By K Raveendran The Narendra Modi government’s position on fuel prices now looks less like prudent caution and more like an overly defensive reading of a market that has already absorbed much of the Iran-US risk. The more calibrated question, therefore, is not whether New Delhi is right to watch the West Asian security situation, […]
President Trump’s declaration on Wednesday that the ceasefire with Iran is over immediately pushed oil prices higher, lifted Treasury yields and revived concerns about the security of the Strait of Hormuz. Markets responded in familiar fashion, with traders reassessing energy supplies, inflation expectations and monetary policy. Another consequence deserves equal attention. Higher oil prices strengthen the fiscal position of the Gulf’s major energy exporters. Over time, stronger […]
Microsoft Corp. is moving more artificial intelligence work inside its own systems, replacing some OpenAI and Anthropic models in products such as Excel and Outlook as pressure grows to reduce the cost of running generative AI at scale. The shift marks a notable change for one of the technology industry’s biggest AI spenders. Microsoft has relied heavily on OpenAI’s models to power Copilot features across its software […]
Samsung Group and SK hynix have laid out investment plans worth about $174 billion for South Korea’s Chungcheong region, expanding the country’s drive to secure a stronger position in artificial intelligence chips, advanced packaging, displays and next-generation battery materials.
The commitments, unveiled at a government-backed industrial development event in Asan, place Chungcheong at the centre of a broader strategy to spread high-technology manufacturing beyond the Seoul metropolitan area and existing semiconductor clusters. President Lee Jae Myung praised the companies’ “bold decision” and called for faster execution of major industrial projects, warning that global competition in semiconductors and artificial intelligence will reward countries that move with speed on permits, power, water and land.
Samsung plans to invest 140 trillion won, or about $90 billion, across the central region. The programme covers display panels, high-bandwidth memory-related capacity, semiconductor packaging substrates, batteries and other core materials. The group’s plan is expected to reinforce manufacturing links between Samsung Electronics, Samsung Display, Samsung SDI and Samsung Electro-Mechanics, whose operations span chips, OLED screens, batteries and electronic components.
SK hynix said it would invest 100 trillion won, or about $64 billion to $72 billion depending on exchange-rate calculations, in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province. The plan includes the M17 NAND flash memory fabrication plant and P&T7, an advanced packaging and test facility. M17 is scheduled to break ground in 2026 and begin operations in the first half of 2029, while P&T7 is targeted for completion by the end of 2027.
The Cheongju expansion is intended to strengthen SK hynix’s NAND business and add back-end capacity at a time when artificial intelligence systems are raising demand for both high-performance memory and storage. While high-bandwidth memory has received the strongest investor attention because of its role in AI accelerators, large-scale data centres also require more NAND-based storage as models, user data and enterprise workloads expand.
The Chungcheong plan follows a wider national push in which Samsung Electronics and SK hynix are expected to invest hundreds of billions of dollars in new chipmaking hubs over the next decade. The government has framed the initiative as a “triple axis” strategy built around semiconductors, physical AI and data centres, with the aim of building industrial strength outside the traditional capital-area manufacturing corridor.
For Samsung, the Chungcheong investment gives the group a regional base for several linked supply chains. OLED production in Asan and surrounding areas can support premium smartphones, tablets, monitors and automotive displays. Battery investment strengthens Samsung SDI’s role in electric mobility and energy storage, while semiconductor materials and packaging substrates address one of the key bottlenecks in AI hardware production.
For SK hynix, Cheongju already has semiconductor infrastructure, making it a faster route for expansion than a greenfield project. The company has been one of the largest beneficiaries of the AI memory boom, helped by demand for high-bandwidth memory used with Nvidia graphics processors. Its latest investment signals that the company is also preparing for broader memory demand, including NAND and advanced packaging.
The scale of the commitments underlines the strategic importance of memory chips to South Korea’s economy. Samsung Electronics and SK hynix are the world’s two largest memory chipmakers, with dominant positions in DRAM and a major presence in NAND. Their investment decisions affect global supply, pricing expectations and the pace at which cloud companies can build AI infrastructure.
