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  Laboratories, whether in universities, hospitals or industrial research centres, rarely command public attention. Yet the integrity of their work often depends as much on routine maintenance and appropriate equipment as on scientific expertise. In recent years, lab managers across the Middle East and beyond have been reassessing how safety infrastructure is selected, maintained and upgraded, particularly as research volumes increase and regulatory scrutiny tightens. At the […]

Infinix is committed to elevating performance and user experience, beginning with the upcoming NOTE 60 SERIES featuring Snapdragon platforms

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 11 February 2026 – Today, Infinix announced its plans to integrate the cutting-edge Snapdragon® platforms from Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. across select smartphones and broader product categories. Through its work with Qualcomm Technologies on system-level optimizations, Infinix aims to achieve deeper integration of chipset capabilities within Infinix’s product portfolio, delivering an enhanced and more seamless user experience.

Infinix & Qualcomm

Select models in the upcoming NOTE 60 SERIES will mark the first time Infinix smartphones are powered by Snapdragon mobile platforms. This launch represents a significant step in Infinix’s core platform strategy and an important milestone for the brand. By integrating the renowned Snapdragon system-on-a-chip solutions into select models, the NOTE 60 SERIES is poised to unlock extraordinary possibilities and deliver a next-level experience to users worldwide.

Strengthening Research and Development Efforts

By combining Qualcomm Technologies’ industry-leading technological expertise with Infinix’s strong capabilities in product design and user experience, the NOTE 60 SERIES focuses on delivering elevated, consistent, and stable performance across core areas, including power efficiency, immersive gaming, advanced imaging, and integrated AI experiences.

Over the past year, Infinix has adopted Snapdragon platforms in its tablet lineup, receiving positive market feedback. This success has laid the groundwork to expand into smartphones and broader product categories. As Infinix continues to advance its premiumization strategy, deepening collaboration with leading technology partners remains a key focus in expanding its product ecosystem and strengthening long-term competitiveness.

“We are excited to collaborate with industry leader Qualcomm Technologies. This important step for Infinix advances our mission for a tailored user experience through in-depth hardware-software integration, utilizing Snapdragon platforms and technologies to deliver greater innovation and quality for customers globally,” says Tony Zhao, CEO of Infinix.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Infinix as we work together to bring industry-leading Snapdragon technologies to more mobile users worldwide. Expanding Snapdragon integration into Infinix’s mobile portfolio marks an exciting milestone—one that highlights our shared commitment to delivering breakthrough innovation, elevated performance, and more seamless user experiences,” said Chenwei Yan, SVP of Product Management, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

With that, Infinix officially announces the upcoming launch of the NOTE 60 SERIES, the brand’s flagship showcase co‑created with leading partners to deliver breakthrough performance, design, imaging, and audio‑visual experiences powered by Snapdragon technology.

Hashtag: #Infinix

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

About Infinix

Established in 2013, Infinix is an innovation-driven brand dedicated to delivering cutting-edge technology, bold design, and outstanding performance. The brand provides smart, enjoyable mobile experiences that enhance everyday life. Beyond smartphones, Infinix has expanded its portfolio to include TWS earbuds, smartwatches, laptops, tablets, smart TVs, and more—building a comprehensive ecosystem of smart devices. Currently, Infinix products are available in over 70 countries and regions worldwide, including Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.

For more information, please visit:

By Anton Sparinapti, Partner at Flametree Across the MENA region, the SME landscape is shifting at a fast pace. Traditional chatbots leave, instead AI Agents start doing actual work: instantly respond, qualify requests, collect structured data and hand it off to humans with a natural context. The human and AI collaboration results in impressive outcomes – fast responses, high lead capture rates and improved CX – helping […]

Robertet Group has inaugurated its regional headquarters at Dubai Science Park, signalling a sharper strategic focus on the Gulf and wider Middle East as global demand rises for natural ingredients in fragrances and flavours. The new hub positions the French-headquartered group closer to customers across perfumery, food, beverage and wellness sectors, while strengthening its operational, commercial and regulatory capabilities in a region that has become a key […]

A courtroom in Santa Fe has become the focal point of a high-stakes test of whether a social media company can be held liable for product design choices that prosecutors say enabled the sexual exploitation of minors. New Mexico’s civil case against Meta Platforms has reached trial, marking the first time a US state attorney general’s action over child safety on a major platform has been argued […]

Infinix is committed to elevating performance and user experience, beginning with the upcoming NOTE 60 SERIES featuring Snapdragon platforms

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 February 2026 – Today, Infinix announced its plans to integrate the cutting-edge Snapdragon® platforms from Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. across select smartphones and broader product categories. Through its work with Qualcomm Technologies on system-level optimizations, Infinix aims to achieve deeper integration of chipset capabilities within Infinix’s product portfolio, delivering an enhanced and more seamless user experience.

