Greenlogue/AP Dubai-based Alcazar is edging closer to acquiring Egypt’s Gabel El-Zeit wind farm after submitting the highest bid among contenders, according to people familiar with the negotiations. Discussions are under way with the country’s sovereign wealth fund and the Ministry of Electricity and Renewable Energy on a transaction valued at about $350 million, with officials indicating that talks could be wrapped up before the end of the […]
Designed to bring fans closer to the competitive action, the partnership extends MLBB Esports engagement beyond viewership. Through the collectible cards, the title’s passionate fanbase will be able to connect with the M Series, its teams, and its players both during and outside of tournament periods.
According to Esports Charts, MLBB emerged as 2024’s most popular mobile esports title with over 475 million Hours Watched (HW). At the heart of the MLBB Esports circuit stands the M Series, the title’s flagship international tournament. Uniting players and fans from across the world, the M Series has become the main competitive stage for the world’s best MLBB teams and a driver of the game’s global esports ecosystem. In previous editions, the M6 and M5 reached 4.13 million and 5.06 million Peak Concurrent Viewers (PCV) respectively. The tournaments ranked ninth and sixth amongst the most-watched esports events of all time, according to Esports Charts. Backed by millions of viewers and a seven-year legacy of competitive excellence, the M Series has established itself amongst the biggest names in global sports and entertainment.
Just as trading cards have been a cornerstone of fan culture in traditional sports such as the National Basketball Association (NBA), English Premier League (EPL), and the FIFA World Cup—the MLBB Official Trading Card collection brings this longstanding tradition to MLBB Esports. It celebrates the game’s competitive excellence while giving fans a tangible way to connect with the M Series, commemorate iconic moments, and honour the players who define its legacy. Its launch also extends a global, time-honoured collectibles tradition into MLBB Esports, creating a new avenue for the community to engage with the tournament beyond the screen.
Through this partnership, MOONTON Games and 1Play will introduce the M Series’ first official trading card system, which includes:
Fans will be able to purchase the collections through 1Play’s official platforms and participate in offline retail experiences, pop-up events, card-trading sessions, exclusive onsite drops, and other interactive activities at future M Series editions. By integrating digital touchpoints with offline engagement, the partnership aims to strengthen the presence of MLBB Esports in global mainstream culture through an immersive collectibles experience for fans.
At the same time, as 1Play’s key strategic retail and offline experience partner across Southeast Asia and other core markets, OH!SOME will establish a long-term and stable collaboration framework with 1Play, playing a deep role in the overall planning and ongoing development of offline showcasing, retail infrastructure, and fan engagement experiences for the official M Series esports trading card collection. 1Play and OH!SOME will work closely across product presentation, spatial design, and user experience, jointly defining new standards for esports collectibles within offline consumer and cultural spaces.
With over 180 stores across Asia—including Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong of China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia, and the Philippines—OH!SOME has developed into a beloved and widely recognized regional retail brand. Leveraging OH!SOME’s established regional retail network and its strategic presence in major urban consumer hubs, 1Play will collaborate with OH!SOME to advance the rollout of offline experiences. Fans will be able to purchase, showcase, and engage with official 1Play card packs and trading cards at selected OH!SOME locations, achieving an explosive market presence for M Series collectibles across core cities.
Adrian Cher, Global Head of Partnerships, MLBB Esports at MOONTON Games, said: This partnership with 1Play marks a strategic step in how we extend MLBB Esports beyond the screen and into the everyday lives of our fans. As trading cards gain renewed traction among younger audiences, this partnership allows us to connect with the next generation through an avenue that reflects their interests and self-expression. By bringing the M Series into physical collectibles, we’re not only enriching the M7 experience, but also reinforcing MLBB’s place alongside traditional sports ecosystems where memorabilia plays a central role in fan culture. The upcoming collectibles launch reflects our long-term commitment to building MLBB Esports as a global sports and entertainment IP.”
