Japan’s retail earnings season has opened with a split verdict for two of its best-known consumer groups, as Fast Retailing, owner of Uniqlo, delivered stronger profit momentum while Seven & i Holdings, parent of 7-Eleven, continued to face weaker earnings and a more clouded outlook. The divergence has sharpened investor attention on how Japanese retailers are handling softer demand, overseas expansion and trade uncertainty. Fast Retailing […]
Greenlogue/AP TotalEnergies and Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC – Masdar have signed a binding agreement to create a $2.2 billion joint venture that will combine their onshore renewable energy activities across nine Asian markets, in a move that underlines how large energy groups are shifting capital towards power demand growth in the region. The partners said the new platform will be owned equally, based in Abu […]
The announcement signals how sharply competition for AI infrastructure has intensified across Asia. Microsoft said the programme will focus on adding computing capacity inside Japan at a time when governments and corporations are demanding secure, local processing for sensitive workloads. Brad Smith, Microsoft’s vice-chair and president, disclosed the plan during a visit to Tokyo, where the company also set out training and security goals tied to the investment.
Under the plan, Microsoft intends to train one million engineers and developers by 2030, a figure that underlines the labour challenge facing Japan as it tries to scale AI use across the economy. The company is also expanding cybersecurity collaboration with the Japanese government, including work around threat intelligence and cybercrime prevention. Those elements give the package a dual purpose: commercial expansion for Microsoft and strategic support for a country that has made digital resilience and industrial competitiveness central to policy.
The new commitment builds on a smaller programme announced in April 2024, when Microsoft said it would invest $2.9 billion over two years to expand cloud and AI infrastructure in Japan, while also launching wider digital skilling efforts, opening its first Microsoft Research Asia lab in the country and deepening cooperation on cybersecurity. The latest package therefore appears less like a standalone move than the next stage of a longer campaign to lock in market share and policy relevance in one of Asia’s most advanced economies.
Japan offers Microsoft an attractive mix of high-value enterprise customers, a technologically sophisticated manufacturing base and a government that has been openly supportive of industrial uses for generative AI. Tokyo’s policy stance has increasingly favoured the deployment of advanced digital tools to lift productivity, offset labour shortages and bolster economic security. That political environment has made Japan a focal point for global technology groups seeking not just customers, but durable alignment with state priorities on data sovereignty and national resilience.
Market conditions also help explain the scale of the move. Reuters reported that around one-fifth of working-age people in Japan are now using generative AI tools, showing that adoption has advanced but remains well below leading global levels, leaving substantial room for growth. At the same time, labour projections point to a steep shortage of AI and robotics specialists by 2040, raising the stakes for corporate training programmes and local infrastructure investment. For Microsoft, that creates an opening to sell both computing capacity and the wider ecosystem needed to make AI usable at scale.
Partnerships with local players will be central to execution. Microsoft said it would work with firms including SoftBank and Sakura Internet to expand domestic AI computing capacity and provide more secure local access to Azure services. That matters in Japan, where demand from public institutions and regulated industries often hinges on where data is processed and how operational control is shared. Collaboration with established domestic groups may also help Microsoft navigate competitive pressure from rival cloud providers and home-grown digital infrastructure ambitions.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai A three-way alliance between the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank Group and the International Energy Agency has opened a new front in the battle against the widening energy and economic turmoil linked to the war in the Middle East, with the institutions agreeing to form a coordination group to help governments manage price shocks, funding strains and supply disruptions. The move, announced […]
Security researchers at Varonis have identified a new infostealer dubbed Storm that appears to mark a more polished phase in credential theft, using server-side decryption to extract browser passwords, session cookies, crypto-wallet data and other sensitive material while avoiding many of the on-device traces that endpoint tools have grown used to flagging. The malware was observed on underground forums in early 2026 and is being sold as […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai du Pay and GCash have moved to tighten the UAE-Philippines remittance corridor with a partnership aimed at giving Filipinos in the Emirates faster transfers, broader digital utility and fresh promotional offers in one of the region’s most active migrant payment markets. The tie-up, announced on April 2, is designed to let money sent through du Pay land in GCash wallets within minutes, […]
