Fresh financing for an experimental therapy targeting brain injury in newborns has sharpened attention on one of neonatal medicine’s hardest gaps: the absence of any approved drug for hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy, or HIE. The trigger this month was ReAlta Life Sciences’ $40 million financing round to push pegtarazimod through its mid-stage STAR trial in babies with moderate or severe HIE, alongside the standard cooling treatment that remains the […]
Polygon has launched a native liquid staking token called sPOL, a move designed to free up roughly $330 million worth of staked POL for use across decentralised finance, while drawing fresh market attention to whether the network can convert technical upgrades into stronger token demand. The launch gives users who stake POL on Polygon’s proof-of-stake network a liquid token in return, allowing them to keep earning staking […]
Iran said on Friday that the Strait of Hormuz was open to commercial shipping during the ceasefire, easing pressure on one of the world’s most sensitive energy chokepoints and helping lift Bitcoin towards $78,000 as investors moved back into risk assets. The market reaction was swift across oil, equities and cryptocurrencies, though the rebound also reflected wider hopes that hostilities involving the US, Israel and Iran may […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Aldar Properties has closed an AED 5 billion five-year syndicated sustainability-linked revolving credit facility, giving Abu Dhabi’s biggest listed developer a fresh layer of financial flexibility as it pushes ahead with expansion across development, investment properties and strategic capital partnerships. The senior unsecured facility, structured across conventional and Islamic tranches in dirhams and US dollars, lifts Aldar’s total available liquidity to AED 38.2 […]
Paper tubes, cartons and bamboo-based alternatives are gaining commercial ground across Asia as the war-linked disruption to petrochemical supplies pushes plastic costs higher and leaves manufacturers, retailers and consumer brands scrambling for substitutes. What began as a supply shock tied to oil and chemical flows from the Middle East is now rippling through supermarket shelves, cosmetics counters and factory floors, giving an unexpected opening to packaging formats […]
Greenlogue/AP QatarEnergy has announced a hydrocarbon discovery offshore the Republic of Congo, adding fresh momentum to its international upstream drive and strengthening the case for further low-cost development around existing West African production hubs. The find was made at the MHNM-6 NFW exploration well in the Moho G structure under the Moho offshore exploration and production licence. The well encountered a hydrocarbon column of about 160 metres […]
Google has begun rolling out a new Chrome security feature designed to blunt one of the most effective tools used by cybercriminals to hijack online accounts: stolen session cookies. The protection, called Device Bound Session Credentials, is entering public availability for Windows users in Chrome 146, with expansion to macOS slated for a later release. Google says the system is intended to make stolen authentication cookies far […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai MBME Pay has secured a Category 3 Payment Service Provider licence from the Central Bank of the UAE, giving the company regulatory approval to carry out merchant acquiring and payment aggregation activities and placing it in a narrower circle of fully licensed operators in one of the Gulf’s fastest-moving fintech markets. The approval marks a step up for the Abu Dhabi-listed MBME Group […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai AirAsia X has raised ticket prices by between 31% and 40% and lifted fuel surcharges by as much as 20% after jet fuel costs surged following the Iran war, according to Group Chief Executive Officer Bo Lingam, underscoring how quickly conflict in the Middle East is feeding into Asian aviation costs and passenger fares. The Malaysia-based low-cost carrier said average jet fuel prices […]
Paramount Skydance is moving to shore up financing for its planned takeover of Warner Bros Discovery with nearly $24 billion in equity commitments from three Gulf sovereign wealth funds, a step that would strengthen funding for one of the biggest media deals ever attempted and deepen Middle East capital’s role in reshaping Hollywood. The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Huawei has raised its research spending to one of the heaviest levels in the global technology industry, saying it invested CNY192.3 billion in 2025, or roughly $27.8 billion, equal to 21.8% of annual revenue. The figure came with group revenue of CNY880.9 billion and net profit of CNY68 billion, underlining how the Shenzhen-based company is continuing to prioritise long-term technology development even as […]
Patients with dangerously hard-to-control blood pressure may be moving closer to a new treatment option after late-stage evidence showed baxdrostat can cut systolic pressure in people who do not respond adequately to standard medicines. The once-daily pill, developed by AstraZeneca, works by blocking aldosterone synthase, an enzyme involved in producing the hormone aldosterone, which drives salt and water retention and can keep blood pressure elevated despite multiple […]
South Korea’s consumer prices rose 2.2 per cent in March from a year earlier, quickening from 2.0 per cent in both January and February as higher energy costs fed through the economy and kept inflation above the Bank of Korea’s medium-term 2 per cent target. The increase was milder than market expectations for 2.4 per cent, but it still marked the fastest annual pace since December and underscored the strain created by elevated crude prices linked to conflict-driven instability in the Middle East.
