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World-First Innovations Showcase Hong Kong’s Thriving Life and Health Tech Ecosystem from Bench to Bedside

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 May 2026 – Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) joined alongside 38 Park companies in the two flagship events of the 5^th International Healthcare Week — the Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair (“Medical Fair”) and the Asia Summit on Global Health (“ASGH”), held from 11 – 13 May. Showcasing at these premier medical innovation and technology (I&T) events, HKSTP is demonstrating its pivotal role in nurturing and supporting the growth of biotechnology enterprises. During ASGH, HKSTP also hosted a dedicated investor pitch session, providing Park companies with an exclusive stage to connect directly with global capital and pursue fundraising opportunities.

Over 30 Market-Ready Solutions across Four Key Industry Focus

On the opening day of the Medical Fair, the HKSTP pavilion drew numerous industry professionals, investors and professional buyers, who gathered to explore Hong Kong’s latest I&T achievements and actively discuss collaboration opportunities. Participating companies span four critical areas — health monitoring, surgical assistance, precision medicine, rehabilitation training — comprehensively demonstrating the diverse strengths of Hong Kong’s life and health technology sector as it progresses from research and development (R&D) to commercial application.

Mr Terry Wong, CEO of HKSTP, said: “HKSTP has always been a steadfast partner to tech ventures, building a vibrant and well-established ecosystem for biotech companies ranging from start-ups with early-stage innovation to experienced innovators with market-ready solutions. To meet their diverse needs, we offer end-to-end support from R&D to clinical applications, including lab facilities, funding connections and market expansion. Our presence at this event fully reflects the innovative vitality and strength of Hong Kong’s life and health tech ecosystem. We hope to showcase Hong Kong’s cutting-edge medical R&D achievements to the international community, while delivering a clear message: Hong Kong is not only a top-tier scientific research base, but also the strongest springboard for technology enterprises to go global. By uniting forces across all sectors, we will further solidify Hong Kong’s leadership as an international health tech hub.”

Park company Highlights:

• Endovision offers an intestinal endoscopic imaging system that leverages AI and real-time imaging to assist physicians in conducting more precise examinations. The solution has already obtained EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR) certification.
• Mirror Caring presents SyncKnee, a smart wearable solution integrating flexible sensors, embedded systems and AI analytics to deliver real-time monitoring of knee joint health and data-driven insights.
• Voice Empowerment Technology features a customised “AI Voice Reconstruction Tool” designed to enhance the efficiency of speech therapy services, offering breakthrough communication support for patients with aphasia and speech disorders.

“World-First” Cutting-Edge Medical Technologies Take Centre Stage

This year, HKSTP has also set up a dedicated exhibition zone at the Asia Summit on Global Health (ASGH), spotlighting a range of groundbreaking biomedical solutions, including several “world-first” innovations:

• Agilis Robotics: The world’s first robotic-assisted “En Bloc Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumour”, achieving precise tumour resection margins and offering a minimally invasive surgical option with faster recovery for early-stage cancer patients.
• GenEditBio: The world’s first in vivo genome editing therapy (often referred to as “DNA surgery”) targeting corneal dystrophy, with Phase I clinical trials expected to commence this year, aiming to improve patients’ quality of life.
• Meta Pharmaceuticals: The world’s first oral inhibitor for treating autoimmune diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and multiple sclerosis, enhancing medication convenience and delivering safer, more effective anti-inflammatory therapy.

Dedicated Investor Pitch Session: Connecting Global Capital to Accelerate Enterprise Growth

For early-stage biotech companies, funding is crucial to sustaining research and achieving breakthroughs. To this end, HKSTP is fulfilling its role as a “super-connector” by hosting the “Life and Health Technology Innovation Pitch” at ASGH, to bridge between Park companies and the global market and deepen international partnerships.

The pitch session bought together 12 leading global investors from the UK, the US, Singapore, Canada and beyond, creating a top-tier platform for fundraising and business matching, and accelerating the translation of life and health tech innovations. Ten Park companies with breakthrough technologies took the stage to attract international capital, further showcase their innovative solutions and advance to the next stage of growth and global expansion.

Event Details:
Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair (Medical Fair)
Date: 11–13 May 2026
Venue: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hall 3DE
HKSTP Booth: 3E-E06

Asia Summit on Global Health (ASGH)
Date: 11–12 May 2026
Venue: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hall 3FG
HKSTP Booth: 3F-A11
Hashtag: #HKSTP

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

About Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation

Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) was established in 2001 to create a thriving I&T ecosystem grooming 13 unicorns, more than 17,000 research professionals and over 2,500 technology companies from 26 countries and regions focused on developing healthtech, AI and robotics, fintech and smart city technologies, etc.

Our growing innovation ecosystem offers comprehensive support to attract and nurture talent, accelerate and commercialise innovation for technology ventures, with the I&T journey built around our key locations of Hong Kong Science Park in Pak Shek Kok, InnoCentre in Kowloon Tong and three modern InnoParks in Tai Po, Tseung Kwan O and Yuen Long realising a vision of new industrialisation for Hong Kong, where sectors including advanced manufacturing, micro-electronics and biotechnology are being reimagined.

Hong Kong Science Park Shenzhen Branch in Futian, Shenzhen plays positive roles in connecting the world and the mainland with our proximity, strengthening cross-border exchange to bring advantages in attracting global talent and allowing possibilities for the development of technology companies in seven key areas: Medtech, big data and AI, robotics, new materials, microelectronics, fintech and sustainability, with both dry and wet laboratories, co-working space, conference and exhibition facilities, and more.

Through our R&D infrastructure, startup support and enterprise services, commercialisation and investment expertise, partnership networks and talent traction, HKSTP continues to contribute in establishing I&T as a pillar of growth for Hong Kong.