The programme also carries risks. Semiconductor investment cycles have often produced periods of oversupply after large capacity expansions. Investors have shown caution over whether the current AI-driven boom can absorb the output planned by the industry, especially if data-centre spending slows or if memory pricing weakens before new factories reach full capacity.
Infrastructure remains another challenge. Advanced chip plants require stable electricity, ultra-pure water, skilled engineers and rapid permitting. Lee’s comments on execution reflect concern that delays could undermine the industrial strategy. Local governments are expected to face pressure to accelerate utility connections, transport links and land-use approvals while managing environmental and community concerns.
Regional development is a central political theme of the initiative. By placing more advanced manufacturing in Chungcheong and other areas outside Seoul’s orbit, the administration is seeking to reduce economic concentration and create high-value jobs in provincial cities. That ambition will depend on whether new factories attract suppliers, research teams and service industries rather than functioning as isolated production sites.
A browser flaw in Opera GX allowed hostile websites to silently install customisation mods and use them to extract data from pages visited by a signed-in user, exposing a weakness in how browser styling features can be turned into cross-site surveillance tools. The vulnerability, now patched, affected the gaming-focused Opera GX browser and centred on its GX Mods feature, which lets users customise themes, wallpapers, sounds and […]
Attackers are hiding machine-readable instructions inside websites to manipulate AI agents, turning ordinary web pages into a new security battleground as automated systems begin browsing, summarising and acting on behalf of users. Zscaler’s ThreatLabz has documented two live campaigns using indirect prompt injection, a technique in which malicious instructions are planted in third-party content that an AI system reads during a task. Unlike a direct prompt attack, […]
Emergency crews began stabilising a structurally compromised Midtown Manhattan high-rise after buckled columns, cracked floors and visible deflection forced evacuations around a major office-to-residential conversion site near Grand Central Terminal. The 37-storey building at 235 East 42nd Street, formerly part of Pfizer’s global headquarters, was declared unstable after workers reported structural distress on Tuesday morning. By evening, engineers had entered the affected area, installed jacks and started […]
Enterprise AI agents are moving from pilot projects into business software faster than many security teams can rework the systems that decide who, or what, is allowed to log in. The main obstacle is no longer only model performance. Deployment is being slowed by multi-factor authentication prompts, short-lived session tokens, bot-detection systems, consent screens, delegated permissions and audit requirements built for people using keyboards, not software agents […]
Dutch prosecutors have summoned Tata Steel IJmuiden B. V. to face criminal proceedings over alleged unlawful pollution from its vast steelworks on the North Sea coast, escalating a long-running dispute over emissions, public health and industrial regulation in the IJmond region.
The Public Prosecution Service suspects the company of multiple criminal offences, including deliberately and unlawfully releasing harmful substances into the air with possible adverse consequences for public health. The case also covers alleged breaches of the company’s duty of care, insufficient maintenance, operating without the required permits and failure to report several incidents involving raw coke, a by-product linked to the steelmaking process.
A first procedural hearing has been scheduled for 20 November 2026 at the Amsterdam District Court, where prosecutors are expected to set out the precise charges. The investigation began after a criminal complaint filed on behalf of more than 800 residents and campaigners, who have for years linked emissions from the IJmuiden complex to health risks, nuisance and damage to quality of life.
The steelworks, located west of Amsterdam in Velsen, is among the Netherlands’ biggest industrial sites and one of its largest greenhouse gas emitters. Its blast furnaces, coke ovens and associated facilities have made it a strategic employer and export asset, but also a central target for environmental enforcement. Local concern intensified after pollution incidents, odour complaints and measurements showing deposits of metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in nearby communities.
Prosecutors say the criminal investigation examined the steel production process and the operation of Tata Steel’s coke gas factories. The inquiry was carried out with input from environmental inspection and police units, including the investigative arm of the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate and regional environmental enforcement agencies.
