India has demonstrated a 5.56-kilometre quantum key distribution link through open air, establishing a new domestic benchmark for secure optical communications and advancing preparations for satellite-based quantum networks.
The successful field trial, conducted by QNu Labs, the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) and IIT Gandhinagar, established a quantum communication channel between two facilities in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology announced the achievement on October 3, confirming that the experiment took place overnight on September 27–28. The system generated secure cryptographic keys at 230–260 bits per second while maintaining a quantum bit error rate below five per cent.
The participating institutions also demonstrated successful encryption and decryption of test messages using the generated keys, establishing that the experimental quantum channel could operate alongside conventional communications infrastructure.
The achievement represents India’s first publicly announced free-space quantum key distribution demonstration at this distance. Unlike fibre-based systems, the technology transmits quantum signals through the atmosphere, allowing secure key exchange without a continuous physical cable between communicating locations.
QNu Labs deployed its Armos quantum key distribution equipment alongside a pointing, acquisition and tracking system designed to maintain optical alignment between transmitting and receiving terminals.
The experiment used a 1,550-nanometre optical channel and a differential phase shift decoy protocol. Precise alignment was essential because atmospheric disturbances and small movements can disrupt the transmission of weak quantum signals across extended distances.
The reported error rate provided an important indication of transmission quality, while the secure key generation rate demonstrated the system’s ability to produce cryptographic material for practical encryption applications.
The generated keys were integrated into BISAG-N’s Vedic Kavach platform, which incorporates post-quantum cryptography and quantum random number generation. This arrangement combined hardware-based quantum key distribution with software-based cryptographic protection.
Researchers demonstrated the transmission of 256-bit encryption keys through an interface conforming to the ETSI GS QKD 014 specification, enabling a test message to be encrypted, transmitted and decrypted successfully.
The hybrid architecture is intended to maintain cryptographic protection when the quantum channel becomes temporarily unavailable. Post-quantum cryptography uses mathematical algorithms designed to resist attacks from sufficiently powerful quantum computers, while quantum key distribution relies on the properties of quantum states to reveal potential interception.
The two approaches address different security requirements and can operate together, although neither eliminates every vulnerability associated with communication networks, including compromised devices or implementation weaknesses.
Sunil Gupta, co-founder and chief executive of QNu Labs, said quantum security would become meaningful at scale only when technologies moved beyond controlled laboratories and operated across actual communications infrastructure.
He said the field trial demonstrated that quantum key distribution, supported by precise optical tracking, could function across a multi-kilometre atmospheric link while integrating with a post-quantum security layer.
Vinay Thakur, director-general of BISAG-N, highlighted the integration of Vedic Kavach with quantum key distribution as evidence that complementary security technologies could address evolving protection requirements.
The demonstration also has implications for India’s proposed satellite quantum communication capabilities. Satellite-to-ground systems require quantum signals to pass through atmospheric conditions, making terrestrial free-space experiments useful for evaluating optical transmission and tracking technologies.
However, the Gandhinagar experiment did not establish a satellite connection or demonstrate operational performance across orbital distances. Such applications require additional testing involving moving platforms, longer optical paths and changing atmospheric conditions.
The achievement contributes to technical work associated with India’s National Quantum Mission, which includes developing secure quantum communications and supporting technologies for terrestrial and space applications.
Manish Tripathi, who oversees the Interdisciplinary School of Technology and Future at IIT Gandhinagar, described the experiment as a valuable field environment bringing together academic research, domestic technology development and practical testing.
The participating organisations have not announced a timetable for commercial deployment or a subsequent satellite demonstration based on the trial.
The reported performance figures describe the conditions achieved during the September experiment rather than guaranteed operating rates under different weather conditions or across other locations.
BISAG-N contributed its Vedic Kavach encryption environment, IIT Gandhinagar provided the academic testing setting, and QNu Labs supplied the quantum distribution equipment and optical tracking technology used in the demonstration.
By Dr. Gyan Pathak The first week of anti-CEC agitation – 2 to 8 October, originally called by 19 political parties of INDIA bloc on September 30, now looks like the beginning of a broader electoral-rights movement in India. Several streams are converging: INDIA bloc parties, the youth-led by Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), student organisations, […]
Protection for ageing parents up to age 100 against conditions such as dementia, with maximum entry age at 80* and no medical underwriting required
Lifetime protection for the child, covering death, terminal illness, total and permanent disability, with optional crisis care add-ons
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 October 2026 – Prudential Singapore (“Prudential”) has launched PRUActive Family Care (PAFC), a whole-of-life protection plan designed for Singaporeans caring for multiple generations. The plan enables caregivers to provide protection for both their child and ageing parents under a single policy.
PAFC provides lifetime protection for the caregiver’s child, as the life assured, covering death, terminal illness, total and permanent disability (TPD). It also offers critical illness add-ons that cover 182 conditions including juvenile conditions and mental illness.
The plan also includes Parent Guard Benefit that provides protection for the caregiver’s ageing parents up to age 100, without the need for medical underwriting. It offers financial and income support when a parent is diagnosed with specified age-related conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, Dementia, Parkinson’s disease and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy.
Often, older adults may find it challenging to get insurance coverage due to health-related underwriting requirements. By including protection for parents under the caregiver’s policy, PAFC helps families address the protection gap.
The launch of PAFC comes as Singapore has become a super-aged society as the proportion of citizens aged 65 and above was at 21.4 per cent in 2026, an increase from 13.7 per cent in 2016. By 2035, more than one in four citizens is expected to be aged 65 and above1. As such, there will be an increasing number of people taking on caregiving responsibilities.
Mr Manu Tandon, Chief Health & Protection Officer of Prudential Singapore, said: “As Singapore’s population ages and families become smaller, many caregivers in the “sandwiched generation” are caring for their ageing parents while raising their young children. These caregivers can face significant financial and emotional stress as they need to fund their children’s education, meet their parents’ healthcare needs – particularly when ongoing care is required – and save for their own retirement.”
