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Gold purchases across Hong Kong have gathered pace as households and small investors stock up on bullion and coins ahead of Lunar New Year celebrations, with dealers reporting brisk trade while global prices hover close to historic highs.

Retail counters in districts such as Sheung Wan, Mong Kok and Causeway Bay have seen steady queues for small bars and commemorative coins traditionally exchanged as gifts during the festive season. Traders say customers are focusing on one-tael bars and smaller denominations that are easier to present in red packets, reflecting a blend of cultural practice and financial caution.

International gold prices have been supported by expectations of looser monetary policy in major economies, persistent geopolitical tensions and sustained central bank buying. Spot prices have traded near record levels in recent weeks, reinforcing bullion’s appeal as a store of value. Silver has also drawn interest, though gold remains the dominant choice for gift-giving in Hong Kong.

Local jewellers and bullion dealers describe a noticeable shift in purchasing patterns compared with previous years marked by pandemic restrictions and subdued retail activity. Cross-border travel between Hong Kong and mainland cities has normalised, reviving tourist flows that are critical for the territory’s jewellery trade. Shop owners say visitors from across the boundary are contributing to higher volumes, particularly in high-purity investment-grade products.

Industry data from the Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department show that jewellery, watches and clocks sales have rebounded since border controls were lifted, though monthly figures remain sensitive to price swings. Analysts note that high gold prices can dampen jewellery demand, yet investment-led buying often offsets this when households view bullion as a hedge against currency volatility or equity market fluctuations.

The Lunar New Year period is traditionally one of the busiest seasons for precious metals across Chinese communities worldwide. Gold symbolises prosperity and good fortune, and gifting bullion is considered auspicious. Dealers in Hong Kong say that beyond cultural motivations, clients are also reacting to global uncertainties, including conflicts in the Middle East and Europe and uneven economic growth in major markets.

Bank wealth managers in the city report increased inquiries about gold-backed exchange-traded funds and structured products linked to precious metals. While retail investors still favour physical holdings for gifting, more sophisticated clients are diversifying through financial instruments. Analysts at several global banks have projected that gold could remain supported if the US Federal Reserve begins cutting interest rates later this year, reducing the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets.

At the same time, some economists caution that demand could moderate if prices extend gains too rapidly. Jewellery manufacturers operate on tight margins, and elevated bullion costs can squeeze profitability or prompt consumers to reduce the weight of items purchased. Silver, which trades at a lower price point, has benefited from substitution among price-sensitive buyers, though its cultural resonance is weaker than gold’s.

Central bank purchases have emerged as a significant structural driver in the global market. Data from the World Gold Council indicate that official sector buying has reached multi-decade highs, led by emerging market institutions seeking to diversify reserves. This trend has added a floor to prices even as speculative positioning fluctuates on futures exchanges in New York and Shanghai.

Hong Kong’s role as a conduit for precious metals into mainland markets remains important, despite structural shifts in trade flows over the past decade. The territory’s free-port status and established refining and logistics infrastructure continue to attract regional trading activity. Market participants say that any sustained premium between onshore and offshore prices can influence cross-border arbitrage and inventory movements.

Currency dynamics also play a role. The Hong Kong dollar’s peg to the US dollar means local bullion prices closely track movements in the greenback. A softer US currency typically supports higher gold prices globally, while a stronger dollar can temper gains. For residents holding savings in local currency, gold’s performance is effectively tied to broader US monetary policy.

Retailers note that beyond bars and coins, demand for lightweight jewellery pieces suitable for gifting children has risen. Designers are incorporating zodiac motifs for the coming year, adding a seasonal dimension to sales. Some shops have introduced limited-edition products to capitalise on festive sentiment, combining craftsmanship with investment appeal.