The company has rejected the accusations, saying it disagrees with the decision to prosecute and has already made major improvements to reduce emissions. Tata Steel Nederland has described the case as unnecessary, arguing that it relates to a limited number of incidents where corrective action had already been taken. The company maintains that its emissions comply with legal limits and that planned investments will cut pollution further.
The prosecution has not ruled out possible action against individuals. A separate part of the investigation is examining whether people in management roles could be held personally criminally liable. Prosecutors said that part of the inquiry may take more time, while the company summons has been issued now to keep the criminal case moving.
The summons comes against a broader legal and regulatory backdrop. Residents living near the plant and environmental groups have pursued civil and criminal routes to force faster reductions in pollution. A collective claim filed in the Netherlands seeks about €1.4 billion in compensation from Tata Steel’s Dutch subsidiaries, alleging health damage, stress, loss of enjoyment of life and property-related losses across the region. Tata Steel has dismissed those claims as speculative and unsupported.
Regulatory pressure has also mounted over the coke ovens, one of the most contentious parts of the IJmuiden operation. Authorities have previously warned that permits could be at risk if breaches continue, and financial penalties have been imposed over emissions violations. The coke-making process is crucial to conventional blast-furnace steel production, but it is also associated with pollutants that have drawn sustained scrutiny from residents and health experts.
Public health studies commissioned by Dutch authorities have strengthened demands for action. Research has identified the Tata Steel site as a significant source of metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the IJmond area, while health assessments have pointed to higher exposure risks for communities around the plant. Campaigners argue that enforcement has been too slow, given the scale of the plant and the duration of residents’ complaints.
Tata Steel is attempting to balance the legal fight with negotiations over a cleaner production model. The company, the Dutch government and the province of North Holland signed a non-binding framework in 2025 aimed at cutting carbon emissions and improving the living environment around IJmuiden. The plan includes a shift towards lower-carbon steelmaking, with public support of up to €2 billion under discussion and additional funding sought from European programmes.
Epic Games has moved to end its lawsuit against former contractor Hayden Cohen, accused of leaking confidential Fortnite collaboration plans involving major entertainment and gaming franchises before they were made public. The proposed settlement, filed in a North Carolina federal court, would permanently bar Cohen from possessing, accessing, using or disclosing Epic’s confidential information and trade secrets. It would also prevent him from helping others obtain or […]
Bitcoin fell below $62,000 in Asian trading as renewed US-Iran hostilities drove oil prices higher, prompting investors to cut exposure to cryptocurrencies and other risk assets. The world’s largest digital token traded near $62,000 after touching an intraday low around $61,700, extending a pullback that spread across Ether, XRP and Solana. Ether hovered near $1,625, while several large alternative tokens lost between 1 and 3 per cent […]
Securitize’s shares have fallen about 40 per cent since the BlackRock-backed tokenisation firm completed its public listing through a Cantor Fitzgerald-linked blank-cheque vehicle, exposing a sharp gap between investor enthusiasm for blockchain-based financial infrastructure and the early trading performance of companies entering public markets through SPAC deals. The company, now trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker SECZ, slipped to about $8 after opening […]
US officials have reportedly cleared OpenAI to widen access to GPT-5.6, allowing the company to move its most advanced model series from a restricted partner trial towards a broader commercial release after cybersecurity and national security checks. The decision covers GPT-5.6 Sol, the flagship version, alongside lower-cost Terra and Luna models. OpenAI has said the models will be made available after an initial period in which access […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Ras Al Khaimah is preparing for one of the largest residential supply expansions in its history, with 25,600 new homes expected to be delivered by 2030 as developers accelerate launches around waterfront districts, branded residences and lifestyle-led communities. The new supply pipeline, tracked by Cavendish Maxwell, is heavily weighted towards apartments, which account for 97 per cent of planned stock. The figure underlines […]
Gulf Cooperation Council banks are bracing for slower growth as the Middle East war and wider geopolitical uncertainty weigh on credit demand, investor confidence and corporate activity, even as lenders retain strong profitability, capital buffers and stable funding. S&P Global Ratings analyst Tatjana Lescova said banks across the six-nation bloc are expected to continue delivering solid earnings despite pressure from the conflict, higher risk premiums and uneven […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they fired missiles and drones at US military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait on Wednesday, widening a confrontation that has put a fragile ceasefire under severe strain after US strikes on Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the operation hit sites linked to the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain and Ali Al […]
A Ukrainian drone attack set off a fire at Russia’s Saratov oil refinery overnight, extending Kyiv’s campaign against fuel assets that support Moscow’s military operations and domestic supply network. Footage circulating from the Volga region showed flames and smoke rising from the refinery area after explosions were reported around 3am local time. Saratov regional governor Roman Busargin acknowledged a drone threat and said warning systems could be […]
The Reserve Bank of India has renewed its support for keeping cryptocurrency away from the formal financial system, reviving the prospect of a tougher national policy on private digital assets even as millions of users continue to trade through domestic and offshore platforms. Government documents and briefings to a parliamentary panel point to a policy line that leans towards prohibition rather than licensing. The central bank has […]
Temasek’s portfolio value climbed to a record S$518 billion, or about $400 billion, as the Singapore state investment company sharpened its push into artificial intelligence and reported stronger returns after two years of portfolio recalibration.
