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Abu Dhabi Police have renewed warnings to motorists to maintain full attention at intersections and traffic signals, underscoring that brief lapses in concentration continue to rank among the leading causes of serious collisions on city roads. The force has emphasised that violations linked to distracted driving can trigger vehicle impoundment and an impoundment release fee reaching AED50,000, one of the toughest deterrents in the country’s traffic regime.

The advisory from Abu Dhabi Police highlights a pattern seen in crash investigations where drivers divert their eyes for seconds—often to mobile phones, dashboard screens or conversations—while approaching junctions. Officers say such moments are enough to miss a changing signal, fail to yield, or overlook pedestrians and cyclists, particularly during peak commuting hours.

Traffic and patrol officials note that intersections concentrate multiple risk factors: converging traffic streams, turning movements, pedestrian crossings and variable signal phases. A single distracted driver can therefore set off chain reactions involving several vehicles. Data reviewed by the force indicates that side-impact crashes at junctions account for a disproportionate share of severe injuries, reflecting the limited protection offered by vehicle sides compared with frontal impacts.

Under Abu Dhabi’s traffic law framework, distractions that contribute to dangerous driving are treated as high-risk offences. Police can impound vehicles involved in serious violations, with release subject to a fee of up to AED50,000 depending on the offence category and circumstances. The penalty is intended to reinforce behaviour change rather than operate as a revenue measure, officials say, pointing to parallel education and enforcement campaigns rolled out across the emirate.

The renewed messaging comes as vehicles become increasingly equipped with in-car technology. While advanced driver assistance systems are designed to enhance safety, police caution that overreliance on alerts, navigation screens or infotainment controls can create a false sense of security. Officers stress that such systems do not replace the driver’s responsibility to observe signals, mirrors and surrounding road users, especially at junctions where conditions change rapidly.

Road safety specialists working with authorities have also flagged a rise in “cognitive distraction,” where drivers keep their hands on the wheel and eyes forward but are mentally disengaged due to phone conversations or stress. Studies cited in safety briefings show reaction times can degrade significantly under cognitive load, reducing a driver’s ability to respond to a pedestrian stepping off the kerb or a vehicle braking suddenly.

Police patrols have intensified monitoring at high-risk intersections identified through collision mapping. These locations are selected based on traffic volume, past incident severity and proximity to schools, commercial centres and residential zones. Enforcement includes automated systems and on-ground patrols, with officers authorised to intervene immediately where behaviour poses imminent danger.

Public awareness efforts accompanying the enforcement push focus on practical guidance: slowing on approach to signals, scanning crosswalks even when the light is green, avoiding phone use entirely while driving, and anticipating red-light runners. Motorists are also reminded that penalties escalate when violations lead to injury or damage, extending beyond fines to black points, impoundment and potential court proceedings.

Transport planners in Abu Dhabi say engineering upgrades continue alongside enforcement, including improved signal timing, clearer lane markings and enhanced pedestrian phases at busy crossings. These measures aim to reduce conflict points, but officials emphasise that infrastructure cannot compensate for inattention behind the wheel.

Global charging technology brand CUKTECH has launched its first desktop super-fast charging station in Vietnam, marking a strategic push into Southeast Asia’s fast-growing market for high-power, multi-device charging solutions aimed at professionals and power users.

The CUKTECH 30 Ultra Charging Station enters a segment shaped by the rapid proliferation of laptops, tablets, cameras and high-capacity smartphones that increasingly demand desktop-class power delivery. The company said the device is designed for users who run several devices simultaneously, including content creators, developers and technology enthusiasts seeking a single hub that replaces multiple chargers without compromising speed or safety.

At the centre of the product is an ultra-high power output architecture capable of delivering fast charging across several ports at once, supported by intelligent power allocation that prioritises devices based on real-time demand. The station features a visual interaction interface that displays charging status, wattage distribution and thermal conditions, a move intended to give users greater control and transparency over how power is being delivered during intensive workloads.

