South Africa’s vast grasslands have become the testing ground for what is being described as a global first in community-led carbon markets, as farmers and pastoral groups begin to earn tradable carbon credits through regenerative land management verified under a new international standard. The initiative centres on Verra’s recently approved methodology for Improved Agricultural Land Management, which allows greenhouse gas reductions and soil carbon gains from grazing […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 January 2026 – The 19th Asian Financial Forum (AFF), opened this morning (January 26) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre with more than 3,600 influential leaders from over 60 countries and regions joining the two-day summit, the region’s first major international financial event of 2026.
Co-organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), this year’s AFF, themed “Co-creating New Horizons Amid an Evolving Landscape”, takes on added significance being the first such event of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030).
“Featuring more than 150 prominent speakers, from Hong Kong, throughout the Asian region and around the world, the Forum will inspire insight and innovation, create partnerships and explore fresh business opportunities,” John Lee, Chief Executive of the HKSAR, said in his opening remarks at the Forum.
Mr Lee also spoke of the boundless opportunities for Hong Kong under the unique principle of “one country, two systems”, that assures Hong Kong of the unwavering support of China, while continuing to expand its global markets and reach.
“This unparalleled positioning solidifies our institutional strengths: the rule of law, a judiciary that exercises its power independently, an open and transparent market, the free flow of capital and a low and simple tax regime,” Mr Lee said.
Mr Lee later witnessed the signing of a co-operation agreement between the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau and the Shanghai Gold Exchange, marking a new milestone in deepening co-operation between the gold markets of Hong Kong and Shanghai.
The agreement was signed by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Christopher Hui, and the Chairman of the Shanghai Gold Exchange, Yu Wenjian.
“The agreement just now signed is far more than a formal document,” said Mr Hui.
“It represents a resolute commitment to advancing the synergistic development of Hong Kong and Shanghai as premier international financial and gold markets. It reflects our joint determination to deepen the integration and complementary strengths of Hong Kong and Shanghai, so that together we can expand our share and influence in the global gold market, and better support Renminbi internationalisation.”
Mr Hui outlined the strategic significance of the agreement and the overall development blueprint for Hong Kong’s gold market.
“In recent years, amid heightened geopolitical uncertainty, inflationary pressures, and ongoing restructuring of the international monetary system, the strategic importance of gold has become even more pronounced,” Mr Hui said.
The agreement covers two major forward-looking areas of co-operation: establishing a high-level, collaborative governance structure for Hong Kong’s new gold central clearing system; and opening new avenues for physical infrastructure synergy and market interconnectivity.
“The signing of this agreement with the Shanghai Gold Exchange marks the dawn of a new chapter—one in which Hong Kong and Shanghai join forces to shape the future of global gold markets,” Mr Hui said.
A discussion session on gold trading themed “Global Spectrum – Gold Exchange” features expert panelists invited to examine recent market developments and share insights on Hong Kong’s role, potential and opportunity as a world-class gold trading centre. Speakers include overseas experts James Emmett, Chief Executive Officer, MKS PAMP SA and David Tait, Chief Executive Officer, World Gold Council.
Other highlights on day one of the AFF include a keynote luncheon speech by Dr José Manuel Barroso, former President of the European Commission, former Prime Minister of Portugal, and current Chairman of Goldman Sachs International Advisory Board, to share his insights on the current global landscape and macro‑level challenges.
Other notable speakers today include Zou Jiayi, President of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank; Scott Morris, Vice-President (East and Southeast Asia, and the Pacific) of the Asian Development Bank; Mehmet Şimşek, Minister of Treasury and Finance of Türkiye; Klemen Boštjančič, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Slovenia; H.E. Waleed Saeed Abdul Salam Al Awadhi, Chief Executive Officer of Securities and Commodities Authority of United Arab Emirates; Burkhard Balz, Member of the Executive Board of the Deutsche Bundesbank; Rhee Chang-yong, Governor of the Bank of Korea; and Gokul Laroia, Chief Executive Officer Asia of Morgan Stanley.