Infinix & Qualcomm

Select models in the upcoming NOTE 60 SERIES will mark the first time Infinix smartphones are powered by Snapdragon mobile platforms. This launch represents a significant step in Infinix’s core platform strategy and an important milestone for the brand. By integrating the renowned Snapdragon system-on-a-chip solutions into select models, the NOTE 60 SERIES is poised to unlock extraordinary possibilities and deliver a next-level experience to users worldwide.

Strengthening Research and Development Efforts

By combining Qualcomm Technologies’ industry-leading technological expertise with Infinix’s strong capabilities in product design and user experience, the NOTE 60 SERIES focuses on delivering elevated, consistent, and stable performance across core areas, including power efficiency, immersive gaming, advanced imaging, and integrated AI experiences.

Over the past year, Infinix has adopted Snapdragon platforms in its tablet lineup, receiving positive market feedback. This success has laid the groundwork to expand into smartphones and broader product categories. As Infinix continues to advance its premiumization strategy, deepening collaboration with leading technology partners remains a key focus in expanding its product ecosystem and strengthening long-term competitiveness.

“We are excited to collaborate with industry leader Qualcomm Technologies. This important step for Infinix advances our mission for a tailored user experience through in-depth hardware-software integration, utilizing Snapdragon platforms and technologies to deliver greater innovation and quality for customers globally,” says Tony Zhao, CEO of Infinix.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Infinix as we work together to bring industry-leading Snapdragon technologies to more mobile users worldwide. Expanding Snapdragon integration into Infinix’s mobile portfolio marks an exciting milestone—one that highlights our shared commitment to delivering breakthrough innovation, elevated performance, and more seamless user experiences,” said Chris Patrick, SVP & GM of Mobile Handsets, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.

With that, Infinix officially announces the upcoming launch of the NOTE 60 SERIES, the brand’s flagship showcase co‑created with leading partners to deliver breakthrough performance, design, imaging, and audio‑visual experiences powered by Snapdragon technology.

Hashtag: #Infinix

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

About Infinix

Established in 2013, Infinix is an innovation-driven brand dedicated to delivering cutting-edge technology, bold design, and outstanding performance. The brand provides smart, enjoyable mobile experiences that enhance everyday life. Beyond smartphones, Infinix has expanded its portfolio to include TWS earbuds, smartwatches, laptops, tablets, smart TVs, and more—building a comprehensive ecosystem of smart devices. Currently, Infinix products are available in over 70 countries and regions worldwide, including Africa, Latin America, the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.

For more information, please visit:

Hundreds of thousands of users of AI aggregator OmniGPT have had their private conversations and uploaded files exposed after a large-scale data breach that security researchers say left sensitive information openly accessible and later circulated on dark web forums. The incident has intensified scrutiny of third-party platforms that bundle access to multiple AI models while handling large volumes of personal data. Investigations by independent cybersecurity analysts indicate […]

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  Bluesky has introduced a drafts feature that allows users to save unfinished posts on their own devices, a change that closes one of the most noticeable gaps between the decentralised network and larger rivals while signalling that the platform is shifting from experimental roots towards day-to-day usability. The update enables posts to be paused and resumed without being published, a basic function long taken for granted […]

TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 10 February 2026 – CyCraft Technology Corporation (TWSE: 7823), Taiwan’s first pure-play AI-native cybersecurity company, has officially listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange Innovation Board, marking a major milestone for Asia’s emerging AI-driven security leaders.

CyCraft’s founders joined representatives from the Taiwan Stock Exchange, Yuanta Securities, auditors, and legal advisors to celebrate the company’s listing on the TWSE Innovation Board.
CyCraft’s founders joined representatives from the Taiwan Stock Exchange, Yuanta Securities, auditors, and legal advisors to celebrate the company’s listing on the TWSE Innovation Board.

CyCraft is forged in one of the world’s most challenging cyber environments. Taiwan faces persistent and large-scale cyber threats from highly-motivated threat actors targeting government, semiconductor supply chains, financial systems, and critical infrastructure. Rather than theorizing about threats, CyCraft has spent years defending against them at national and industry scale.

That experience has produced real-world operational advantages global markets increasingly demand: early-warning intelligence, autonomous machine-speed defense, and field-proven AI automation that cannot be casually replicated.

