Kuka is stepping up its push into the United States and Asia as its leadership warns that too many manufacturers in Europe are moving too slowly on artificial intelligence, creating an opening for competitors in markets where automation spending and industrial policy are advancing at a quicker pace. The shift, outlined by chief executive Christoph Schell, comes as the Augsburg-based robotics group tries to reposition itself around […]
HONG KONG, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 April 2026 – Lee Kum Kee Sauce (“Lee Kum Kee”), the global leader in Asian sauces and condiments, organised a three-week culinary programme for eight young Bhutanese chefs from the De-suung Skilling Programme (DSP) from 1-19 March 2026. Supported by the Chinese Culinary Institute (CCI) in Hong Kong, the programme empowers youth career development through vocational training and international exposure.
Dasho Tashi Wangyal, an Eminent Member of the National Council of Bhutan and a member of the De-suung Skilling Programme (DSP) Steering Committee (front row, sixth from left), Dasho Zimpon Wom Sonam Thinley, Deputy Chamberlain to His Majesty the King, the Executive Director, Skilling Programme, DSP and a member of the DSP Steering Committee (front row, seventh from left), James HP Yap, Principal of Hotel and Tourism Institute, Chinese Culinary Institute, and International Culinary Institute (front row, eighth from left), and Dodie Hung, Executive Vice President – Corporate Affairs of Lee Kum Kee Sauce (front row, fifth from left), celebrate with the young Bhutanese chefs upon completion of their culinary exchange
The cohort of eight Desuup chefs, currently working in hotels and DSP initiatives, participated in an intensive, hands-on upskilling programme. Participants completed 10 days of professional training at CCI, with focused modules on the Eight Major Cuisines of China, selected Western cooking techniques, and signature Cantonese dishes. Additional sessions covered Hong Kong local specialties and pastry techniques as well as food presentation and plating — all led by instructors from CCI, International Culinary Institute (ICI), Star Chef Management School and Lee Kum Kee.
Beyond classroom learning and cooking, the young chefs explored Hong Kong’s food culture and heritage. Activities included visits to local eateries such as a traditional Cha Chaan Teng, and guided culinary tours across the city. The group also travelled to Xinhui and Zhuhai in mainland China to learn more about sauce production and Guangdong’s culinary culture. The experiences further inspired their culinary perspectives and creativity.
The young chefs also showcased their skills at an exclusive VIP lunch and the Bhutan Flavour Fair, attended by DSP officials and Lee Kum Kee Sauce representatives.
Young chefs are inspired through systematic hands-on learning and exploration, discovering local delicacies, and experiencing Hong Kong’s heritage and contemporary landscape
Young chefs showcase their skills at an exclusive VIP lunch and a Bhutan Flavour Fair
Dasho Tashi Wangyal, an Eminent Member of the National Council of Bhutan and a member of the DSP Steering Committee, said, “Our young chefs are receiving valuable exposure at the Chinese Culinary Institute through immersion in professional Asian cuisine, modern culinary techniques and global kitchen standards. I would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation to Lee Kum Kee for the vision, partnership and commitment to nurturing the next generation of culinary professionals.”
Dasho Zimpon Wom Sonam Thinley, Deputy Chamberlain to His Majesty the King, the Executive Director, Skilling Programme, DSP and a member of the DSP Steering Committee, said, “I’m proud of the Desuup chefs’ aspirations, and I hope they will build on the prestige of Lee Kum Kee and the Chinese Culinary Institute – their mentors – to further develop their careers in the culinary world.”
James HP Yap, Principal of Hotel and Tourism Institute, Chinese Culinary Institute, and International Culinary Institute, said, “Hong Kong is a vital platform that brings together global culinary cultures. Through this exchange, I’m confident the young Bhutanese chefs have not only deepened their understanding of the essence of Chinese and Western culinary flavours, but also have acquired valuable cooking techniques, plating skills, as well as developed a deeper appreciation of the richness of Chinese culinary culture.”
Dodie Hung, Executive Vice President – Corporate Affairs of Lee Kum Kee Sauce, said, “At Lee Kum Kee, we believe in the power of culinary culture to connect people and create lasting opportunities. It has been a joy to see the passion and growth of these chefs throughout this programme. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with CCI and DSP to nurture the next generation of culinary talent and strengthen the ties between our communities through the art of food.”