The latest figure, based on a mark-to-market valuation of listed and unlisted holdings, showed a S$49 billion rise for the financial year ended 31 March 2026. The increase reflected stronger performance from Singapore-based portfolio companies, gains from divestments and a broader recovery in public market valuations. The portfolio has doubled over the past decade, underlining the scale of Temasek’s role as one of Asia’s most influential investment groups.
Temasek invested S$51 billion during the year and divested S$31 billion, resulting in a net investment of S$20 billion. Its one-year shareholder return stood at 10.5 per cent in Singapore dollar terms, while its 10-year return was 7.1 per cent. The 20-year return was 6.8 per cent, a measure closely watched because Temasek is designed to generate long-term returns for Singapore rather than chase short-term market gains.
Artificial intelligence has become a central plank of the company’s next phase of growth. AI-related investments now account for about 6 per cent of its portfolio, with plans to raise that exposure to 10-15 per cent by 31 March 2031. Temasek has already taken positions linked to leading AI companies including OpenAI and Anthropic, while also targeting the wider infrastructure needed to support the technology.
The strategy is not limited to model developers. Temasek is looking across the AI value chain, including semiconductors, cloud service providers, data centres, energy systems, foundation models and software infrastructure. That wider approach reflects a belief that the economics of AI will not be captured only by consumer-facing platforms, but also by companies supplying chips, computing power, storage, power capacity and enterprise software.
Chief executive Dilhan Pillay has described AI adoption as a pivotal phase in the digitisation trend that Temasek has followed for more than a decade. The company’s approach is expected to combine direct investments, listed equities and private market exposure, with a preference for flexibility at a time when valuations across parts of the AI sector remain elevated.
The stronger annual performance also comes after Temasek moved to sharpen accountability within its investment structure. From April 2026, its portfolio has been organised into three broad segments: Singapore-based portfolio companies, global direct investments, and partnerships and funds. The change is intended to improve execution and give clearer visibility on how different parts of the portfolio contribute to returns.
Singapore-based companies remain an anchor of Temasek’s holdings. These include major stakes in groups tied to finance, telecommunications, transport, logistics, infrastructure and real estate. Their performance helped lift the portfolio during the year, even as Temasek continued to diversify beyond its home market.
The company has also increased attention on private credit, an asset class that has expanded as banks have retreated from some forms of lending and institutional investors have sought higher-yielding alternatives. Private credit currently accounts for about 2 per cent of Temasek’s portfolio, with a target of 5 per cent by 2031. The allocation is expected to provide recurring cash yield and a different risk profile from the predominantly equity-heavy portfolio.
Sustainable living remains another major investment theme. Temasek’s sustainable living portfolio rose to S$49 billion as of 31 March 2026, supported by commitments in renewable energy, power grids and transition technologies. Its portfolio emissions remained at about 21 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, around 30 per cent below 2020 levels, though the company has signalled that rising electricity demand, higher capital costs and exposure to emissions-intensive businesses may complicate its 2030 reduction target.
