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Distinguished guests attended the conference, including Cloud Zhang, Head of ByteDance’s Game Business and CEO of MOONTON Games; Yaguang Ma, also known as Link Ma, Head of MOONTON Games’ Lighthouse Studio; renowned screenwriter Ran Ping; celebrated author Jiang Nan; acclaimed animation director Shen Youbafang; Wang Shanshan (Film and Television Director of Science Fiction World); as well as leaders from the National Radio and Television Administration; the Hong Kong Trade Development Council; numerous media representatives; and industry peers.

Founded in 2014, MOONTON Games has crafted a portfolio of classic game IPs loved by gamers worldwide. Its debut at Hong Kong FILMART marks the launch of MOONTON Games’ global incubation journey for premium IPs with a brand-new vision, completing a cross-dimensional creative leap from a digital game kingdom to a cinematic light and shadow realm, and empowering Chinese culture-rooted original content to shine on the international stage. MOONTON Games’ Lighthouse Studio, the core vehicle for its film-game IP development, made its official debut at the conference, and its unwavering commitment to long-termist creative philosophy has become the cornerstone of Moonton’s film-game integration layout. The three distinctive original IPs form MOONTON Games’ first film-game IP matrix; all anchored in high-quality content, they pose profound emotional inquiries around What it means to be human, what it means to live, with unique themes and expressive formats.

You Ming Zhi: Rooted in Chinese Folk Customs, Forging a Benchmark for Eastern Fantasy Theatrical Animated Films

As MOONTON Games’ maiden cross-border film and television project, the Eastern fantasy IP You Ming Zhi—deeply rooted in Chinese folk culture—officially kicked off at the conference. The IP builds a distinctive worldview where the world is governed by animal Spirits of Light, and humans embark on a quest to uncover their own history and the meaning of survival. Breaking free from the clichés of traditional immortal and chivalric fantasy, it returns to a narrative core rooted in mortal life and journey experiences. The growth story of protagonist Zhou Chu mirrors the self-discovery and identity exploration of contemporary young people, embodying both profound Chinese cultural heritage and universal emotional resonance.

The IP’s first concept short film made a stunning debut at the conference. Wanzhou Yu, the IP producer, shared that creative inspiration stemmed from personal emotional resonance, aiming to create a humanistic Eastern fantasy work where the protagonist achieves inner growth through witnessing rather than conquering. Cloud stated that this IP was chosen as the starting point of MOONTON Games’ cross-border endeavor for its compelling narrative rooted in Chinese folk customs that transcends media boundaries; it reflectsand MOONTON Games’ aspirations to set an aesthetic and narrative benchmark for it with the ceremonial essence of film. Yaguang Ma highlighted the IP’s pure creative team, original worldview and systematic aesthetic system, believing it to be an IP seed with sustainable growth potential for a decade. A landmark announcement was made: national first-class screenwriter Ran Ping officially joined the project as the animated film’s screenwriter. Ran Ping noted that the IP’s allure lies in exploring profound propositions of civilization, loneliness and coexistence through a fantasy lens, integrating the traditional heritage of ancient supernatural tales with modern narrative consciousness, and a great fantasy work ultimately reflects reality. The MOONTON Games team presented Ran Ping with a framed original art poster of the IP, marking his official joining in a highly ceremonial way.

Cetus: Debut of a Dieselpunk Sci-Fi IP, Launching a Global Co-creation Plan

Following You Ming Zhi, MOONTON Games released the high-concept sci-fi IP Cetus, with the first concept short film of its dieselpunk post-apocalyptic adventure animated series also unveiled at the event. The IP constructs a post-apocalyptic world shrouded in a sea of clouds, where humans have built a unique civilization based on whaling in an isolated island setting, and cling to hope and resolve amid ruins and steel.

Cetus boasts celebrated author, Jiang Nan, as co-creator and acclaimed sci-fi animation director, Shen Youbafang, as director—two core creative forces with profound expertise in building grand worldviews and crafting sci-fi animations. Yaguang Ma commented that Jiang Nan has endowed Cetus with a profound textual foundation and epic grandeur, while Shen Youbafang masterfully captures and presents the distinctive texture of this sea of clouds world to audiences. Jiang Nan explained that the core of Cetus is to depict the essence of humanity in desperate situations: even if only one tower remains in the world, there will still be stories, warmth, and dignity. Shen Youbafang frankly shared that the challenge and joy of creation both lie in building a dieselpunk visual system that blends industrial ruggedness with the warmth of life, making every gear and rust mark an integral part of the narrative. Moonton also announced the official launch of the Cetus Global Co-creation Plan at the conference, opening up the IP’s worldview setting to global sci-fi writers, illustrators, animators and game designers, and inviting creators worldwide to jointly build this magnificent sea of clouds universe. The plan is jointly promoted by MOONTON Games and Science Fiction World, the benchmark platform for Chinese sci-fi literature. Cloud, Wang Shanshan and three other distinguished guests launched the plan with a jigsaw puzzle ceremony, marking Cetus as the first Chinese dieselpunk sci-fi IP nurtured by global creators.