More information about HKSTP is available at www.hkstp.org.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 May 2026 – The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) has launched a new Taskforce to strengthen financial reporting and investor confidence in Singapore, amid growing focus on corporate transparency, financial controls and trust in capital markets.

The Strengthening Financial Reporting Taskforce was launched today at the ISCA Value Unlock Forum held in partnership with Singapore Exchange (SGX). Chaired by Ms Euleen Goh, ISCA Distinguished Lifetime Member and Chairman of Singapore Institute of Management Group Ltd, the Taskforce will bring together leaders from business, finance, academia and investor groups to review Singapore’s financial reporting ecosystem and recommend ways to strengthen the quality, integrity and usefulness of corporate reporting.

The Taskforce comes at a timely moment as Singapore continues efforts to strengthen its capital markets and business ecosystem. Recent national initiatives, including the Accountancy Workforce Review Committee and the Monetary Authority of Singapore’s Equities Market Review, have highlighted the importance of strong financial reporting, professional capabilities and investor trust.

The launch also comes amid ongoing discussions on reducing compliance costs for smaller companies, including ACRA’s review of Singapore’s audit exemption framework. Regardless of how the framework evolves, strong financial reporting practices, competent finance professionals and effective financial controls remain fundamental to upholding confidence among investors, lenders and stakeholders.

The Taskforce will study how companies can improve the way they communicate financial performance, business risks and long-term value creation to investors and stakeholders. It will also examine how Singapore can continue to uphold high standards of governance, transparency and accountability in a rapidly evolving business environment.

Ms Euleen Goh, Chairperson of the Strengthening Financial Reporting Taskforce, said: “Financial reporting has always been the language of business. As markets evolve, it must speak more clearly and more usefully to the stakeholders who rely on it. The Taskforce will take a practical and holistic look at how Singapore can raise the bar so that companies communicate value and insights with the confidence and clarity that investors and the market expect.”

The Taskforce comprises leaders from across the financial ecosystem:

• Mr Liew Nam Soon, Deputy Regional Managing Partner, EY Asia East; Managing Partner, EY Asean; Managing Partner, EY Singapore & Brunei
• Mr Leong Yung Chee, Group CFO, United Overseas Bank Limited
• Professor Lawrence Loh, Director, Centre for Governance and Sustainability, NUS Business School, National University of Singapore
• Ms Belinda Tan, CA (Singapore), Managing Director of Finance, Temasek International
• Mr Ang Hao Yao, Vice President, Securities Investors Association (Singapore)
• Ms Karen Loon, Member, Governing Council of the Singapore Institute of Directors
• Mr Tan Boon Gin, CEO, Singapore Exchange Regulation (Observer)
• Mrs Chia-Tern Huey Min, CE, Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (Observer)

Mr Lee Boon Teck, President of ISCA, said: “High-quality financial reporting and strong financial controls are essential to investor confidence and market integrity. As Singapore’s national accountancy body, ISCA believes professionally trained finance and accounting professionals play a critical role in safeguarding trust in business and capital markets. This Taskforce reflects our commitment to supporting Singapore’s continued standing as a trusted global financial and business hub.”

The Taskforce was launched at the ISCA Value Unlock Forum, which brought together C-suite leaders, finance professionals and capital markets stakeholders to discuss how companies can better communicate value to the market.

ISCA Academy, an Approved Training Provider under the SGX Value Unlock Programme, supported the afternoon sessions as part of the ISCA Value Unlock Series. The series aims to equip listed companies and finance leaders with practical capabilities to communicate performance, strategy and value more effectively to the market.

Ms Cyndi Pei, Chairperson of ISCA Academy, said: “As stakeholder expectations continue to evolve, finance leaders are increasingly expected to go beyond reporting results to articulating performance, risks and value creation with clarity, credibility and context. ISCA Academy remains committed to supporting the profession and the broader market by building the practical capabilities needed to reinforce trust, promote transparency and strengthen confidence in Singapore’s capital markets.”

The Taskforce will engage stakeholders over the coming months and provide recommendations on strengthening Singapore’s financial reporting ecosystem.Hashtag: #ISCA #CharteredAccountants #FinancialReporting #DifferenceMakers #Accounting #Accountancy

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

About the Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) Academy

The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) is the national accountancy body of Singapore. Established in 1963, ISCA administers the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification programme and is the designated entity by the Singapore Ministry of Finance to confer the Chartered Accountant of Singapore [CA (Singapore)] designation.

ISCA supports over 43,000 members across industries in Singapore and globally, with members in more than 40 countries. With a growing international presence, ISCA has 12 overseas chapters, 7 offices across 10 countries and a network of over 150 strategic partners, strengthening professional connections and opportunities across borders. ISCA is also a member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide, a global network representing more than 1.8 million Chartered Accountants and students across over 190 countries.

ISCA advances professional development and lifelong learning through ISCA Academy, its training arm and drives community impact through ISCA Cares, its charity arm.

ISCA Academy, the leading business school of ISCA, delivers immersive, industry-informed learning across accountancy, finance, technology, governance and leadership. We equip learners to reskill, reconnect and reinvent, empowering them to stay relevant and ahead by choice.

For more information, visit www.isca.org.sg.

Partnership pairs international leading longevity institution with HSBC’ to build the region’s first integrated “health and wealth” ecosystem for high‑net‑worth families.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 May 2026 – Humansa, international leading integrated longevity institution and a premier destination for preventative healthcare, today announced the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC) and HSBC Life (International) Limited. This strategic collaboration aims to integrate advanced health optimisation with financial and insurance services, redefining how clients manage both their healthspan in Hong Kong and across the region.

