoughtful, lifestyle-driven gifting. The Fortune Ride H2Oh (360ml) and H2Oh (550ml) embodies a joyful journey with every sip, symbolising a smooth ride filled with luck, positivity and new opportunities, carrying good fortune wherever you go. Compact yet functional, it keeps beverages cold for up to five hours and hot for up to eight hours, featuring a wide-mouth opening and leak-resistant construction for everyday convenience.

Meanwhile, The Lucky Hop H2Oh (550ml) features a cheerful and energetic design that emphasises fun, inspired by the horse symbol representing spontaneity and continuous good fortune throughout the year. The H2Oh 360ml series is able to retain both cold and hot temperatures for up to six hours, while the H2Oh 550ml can maintain cold and hot temperatures for up to eight hours. All Sipzz tumblers are made from durable 304 stainless steel and BPA-free, food-grade materials, making them suitable for everyday use as well as gifting.

The collection draws inspiration from traditional prosperity symbols, reflecting good fortune, smooth beginnings and the phrase “马到成功“ (success arrives swiftly), resulting in a balance of festive warmth and modern minimalism that appeals to families and young adults alike.

All tumblers are made from BPA-free, food-grade materials with durable stainless steel for safe and reliable hydration, while SGS testing and certification apply to the H2Oh Regular and H2Oh Large series only.

As health awareness rises among younger consumers, Gen Z increasingly prioritizes hydration as part of a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Sipzz encourages youngsters and working adults to drink more water by transforming hydration into a fun, colourful, and emotionally engaging experience, with research showing that visually appealing drinkware can motivate increased daily water intake and support healthier habits.

Hashtag: #Sipzz #SipzzMalaysia #GrandOpening #ParadigmMallJB #SIPinProsperity #CNY2026 #CNYCollection #HydrationLifestyle #Tumbler

https://sipzz.com.my/
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https://www.instagram.com/sipzz.my
https://www.tiktok.com/@sipzz.my

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

About Sipzz

Founded in Singapore, Sipzz is a Gen-Z lifestyle tumbler brand that combines pastel aesthetics, premium materials, and customisation to elevate everyday hydration. Sipzz tumblers are SGS-tested and certified, designed for durability, style, and shareable moments, making hydration a personal and playful experience. For more information about the product, please visit https://sipzz.com.my/

Spin the lucky windmills at Galaxy Macau to generate vitality and good luck with glittering offers breezing through the luxury resort to shower guests with good fortune

MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 February 2026 – Galaxy Macau, Asia’s leading luxury integrated resort, proudly launches “Start the Year Lucky at Galaxy Macau” Chinese New Year Campaign, inviting guests to embrace good fortune through a curated selection of festive activities, culinary experiences, exclusive shopping privileges and immersive entertainment from February 4 to March 3. Signup on WeChat for Galaxy Ultimate membership to enjoy every bit of each visit.

Spin lucky windmills to receive great blessings

This year’s celebrations are built around the central theme of the lucky windmill, a playful and symbolic motif believed to usher in luck. Throughout the season, Galaxy Macau will be adorned with enchanting windmill décor—each spin symbolising the arrival of good fortune. Across Galaxy Promenade, in resemblance of spring flowers in full bloom, giant displays of peach blossom and daffodil windmills symbolise a continuous flow of good fortune and blossoming prosperity. Guests will discover these windmills thoughtfully placed across the resort and are invited to spin selected ones to capture auspicious blessings for the coming Chinese New Year and take wonderful photos, creating visual harmony with the resort’s gilded architecture and inviting visitors to welcome luck at every turn.

Beginning on February 4, the day marking the start of spring in the traditional lunisolar calendar, Galaxy Macau’s iconic, multisensory Diamond Show will transform into a special seasonal format, accompanied by two gigantic windmills that accentuate the elements of luck, adding dazzling brilliance to the resort’s celebrations. During Chinese New Year, traditional lion dances and God of Fortune greetings will shower auspicious blessings on guests, strengthening the spirit of renewal and good luck throughout the luxury resort.