Vietnam has emerged as a focal point for consumer electronics launches, driven by rising disposable incomes, a young digital-first population and the country’s growing role as a manufacturing and innovation hub. By choosing Vietnam for its first desktop charging station rollout, CUKTECH is signalling confidence in demand for premium accessories that support hybrid work, gaming and creative production environments.

Industry analysts note that desktop charging stations are evolving from simple multi-port adapters into intelligent power management devices. As laptops adopt higher-wattage USB-C standards and smartphones push faster charging thresholds, manufacturers are racing to balance speed with safety, heat control and long-term battery health. Products that fail to manage thermal loads or power negotiation effectively risk damaging devices or underperforming under sustained use.

CUKTECH’s 30 Ultra addresses these concerns with built-in safety systems that monitor temperature, voltage and current in real time, automatically adjusting output to protect connected devices. The company has highlighted compliance with international charging protocols, allowing the station to work across a wide range of brands and operating systems without proprietary lock-ins.

The launch also reflects intensifying competition in the charging accessories market, where established players and newer brands are vying to differentiate through design, smart features and ecosystem compatibility. Desktop charging stations, once niche products, are now being positioned as essential tools for modern desks, particularly as remote and hybrid work setups become permanent fixtures for many professionals.

For content creators, the appeal lies in the ability to power cameras, laptops, tablets and phones from a single device while monitoring output visually, reducing cable clutter and downtime. For businesses and co-working spaces, such stations offer a shared charging solution that can support multiple high-demand devices without the need for wall-mounted adapters or extension cords.

CUKTECH’s expansion strategy has drawn attention due to its roots in advanced charging research and its association with broader consumer electronics supply chains in Asia. The company has previously focused on portable power banks and fast chargers, building a reputation for high-wattage products that cater to users with demanding power needs. Moving into desktop charging stations represents a natural extension of that portfolio, while also placing the brand in direct competition with premium accessory makers targeting professional users.

Vietnam’s technology retail landscape has become increasingly receptive to such launches, with consumers showing greater willingness to invest in quality peripherals that promise durability and performance. Retailers have reported strong interest in fast-charging solutions that can future-proof desks as device power requirements continue to climb.

Market observers also point to regulatory clarity around USB-C and fast-charging standards as a factor accelerating adoption. As devices converge on common charging protocols, consumers are more confident that a single high-end station can serve multiple generations of hardware, improving value over time.

The greenback edged higher against a basket of major peers in early European dealings, with the yen drifting back towards levels last seen in the spring and the euro slipping slightly after gains built up over the previous year. Market participants described the move as cautious rather than decisive, reflecting thin liquidity and lingering uncertainty over policy direction in Washington.

Currency strategists said the dollar’s fragile recovery followed heavy selling through much of last year, when expectations of rate cuts by the Federal Reserve and easing inflation undercut the yield advantage that had supported the currency in earlier cycles. At the same time, improving growth prospects outside the United States encouraged investors to rotate towards higher-yielding or undervalued alternatives.

Against the yen, the dollar climbed back towards the upper end of its trading range, hovering near a ten-month high. The Japanese currency has remained under pressure amid a persistent gap between domestic borrowing costs and those in the United States, even as Tokyo has signalled a gradual move away from ultra-loose policy. Traders noted that the yen’s slide was less abrupt than in past episodes, reflecting continued sensitivity to the risk of official intervention.

The euro eased after a strong performance last year, when slowing inflation and steady growth in parts of the euro zone boosted confidence in the region’s economic resilience. Analysts cautioned that the single currency’s trajectory would depend heavily on whether European policymakers deliver further easing or pause to assess wage pressures and fiscal spending plans.

Sterling traded in a narrow band, supported by signs of stabilising inflation but weighed by questions over the durability of domestic growth. Emerging market currencies showed mixed moves, with higher-yielding units holding up better as investors searched for carry opportunities, while those linked to commodities reacted to softer prices in energy and metals.