Prudential’s recent research2 also highlights the financial challenges many caregivers face. Nearly three in four Singaporeans (72 per cent) cited financial support as the most important form of assistance for caregivers, yet only 13 per cent believed their household would have enough savings if a caregiver had to stop working to provide care.
Added Mr Tandon: “PRUActive Family Care helps families prepare for rising caregiving demands with protection for both parents and child under one plan, while safeguarding the caregiver’s financial future. Importantly, the Parent Guard Benefit extends protection to the caregiver’s ageing parents without underwriting required, who may otherwise find it difficult to obtain coverage.”
Supporting the Needs of the Multigenerational Families by Protecting Ageing Parents
Reflecting the diverse needs of caregivers, PRUActive Family Care offers flexibility for individuals with or without children. It allows the caregiver (the policyowner) or their child to be the life assured, with the option to enhance the life assured’s coverage by up to five times through the Multiplier Benefit. In addition, the Parent Guard Benefit provides coverage for both parents of the caregiver.
The Parent Guard Benefit offers the following financial and income support3:
Diagnosis Support: 20 per cent sum assured (SA) upon parent’s diagnosis of covered conditions (Alzheimer’s disease, Dementia, Parkinson’s disease and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy)
Income Support: Up to 5 years upon parent undergoing the first treatment due to the diagnosis of the covered condition
Accidental Fracture Hospital Income: Upon parent’s hospitalisation due to an Accidental Bone Fracture, a daily income of $150 will be paid for up to 10 days. This is an additional benefit that does not reduce the Parent Guard Sum Assured (SA).
Family Support: Up to 8 per cent of SA upon parent’s death
Up to two parents can be included in the plan, with entry up to age 80* and coverage to age 100. Benefits are payable for eligible diagnoses in any of 13 recognised countries**.
Supporting Recovery and Rehabilitation
Beyond financial protection, PAFC is a holistic plan that provides value-added service to support recovery long after treatment or hospitalisation. The caregiver (policyholder), his/her child and parents, can tap on the recovery and rehabilitation services including physiotherapy, chiropractic care, osteopathy and traditional Chinese medicine, and home care and medical services.
With ageing, the risk of developing health conditions increases. In Singapore, an estimated 72,000 people were living with dementia in 2023, and the Ministry of Health projects this figure could rise to 135,000 by 2030 (Source: Ministry of Health Parliamentary QA, 4 November 2025)
This protection is especially relevant as about 90 to 100 new cases of childhood cancer are detected each year in Singapore among children under the age of 15 (Source: Singhealth website, 5 October 2026)
1 in 3 adolescents aged 10–18 experience symptoms of anxiety, depression and loneliness (Source: Youth Epidemiology and Resilience (YEAR) Study, National University of Singapore, 2024)
** Diagnosis must be provided by a registered medical practitioner in one of the following: Singapore, Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, China (limited to class 3 hospitals in designated cities), Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, New Zealand, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi and Dubai), United Kingdom, United States
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Prudential Assurance Company Singapore (Pte) Ltd (Prudential Singapore)
Prudential Assurance Company Singapore (Pte) Ltd is one of the top life and health insurance companies in Singapore, serving the financial and protection needs of the country’s citizens for 95 years. As at 31 December 2025, it has S$66.3 billion funds under management. The company has an AA Financial Strength Rating from leading credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s and delivers a suite of well-rounded product offerings in Protection, Savings and Investment through multiple distribution channels including a network of 5,400 financial representatives.
Dubai has launched a redesigned addressing system featuring colour-coded street signs, house number plates and QR codes, with more than 2,000 signs scheduled for installation or replacement this year. The initiative, announced on Wednesday by the Supreme Committee for Urban Planning in coordination with the Roads and Transport Authority and Dubai Municipality, will cover 186 areas across 19 sectors by 2030. The first phase will encompass five […]
Litmus chief executive Vatsal Shah has warned that efforts to connect artificial intelligence systems with industrial control networks could trigger a major cyber incident within two years, as manufacturers accelerate automation without adequately securing critical infrastructure. Shah described an internal one-dollar wager predicting a serious cybersecurity breach involving supervisory control and data acquisition systems within the next 12 to 24 months. His warning centres on network access, […]
A UPS employee failed to act on a security email barring sensitive F-35 components from transiting Hong Kong, leading the shipment to be diverted there and taken into Chinese custody, according to a person briefed on the incident. The disclosure provides the clearest explanation yet for how a cockpit canopy and weapons-bay door from an Australian F-35 ended up in Hong Kong while being shipped to the […]
HeyPolo has expanded its family safety app with driving features that let parents view a teenager’s driving behaviour, receive crash alerts and track journeys while giving the driver control over what data is shared. The app now combines a Driving Safety Score with information on speeding, phone use, harsh braking, rapid acceleration and cornering. Trip playback, real-time location sharing and arrival alerts are also available within the […]
Ernst & Young has notified clients linked to Goldman Sachs’ wealth management business and hedge fund Man Group that personal and financial information was compromised through a technology platform used to support EY’s tax services. The disclosures broaden the known impact of a cyber incident first reported to US regulators in July. Affected information included names, addresses, tax identifiers, email addresses and financial details connected with investment […]
Coinbase has completed the integration of crypto derivatives platform Deribit, creating Coinbase Global Exchange and preparing to introduce options trading, spot margin and unified portfolios over the coming weeks. The company said on Wednesday that Coinbase Financial Markets, its US-regulated futures commission merchant, will soon connect eligible US customers with global crypto derivatives liquidity through regulated infrastructure. The move brings together operations that had been split between […]
The Solana Foundation has introduced an open-source delivery-versus-payment program designed to let financial institutions settle tokenised assets and payments together in a single atomic transaction on the Solana blockchain. Solana DvP, announced on October 6, provides a standard escrow framework and application programming interface intended to replace bespoke smart contracts that institutions have needed for onchain settlements. The program is released under the MIT licence and has […]