The partnership will create a strategic wealth corridor between Dubai and Hong Kong, enabling institutional‑grade RWA tokenization that connects Middle Eastern capital with Asia‑Pacific opportunities. By combining FOM’s AI‑driven investment intelligence and family‑office expertise with DMCC’s regulated, commodity‑rich ecosystem, the collaboration aims to unlock fractional, cross‑border ownership of high‑value assets, enhance liquidity for traditionally illiquid holdings, and accelerate the adoption of compliant, on‑chain wealth solutions for ultra‑high‑net‑worth investors and family offices.

The event, hosted by FOM with the support of InvestHK, convened over 100 high‑profile representatives from global family offices and institutional investors, including notable participants from Sunwah Group, CT Bright (CP Group), Keyestone Group, Lee Kum Kee Group, MindWorks Capital, Park Capital Group, E Fund Asset Management Hong Kong, K. Wah, and many others.

Dr. Anina Ho, Founder & CEO, FOM, stated “Today we formalize our collaboration on cross-border digital asset and RWA initiatives between Dubai and Hong Kong. This partnership bridges two of Asia’s leading financial hubs, creating institutional-grade solutions for family offices navigating digital wealth transformation.”

Belal Jassoma, Senior Director of Tech Ecosystems, DMCC, added, “This partnership reflects the next phase of digital asset adoption – moving beyond experimentation to institutional‑grade infrastructure. By connecting Dubai and Hong Kong as twin hubs for regulated real‑world asset tokenization, we are strengthening the framework through which family offices and institutional players can operate with confidence. Through DMCC’s Crypto Centre, Wealth Hub and other ecosystems and Dubai’s regulatory frameworks, combined with FOM’s strong family offices network, this collaboration establishes a practical wealth corridor that enhances cross‑border collaboration, transparency, and long‑term business expansion across two of the world’s most dynamic trade centers.”

Key value propositions

1. Establishing a powerful UAE-HK wealth corridor

Under the MOU, FOM and DMCC will collaborate to integrate the Middle East and Hong Kong financial ecosystems, leveraging DMCC’s specialized licensing, corporate structuring capabilities, and free‑trade zone advantages alongside FOM’s cutting‑edge digital asset solutions and connectivity to Hong Kong. This strategic alliance is poised to help family offices and high‑net‑worth individuals (HNWIs) in Dubai and Hong Kong capture the surging demand for compliant, institutional‑grade digital asset and alternative investment solutions, while maintaining strong governance and operational efficiency.

The initiative positions Dubai and Hong Kong as twin hubs for regulated RWA tokenization, connecting Middle Eastern capital with Asia‑Pacific opportunities through secure, transparent, and institutionally robust digital asset infrastructure. For family offices, this means greater diversification, improved risk‑adjusted returns, and streamlined access to global opportunities without compromising regulatory compliance.

2. Enhancing digital asset ecosystem

Through the strategic partnership, FOM and DMCC will develop robust frameworks for tokenizing RWAs including real estate, commodities, and other institutional-grade assets, thereby establishing standards for asset custody, settlement, compliance, and cross-border tokenization operations. This UAE-Hong Kong wealth corridor will not only facilitate capital flows but also provide a transparent and compliant environment for digital asset issuance, trading, and reporting, empowering family offices and institutional investors with confidence and clarity in private‑market deal‑making and public‑market participation.

Shaping the future of RWA tokenization

Following the MOU signing, the event featured insightful panel discussions titled “Turning Real‑World Assets into Digital Wealth” and “Everyday Digital Wealth: Stablecoins, Payments and Tokenized Income,” along with a fireside chat on “The Future of Digital Asset Platforms.” These discussions examined how Dubai and Hong Kong can collaboratively advance regulated structures, stable‑wealth solutions, and real‑world applications for institutional and family capital.