Market focus remains fixed on forthcoming United States data releases, including employment and inflation indicators that could shape expectations for policy adjustments later in the year. While inflation has moderated from its peak, officials have stressed that decisions will be driven by incoming data rather than preset timelines, a stance that has kept rate forecasts in flux.

Some investors argue that the dollar’s decline last year went too far, pointing to the size and liquidity of United States markets and the economy’s capacity to absorb tighter financial conditions. Others counter that structural forces, including a narrowing growth gap with other advanced economies and rising fiscal deficits, could cap any sustained rebound.

Central banks outside the United States are also recalibrating. In Japan, policymakers are weighing how quickly to normalise after years of stimulus without destabilising markets. In Europe, debates continue over balancing support for growth with the need to anchor inflation expectations. These cross-currents have injected volatility into foreign exchange markets, even as overall trading ranges remain narrower than during periods of crisis.

Commodity prices have added another layer of complexity. Oil has softened amid ample supply, trimming support for currencies of major exporters, while gold’s pullback has reduced its appeal as a hedge against currency weakness. Equity markets have started the year on a cautious note, reinforcing demand for safe and liquid assets.

Largest-ever Hong Kong Tech Pavilion features 3 Innovation Award-winning game-changers showcasing immense potential to scale

LAS VEGAS, US – Media OutReach Newswire – 2 January 2026 – Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) and Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) will join hands in spearheading the largest-ever Hong Kong Tech Pavilion to the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas from January 6-9 (Tue-Fri). The showcase features 61 tech companies in a dynamic mix of early-stage and mature companies in AI, robotics, healthtech, and sustainability, to signify Hong Kong’s fast-rising technology advancements and the ability to empower innovators in and out of the city to scale imagination to global impact.

Taking centre stage this year, Hong Kong Tech Pavilion stars with several CES Innovation Award winning solutions, as well as world-firsts, in a display of technology strength across the Eureka Park and Global Pavilion that includes companies less than five years old and more established ventures. Highlights include:

• Widemount Dynamics Tech: named Best of Innovation for Product in Support of Human Security for All, their Smart Firefighting Robot is designed to detect fires, navigate smoke-filled environments, provide real-time mapping, and determine the best extinguishing agent to minimize costs and risks for losses of life and asset.
• PointFit: honored under the Digital Health category, the PF-Sweat Patch is an ultra-thin wearable built with patented biomarkers tracking technology, it offers a non-invasive alternative with continuous monitoring of vitals and performance for athletes and wellbeing enthusiasts.
• Eieling Technology: honored under the Digital Health category, FattaLab® is the world’s first intelligence-driven compact fatty liver diagnostic device, delivering assessment results with medical-grade accuracy in just 30 seconds. The high level of convenience promotes early treatment to those who suffer from the disease, enabling immediate preventive care, and potentially boosts longevity.

Happenings such as announcement, product launches and briefings, and conversations to business-match at the Pavilions are lining up. That includes an introduction of GumAI, a smart oral healthcare solution developed by Dentomi, sharing more on the “Dentist coming in handy” approach; a demonstration of how DRESIO puts forth its “AI Physiotherapy for Everyone” solution; the launch of “wuBiee & wuBiee wrap” that moftBODY integrates neuroscience into smart textile onto daily shapewear, and more awaits at the Pavilions. Click here for the full line-up at Hong Kong Tech Pavilion, and schedule your visit now.

In addition, a Hong Kong Tech Networking Reception will be held on Day 2, welcoming all interested parties to engage in conversations of potential partnerships, and explore on business opportunities with Hong Kong tech companies. Registration is now open with details of the Reception as follows:

• Date: 7 January 2026
• Time: 5:30 – 7:30 pm
• Venue: Mercato Della Pescheria, The Venetian

Appendix: List of 61 tech companies at Hong Kong Tech Pavilion, including 47 within the HKSTP ecosystem (in alphabetical order)

Remarks:

• The Hong Kong Tech Pavilion is located across Eureka Park (booth #63200, Hall G) and Global Pavilion (booth #50732, Hall A-D) at The Venetian Expo.