BlockTower Capital founder Ari Paul has accused Coinbase of failing to return about $25 million belonging to his firm, while alleging that similar security breaches affected at least a dozen institutions and involved more than $1 billion. Paul, BlockTower’s founder and chief investment officer, made the claims in a social-media post on September 28, saying the loss occurred “a couple years ago”. He alleged that what initially […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Senior Emirati women leaders have gathered in Dubai for a Women Board of Directors and PwC Middle East forum focused on leadership, resilience and expanding women’s influence across the UAE’s public and private sectors. The “Reaffirmation” gathering, held on September 28 at PwC Middle East’s Emaar Square offices, brought together Huda Buhumaid, Raja Al Mazrouei, Aarefa Al Falahi and Maha Al Hosani with […]
We’re heading into earnings season again in Corporate America, and S&P 500 earnings are forecast to climb 27% in the third quarter, and for the first time since 2021, every single sector is expected to grow its profits. For two years sceptics have argued the AI boom is a narrow bet on a handful of technology companies. These numbers point to an investment wave now feeding profits […]
Gulf Business Machines has established what it describes as the UAE’s first AI Lab built on the Cisco Secure AI Factory with NVIDIA, giving organisations across the Gulf a controlled environment for moving artificial intelligence projects from trials into production. The Dubai-based technology company said on Wednesday that the facility combines pre-validated computing, networking, security and AI software to support on-premises and hybrid deployments. GBM said the […]
Red Hat and IBM have identified and remediated more than 400 previously unknown vulnerabilities in widely used Java libraries through their Lightwell open-source security initiative, while making its enterprise Clearinghouse service generally available. The companies said on Tuesday that Lightwell engineers had also backported fixes for the flaws into versions of software already deployed in production, seeking to close security gaps without forcing organisations into disruptive upgrades. […]
A September security analysis of breaches affecting Rockstar Games has highlighted how compromised identities, third-party integrations and development assets can defeat enterprise controls without attackers exploiting a conventional network perimeter. The analysis by security consultancy Lares reconstructs incidents spanning the 2022 Grand Theft Auto VI leak, an April 2026 third-party breach and the unauthorised release of GTA VI material in August. Its detailed attack-chain findings, however, go […]
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Cybersecurity researchers have uncovered a human-operated phishing platform that impersonates advertising products linked to ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini and other artificial intelligence brands, using convincing fake browser windows to steal account credentials and multifactor authentication codes. Researchers Oleg Zaytsev and Ofek Ronen at browser security company Island disclosed the operation on October 6 after tracking a network of sites pitched to advertising professionals as tools for campaign optimisation, […]
A security investigation has raised fresh concerns over enterprise AI governance after finding more than 13,000 internal images publicly accessible on GitHub, allegedly posted through coding-agent workflows that operated beyond normal corporate approval and monitoring. Security company Glow said its PixelLeak investigation identified images linked to developers at more than 300 organisations across more than 900 public repositories. The material included customer billing records, internal financial systems, […]
US$10 Billion in Venture Capital Convenes to Meet Hong Kong Start-ups; Government, Business and Young Professionals Explore Opportunities in the New Economy
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 October 2026 – The Global Youth Powerhouse Summit 2026, organised by Hong Kong Youth Professional Global Advocacy, was held on 5 October at the Conrad Hong Kong. Now in its third edition, the Summit coincides with the release of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development (2026–2030) and the latest Policy Address, which together set a clear blueprint for the city’s future. Anchored on these core themes and conducted entirely in English, the full-day programme focused on artificial intelligence, geopolitics, Hong Kong as an education hub, capital markets, life and health technology, and start-up financing. Government and business leaders, corporate representatives and young professionals were invited to examine Hong Kong’s strategic opportunities in the new economic landscape.
The Global Youth Powerhouse Summit 2026 brings together more than 600 young professionals, government and business leaders and corporate representatives
The Summit aims to connect young professionals with international resources, enabling participants to engage directly with industry leaders, grasp developments at the frontier of industry, and look ahead to the opportunities and challenges arising from artificial intelligence and Greater Bay Area integration. Previous editions have drawn a strong response. Across three editions, the Summit has attracted more than thousands of in-person participants and about 17,000 online participants from over 30 countries and regions, with social media reach exceeding 50 million.
This year’s Summit was the largest yet, bringing together more than 600 young professionals, government and business leaders and corporate representatives. Participants from over 60 countries and regions joined online. More than 30 distinguished speakers and moderators were invited, including officials of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and representatives of leading local and international organisations such as Huawei, the Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, Bullish and Endowus. In addition, consular representatives from up to 20 countries attended the Summit.
The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr John Lee, GBM, SBS, PDSM, PMSM, delivered a pre-recorded video speech, encouraging young professionals to seize the opportunities of the times and inject fresh momentum into Hong Kong’s high-quality development. He said: “For our young people, I firmly believe that your opportunities ahead outweigh the difficulties. The HKSAR Government will join hands with all sectors to build platforms for you to thrive in Hong Kong, in our country, and in the global arena.”
The Deputy Secretary for Justice of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, SBS, JP, delivered an opening keynote entitled “Opportunities for the Professional Development of Young People”, and stressed: “As the saying goes, ‘Change is the only constant’—or as our Cantopop classic famously put it, ‘變幻原是永恆’. Today, we no longer measure change in years or decades, but in months and days. For our young professionals, this fast-paced era unlocks unprecedented career horizons. By accelerating Greater Bay Area integration through our new GBA Task Force and empowering you to act as the ultimate ‘super-connectors’ and ‘super value-adders’ helping Mainland enterprises go global, we are turning rapid change into your greatest professional advantage.”