Distinguished panelists and speakers included Dr. Anina Ho, Founder & CEO, FOM; Mr. Belal Jassoma, Senior Director of Tech Ecosystems, DMCC; Mr. Ben Zhou, Co-Founder & CEO, Bybit; Mr. Bernard Charnwut Chan, GBM, GBS, JP; Ms. Denise Zhou, Chief Strategy Officer, FOM; Mr. Henri Arslanian, Co‑Founder, Nine Blocks Capital; Mr. Jesse Guild, Vice President, Product Management, Crypto & Digital Assets, Mastercard; Mr. Lennix Lai, Chief Commercial Officer, OKX; Ms. Lingling Jiang, Partner, DWF Labs; and Mr. Yat Siu, Co‑Founder & Executive Chairman, Animoca Brands. Together, these leaders exchanged insights on how emerging technologies, including blockchain, AI, and quantum computing are reshaping asset management and cross‑border investment frameworks. The event showcased the powerful synergy between Hong Kong’s innovation ecosystem and Dubai’s regulatory excellence, creating the foundation for global RWA leadership.

The strategic partnership between FOM and DMCC unites cutting-edge technology with world-class regulatory framework to establish a UAE-Hong Kong wealth corridor, connecting cross-border capital flows, enabling compliant digital transformation, and powering institutional-grade RWA opportunities for family offices and institutional investors.

Photos and photo captions:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1FfQLNGYvDLKEoHWqKNxKyIK64tGU0aAC?usp=sharing

1. Belal Jassoma (left), Senior Director of Tech Ecosystems, DMCC and Dr. Anina Ho (right), Founder & CEO, FOM sign a MOU during an exclusive family office dinner themed “The Future of Tokenizing Wealth” on February 9, 2026.
2. Belal Jassoma (left), Senior Director of Tech Ecosystems, DMCC and Dr. Anina Ho (right), Founder & CEO, FOM shake hands after the MOU signing.
3. Dr. Anina Ho, Founder & CEO, FOM delivers welcome remarks and introduces the event theme “From Theory to Real Use Cases in Tokenizing Wealth Between Dubai and Hong Kong.”
4. Belal Jassoma, Senior Director of Tech Ecosystems, DMCC shares insights on “Bridging Physical Commodities & Digital Assets as a Global Trade Hub.”
5. During the panel discussion titled “Turning Real World Assets into Digital Wealth,” moderated by Ms. Denise Zhou (left), Chief Strategy Officer, FOM, Mr. Lennix Lai (center), Chief Commercial Officer, OKX, and Mr. Belal Jassoma (right), Senior Director of Tech Ecosystems, DMCC share their insights on how tokenization is transforming traditional asset ownership and access.
6. During the panel discussion titled “Everyday Digital Wealth: Stablecoins, Payments and Tokenized Income,” moderated by Mr. Henri Arslanian (first from the left), Co‑Founder, Nine Blocks Capital, Mr. Jesse Guild (second from the left), Vice President, Product Management, Crypto & Digital Assets, Mastercard, Ms. Lingling Jiang (second from the right), Partner, DWF Labs, and Mr. Yat Siu (first from the right), Co‑Founder & Executive Chairman, Animoca Brands explore how digital assets and tokenized products are taking shape in everyday finance.
7. During the fireside chat moderated by Ms. Denise Zhou (left), Chief Strategy Officer, FOM, Mr. Ben Zhou (right), Co-Founder & CEO, Bybit shares insights on the future of digital asset platforms.

General Disclaimer
The press release is distributed solely as a corporate announcement of a strategic partnership and event recap, and not as an offer or solicitation to acquire any specific investment product, token, fund, or securities.

The information herein is based on sources believed reliable but not guaranteed as to accuracy or completeness. Recipients should conduct their own due diligence and consult qualified advisors before investing. No liability is accepted for decisions based on this material.