Since 2025, Lee Kum Kee has engaged in a strategic partnership with DSP to support culinary training in Bhutan, bringing international standards, signature flavours and professional expertise into DSP’s training programmes.
Lee Kum Kee is dedicated to promoting Chinese culinary culture worldwide. Through its Global Youth Culinary Immersion initiative, the company has provided culinary education, scholarships and exchange opportunities for aspiring young chefs in China, Malaysia, South Korea, Vietnam, UK, Canada and USA.
Hashtag: #LeeKumKee #LKK
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Lee Kum Kee
Lee Kum Kee is the global gateway to Asian culinary culture, dedicated to promoting Chinese culinary culture worldwide. Since 1888, it has brought people together over joyful reunions, shared traditions and memorable meals. Beloved by consumers and chefs alike, Lee Kum Kee’s range of more than 300 sauces and condiments sparks creativity in kitchens everywhere, inspiring professional and home chefs to experiment, create and delight. Headquartered in Hong Kong, China and serving over 100 countries and regions, Lee Kum Kee’s rich heritage, unwavering commitment to quality, sustainable practices and “Constant Entrepreneurship” combine to enable superior experiences through Asian cuisine for people worldwide. For more information, please visit www.LKK.com.
About De-suung Skilling Programme
The De-suung Skilling Programme (DSP) is a Royal Project initiated by His Majesty The King of Bhutan in 2021. As envisioned by His Majesty, DSP imparts a series of short-term high-quality trainings to unemployed Bhutanese youths who have mostly completed high school and are in their early or mid-20s. These youths have all undergone the De-suung training, which is a valued-based personal development programme intended to encourage active citizenry in the process of nation-building. DSP provides short-term training in various fields to Bhutanese youths entering the job market with varying degrees of educational qualification. For more information, please visit www.dsp.org.bt.
About Chinese Culinary Institute
The Chinese Culinary Institute (CCI) is one of the 14 member institutions of Vocational Training Council (VTC). It was established in 2000 as one of the Millennium Projects of the HKSAR Government. CCI endeavours to provide systematic training in Chinese cuisine for beginners and practicing chefs who wish to obtain or upgrade their professional qualifications. It also aims to elevate the professional standard and status of Chinese Chefs in order to strengthen Hong Kong’s reputation as the “Culinary Capital of Asia”. Furthermore, CCI strives to establish Hong Kong as a regional training and accreditation centre in Chinese cuisine by introducing “One Trade Test Two Certificates” system. To promote the deep-rooted heritage of the Chinese culinary art, CCI offers culinary interest courses for locals and tourists alike. For more information, please visit cci.edu.hk/en.
Complementing an orchard-themed dreamy tea set by two master pâtissiers, a series of fascinating delicacies is presented by Galaxy Macau in April
MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 April 2026 -In celebration of its ascent to One Diamond status in China’s prestigious Black Pearl Restaurant Guide, Galaxy Macau’s Japanese fine‑dining destination Yamazato proudly unveils the Black Pearl Tasting Kaiseki — a refined and contemplative culinary expression that honours seasonality, precision and the quiet elegance intrinsic to Japanese haute cuisine. Framed by sweeping panoramic views across Galaxy Macau landscape, the experience captures the fleeting beauty of nature through an artful and disciplined gastronomic lens.
Yamazato celebrates its Black Pearl One Diamond distinction with a contemplative kaiseki by Executive Chef Hideaki Hayashi, where seasonal purity, meticulous craftsmanship, and serene vistas converge to distil the quiet poetry of Japanese haute cuisine.
At the helm, Executive Chef Hideaki Hayashi and his culinary team invite guests on a pristine gastronomic journey shaped by meticulous craftsmanship and profound reverence for ingredients. Each kaiseki course is composed with thoughtful intentions, drawing upon the season’s finest offerings, be it produce from the sky, the sea and the land. Every detail — subtle aroma, layered texture, nuanced flavours, and elegant presentation — is harmoniously orchestrated to awaken the senses and express the restrained poetry at the heart of Japanese culinary artistry.