Project: Lovania: A Cozy Game Surprise Debuts, Creating a Spiritual Haven

As a delightful surprise at the conference, MOONTON Games launched the original cozy game, Project: Lovania, whose promotional short film brought a warm and heartfelt experience to the audience. The game builds a fairy-tale wonderland named the Hometown Never Forgotten, where players take on the role of a little puppet and embark on a magical adventure following a long-eared star. In the game, players can build exclusive homes, customize their avatars, and pursue the starlight and the moon hidden in fascinating stories. In an era driven by efficiency, Project: Lovaniacenters on the core of healing, serving as a warm emotional complement to MOONTON Games’ IP matrix and adding greater diversity to the company’s film-game IP layout.

For The Future: MOONTON Games Releases the Core Strategy for Film-Game Integration

At the conference, MOONTON Games showcased the creative aspirations and team spirit of Lighthouse Studio through a corporate short film, with original aspiration and unwavering faith as the studio’s core tenets. On behalf of the studio, Yaguang Ma released MOONTON Games’ core strategy for film-game integration, stating that the establishment of Lighthouse Studio stems from MOONTON Games’s persistent commitment to long-termist content creation. The studio rejects rushed content production, focuses on returning to the essence of creation itself, and builds a tailored creative ecosystem for the sustainable growth of premium IPs.

MOONTON Games’ film-game integration layout is not a simple cross-media expansion, but is centered on building a living, evolving world. Each IP is enabled to naturally evolve into diverse formats including games, films and animations, based on a complete worldview and a profound emotional core. Cloud emphasized that MOONTON Games has always believed that a good story transcends media and time, and the core of film-game integration is to take high-quality original content as the foundation, allowing IPs to realize value amplification and enduring vitality across different media. The three IPs released at the event represent the first implementation of this core strategy, and Moonton will continue to deepen its focus on original content creation, fueling the incubation and growth of more film-game IPs in the future.

Industry Elites Gather at the Forum to Explore the Key to Success for the Future of Film-Game Integration

After the IP release session, MOONTON Games hosted an industry forum themed What is the Decisive Factor for the Future of IP-Based Film-Game Integration, moderated by Li Xingwen, a famous cultural critic and Chief Editor of Film and Television Critic. Cloud, Ran Ping, Jiang Nan, and Huang Haibo, Director of Phoenix TV Movie Channel, engaged in an in-depth discussion from diverse professional perspectives.

The forum delved into core topics including the key factors for translating film-game integration concepts into practical execution, the essential traits of IPs with sustainable cross-media vitality, the creative differences between animation and traditional film and television production, the creative adaptation of literary IPs for film and game cross-border development, the new forces urgently needed in the film and television industry, as well as the opportunities and challenges for game enterprises venturing into the film and television sector. Combining their rich practical experience and insightful industry observations, the guests offered multi-dimensional insights and ideas for the industrial development of film-game integration, helping the on-site audience gain a clearer and more in-depth understanding of its future development trends.

MOONTON Games’ film-game IP launch conference at Hong Kong FILMART marks the official launch of the company’s global film-game IP layout, emerging as a pivotal practice for game enterprises in cross-border film-game integration. From deepening its roots in the game industry to incubating film-game IPs, MOONTON Games takes these three original IPs as its starting point, integrating the essence of Chinese culture with modern creative expression. With its long-termist creative philosophy and open co-creation operation model, Moonton sets a new paradigm for the development of the global film-game integration industry. As the conference theme From Spark to Spotlight implies, this launch is not the end of MOONTON Games’ cross-border film and game journey, but the beginning of a new chapter. In the future, Moonton’s Lighthouse Studio will continue to polish high-quality original content, drive the in-depth integration and global development of film-game IPs, and let Chinese original film-game IPs shine brightly on the world stage.