On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose 0.3 per cent in March, matching February’s pace. Petroleum products were a major driver even after Seoul introduced emergency measures to curb the blow to households and businesses. Government controls on fuel prices helped limit the pass-through, yet petroleum product prices still rose sharply from the previous month, showing how external energy shocks are overpowering domestic stabilisation efforts.
The inflation print matters because it lands at a moment when policymakers are trying to balance stronger export-led growth against mounting imported price pressures. The Bank of Korea said in its February outlook that consumer-price inflation for 2026 was expected to average 2.2 per cent, slightly above its previous 2.1 per cent forecast. That projection was made before the latest oil surge intensified, leaving economists to question whether the central bank’s assumptions have already been overtaken by events.
Core inflation, which strips out volatile food and energy items, eased slightly to 2.2 per cent in March from 2.3 per cent in February. That suggests underlying domestic demand pressures remain contained, even as headline inflation is being pushed up by imported costs. Another closely watched measure, which excludes agricultural products and petroleum, had been running at 2.5 per cent in February, indicating that sticky service-sector and household spending components have not fully disappeared.
Food prices offered some relief. Agricultural product prices fell in March as supply conditions improved, helping offset part of the jump in fuel-linked costs. That softer food picture helped explain why the overall figure came in below forecasts despite the energy shock. Still, analysts say the cushion from better farm output may prove temporary if transport, fertiliser and logistics costs keep climbing with oil.
South Korea is especially exposed because of its dependence on imported energy. About 70 per cent of its crude oil imports come from the Middle East, leaving the country vulnerable whenever shipping routes or production in the region come under threat. The government has already floated wider demand-management steps, including possible driving curbs beyond the public sector if crude prices climb further, a sign of how seriously officials are treating the supply risk.
Seoul has also moved on the fiscal side. This week the government proposed a supplementary budget of 26.2 trillion won, or about $17.3 billion, aimed at cushioning the economy from the oil shock and supporting low-income households and affected businesses. Of that, 10.1 trillion won is earmarked for measures tied to surging oil prices, including support for refiners operating under the emergency pricing system. The package highlights concern that inflation and slower consumption could combine to weaken the broader recovery.
For the central bank, the March data complicate an already delicate policy setting. The Bank of Korea’s next rate decision is due on April 10. Policymakers had held rates steady in February, and the latest inflation reading, while lower than forecast, is unlikely to offer much comfort because upside risks remain tied to oil, the exchange rate and transport costs. At the same time, softer core inflation argues against an aggressive response unless the energy shock broadens into wages and services.
Global shipments of OLED monitors jumped 92 per cent in 2025, giving Asus the leading position in a fast-growing segment of the display market as falling prices, broader model line-ups and stronger gamer demand pushed the technology further into the mainstream. Industry tracker TrendForce said shipments reached 2.735 million units last year and forecast another 51 per cent rise in 2026, suggesting that momentum is carrying into […]
Japan’s investors are being pushed back towards overseas yield trades as the war involving Iran unsettles the country’s traditional refuge assets, weakens the yen and lifts the cost of imported energy. What had looked like a steadier domestic backdrop at the start of 2026 has been disrupted by a surge in oil prices, renewed pressure on the currency and a sharp reassessment of where Japanese savers and […]
Tron’s native token is drawing renewed market attention as corporate accumulation and fresh stablecoin issuance converge, pushing the blockchain’s ecosystem into sharper focus and fuelling expectations of a further price advance. Digital asset data indicates that Tron Inc., a corporate entity aligned with the network’s broader ecosystem, has increased its holdings by acquiring more than 159,000 TRX at an average price of about $0.3135. The purchase lifts […]
This global change will mark a significant step in ML’s ongoing transformation, guided by the “Logisnext Vision 2035“. As part of this process, ML has formed a partnership with Japan Industrial Partners (JIP) as the new strategic partner to support sustainable growth and long-term value creation. Consequently, all group companies will adopt the new company name from 30th of April.