The Black Pearl Tasting Kaiseki is priced at MOP 1,980+ per guest and is available Tuesday to Sunday, from 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm.
Floral Tea Set in the Orchard Setting of CHA BEI
This spring and summer, Galaxy Macau unveils an enchanting new afternoon tea experience at CHA BEI, co‑created by Executive Pastry Chef Yam Lok Hin and internationally revered Meilleur Ouvrier de France Pâtissier 2023 Pierre‑Henri Roullard. Inspired by a radiant garden in full bloom, the Orchard in Bloom afternoon tea invites guests on a refined journey through delicately balanced savoury and sweet creations, infused with flowers, fruits and tea leaves. Within the serene surroundings of CHA BEI, the brilliance of the spring and summer season is reimagined as a tranquil, storybook orchard, where flavour and artistry flourish in harmony.
Galaxy Macau’s Orchard in Bloom at CHA BEI is a poetic afternoon tea by Lok Hin Yam and Pierre‑Henri Roullard, where florals, fruits and tea leaves coalesce in refined seasonal harmony.
The experience opens with Lavender Breeze, a graceful floral welcome that sets the tone for a series of garden‑inspired delights, where seasonal ingredients are transformed into elegant edible jewels. Bright citrus notes, sun‑ripened fruits and fragrant botanicals come together across exquisite pastries and artfully crafted savouries, each reflecting meticulous craftsmanship and creative imagination. Available throughout spring and summer, this inspired collaboration blossoms as a celebration of colour, texture and taste — where two distinct pastry visions unite in a symphony of refined indulgence.
Priced at MOP598+ for two, “Orchard in Bloom” afternoon tea will be available between 2:30pm and 5:30pm every day, from now until August 31.
Alongside these sumptuous delicacies, Galaxy Macau has prepared a series of fascinating dining promotions this April and beyond:
• April 9
Blossom Palaces –
“Huaiyang Spring Feast: A Symphony of Two Masters” Four-hands Gala
The refined artistry of Huaiyang cuisine takes centre stage as Blossom Palaces Founder Bobby Lo and Macau Chef de Cuisine Ricky Wu unite for an elegant spring dinner. From tea‑infused starters to signature wood‑fired Peking duck, the evening is elevated by a live tea‑frying performance celebrating tradition, aroma and seasonal finesse.
Time: 6pm – 9pm
Price: MOP1,088/person
Huaiyang cuisine takes the spotlight as Blossom Palaces Founder Bobby Lo joins Macau Chef de Cuisine Ricky Wu for a refined spring dinner, featuring tea‑infused starters, signature wood‑fired Peking duck and a live tea‑frying performance celebrating tradition and seasonal grace.
• April 10 & 11
Saffron –
“A Royal Symphony of Thai Cuisine”
Saffron marks Songkran Festival with an elegant celebration of Thai New Year, featuring a rare collaboration between Executive Chef Jan Ruangnukulkit and Chef Chumpol Jangpra, the brain behind Bangkok’s two-Michelin-starred R‑HAAN. The immersive experience blends ceremonial rituals, cultural performances and a masterfully curated tasting menu honouring tradition, artistry and renewal.
Price: MOP1,688/person (additional MOP300 for wine pairing)
Saffron marks Songkran Festival with an elegant celebration that seamlessly blends ceremonial rituals, cultural performances and a masterfully curated tasting menu – honouring Thai tradition, culinary artistry and the spirit of renewal.
• April 18 & 19
8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA –
The Grand Bombana Feast
In celebration of Italian cuisine’s recognition as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, Chef Umberto Bombana unites his protégés from Michelin‑starred kitchens across Asia for an unprecedented gastronomic gathering. Each chef presents a personal interpretation shaped by heritage and mentorship, creating an elegant dialogue between timeless Italian tradition and contemporary global expression—an exceptional feast and a living culinary legacy.
Date: April 18, 2026 (dinner)│ April 19, 2026 (lunch and dinner)
Price: Lunch Tasting Menu MOP1,680/person (additional MOP980 for wine pairing)
Dinner Tasting Menu MOP3,280/person (wine-pairing for an additional MOP1,880)
In celebration of Italian cuisine’s recognition as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, Chef Umberto Bombana unites his protégés from Michelin‑starred kitchens across Asia for an unprecedented gastronomic gathering at 8½ Otto e Mezzo BOMBANA at Galaxy Macau.