Dr Kevin Lau, MH, Founding Convenor of Hong Kong Youth Professional Global Advocacy, said: “This is more than a high-level forum. It marks a milestone in the maturing of our network of young professionals. This afternoon, venture funds managing an estimated US$10 billion in assets gathered in the room — and what they are looking at is Hong Kong’s next generation. In life and health technology, our core belief is clear: artificial intelligence can assist imaging and diagnosis, but a physician’s care, and the warmth of a human hand, can never be replaced by technology.”
Other distinguished guests included Mr Kevin Choi, JP, Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry; Professor Frederick Ma, GBS, JP, Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council; Ms Bonnie Y Chan, JP, Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited; and Mr James Chau, President of the China-United States Exchange Foundation and World Health Organization Goodwill Ambassador for Sustainable Development Goals. Mr Bryan Che, Chief Strategy Officer of Huawei, and Ms Cindy Chow, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund, also attended in person to exchange views with young professionals.
Panel discussions
Artificial intelligence: from first-time users to advanced users The opening session began with remarks by Mr Kevin Choi, JP, Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, and was moderated by Ms Stephaine Chan, Director of the Office of the Vice Chairman of Esquel Group. Panellists included Ms Ilaria Chan, Chair of the Tech For Good Institute; Mr Bryan Che, Chief Strategy Officer of Huawei; and Ms Cindy Chow, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund. The discussion focused on whether small and medium-sized enterprises, non-governmental organisations and schools can genuinely put artificial intelligence to use, and on the talent, trust and practical-application issues Hong Kong faces in driving “AI for all”.
Mr Kevin Choi, JP mentioned: “Every major technology shift brings uncertainty. Our theme today from entry-level shock to AI-powered users building the next talent leader.”
Ms Stephaine Chan said: “Every AI conversation ends in the same place, right? More investment, better people, better models and stronger policy.”
Ms Ilaria Chan said: “These days, Al is so powerful that they can scan the Internet and social media and find vulnerable young people or old people. They can find it instantly and have a very sophisticated way to trick them and fraud them from scamming.”
Mr Bryan Che: “One of the opportunities of Al is because the interface is much more natural for most people to interact with. On one sense, it’s a lot easier for everyone to get started.”
Ms Cindy Chow said: “So I guess some of the most damaging thing is not allowing people to use or not, you know, really have the attitude to embrace all this new technology, what this new technology has to bring to you.”
Geopolitics: the super-connector This session was moderated by Mr James Chau, President of the China-United States Exchange Foundation and World Health Organization Goodwill Ambassador for Sustainable Development Goals. Speakers included Ms Ilaria Chan, Chair of the Tech For Good Institute; Ms Ellana Lee, Senior Vice President, Managing Editor, Asia Pacific, and Global Head of Productions at CNN; and Professor Frederick Ma, GBS, JP, Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.
Mr James Chau said: “Against this backdrop, we often hear Hong Kong described as a super connector, typically framed in terms of trade volumes, capital markets and logistics but I think that these connections that we’re speaking of really only become very valuable and we understand and recognize the human bonds that pin these together.”
Professor Frederick Ma , GBS, JP said: “We are part of China. And yet we are under one country 2 systems connected to the rest of the world. That is the power of Hong Kong.”
Ms Ellana Lee said: “We made a very strategic decision when the times were tough to stay and remain in Hong Kong. I think that has and you know, we make these decisions not just out of a whim, but we are very calculative on why we need to stay. I have 8 cities across Asia Pacific. Hong Kong happens to be the hub for Asia Pacific. And there’s it boils down to four major reasons.”
Ms IIaria Chan: “Simple of how tech is helping people, there is an organization, WHO care for children that was founded 20 years ago that helps orphans in developing China back then Vietnam, Thailand now in Africa, Middle East to find loving permanent homes. But their bottleneck is how they train social workers and governments on how to take care of orphan welfare. Now this year we’ve actually been launching an online product that is able to scale these bottlenecks, especially in areas that are underfunded. This is a great example of Al tech.”
Education: Hong Kong as Asia’s education hub This session was co-moderated by Mrs Jennifer Yu Cheng, JP, Founder of the Future Leaders Foundation, and Ms Jennifer Ma, Founder of JM Edu Consulting. Speakers included Ms Maggie Chau, School Partnership Advisor at the Academy for Educational Development and Innovation of The Education University of Hong Kong; Mr Dion CHEN, MH, Vice-Chairman of the Hong Kong Direct Subsidy Scheme Schools Council; and Professor Charles Ng Wang-Wai, Vice-President for Institutional Advancement of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
Mrs Jennifer Yu Cheng, JP said: “An education hub is more than a place with excellent institutions. It is a place that students and families choose, where young people flourish, and connects education with research, innovation, careers and a wider community.”
Professor Charles Ng said: “With our national policy. And I think we should do better to support this great initiatives and thinking back actually 2023 and home government already in in the government policy in October, if I remember correctly to start to increase the local student quota from 20% to 40%.”
Ms Jennifer Ma said: “As a consultant we need demand to meet supply and we are definitely seeing the demand for Hong Kong education at K12 level…….The advocacy for Hong Kong to be the gateway for China Resources and talents to leave China and go into international arenas. But at the same time, we also see a lot of international people interested in what’s happening in mainland, and therefore Hong Kong is a great gateway. So, with that global education, global education philosophy, that means they really appreciate Hong Kong trilingual education by cultural mindset.”
Mr Dion CHEN, MH mentioned: “In 2026, a lot of DSS schools will work very hard to try to welcome and also promote welcome to Hong Kong and also promote Hong Kong’s education to the students in different countries.”
Ms Maggie Chau said: “Maggie: I can see that all the universities are actually implementing AI in their curriculum. Talking about teacher education, the programs we offer, I mean, not just The Education University of Hong Kong, the programs we offer in all universities implement Al in the curriculum in a way that we draw attention to the use of Al is it has to be ethical.”