AnJie, Founder & CEO of 1Play, said: “1Play is dedicated to creating collectible items that resonate with young audiences and express cultural identity. Our partnership with MOONTON Games represents a milestone in the development of esports collectibles. We aim to build a defining collectible ecosystem for this era—one that allows every fan to record their passion, celebrate their heroes, and collect the moments that matter.”
The 1Play × M Series Official Trading Card Collection is scheduled to launch during the M7, with its first edition dedicated to the tournament. Additional experiences—including team collaborations, onsite exclusives, signing sessions, and community-driven fan events—will be rolled out to further expand the cultural reach of MLBB esports.
With the M7, the M Series marks its return to Jakarta for the first time since the M4 in 2022. Set for January 2026, the tournament will unite 22 of the world’s best teams to compete for the USD 1,000,000 prize pool. This edition promises to be the largest and most exciting yet as Indonesia—home to MLBB’s most passionate fanbase—hosts the tournament.
For media queries or interview requests, please contact:
Email: marketing@1play.com
Hashtag: #1Play
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise Ltd has moved to the international debt markets with plans for a benchmark-sized, dollar-denominated Regulation S senior unsecured bond with a seven-year tenor, as the aircraft leasing and aviation services group looks to extend its maturity profile amid steady demand for high-quality aviation credit. The proposed notes will be issued through DAE Funding LLC under the company’s Global Medium Term Note Programme and are […]
TDK has unveiled STRIDE, a low-power, real-time positioning software platform aimed at wearables and connected IoT devices, marking a push to strengthen its presence in software-defined sensing alongside its established sensor hardware business. The launch positions the Tokyo-based electronics group to compete more directly in applications where accurate location tracking must operate continuously on constrained batteries, such as smartwatches, fitness bands, asset tags and industrial monitoring devices. […]
Britain’s new car market crossed the two-million mark in 2025 for the first time since the pandemic, signalling a broad-based recovery powered by electric vehicle uptake and steady fleet demand, according to industry data compiled across manufacturers and dealers. Registrations reached about 2.02 million units, lifting volumes above levels seen during the disrupted years of supply shortages and subdued consumer confidence. Britain’s auto market clears two million […]
Uncertainty has gripped Cuba after claims circulated that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro had been captured following a United States strike in Venezuela, a development that, if confirmed, would shake the island’s most important political and economic partnership. Cuban authorities have offered no confirmation of the reports, while state media has urged calm and emphasised continuity in Havana’s foreign policy, underscoring the fog surrounding events that residents say […]
Caracas has slipped into an uneasy calm as Venezuelans await signals about the direction their country will take, with political negotiations stalled, economic pressures unresolved and social tensions simmering beneath the surface. “There is a strange lull,” said Benigno Alarcón Deza, a long-time resident of the capital, describing a sense of collective anticipation that has settled over daily life. “People are waiting, watching, unsure of what comes […]
Washington’s move to detain Nicolás Maduro has sharpened the White House’s focus on Venezuela’s vast petroleum reserves, with President Donald Trump signalling that access to crude exports is now a strategic priority. The shift marks a harder edge in US policy towards Venezuela, but it also exposes legal, logistical and market obstacles that complicate any rapid redirection of oil flows. The administration’s intent has been framed as […]
Swiss authorities have moved swiftly to block any financial assets within their jurisdiction linked to Venezuela’s deposed President Nicolás Maduro and associates, ordering freezes with immediate effect after his arrest by United States forces and transfer to the United States to face narco-terrorism charges. The decision by the Swiss Federal Council is set to remain in place for four years, aimed at preventing the outflow of potentially […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Belkin has unveiled a wireless HDMI adapter that removes the need for Wi-Fi networks, aiming to simplify screen sharing in offices, classrooms and homes where reliability and security often trump convenience. Introduced at CES 2026, the ConnectAir Wireless HDMI Adapter promises stable, low-latency transmission over distances of up to 130 feet, positioning it as a practical alternative to software-based casting systems that depend […]
Washington moved to recalibrate its public posture on Venezuela as Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined a strategy centred on economic coercion rather than direct governance, while President Donald Trump repeated assertions that the United States would be “in charge” following the removal of Nicolás Maduro. The contrasting messages underscored tensions inside the administration over how far Washington should go in reshaping the oil-rich South American […]
MiniMax is preparing to price its Hong Kong initial public offering at the top of the marketed range, signalling strong demand for artificial intelligence developers as investors seek exposure to homegrown technology firms with global ambitions, according to people familiar with the transaction.