From February 4 to March 3, guests spending MOP300 or more, or presenting a hotel keycard with holder or same-day show tickets at mall concierge counters at Galaxy Promenade, will receive a lucky gift prepared to spread the vibrant festive greetings.

Families checking in over the festive period can look forward to a rich programme of Chinese New Year–themed workshops at the Galaxy Kidz Edutainment Center. Specially designed for younger hotel guests, these workshops offer engaging, hands‑on experiences that introduce children to festive icons, seasonal crafts and cultural stories associated with the Chinese New Year. These activities not only add playfulness and creativity to the celebrations but also allow children to shape cherished memories during their stays at Galaxy Macau.

Open blind boxes to get lucky rewards

Galaxy Macau’s luxury retail destination – Galaxy Promenade, home to world‑renowned fashion houses, lifestyle brands and specialty boutiques – will further elevate the festive environment with themed storefronts and specially curated gift items. Between February 13 and 23, guests can enjoy up to 6% shopping and dining rebate upon designated spending at Galaxy Promenade, along with the chance to instantly win a Blind Box and receive lucky souvenirs at the brand-new Italian Shopping Area or Pearl Lobby.

Besides house-operated exciting rewards, the house of brands along Galaxy Promenade, such as Cartier, Delvaux, Dior and Prada, will run highlight seasonal activations to maximise the festive ambiance.

Festive delicacies to share good fortune

Central to Galaxy Macau’s Chinese New Year celebrations is an exquisite range of gourmet festive delicacies. Whether enjoyed in a festive reunion meal or as part of traditional seasonal rituals, these delicacies reflect Galaxy Macau’s dedication to culinary excellence.

From February 14 to March 8, “Lai See” dining vouchers will be awarded to guests spending designated amounts at selected restaurants for use during returning visits, so as to maximise the celebratory atmosphere and bring joy to gatherings of family and friends. Festive delights are served at more than 10 Galaxy Macau restaurants, from traditional Chinese to global flavours.

Spectacular entertainment to welcome good fortune

Galaxy Macau’s entertainment offerings shine even brighter during the campaign. This Chinese New Year, Galaxy Macau’s collection of world-class performance venues are filled with spectacular shows.

Besides Hollywood star Jimmy O. Yang’s variety spectacles at Galaxy Arena on February 21 and 22 featuring special guests including singer Jackson Wang, Cantopop star Wan Kwong and rising Hong Kong star musician Tyson Yoshi, K-Pop boy group RIIZE is set to stage the Macau shows of their [RIIZING LOUD] Concert Tour at the same venue on February 7 and February 8.

Chinese singer Tian Zhen, will take the stage at Galaxy Arena on February 19 to mesmerise fans on the third day of the Year of the Horse. Popular star Silence Wang will join the line by performing for three nights from February 27 to March 1 at Galaxy Arena to explain his interpretation of “Rise of Romance”, which is the name of his concert tour.

On February 5, Galaxy Cinemas dazzles with star power, as Hong Kong film “Night King” will present its World Premiere at Galaxy Macau’s East Square with a crew meet-and-greet, featuring some of the biggest names in Hong Kong film industry, led by the director of the film Jack Ng joining the stars and fans.

The Golden Glow of Art Welcomes the New Year

GalaxyArt, the artistic arm of Galaxy Macau, is presenting “Golden Fortunes: the Macau Debut of Zhu Bingren’s Copper Art” until April 12. National-level artist and pioneer of the “molten copper” artistic technique, Master Zhu joins hands with his son, Mr Zhu Junmin, to showcase at GalaxyArt a series of 68 glittering copper arts and other artforms, some of which being national diplomatic gifts and others – galloping horses and elegant peacocks – wishing good prospects for the New Year. Guests are invited to savour an artistic spring season at Galaxy Macau.