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About MOONTON Games

Established in 2014, MOONTON Games is a global video game company dedicated to gaming development, publication, and esports. With more than 2,000 employees worldwide, the company operates offices in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Latin America, and China. It has successfully launched several high-profile mobile games globally and has built long-term relationships with governments and esports organizations in more than 30 countries around the world. Mobile Legends: Bang Bang is its current star game and the leading mobile multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game worldwide. For more information, visit https://en.moonton.com.

About Lighthouse Studio

Lighthouse Studio is a studio under MOONTON Games that creates original content. It currently owns 3 IPs: You Ming Zhi, Cetus, and Project: Lovania. The studio adheres to the principle of “Innovation as the Core, Content Is King”, deeply exploring the integration of storytelling and artistic expression in its commitment to building an immersive art world that combines emotional resonance and visual tension.

With its relentless pursuit of quality, Lighthouse Studio leverages its cutting-edge aesthetic vision and technical capabilities to continuously push the boundaries of creativity, establish a complete chain from the core settings of IP, aesthetic innovation to multi-form content development, and create benchmark IPs with global recognition and cultural influence—whether it’s games, film and television, or animation.

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The campaign is anchored on the principle that good intentions (niat yang baik), when demonstrated through kind and thoughtful actions (amal budi yang indah) will lead to meaningful outcomes. This theme is brought to life through a self-produced Ramadan Aidilfitri 2026 brand video, available on the Bank’s official YouTube channel.

NIAT TO EMPOWER THE COMMUNITY : SALAM PRIHATIN 4.0

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Themed “Where Miracles Happen,” the milestone event honors the pioneering spirit that has propelled generations of HKUST members to achieve remarkable feats. Officiating at the ceremony were Mr. CHAN Kwok-Ki, Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR Government; Mr. LUO Yonggang, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR (LOCPG); and Dr. CHOI Yuk-Lin, Secretary for Education of the HKSAR Government. They were joined by HKUST Pro-Chancellor Dr. John CHAN Cho-Chak, Council Chairman Prof. Harry SHUM, Court Chairman Dr. the Honorable Andrew LIAO Cheung-Sing, and President Prof. Nancy IP to inaugurate a year of commemorative activities.

A Journey Forged with Vision and Purpose

In her welcome address, President Ip, who joined HKUST in 1993, offered a personal reflection on the University’s remarkable ascent. She witnessed its evolution into a world-class institution; a success built on academic excellence and a vibrant innovation ecosystem created from the ground up. She credited this profound transformation to the extraordinary foresight of the University’s Founding President, Prof. Chia-Wei Woo.

“From its very inception, HKUST was built on a bold and unprecedented vision: to become Hong Kong’s first research-intensive university,” President Ip shared. “Long before the Greater Bay Area concept existed, our founders, led by Prof. Woo, understood that Hong Kong’s future was inextricably linked with the region. This visionary courage saw them forge vital connections with the Chinese Mainland, laying the groundwork for what would become HKUST (Guangzhou) in 2022. Their courage, dedication, and tenacity built the unshakeable foundation on which we stand today.”

President Ip emphasized that the University’s success is measured not by rankings alone, but by its tangible impact on society. This founding DNA—to anticipate and meet societal needs with excellence—is now driving HKUST’s most ambitious chapter yet: the establishment of a new School of Medicine. “This is a transformative milestone, fulfilling a dream pursued for over three decades,” she stated. “We are deeply grateful to the HKSAR Government for its trust and partnership. Together, we will build a technologically advanced, humanistic medical school that ushers in a new era for healthcare in Hong Kong. Let us honor those who walked before us by carrying their courageous legacy into a new era of excellence.”

A Cornerstone of Hong Kong’s Global Leadership

Mr. Chan Kwok-Ki commended HKUST’s profound impact on Hong Kong’s development. “Over the past 35 years, HKUST has evolved from a bold new institution into a globally respected university, driven by visionary leadership, dedicated faculty, a continuing flow of talented students, and an enduring spirit of innovation. Its strong international rankings, vibrant start-up ecosystem, and diverse global student body demonstrate how research and education can deliver tangible societal impact,” he stated. “As Hong Kong advances its role as an international education hub, HKUST stands as a shining example of how universities can nurture global talent while supporting national development priorities. With strengths spanning artificial intelligence, science, and its planned School of Medicine, HKUST is exceptionally well-positioned to shape the future of innovation and talent development.”