• April 25 & 26
Andaz Kitchen –
Chinese-Portuguese Master Chefs Four-Hands Dinner Series · Chapter 2
Andaz Macau’s Executive Chef André Lai joins hands with Chef Larry Liu of Shenzhen’s Black Pearl One-Diamond restaurant, CHINA LODGE, for a refined culinary exchange celebrating the dialogue between Chinese tradition and Portuguese heritage. Guided by the Cantonese principles of seasonality and purity of flavours, Chef Liu brings his thoughtful craftsmanship and contemporary interpretation of Cantonese cuisine – deeply rooted in respect for ingredients and culinary legacy – resulting in an inspired collaboration that bridges cultures through taste.
Price: MOP1,088/person (wine pairing included)
• Daily
Kyo Watami –
Triple Don Indulgence
Kyo Watami’s seafood don trio invites diners to savour three bowls of Japanese favourites, each layered with seasonal seafood over steamed rice. From luxurious sea urchin and tuna, to salmon roe with sashimi, and sweet soy‑glazed grilled eel with omelette, the set is completed with a light salad and comforting soup.
Price: MOP128/set
Date: Daily during lunch hours
A Month of Global Mixology Encounters at Galaxy Macau
International symphonies of mixology continue at Galaxy Macau’s three acclaimed venues – Pony & Plume, Long Bar and Ritz-Carlton Bar & Lounge.
On April 9, Capella at Galaxy Macau’s Pony & Plume will welcome star mixologist KT Lam for the second chapter of “The Finest Pour” series. Leader of the bars at Rosewood Bangkok and having led DarkSide at Rosewood Hong Kong to No. 9 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars in 2023, KT will present four cocktails at Macau’s newest must-visit bar—each a distillation of his decade-long journey in mixology, inspired by the cities that have shaped him, capturing their energy, harmony, and contrasts.
On April 9, Capella at Galaxy Macau’s Pony & Plume will welcome star mixologist KT Lam who will shine with the distillation of his decade-long journey in mixology.
On April 11, the Ritz-Carlton Bar and Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton, Macau anticipates guests to savour an evening of “The Alchemist Flair: A Global Mixology Experience with Chase White”, as founder of Bar Blanc in Shanghai, and botanical spirits label OFBT, mixologist Chase White instils his passion and adventurous spirit into his creations, which champion a philosophy of “restrained creativity” and celebrate balance, quality, and simplicity—without sacrificing intrigue.
Long Bar at Raffles at Galaxy Macau welcomes Jo Lo and Birstacla Wong, co‑owners of Hong Kong’s acclaimed cocktail bar Bar Mind, for the April edition of Adventures in the Cavern. The award‑winning mixology duo—both past recipients of Diageo World Class Hong Kong & Macau Bartender of the Year—will present an evening of innovative cocktails that blend heritage flavours with contemporary techniques. The guest shift takes place on April 25, offering guests an inspired journey into modern mixology.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
ABOUT GALAXY MACAU INTEGRATED RESORT
Galaxy Macau, The World-class Luxury Integrated Resort delivers the “Most Spectacular Entertainment and Leisure Destination in the World”. Developed at an investment of HK$43 billion, the property covers 1.1 million-square-meter of unique entertainment and leisure attractions that are unlike anything else in Macau. Nine award-winning world-class luxury hotels provide close to 5,000 rooms, suites and villas. They include Banyan Tree Macau, Galaxy Hotel, Hotel Okura Macau, JW Marriott Hotel Macau, The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, Broadway Hotel, Raffles at Galaxy Macau, Andaz Macau, and Capella at Galaxy Macau. Unique to Galaxy Macau, the 75,000-square-meter Grand Resort Deck features the world’s longest Skytop Adventure Rapids at 575-meters, the largest Skytop Wave Pool with waves up to 1.5-meters high and 150-meters pristine white sand beach. Two five-star spas from Banyan Tree Spa Macau and The Ritz- Carlton Spa, Macau help guests relax and rejuvenate.