As generative AI reshapes software development, many SaaS categories face commoditization through “vibe-coding.” Cybersecurity stands apart. Mission-critical defense requires real adversarial data, ultra-low latency, zero-configuration precision, continuous adaptation against sophisticated attacks, and regulatory-grade trust. These capabilities are not synthetic. AI does not replace cyber defense—it amplifies defenders who already operate in real operational environments.

CyCraft’s platform is built around three growth engines:

Enterprise Cyber Resilience.

Its flagship XCockpit AI platform operates over 600K sensors, protecting hundreds of government agencies, financial institutions, and semiconductor leaders across Asia-Pacific. The platform delivers preemptive exposure discovery, automated attack-path simulation, SEMI E187-compliant supply-chain risk mapping, and autonomous triage and response. The shift from reactive protection to preemptive resilience defines CyCraft’s core value proposition.

AI Agent & LLM Security.

As enterprises deploy LLMs and autonomous agents, CyCraft addresses a rapidly emerging risk layer. XecGuard provides ultra-low-latency AI guardrails to detect and prevent prompt injection, jailbreaks, data exfiltration, and tool misuse in real time. Paired with XecART, an automated red-teaming and evaluation platform, CyCraft delivers a scalable, cloud-based and on-prem AI gateway for secure multi-agent orchestration.

The XecGuard and XecART dashboards enable enterprise AI governance with real-time guardrails, automated red teaming, and flexible deployment via on-premises environments or cloud-based APIs.

Enterprise Cyber Resilience.

Its flagship XCockpit AI platform operates over 600K sensors, protecting hundreds of government agencies, financial institutions, and semiconductor leaders across Asia-Pacific. The platform delivers preemptive exposure discovery, automated attack-path simulation, SEMI E187-compliant supply-chain risk mapping, and autonomous triage and response. The shift from reactive protection to preemptive resilience defines CyCraft’s core value proposition.

AI Agent & LLM Security.

As enterprises deploy LLMs and autonomous agents, CyCraft addresses a rapidly emerging risk layer. XecGuard provides ultra-low-latency AI guardrails to detect and prevent prompt injection, jailbreaks, data exfiltration, and tool misuse in real time. Paired with XecART, an automated red-teaming and evaluation platform, CyCraft delivers a scalable, cloud-based and on-prem AI gateway for secure multi-agent orchestration.

The XecGuard and XecART dashboards enable enterprise AI governance with real-time guardrails, automated red teaming, and flexible deployment via on-premises environments or cloud-based APIs.

XecGuard enables enterprise AI governance with real-time guardrails and flexible deployment via on-premises environments or cloud-based APIs.
XecGuard enables enterprise AI governance with real-time guardrails and flexible deployment via on-premises environments or cloud-based APIs.

Unmanned Systems Security.

CyCraft’s XecDefend platform pioneers cyber protection and disruption capabilities for AI-driven anti-drone defense. The solution enables autonomous detection, soft-kill response, and resilient protection for unmanned aerial, maritime, and ground systems—offering software-defined defense for critical infrastructure and defense supply chains.

CyCraft’s credibility is reinforced by third-party validation, including seven appearances in Gartner research, three MITRE ATT&CK evaluations with zero-configuration and zero-latency performance, and the “Next-Big” Award from former Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen, recognizing CyCraft as the “TSMC of cybersecurity.”.

In 2025 alone, CyCraft handled multiple critical incidents for Taiwan-listed companies and completed over ten forensic investigations in support of cyber insurance engagements in Japan.

Chairman Benson Wu stated, “In Taiwan, with AI, we help secure the world. This listing accelerates our global expansion through organic growth and strategic M&A. Our goal is to surpass 50% overseas revenue by 2030 and build Asia’s most trusted AI-native cybersecurity brand.”

Disclaimer: The information contained herein does not constitute advice.

Hashtag: #CyCraft #AIsecurity #Cybersecurity #InnovationBoard #AITaiwan #GlobalExpansion



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

CyCraft Technology

CyCraft Technology (7823.TW) — Taiwan’s first AI-native cybersecurity company to list on the TWSE Innovation Board — is dedicated to automating cybersecurity with AI, shifting defense from reactive firefighting to proactive, scalable dominance. Delivering protection that is faster, easier, safer — and smarter on cost, CyCraft empowers defenders to scale. With a proven track record serving top-tier government agencies, leading financial institutions, and semiconductor giants, CyCraft is building Asia’s most advanced AI-driven joint defense ecosystem — dramatically shortening dwell time, reducing breach impact, and strengthening enterprise digital resilience worldwide. More information:

Khalifa University of Science and Technology and the Institute of Energy Economics Japan have convened the 2026 UAE–Japan Industry-Academia Collaboration Steering Board meeting in Abu Dhabi, bringing senior policymakers, researchers and industry executives together to accelerate joint work across energy systems, advanced materials and industrial decarbonisation.