The AFF serves as the opening event of the International Financial Week in Hong Kong, featuring over 10 partner activities covering a range of global financial and business topics, including ASEAN opportunities, asset and wealth management, and artificial intelligence.
Comments from Chris Pratt have reignited discussion around the direction of Nintendo and Illumination’s next animated Mario feature, with the actor suggesting that the follow-up to The Super Mario Bros. Movie will broaden its character roster and explore corners of the franchise that were only lightly touched in the first film. Pratt, who voices Mario, has spoken in promotional interviews for other projects about returning to the […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Casagrand has begun construction of Casagrand Hermina at Dubai Islands, signalling the Chennai-headquartered developer’s formal entry into the emirate’s premium waterfront housing market and marking a strategic expansion beyond South Asia. The ground-breaking ceremony, held at the project site, brings Casagrand’s development playbook to one of Dubai’s most closely watched island clusters, where large-scale regeneration plans are reshaping the northern coastline. Casagrand Hermina […]
Saudi Arabia’s Real Estate General Authority has brought into force a sweeping set of legal changes that widen access to property ownership for foreign companies and expatriate residents, marking a significant shift in how the Kingdom regulates and opens its real estate market. The new framework, effective from January 22, integrates these provisions into the national real estate legislative system, making all rules immediately enforceable under a […]
Open-source compiler infrastructure project LLVM has formally clarified how contributors may use artificial intelligence tools when submitting code, allowing AI-assisted contributions while placing clear responsibility on human reviewers to understand, verify and stand behind every line. The policy, adopted after months of internal discussion, reflects a wider reckoning across open-source communities grappling with the growing presence of generative coding systems. LLVM’s leadership has made it clear that […]
GameStop has moved bitcoin valued at about $420 million to Coinbase Prime, triggering market speculation over whether the videogame retailer is preparing to sell part of its digital asset holdings or repositioning them for custody and treasury management. Blockchain tracking firms flagged the transfer after a series of transactions shifted thousands of bitcoins from wallets associated with GameStop into addresses linked to Coinbase Prime, the institutional platform […]
Curl, one of the world’s most widely used data transfer tools, has shut down its bug bounty programme after an overwhelming influx of low-quality vulnerability reports generated with the help of artificial intelligence began to swamp its small security team. Daniel Stenberg, the creator and lead maintainer of curl, said the volume of submissions claiming security flaws had grown to a level that could no longer be […]
Bitcoin slipped below a widely watched technical floor this week, extending a pullback that traders say reflects broader unease over global macro conditions even as large holders quietly add to positions. The move saw the largest cryptocurrency trade under a descending support line associated with a bearish flag formation, a pattern often read as a continuation signal after a sharp run-up. Market participants pointed to a mix […]
Jewellery manufacturers, designers and traders from across three continents are set to converge in Sharjah as the Jewels of Emirates Show 2026 opens on 28 January at the Expo Centre Sharjah, positioning the emirate as a key meeting point for the regional and global jewellery trade at the start of the year. Organisers say the four-day exhibition will feature about 180 exhibitors representing the Middle East, Asia […]
Taara, a California-based connectivity venture built around high-capacity laser links, has formally separated from Alphabet, marking a decisive shift in how ultra-fast internet could be delivered to hard-to-reach regions. The spin-out places the spotlight on a terrestrial alternative to satellite broadband, with the company arguing that its ground-based approach can deliver fibre-like speeds at lower cost and with fewer regulatory hurdles. Born inside Alphabet’s experimental “moonshot” unit, […]
YouTube is preparing to allow creators to appear in Shorts through AI-generated likenesses, a move that expands the platform’s generative toolkit while sharpening its rules against deception, spam and misuse. The initiative, aimed at short-form video makers, will let creators blend real footage with synthetic representations of themselves, opening new ways to scale production and localise content without physically filming every clip. The plan centres on authorised […]