Carrying a Pioneering Spirit into the Next Chapter

Prof. Harry Shum reflected on the University’s unique position. “Thirty-five years is a fascinating milestone. In human terms, it is the age of maturity, the point where youthful energy meets seasoned wisdom. And I see the same spirit alive in this institution. We still possess the curiosity and drive of our early years. But now we have the strength, the reputation, and the alumni network that only decades can build. The world is changing faster than ever before. If we are to serve the next generation as well as we have served the past, we must lead, we must innovate, and we must redefine what education can be. In this regard, HKUST is ready to open a new chapter.

“The HKSAR Government has appointed HKUST with the trust to build the third medical school in Hong Kong. We envision the University’s medical school that will bridge traditional medical curriculum with the latest technology and AI breakthroughs, will gradually revolutionize the entire medical spectrum—from diagnosis to treatment to recovery, prevention and personalized medicine. I am confident that this future-oriented medical school, which will admit its first cohort in 2028, will play an important role in educating and training a new generation of scientists and clinicians in the next 35 years and beyond.”

A Celebration of Innovation and Heritage

Reflecting the theme “Where Miracles Happen,” the ceremony showcased HKUST’s leadership in technology in a truly spectacular fashion. In a breathtaking fusion of tradition and innovation, the university’s Guangzhou campus team presented a robotic lion dance. This remarkable creation brought the classic folk art to life through advanced robotics, embodying the spirit of cultural heritage reimagined through cutting-edge engineering.

For the grand officiating ceremony, HKUST turned into an unexpected source of inspiration: humanity’s best friends. But there were no ordinary dogs. A team of robotic dogs—developed by Direct Drive Technology (an HKUST-nurtured startup), the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and the Cheng Kar-Shun Robotics Institute—took center stage. Engineered to navigate complex, uneven terrain and perform dangerous industrial inspections, these four-legged helpers were given a far more meaningful mission for the day: carrying the ceremonial “Miracle Balls” to the officiating guests. As robotic dogs trotted majestically onto stage bearing their precious cargo, they symbolized the University’s commitment to channeling cutting-edge research into real-world applications—and its penchant for making miracles happen.

The ceremony reached its pinnacle with a dramatic display of innovation. In a symbolic gesture of bridging past and future, a drone—generously donated by distinguished alumnus Mr. WANG Tao, Founder of DJI—soared into the venue carrying the commemorative “35th Symbol Key.” As the drone gracefully descended to deliver the key to the officiating party on stage, it signaled the formal inauguration of the anniversary celebrations.

HKUST expressed its deep gratitude to Mr. Wang for his generous donation of two of the latest drone solutions to the university. These state-of-the-art drones will serve as an inspiration for faculty and students to explore and address new challenges in the rapidly evolving low-altitude economy.

The campus itself has been transformed with a “Circle of Time” visual theme, inspired by the iconic Sundial sculpture—a symbol of the University’s enduring legacy and its continuous measurement of progress in education, research, and knowledge transfer.

A Legacy of Excellence and National Trust

Since its founding in 1991, HKUST has risen to rank among the world’s top 50 universities. This commitment to excellence is underscored by the deep trust the nation has placed in the University. Following the reorganization of two existing State Key Laboratories, HKUST has secured approval from the Ministry of Science and Technology to establish a new one, further strengthening its role in advancing cutting-edge research critical to national development.

In a major national space endeavor, HKUST is developing a multi-functional robot for the historic Chang’E-8 lunar mission, designed to operate on the lunar surface and contribute to China’s advancing space exploration capabilities. The University is also leading the development of a high-precision, point-source greenhouse gas detection instrument. This groundbreaking project is set to make history as it will become HKSAR’s first payload to China’s Tiangong Space Station aboard the Tianzhou cargo spacecraft for research and application.

Celebratory Events

A full year of celebratory activities is planned, including co-hosting Asia Universities Summit with Times Higher Education, an AI Film Festival, and joint celebrations with HKUST (Guangzhou).

Global Thought Leadership

Following the symposium held earlier this year, where multiple Nobel laureates and world-leading scholars were invited to engage with HKUST faculty, students and alumni, the University will co-host the THE Asia Universities Summit 2026 with Times Higher Education (THE) this April. The event will draw university presidents and industry leaders from around the world to Hong Kong to explore Asia’s leadership role in driving global change. HKUST will also host the China Association of Higher Education’s flagship “World University Presidents Forum” for the first time in Hong Kong.

AI and Innovation Thematic Events

HKUST will organize a series of events focused on AI, technology governance and creative culture—including an AI Film Festival—to highlight the University’s leadership and societal impact in AI.