The Shanghai-based company, best known for its large language models and consumer-facing AI applications, has accelerated its listing timetable amid a surge in interest for Chinese technology firms that are perceived to be less exposed to US trade and regulatory pressures. Bankers involved in the deal say early indications from institutional investors point to robust demand, particularly from Asia-based funds focused on long-term technology themes.
MiniMax, founded in 2021 by former SenseTime and Megvii researchers, has positioned itself as one of the country’s leading independent AI model developers. Its core products include general-purpose foundation models, AI companions and enterprise solutions used across gaming, education and content creation. The firm competes with larger players backed by internet conglomerates while marketing itself as more agile and research-driven.
People familiar with the IPO said the company is targeting a valuation that reflects the premium currently attached to AI-related listings in Hong Kong. While final pricing has not yet been approved, the expectation is that the offer will be set at the upper end of the range to capitalise on strong order books built during early marketing. The shares are expected to begin trading later this year, subject to market conditions and regulatory clearances.
The decision to push for top-range pricing comes as Hong Kong’s equity market shows signs of renewed momentum after a prolonged slowdown. Technology and healthcare deals have drawn increasing attention, supported by policy measures aimed at reviving capital markets and encouraging listings by innovative firms. Fund managers say AI remains one of the few sectors where investors are willing to pay up for growth, despite broader concerns over economic headwinds.
MiniMax’s IPO is also being closely watched as a test case for how investors value Chinese AI companies that operate largely outside the orbit of the country’s major internet platforms. Unlike peers that rely heavily on parent companies for distribution and funding, MiniMax has raised capital from a mix of venture investors and strategic backers, allowing it to retain greater operational independence. That positioning has resonated with some institutional investors seeking exposure to AI innovation without heavy platform risk.
The company has continued to expand its research capabilities, investing heavily in computing infrastructure and talent. Industry analysts note that MiniMax has been among the more visible Chinese developers releasing multilingual models and consumer applications that aim to compete with global offerings. Its emphasis on overseas markets, including Southeast Asia and parts of the Middle East, has helped broaden its revenue base and narrative ahead of the listing.
Still, the firm faces stiff competition. Domestic rivals supported by large technology groups benefit from vast user ecosystems and deep pockets, while international players continue to dominate cutting-edge model development. Pricing the IPO aggressively could raise expectations around execution and financial performance at a time when monetisation of AI remains uneven across the industry.
Market participants say Hong Kong has become a more attractive venue for such listings as regulatory scrutiny on technology firms has stabilised compared with earlier years. The city’s exchange has also updated listing rules to better accommodate companies with heavy research spending and limited near-term profitability, a profile that fits many AI developers.
Bankers involved in the transaction say MiniMax has highlighted its progress in commercialising products, including enterprise contracts and consumer subscriptions, to address investor concerns around sustainability. While the company is not yet profitable, it has signalled a clearer path to revenue growth than at earlier funding rounds, helped by rising demand for customised AI solutions among businesses.