A unified vision: healthspan as a core family asset

In a city renowned for its financial sophistication, the HSBC x Humansa alliance introduces a new paradigm: treating healthspan as a critical component of the modern family portfolio. As longevity science advances and demand for preventative healthcare accelerates, the partnership establishes a pioneering framework for an integrated “health and wealth” ecosystem designed specifically for high‑net‑worth and ultra‑high‑net‑worth clients.

Research from the Stanford Center on Longevity and other leading institutions highlights that many people in developed markets may live close to 100 years, making sustained cognitive and physical performance essential for a life of purpose and fulfilment. Simultaneously, global wealth reports show that affluent families are shifting spending from status goods toward wellness and longevity, and expect their financial partners to support this transition.

Moving beyond siloed services that treat health, wealth and insurance separately, Humansa contributes clinical excellence and geroscience‑based, data‑driven insights, while HSBC brings its wealth and insurance capabilities and a long‑term commitment to Asia as the world’s next major cross‑border wealth hub. Together, the parties aim to build the specialised infrastructure needed to manage health as a high‑value, appreciating asset over a 100‑year life.

Research‑driven excellence for high‑net‑worth clients

Humansa will lead the exploration of specialised longevity programs and dedicated physical spaces that combine clinical precision, behavioural coaching, and premium client experiences tailored to HSBC’s clients. By merging Humansa’s geroscience expertise with HSBC’s global wealth management reach and HSBC Life’s insurance capabilities, the partnership seeks to ensure that clients living longer – and better, at every stage of life.

Directives of the strategic collaboration: three pillars of “Longevity as an Asset”

Under the terms of the MoU, the parties have committed to three key pillars:

Longevity hubs and programs for HSBC clients – Explore the development of flagship “Longevity as an Asset” hubs and programs, where HSBC high-net-worth clients can access Humansa’s advanced diagnostics, health assessments and geroscience‑based services designed to preserve and grow their healthspan capital.

Integrated health‑wealth and insurance advisory – Pilot models where Humansa’s health insights can complement HSBC’s wealth and HSBC Life’s insurance advisory, enabling clients to align wealth management protection and succession strategies with their projected healthspan and personal goals.

Thought leadership and ecosystem building – Co‑create thought‑leadership platforms including research, client forums and CEO‑level dialogues in Hong Kong and other regional hubs to advance understanding of the economics of a 100‑year life, positioning Hong Kong at the forefront of longevity‑driven innovation.

These pillars provide a structured roadmap for turning the idea of “longevity as an asset” into practical offerings and experiences for clients across Asia.

“Humansa was founded on a simple belief: in a 100‑year life, healthspan is the most under‑managed asset on the family balance sheet,” said Don So, Chief Executive Officer of Humansa. “By joining forces with HSBC and HSBC Life, we are building the infrastructure that clients need to measure, protect and grow that asset – with clinical rigour, personalised programs and experiences that match the sophistication of their financial lives.

“Health, wealth and protection are deeply interconnected and shouldn’t be treated in isolation. As people live longer and spend more years beyond working life, they need trusted solutions to protect, grow and pass on their wealth — especially in an increasingly uncertain macro environment. Our partnership with Humansa brings together the best of both organisations to offer high net worth customers a seamless, one-stop health and wealth management solution.” said Daisy Tsang, Chief Executive Officer, HSBC Life Hong Kong and Macau.

“People are living longer, and that changes what ‘wealth planning’ really means. Our partnership with Humansa will help our clients treat healthspan as a core family asset, alongside their financial wealth, so they can stay well, stay active and keep their options open over a longer life. By combining Humansa’s longevity expertise with HSBC’s wealth capabilities, we’ll explore new ways to deliver a premium client experience that supports wellbeing and long-term resilience, setting a new standard for how high‑net‑worth families live well across generations.” said Brian Hui, Chief Customer Officer, Retail Banking and Wealth Management, HSBC Hong Kong.
Hashtag: #Humansa

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

About Humansa

Humansa is a leading healthcare and wellness brand dedicated to extending the human healthspan through evidence-based preventative medicine, advanced diagnostics and holistic lifestyle solutions. Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Hong Kong, Humansa operates an extensive network of centres, offering services that span health assessments, medical services, restorative therapies, wellness coaching and skin aesthetics in a refined, hospitality-inspired environment.

About HSBC and HSBC Life

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited is the founding member of the HSBC Group and one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations, serving customers across Asia and beyond. HSBC Life (International) Limited is a leading life insurance company, offering a comprehensive range of protection and savings solutions to individuals and corporations across the region. Together, they provide integrated banking, wealth and insurance services designed to meet the evolving financial and lifestyle needs of their clients.

The agreements were signed at the Vietnam–India Business Forum, held as part of the State visit of General Secretary and President To Lam to India, in the presence of General Secretary and President To Lam and Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis.

The partnerships are expected to open direct access channels to all customer segments, stimulate travel demand and experiential tourism, and ultimately position Vietnam as a “preferred destination” for India’s 1.47 billion people.

Representing India are three of the country’s most influential and trusted travel distribution channels: Thomas Cook India, SOTC Travel, and MakeMyTrip. Thomas Cook India has strong expertise in group travel, corporate travel, and large-scale MICE tourism. SOTC Travel is well known for family vacations, group tours, and mid- to high-end leisure travel. Meanwhile, MakeMyTrip, India’s leading online travel platform, has a strong advantage in reaching younger travelers, independent tourists, and digitally-driven booking behaviors.

Representing Vietnam is Vinpearl, the country’s leading hospitality, tourism, and entertainment brand, operating nearly 60 properties nationwide. Its diverse five-star “all-in-one” ecosystem offers accommodation, shopping, dining, entertainment, golf, and MICE services, making it particularly well-suited to the travel preferences of Indian visitors, including large group travel, multi-generational family vacations, and experience-rich holidays.