Walmart and Unity have rolled out a new immersive commerce software-development kit that allows game creators to embed real-world shopping experiences directly within Unity-built titles and apps, marking a shift in how physical retail intersects with interactive entertainment. The free SDK empowers developers to integrate Walmart’s commerce systems, catalogue and checkout functionality into gameplay without forcing players to exit the virtual environment, unlocking fresh monetisation routes for […]
South Africa’s currency advanced to its strongest level in roughly three years as a softer US dollar, firm commodity prices and cautious optimism about domestic reforms combined to lift investor appetite for emerging-market assets. The rand strengthened through the week against the greenback and traded at levels last seen before the global tightening cycle gathered pace, reflecting both external tailwinds and renewed focus on policy signals from […]
XRP slipped to around $1.93 in early trading, extending a mild pullback even as short-term indicators began to suggest a possible technical rebound. The move unfolded without a fresh headline catalyst, leaving traders to focus on positioning, liquidity conditions and well-watched chart levels rather than new developments tied to the token’s broader narrative. Price action through the past several sessions has been narrow, marked by brief rallies […]
Dogecoin extended losses on Tuesday as liquidation pressure rippled through the meme-coin segment, reinforcing a market tone defined by selling into rallies rather than chasing rebounds. The token fell about 2% on the day, underperforming parts of the broader crypto complex as traders trimmed exposure amid persistent resistance overhead and thinning liquidity during intraday bounces. Price action showed repeated failures near a well-watched resistance band between $0.126 […]
GameStop is preparing to shut down nearly 30 outlets across New York State, a move that underscores the videogame retailer’s deepening retreat from bricks-and-mortar locations as it retools its business for a market reshaped by digital distribution and tighter consumer spending. The closures span dense urban neighbourhoods and smaller regional centres, signalling a broad reassessment rather than a targeted pullback. In New York City, multiple stores across […]
A $50 million initiative bringing together the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and OpenAI is being positioned as a practical push to embed artificial intelligence into public health delivery across multiple African countries, with backers arguing the effort could help overstretched systems do more with limited resources while raising questions about data governance and long-term capacity. The collaboration, branded Horizon1000, is designed to fund pilots and scale-ups […]
Ubisoft is expanding its investment in generative artificial intelligence as project delays, cancellations and workforce reductions continue to weigh on one of the industry’s largest publishers, signalling a strategic bet that automation can stabilise pipelines and control costs while reshaping how blockbuster games are built. The company has been grappling with uneven release schedules and rising development budgets across its global studios, prompting leadership to prioritise tools […]
Intel’s next major graphics move appears set to bypass mainstream PC gamers, with industry chatter pointing to a high-end Battlemage product debuting first as a workstation-class card carrying 32 GB of video memory and a premium price tag. The prospect underscores a growing divide between professional and consumer GPU markets at a time when gamers face limited choice and escalating costs. Talk surrounding a so-called “Big Battlemage” […]
Tourists flock to open factories offering facility tours and hands-on craft experiences
NIIGATA PREFECTURE, JAPAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 January 2026 – Located close to the heart of Niigata Prefecture, the Tsubame-Sanjo area is a traditional Japanese mecca of craftsmanship with a 600-year history dating back to the Muromachi period, when metal casting first flourished here. It is about two hours from Tokyo by bullet train. Many products beloved both in Japan and around the world are born here, from kitchen knives and Western-style cutlery to tools and outdoor gear. To preserve the techniques behind these diverse products, the central region situated around Tsubame-Sanjo has established initiatives that include certifying highly skilled artisans as Niigata Ken-O Meisters.