Saudi Arabia has approved a borrowing plan for 2026 that signals continued reliance on debt markets to fund fiscal gaps while maintaining momentum on economic diversification, according to an announcement from the finance ministry. The plan sets total financing needs at about 217 billion riyals, equivalent to roughly $57.9 billion, reflecting a combination of deficit funding and scheduled debt repayments due during the year. The approval, signed […]
The Scholarship Awards aims to recognize and support students pursuing life sciences or biomedical sciences programs at local UGC-funded institutions. Each awardee would receive a HK$50,000 scholarship, mentorship from industry professionals through the HKLSS Mentorship Scheme, and priority enrollment in the HKLSS Life Sciences Summer Internship Program, which offers students an integrated hands-on learning experience across Hong Kong, the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) Region and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA).
Brought together by the Scholarship Awards, three awardees of cohort 2025/26 – SANTOSO Rachelle Jacinda (Y3 BSc in Biological Sciences, CityUHK), RAHMAN Syed Rayan (Y3 BSc in Applied Biology with Biotechnology, PolyU), and TAI Wing Yin Vincy (Y3 Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences, HKU), embarked on a shared journey – to be nurtured, grow, and ultimately bloom as future leaders in life sciences, contributing their skills and passion to advance Hong Kong’s life sciences ecosystem and build a better tomorrow through inter-disciplinary collaborations.
Homegrown Biological Sciences Dream Fuels Up in Hong Kong
Arriving from Indonesia three years ago, SANTOSO Rachelle Jacinda (Rachelle) joined Hong Kong’s life sciences community as an undergraduate with determination and hope. Her passion was first ignited by family medical challenges and her curiosity for biology drove her to pursue deeper studies in biological sciences.
What opened her door to her true calling was the hands-on laboratory work. Rachelle came to appreciate not only the essential role of doctors but also the vital impact of scientists, both working together to advance healthcare. This realization fueled her dream for postgraduate studies, a goal that she once deemed rather idealistic.
She described the Scholarship Awards as a “confidence boost”. She recalled receiving an affirmation from one of the Scholarship Awards interviewers about her future plans, “I think you’re in a quite good place” reassured her that she was on the right path.
With her confidence boosted, Rachelle plans to leverage the scholarship to establish herself in Hong Kong – a supportive nurturing ground for life sciences students, and growing global healthcare investment. Embracing the local culture, she is now learning Cantonese and improving her Mandarin to gear herself up and pursue future opportunities in both Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland.
From Hometown to International Life Sciences Research Lab
“I wanted to become a surgeon [in the past] because I wanted to save lives every day. But if I become a researcher in the life sciences field, one single breakthrough can change millions of lives,” said, RAHMAN Syed Rayan (Rayan), who discovered his real passion in the research lab.
Rayan’s fascination with science began at the age of ten in Bangladesh, where he observed animals in his hometown. Like Rachelle, his enthusiasm for life sciences brought him to Hong Kong, where he was encouraged to immerse himself in research at the university laboratory, guided by professors with profound global research expertise. During semester breaks, Rayan seized every opportunity to broaden his knowledge. Now based in Hong Kong, on his freshman and sophomore years, he pursued an internship in Canada and a summer exchange in the UK, where research primarily followed a fundamental approach. He was thankful for the diverse doors Hong Kong had opened, as exposure to different research methods taught him to see things more holistically, which benefited his work in Hong Kong, known for its focus on translational research.
As Rayan continued to build his career in the life sciences field, receiving the Scholarship Awards meant a great deal to Rayan as he felt “trusted by the panel” and empowered him to be aware of his actions. “Having somebody else to tell you that you are on the right path and believe in you, is very important,” Rayan emphasized.
Rayan also feels especially grateful and refreshed to have found the amazing community he discovered through the Scholarship Awards, as he gets a chance to connect with like-minded peers, who all work towards the same goals and similar challenges. The Scholarship Awards has paved his way to additional opportunities, including priority access to the Society’s industry experience focused Summer Internship Program.