Commitment to Customers
“While our name is changing, our commitment to customers and dealer partners remains unchanged,” said Yasumitsu Baba, Managing Director of Mitsubishi Logisnext Asia Pacific. “We will continue to provide reliable equipment, trusted services, and solutions that drive customer success, while further strengthening our global alignment.”
Global and Regional Strategy
Logisnext operates globally through four regional hubs: Japan, EAME (Europe, Africa, CIS, and Middle East), Americas, and APAC/C/SA (Asia Pacific, China and South Africa). This structure enables the group to reinforce its position as a leading solutions provider in the logistics industry answering to the local customers’ needs.
In line with the rebrand, the global Logisnext group will implement strategic changes to its brand portfolio in the coming years. These are tailored to the specific needs of each region, ensuring the best fit to serve regional markets. Starting with Japan, “Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks” product lines will rebrand to “Logisnext”.
APAC/C/SA Region Update
In the APAC/C/SA region, the “Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks” will transit to “Logisnext Forklifts” in the coming years as part of the rebranding initiative. During this period and beyond, we are committed to continue offering customers the same dependable engineering, innovative equipment and comprehensive solutions, delivered through our dealer partners. Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks is best known for its Reliability, Quality and Value for Money will continue to be with the “Logisnext Forklifts” brand, customers can expect same ownership experience and satisfaction.
Transition and Support
Throughout this transition, MLAP is prioritising stability and consistency for dealer partners and customers. All current support teams and service structures will remain in place, ensuring a seamless process for all stakeholders.
Hashtag: #MitsubishiLogisnextAsiaPacific #LogisnextAsiaPacific #MitsubishiForkliftTrucks #MitsubishiForklifts #LogisnextForklifts
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
We are part of Mitsubishi Logisnext that operate globally, based in Kyoto, Japan with presence in Asia, EAME, the Americas, and the Pacific, the Group has a rich history of innovation and is now further strengthening its position as a leading provider of materials handling solutions.
Mitsubishi Logisnext Asia Pacific offers scalable solutions from material handling and extensive fleet support. Headquartered in Singapore, it offers a complete portfolio of advanced counterbalanced, warehouse and automation products and solutions. Other brands in the Mitsubishi Logisnext Asia Pacific portfolio include Cat® Lift Trucks, TCM, UniCarriers and Nichiyu. All products are backed by an extensive dealer network of 98 dealer locations offering industry-leading customer service and product support.
For more information, visit https://www.logisnext.com.sg
Michael Saylor’s business intelligence firm Strategy has acquired 22,337 bitcoin valued at roughly $1.6 billion, strengthening its position as the largest corporate holder of the cryptocurrency and signalling continued institutional confidence in digital assets despite ongoing market volatility. The purchase, disclosed through regulatory filings and company statements, adds substantially to Strategy’s already vast bitcoin reserves and underscores the company’s long-standing approach of treating the cryptocurrency as a […]
Ethereum has drawn a significant influx of stablecoin liquidity, with about $523 million flowing into the network over a short period, strengthening expectations that the digital asset could test a key resistance zone near $2,142 as trading momentum gathers pace across the broader cryptocurrency market. Blockchain data indicates that large transfers of dollar-pegged stablecoins into the Ethereum ecosystem have accelerated trading activity and boosted liquidity conditions on […]
Hyperliquid’s native cryptocurrency HYPE surged by roughly 13 per cent as traders poured into tokenised oil and silver contracts on the decentralised derivatives platform, underscoring a growing intersection between digital asset markets and traditional commodity trading. Market data showed a sharp rise in activity on the Hyperliquid exchange, with commodities-related derivatives emerging as a dominant driver of trading volume. Oil-linked contracts alone accounted for hundreds of millions […]
Bitmine Immersion Technologies has disclosed the purchase of 50,928 Ethereum, significantly boosting its position in the second-largest cryptocurrency by market capitalisation as global markets weigh broader geopolitical tensions and digital asset volatility. The acquisition pushes the publicly traded firm’s total ETH holdings to approximately 4.47 million tokens, equivalent to about 3.71 per cent of the total Ethereum supply, underscoring an aggressive treasury strategy that seeks to scale […]
Strategy, the Nasdaq-listed company widely known for its bitcoin treasury focus, increased the annual dividend on its perpetual preferred stock, known as STRC or “Stretch,” to 11.50 per cent, as its common share, MSTR, recorded its eighth consecutive monthly decline. Led by Executive Chairman Michael Saylor, the board approved a 25-basis-point rise in the STRC payout rate for March 2026, marking the seventh adjustment of the variable […]
South Korea has approved the export of high-precision digital map data to Google, reversing a stance that had restricted full functionality of Google Maps for nearly two decades and placing strict security conditions on how the information can be used.