As the dining destination in Asia, Galaxy Macau offers a wide variety of gastronomic delights, exquisite experiences and ingredients of the finest quality with over 120 dining options from Michelin dining to authentic delicacies.
Embark on a delightful and rewarding journey at Galaxy Promenade, the one-stop shopping destination boasting some of the world’s most iconic luxury brands. Be the first to get the latest limited-edition items; explore fascinating pop-ups by coveted labels and revel in fabulous shopping rewards and privileges. Our VIPs are entitled to a highly-curated experience with dedicated personal shoppers at guests’ service, and be invited to exclusive luxury brand events. A different caliber of privileges and rewards also await. Discover the joys of fashion and stand at the forefront of style and sophistication—Galaxy Promenade has everything guests need to stay ahead of the style game.
Galaxy Cinemas takes immersive movie experiences to the next level with the latest audio-visual technology, ultra-luxurious facilities and bespoke services; CHINA ROUGE, one-of-a-kind cabaret lounge that evokes the glamor of Shanghai’s golden era with stylish entertainment and customizable surrounds; and Foot Hub, which presents the traditional art of reflexology for authentic relaxation and revitalization. For Authentic Macau Flavours and Vibrant Asian Experiences, Broadway Macau – just a 90-second walk via a bridge from Galaxy Macau, has over 35 Authentic Macau & Asian Flavours at Broadway Food Street. The 2,500-seat Broadway Theatre plays host to world-class entertainers and a diverse array of cultural events.
Meeting, incentive and banquet groups are also catered to with a portfolio of unique venues in Galaxy Macau and an expert service team. Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) is the latest addition to the Group’s ever-expanding integrated resort precinct and will usher in a new era for the MICE industry in Macau. GICC is a world-class event venue featuring 40,000-square-meters of total flexible MICE, and the 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena – the largest indoor arena in Macau.
Romania is poised to keep borrowing costs unchanged as a fresh oil shock clouds the inflation outlook and leaves policymakers wary of loosening monetary conditions too early. The National Bank of Romania is widely expected to leave its benchmark interest rate at 6.5 per cent, preserving one of the European Union’s highest policy rates while consumer prices remain far above target and fiscal strains continue to weigh […]
Israel has warned civilians across Iran to avoid trains and railway lines, signalling a new phase in its expanding campaign against Iranian infrastructure as the conflict entered a more dangerous stage on Tuesday. The Israeli military issued the message in Persian on its official account, telling people not to travel by rail or go near railway tracks until 9pm local time, and saying their presence there could […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Mounting economic damage from the Middle East war is set to push inflation higher and global growth lower, IMF managing director Kristalina Georgieva has warned, as the fund prepares to cut its growth outlook and raise its inflation projections in its World Economic Outlook due on April 14. The warning comes as the conflict has triggered what the International Energy Agency has […]
Dubai, UAE — At the forefront of Middle East’ innovative medical community is the name of talented surgeon Dr. Vardan Khachatrian, a visionary specialist and celebrity doctor, whose methods are increasingly shaping expectations across high-end patient segments not only in MENA region, but globally. Industry observers note a growing demand for natural, long-lasting results with minimal visible intervention, particularly among international patients travelling to Dubai for advanced […]
Bitcoin pushed back above the $70,000 mark on Monday, offering a measure of relief to a market that has been battered by volatility, geopolitical tension and doubts over whether institutional buying is strong enough to absorb selling by large holders. The move was modest rather than decisive, with live pricing showing bitcoin at about $69,728 on Tuesday in Asia after an intraday high of $70,240, underscoring […]
Polymarket has unveiled what it calls a full exchange upgrade, setting out plans to rebuild the core plumbing of its prediction market, launch a native collateral token and strengthen the systems it uses to turn disputed outcomes into settled trades. The move comes as the company, widely discussed at a roughly $20 billion valuation, positions itself for a broader push into the United States and for a […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Donald Trump has said a Tuesday deadline for Iran to accept a deal remains final, sharpening a crisis that has already pushed energy markets higher, intensified diplomatic pressure and raised fresh concern over the risk of a broader Middle East conflict. Speaking on April 6 at the White House, the US president said Tehran had made what he described as a significant move […]
Google has expanded Chrome’s native lazy-loading system to cover audio and video elements, extending a browser feature once centred on images and iframes into richer media formats that often consume far more data and trigger earlier connections to outside servers. The change allows developers to use the loading=”lazy” attribute on ` and so that files outside the visible viewport can be deferred until a user is closer […]
Dubai Basketball’s Under-18 Elite team has won the 2026 Basket Cup Sarajevo title, beating Ras Beograd U18 69-53 in the final after an unbeaten run through the tournament in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The victory, secured in the side’s first appearance at the event, marks one of the clearest signs yet that Dubai’s push to build a serious youth basketball pathway is beginning to produce results beyond the […]
Indonesia Blockchain Week will return to Jakarta on August 12 and 13 with organisers positioning the 2026 edition as a pivot point for Web3, arguing that the sector is moving beyond pilot projects and speculative narratives towards infrastructure with measurable economic use. Official event channels identify the Jakarta International Convention Center as the venue and carry the theme “Turning Infrastructure into Impact”, framing the gathering as Southeast Asia’s leading institutional-focused blockchain conference.