The closed-door session, hosted by Khalifa University of Science and Technology with Institute of Energy Economics Japan, reviewed progress under a multi-year framework that links laboratory research to commercial deployment. Participants focused on aligning research priorities with national transition goals in the United Arab Emirates and Japan while ensuring that projects move beyond pilot stages into scaled industrial use.

University officials said the meeting sharpened governance around joint programmes that span hydrogen value chains, grid resilience, carbon management and next-generation manufacturing. The steering board assessed ongoing work on hydrogen carriers and utilisation pathways, including ammonia and synthetic fuels, alongside studies on carbon capture, utilisation and storage that integrate process design with life-cycle analysis. Industry representatives pressed for faster timelines and clearer pathways to demonstration, citing capital discipline and the need for predictable policy signals.

Energy systems dominated the agenda as both countries seek to balance security, affordability and emissions goals. Japan’s import-dependent energy mix and the UAE’s role as a major producer and exporter create complementary incentives for collaboration, delegates noted. Research teams presented updates on high-efficiency electrolysers, advanced catalysts and thermal management, with an emphasis on reducing costs and improving durability under desert and maritime operating conditions.

Another thread centred on digitalisation and artificial intelligence in energy operations. Joint projects are examining how data-driven optimisation can cut losses across generation, storage and transmission, and how digital twins can accelerate plant design and maintenance. Academic leaders argued that co-developed datasets and shared testbeds are essential to attract industrial partners and ensure interoperability across markets.

Advanced materials and manufacturing featured prominently, reflecting interest from automotive, aerospace and heavy-industry partners. Researchers outlined progress in lightweight alloys, composites and coatings designed to withstand extreme temperatures while lowering energy intensity. Industry participants flagged workforce readiness as a bottleneck, urging expanded exchange programmes and co-supervised doctoral tracks to build skills that translate quickly to factory floors.

The steering board also reviewed funding structures and intellectual property frameworks. Both sides reaffirmed commitments to balanced IP arrangements that protect proprietary know-how while enabling publication and talent development. Officials highlighted the importance of predictable co-funding cycles to keep multi-year research teams intact and to de-risk private investment in demonstration assets.

Abu Dhabi’s role as host underscored the emirate’s ambition to serve as a convening hub for applied research and industrial partnerships. Delegates toured university laboratories and pilot facilities to evaluate readiness for scale-up, with particular attention to safety standards and integration with industrial sites. Discussions touched on regulatory alignment and standards development, areas seen as critical to shortening time-to-market for cross-border technologies.

Japanese participants emphasised the value of long-term academic partnerships in sustaining innovation during market cycles. They pointed to the need for rigorous techno-economic assessments to guide policy and investment decisions, and for transparent metrics to track emissions impacts across supply chains. UAE counterparts highlighted the opportunity to test solutions at scale and under demanding conditions, offering feedback loops that can refine designs before global deployment.

Beyond energy, the meeting explored collaboration in water-energy nexus research, climate-resilient infrastructure and systems engineering for smart cities. Presentations examined desalination efficiency, waste-to-value pathways and the integration of distributed resources, reflecting broader industrial interests in sustainability and circularity.

Artificial intelligence capable of interpreting brain MRI scans within seconds is reshaping how hospitals triage neurological emergencies, following the development of a new model by researchers at the University of Michigan. The system analyses complex brain images almost instantly, flags cases requiring urgent intervention and identifies a broad spectrum of neurological conditions with accuracy levels reported to reach 97.5%, according to researchers involved in the project. The […]

Quantum computing is emerging as a strategic lever for India’s ambition to secure a leading role in the global technology order, with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu arguing that early investments and coordinated policy could reshape the country’s IT and industrial landscape. Speaking in Amaravati, Naidu said quantum technologies had the potential to redefine computing power, cybersecurity, materials science and drug discovery, placing India at a critical juncture as global competition accelerates.

Naidu’s remarks came as Andhra Pradesh positions itself as a focal point for quantum research and commercialisation through its Quantum Valley initiative, which aims to bring together academic institutions, global technology firms and startups on a single platform. The programme is designed to move beyond theoretical research and translate quantum science into deployable applications, an area where many countries are racing to gain first-mover advantage.