GEG Presents: Lai Chi Vun Shipyards Spring Festival Bazaar of Fortune

Celebrate Chinese New Year together amidst festive cheer at Lai Chi Vun Shipyards! Tradition and excitement converge at this year’s spectacular bazaar, featuring stunning attractions including Macau’s largest display of 302 dancing lion heads—an innovative check-in spot, Chinese New Year limited festive wishing trees, and a popular ice-skating rink. This seasonal celebration will take place from February 14 to 22 and on weekends between February 28 and March 8. With plenty more to explore, the Spring Festival Bazaar of Fortune is the Chinese New Year destination for everyone!

For more information, please visit www.galaxymacau.com.

StarWorld Hotel dresses up for Chinese New Year

Located in the heart of Macau Peninsula, StarWorld Hotel celebrates the Chinese New Year in parallel style. The hotel will be festively decorated every corner to boost the celebratory atmosphere. Amidst the joyful vibes, guests are invited to savour seasonal delicacies meticulously prepared by StarWorld’s award-winning restaurants – immerse in warm wonders as unlimited gatherings take place.

For more details on StarWorld Hotel, please visit www.starworldmacau.com.

Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau

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

About Galaxy Macau Integrated Resort

Galaxy Macau, The World-class Luxury Integrated Resort delivers the “Most Spectacular Entertainment and Leisure Destination in the World”. Developed at an investment of HK$43 billion, the property covers 1.1 million-square-meter of unique entertainment and leisure attractions that are unlike anything else in Macau. Nine award-winning world-class luxury hotels provide close to 5,000 rooms, suites and villas. They include Banyan Tree Macau, Galaxy Hotel™, Hotel Okura Macau, JW Marriott Hotel Macau, The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, Broadway Hotel, Raffles at Galaxy Macau, Andaz Macau and the opening-soon Capella at Galaxy Macau. Unique to Galaxy Macau, the 75,000-square-meter Grand Resort Deck features the world’s longest Skytop Adventure Rapids at 575-meters, the largest Skytop Wave Pool with waves up to 1.5-meters high and 150-meters pristine white sand beach. Two five-star spas from Banyan Tree Spa Macau and The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Macau help guests relax and rejuvenate.

As the dining destination in Asia, Galaxy Macau offers a wide variety of gastronomic delights, exquisite experiences and ingredients of the finest quality with over 120 dining options from Michelin dining to authentic delicacies; Galaxy Promenade is the hottest shopping destination featuring the latest in fashion and curated experiences in Macau. Spanning over 100,000-square-meter, luxury flagship stores, lifestyle boutiques and our selection of labels are among the more than 200 world-renowned brands for a world-class shopping journey; Galaxy Cinemas, immersive thrills and luxurious comfort go hand in hand at Galaxy Cinemas. All 10 theatres are equipped with the latest audio-visual technology; CHINA ROUGE, one-of-a-kind deluxe lounge that evokes the glitz and glamor of Shanghai’s golden era with entertainment in luxury and style; and Foot Hub presents the traditional art of reflexology to make you feel more relaxed and revitalized. For Authentic Macau Flavours & Vibrant Asian Experiences, Broadway Macau – just a 90-second walk via a bridge from Galaxy Macau, has over 35 Authentic Macau & Asian Flavours at its Broadway Food Street. The 2,500-seat Broadway Theatre plays host to world-class entertainers and a diverse array of cultural events. Meeting, incentive and banquet groups are also well looked after with a portfolio of unique venues in Galaxy Macau and a professional service staff.

Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) is the latest addition to the Group’s ever-expanding integrated resort precinct and will usher in a new era for the MICE industry in Macau. GICC is a world-class event venue featuring 40,000-square-meter of total flexible MICE, and a 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena – the largest indoor arena in Macau.

For more details, please visit www.galaxymacau.com, www.broadwaymacau.com.mo and www.galaxyicc.com.