Through these partnerships, the parties aim to maximize each other’s strengths, enhance tourism development capabilities, and shape tailored travel products, gradually positioning Vietnam as a “preferred destination” for Indian travelers in the near future.

Speaking at the event, Ms. Ngo Thi Huong, CEO of Vinpearl, said: “India is one of the key markets in Vinpearl’s international expansion strategy. Through partnerships with leading industry players, we are not only broadening our market reach but also proactively developing products tailored to each customer segment. Vinpearl aims to strengthen its presence in the Indian market while contributing to positioning Vietnam as an attractive and distinctive destination on the global tourism map.”

Mr. Anubhav Bansal, Vice President of MakeMyTrip and representative of the three Indian partners, added: “Vinpearl operates one of the region’s leading integrated tourism and hospitality ecosystems, with a scale, product diversity, and destination experience portfolio that increasingly align with the preferences of Indian travelers. We believe Vinpearl is playing an important role in positioning Vietnam as an attractive destination for this market. Combined with the extensive distribution strengths of both sides, this partnership is expected to significantly boost Indian tourist arrivals to Vietnam in the coming years.”

India is currently the world’s most populous country, with 1.47 billion people. The country’s rapidly expanding middle class is driving a strong surge in demand for international travel.

Recognizing the strategic importance of the Indian market, Vinpearl has not only leveraged its scale and integrated “all-in-one” ecosystem but has also continuously developed specialized offerings for Indian travelers, including luxury wedding tourism, MICE travel, multi-generational family holidays, group trips, and couple getaways. In 2025, the number of Indian guests staying within the Vinpearl system surged by a record 402% year-on-year, followed by a further 335% increase during the first four months of this year compared to the same period last year.

The signing of MoUs with these three major market access partners marks the next step in Vinpearl’s strategy to sustainably grow its visitor base from the 1.47 billion-population Indian market, while also helping position Vietnam as a “preferred destination” for Indian travelers.

Hashtag: #Vinpearl

https://vinpearl.com/en

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

About Vinpearl

Vinpearl is Vietnam’s leading hospitality, tourism, and entertainment brand, currently operating 60 properties across 20 provinces and cities nationwide. Its ecosystem includes a network of five-star hotels and resorts in 35 provinces and cities with more than 17,300 rooms; 15 VinWonders theme parks offering attractions for all age groups; six world-class golf courses; and three international-standard convention centers and theaters under the VinPalace brand. The ecosystem also features two semi-wildlife conservation and care parks, an equestrian academy, and spectacular multi-million-dollar live performance shows in destinations such as Nha Trang and Phu Quoc, attracting millions of visitors each year.

About Thomas Cook India

Founded in 1881, Thomas Cook (India) Limited (TCIL) is one of India’s leading omnichannel travel and tourism groups, operating across foreign exchange, corporate travel, MICE, leisure travel, and value-added services.

TCIL owns and operates several major B2C and B2B brands, including Thomas Cook, SOTC, TCI, SITA, Sterling Holiday Resorts, Asian Trails, and Desert Adventures. The group has a presence in 28 countries across five continents and is one of the largest travel service networks headquartered in the Asia-Pacific region.

About SOTC Travel

Established in 1949, SOTC Travel is one of India’s oldest and most reputable travel and tourism brands. The company is part of Fairfax Financial Holdings through Thomas Cook (India) Limited (TCIL).

Operating through an omnichannel model, SOTC offers a wide range of services across leisure travel, incentive travel, and corporate travel. With more than 75 years of experience, SOTC has served millions of travelers across destinations worldwide and is recognized for its deep understanding of Indian travelers’ preferences and behaviors.

About MakeMyTrip

MakeMyTrip is India’s leading online travel booking platform, holding a dominant position in flight bookings, hotel reservations, and travel packages. With tens of millions of users and a strong digital ecosystem, MakeMyTrip covers the entire customer journey while maintaining a strong advantage in reaching younger travelers and independent tourists.

Centered on public participation, the festival features a diverse range of activities, including international art exhibitions, professional rock balancing competitions, family-friendly experiences, local markets, and hands-on workshops. Visitors are invited to engage directly with nature and create their own rock artworks. A photography contest encourages participants to capture the diverse beauty of rock stacks under varying light conditions and perspectives, while a short video competition invites creative visual storytelling.

During the preparation phase, the organizers established a strategic partnership with Scotland’s European Land Art Festival and received its official endorsement. This collaboration aims to develop Hualien into a key Asian hub for international competitions, strengthening connections with Europe and the United States.

The opening ceremony featured a unique musical performance inspired by rocks, presented by Professor Lin Tze-ying and students from Taipei National University of the Arts, alongside local Hualien students. Their performance blended the region’s distinctive natural soundscape with its rich cultural heritage.

Running through June 30, the festival transforms Qixingtan Scenic Area into a two-month outdoor art venue, inviting both domestic and international visitors to experience the enchanting intersection of art and nature between the mountains and the sea.

Hashtag: #Hualien

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

According to Bank Negara Malaysia’s (“BNM”) Annual Report 2025, Islamic financing continues to show strong growth, accounting for approximately 48% of Malaysia’s total financing or equivalent to RM1.219 trillion, reflecting increasing demand for Shariah-compliant offerings.

Through this partnership, IBPO aims to further strengthen its Shariah Governance framework and ensure that its financial products and programs are structured in accordance with recognised Shariah Principles. This reflects IBPO’s continued focus on transparency, responsibility and inclusivity across its financial services offerings while supporting BNM’s efforts to promote a progressive and inclusive Islamic Financial system.

The MOU signing ceremony was officiated by Andy Lim, Founder and Group Managing Director of IBPO Group Berhad and M. Aminuddin Bin Ismail, Managing Director of Afsha Shariah Advisory Sdn. Bhd.