Quantum computing differs fundamentally from classical computing by using quantum bits, or qubits, that can exist in multiple states simultaneously. This allows certain calculations to be performed exponentially faster, opening pathways in optimisation problems, climate modelling, financial risk analysis and cryptography that are currently beyond reach. Governments in the United States, China and the European Union have committed billions of dollars to quantum research, viewing it as both an economic and national security priority.

Naidu said India’s strength lay in its deep pool of engineering talent and its established position in information technology services, but warned that relying solely on legacy software models would leave the country vulnerable as the technology cycle shifts. He argued that quantum computing, when combined with artificial intelligence and advanced semiconductors, could create a new technology stack in which India could compete at the highest level rather than remain a downstream adopter.

The Andhra Pradesh government has pitched Quantum Valley as a long-term ecosystem rather than a single project. Plans include dedicated research facilities, incentives for private investment, and partnerships with universities and multinational technology companies working on quantum hardware, algorithms and error correction. Officials involved in the programme say the aim is to create an environment similar to established innovation clusters, where research, talent and capital reinforce one another.

India’s broader policy environment has also begun to align with these ambitions. The national quantum mission, approved by the Union government, outlines funding for quantum computing, communications and sensing over the coming years, with a focus on building indigenous capabilities. Research groups at institutions such as the Indian Institute of Science and several Indian Institutes of Technology are already active in quantum algorithms and materials research, while startups are exploring niche applications in logistics, finance and healthcare.

Industry analysts note that quantum computing remains at an early stage globally, with practical, large-scale systems still years away. Current machines are limited by qubit stability and error rates, and most commercial use cases are experimental. However, the pace of progress has intensified, with steady advances in hardware architectures and hybrid models that combine classical and quantum computing. Countries that invest early in skills and research infrastructure are expected to gain disproportionate benefits once the technology matures.

Naidu acknowledged these challenges, stressing that quantum computing should be approached as a marathon rather than a sprint. He said sustained investment, patient capital and close collaboration between government, academia and industry would be essential to avoid fragmented efforts. He also emphasised the importance of education and workforce development, arguing that quantum science should be integrated into advanced engineering curricula to build a pipeline of specialised talent.

Bitcoin has surrendered all the gains it notched after Donald Trump’s return to the White House, sliding amid thin liquidity and shifting expectations over US monetary policy, a move that has unsettled broader digital asset markets and revived questions about the sector’s resilience in a tightening financial environment. The world’s largest cryptocurrency fell below $61,000 during the week, a level last seen before Trump’s election victory, before […]

The B2B cross-border trade payment market is immense, yet remain highly underserved

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 February 2026 – According to the World Bank, SMEs account for approximately 90% the world’s businesses and contribute 65% of the global cross-border trade. SMEs play a pivotal rolein most economies, particularly in emerging markets. Estimates from the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) suggest that B2B cross-border trade payment market for SMEs is worth approximately $20 trillion.

However, traditional commercial banks have been facing multiple challenges in serving SMEs, including strict compliance and risk control requirements, lower profit generating, and license limitations, resulting in a large unmet demand through formal financial systems.

XTransfer’s field research in emerging markets indicates that many SMEs resort to illicit settlement channels like underground banks out of necessity. In fact, the trade volume processed through these unofficial avenues could be 2 to 5 times larger than the official import and export figures.

Compared to other segments, B2B cross-border payment presents vast opportunities

In the cross-border payment industry, services can be categorised into four segments based on money flows:

Four segments in cross-border payment industry.
Four segments in cross-border payment industry.

Marketplace 2B
These businesses provide payment processing services for sellers on e-commerce platforms. Risk control is primarily based on e-commerce platform’s integrated of data streams (e.g., merchant details, logistics, transaction history). With relatively low technical barriers and compliance capabilities, the industry is highly saturated.

B2B
Focused on traditional cross-border trade enterprises, this segment has huge potential but features high risk control complexity and high barriers. Payment service providers must individually verify the entire information flow pertaining to each transaction (including buyer/seller details, orders, logistics, contracts, etc.), which results in many companies attempting to enter, but few succeed.

C2C
This primarily covers cross-border remittances between individuals. The overall market scale is relatively small, with limited use cases.

C2B
This is the most well-established segment, dominated by cross-border payment giants such as Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, and Stripe. The market is saturated with intense competition.

As a reference, the C2B cross-border payment industry has evolved dramatically over the last five decades, especially in the past ten years. Mobile wallet providers in China, the U.S. and Europe drove the mobile payment revolution, establishing a well-established cross-border settlement and risk control platform dominated by card schemes and wallets like PayPal. The system features significant advantages, including efficient transaction processes and unified risk control standards.