Temasek’s global exposure continues to reflect a balance between Asia and developed markets. Its earlier vulnerability to China-linked volatility had weighed on returns, prompting a more disciplined approach to capital allocation and risk management. The latest numbers suggest that portfolio adjustments, divestments and stronger listed-market performance have helped restore momentum.
Formula E Season 12 accelerates global expansion and sustainability milestones as DHL delivers precision logistics behind one of the world’s most complex sporting championships
Battery logistics takes center stage off track as electrification drives new supply chain demands
SHANGHAI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 July 2026 – As the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship returns to Shanghai for the 2025/2026 Season, the world’s premier all-electric racing Championship accelerates into its most ambitious chapter yet with a record 17 races across 11 global cities, including new circuits in Madrid and Miami.
ABB FIA Formula E World Championship returns to Shanghai for the 2025/2026 Season
Underscoring its commitment to sustainability and transparency, Formula E has also recently become the first global sport to achieve B Corp Certification, a globally recognised designation awarded to companies that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. “Achieving B Corp Certification is a defining milestone for Formula E and reinforces our mission to drive sustainable innovation both on and off the track,” said Barry Mortimer, Paddock and Logistics Director, Formula E. “It reflects our commitment to operating responsibly as we continue to push the boundaries of electric mobility and sustainable sport on a global stage.” DHL Powers the Global Movement of Formula E
Behind the high-speed action lies a complex global logistics operation. DHL, the Official Founding and Official Logistics Partner of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship since 2013, plays a critical role in moving the Championship seamlessly across continents, ensuring that every race is delivered with precision, efficiency and sustainability.
Each race in this season requires the transport of approximately 400 metric tons of freight, including 21 electric race cars, charging infrastructure, broadcast equipment, and critical power systems, all orchestrated through tightly coordinated multimodal solutions spanning air, ocean, rail and road.
In the lead-up to the 2026 Shanghai E-Prix, DHL executed a three-day multimodal journey from Sanya, combining ferry and road transport. This required extensive planning and documentation to ensure full compliance across multiple transport regulations, highlighting the precision and intricate choreography required to meet unmovable race-day deadlines.
Battery Logistics at the Heart of Electrified Racing
Beyond motorsport, this partnership shines a spotlight on one of the fastest-growing and most complex areas of global trade: battery logistics. As electrification accelerates worldwide, the safe and compliant transport of lithium-ion batteries has become mission-critical and increasingly challenging.
Formula E offers a vivid real-world example. Each race involves transporting approximately 31 high-performance batteries, each weighing around 400kg—far exceeding typical consumer battery thresholds and classified as regulated dangerous goods. Their transport requires strict adherence to international regulations, including IATA and ICAO standards, covering specialized packaging, state-of-charge restrictions, certified handling procedures, and multiple layers of regulatory approvals from airlines and authorities.
The complexity is further amplified by varying customs requirements of different countries and cities, and stringent transport conditions across different modes. From certified aluminum containment units and non-stackable packaging to detailed documentation and risk classification requirements, every step demands precision and deep expertise.
“Every Formula E race may look seamless on track, but behind the scenes it is a highly complex logistics operation—especially when it comes to transporting lithium-ion batteries safely across borders,” said Federico Cavani, Head of Motorsports Italy, DHL Global Forwarding. “These are regulated dangerous goods that require meticulous planning, strict compliance with global standards, and specialized handling at every stage. Our partnership with Formula E showcases how advanced battery logistics can be executed safely at scale, and reflects the same challenges DHL customers face as electrification accelerates globally.” China: The Engine Driving Global Battery Supply Chains
China has emerged as the undisputed hub of the global battery ecosystem, underpinning the rapid growth of electrification worldwide. In 2025, global electric vehicle battery deployment reached 1.2 terawatt-hours (TWh), with China accounting for around 60% of the total, reinforcing its position as the largest and most dynamic market. Beyond demand, China also leads across the manufacturing value chain. The country produces over 70% of the world’s lithium-ion batteries, with some estimates placing its share at more than three-quarters of global output in 2025.