In conjunction with this appointment IBPO is also introducing its latest financing program, i-Personal Financing. With Afsha’s appointment as official Shariah Advisor, IBPO’s Islamic financing programs including i-Personal Financing, i-Bridge Financing and Payday Financing will be supported by Afsha in ensuring consistent Shariah Compliance.

i-Personal Financing is designed to give customers easy access to cash based on their income levels. It offers responsible and affordable financing amounts along with flexible payment options of 3, 6, 9 or 12 months, aligned with monthly salary cycles for greater convenience and peace of mind.

All financing solutions are accessible via IBPO’s Online Customer Financial AI Portal which provides a 360-degree view of customers’ financial commitments including those with other financial institutions while offering AI-driven insights to help users better manage and optimise their finances. This initiative is part of IBPO’s ongoing efforts to leverage AI-driven capabilities to build an integrated financial ecosystem across the Group and its subsidiaries including IBPO Genesis Sdn. Bhd., IBPO Credit System Sdn. Bhd., IBPO Capital Ventures Sdn. Bhd. and IBPO Property Sdn. Bhd.

“We are proud to have Afsha as our official Shariah Advisor as we strengthen our position as Malaysia’s trusted choice for Islamic financing. This further reinforces our ongoing commitment to delivering inclusive, ethical and comprehensive Islamic Financial ecosystem that contributes positively to the economy and broader society. This allows us to deliver value to those seeking Shariah-aligned options, while remaining accessible to all, giving our customers greater confidence in what we provide,” said Andy Lim, Founder & Group Managing Director of IBPO Group Berhad.

“We are honoured to partner with IBPO Group Berhad as their official Shariah Advisor. At the core of actively disseminating Shariah principles across the financial sector, our mission is to enable our clients to achieve their optimum potential by ensuring that their policies and practices strictly comply with Shariah rules and regulations through the highest standards of professional competence. We look forward to guiding IBPO in structuring ethical and transparent Shariah-compliant financing solutions that meet the growing demand in Malaysia’s Islamic financial ecosystem,” said M. Aminuddin Bin Ismail, Managing Director of Afsha Shariah Advisory Sdn. Bhd.
Hashtag: #IBPOGroupBerhad #IslamicFinancing #ShariahCompliance

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

IBPO Group Berhad

Our financial programs include; i-Refinancing, i-Connect, i-Console Plus, Payday Financing, i-Bridge Financing, i-Personal Financing and Housing Value Investment. Discover personalised solutions tailored to your needs with mortgage refinancing, personal loans and financing, property management and more. To learn more, visit www.ibpo.com.my.

Email: [email protected]

Afsha Shariah Advisory Sdn. Bhd.

Email: [email protected]

Tamil Nadu’s vote count pointed to a dramatic political rupture on Monday, with actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam emerging as the strongest challenger to the ruling DMK and threatening to redraw the balance of power in one of the country’s most important industrial states.

Trends through the afternoon showed TVK ahead in more than 100 seats in the 234-member Assembly, close to the 118-seat majority mark. The AIADMK alliance was holding second place in several tallies, while the DMK, led by Chief Minister M K Stalin, slipped sharply from its dominant position. The count remained fluid, with leads shifting by constituency and round, but the scale of TVK’s performance confirmed that Vijay’s first full electoral test had moved beyond symbolism.

The most striking signal came from Kolathur, Stalin’s long-held constituency in Chennai, where TVK candidate V S Babu established a lead during counting. Udhayanidhi Stalin also faced pressure in Chepauk-Thiruvallikeni, intensifying the perception of an anti-incumbency wave cutting through the DMK’s urban and welfare-heavy support base. Vijay himself was leading in both seats he contested, strengthening expectations that he could become central to government formation if TVK sustains its advantage.

TVK’s surge is particularly significant because Tamil Nadu has for decades been shaped by two Dravidian blocs, with the DMK and AIADMK alternating in power. Vijay entered politics with a campaign built around corruption allegations, youth unemployment, social justice language and a promise to offer an alternative to entrenched party networks. His appeal among young voters, first-time voters and urban families appears to have translated into a statewide challenge rather than a personality-driven protest vote.

The outcome carries implications well beyond party politics. Tamil Nadu is a manufacturing and export powerhouse, with deep clusters in automobiles, electronics, textiles, leather, engineering, logistics and renewable energy. Chennai and its surrounding industrial belt host major auto and component manufacturers, while Hosur, Sriperumbudur, Coimbatore, Tiruppur and Ranipet have become key nodes in supply chains tied to smartphones, electric vehicles, garments and precision manufacturing.

Investors will be watching whether a possible TVK-led government preserves policy continuity. The state has benefited from a predictable administrative culture, skilled labour, ports, highways, renewable energy capacity and sector-specific industrial policies. Major projects involving Tata Electronics, Foxconn-linked supply chains, Hyundai, Renault Nissan, Ola Electric, VinFast, Tata Motors’ Jaguar Land Rover facility and a wide network of small suppliers rely on stable land, power, logistics and labour arrangements.

Vijay’s party has promised cleaner governance and a people-focused administration, but it is yet to demonstrate how it would manage fiscal pressures, industrial incentives, welfare spending and Centre-state relations. Tamil Nadu’s welfare model is expensive, and any new government would inherit commitments on subsidies, social schemes, infrastructure projects and public-sector obligations. A sharp shift in policy could unsettle investors, while a calibrated transition could allow TVK to combine political change with economic stability.

For the DMK, the trends represent a severe test of its governance record. Stalin’s administration has promoted Tamil Nadu as a trillion-dollar economy contender, pushed investment summits, expanded electronics manufacturing and defended its welfare programmes. Yet voter fatigue, price pressures, local grievances, perceptions of dynastic control and the attraction of Vijay’s outsider image appear to have weakened the ruling party’s hold.