Scientists on TV Ignite Big Ambitions
TAI Wing Yin Vincy (Vincy), raised in Hong Kong, developed her passion for life sciences as a child watching scientists in action on TV. Inspired by her curiosity and determination to make a difference, she chose to study biomedical sciences at The University of Hong Kong, following her passion despite conventional expectations.
During her time at university, she gained practical experience through internships in both laboratory and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-compliant facility, which reinforced her ambition. She also minored in Sustaining Cities, Cultures and the Earth to explore inter-disciplinary connections, “As a student, we should not only focus on life sciences, but also learn more about the global perspective, especially when sciences can influence the world,” she said.
These experiences deepened her dedication to the field and the Scholarship Awards became more than an award – it offered a source of belonging that affirmed her place in the life sciences community. “I feel like I am part of the Society, someone who can eventually grow and evolve together with the community and industry,” she said.
The Scholarship Awards has helped bridge her to the broader life sciences ecosystem, as Vincy was connected with previous and other same-cohort awardees at the Presentation Ceremony, and she looks forward to meeting more entrepreneurs, researchers, and C-suite executives from the life sciences sector and gaining guidance from them through HKLSS’ Mentorship Scheme and Summer Internship Program.
Powering Ambition: HKLSS Opens Paths Beyond the Classroom with its Pillar Programs
From different beginnings, Rachelle, Rayan, and Vincy find common ground through HKLSS. For them, the Scholarship Awards is more than financial support – it brings them to the pillar programs, a gateway to industry-centered mentorship, industry experience, and a vibrant community driving the future of life sciences in Hong Kong, the YRD, the GBA and beyond.
“I would very much love to go there [Shanghai and Shenzhen] because I will have the opportunity to explore new places and also to meet people with different cultures,” Rachelle said, while Rayan and Vincy also saw the internships as valuable opportunities to gain experience in the Chinese Mainland. “I have heard so many good things from my friends, especially the pharmaceutical companies over there,” Rayan added.
As a life sciences ecosystem enabler, HKLSS continues to expand its pillar programs, activities, and network to meet the evolving needs of members at different career stages. To address the growing demand for life sciences talent and attract both local and non-local professionals to the city, HKLSS also launched Biotech Talent, a dedicated job platform that connects talent with opportunities in the life sciences and biotechnology industry, and offers employers direct access to a diverse talent pool. Through a growing suite of initiatives, the Society partners with its network to support and cultivate a vibrant life sciences ecosystem with dedication.
Hashtag: #HongKongLifeSciencesSociety #HKLSS #香港生命科技青年會 #LifeSciences
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Hong Kong Life Sciences Society (HKLSS) is an organization established by Nan Fung Group in 2018 aiming to build a dynamic life sciences ecosystem in Hong Kong. Through knowledge exchange, collaboration and public engagement, HKLSS aims to attract, cultivate and retain talent in Hong Kong’s life sciences and biotechnology sectors.