Building the HKUST Community

The University will host joint celebrations across its Clear Water Bay and Guangzhou campuses, including a year-long blood donation drive, a marathon, a “Mixed Reality x AI” art exhibition, and more, to foster closer interaction between faculty and students from the two campuses. HKUST will also organize a grand anniversary gala dinner to celebrate with faculty, students, alumni and community leaders, alongside a digital commemorative booklet that recounts the University’s 35 years of outstanding achievements with society.

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About The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) (https://hkust.edu.hk/) is a world-class university known for its innovative education, research excellence, and impactful knowledge transfer. With a holistic and interdisciplinary pedagogy approach, HKUST was ranked 6th in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026, 3rd in the Times Higher Education’s Young University Rankings 2024, and 19th globally and 1st in Hong Kong in the Times Higher Education’s Impact Rankings 2025. Thirteen HKUST subjects were ranked among the world’s top 50 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, with “Data Science and Artificial Intelligence” coming in 17th worldwide and first in Hong Kong. Our graduates are highly competitive, consistently ranking among the world’s top 30 most sought-after employees. In terms of research and entrepreneurship, over 80% of our work was rated “internationally excellent” or “world leading” in the Research Assessment Exercise 2020 of the Hong Kong’s University Grants Committee. As of January 2026, HKUST members have founded over 1,900 active start-ups, including 10 Unicorns and 21 exits (IPO or M&A).

Authorities in Hong Kong have launched one of the most sweeping investigations into the territory’s financial industry in nearly a decade, placing hedge fund Infini Capital Management at the centre of a widening insider-trading probe that has rattled brokers, banks and investors across Asia’s leading financial hub.

The investigation, conducted jointly by the Securities and Futures Commission and the Independent Commission Against Corruption, has led to the arrest of eight people and the search of offices and residences across the city. The operation targeted suspected exchanges of confidential market information tied to share placements in Hong Kong-listed companies, a practice that authorities say may have generated illicit profits while undermining confidence in capital markets.

Sources familiar with the matter have identified Infini Capital Management, alongside brokerage operations linked to Citic Securities and Guotai Junan International, as among the firms caught up in the crackdown. The investigation centres on allegations that executives accepted more than HK$4 million in bribes in return for non-public information about equity placements before those transactions were disclosed to investors.

According to regulatory statements, the suspected information leaks allowed traders to establish short positions in companies whose share placements would later depress prices once announced publicly. Authorities estimate the strategy generated profits of roughly HK$315 million, underscoring the scale of the alleged misconduct.

Infini Capital has said its operations remain normal and that its investment management processes have not been disrupted by the investigation. The firm has pledged to comply fully with regulatory authorities while declining to comment on what it described as unverified reports circulating in the market.

Founded in 2015 by former investment banker Tony Chin, the hedge fund built a reputation for aggressive trading strategies and direct negotiations with companies seeking capital. Market participants say the firm sometimes approached share placement deals in ways that bypassed traditional investment bank intermediaries, a tactic that brought both attention and scrutiny within Hong Kong’s tightly interconnected financial community.

Chin, who previously worked at major global financial institutions before establishing the fund, has not responded publicly to requests for comment regarding the probe. Regulatory filings indicate that he stepped down as a responsible officer for Infini Capital at the end of 2025, meaning he no longer holds the licence required to oversee regulated asset management activities on behalf of the firm.

Developments surrounding the investigation have reverberated beyond the immediate targets of the raid. Several global banks, including JPMorgan and UBS, had already severed prime brokerage relationships with Infini Capital months before the probe became public, according to people familiar with the matter. The reasons behind the decisions were not disclosed, though the timing has drawn attention among market observers assessing the fund’s risk profile and compliance record.

Prime brokerage services play a critical role in hedge fund operations, providing financing, securities lending and trade execution support. Losing such relationships can constrain trading activity and signal broader concerns among financial institutions regarding counterparty risk.

The crackdown arrives at a moment when Hong Kong’s equity capital markets have been undergoing a revival following a prolonged downturn in listings. Fundraising through share offerings surged in the past year as Chinese technology and industrial companies turned to the territory for capital, helping restore the city’s position as one of the world’s busiest venues for initial public offerings.

Regulators have responded to that surge by intensifying scrutiny of investment banks and brokers responsible for underwriting and distributing share sales. Officials have warned repeatedly that lapses in due diligence or market conduct could undermine investor trust and the credibility of Hong Kong’s financial system.