In contrast, B2B cross-border payments still primarily rely on traditional bank transfers. The sector as a whole is still on the cusp of the “mobile payment revolution” and has not yet formed a unified clearing mechanism or a standardized risk control system.

The payment sector need a new platform.
The payment sector need a new platform.

However, this development gap also points to a huge market opportunity. The B2B cross-border settlement market for SMEs desperately needs a shake-up. Service providers that possess a deep understanding of global customer needs and are equipped with technological and compliance capabilities will unleash vast growth potential in this space.

Beyond Borders: XTransfer Insights is a thought-leadership series that shares XTransfer’s perspectives on the forces shaping global trade and financial services. Through research-driven insights and real-world observations, it highlights emerging trends, key challenges, and opportunities across international markets.
Hashtag: #XTransfer #Crossborder #Payment #SMEs #whitepaper





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

Low-lying mist during early hours and spells of rain after dark are shaping daily life across the UAE, prompting safety advisories from the national forecaster as authorities and businesses adjust to more variable conditions. Motorists are being urged to slow down on highways vulnerable to sudden visibility drops, while marine operators are cautioned about shifting winds and choppy seas that can accompany unsettled weather. Data from National […]

Global growth in the mobile games market slowed markedly through 2025, with spending increases tapering and downloads flattening across major regions, according to fresh analysis by data firm AppMagic, reinforcing a shift from the hyper-growth years of the pandemic to a more mature and competitive phase for the industry. The research indicates that while mobile gaming remains the largest segment of the global games business by user […]

Apple Pay users across multiple regions are being targeted by a coordinated phishing operation that security researchers describe as more sophisticated than conventional digital fraud, exploiting trust in familiar branding and the pressure of urgent security warnings to extract sensitive payment credentials. The campaign blends carefully designed emails with follow-up phone calls, a hybrid tactic that has enabled attackers to bypass user scepticism and some automated security […]

Documents released by the United States Justice Department have revealed how Jeffrey Epstein’s web of influence extended into India, underscoring the disgraced financier’s sustained efforts to cultivate relationships with prominent figures across business, politics and academia long before his arrest and death. The files, unsealed as part of litigation connected to Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell, include exchanges indicating contact between Epstein and Anil Ambani over a period […]

UAE is steadily positioning itself as a global reference point for pharmaceutical innovation, backed by regulatory maturity, public-private collaboration and an explicit policy commitment to advancing healthcare, senior executives at Novartis say. The assessment reflects a broader shift in how multinational drugmakers view the Gulf state, not merely as a sales market but as a base for development, manufacturing and clinical collaboration. Valued at about $4.15bn, the […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai UAE’s floating hospital anchored off Al Arish on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast has admitted 10 additional patients evacuated from the Gaza Strip over the past three days, according to officials involved in the humanitarian operation. The patients, including children and adults, were transferred through coordinated medical corridors and assessed on arrival for injuries and complex health conditions linked to the prolonged conflict. Medical teams […]

JPMorgan has argued that bitcoin’s declining volatility relative to gold is reshaping long-term investment calculations, even as near-term pressures from exchange-traded fund outflows and futures market liquidations weigh on crypto prices. The bank’s analysts said the contrast between short-term stress and longer-horizon metrics highlights a shift under way in how institutional investors assess risk in digital assets. Bitcoin has traded within a tighter range over the past […]

A coordinated cyber-espionage and crime-linked campaign has surfaced that repurposes an obscure Windows feature to gain long-term control of corporate systems, according to multiple security firms tracking the activity. Attackers are distributing Windows screensaver files, identifiable by the. scr extension, through carefully tailored phishing emails and using them to install legitimate remote administration software that blends into enterprise environments. The operation hinges on social engineering rather than […]

Arabian Post Staff -Dubai   Bitcoin fell sharply on Friday, sliding to a 16-month low and briefly testing the psychologically important $60,000 level as a broad sell-off in technology shares spilled into risk-sensitive assets, intensifying volatility across global markets. The world’s largest cryptocurrency touched an intraday low close to $60,000 before rebounding, trading modestly higher later in the session at around $64,000 as buyers stepped in. The […]

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 February 2026 – The national “15th Five-Year Plan” recommendation has clearly identified the “AI+” initiative as a core strategic deployment. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) has also positioned artificial intelligence (AI) as a key development direction for new productive forces. The HKSAR Government is actively aligning with national policies, and the 2025 Policy Address emphasises AI as a core industry for Hong Kong’s future development.