Capital markets: AI listings, asset tokenisation and the new economy This session was moderated by Ms Emily CHAN Tan, a former CNBC anchor. Speakers included Ms Bonnie Y Chan, JP; Ms Clara CHAN Ka Chai, Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited; Mr Michael Lau, Senior Vice President and Head of Group Business Development at Bullish and Chairman of Consensus; and Mr Samuel RHEE, Co-founder, Chairman and Group Chief Investment Officer of Endowus.
Ms Clara CHAN Ka Chai said: “We always say that from zero to 1 is the most challenging part. So, the patients in terms of having staying power is the core, but it has to go in hand with other qualities like being proactive, being professional.”
Mr Michael Lau said: “I think it’s an interesting proposition to consider that these types of companies that are so capital. I would start looking beyond the current horizon of where we are to see where it could go next. And so I do think that there is a demand looking to that future where this idea of a tokenized capital market could be quite interesting.”
Mr Samuel RHEE mentioned: “First of all, maybe we just take a step back and just try to understand all of the capital markets, not just equities.”
Ms Bonnie Y Chan, JP said: “I want to point out one thing. I mean, we are operating a stock exchange and I think capital markets at the end of the day, the basic function is to match capital with opportunity. So what I’m very focused on is that I’m not just focused on technology or AI.”
Ms Emily CHAN Tan said: “We are not just witnessing a cyclical recovery, but also some would call this the threshold of a capital markets renaissance.”
Life and health technology: building a health-industry hub This session was moderated by Professor Lo Yuk-lam, BBS, Founding President of the Hong Kong Biotechnology Organisation. Speakers included Professor LI King-Chuen, Founding Dean of the School of Medicine at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; Dr Sarah SALVILLA, Director of Health and Strategic Partnerships at FWD Group; and Professor Anthony Wu Ting-yuk, GBS, JP, former Chairman of the Hospital Authority and Non-executive Chairman of Trinity Medical Group. The discussion focused on how AI in healthcare can strengthen the competitiveness of Hong Kong’s health industry.
Professor Lo Yuk-lam, BBS said: “Building HK’s holistic wellness hub, this year marks a defining moment for HK. With the release of our first ever five year plan and their chief executive policy address just a few weeks ago, our city’s road map for healthcare and biotechnology knowledge has never been clearer or more ambitious.”
Professor Anthony Wu Ting-yuk, GBS, JP said: “Every country every city is trying to recruit more talent and I think Hong Kong is an ideal position to attract talents.”
Professor LI King-Chuen said: “Our education system will be individualized. And we will do the factual knowledge transfer through mostly self-directed learning. So we guide them, we build an AI system with prescribed information.”
Dr Sarah SALVILLA said: “Prevention for sure in terms of how do we educate people to be much more proactive in their everyday lives, yes you know, kind of the lifestyle things.”
Start-up pitching: connecting with capital The closing session was moderated by business journalist Ms Elaine Yu, with Mr LU Chin Yung, Senior Vice President (Start-ups) of the Sector Specialist Group at Invest Hong Kong. Representatives of 11 venture funds were present, including the Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund, Clee Capital, Click Ventures, GT Healthcare Capital Partners, Gobi Partners GBA, HKSTP Ventures, MindWorks Capital, Ryoden Medical Holdings, Seveno Capital, Verge HealthTech Fund and W2 Venture Partners. Together, the funds manage an estimated US$10 billion, have invested in more than 600 start-ups across more than 30 economies, and have backed at least nine unicorns, including Airwallex, Animoca Brands, Prenetics and GoGoX. Start-ups taking part in the pitching session included CELLmeric, Entoptica, PointFit, Syngular, Kodifly, AilsynBio, EveryBaby, A-grade, Orimmune Biotech, Nordia Biotech, Oncolmmu Nostics Limited, The Harbour School (THS), VisionBridge, Eden’s Garden, and CARE CONNECT.
Ms Elaine Yu said: “We have 15 startups and I think a group of students as well, very precocious students WHO are already thinking of ideas, real businesses with commercial viability at the cutting edge of science, research, healthcare and so forth. So, this should be a fun dynamic session.”
Mr LU Chin Yung pointed out: “Hong Kong is great in a lot of rankings in the world and this is not given, this is hard earned by your parents, by some of you sitting here. But as a young founder in Hong Kong, if you come to Hong Kong, you get to enjoy all this very safe environment. You have efficiency and then you also have a very clean government. This one I can say for sure. Yeah. And and all this, it helps the the founders to focus on your business, focus on grow, growing instead of you have to deal with many, many things.”
The Summit closed amid lively exchange. Hong Kong Youth Professional Global Advocacy said it will continue to build the Summit into a platform for dialogue between young professionals and leading figures in government and business, helping Hong Kong’s young talent seize the opportunities of the new economy.