An Iran-linked hacking group has claimed it breached PSK Wind Technologies, an Israeli defence supplier that says it develops command-and-control shelters, communications systems and other integrated solutions for defence and homeland security customers. Material circulated online on 2 April was presented by the group, Handala, as proof of a deep intrusion into a company tied to sensitive military infrastructure. Independent verification of the full scope of the […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai lender Emirates NBD has won approval from the Reserve Bank of India to acquire up to 74 per cent of Mumbai-based RBL Bank, a decision that moves one of the largest cross-border banking deals in the country closer to completion and could reshape the private lender’s ownership, governance and market position. The approval, disclosed on April 2, allows Emirates NBD to […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Majid Al Futtaim has launched Ma’an, a new initiative with Dubai SME that opens parts of its retail, leisure and digital network to homegrown businesses across the UAE, giving selected small enterprises free access to high-footfall venues including Mall of the Emirates, THAT Concept Store, VOX Cinemas, Carrefour and the group’s SHARE loyalty ecosystem. The programme was announced on 1-2 April and positions […]
By Dr. Gyan Pathak While world’s untaxed wealth of the richest 0.1 per cent hidden offshore surpasses entire wealth of the poorest half of the humanity, India remains the receiver of the highest number of the regressive tax recommendations by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that increases tax burden on the lower-income households more than […]
The article India Gets Highest Number IMF’s Advice To Tax Lower-Income Households More appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).
Real estate developers across the UAE are sticking to original construction and launch schedules despite a regional war that has lifted energy and materials costs, with industry participants signalling that any easing in prices and transaction volumes is more likely to be temporary than structural while the conflict runs on. Market activity has slowed in parts of the sector, but there has been no broad retreat from […]
Arabian Post’s website was dealing with disruption on Thursday after website security provider Sucuri disclosed an unresolved incident affecting its Paris region and said it was mitigating the impact of a distributed denial-of-service attack, a form of assault designed to overwhelm servers with traffic and degrade access for readers. On its public status page, Sucuri first marked the incident as “Investigating” at 08:19 UTC on 2 April, […]
US-based Patel Family Office and Dammam-headquartered Abdel Hadi A. Al-Qahtani & Sons have signed a $1 billion agreement to build 50 business hotels across Saudi Arabia by 2029, betting that the Kingdom’s fast-growing corporate travel market now needs more standardised mid-market accommodation than luxury-led supply can offer. The partners said the platform, branded AYARA, was signed at the FII PRIORITY Summit in Miami and is expected to […]
Alibaba has launched Qwen3.6-Plus, the latest entry in its Qwen model family, positioning it as a tool built to help companies move from chat-based assistants to AI systems that can execute multi-step work across coding, reasoning and visual tasks. The release lands as the group deepens its push into agentic AI for both enterprise clients and consumer applications, with the model set to power Alibaba Cloud’s Model […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Oil prices leapt on Thursday after President Donald Trump said the United States would keep striking Iran for at least the next two to three weeks, dashing hopes that Washington was preparing to scale back military action and easing concerns in energy markets only briefly. Brent crude rose above $108 a barrel and West Texas Intermediate climbed past $106 in early trade, reversing […]
Uganda’s Parliament has stepped up pressure on the government over a health cooperation deal with the United States that includes provisions for sharing pathogen specimens and certain health-related data, opening a wider argument about privacy, sovereignty and whether ministers gave lawmakers enough visibility before signing. The agreement sits inside a five-year Uganda–US health framework worth nearly $2.3 billion, signed on December 10, 2025, under which Washington is […]
Google has moved to reassure developers and users that Android will remain open even as it rolls out a new verification regime for app makers, but the effort has opened a wider argument over whether the company is strengthening security or extending its control far beyond the Play Store. The dispute sharpened after Google published fresh details in March on how users will still be able to […]
Almost eight in 10 UK manufacturers suffered at least one serious cyber incident over the past 12 months, according to new ESET-commissioned research, adding fresh evidence that digital disruption is now a mainstream operational risk for one of Britain’s most exposed industrial sectors. The findings indicate that 78% of manufacturers were hit, while 53% said attacks led to lost revenue, underscoring how cyber breaches are moving from […]
From 23-25 March, Lee Kum Kee brought together top chefs, diverse cultures and industry communities through a range of thoughtfully curated experiences, bringing authentic Asian flavours to the global stage. As well as reaffirming the brand’s Asian roots and international perspective, its involvement reflected an enduring commitment to preserving culinary heritage and driving gastronomic innovation.