About StarWorld Hotel Macau

StarWorld Hotel, Galaxy Entertainment Group’s (GEG) first five-star flagship hotel, is located in the heart of Macau’s business and entertainment hub on the Macau Peninsula. The iconic 39-storey hotel is famed for its distinctly Asian characteristics of intelligence, experience and innovation and its star-rated quality in hospitality, entertainment, accommodation and dining.

Opened in 2006, StarWorld Hotel is the hub to see everything the city has to offer, and it appeals to tourists from all over the world. Renowned for its ultra-high levels of personal services to guests, StarWorld has won numerous prestigious awards including the 5-Star Diamond Award from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences, the Top 100 Hotels of China designation from the China Hotel Industry Summit, the Top 10 Glamorous Hotels of China designation from the China Hotel Starlight Awards, the Supreme Award for the Most Glamorous Hotel of Asia from the Golden Horse Awards of China Hotels and the “Top Class Comfort Hotels” from Michelin Guide Hong Kong & Macau from 2014 to 2020.

For more information, please visit www.starworldmacau.com.

By Nitya Chakraborty The announcement on India-US trade deal was expected, but the manner in which both President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi did the same in social media has led to big confusion. After a phone call with Narendra Modi, Trump claimed on Monday that the US had reached a trade arrangement […]

The article Total Confusion Over The Status Of India-US Trade Deal Prevailing appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

The findings, based on Carbyne Fitness’ customer data and an online database of personal training enquiries compiled by IFPA Singapore’s personal trainers, point to two fundamentally different approaches to exercise motivation and engagement between men and women.

A Tale of Two Fitness Journeys
The data suggests that men overwhelmingly prefer self-directed fitness, buying equipment such as adjustable dumbbells, benches, and racks for home use. Women, on the other hand, are more inclined toward guided training experiences led by certified professionals.

According to Brian Chang, founder of Carbyne Fitness and IFPA Singapore, this split reveals not just gender preferences, but deeper social and psychological factors shaping how Singaporeans exercise.

“Men often see fitness as something they should be able to handle on their own, like asking for help somehow means they’re not strong enough,” said Chang. “That’s why many men would rather train themselves than work with a coach. Ladies, on the other hand, are usually more open to learning and getting guidance. They see working with a coach not as weakness, but as a smart way to improve safely and effectively.”

The Male Home Gym Boom
The pandemic sparked a surge in home gym investments, and Carbyne Fitness has been at the forefront of this trend. Its adjustable dumbbells and adjustable kettlebells have become popular among working professionals looking to save time and train efficiently at home.

Carbyne Fitness’ customer data revealed that four in five customers are male. “The home gym trend among men is here to stay,” Chang explained. “They appreciate the convenience, privacy, and long-term savings. For many, it’s not just fitness equipment, it’s a personal investment in staying strong and independent as they age.”

However, with about 58% of Carbyne Fitness customers living in HDB flats, 26% in condominiums, and 16% in landed properties, many still hold the misconception that home workouts, especially in smaller HDB or condo spaces, aren’t practical or effective. Landed property owners make up less than 5% of Singapore’s dwellings, yet account for 16% of Carbyne Fitness’ customers.

“One of the most common reasons people give for not buying home gym equipment is that they ‘don’t have the space,'” said Chang. “But in reality, a proper home setup doesn’t need much room; a good pair of adjustable dumbbells and a bench can fit comfortably within just one square meter if you choose the right equipment.”

Why Women Seek Trainers
In contrast, IFPA Singapore’s training enquiries show that a majority of personal training clients are female. Of the 392 Singapore-based individuals who sought personal training, 63% were women, even though men still represent the majority of gym members nationwide.

“This reflects a growing confidence among women to take charge of their fitness journey,” said Chang. “But it also shows that women tend to prioritize safety and proper form. They are more willing to invest in expert guidance rather than risk injury from unguided workouts.”

Many female clients, Chang adds, have goals that extend beyond appearance: postnatal recovery, strength for caregiving, or functional fitness for daily life.