That message reflects a wider shift in digital assets. After years dominated by token launches, trading cycles and proof-of-concept experiments, the emphasis across much of the industry has moved towards tokenised securities, cross-border settlement, digital identity, compliant custody and blockchain rails for mainstream financial institutions. Reuters has reported that major market infrastructure players are developing tokenised securities platforms, while analysts have projected strong growth in tokenised real-world assets, even as sceptics warn that much of the promise still sits in early-stage back-office applications rather than broad public adoption.
For Indonesia, that debate carries particular weight because the country has spent the past two years reshaping supervision of digital assets. Regulatory oversight of crypto assets and other digital financial assets was formally transferred from commodity futures regulator Bappebti to the Financial Services Authority, or OJK, under the wider financial sector reform framework. That has tightened the link between blockchain activity and mainstream finance, while signalling that the authorities want a more structured regime around licensing, compliance and consumer safeguards.
OJK’s own public updates show that digital financial assets and crypto supervision now sit within a broader integrity and resilience agenda for the financial system, alongside sandbox oversight and enforcement. That regulatory direction matters for a conference such as Indonesia Blockchain Week because institutional investors, banks and enterprises are less likely to engage seriously with Web3 infrastructure unless licensing, governance and disclosure standards are clearer than they were during the sector’s earlier growth phase.
Another strand of the Indonesian story is the state’s interest in sovereign digital infrastructure. Bank Indonesia’s Project Garuda, the central bank’s digital rupiah initiative, has been presented as part of a broader effort to safeguard monetary sovereignty in the digital era. Even though a retail or wholesale digital rupiah remains under development rather than fully launched, the project has become one of the clearest signs that distributed ledger technology is being examined not just by crypto-native firms but by the institutions that underpin payments and currency systems.
That backdrop helps explain why conference organisers are leaning into the language of “impact”. Across Asia, the conversation has become more institutional and more policy-aware. Reuters reported last year that wealthy Asian investors were increasing crypto exposure, while other reporting this year has shown how tokenisation is moving closer to exchanges and regulated financial venues. At the same time, risks remain central to the story: the IMF warned this month that tokenised finance could amplify market stress if regulatory guardrails and crisis-response mechanisms do not keep pace with technology.
That balance between promise and caution is likely to define the Jakarta event. Proponents of tokenisation argue that blockchain-based representations of bonds, funds, property interests and other assets can reduce settlement delays, widen market access and make ownership more divisible. Critics counter that many of these benefits are still more theoretical than proven at scale, and that fragmented standards, legal uncertainty and cybersecurity risks continue to hold the sector back. Reuters’ explainer on tokenisation captured that divide by noting both the liquidity and access arguments advanced by supporters and the unresolved questions over how fast real adoption will follow.
Indonesia Blockchain Week itself appears keen to place the country at the centre of that regional conversation. Organiser material describes the event as a gateway between local innovation and global capital, policy and technology networks. Yet the official website also shows some transitional messaging, with parts of the site still carrying 2025 branding even as other official channels and partner announcements point to the August 2026 summit. That inconsistency does not alter the announced dates, but it does suggest organisers are still in the process of consolidating the event’s next edition across platforms.