To expand AI application scenarios and enhance enterprises’ competitiveness, the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) is hosting the inaugural “AI with HKPC” Smart Solutions Showcase Series, which officially opens today. Professor SUN Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, HKSAR Government, and the Hon Sunny TAN, Chairman, Hong Kong Productivity Council, officiated at the opening ceremony, underscoring the Government’s and the industry’s shared determination to drive the broader adoption of AI applications. Registration for the event has been enthusiastic, with over 3,000 representatives from the Government, industry, academia and research communities expected to attend, reflecting the “AI for all” trend and strong market demand for digital solutions.

The three-day event focuses on three major themes, including empowering SMEs, digitalised education, and smart property, showcasing nearly 100 ready-to-deploy AI solutions covering diverse scenarios such as operations management, customer interaction, school administration and teaching, and building maintenance. It marks AI’s shift from concept demonstrations to real-world deployment, injecting practical momentum into Hong Kong’s new industrialisation and smart city development.

Professor SUN Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, HKSAR Government, said: “AI is transforming the world at an unprecedented pace. Hong Kong, with its unique strengths in research foundation, international talent pool and open market environment, provides the ideal soil for advancing the industrialisation of AI. The HKSAR Government has been promoting the development of AI in a comprehensive manner across research, computing power, data, talent and funding. HKPC also actively assists enterprises in mastering AI technologies and enhancing AI governance, not only laying a solid foundation for application by businesses, but also nurturing digitally skilled talent with a vision for the future and driving the continuous upgrading of industries. HKPC has long supported and worked closely with the HKSAR Government in advancing innovation and technology development. Let us continue to work hand in hand and seize opportunities, and jointly propel Hong Kong to become a leading pioneer of smart transformation in Asia”.

The Hon Sunny TAN, Chairman of Hong Kong Productivity Council, said: “HKPC actively responds to the national ’15th Five-Year Plan’ recommendation and fully supports the HKSAR Government’s direction of promoting the deep integration and application innovation of AI across various industries. This showcase aims to build a transformation bridge from ‘seeing’ to ‘doing’, not only demonstrating the broad potential of AI technologies, but also providing actionable and scalable pathways to help enterprises extend pilot projects into full-scale deployment, thereby realising AI-driven industry transformation.” He further noted, “As AI adoption accelerates, robust cyber security protection is the foundation for responsible AI use. According to the latest report from the Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre, local cyber security incidents in 2025 rose by 27% year-on-year, reaching a record high. HKPC will continue supporting enterprises in building a secure and trustworthy AI application environment, so the industry can innovate with confidence and transform with assurance.”

The “AI with HKPC” Smart Solutions Showcase Series focuses on four common pain points enterprises face during AI transformation, which is “integration challenges, insufficient funding, security concerns, and talent shortage”. Guided by the philosophy of “technology as a bridge, industry as the foundation,” HKPC promotes the popularisation and industrialisation of AI applications. Through the showcase, local SMEs can gain deeper understanding of practical AI use cases across business operations, while also accessing a series of technical solutions and services. HKPC’s self-developed multipurpose AI platform “HKPC Picasso,” aims to respond to the “integration challenges” commonly faced by most enterprises in AI transformation, with “ease of use” as the core concept, providing an end-to-end and executable AI transformation support system for the common needs of different industries. It currently offers six large language model (LLM) modules, over 30 commonly used functional modules, and around 40 applications, supporting rapid development and deployment of smart solutions. This significantly lowers development costs and technical barriers, enabling enterprises to deploy and launch customised AI systems within several weeks. The platform makes AI more accessible, empowering SMEs to kick-start smartification transformation with ease.

HKPC also provides AI Governance and Testing Services to help enterprises address “security concerns”. The services cover AI governance framework design, ethics and compliance review, data privacy assessment, AI content and model security testing, as well as enhancements to model transparency, supporting enterprises in optimising AI systems to meet international standards and establishing a sustainable and responsible AI application framework. In addition, to tackle the “talent shortage” pain point, HKPC offers supporting AI-related training courses to strengthen enterprises’ understanding and practical capabilities in AI application. This helps build a solid foundation for AI transformation while ensuring safety, compliance and public trust throughout technological development.

“AI with HKPC” Nearly 100 Hands-on, Ready-to-Deploy AI Use Cases Across Three Themes

1) Empowering SMEs for the AI Era​ Solution Day (5–6 February)

Aligned with the 2025 Policy Address direction of supporting SMEs in digitalisation and smartification transformation, the showcase features five exhibition zones, presenting “ready-to-use, fast-impact, low-barrier” AI solutions such as AI-powered accounting, process automation, intelligent customer service, and collaboration tools. These solutions cover operations, infrastructure, security, marketing and talent management. The showcase also introduces AI applications incubated through the “HKPC Picasso” platform and HKPC’s AI governance services, helping SMEs explore transformation pathways based on their needs.