The AIADMK, despite remaining competitive in parts of western and southern Tamil Nadu, also faces a strategic challenge. TVK’s ability to draw votes across urban, semi-urban and rural seats threatens to disrupt the opposition space that the AIADMK had hoped to consolidate. If no party crosses the majority mark, negotiations with smaller parties and alliance partners could determine the next government.

The Google Cloud India AI Hub, being developed with AdaniConneX and Nxtra by Airtel, is designed as a gigawatt-scale private cloud and data centre network across three campuses near the port city. The investment is planned over 2026-2030 and marks Google’s biggest infrastructure commitment in the country, combining hyperscale computing, subsea cable connectivity and clean-energy-linked operations.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu laid the foundation stone for the project on April 28, 2026, alongside Union electronics and IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, state IT and HRD minister Nara Lokesh, Google global infrastructure vice-president Bikash Koley and senior representatives of Adani and Bharti Airtel. The project follows Google’s October 2025 announcement that Visakhapatnam would host its first gigawatt-scale AI hub in the country.

The development is expected to occupy about 600 acres across locations including Tarluvada, Rambilli and Adavivaram. State officials have projected the facility’s operational launch around September 2028, though large data centre campuses of this scale typically move through phased commissioning as power, cooling, network and security systems are completed.

Google’s plan goes beyond a conventional cloud facility. The hub is intended to support AI workloads for services such as enterprise cloud computing, consumer applications, advanced model deployment and data-intensive digital platforms. Its location on the east coast gives Visakhapatnam a strategic role in subsea connectivity, with plans for international cable landings that can improve bandwidth, reduce latency and strengthen links between India, Southeast Asia and global cloud regions.

AdaniConneX, the joint venture between Adani Enterprises and EdgeConneX, is expected to lead major elements of data centre construction and power-linked infrastructure. Nxtra by Airtel will support data centre development, fibre connectivity and cable landing infrastructure. Airtel’s existing telecom backbone and Adani’s energy and infrastructure capabilities give the project domestic execution partners at a time when AI infrastructure is becoming capital-intensive and geopolitically sensitive.

The project also fits into a wider policy push to reduce dependence on overseas compute capacity. Demand for AI infrastructure has expanded rapidly as startups, banks, telecom operators, public agencies and manufacturing groups test generative AI, automation and data analytics. Large language models and AI inference services require dependable access to graphics processing units, high-density power systems, liquid cooling, resilient connectivity and local data storage.

Visakhapatnam’s selection reflects Andhra Pradesh’s attempt to position itself as a technology and logistics corridor after years of competition from established hubs such as Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune and the National Capital Region. The port city already has an industrial base, naval presence, road and rail connectivity and a coastline suited to cable infrastructure. The state government is banking on the Google project to attract hardware suppliers, energy providers, construction contractors, cloud specialists and AI startups.

Employment claims around the project have been ambitious, with state leaders citing the possibility of hundreds of thousands of direct and indirect jobs through construction, operations, supply chains and associated services. The more immediate employment impact is likely to come from civil works, electrical systems, fibre deployment, facility management, security and engineering support. Higher-skilled roles in cloud architecture, AI operations and chip-level systems may depend on how quickly local training pipelines are aligned with industry needs.

Power and water use will be closely watched. Gigawatt-scale data centres require enormous electricity supply and sophisticated cooling systems, making renewable energy procurement, grid stability and water stewardship critical. Google has said the project will be tied to a long-term clean energy strategy and community programmes covering water, skills, maritime trade modernisation and women-led businesses. Delivering on those commitments will be essential for public acceptance, especially as data centres worldwide face scrutiny over their environmental footprint.

• US$8 billion ultra-premium integrated commercial property debuts new lifestyle destination located along Shanghai’s iconic Huangpu River waterfront
• New “Enjoy Life” brand theme highlights premium tenant mix of designer retail and lifestyle brands

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 May 2026 – Hongkong Land Holdings Limited (“Hongkong Land” or the “Company”) marked a key milestone with the opening of Phase Two at Westbund Central, its flagship ultra-premium integrated commercial property in Shanghai’s Xuhui District that is one of the largest mixed-use developments in the world. This stage of the US$8 billion project’s rollout is complemented by its new “Enjoy Life” brand theme, reinforcing the district’s role as a dynamic environment for work, living and leisure.

The Phase Two commercial launch introduces a diverse mix of global first stores, designer labels, and flagship concepts that reinforce Westbund Central’s position as a new downtown in Shanghai. New tenants include international icons such as Issey Miyake, the multi-brand boutique SND, Leica Store & Gallery, artisanal Swiss chocolatier House of Läderach, and design houses HAY and Paulmann.

With a planned total gross floor area of more than 1.7 million square metres, Westbund Central is the Company’s largest-ever single investment and brings together a diversified commercial mix that includes more than 600 international retail and lifestyle brands, 180 food and beverage operators, more than 50,000 square metres dedicated to cultural and art facilities, as well as 650,000 square metres of premium Grade A offices that will house occupiers including globally renowned companies such as adidas and lululemon.

While Phase One centred on food and beverage, cafes, and sports and leisure facilities, Phase Two enhances the district’s prestige by focusing on designer lifestyle brands. Looking ahead, Phase Three will introduce a cluster of global luxury maison flagships to further boost the district’s international appeal. Around 12,000 square metres of retail space is already open, with an additional 30,000 square metres opening within this year.

Michael T. Smith, Group Chief Executive of Hongkong Land, said: “Westbund Central is a fresh and dynamic example of our strategic focus to develop ultra-premium, integrated commercial districts in Asia’s leading gateway cities. As Hongkong Land’s largest single investment to date and our flagship China property, Westbund Central is one of the most significant projects in the company’s portfolio and designed to deliver sustained long-term value.”