But Tsubame-Sanjo’s appeal extends far beyond technical excellence. Here, a distinctly Japanese philosophy thrives among craftspeople who finish each product with the end user in mind, infusing their work with warmth and care. Take the knives from Hinoura Hamono Koubou, for example. This blacksmith workshop uses proprietary methods grounded in scientific research, achieving both exceptional edge retention and ease of use. Blades that fuse over a century of forging expertise with innovative thinking have earned acclaim both at home and abroad. Meanwhile, Gyokusendo, a copperware house with over 200 years of history, continues to practice tsuiki doki, the traditional art of hand-hammering copper plates into elegant vessels. These pieces, which marry the beauty of handcraft with functional design, have won admirers from around the world.
From Nails to Knives: The History and Evolution of Craftsmanship Tsubame-Sanjo’s metalworking tradition traces its origins to Japanese nail-making some 400 years ago. Frequent flooding from the Shinano and Igarashi rivers created strong demand for nails to rebuild structures in this region. These nails found use not only in homes, but also in shrines, temples, and ships. As they circulated widely, nail-making became one of the foundations of local metalworking. Over time, production expanded to farming implements such as hoes and shears, then to kitchen knives, Western-style tableware, and other everyday tools, the industry evolving with each era’s needs. After the Meiji period, stainless steel cutlery and tool manufacturing took off. Today, the region boasts such a diverse concentration of metalworking expertise that locals say there’s nothing that cannot be made. Tsubame City and Sanjo City are home to thousands of small- and medium-sized enterprises, each bringing its own distinctive techniques and designs to global markets. In these communities, a guiding philosophy endures: don’t simply inherit tradition; move forward by improving it. While honoring time-tested techniques, local manufacturers embrace new materials and contemporary design, ensuring constant evolution.
Where to Experience Factory Tours and Hands-On Craftsmanship Tsubame-Sanjo has seen a growing number of open factories, manufacturing facilities that welcome the public for tours, hands-on experiences, and product sales. Small workshops once overlooked as tourism assets are now celebrated as experiential destinations, serving as venues where artisans pass their skills and philosophy on to the next generation. Here are some of the most popular spots and events.
Tsubame-Sanjo KOUBA no SAITEN This major annual event takes place every autumn. Factories normally closed to the public open their doors, with craftspeople personally guiding visitors through production floors. Beyond factory tours, the festival features workshops and product sales, creating a region-wide celebration of open manufacturing.
Tsubame Industrial Museum A facility offering hands-on experiences with Tsubame’s diverse crafts. The museum houses a workshop where visitors can try oxidation coloring on spoons, crafting tin sake cups, and hammering decorative patterns into pure copper thermoses.
Tsubamesanjo Regional Industries Promotion Center A hub for regional industry information and tourism services. The center features meeting rooms, a restaurant, and a large hall. Its retail shop, Bussankan, displays and sells approximately 10,000 items from local manufacturers. Designated as a roadside station (Roadside Station Tsubamesanjo Regional Products Center), the facility also offers tax-free shopping for international visitors.
Gyokusendo Co., Ltd. Founded in 1816. Renowned for its tsuiki doki (hand-hammered copperware) workshop. Visitors can watch up close as artisans hammer copper plates into finely crafted vessels. The workshop welcomes 7,000 visitors annually, roughly one-quarter of whom come from overseas.
Hinoura Hamono Koubou A blacksmith workshop with a century of history in Sanjo City, Niigata Prefecture. Master craftspeople work with fire and steel, upholding tradition while pursuing new challenges. Visitors who book in advance can receive a guided tour from Tsukasa Hinoura, named a Contemporary Master Craftsman this year.
FACTORY FRONT A curated shop in the factory district of Tsubame-Sanjo, Niigata, where visitors can see, touch, and experience local craftsmanship firsthand.