All solutions are sourced from HKPC’s free platform Digital DIY, which integrates trusted AI solutions from Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland. Addressing SMEs’ pain points of “limited channels and difficulty in choosing,” the platform provides efficient matching and clear adoption guidance—accelerating transformation and enhancing competitiveness.

2) AI in Education Forum Series & Showcase (5–6 February)

To support the HKSAR Government’s push for digital education and the Education Bureau’s AI for Empowering Learning and Teaching Funding Programme, HKPC co-organises the AI in Education Forum Series & Showcasewith the Education Bureau and Hong Kong Education City, helping schools grasp policy directions, technology solutions and AI teaching planning.

The event features over 60 AI education solutions, including language learning, SEN support and smart assessment, and for the first time centrally showcases 22 projects under the Quality Education Fund (QEF) e-Learning Ancillary Facilities Programme (eLAFP) developed by universities and institutions. The seminar series includes a principals’ forum themed “Achieve More with Less: AI Integration Strategies for Hong Kong Schools,” where primary and secondary school principals share hands-on experience. HKPC Academy will also introduce how schools can leverage Government funding to effectively integrate AI into school-based teaching, learning and administration to improve efficiency.

3) AI Driven Solutions for Smarter Property Sharing Session (9 February)

The AI-Powered Smarter Property Management Sharing Sessionon 9 February will align with the smart building development blueprint under Smart City Blueprint 2.0, as well as the HKSAR Government’s advocacy for deeper AI integration across industries. It aims to help the industry understand emerging AI applications in property management.

The session will feature multiple AI technologies developed by HKPC, including Water Tank Cleaning Robot successfully piloted with Jones Lang LaSalle, Pureland Drone Facade Cleaningwith advantages for high-altitude work safety, Recycling Bin Transporter utilising automation, AI, and sensor technologies, and anAutonomous Wheelchair suitable for elderly and persons with disabilities, demonstrating how innovation can enhance building management efficiency, improve resident experience, and advance sustainable urban development.

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Photo caption:

1. The Hon Sunny TAN, Chairman of the Hong Kong Productivity Council, delivers a speech at the opening ceremony, encouraging SMEs to adopt AI to enhance competitiveness and operational efficiency.

2. Professor SUN Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, HKSAR Government, attends the opening ceremony of the “AI with HKPC” Smart Solutions Showcase Series, supporting the popularisation and practical deployment of AI.

3. Mr Edmond LAI, Chief Digital Officer of HKPC, delivers a keynote speech explaining the core value of HKPC’s self-developed multipurpose AI platform “HKPC Picasso” and how it addresses enterprises’ transformation pain points.

4. The officiating move guests and industry representatives take a group photo to witness the grand opening of the three-day “AI with HKPC” Smart Solutions Showcase Series, marking AI’s toward broader adoption and industrialisation.

5. The showcase features multiple AI application solutions tailored for SMEs, covering smart operations, data analytics and customer experience, attracting many industry visitors for exchanges.

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About the Hong Kong Productivity Council

The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) is a statutory body established in 1967, dedicated to enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of Hong Kong enterprises through world-class applied R&D, innovative technology services, and integrated manufacturing solutions. As a market-oriented, international R&D organisation, HKPC leverages its deep expertise and extensive industry experience in key areas such as AI, advanced manufacturing, life and health technology, green technology and new energy to drive new industrialisation and support the growth of emerging and future industries.

HKPC focuses on addressing businesses challenges and industrial technology needs, promoting the full integration between technological and industrial innovation. Through technology transfer, product innovation, intellectual property protection and commercialisation of R&D outcomes, the Council fosters collaboration with the local business community as well as top global R&D institutions, delivering added value to industries and advancing the development of new productive forces. HKPC’s world-class R&D achievements have been widely recognised over the years, winning an array of local and overseas accolades, reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as an international innovation and technology centre and a smart city.

To help enterprises capitalise on Hong Kong’s strengths in international connectivity to expand into global markets, HKPC offers comprehensive overseas expansion services tailored to critical areas including product development, technology, manufacturing, and management, enabling businesses to successfully go global from Hong Kong.

HKPC is also committed to providing timely and practical support to SMEs and startups with timely and practical, assisting them in accessing Government funding programmes. Through its FutureSkills training initiatives, HKPC helps both industry and academia stay ahead in latest digital and STEM technologies, nurturing a future-ready talent pool for Hong Kong.

For more information, please visit HKPC’s website: .

VISHNU RAJA
RYO YAMADA
HITORI GOTOH
IKUYO KITA