HANOI, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 April 2026 – On April 6, 2026, three Vingroup member organizations—the “For Green Future” Foundation, VinUniversity, and VinTechTalent (Vingroup Young Technology Talent Club) – officially launched the Asian Hackathon for Green Future, a competition dedicated to developing technology-driven solutions for a sustainable future. Open to undergraduate and master’s students from universities across Asia, the competition offers a total prize pool of USD 24,000.
The Asian Hackathon for Green Future officially opened for registration on April 6, 2026, marking the start of the competition, with a total prize pool of USD 24,000. Photo courtesy of the “For Green Future” Foundation.
This marks the first time an Asia-wide environmental hackathon exclusively for undergraduate and master’s students is held in Vietnam. The competition aims to identify and develop technology-driven solutions to pressing environmental challenges, while fostering innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration among the younger generation.
Participants will advance through three main stages: Registration & Preliminary (April 6 – May 17, 2026); Online Training Phase (June 2 – June 28, 2026); and Final Round & Hackathon at VinUniversity (July 2 – July 5, 2026, tentative).
During the Registration & Preliminary Round, participants register online in teams of up to four members. Eligible applicants must be current undergraduate or master’s students at universities across Asia.
Application materials include an idea proposal and an introductory video. Based on evaluation by the Technical Board, the Top 30 teams will be selected to advance to the next stage.
The competition encourages interdisciplinary ideas that integrate multiple fields—including technology, environmental sciences, economics, and social sciences—with the aim of creating solutions that are innovative, feasible, and socially impactful.
Proposed ideas should address one of three key challenge areas: Renewable Energy and Low-Carbon Mobility; Urban Air Quality and Climate Resilience; Water Resources and Climate-Resilient Agriculture.
During the Online Training Round, the Top 30 teams will participate in a series of intensive training sessions and expert consultations with multidisciplinary specialists. These sessions are designed to equip teams with deeper domain knowledge and up-to-date insights on sustainability trends and relevant technologies, enabling them to further refine and expand their proposed solutions.
During the Final Round and Award Ceremony, all travel and accommodation expenses for the Top 30 teams will be fully covered. The teams will take part in a 24-hour hackathon at VinUniversity (Hanoi), where they will further develop and refine their technology-driven solutions before presenting them to the Judging Panel. Based on this evaluation, the Top 9 teams will be selected to advance to the final assessment round, from which the winning team will be determined.
The Chair of the Judging Panel is Prof. Duong Nguyen Vu, Vice Provost of Graduate Education at VinUniversity and Chief Scientific Officer at the Center for AI Research. He had been a Professor of Aerospace Engineering at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore until July 2025, where he served as Scientific Director at the Air Traffic Management Research Institute (ATMRI). Under his leadership—as Executive Director until 2025—the institute has emerged as a global leader in air traffic management research, thanks in large part to the scientific foundation he helped establish. Before joining NTU, Prof. Vu was the founding Director of the John von Neumann Institute at Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, spearheading university-industry collaborations and championing innovation and entrepreneurship in education.
Prior to returning to Vietnam in 2010, he was Head of Innovative Research and Senior Scientific Advisor at the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation (EUROCONTROL). He also advised Vietnam’s Minister of Planning and Investment on innovation strategy, contributing to the establishment of the National Innovation Center.
The competition offers a total prize pool of USD 24,000, comprising one First Prize of USD 8,000, one Second Prize of USD 5,000, two Third Prizes of USD 3,000 each, and five Consolation Prizes of USD 1,000 each. Beyond the awards, participating teams will gain valuable opportunities to engage with leading experts from across the region, expand their professional networks, and strengthen their access to the broader innovation ecosystem.
Dr. Le Thai Ha, Managing Director of the “For Green Future” Foundation and Head of the Organizing Committee, shared: “We believe that ideas with the power to shape the future do not always emerge from large laboratories or well-established institutions; they often arise from the insight, initiative, and determination of young people to make a difference. Through the Asian Hackathon for Green Future, we seek to create a platform where students across the region can transform their environmental awareness into tangible, innovative solutions that deliver meaningful impact for communities and the future.”