Portugal’s gambling regulator has instructed crypto-based prediction market Polymarket to cease offering its services in the country within 48 hours, intensifying scrutiny of online platforms that allow users to wager on political and real-world outcomes without national authorisation. The Serviço de Regulação e Inspeção de Jogos, which oversees gambling activity under Portugal’s Tourism Authority, said the platform was operating illegally by facilitating bets without a licence and […]
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 19 January 2026 – Madame Tussauds Singapore hosted an exclusive fan meet event on 16 January 2026, featuring international music and entertainment icon AGNEZ MO, bringing fans up close with the superstar in an intimate and memorable setting.
The special appearance marked a meaningful reunion between AGNEZ MO and her wax figure, which was first unveiled at Madame Tussauds Singapore in 2022. The fan meet offered a rare opportunity for fans to reconnect with the multi-talented artist while celebrating her continued global success.
During the event, AGNEZ MO shared that the wax figure represents more than just a statue. To her, it symbolises her music, artistry, and global impact, as well as the connection she has built with fans around the world. She expressed her deep gratitude for the honour, emphasising the significance behind the tribute.
“It’s not just a wax figure, it’s what it represents,” said AGNEZ MO, reflecting on the meaning behind her wax figure and the impact she hopes to continue making through her work.
The event also highlighted an exciting milestone in AGNEZ MO’s career – her upcoming role in Prime Video’s Reacher Season 4. This follows the massive success of Reacher Season 3, which became the most-watched returning series on Prime Video, further cementing AGNEZ MO’s growing presence on the international screen.
This exclusive fan meet was proudly supported by the Singapore Tourism Board and W Singapore – Sentosa Cove, underscoring Singapore’s position as a vibrant destination for world-class entertainment and cultural experiences.
“We are delighted to partner with Madame Tussauds Singapore to welcome Indonesian global talent, AGNEZ MO, to Singapore. Through her lens, we aim to bring to life the spirit of energy and fun Destination Singapore has to offer across a diverse mix of iconic attractions, immersive experiences, and convenient accessibility. We hope to inspire AGNEZ MO’s global fans to visit and discover the many exciting possibilities that await,” said Lim Si Ting, Singapore Tourism Board, Area Director, Indonesia (Surabaya).
Held within the immersive attraction, the fan meet featured close interactions with AGNEZ MO, exclusive photo moments, and heartfelt exchanges with fans, making it a standout experience for attendees and a celebration of her journey across music, film, and television.
Madame Tussauds Singapore continues to be a platform where fans can connect with global icons through unique, real-life experiences, blending entertainment, storytelling, and celebrity culture.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Madame Tussauds Singapore
Madame Tussauds has been inviting people to walk the red carpet and get closer to the revered – and feared – for over 250 years. With 22 attractions in the world’s top destination cities, we are dedicated to giving millions of visitors the opportunity to mingle with the mighty from A-listers to music legends, heroes of sport, to infamous world leaders. Today, we continue to partner with the global icons of a generation to create astonishing lifelike figures from sittings and offer exciting and interactive experiences to ensure guests have never felt closer to fame.
About Merlin Entertainments
Merlin Entertainments is a world leader in branded entertainment destinations, offering a diverse portfolio of resort theme parks, city-centre gateway attractions and LEGOLAND Resorts which span across UK, US, Western Europe, China and Asia Pacific. Dedicated to creating experiences that inspire joy and connection, Merlin welcomes more than 62 million guests annually to its growing estate, with over 140 sites across 23 countries. An expert in bringing world-famous entertainment brands to life, Merlin works with partners including the LEGO Group, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Peppa Pig, Dreamworks and Ferrari to create destinations where guests can immerse themselves in a wide array of brand-driven worlds, rides, and uplifting learning experiences. See www.merlinentertainments.biz for more information.
Bitcoin has pushed through a stubborn price ceiling near $95,000, reviving bullish sentiment after weeks of consolidation, yet underlying data points to a phase of heightened risk as participation from smaller wallet holders continues to thin. The advance, driven largely by institutional flows and derivatives positioning, has brought the market back to levels that previously triggered sharp corrections, prompting analysts to warn that price strength may be […]
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