The ability to move batteries safely, compliantly, and efficiently—both within China and across international markets—has thus become a critical differentiator.
“DHL Global Forwarding China partners with several of the world’s leading battery manufacturers, providing end-to-end battery transportation solutions across the entire logistics value chain. The company also supports the rapidly growing energy storage logistics sector, helping customers better manage and optimize their energy storage supply chains. Each year, we handle more than 10,000 TEUs of batteries and battery-related materials exported from China, with shipments destined for major markets such as the United States and Europe,” said Stephen Zhang, Vice President, Ocean Freight, Greater China, DHL Global Forwarding.
As global supply chains evolve alongside the energy transition, DHL’s role extends far beyond the racetrack. From supporting EV and battery ecosystems to enabling resilient, compliant and sustainable logistics solutions, the company continues to power the shift toward a low-carbon future—one race, and one shipment at a time.
DHL Group has made significant investments in its New Energy capabilities under its Strategy 2030: Accelerating Sustainable Growth. Through DHL New Energy Logistics, a sector brand driving electrification and the energy transition, the company delivers end-to-end solutions across the full value chain, spanning wind, solar, EVs and batteries, BESS, charging, grid infrastructure, alternative fuels, and hydrogen. Leveraging a global network covering more than 220 countries and territories and supported by over 20 DHL EV Centers of Excellence and a dedicated team of trained dangerous goods specialists, DHL ensures high-sensitivity cargo moves safely, compliantly, and on time. Hashtag: #DHL
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
DHL – The logistics company for the world
DHL is the leading global brand in the logistics industry. Our DHL divisions offer an unrivalled portfolio of logistics services ranging from national and international parcel delivery, e-commerce shipping and fulfillment solutions, international express, road, air and ocean transport to industrial supply chain management. With approximately 389,000 employees in more than 220 countries and territories worldwide, DHL connects people and businesses securely and reliably, enabling global sustainable trade flows. With specialized solutions for growth markets and industries including technology, life sciences and healthcare, engineering, manufacturing & energy, auto-mobility and retail, DHL is decisively positioned as “The logistics company for the world”.
DHL is part of DHL Group. The Group generated revenues of approximately 82.9 billion euros in 2025. With sustainable business practices and a commitment to society and the environment, the Group makes a positive contribution to the world. DHL Group aims to achieve net-zero emissions logistics by 2050.
Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange Group will remove daily price limits on exchange-traded funds and futures contracts from 3 August 2026, marking a fresh step in its push to deepen liquidity, improve price discovery and align its listed products more closely with global market practice. The change applies to ETFs and futures contracts listed on the exchange, allowing their prices to move without the daily trading bands that […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai ADNEC Group delivered AED9.2 billion in economic impact in 2025, marking its strongest annual performance and strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a regional centre for exhibitions, conferences, hospitality and business tourism. The figure represented an 8 per cent rise from AED8.5 billion in 2024, supported by higher event activity, stronger visitor flows and deeper integration across venues, events, services, catering, tourism and media. […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Saudi Arabia has slashed the price of its flagship crude for Asian buyers by the widest margin in more than two decades, signalling a tougher fight for market share as rising supply and softer demand reshape the oil trade. Saudi Aramco cut the August official selling price of Arab Light crude by $11 a barrel, setting it at $1.50 below the Oman-Dubai average, […]
Over 90% Take Punitive Action Against Brand Doubt, While 61% Have Walked Away
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 July 2026 – Hong Kong consumers have very low tolerance for brands and organisations that are deemed not believable, responding with rapid and decisive backlash when corporate promises trigger doubt. According to a new study on “The Believability Economy” by Ogilvy and YouGov, local residents quickly escalate from questioning claims to complaining on social media, switching to competitors, and fully disengaging. Part of a seven-market Asia Pacific initiative, the Hong Kong SAR edition of Ogilvy’s “Believability Index: The Power of Proof” reveals how critical proof has become to maintaining brand survival.