Analysts say the case highlights the complex ecosystem that has developed around equity placements, where hedge funds, banks and corporate issuers interact in fast-moving transactions worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Such deals often involve limited groups of investors receiving shares at discounted prices, creating incentives for traders to speculate on how markets will react once the placements are disclosed.

Authorities believe that confidential information about several such deals was circulated before public announcements, allowing certain investors to position themselves advantageously. The resulting trades allegedly generated substantial profits when share prices fell following the disclosure of the placements.

Operation “Fuse”, the codename given to the joint investigation, involved searches at fourteen locations across Hong Kong, including corporate offices and private residences. The arrests included senior executives within financial firms, signalling that regulators are pursuing accountability at the highest levels of the industry.

Market participants are watching closely to see whether the probe expands further. Hong Kong’s regulators have historically pursued insider trading cases aggressively, but raids on multiple high-profile financial institutions simultaneously are comparatively rare.

Infini Capital had become an active participant in the city’s equity markets over the past several years, taking positions in a number of high-profile share placements linked to technology companies and other fast-growing sectors. The firm also forged financing partnerships with emerging robotics and artificial intelligence businesses seeking funding through Hong Kong’s capital markets.

Bosch SDS and NxtGen Datacenter & Cloud Technologies have unveiled plans to launch a sovereign artificial intelligence cloud platform designed to accelerate Industry 4.0 adoption across India’s manufacturing and industrial sectors. The initiative aims to give enterprises secure domestic infrastructure for deploying advanced AI applications, including predictive maintenance, asset optimisation and real-time industrial data orchestration from factory floors to cloud platforms.

The partnership brings together Bosch’s software and digital engineering capabilities with NxtGen’s hyperscale data-centre infrastructure and managed cloud services. Executives involved in the project say the platform is intended to address a growing demand among industrial companies for locally hosted AI environments that comply with national data sovereignty expectations while enabling modern digital manufacturing systems.

Manufacturers across sectors such as automotive, energy, logistics and heavy engineering are increasing investment in AI-driven automation as global supply chains shift toward greater efficiency and resilience. Analysts say many firms are seeking platforms capable of processing large volumes of machine data generated by connected sensors, robotics systems and industrial equipment. The Bosch–NxtGen cloud aims to provide such capabilities by linking edge computing devices installed on factory floors with secure domestic cloud infrastructure.

Industry 4.0 technologies depend heavily on real-time analytics and machine learning models trained on operational data from equipment and production lines. Engineers use these tools to forecast equipment failures, schedule maintenance more efficiently and optimise energy use in industrial facilities. Bosch SDS has developed software frameworks and digital twin technologies designed to model industrial processes, while NxtGen operates data centres capable of hosting high-performance computing and AI workloads.

Executives from both companies say the sovereign AI cloud will enable manufacturers to run advanced analytics while ensuring sensitive operational data remains within national boundaries. Data localisation requirements have become an important consideration for companies adopting AI technologies, particularly in sectors linked to critical infrastructure and strategic industries.

Industrial data orchestration represents a central component of the project. Factories typically generate vast amounts of information from sensors embedded in machines, assembly lines and supply-chain systems. The new platform aims to unify these streams into a single architecture that allows companies to analyse operational patterns and automate decision-making across production networks.

Predictive maintenance stands among the most prominent applications expected to benefit. Machine-learning models trained on historical equipment data can detect early warning signs of mechanical problems before breakdowns occur. Companies adopting such systems report improvements in production uptime and reductions in maintenance costs. Asset optimisation tools can also adjust equipment performance dynamically based on real-time operational conditions, helping plants operate more efficiently.

Bosch SDS, a digital engineering and IT services division of the Bosch Group, has built a strong presence in industrial software development, automotive electronics and embedded systems. The organisation provides engineering services to manufacturing clients globally and has increasingly expanded into artificial intelligence and Internet of Things technologies.

NxtGen Datacenter & Cloud Technologies operates hyperscale data-centre infrastructure in several metropolitan regions and provides cloud platforms designed for enterprise workloads requiring high performance and data security. The company has promoted the concept of sovereign cloud infrastructure as governments and corporations seek greater control over digital assets and regulatory compliance.

Demand for domestic cloud infrastructure has expanded as companies become more cautious about where critical data is stored and processed. Sovereign cloud environments typically guarantee that data remains within a country’s jurisdiction and that infrastructure operators comply with local legal frameworks. Such models have gained traction among governments and enterprises concerned about cross-border data transfer risks.