Members of Hong Kong Life Sciences Society
Founder and Board Chair: Mr Vincent Cheung
Board Vice-chair: Mr Shannon Cheung, Prof Nancy Ip, Mr Antony Leung
Executive Director: Prof Ken Wong
Members of the Advisory Board
Prof Tom Cheung, Dr Vanessa Cheung, Ms Irene Chu, Mr Shan Fu, Mr Meng Gao, Ms Gladdy He, Prof David Ho, Dr Lu Huang, Mr Emmanuel Hui, Prof Daniel Lee, Ms Nisa Leung, Prof Suet Yi Leung, Prof Kai Liu, Prof Stephanie Ma, Dr Jay Mei, Prof Malik Peiris, Prof Leo Poon, Dr Jin Seok Seo, Prof Anderson Shum, Dr Qiusong Tang, Mr William Tang, Prof Lap-Chee Tsui, Prof Yung Hou Wong, Mr Frank Yu, Prof Kwok-Yung Yuen
For more information about the Hong Kong Life Sciences Society, please visit:
Website: 
www.hklss.org
Facebook: 
www.facebook.com/HKLifeSciencesSociety
Instagram: 
www.instagram.com/hklifesciencessociety
LinkedIn: 
www.linkedin.com/company/hklss/
Media inquiries: 
info@hklss.org
Finnish authorities have detained two crew members from a foreign-flagged cargo vessel as part of an expanding criminal investigation into damage to an undersea telecommunications cable linking Helsinki and Tallinn, sharpening security concerns across the Baltic Sea region at a time of heightened geopolitical tension. The sailors were taken into custody following the seizure of the vessel Fitburg, which Finnish officials believe may be connected to the […]
Nvidia is stepping up output of its H200 artificial intelligence processors as demand from technology firms operating in China intensifies, reflecting a wider global race to secure advanced computing power for large-scale AI models. People familiar with the company’s manufacturing plans say production schedules have been tightened and supply allocations adjusted to prioritise customers seeking alternatives to restricted top-tier chips. The H200, built on Nvidia’s Hopper architecture […]
Dogecoin advanced about 4% during early trading on Wednesday, outperforming several large-cap digital assets as speculative interest returned to the memecoin segment and a short-term “golden cross” signal emerged on technical charts. The move followed a broader rally across smaller tokens, driven by renewed retail participation and heavier trading volumes that analysts said could sustain gains if key price levels hold. The token, created as a parody […]
Apple has opened 2026 by broadening its Fitness+ service with new multi-week training programmes, goal-based challenges and music-driven workouts, a move aimed at keeping users engaged beyond the early-year surge in health resolutions that often fades by February. The update, rolled out globally this month, adds structured plans lasting between two and six weeks, allowing subscribers to follow curated routines that blend strength, core, HIIT, yoga and […]
Pressure on the global games industry is intensifying as regulators, courts and lawmakers move to tighten oversight on artificial intelligence, child protection, monetisation models and platform accountability, setting up 2026 as a pivotal year for legal risk and compliance. Publishers and studios are entering the year facing overlapping scrutiny from consumer watchdogs, data protection authorities and competition regulators, with legal experts warning that fragmented rules across jurisdictions […]
Bitcoin has flashed a weekly “death cross”, a technical pattern that has coincided in earlier market cycles with deep drawdowns, prompting traders to reassess downside risk even as longer-term adoption narratives remain intact. The signal, formed when a shorter-term moving average slips below a longer-term one on a weekly chart, has historically preceded declines of 50% to 60% from local highs, according to widely tracked market data […]
By Nitya Chakraborty In the neighbouring Bangladesh, the political developments take unpredictable course many times, but the latest alliance between the NCP, the party of the students body which led the July Revolution and the fundamentalist Jamaat-e-Islami, has shocked the progressive forces who supported the uprising that led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina […]
The article Khaleda Zia’s Death Is Helping BNP In February 12 Polls Through Sympathy Wave appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Samsung Electronics has lifted the curtain on the Freestyle Plus, a new generation of its portable projector range that pushes further into artificial intelligence-driven home entertainment. Revealed ahead of the CES 2026 technology show in Las Vegas, the device signals Samsung’s intent to blend mobility with smarter software, at a time when consumer electronics firms are racing to embed AI across everyday products. […]
Iran has signalled that it is prepared to accept cryptocurrency as payment for advanced military hardware, a move that underscores Tehran’s efforts to widen its financial options under sanctions while raising fresh concerns among regulators and security analysts about the use of digital assets in global arms markets. Information published on a government-linked defence export website indicates that prospective buyers could settle contracts using cryptocurrencies for a […]
Chicago soybean futures eased in the latest session, trimming earlier advances, but still closed the year with their first annual gain in three years, marking a turnaround after a prolonged period of price pressure driven by ample global supplies and volatile demand signals. Prices on the Chicago Board of Trade moved lower during the session as traders locked in profits following weeks of upward momentum. Despite the […]