Stuart Grant, Chief Executive of Westbund Central, said: “Westbund Central is being shaped as Shanghai’s new downtown and we are incredibly proud to build one of the largest mixed-use properties in the world that redefines modern urban living. We are creating a globally renowned ‘city within a city’ where the finest quality office, retail, residential and hospitality components converge in a single vibrant destination where people can truly enjoy life.”

As further phases are delivered, Westbund Central will continue to reinforce its position as one of Shanghai’s most significant integrated commercial districts and a cornerstone of the company’s long-term growth strategy in its portfolio.
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Westbund Central

Hongkong Land’s Westbund Central is the Group’s largest-ever single investment. Scheduled to complete in phases up until 2028, it is an US$8 billion development encompassing approximately more than 1.7 million sq. m. of prime mixed-use property strategically located at Shanghai’s Xuhui Waterfront. It is a flagship development of Hongkong Land’s prime commercial properties’ CENTRAL Series. The ultra-premium integrated commercial property includes 240,000 sq. m of retail space, 650,000 sq. m. of premium Grade A offices, 160,000 sq. m. of high-end waterfront luxury residences, two hotels (55,000 sq. m.) and over 50,000 sq. m. of cultural and art venues.

Hongkong Land

Hongkong Land is a major listed property development, investment and management group. It focuses on developing, owning and managing premium and ultra-premium mixed-use real estate in Asian gateway cities, featuring Grade A office, luxury retail, residential and hospitality products. With over US$50 billion in assets under management, Hongkong Land’s ultra-premium mixed-use real estate footprint spans over 1.97 million sq. m. lettable area in operation and 1.43 million sq. m. lettable area under development, with flagship mixed-use projects in Hong Kong, Singapore and Shanghai. Its properties hold industry leading green building certifications and attract the world’s foremost companies and luxury brands. Established in 1889, Hongkong Land takes a long-term view, investing significantly alongside its capital partners and concentrating its portfolio where it can create the most value for tenants, customers and investors. Hongkong Land Holdings Limited has a primary listing on the London Stock Exchange, with secondary listings in Singapore and Bermuda. Hongkong Land is a member of the Jardine Matheson Group.

• Building upon its expertise in Europe, Rhenus is expanding its road freight solutions in Asia Pacific
• The strategic move will see dedicated expertise and resources to better support the region’s demand for fast and reliable freight transportation options
  

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 May 2026 – With demand for road freight services across Asia Pacific rising, leading global logistics provider Rhenus Group has announced plans to further expand its road freight operations in the region. As part of its broader regional growth strategy, the company is strengthening cross-border trucking across Southeast Asia and key corridors between Greater China and Southeast Asia. Building on this, it is continuously integrating road with air and ocean freight, while scaling local distribution, sourcing and leveraging existing free trade zone warehousing capabilities.

As part of this expansion, Rhenus is investing in local capabilities to support individual market needs including the recent establishment of its Bukit Kayu Hitam Border Office in Malaysia, with full customs capabilities to support smoother cross-border movements.

Prem Anand Anandaverl, Regional Director of Cross Border Trucking Asia, Rhenus Logistics notes, “Our goal is to provide a seamless connectivity to the global network by reinforcing a comprehensive road freight service and continue to help businesses to move their goods across Asia efficiently and compliantly. Road Freight is playing an increasingly important role in building a resilient supply chain especially in this region.”

Asia Pacific to see high demand for road freight services

The global freight trucking market size ^[1] is projected to be valued at US$2.74 Tn in 2025 and is set to reach US$3.70 Tn by 2032, growing at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 3.9%. Asia Pacific remains a key growth driver, supported by expanding industrial output, a large consumer base, and rapidly developing logistics infrastructure enabling both domestic and cross-border trade.

Achieving Sustainable Growth through Road Freight: Consistency, Scalability and Increasing Customer Value

With more than 150 owned and partner road freight locations in Europe, Rhenus currently operates in over 15 countries through a well-established network. The expansion of road freight services in Asia Pacific will enable the company to further integrate its’ end-to-end supply chain solutions, combining road freight solutions with air and ocean services to deliver more flexible and customized logistics solutions globally.

Ongoing investments in multilingual local teams, dedicated border infrastructure, and best practice transport management systems will support seamless cross-border operations, stronger customs and regulatory expertise across markets.

Leveraging its rail connections between Greater China and Europe, alongside a robust multimodal network spanning sea, land, and rail, the company aims to provide customers with greater flexibility and scalability in response to evolving supply chain demands. The company is also working with partners to improve CO₂ tracking and explore alternative fuel options, supporting more sustainable road freight operations.

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About Rhenus

The Rhenus Group is one of the leading logistics specialists with global business operations and annual turnover amounting to EUR 8.2 billion. 39,000 employees work at 1,300 business sites in more than 70 countries and develop innovative solutions along the complete supply chain. Whether providing transport, warehousing, customs clearance or value-added services, the family-owned business pools its operations in various business units where the needs of customers are the major focus at all times.

In 2024, the two sides adopted an Action Plan to implement the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for the 2024-2028 period. This document not only consolidates traditional areas of cooperation but also expands into new domains such as science and technology, innovation, digital transformation, energy and sustainable development.

Economy continues to be a bright spot in bilateral cooperation

Over the past decade, Vietnam-India economic cooperation has recorded significant positive developments. Bilateral trade turnover has maintained steady growth, increasing from over USD 14 billion in 2023 to nearly USD 16.5 billion in 2025, reflecting the increasingly close integration between the two dynamic Asian economies.

The structure of two-way trade has increasingly demonstrated complementarity. Vietnam has strengthened its exports of electronics, machinery, processed agricultural products, wood, and seafood, while India serves as an important supplier of steel, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and textiles to Vietnam.