“It’s not just about aesthetics anymore,” he said. “Women are recognizing that strength training builds long-term resilience, both physically and mentally.”

Implications for Singapore’s Fitness Industry
The gender divide uncovered by Carbyne Fitness and IFPA Singapore also points to structural gaps in how Singapore’s fitness ecosystem is organized, particularly the limited avenues for personal trainers to operate independently.

Most commercial gyms and public facilities, including ActiveSG gyms, do not permit outside personal trainers to conduct sessions within their premises. Trainers who are not employed directly by these gyms are often barred from coaching clients on-site, regardless of their certification or insurance coverage.

This restriction limits both consumer choice and career opportunities within the industry. For clients, especially women who prefer guided training but may not want to commit to an expensive gym membership, the policy creates a barrier to accessing affordable, flexible coaching. For freelance trainers, it restricts their ability to build a sustainable practice or serve niche communities such as seniors, postnatal women, or first-time exercisers.

“Many independent trainers tell us their biggest challenge isn’t finding clients; it’s finding space,” said Chang. “There’s a clear demand for affordable, accessible training environments, but the system hasn’t caught up yet.”

As a result, more trainers have turned to parks, void decks, or private studios, and a growing number of clients are exploring home-based personal training, sometimes with only a pair of resistance bands. This shift reflects broader lifestyle preferences: Singaporeans want convenience, privacy, and trust, not just a gym membership.

The study suggests that expanding access to personal training across shared and public fitness spaces could help Singapore move toward a more inclusive, community-driven fitness culture, one that empowers both male and female participants to train safely, confidently, and sustainably at every stage of life.

Volunteering for the Silver Generation
Both Carbyne Fitness and IFPA Singapore are working to build a more inclusive fitness culture through the Silver Strength volunteer program, which runs weekly strength sessions for seniors using resistance bands, adjustable dumbbells, and other small equipment at Active Ageing Centers across Singapore.

The initiative, funded by the National Youth Council, empowers older adults to stay strong, mobile, and independent, while giving volunteers the chance to make a direct impact in their communities.

“Silver Strength is more than fitness. It is about bridging intergenerational gaps and helping seniors live confidently and age with strength,” said Chang.

To sign up as a volunteer, visit getcertifiedpt.com/silver-strength.

About the Study
The gender distribution insights were derived from:

• Carbyne Fitness customer data, representing over 1,000 unique customer interactions across Singapore between January 2024 and September 2025.
• IFPA Singapore’s independent observation of 392 prospective client profiles compiled between October 2025 and December 2025.

While the sample sizes differ, both data sets converge on a clear narrative: Singapore’s home gym market is predominantly male, while personal training demand is female-driven.

The full research can be accessed on https://carbyne.sg/blogs/articles/revealing-the-gender-gap-between-personal-training-and-home-gyms.
Hashtag: #CarbyneFitness

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

About Carbyne Fitness

Carbyne Fitness is a Singapore-based fitness equipment company focused on delivering space-efficient, performance-driven home gym solutions for modern lifestyles. Best known for its space-saving gym equipment such as adjustable dumbbells and foldable treadmills, Carbyne helps professionals, families, and seniors train effectively at home without compromising on quality or safety.

Learn more at: https://carbyne.sg

About IFPA Singapore

IFPA Singapore, operated by Get Certified PT, is the official Singapore operator of the International Fitness Professionals Association (IFPA), delivering internationally accredited personal training education and professional development. IFPA Singapore focuses on producing industry-ready practitioners through competency-based, real-world training.

Learn more at: https://getcertifiedpt.com

Speaking during the engagement, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy of the United Arab Emirates, said air traffic between the UAE and India continues to show strong momentum, with around 1,231 direct flights operating each week between cities in both countries. Those services are spread across multiple carriers and hubs, reflecting the depth of commercial, tourism and people-to-people ties that underpin the aviation relationship.