Industrial companies are also moving toward hybrid architectures combining edge computing and centralised cloud platforms. Edge devices located inside factories can process sensor data close to the source, enabling immediate operational responses, while cloud platforms provide the computing power required for large-scale analytics and machine-learning training. Integrating these environments allows enterprises to monitor production lines in real time while developing predictive insights from aggregated data.

Artificial intelligence adoption within manufacturing has accelerated as companies pursue automation and efficiency gains. Industrial AI applications include quality control using computer vision, supply-chain forecasting, energy-efficiency optimisation and autonomous robotics. Technology providers see manufacturing as one of the largest growth markets for AI deployments because factories generate extensive data suitable for machine-learning models.

Digital transformation initiatives in India’s industrial sector have gained momentum as manufacturers attempt to strengthen global competitiveness. Government-backed programmes promoting advanced manufacturing and smart factories have encouraged investment in automation, robotics and digital infrastructure. Large technology firms and industrial groups have launched multiple projects aimed at building domestic platforms capable of supporting AI-driven manufacturing systems.

Bosch and NxtGen executives say the sovereign AI cloud will provide enterprises with tools to modernise legacy manufacturing operations while maintaining strict security and governance standards. Industrial clients are expected to gain access to modular services including AI development environments, digital twin simulations and scalable computing resources tailored to industrial workloads.

Technology analysts note that partnerships combining industrial engineering expertise with specialised cloud infrastructure have become increasingly common as companies seek to accelerate digital transformation. Providers that can integrate operational technology systems with enterprise cloud platforms are viewed as well positioned to serve manufacturers adopting Industry 4.0 strategies.

This landmark transaction ranks among the significant Identity and Access Management acquisitions in Asia. It underscores i-Sprint’s strategic importance in the region’s cybersecurity landscape as AI-driven threats, machine identity proliferation, and tightening regulatory requirements reshape cybersecurity across the region. The deal positions i-Sprint for its next phase of innovation and global expansion, as it continues to invest in next-generation capabilities, while expanding its footprint across the region.

This milestone firmly establishes i‑Sprint as one of the region’s largest independent IAM, Quantum Safe and Mobile cybersecurity provider.

Dutch Ng, Chief Executive Officer of i-Sprint, commented:
“This Management Buy-Out is a defining moment for i-Sprint and a testament to the strength of the business we have built and our deep belief in its future. Partnering with KV Asia Capital provides us with the strategic tools and capital to accelerate growth while preserving the entrepreneurial spirit and customer focus that define i-Sprint. We are grateful for the trust and support of our clients, partners, and team—and excited about the future we’re building together.”

KV Asia Capital has a proven track record of scaling growth-stage companies across Asia. Their expertise and financial backing will enable i-Sprint to enhance product offerings, invest in cutting-edge R&D, and pursue new market opportunities with greater agility.

Lee Gan Ping, Managing Director, at KV Asia Capital, said:
“We are thrilled to partner with i-Sprint’s founders and management team, whose deep domain expertise and track record has earned the trust of Asia’s leading financial and government institutions. As identity and authentication become increasingly complex and relevant, we look forward to supporting the team in their next chapter of growth. Together, we will scale i-Sprint’s global footprint through accelerated R&D investments and strategic M&A.”

The existing management team will continue to lead the company, ensuring seamless operations and a continued focus on delivering innovative and superior products and services.
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About i-Sprint Innovations

i-Sprint Innovations is a global leader in Digital Identity, Mobile Security, PQC App Migration, and Brand Protection solutions. For 25 years, i-Sprint has provided award-winning security solutions to financial institutions, multinational corporations, and government agencies worldwide.

About KV Asia Capital

KV Asia Capital is a private equity firm dedicated to partnering management teams and companies across Southeast Asia. The firm has a multi-year track record of successfully investing behind management teams to drive strategic transformation and growth of mid-market businesses into regional success stories.

Industry insights indicate that ride-hailing platforms are gradually expanding beyond core passenger transport, with increased focus on predictive safety capabilities, AI-enabled customer support, embedded payment systems, and more structured regulatory engagement.

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 March 2026 – 2026 may be the year that more ride-hailing apps will expand their operations to become mobility superapps, according to industry experts who have analyzed the movements of multiple apps across the board. The analysis suggests that this shift will be driven by multi-service bundling, predictive safety features, boosted AI integration, cashless payment options, and coordination with regulators.