Amid the ongoing restructuring of global supply chains, both Vietnam and India are intensifying efforts to diversify their partners and reduce dependency risks. This creates significant room for the two countries to promote supply chain linkages in areas such as processing and manufacturing industries, supporting industries, logistics, and high-tech agriculture. Vietnam, with its strategic location in Southeast Asia, can serve as a gateway for Indian enterprises to expand their presence deeper into ASEAN, while India represents a vast market with rapidly increasing consumer demand.

Science and technology: a new driver for deeper cooperation

Scientific and technological cooperation has seen remarkable development recently, gradually shifting from exchanges to more substantive collaboration, tied to specific products and developmental needs. Priority areas of cooperation include information technology, biotechnology, clean energy, and digital transformation.

Several representative projects, such as the Satellite Data Receiving Station and Satellite Image Processing Center, the Vietnam-India Nuclear Science Center (Da Lat), the Army Software Park (Nha Trang), and the Center of Excellence in Software Development and Training (CESDT), have been contributing to enhancing Vietnam’s technological capacity. Notably, the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program continues to be an effective channel for human resource training, helping Vietnamese officials and experts access modern management knowledge and experience.

Against the backdrop of the vigorous Fourth Industrial Revolution, the potential for cooperation between the two countries remains vast. The two sides can expand their cooperation into emerging areas such as Artificial Intelligence, semiconductors, cybersecurity, fintech, and biotechnology, aiming for the goals of co-development and co-innovation. ­

Environmental cooperation and sustainable development are gradually expanding

In the context of increasingly complex climate change, environmental cooperation between Vietnam and India is becoming an important component of the bilateral agenda. Areas such as renewable energy, water resource management, circular economy, and disaster-resilient infrastructure are receiving growing attention and promotion from both sides.

Cooperation agreements in marine science, along with Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) supporting communities, such as clean water supply, drought mitigation, and saline intrusion prevention in the Mekong Delta, have delivered practical results. Vietnam’s participation in the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), initiated by India, also opens up opportunities to strengthen cooperation in sustainable infrastructure and climate change adaptation.

In the coming period, areas encompassing solar energy, energy storage, waste management, marine pollution monitoring, and early warning systems for natural disasters are considered promising directions for cooperation.

Prospects for cooperation

The prospects for cooperation in the coming period are assessed as positive. With the economic and scientific-technological complementarity, along with strong political will from both sides, Vietnam-India relations have many favorable conditions to grow more strongly, particularly in areas such as the digital economy, green economy, innovation.

Orientations for promoting cooperation in the coming period

With a foundation of excellent relations and significant room for cooperation, the two countries have the basis to elevate the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership to a new height, making it increasingly substantive and effective in the new phase, particularly in the context of the two countries heading towards new high-level engagements with the state visit of General Secretary and President To Lam to India in May 2026.

To effectively capitalize on opportunities, both sides need to continue maintaining high-level exchanges, intergovernmental mechanisms and specialized dialogues, and further translate strategic commitments into cooperation programs and projects with clear roadmaps and resources.

In the economic field, efforts should be intensified to remove trade barriers, improve logistics connectivity, and promote the review and upgrading of the ASEAN – India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA); strengthen the development of large-scale investment projects in priority areas such as pharmaceuticals, the marine economy, renewable energy, and supporting industries.

In the field of science and technology, establishing joint research cooperation mechanisms, strengthening linkages between research institutes, universities, enterprises, as well as promoting expert exchanges, technology transfer, and human resource training will play an important role.

In the environmental field, efforts should be directed toward building a comprehensive green cooperation framework, focusing on water management, marine science, plastic pollution reduction, clean energy, and disaster-resilient infrastructure, while also effectively leveraging regional initiatives such as the CDRI.

Hashtag: #MAE

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This partnership reflects a shared commitment to supporting diploma graduates in continuing their studies at degree level, while ensuring a smoother and more structured transition into higher education.

A Strategic Collaboration for Student Progression

The agreement was formalised by Dr. Chua Ping Yong, Chief Executive Officer of MCKL, and Mr. Cao Qi, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of MILA University, in the presence of representatives from both institutions.

Through this collaboration, a clear articulation pathway is established for MCKL students to continue their academic journey at MILA University, enabling a smoother transition into undergraduate studies with greater confidence and direction.

Expanding Opportunities Through Articulation Pathways

As part of this collaboration, students from selected MCKL diploma programmes have the opportunity to progress into MILA University’s bachelor’s degree programmes in Computer Science and Business Management.

The pathway covers diploma fields such as Computer Science, Information Technology, Digital Business, Digital Marketing, and Financial Technology, ensuring that students from diverse academic backgrounds have access to relevant progression pathways.

Strengthening Industry-Relevant Education Through Collaboration

Beyond academic progression, this collaboration underscores a mutual commitment to delivering industry-relevant education that equips students with practical skills and real-world competencies. By aligning curriculum pathways and fostering closer engagement between both institutions, MCKL and MILA University aim to ensure that graduates are not only academically prepared but also adaptable to evolving industry demands. This partnership creates opportunities for enhanced learning experiences, bridging the gap between classroom knowledge and professional application, and ultimately empowering students to thrive in a competitive global workforce.

For over four decades, MCKL has built a strong reputation for nurturing students who not only excel academically but also develop the values, character, and critical thinking skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing world. With a student-centred approach, the college emphasises holistic education, balancing academic rigour with personal growth, leadership development, and community engagement, so that graduates are well-prepared for both university and life beyond the classroom.

Original Source: MILA University
Original Article: MILA University Strengthens Academic Pathways Through Collaboration with MCKL
Website: https://www.mila.edu.my

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Methodist College Kuala Lumpur (MCKL)

For additional information, please visit the MCKL Official Website.