Vice-Chairman, Hong Kong Direct Subsidy Scheme Schools Council
Mrs Carrie Cheng, JP
Founder, Future Leaders Foundation
Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, SBS, JP
Deputy Secretary for Justice, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Mr Kevin Choi, JP
Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry
Ms Cindy Chow
Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund
Dr Kevin Lau, MH
Founding Convenor, Hong Kong Youth Professional Global Advocacy
Mr Lau Tak-ho
Senior Vice President and Head of Group Business Development, Bullish, and Chairman, Consensus
Ms Ellana Lee
Senior Vice President, Managing Editor, Asia Pacific, and Global Head of Productions, CNN
Professor King Li
Founding Dean, School of Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Professor Lo Yuk-lam, BBS
Founding President, Hong Kong Biotechnology Organisation
Mr Raymond Lui
Senior Vice President (Start-ups), Sector Specialist Group, Invest Hong Kong
Ms Michelle Ma
Founder, JM Edu Consulting
Professor Frederick Ma, GBS, JP
Chairman, Hong Kong Trade Development Council
Professor Charles Ng
Vice-President for Institutional Advancement, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Mr Samuel Rhee
Co-founder, Chairman and Group Chief Investment Officer, Endowus
Dr Sit Wai-nga
Director, Health and Strategic Partnerships, FWD Group
Professor Anthony Wu, GBS, JP
Former Chairman, Hospital Authority, and Non-executive Chairman, 全仁醫療集團
Ms Elaine Yu
Business Journalist
Ms Jeanne Cheng, JP
District Officer (Central and Western)
Dr Elsie Leung, GBM, JP
Former Secretary for Justice, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Professor Teresa Cheng, GBM, GBS, SC, JP
Secretary-General, International Organization for Mediation, and former Secretary for Justice
The Hon Tommy Cheung, GBM, GBS, JP
Non-official Member, Executive Council
The Hon Dr Lam Ching-choi, GBS, JP
Non-official Member, Executive Council
The Hon Chan Hoi-fung, BBS, MH, JP
Legislative Council Member
The Hon Chan Kin-por, GBM, GBS, JP
Non-official Member, Executive Council
The Hon Nixie Lam
Legislative Council Member
Mr Andrew Yao, SBS, JP
Hong Kong Deputy to the 14th National People’s Congress
Professor Herman Hu, GBS, JP
Hong Kong Deputy to the 14th National People’s Congress
Mr Gordon Lam
Hong Kong Deputy to the 14th National People’s Congress
Mr Chan Chung-ni, SBS, JP
Hong Kong Deputy to the 14th National People’s Congress
Mr Ho Hon-kuen, BBS, MH
Hong Kong Member, 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference
Mr Tu Haiming, BBS
Hong Kong Member, 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference
Mr Kung Wing-tak
Hong Kong Member, 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference
Dr Lo Kam-wing, BBS, JP
Hong Kong Member, 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, and President, The Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong
Mr Li Tai-chong, SBS, OM, JP
Member, National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference
The Hon Lam Wai-chuen
Legislative Council Member
The Hon Lau Man-kwan, JP
Legislative Council Member
The Hon Chong Ho-fung
Legislative Council Member
The Hon Lee Kwong-yu, MH
Legislative Council Member
The Hon Leung Tsz-wing, MH
Legislative Council Member
Mr Ng Yuk-yeung
Hong Kong Member, 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference
The Hon Fong Kwok-shan
Legislative Council Member
The Hon Lau Ka-keung, BBS, MH, JP
Legislative Council Member
The Hon Revd Canon Peter Koon, SBS, JP
Legislative Council Member
Mr Pablo Macedo Riba
Consul General of Mexico in Hong Kong
Dr Esteban Ramírez González
Consul General of Mexico in Hong Kong
Mr Alberto Martínez
Representative, Consulate General of Spain in Hong Kong
Ms Silvia Civera
Representative, Consulate General of Spain in Hong Kong
Mr Javier Sampedro
Commercial Representative, Consulate General of Spain in Hong Kong
Mr Juha Niemi
Consul General of Finland in Hong Kong and Macao
Mr O’Brien Ernesto Guerra Córdova
Consul General of Venezuela in Hong Kong
Mr Ammala Saenchonghack
Consul General of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in Hong Kong
Mr Riaz Ahmed Shaikh
Consul General of Pakistan in Hong Kong
Mr Yos Sokhemrin
Consul General of Cambodia in Hong Kong
Mr Maurits Ter Kulve
Consul General of the Netherlands in Hong Kong
Ms Lim Kim Suan
Consul General of Brunei Darussalam in Hong Kong
Mr Hassan Doutaghi
Consul General of Iran in Hong Kong
Mr Ali Abdulla Al-Hitmi
Deputy Consul General of Qatar in Hong Kong
Ms Helen Silvester
British Council
Mr Wilhelm Brauner
Belgium-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce
Professor Sin Kuen-fung, MH
Co-Executive Director, Academy for Educational Development and Innovation, The Education University of Hong Kong
Mr Lam Siu-hong, JP
Commissioner for Youth, Home and Youth Affairs Bureau
Mr Arnold Lau
Assistant Director-General, Invest Hong Kong
Professor James Dai
Associate Dean of Students, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Dr Chan Pui-yin
Vice-President, Hong Kong Medical Association
Ms Cecilia Ho
Chief Executive, Lee Hysan Foundation
Mr Quentin Merour
Consulate General of France in Hong Kong
Ms Christine Ma Lau
Founder and Principal, JEMS Character Academy
Ms Agnes Chan, BBS
Senior Advisor, Office of the Chairman, Greater China, EY
Ms Melissa Pang, BBS, MH, JP
Former President, The Law Society of Hong Kong, and Member, National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference
Mr Patrick Yeung
Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce
Ms Kimberly Kwok
Founder, Mighty Oaks
Mr Larry Chiang
Founder and Chief Executive Officer, International Finance Capital Group Limited
Ms Sophia Kao, GBS, JP
Former Chairperson, Women’s Commission, and founding Chairperson, Financial Reporting Council
Ms Marie Mercy
Consulate General of France in Hong Kong
Mr Peter Shum
Deputy Chairman of Federation of Hong Kong Industries
Mr Daryl Lin
JCI Hong Kong
Mr Jacky Chung
Hong Kong Trade Development Council (represented by Mr Andrew Chui)
Mr Silas Chu
Hong Kong Trade Development Council
Mr Lot Chan
Assistant Director of Health (Preparatory Office for Centre for Medical Products Regulation)
Dr Jeff Lee
Head of the Health Informatics and Technology Office
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Hong Kong Youth Professional Global Advocacy
Hong Kong Youth Professional Global Advocacy is a community organisation founded in 2023 by young professionals in Hong Kong. It seeks to serve as a bridge between Hong Kong and the world, uniting Hong Kong young people globally through a range of exchange activities and cultivating an overseas youth network that supports “Hong Kong opportunities”. The organisation brings together more than 120 young professionals across finance, real estate, building surveying, manufacturing, environmental protection, healthcare, law, accounting and technology, and works closely with professional bodies, industry associations and the media. Through monthly salons and online exchanges with the Greater Bay Area, Southeast Asia and countries along the Belt and Road, it promotes understanding of the development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Chinese Mainland, explores opportunities for collaboration, and ultimately aims to build a stronger network of professional youth and deepen exchange and cooperation with young people around the world.