Believability Index HK Infographics
Silent Disengagement Directly Threatens Revenue
When believability falters, consumer action is almost universal. Of the 1,032 Hong Kong residents aged 18 and over surveyed between late April and early May 2026, 94% stated that they take punitive action once they harbour doubts about a brand or organisation, leaving only 6% with their behaviours unchanged. The local backlash is only slightly below the APAC average of 96%.
This belief-triggered disengagement also inflicts immediate financial consequences: 61% of Hong Kong respondents (70% in APAC) have stopped engaging with or purchasing from a brand or organisation over the past 12 months due to a lack of belief in its claims.
More importantly, silent forms of disengagement dominate the Hong Kong market. Nine in 10 Hongkongers (89%) opt for “silent disengagement”, walking away without saying a word. This quiet exit also carries a severe commercial penalty: it includes 46% who stop purchasing altogether and 32% who migrate to a competitor.
“The research findings are a stark wake-up call for brands and organisations, and show believability makes or breaks consumer decisions in immediate and severe ways,” said Clara Shek, President, Ogilvy Public Relations Hong Kong. “The Hong Kong findings reflect a broader trend in the Asia Pacific region: disengagement often combines quiet withdrawal with more visible signals. Brands and organisations must recognise that what they see publicly is only part of the picture — the quieter, unseen behaviours are dangerous and could be the silent killers of an organisation’s success.”
Vocal punishment is common. Over half (58%) of the respondents say they would take public or semi‑public action, such as:
Telling friends, family or colleagues not to support the brand or organisation (30%)
Reporting or flagging organisational content as misleading (17%)
Leaving a negative review or public comment (15%)
Actively and publicly avoid their content (14%)
Contacting them directly to express concerns (12%)
Posting personal experiences directly on social media (10%)
Lack of Competence and Ethics Triggers Consumer Disengagement
When consumers abandon a brand or organisation due to a breakdown of belief, the top reasons that prompted them to stop engaging or stop purchasing in the past 12 months tie directly to operational execution:
Products and services didn’t deliver what was promised (34%)
The brand or organisation handled an issue or mistake poorly (29%)
Poor business ethics (27%)
Communication missteps also erode foundational belief. A quarter of consumers (25%) state that exaggerated or misleading communications have prompted them to disengage, and 24% disengage when a brand or organisation is unresponsive to issues they raise. In contrast, influencers and spokespeople play a smaller role in believability-driven disengagement — only 15% of respondents report that they would stop engaging with a brand or organisation because a spokesperson or influencer loses credibility.
Drivers of Believability
In Hong Kong, believability is driven far more by the credibility of the source than by the creative style of the content, and people rely primarily on their own judgement or official sources, rather than influencers or highly-polished content. Three quarters (76%) of Hong Kong residents rely on credibility-related influences (such as credible sources and multiple sources), 62% rely on personal perception (whether information aligns with existing knowledge), 59% turn to reviews, and 43% turn to peer validation.
Across all ages, the top drivers of belief are consistently rooted in familiarity and prior experience:
A source they already find credible (43%)
Information that aligns with their own knowledge or experience (34%)
Official or institutional sources (30%)
Conversely, the signals that dominate digital and social media culture — polished and professionally produced content (8%), the amount of people engaging with or sharing the information (16%), and “authentic” creator content (12%) — sit at the bottom of the list as factors that influence whether they believe new information about a brand or organisation.
The Channel Paradox – Where Belief and Scepticism Collide
The Ogilvy Believability Index 2026 finds that mainstream media and official brand channels remain the most influential sources of increased belief in Hong Kong. Almost two-thirds (58%) of Hong Kong residents say information from mainstream media increases their belief in brands and organisations that matter to them, and half (50%) say official brand channels improve belief. Both sources were greeted with relatively minimal scepticism (7% and 8% respectively).