Hashtag: #FOM

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

About FutureOne MENA

FutureOne MENA (“FOM”) is a pioneering consultancy firm focused on connecting family offices with future technology, with a particular emphasis on tokenization and RWAs, enabling them to access, structure, and invest in next-generation finance. FOM integrates comprehensive market analysis with proprietary multi-agent AI systems to deliver actionable insights across technology, political, economic, financial, and security dimensions. As the cornerstone of the AFFLUENCE Integrated Ecosystem, FOM connects QonBay (digital payments), FutureOne MENA (family office network), FutureOne Bloom (ESG finance), FutureOne Capital (asset management & RWA), and FutureRyse (quantum AI optimization), empowering investors with intelligent tools for portfolio optimization, deal analysis, and strategic engagement with tokenized assets. For more information, please visit www.futureonemena.com.

About DMCC

Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (“DMCC”) is a leading international business district that drives the flow of global trade through Dubai. We make it easier for our members to do business, helping them access the world’s fastest growing markets from a dynamic district that offers everything they need to thrive. This approach is why we are the preferred location for over 26,000 top multinationals and high-impact startups, contributing significantly to Dubai’s position as a global hub for trade and innovation. DMCC is where the world does business. For more information, please visit dmcc.ae.

Hashtag: #DFIRetailGroup #Mannings #Guardian #7-Eleven #Wellcome #MarketPlace #IKEA #yuu

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

About DFI Retail Group

DFI Retail Group (the ‘Group’) is a leading Asian retailer, driven by its purpose to “Sustainably Serve Asia for Generations with Everyday Moments”.

At 1 December 2025, the Group and its associates operated over 7,400 outlets, and employed over 81,000 people across 12 markets.

The Group is dedicated to delivering quality, value and service to Asian consumers through a compelling retail experience, supported by an extensive store network and highly efficient supply chains.

The Group and its associates, operates a portfolio of well-known brands across five key divisions: health and beauty, convenience, food, home furnishings and restaurants.

India has set out a strategic roadmap to accelerate domestic capabilities in robotics and physical artificial intelligence, signalling a push to reduce dependence on imported hardware and proprietary software while positioning the country as a competitive global supplier of intelligent machines. The plan, prepared by the Technology Advisory Group for Emerging Technologies, places indigenisation, software sovereignty and sector-focused deployment at the centre of the national approach, with healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, agriculture and media production identified as priority domains.

The roadmap comes as governments worldwide race to translate advances in artificial intelligence into physical systems that can operate autonomously in real-world environments. While software-led AI has seen rapid adoption, policymakers argue that long-term economic and strategic gains will hinge on control over robotics hardware, operating systems and embedded intelligence. India’s proposal reflects concerns that reliance on imported robots and closed platforms could expose critical sectors to supply-chain risks and limit domestic innovation.

At its core, the strategy seeks to build a full-stack robotics ecosystem, spanning sensors, actuators, edge computing, operating software, cloud integration and safety certification. Officials involved in drafting the document have stressed that the objective is not isolation but resilience, with domestic alternatives developed alongside international collaboration. The roadmap calls for common standards and open architectures to prevent vendor lock-in and to allow startups and research institutions to build interoperable systems.

Healthcare has emerged as an early focus area, driven by workforce shortages and rising demand for precision care. The roadmap highlights surgical assistance, rehabilitation devices, hospital logistics robots and elder-care support systems as near-term opportunities. Policymakers note that such applications demand high reliability and ethical safeguards, reinforcing the need for locally controlled software stacks and transparent algorithms. Parallel efforts are proposed to strengthen clinical validation pathways and align regulatory approvals with global benchmarks.

Manufacturing and logistics form another pillar, with the document pointing to collaborative robots, autonomous guided vehicles and smart warehousing as tools to raise productivity and improve workplace safety. India’s manufacturing sector, dominated by small and medium-sized enterprises, has historically lagged in robot adoption due to cost and skills barriers. The roadmap recommends targeted incentives, shared testing facilities and modular designs to lower entry thresholds, alongside large-scale skilling programmes to train technicians, operators and system integrators.