BUSAN, SOUTH KOREA – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 October 2026 – The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Ministry of Commerce, has announced its readiness to bring Thai companies in the film and content industry to the Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM) 2026, a major marketplace for content and film in Asia, taking place in Busan, Republic of Korea, from October 10–13, 2026. This year, Thailand has been selected as ACFM’s first-ever Country of Honor, providing an important opportunity to showcase the capabilities of Thailand’s film and content industry to an international audience. DITP will also host the flagship networking event “Thai Night Busan 2026” to promote Thailand’s entertainment industry and strengthen international partnerships.
The Republic of Korea is one of the world’s leading countries in film and entertainment and a major hub for Asia’s content industry. Its annual content exports exceed USD 12 billion, and it plays a prominent role in global digital media and over-the-top (OTT) platforms. DITP supported Thailand’s film and entertainment industry at ACFM consistently from 2012 to 2019. However, Thai Night activities has been on hiatus since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The return of the event reflects the growing international interest in and recognition of Thai films, series, animation, and digital content.
DITP is deeply honoured that Her Royal Highness Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi will graciously preside over the opening ceremony of Thai Night Busan 2026. Her Royal Highness’s longstanding support has provided great encouragement to Thailand’s entertainment industry. Her gracious presence will lend great distinction to the event and further enhance its international profile. The event will take place on October 11, 2026, at Park Hyatt Busan, under the theme “Reimagining Thailand,” presenting the country’s capabilities and fresh perspectives through creativity and its content industry.
DITP and the Department of Cultural Promotion will jointly organise the Thailand Pavilion at ACFM 2026, bringing 20 Thai companies to participate in business matching alongside Thai Night Busan 2026. These activities aim to facilitate co-production discussions, sales and licensing of Thai content, expansion into overseas markets, and networking between Thai companies and international buyers, investors, creators, directors, and media representatives across film, television, series, animation, and related services.
The initiative also aims to showcase Thailand’s creative capabilities and approaches to producing quality content, while connecting business development with the country’s food, culture, lifestyle, and tourism destinations. This initiative will drive exports, strengthen Thailand’s global brand, and support the growth of Thailand’s creative economy.
HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 October 2026 – Vingroup and Alstom, a global leader in rail technology, have signed a rolling stock contract and a Technology License Agreement (TLA). Under the agreement, Alstom will transfer technology for train manufacturing and assembly in Vietnam and supply a total of 200 Metropolis trainsets to accelerate the operation of Hanoi’s urban rail projects.
Ms. Nguyen Thu Hang, CEO of Vinhomes (left), and Mr. Yann Maixandeau, Alstom’s Managing Director for East Asia, sign the contract between the two parties.
Under the contract, all trains designed and manufactured by Alstom for Hanoi’s urban rail lines will be new-generation five-car trains, offering advanced features in design, operational efficiency and safety. The aluminium car body reduces axle load, saving energy and reducing track wear. The wide-body design maximises interior space and increases passenger capacity. The train runs fully automated and driverless, at GoA4, the highest grade of automation. The modern braking system combines regenerative and disc brakes, ensuring safety while recovering energy during braking.
The first 83 trainsets will be designed and manufactured at Alstom’s Valenciennes Petite-Forêt site in France, one of Alstom’s centres of expertise for metros. In addition to supplying the 83 complete trainsets, Alstom will provide technology, engineering expertise, tooling support and key components, enabling Vingroup to develop local capabilities to manufacture and assemble the next 117 trainsets in Vietnam.
The contract between Vingroup and Alstom lays an important foundation for strengthening Vietnam’s self-reliance and modernising its rail industry ecosystem. The partnership also opens opportunities to establish a long-term industrial partnership and progressively expand Vietnam’s participation in the global value chain.
Mr. Martin Sion, Alstom CEO, said:“This agreement is a major milestone for Alstom in one of the fastest-growing mobility markets in the world. By combining Alstom’s global expertise with VINGROUP’s industrial strength and long-term vision, we are creating a unique partnership that supports both the expansion of Hanoi’s metro network and the development of local rail capabilities. This agreement also demonstrates the strength of French rail technology and reinforces Alstom’s position as a trusted partner for major mobility projects across the region.”
Mr. Nguyen Viet Quang, Vice Chairman and CEO of Vingroup, said:“High-speed rail, urban rail, bridges, ports, logistics and other next-generation transport infrastructure are among the key areas under Vingroup’s Infrastructure pillar. Our strategy is to connect world-class international resources, technologies and expertise with the strong execution capabilities of Vingroup’s ecosystem, enabling us to contribute to the development of infrastructure platforms with long-term significance for Hanoi and Vietnam.”
Vingroup is the general contractor for Hanoi’s metro projects through its subsidiary Vinhomes. The partnership with Alstom aims to provide rolling stock for Hanoi’s urban rail projects while progressively developing local capabilities, enabling Vingroup to contribute over the long term to the development of the city’s urban rail network.
Under Hanoi’s Capital Master Plan with a 2045 vision, the city’s urban rail network is planned to reach 979 kilometres, comprising 18 lines and serving as the backbone of the city’s public transport system.
With a total planned length of nearly 1,000 kilometres, the network would also represent one of the largest urban rail development programmes in Southeast Asia, helping reduce traffic congestion, mitigate environmental pollution and improve the quality of life for Hanoi’s residents.