Influencer content and private messaging apps tell a more complex story. The study shows that 30% of Hong Kong consumers say information from social media influencers and KOLs increase their belief, but 26% express heightened scepticism. Private group chats such as WhatsApp show the same near‑equal split: 30% say these channels strengthen their belief, while 26% say they make them more doubtful. In these environments, brands and organisations aren’t generating belief alone — they’re generating belief and doubt in almost equal measure.
“Social media channels may be influential in reach and visibility for brands and organisations, but they are far less effective at strengthening belief,” Ms. Shek said. “In fact, they often create a mix of belief and doubt – a paradox that organisations need to navigate carefully. Traditional tracking tools can create a blind spot for senior leadership as organisations run the risk of over-indexing spending on the exact platforms that are triggering scepticism.”
The importance of mainstream media echoes the latest findings in South China Morning Post’s (SCMP) Intersection of Influence study released on June 24, 2026. The SCMP study shows news media commands the highest attention of any channel in Hong Kong, significantly outperforming other channels (such as social media) in terms of audience focus and staying power. Sixty-one percent (61%) say news reports stay with them long after reading, and 16% use the information to make important decisions. For believability, this shows that news environments don’t just attract attention; they generate intentional, lasting and active engagement in the content.
Negative Ripple Effect for Other Brands
When believability breaks, it spreads. A third (31% local; 36% in APAC) of consumers admit that when their belief in a brand or organisation is lost, they become more wary or suspicious, with 38% of Hong Kong consumers (29% in APAC) reporting that they will subsequently minimise their use of similar products or services from other brands and organisations.
Restoring Belief – Action is Louder Than Words in Hong Kong
On the bright side, 82% of Hong Kong residents (85% in APAC) say belief can be restored. Only 14% of Hong Kong residents (11% in APAC) say that once belief in a source is lost — whether an organisation, media outlet, or public figure — it can never be regained.
When it comes to restoring belief, Hong Kong consumers respond most positively to concrete action. Half (50%) say an organisation must “actively fix the issue” before they will believe them again – a requirement that ranks well above a “public acknowledgement” (40%). Furthermore, another 40% believe it is important to “demonstrate consistent accuracy.”
For Hongkongers, these concrete actions carry far more weight than shifts in communication style alone. Only 29% of respondents feel that being “more transparent or further evidence-based” in their communication helps restore belief, while only 13% say “endorsements from respected individuals” helps restore belief. In other words, accountability and follow‑through are the real drivers of believability.
“Consumers are open to brands and organisations that take actions to repair that credibility. The path to redemption clearly lies in tangible action – correcting problems, publicly acknowledging mistakes and demonstrating consistency. As the findings show, accountability is the ultimate currency of belief,” said Ms. Shek at Ogilvy.
“Despite the popularity of social media and digital channels, Ogilvy’s Hong Kong edition of the ‘Believability Index: The Power of Proof’ calls for a rethink on marketing and issue management approach,” Ms. Shek concluded. “To protect against silent disengagement, leaders must deliver on their core promise, tackle issues transparently, and anchor their communications in mainstream media and official channels, with mindful management of social media and influencer strategy recognising these channels’ belief-scepticism double-edged impact on consumers.”
Hashtag: #Ogilvy
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Ogilvy’s 2026 Believability Index: Power of Proof
The Hong Kong edition of “Believability Index: The Power of Proof” was conducted online between 22nd April – 4th May 2026. The sample comprised an online representative sample of 1,032 Hong Kong adults aged 18 years and older. Total sample size for Ogilvy’s seven-market Asia Pacific Believability Index 2026 was 7,176 adults in Australia, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Mainland China and Hong Kong SAR (1,032). All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all respective market adults (aged 18+). Ogilvy designed the questionnaire in collaboration with YouGov.
About Ogilvy PR
Ogilvy PR and Influence is a global creative communications agency that partners with organisations to drive value and growth. We build brands, protect reputations, and earn attention and influence through creative storytelling informed by data, and fuelled by technology. Our specialist practice areas offer media relations, social and digital communications, external and internal stakeholder communications, issues and crisis management, and stakeholder engagement. We are the region’s largest and most specialised public relations and public affairs consultancy.