Agriculture features prominently, reflecting policy priorities around food security and rural incomes. The plan outlines the use of robotics for precision spraying, harvesting, soil analysis and post-harvest handling. Developers are encouraged to design systems suited to fragmented landholdings and diverse crops, rather than importing models built for large, mechanised farms elsewhere. Officials argue that domestically developed agricultural robots could also find markets across Asia and Africa, where similar conditions prevail.

An unusual inclusion is the media and creative sector, where robotics and physical AI are seen as enablers of immersive production, automated camera systems and smart broadcasting infrastructure. The roadmap suggests that integrating robotics with virtual production and generative tools could lower costs for newsrooms and studios while enhancing safety in hazardous reporting environments.

Beyond sectoral applications, the strategy places strong emphasis on software sovereignty. It calls for homegrown robotics operating systems, simulation platforms and AI frameworks that can be audited and customised. While global open-source projects are acknowledged as valuable foundations, the document urges sustained public funding to ensure domestic stewardship and long-term maintenance. Data governance and cybersecurity are flagged as critical, particularly for robots deployed in sensitive locations.

Financing and procurement reforms form another strand. The roadmap proposes dedicated funding windows for deep-tech robotics ventures, longer grant cycles to reflect extended development timelines and clearer pathways from research labs to commercial deployment. Public procurement is positioned as a market-shaping tool, with government agencies encouraged to pilot domestically developed robots in hospitals, warehouses and public infrastructure.

The roadmap also addresses ethical and social dimensions, including job displacement concerns and safety standards. Rather than framing robotics as a threat to employment, the document argues that productivity gains can create new roles in design, maintenance and supervision, provided reskilling keeps pace. It recommends national guidelines for human–robot interaction, liability frameworks and continuous monitoring of societal impact.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 30 January 2026 – In an era where investors are more selective than ever, SMEs can no longer rely on vision, passion, or static pitch decks alone. The new rule of fundraising is clear: No Data, No Talk.

This message took centre stage at the Data Fundraising Masterclass (12–14 December 2025) organised by BizPal by Simplyfi™, where close to 80 SME owners, founders, and senior leaders gathered to learn how technology, branding, and corporate finance must be integrated into a single, data-driven narrative to unlock capital and sustainable growth.

The three-day masterclass was designed to help SMEs move beyond siloed decision-making. Participants were guided through structuring their business models, identifying value drivers, and translating strategy into investor-ready financial narratives using CapitalOS — BizPal’s data-driven corporate finance platform that consolidates operational, strategic, and financial data into a coherent dashboard designed to speak the language of investors.

“I thank the team for their tireless preparation for the masterclass. Our mission is simple — SMEs should never walk into a funding conversation unsure of their numbers,” said Ms. Anya Tan, CEO of BizPal by Simplyfi™.

Rather than treating technology, brand, and finance as separate initiatives, CapitalOS demonstrated how these elements work together to form one credible, measurable story of enterprise value.

Technology as a Measurable Growth Strategy
As part of the programme, guest speaker Mr. Chris Teng, Sales Director of FSBM Holdings Berhad, shared insights on the role of technology in enterprise scalability.

“Every business today needs a clear technology blueprint — not just to operate efficiently, but to attract investors. Technology is the foundation of scalability. When you can demonstrate how your tech investments drive data, efficiency, and market access, your enterprise value naturally grows.”

This session reinforced a core principle of data fundraising: technology only creates value when it produces measurable outcomes. Within CapitalOS, participants learned how technology investments can be translated into operational metrics and long-term financial impact — moving technology from a backend function to a valuation driver.

Turning Brand and IP into Recognised Assets
In another session, Mr. Tee Lin Yik, CEO and Co-founder of Tee IP Sdn Bhd, addressed the growing importance of brand and intellectual property (IP) valuation in fundraising.

“Your marketing, design, and digital assets are not just expenses — they represent intangible value. When structured properly, these can be recognised as brand assets, contributing directly to enterprise valuation.”
Participants explored how branding and IP, when properly documented and governed, can be captured within CapitalOS as value-creating assets, strengthening credibility during fundraising discussions and due diligence.