The scale of connectivity has few parallels globally. The UAE serves as a critical transit and destination market for travellers from India, while Indian cities form the largest single source of international passengers for UAE airports. Industry data indicates that traffic has surpassed pre-pandemic benchmarks on several routes, driven by a rebound in business travel, a sustained flow of expatriate workers, and rising leisure demand in both directions.

Officials discussed measures to ensure that bilateral air services arrangements remain responsive to market realities. Capacity management, slot allocation at congested airports, and coordination on safety and security standards featured prominently. There was also a focus on ensuring that regulatory processes keep pace with airline expansion plans, particularly as carriers introduce new wide-body aircraft and add frequencies to secondary cities.

Bin Touq noted that aviation cooperation has spillover benefits for wider economic engagement, supporting tourism, trade in services and cargo connectivity. Air freight was identified as a growing pillar, with belly-hold capacity on passenger aircraft playing an increasing role in moving high-value and time-sensitive goods, including pharmaceuticals, electronics and perishables.

From the Indian side, officials emphasised the importance of predictable access to UAE hubs for carriers as they scale up international operations. India’s airport expansion programme, which has added new terminals and greenfield airports across several states, is expected to unlock further growth in outbound travel. That expansion has altered traffic patterns, enabling more direct international services from tier-two and tier-three cities, many of which already have links to the UAE.

Airlines operating on the corridor include network carriers and low-cost operators, creating a competitive landscape that has helped keep fares in check while expanding choice. The presence of multiple hubs in the UAE has also diversified routing options, strengthening resilience during peak travel periods and operational disruptions.

Beyond capacity, the talks addressed cooperation on sustainability and workforce development. Both sides acknowledged mounting pressure on the aviation sector to curb emissions and improve fuel efficiency. While sustainable aviation fuel remains limited in supply and expensive, officials discussed the importance of policy alignment, pilot projects and knowledge sharing to accelerate adoption over time.

Training and skills were another area of interest, as airlines and airports face shortages of pilots, engineers and air traffic management professionals. Partnerships between training institutions and recognition of certifications were flagged as practical steps to ease bottlenecks without compromising safety standards.

Technology and digitalisation also featured, with attention on passenger processing, biometric systems and data sharing to improve the travel experience. As passenger volumes rise, authorities are seeking to reduce congestion through smarter border controls and interoperable systems that can be scaled across airports.

The civil aviation dialogue sits within a broader economic partnership that has deepened over the past two years, including trade and investment initiatives across manufacturing, energy and digital services. Aviation remains a visible barometer of that relationship, given its sensitivity to economic cycles and consumer confidence.

By T N Ashok WASHINGTON: In the corridors of power, where messaging is currency and optics are everything, President Donald Trump faces a political paradox that threatens to undermine his party’s prospects in November’s midterm elections: his administration’s economic achievements are being systematically overshadowed by images of masked federal agents confronting protesters in Minneapolis. The […]

The article Trumps Economic Policies Drowned Out By The Drumbeat Of Minneapolis Outrage appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

Reinforcing Thailand’s position as a trusted, high-quality destination through emotion-driven storytelling

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 January 2026 -The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is creating a new wave of momentum for Thai tourism, reinforcing the ‘Trusted Thailand’ image and elevating the nation towards becoming a ‘Quality Destination’ with its latest TVC, “Feel All The Feelings,” featuring a story narrated by the Amazing Thailand Ambassador “Lalisa LISA Manobal”, a world-renowned rapper, singer, dancer and actor.

The film sets to entice tourists to experience and discover the multitude of feelings to be gained from travelling in Thailand, including happiness, serenity, excitement, challenge, and warmth, to establish Thailand as a valuable and unforgettable travel destination.