Hashtag: #HKSTP

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

HKSTP

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

Global equity funds attracted sizeable inflows in the final week of 2025, reflecting sustained investor confidence as artificial intelligence-driven gains and expectations of resilient corporate earnings buoyed risk appetite across major markets. Fund flow data compiled from multiple tracking agencies showed investors adding billions of dollars to equity-focused vehicles, extending a trend that had strengthened through the closing quarter of the year.

The late-year surge followed a period of steady gains in global stock indices, underpinned by enthusiasm around productivity improvements linked to AI adoption and comparatively stable macroeconomic conditions in several advanced economies. Technology-heavy markets led the inflows, with North America and parts of Asia drawing particular interest, while Europe also registered net additions after earlier bouts of volatility tied to growth concerns.

Market participants pointed to a recalibration of expectations around monetary policy as another driver. With major central banks signalling that the peak of the tightening cycle had passed, investors appeared more willing to increase exposure to equities, especially companies positioned to benefit from automation, data analytics and cloud computing. Portfolio managers noted that the narrative around AI had broadened beyond a narrow group of mega-cap technology firms, supporting inflows into diversified equity funds rather than only thematic products.

Corporate earnings guidance also played a role in shaping sentiment. As the reporting season unfolded, many large firms indicated that margins were holding up better than feared, aided by cost discipline and selective price increases. While earnings growth varied by sector, analysts highlighted that consensus forecasts for the coming quarters stabilised after repeated downgrades earlier in the year, giving investors greater confidence to deploy capital before year-end.

Flows into emerging market equity funds showed a more nuanced picture. Some regions benefited from improving external balances and easing inflation pressures, which encouraged selective inflows, while others continued to see outflows amid currency volatility and geopolitical uncertainty. Asset managers said global investors remained discriminating, favouring markets with credible policy frameworks and exposure to global technology supply chains.

Bond funds, by contrast, recorded more modest movements during the same period, with some investors reallocating from fixed income to equities as yields plateaued. Mixed flows into money market funds suggested that cash levels remained elevated, reflecting a degree of caution even as equity allocations rose. This balance underscored what strategists described as a “measured optimism” rather than an unqualified risk-on shift.

Industry data indicated that passive equity funds and exchange-traded funds accounted for a significant share of the inflows, highlighting the continued appeal of low-cost vehicles tracking broad indices. Active equity funds also saw net subscriptions, particularly those with mandates focused on innovation, healthcare and industrial automation, sectors viewed as long-term beneficiaries of technological change.

Regional allocation patterns revealed that United States-focused funds captured the largest share of new money, supported by strong performance in technology and communication services stocks. Asia-Pacific equity funds followed, aided by signs of recovery in key economies and policy measures aimed at supporting growth. European equity funds experienced steadier, though smaller, inflows as investors weighed valuation appeal against ongoing structural challenges.

Market analysts cautioned that the momentum seen at the end of the year did not eliminate underlying risks. Valuations in some AI-linked stocks were described as demanding, leaving markets vulnerable to corrections if earnings failed to meet elevated expectations. Geopolitical tensions, trade policy uncertainty and uneven global growth were also cited as factors that could test investor confidence in the months ahead.

By K Raveendran As Indian corporates step into the new year buoyed by stronger growth momentum and easing inflationary pressures, a sense of anticipation is spreading across boardrooms and policy circles alike over a dispute that dwarfs most corporate battles seen in the country’s history. At the heart of this confrontation lies the Indian government’s […]

The article Sensation Building Up Around Country’s Biggest Ever Arbitration Award appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).

DL Securities’ formal approval as a licensed virtual asset service provider means that the sizeable digital asset and real-world asset (RWA) tokenization landscape being built by the Group will be delivered to global investors through a compliant, secure, and efficient channel — representing a critical step toward the inclusive-finance vision of “Investing Made Simple.”