The decision, confirmed by government officials in Seoul, means that Google will be able to access detailed geospatial data that had until now been kept on domestic servers. For years, South Korea was among a small group of countries where Google Maps could not provide full navigation and mapping services comparable to those available elsewhere, largely because authorities refused to allow sensitive map data to be transferred overseas.
At the centre of the dispute has been a law requiring foreign companies to store high-resolution map data within the country and to obscure sensitive military and national security sites. Successive administrations had argued that exporting such data could pose security risks, given the peninsula’s unresolved conflict with North Korea and the concentration of military facilities across the country.
Government officials said the new approval was contingent on compliance with domestic security requirements. Google must ensure that certain locations, including military bases and other designated facilities, remain blurred or restricted. Authorities also require that the company adhere to data protection rules and co-operate with regulators in the event of security concerns.
Google has sought access to South Korea’s detailed mapping data for more than a decade, arguing that restrictions placed it at a disadvantage compared with domestic platforms such as Naver and Kakao, which provide comprehensive navigation services. Visitors to South Korea have long found that Google Maps lacked turn-by-turn driving directions and detailed public transport information, relying instead on locally licensed data sets with limited functionality.
The dispute dates back to 2007, when Google first requested permission to export high-resolution maps. Further requests were submitted in 2016 and 2023, but regulators rejected them, citing national security. The approval now marks a significant policy shift as Seoul seeks to balance security concerns with digital competitiveness and foreign investment.
Officials familiar with the review process said the government assessed technological safeguards, including the ability to mask sensitive sites automatically and to comply with takedown requests. The review involved multiple ministries, including the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and security agencies, reflecting the political sensitivity of the issue.
The move comes at a time when South Korea is positioning itself as a hub for advanced technology, including artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles and smart city development. High-precision mapping is considered a critical component of these sectors. Industry analysts note that restrictions on cross-border data flows can deter global technology firms and complicate integration into international digital ecosystems.
Domestic mapping companies have built strong businesses under the existing regulatory framework. Naver’s Map service and KakaoMap dominate local navigation, offering features tailored to South Korean users, including real-time traffic data and detailed indoor mapping for shopping centres and transit hubs. Some industry observers say opening access to global competitors could intensify competition, though others argue that the overall market may expand as services improve.
Security experts have long warned that high-resolution mapping data could be exploited for hostile purposes if improperly handled. South Korea’s proximity to North Korea, where tensions periodically flare over missile tests and military exercises, has shaped policymaking on sensitive technologies. The government’s conditions are designed to mitigate such risks while avoiding outright prohibition.
Civil society groups have also raised privacy concerns, urging regulators to ensure that location data collected through mapping services is not misused. South Korea has some of the world’s most stringent personal data protection laws, and regulators have previously imposed fines on global technology firms for breaches.
The approval aligns South Korea more closely with other advanced economies that permit cross-border transfer of geospatial data subject to safeguards. Countries such as Japan and members of the European Union allow global platforms to operate mapping services with local compliance requirements, rather than mandating domestic data storage.
For foreign tourists and business travellers, the change is expected to improve usability of Google Maps within South Korea. Travel industry representatives have long argued that the limitations caused confusion for visitors accustomed to relying on Google’s navigation tools. Enhanced functionality could support tourism and international business activity, particularly in major cities such as Seoul and Busan.
Technology policy specialists say the decision reflects a broader recalibration of digital regulation. As data becomes central to economic growth, governments are reassessing rules designed in an earlier era of the internet. South Korea has faced pressure from trade partners to ease data localisation requirements, especially under digital trade provisions in bilateral and regional agreements.
Nigerian banks are entering 2026 with firmer balance sheets and improved capital buffers, positioning the sector for expansion as regulatory deadlines draw closer. Analysts at Lagos-based investment banking and research firm Chapel Hill Denham say the industry’s strengthened fundamentals provide a platform for earnings growth, credit expansion and renewed investor confidence. At the centre of this shift is the Central Bank of Nigeria’s recapitalisation directive, announced in […]