Finance, Governance, and the Investor Lens
Concluding Day 2, Mr. Dylan Woon, Director of Sparta Haus, highlighted the importance of live data, governance, and transparency from an investor’s perspective.

“In the modern business environment, static reports are no longer enough. Investors expect live dashboards and clear governance trails. Platforms like CapitalOS help SMEs manage and present their data dynamically — aligning business strategy with financial credibility.”

Through guided exercises, participants learned to view their businesses from an investor’s lens — understanding how data consistency, governance discipline, and financial clarity directly influence valuation and funding decisions.

From Learning to Real Conversations
Beyond theory, the programme delivered tangible outcomes. Participants were guided to develop investor-ready pitch decks using AI-assisted tools, with many completing their decks during the three-day programme.

Several selected participants presented their pitch decks to investors and judging panelists on Day 3, leading to follow-up discussions and early expressions of interest.

Soft Launch of Global Mentorship Exchange (GMx)
Wrapping up Day 3 of the Data Fundraising Masterclass, BizPal also announced the soft launch of the Global Mentorship Exchange (GMx), a strategic ecosystem initiative designed to complement CapitalOS by connecting experienced business leaders with high-potential entrepreneurs.

The initiative is built on a central premise: the greatest untapped resource in business is experience. GMx aims to make this experience more accessible by providing a structured platform where mentors, entrepreneurs, and investors can engage through data-backed evaluation, technology-enabled assessment, and transparent benchmarking.

GMx is positioned as a global exchange where experienced founders and industry leaders support emerging businesses not only through guidance, but through measurable insights aligned with investor expectations. By integrating mentorship with structured evaluation frameworks, GMx seeks to help high-potential SMEs gain visibility, credibility, and readiness for the global stage.

According to the organisers, the soft launch marks the first phase of a broader effort to formalise mentorship, recognition, and capital access into a single ecosystem — enabling experience, data, and technology to work together in supporting sustainable enterprise growth.

Validated by Participants
The impact of the masterclass was reflected in post-programme feedback:

• Over 80% of respondents rated their likelihood to recommend the programme 8–10 on the Net Promoter Score (NPS) scale

• Participants rated the programme an average of 4.52 out of 5 stars for value received relative to investment

• The results highlight strong validation from SME owners on the programme’s relevance, practicality, and return on learning

Beyond the Masterclass
To ensure continuity and execution beyond the workshop, all participants have been invited to an upcoming online coaching session, where they will further strengthen their teams’ hands-on capability in using CapitalOS.
For SMEs interested in joining future cohorts, BizPal by Simplyfi™ is accepting early expressions of interest for upcoming Data Fundraising programmes in 2026.

Interested businesses can:
– Register interest for 2026 programmes: support@bizpal.tech
– Schedule a complimentary CapitalOS consultation: sales@bizpal.tech

One System, One Story
The masterclass demonstrated a clear framework:

• Technology generates data

• Brand amplifies enterprise value

• Corporate finance translates strategy into investor language

CapitalOS ties these elements together, enabling SMEs to move from intuition-led decision-making to data-backed, investor-ready positioning.

Through its CapitalOS methodology, BizPal by Simplyfi™ is helping canvASEAN SMEs transition from intuition-led decision-making to data-backed, investor-ready businesses — proving that in today’s capital market, the conversation begins with data, or it doesn’t begin at all.

Hashtag: #NoDataNoTalk #DataFundraising #InvestorReady #CapitalReadiness #FinTech #BusinessValuation #ASEANSMEs

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

About BizPal by Simplyfi™

BizPal by Simplyfi™ empowers ASEAN SMEs to become investor-ready through data-driven corporate finance solutions. Its flagship platform, CapitalOS, consolidates operational, strategic, and financial data into a unified system that speaks the language of investors. By integrating technology, brand, and finance into one measurable narrative, BizPal helps SMEs transition from intuition-led decision-making to data-backed growth strategies.