Hashtag: #Vingroup
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Vingroup
Established in 1993, VINGROUP is one of the leading diversified private economic groups in the region, operating across six core sectors: Industrials & Technology, Real Estate & Services, Infrastructure, Green Energy, Culture and Social Enterprises.
Vinhomes is Vietnam’s leading real estate brand, pioneering the development of large-scale, high-quality urban communities with professional planning, comprehensive amenities and a modern, green and clean living environment, helping shape new lifestyles for Vietnamese residents.
Alongside 32 urban developments currently in operation across the country, Vinhomes continues to focus on developing new-generation mega and super-scale urban developments of leading regional scale and stature, aspiring to create “some of the world’s most desirable places to live” while contributing significantly to the transformation of Vietnam’s urban landscape.
Alstom is the pure rail leader, committed to making rail the backbone of sustainable transportation. We design and deliver a complete range of future-ready solutions – from high-speed and regional trains to metros, monorails, trams, turnkey systems, end-to-end services, infrastructure, signalling and digital rail solutions. With 87,800 people in 61 countries, Alstom brings together global expertise and multi-local presence to make every journey smarter, cleaner and more enjoyable. Together with our partners and customers, we realise the power of rail. Listed in France, Alstom generated revenues of €19.2 billion for the fiscal year ending 31 March 2026.
Upgrades improve print quality, strengthen security and simplify ID card issuance
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 October 2026 – HID, a global leader in trusted identity solutions, is rolling out enhancements across its FARGO® DTC ID card printers, including the DTC1250e, DTC4500e and DTC1500 models, to help organizations issue secure, professional-quality ID cards faster, with less IT support and the ability to easily scale as needs evolve.
Organizations that issue ID cards — from schools and healthcare systems to government offices, corporate campuses and others — need printers that are easy to operate, produce consistently high-quality credentials and keep pace with growing security requirements. The latest enhancements address each of those priorities.
Built to Print: Faster, Sharper Output and Stronger Security Speed and reliability are essential for high-volume credential issuance. Printing more cards in less time with fewer interruptions, these printers have been updated with newer, faster hardware and electronics platforms. Support for high-capacity ribbons also streamlines the issuance workflow and maintains high productivity, reducing reloads and lost time. For front-desk and HR staff who issue dozens of badges a day, this means shorter lines and less time waiting on a stalled print job.
“We’ve been at this for a long time. For more than three decades, organizations have trusted us to power their ID badging programs,” said Apryl Erickson, VP and Head of FARGO. “With thousands of printers in the field worldwide, we’re excited to build on that legacy by delivering enhanced solutions that provide greater value to our end users and support their mission-critical issuance processes.”
Card quality matters just as much as issuance speed. With 300 x 600 dpi resolution, an enhanced color profile and adjustable K-panel printing, organizations benefit from having professional-quality ID cards that look sharper, have crisper text, cleaner logos and more accurate color.
When an organization issues credentials, they need to enhance card security and safeguard cardholder data. As such, all DTC printers offer enhanced AES-256-GCM encryption and resin scramble data protection. On the DTC1500 and DTC4500e, a built-in, customizable watermark overlay adds a layer of security at no added cost.
Built to Last: Secure, Reliable, Sustainable Performance and Less Downtime Reliable and sustainable, the enhancedDTC printers are backed by three-year product warranties, provide ongoing printer health monitoring and are specifically engineered for efficient energy use.
Organizations also need to keep operator maintenance low. An integrated diagnostic utility and Color Assist tool are now built directly into the printer driver, so common issues can be identified and resolved without a support call. An optional OLED SmartScreen on the DTC1250e further simplifies day-to-day operation, helping non-technical staff be productive from day one with no IT ticket required.
Built for More: Room to Grow Without Starting Over Programs rarely remain static, and organizations need to scale as their needs grow without incurring the cost of new hardware. FARGO DTC printers offer field-upgradable dual-side printing and encoding options that let organizations start with what they need and add capabilities later, without having to buy new base hardware, as programs expand.
These upgrades build on more than 30 years of DTC printing expertise. The portfolio also integrates with HID’s broader ecosystem for access control and identity management, helping organizations expand their credentialing programs as needs evolve. The DTC1500 and DTC4500e are also compatible with FARGO Connect™, a secure, cloud-based card printing platform that provides real-time fleet visibility.
The enhanced DTC printer portfolio is commercially available now. Product availability for enhanced FARGO DTC1250e and DTC4500e printers is slated for late October/early November, varying by region. Enhanced FARGO DTC1500 units will follow later in Q4 2026.
Building on these enhancements, HID plans to further expand the FARGO DTC portfolio later this year with a streamlined, single-sided printer designed for organizations with lower-volume issuance needs. It will not be available in the United States and Canada. It will be offered only in select regions outside these markets. The new model will bring the same reliability and ease of use while providing an accessible entry point into the broader FARGO portfolio.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About HID
HID powers the trusted identities of the world’s people, places and things. We make it possible for people to transact safely, work productively and travel freely. Our trusted identity solutions give people convenient access to physical and digital places and connect things that can be identified, verified and tracked digitally. Millions of people around the world use HID products and services to navigate their everyday lives, and billions of things are connected through HID technology. We work with governments, educational institutions, hospitals, financial institutions, industrial businesses and some of the most innovative companies on the planet. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, HID has over 4,500 employees worldwide and operates international offices that support more than 100 countries. HID is an ASSA ABLOY Group brand. For more information, visit www.hidglobal.com.
Greenlogue/AP The US Supreme Court opened its new term on Monday by weighing whether federal law blocks Colorado communities from pursuing state-law damages claims against ExxonMobil and Suncor Energy over alleged climate harms. The dispute, Suncor Energy v County Commissioners of Boulder County, could determine the viability of dozens of similar lawsuits brought by states and local governments seeking compensation from fossil-fuel producers for costs associated with […]
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