Following the license upgrade, DL Securities plans to open omnibus accounts with OSL — one of the SFC-licensed virtual asset trading platforms in Hong Kong — to provide professional investors with secure and efficient execution services, including virtual asset trading and conversion between virtual assets and fiat currencies. The Company will implement stringent Know-Your-Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) procedures, perform continuous monitoring and risk assessment together with the platform, and conduct knowledge assessments for clients to ensure that services operate under the highest compliance standards.

To ensure prudence and regulatory alignment, DL Securities will strictly follow the additional conditions of the SFC and conduct virtual asset transactions via omnibus accounts on SFC-licensed platforms. Meanwhile, services will primarily target professional investor clients within its existing Type 1 regulated activity (securities dealing). This demonstrates that while embracing digital-finance innovation, DL Securities will continue to uphold Hong Kong’s rigorous regulatory framework and remain committed to delivering secure and compliant virtual asset services to high-net-worth clients.

Ahead of many licensed brokers whose roles remain focused only on “distribution,” DL has already established forward-looking strategic layouts in both asset digitalization and digital-asset investment, building a solid asset foundation for future business expansion. In terms of innovative RWA tokenization, the HK$500 million DL Tower located in Hong Kong’s Central district has formally commenced tokenization, with an initial tranche valued at HK$60 million. At the same time, the Group has completed the tokenization plan for its HK$312 million equity interest in the ultra-luxury U.S. real estate project ONE Carmel, aiming to pioneer an innovative shareholder-return mechanism. In addition, the Group has completed tokenization of nearly HK$40 million equity stakes in leading technology companies such as ByteDance and Kraken, enriching the diversity and growth potential of its digital-asset portfolio.

In terms of strategic investment in digital assets, the Group has likewise advanced its deployment. In computing power, nearly ten thousand high-performance mining rigs have been procured, generating close to two Bitcoins per day. The Group has also mapped out an additional HK$800 million digital-asset investment pathway, including HK$560 million into computing power and HK$240 million into tokenized gold assets. Cooperation with digital-asset asset-management platform Antalpha has achieved substantive progress, with an initial allocation of nearly HK$40 million in gold tokens completed. Meanwhile, continued investment in the fintech platform NeuralFin has delivered outstanding results — the platform’s valuation has reached HK$546 million and it has officially initiated preparations for U.S. listing, further strengthening the Group’s integrated digital-finance ecosystem.

Approval of the virtual-asset license provides crucial regulatory support for DL Securities to introduce the Group’s scarce, high-quality virtual-asset and RWA products to the broader investment market in a compliant and secure manner. Going forward, DL Securities will be able to offer professional and institutional investors compliant trading and professional advisory services covering mainstream digital assets such as BTC and ETH, as well as proprietary real-estate and equity-type RWA products. High-quality physical assets and frontier digital assets — once characterized by high thresholds and low liquidity — can now be transformed into fractional, tradeable digital rights, allowing broader groups of investors to share in the dividends of technological and asset-value growth.

Against the backdrop of global asset digitalization, RWA tokenization is becoming a key direction of financial innovation. While Chinese Mainland remains prudent toward such businesses, Hong Kong SAR — guided by a clear, stable, and internationally aligned regulatory framework — is actively assuming the role of a “testing ground.” Seizing this window of opportunity, DL has leveraged its deep understanding of the Hong Kong market, completed its virtual-asset deployment ahead of peers, and successfully obtained a pivotal license. This not only reflects DL’s strategic foresight but also its active participation in building Hong Kong into a global virtual-asset hub — firmly capturing first-mover advantages.

Mr. Andy Chen, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DL Holdings Group, stated:”This approval of our virtual-asset license is a milestone that has come naturally. DL has long ceased to be a bystander waiting for the license—we are already deeply engaged, holding substantial high-quality digital assets and RWAs. The license is a key — it opens the door for us to provide compliant services to investors worldwide. Looking ahead, DL will fully leverage our capital strength, asset reserves, and ecosystem advantages to become a trusted bridge connecting traditional finance and the digital-finance world.”