Ms Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the TAT, revealed, “This year, the TAT remains committed to reinforcing Thailand’s image through the ‘Trusted Thailand’ strategy to warmly welcome tourists, while continuing its push to establish Thailand as a ‘Quality Leisure Destination.’ This is to build confidence among tourists who want to create valuable, unforgettable memories at every step of their journey. Recently, we launched the ‘Feel All The Feelings’ campaign, building widespread communication and awareness across various channels. We are kicking off the year with a new commercial featuring ‘Lalisa LISA Manobal’ as the Amazing Thailand Ambassador, who will showcase Thailand’s tourist attractions and the feelings evoked on each visit. The campaign aims to ‘enhance quality’ while distributing revenue and tourists to new potential areas. TAT cordially invites all Thais to be ‘good hosts’ and share memorable Thai travel experiences.

TVC ‘Feel All The Feelings‘ by TAT portrays unseen attractions and diverse emotions awaiting tourists to discover and experience in Thailand. The story’s inception was inspired by tourists’ desire to seek a range of experiences that fulfil them emotionally and spiritually, helping them ‘Feel Alive’ again. TAT is confident that Thailand can be the answer and add vivid hues to tourists’ lives, as we are a land of diversity, colour, and vitality, ready to offer an exceptional experience for visitors to feel every emotion, from happiness, serenity, excitement, and challenge, to the warmth of smiles and hospitality, the intriguing mystery of new places, and the wonder of unseen locations. We believe that every area and every journey in Thailand will not only create impressive memories but also deliver ‘feelings’ that greatly enrich the travel experience.”

In this ad, Lalisa ‘LISA’ Manobal, in her role as the Amazing Thailand Ambassador, invites everyone to experience the ‘feelings within Thailand’. LISA is often asked, “What does Thailand feel like?” and she reveals the feelings she experiences while resting and recharging in Thailand in the commercial, through every emotion, every feeling, and every rhythm of Thailand’s beauty, which is unlike anywhere else in the world. The production also features renowned stars and actors such as Win – Metawin Opas–iamkajorn, Gulf – Kanawut Traipipattanapong, and Blue – Pongtiwat Tangwancharoen, who join the journey and convey these feelings together.

The TVC showcases beautiful locations nationwide, starting with the captivating beauty of the Lanna Candle Ceremony (Phang Prateep) at Wat Chedi Luang in Chiang Mai province, followed by a spectacular view of the ‘floating pagodas’ in Lampang province. Viewers can marvel at the sea of mist at Phu Langka in Phayao province. The ads also features attractions in other regions to show that, wherever you are, there is always something to discover. Examples include experiencing the beauty of the first light of dawn at Wat Arun in Bangkok, the splendour of the Red Lotus Sea in Udon Thani province, or experiencing the sound of the cascading waters of
Thi Lo Su Waterfall in Tak province.

Furthermore, the “Feel All the Feelings“ campaign aims is to shift tourists from popular landmarks to hidden-gem destinations, increasing the quality of their spending and the value per trip, in line with the “Value over Volume” strategy.

Join “LISA“ on her journey as the Amazing Thailand Ambassador and discover feelings awaiting tourists in Thailand with the “Feel All The Feelings“ campaign. The “Feel All The Feelings“ TVC is currently available at official Amazing Thailand channels:

Youtube: https://youtu.be/wDMv1KujSGc
X (@AmazingThailand) : https://x.com/AmazingThailand/status/2016507144783487483?s=20
Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/share/v/14RnwfmwTTW/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUDnoOziPCp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amazingthailand/video/7600405546558131476

Contact Information
International Public Relations Division
Tourism Authority of Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 2250 5500 ext. 4545-48
Fax: +66 (0) 2250 0246
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.tatnews.org

Media contacts:

• Khianthong Ngernphum (Thonghom) PR Executive, VERVE Public Relations | E-mail: [email protected] | Tel: +66 80 561 9511
• Jirachaya Jaiyen (Linda) Senior PR Executive, VERVE Public Relations | E-mail: [email protected] | Tel: +66 94 876 4938

Hashtag: #AmazingThailand #AmazingThailandAmbassador #AmazingThailandxLISA #FeelAllTheFeelings #FeelAllTheFeelings_TVC

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