“Our global market review found that the way forward for ride-hailing platforms is to evolve into mobility superapps,” Evgenia Matrosova, inDrive Chief Ride-Hailing Officer, said. “Users want convenience more than anything, where diverse mobility solutions, proactive safety functions, and seamless digital payments can all be found in one platform. Integrated services won’t just push innovation forward; they signify reliability and flexibility on the road and beyond.”

#1 Ride-hailing apps may begin venturing into adjacent services.

More ride-hailing apps may begin expanding into adjacent mobility services this year due to an increase in global demand for integrated transport services. For instance, market intelligence firm Sensor Tower listed inDrive and other ride-hailing platforms among the most downloaded travel apps in 2025—revealing global demand for their expansion into adjacent travel services.

Zooming into the platforms’ service expansion, industry experts are optimistic about the potential in food delivery. Data shows that restaurants worldwide are considering working with delivery platforms that offer them more control over their profit margins.

A separate Ken Research study also revealed that online travel booking has also enjoyed similar local growth, with a projected revenue of Php 50 billion. This could boost pre-booked airport pickups’ popularity, with travelers viewing this as a much-needed convenience.

These all reveal one thing: the lines between passenger transport and adjacent mobility services are beginning to blur. Thus, ride-hailing apps may begin venturing into adjacent mobility services to create an all-in-one experience for users.

#2 Safety systems are slowly shifting from protection to prediction

At present, in-app safety features are often limited to real-time monitoring, emergency hotline buttons, and a speed dial to the platform’s 24/7 support. However, industry experts forecast that ride-hailing apps may begin using AI-powered analytics and risk modeling for predictive road safety measures.

For instance, the Forum of European National Highway Research Laboratories says that AI can collect traffic data, weather feeds, and other key information to predict collisions and recommend alternate routes. Predictive safety features like this can help ride-hailing apps move past interventionary measures and proactively protect their drivers and passengers.

#3 AI to enhance the in-app customer experience

Industry experts also say that mobility services may continue leveraging AI to improve customer experience. There are also early indicators that ride-hailing apps may experiment with using human-like AI voices in their customer support systems. AI may also be used in developing personal mobility agents that manage drivers’ schedules and earnings and intervene during emergencies.

With ride-hailing platforms considering venturing into food delivery, they may use AI to simulate customer interactions. Large language models can simulate dialogue-based ordering, allowing users to verbally dictate their orders or send them via chat platforms like WhatsApp. Not only would this speed up the delivery process, but it would also cater to users who prefer personal interactions.

#4 Ride-hailing apps eyeing seamless in-app payment systems

Cashless payment options, such as e-wallets and online bank transfers, are gaining popularity among Filipino consumers. A Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas report found that 57.4% of Filipinos’ retail transactions were paid online. This creates an opportunity for ride-hailing companies to make their payment schemes more seamless. They may consider embedding cashless payment options in their apps, which can automatically deduct their transaction from their attached online banking and e-wallet accounts.

inDrive’s internal research shows that Filipino commuters are also price-sensitive, often allocating tight budgets to their transportation expenses. This consumer attitude could pave the way for ride-hailing companies to install in-app wallets. These facilitate better online budgeting and accommodate users who prefer cash.

#5 Ride-hailing apps expected to continue to uphold price fairness

Strict regulatory compliance has always influenced the dynamics of the ride-hailing industry. In particular, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board has been staunch in implementing its fare matrix. Just last December, the regulator imposed surge caps to maintain affordable holiday fares—underscoring its commitment to keeping prices affordable for passengers.

These trends paint a picture of what could come next for the ride-hailing industry this year. With these in mind, inDrive will continue to uphold transparency, safety, and inclusivity for drivers and passengers alike. For more updates on inDrive’s initiatives this year, visit www.inDrive.com or follow @inDrive.ph on social media.

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About inDrive

inDrive is a global mobility and urban services platform. The inDrive app has been downloaded over 400 million times, and has been named the second most downloaded mobility app for the third consecutive year. In addition to ride-hailing, inDrive provides an expanding list of services, including intercity transportation, delivery, and financial services. In 2023, inDrive launched New Ventures, a venture and M&A arm.

inDrive operates in 1065 cities in 48 countries. Driven by its mission of challenging injustice, the company is committed to having a positive impact on the lives of one billion people by 2030. It pursues this goal both through its core business, which supports local communities via a fair pricing model; and through the work of its impact programs.

For more information visit www.inDrive.com