This license upgrade represents an important milestone in the Group’s deepening digital-finance strategy and embrace of fintech innovation. It is expected not only to significantly enhance business diversification and revenue potential but also to position the Company strongly in the digital-asset markets of Hong Kong and the Asia-Pacific region. Through rigorous compliance frameworks, professional teams, and deep collaboration with licensed platforms, DL Securities will provide professional investors with secure, efficient, and transparent virtual-asset financial services. Following the upgrade of Type 1 to include virtual-asset trading, the upgrade procedure for its Type 4 license (advising on securities) is also currently under final SFC review.

Hashtag: #DLHoldings #DLSecurities #SFC #LicensedBroker #RWATokenization #TokenizedAssets

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

Saudi Arabian Mining Company, widely known as Saudi Arabian Mining Company, has outlined plans to establish a joint venture with Midana Exploration Pay Ltd to advance minerals exploration, development and mining across licensed areas of the kingdom, in a move that underscores the country’s push to expand its non-oil resource base.

Under the proposed structure, the joint venture will be capitalised initially at $5 million, with Maaden holding a controlling 50.1% stake and Hancock owning the remaining 49.9%. The vehicle is expected to focus on early-stage exploration as well as the development and eventual sale of mineral resources identified within approved concession blocks, subject to regulatory clearances.

The announcement comes as Saudi Arabia accelerates efforts to map and commercialise its estimated multi-trillion-dollar mineral endowment, a pillar of the Vision 2030 strategy aimed at diversifying fiscal revenues and building domestic industrial supply chains. Officials and industry executives have repeatedly highlighted underexplored deposits of gold, copper, zinc, phosphate, bauxite and rare earth elements as areas of strategic interest.

Maaden, majority owned by the Public Investment Fund, has over the past decade evolved from a single-commodity operator into a diversified mining champion spanning gold, aluminium, phosphate fertilisers and industrial minerals. The proposed partnership with Hancock signals a renewed emphasis on upstream exploration, an area that demands specialised geological expertise, patient capital and risk-sharing arrangements.

Hancock, through its local exploration arm, has built a portfolio of prospecting licences and geological data across several regions of the kingdom. Industry observers say its familiarity with Saudi Arabia’s licensing framework and field operations complements Maaden’s balance sheet strength, project development experience and access to downstream markets.

According to people familiar with the matter, the joint venture is designed to move swiftly from desktop studies to on-ground surveys, including geophysical mapping and targeted drilling. Any commercial discoveries would then be evaluated for standalone development or integration into Maaden’s existing asset base, depending on scale, mineral type and infrastructure considerations.

The modest initial capital reflects the early-stage nature of the venture, with provisions allowing for additional funding rounds as projects advance. Mining analysts note that exploration budgets often expand sharply once priority targets are identified, particularly for metals linked to energy transition technologies such as copper and battery minerals.

Saudi Arabia has spent heavily on geological surveying over the past few years, releasing high-resolution data to attract private and foreign investors. The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources has also reformed the mining law to streamline licensing, strengthen environmental oversight and provide longer concession terms, measures that have been welcomed by global miners.

Within this policy backdrop, Maaden’s majority stake ensures strategic alignment with national priorities while allowing its partner operational flexibility. The 50.1-49.9 split also gives Maaden consolidation rights over any successful projects, a factor likely to reassure lenders and potential offtake partners at later stages.

Market participants see the joint venture as part of a broader trend of collaborative exploration models in the kingdom, where state-backed entities pair with specialised firms to spread risk and accelerate discovery timelines. Similar structures have been adopted in other resource-rich jurisdictions seeking to build domestic mining ecosystems without shouldering all the geological risk alone.

Environmental and social governance considerations are expected to feature prominently as projects move forward. Saudi regulators have tightened requirements around land rehabilitation, water use and community engagement, and Maaden has publicly committed to aligning new developments with international sustainability benchmarks.