The Asian Hackathon for Green Future is expected to foster innovation aligned with sustainable development, while contributing to the development of a new generation of young talents capable of cross-border collaboration to create solutions with lasting, positive impact across the region.
Paramount Skydance is moving to shore up financing for its planned takeover of Warner Bros Discovery with nearly $24 billion in equity commitments from three Gulf sovereign wealth funds, a step that would strengthen funding for one of the biggest media deals ever attempted and deepen Middle East capital’s role in reshaping Hollywood. The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund is […]
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Scientists in Poland have built an ultrathin optical structure that traps infrared light inside a layer about 40 nanometres thick, a result that pushes light confinement far below the scale long regarded as practical for conventional photonic components. The work, led by researchers at the University of Warsaw with partners at Łódź University of Technology, Warsaw University of Technology and the Polish Academy of Sciences, uses patterned […]
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 […]
Dentsu has appointed Yusuke Kagohara as chief financial officer for Southeast Asia, handing him a mandate that goes beyond traditional finance oversight as the advertising and marketing group tightens governance and prepares for a more disciplined phase of expansion across one of Asia’s most competitive markets. The appointment took effect immediately, and Kagohara will report to Sanjay Bhasin, chief executive for Southeast Asia.
The move lands at a sensitive point for global agency networks. Growth remains available across Southeast Asia, but margins, client expectations and regulatory scrutiny are all sharpening. Dentsu’s own framing makes clear that this is not merely a replacement hire. Company statements and industry reports describe the post as part of a wider effort to deepen strategic and financial discipline and strengthen governance across the regional cluster, which covers Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. The business employs more than 4,000 people in the region under what Dentsu describes as a borderless operating model formed in 2023.
Kagohara arrives with a profile that fits that brief. Before this appointment, he served as group head of risks and controls at Dentsu Group Inc., where he worked on internal controls, enterprise risk management and broader governance and remediation efforts. Earlier assignments included chief financial officer and deputy chief financial officer roles in Beijing and at Dentsu Creative China, experience that gave him exposure to large and complex operating environments in Asia. Industry coverage of the appointment has also highlighted his background in corporate strategy, transformation and all-round finance, suggesting the company wanted someone comfortable with both compliance architecture and commercial execution.
That background matters because agency finance chiefs are no longer judged only on forecasting, cost control and reporting. They are increasingly central to how networks integrate acquisitions, police internal controls, price AI-enabled services and defend profitability while clients demand more measurable returns. Dentsu has been signalling this shift at group level for months. Its global management overhaul announced in February was pitched around stronger execution, while its 2025 integrated report and governance materials emphasised capital discipline, internal investment, productivity and the strengthening of leadership and controls.
Southeast Asia gives that challenge extra complexity. The cluster spans fast-growing but highly uneven markets, each with different media structures, regulatory standards, client mixes and digital maturity. Dentsu has described the region as one of the world’s fastest-growing, and its own ad spend outlook has projected Asia Pacific growth ahead of the wider global economy. In December, the company forecast that global advertising spend would rise 5.1 per cent in 2026 to more than $1 trillion, with Asia Pacific remaining the fastest-growing region. For a network trying to convert that momentum into durable earnings, stronger financial control becomes a strategic tool rather than a back-office function.
Bhasin’s comments underline that point. In remarks carried by multiple reports and company-linked posts, he said growth on its own was not enough and that the business needed expansion that was “accountable, resilient, and built to last”. He described Kagohara’s experience in governance, transformation and complex markets as critical to the next stage of Southeast Asia’s development. Kagohara, for his part, said the region stood out for its scale, complexity and ambition, adding that strong fundamentals were universal even when market conditions varied widely. Those comments indicate a leadership view that the next test for Dentsu is not whether Southeast Asia can grow, but whether it can do so with tighter controls and greater consistency across markets.
The timing also follows a change in the seat Kagohara is filling. Trade reports late last month said Bharti Agrawal, who had served as CFO for Southeast Asia at Dentsu, had moved to Monks as chief financial officer for APAC marketing services. That succession gives the new appointment a sharper operational significance, because it suggests Dentsu moved quickly to avoid drift in a role that sits at the centre of planning, compliance and regional coordination.
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