“Asian Flavour Duet“: A Culinary Journey Through Heritage and Innovation
Helping to build momentums for this year’s awards, Lee Kum Kee collaborated with Vicky Cheng, the acclaimed Executive Chef and owner of WING, to co-create the “Asian Flavour Duet”, a Hong Kong-style late-night supper party on 24 March. Hosted at two Hong Kong culinary landmarks, the experience unfolded in two chapters – “Paying Tribute to Heritage” and “Innovative Fusion” – and invited guests to explore the limitless possibilities of Asian flavour.
The evening began at the century-old Lin Heung Lau teahouse, a space filled with nostalgia and memories for generations of Hong Kongers. Chef Vicky reinterpreted classic Hong Kong late-night dishes using signature Lee Kum Kee sauces, while guests were immersed in the warmth of the historic venue.
The celebration then moved to Medora, Chef Vicky’s Western dining space, where an “Innovative Fusion” was revealed. He showcased his modern culinary philosophy by incorporating Lee Kum Kee sauces with contemporary techniques to create bold, unexpected dishes. Guests also enjoyed specially crafted cocktails infused with Lee Kum Kee sauces, alongside a delightful yet refined sauce-inspired gelato, demonstrating a harmonious interweaving of savoury, umami, sweetness and spice.
The multisensory journey seamlessly blended tradition with innovation, exploring the future of cuisine while highlighting Lee Kum Kee’s role as a global gateway to Asian culinary culture.
At the event, Dodie Hung, Executive Vice President – Corporate Affairs at Lee Kum Kee, commented, “Tonight, we are honoured to celebrate Hong Kong’s late‑night food culture with Chef Vicky and the global culinary community. From the legacy of Lin Heung Lau to the forward‑looking spirit of Medora, we are proud to be part of the creative journey and help showcase the depth of Asian flavours on the world stage.”
Celebrating a Gastronomic Brilliance with the Highest Climber Award Sponsored by Lee Kum Kee
During the awards ceremony on 25 March, Lee Kum Kee’s booth showcased a range of the brand’s acclaimed classic sauces and innovative products. Guests sampled specially crafted bites featuring Lee Kum Kee sauces, engaging directly with the flavours and techniques that have made the brand a trusted partner in both home and professional kitchens worldwide.
As part of the evening’s celebration of the region’s most exceptional culinary talents, the Highest Climber Award sponsored by Lee Kum Kee was presented to Lamdre in Beijing by Chef Park from Atomix (No.1 in North America’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025). Lambre was applauded for its pioneering plant-based dining space that promotes healthy, sustainable living while honouring Chinese biodiversity in its menus.
In addition, WING, led by Chef Vicky, achieved an impressive second place in 2026 Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list. The restaurant had also previously ranked No. 11 on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2025, underscoring its continued international acclaim.
Building the Future Together: Deepening Global Partnerships
With the success of this prestigious awards ceremony in Hong Kong, China, Lee Kum Kee looks forward to deepening its collaboration with leading talents in the global culinary community. By continuing to champion Asian flavours and foster meaningful dialogue and exchange, the brand will continue to bring the spirit of Asian cuisine to kitchens and dining tables around the world.
Hashtag: #LeeKumKee #LKK
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Lee Kum Kee is the global gateway to Asian culinary culture, dedicated to promoting Chinese culinary culture worldwide. Since 1888, it has brought people together over joyful reunions, shared traditions and memorable meals. Beloved by consumers and chefs alike, Lee Kum Kee’s range of more than 300 sauces and condiments sparks creativity in kitchens everywhere, inspiring professional and home chefs to experiment, create and delight. Headquartered in Hong Kong, China and serving over 100 countries and regions, Lee Kum Kee’s rich heritage, unwavering commitment to quality, sustainable practices and “Constant Entrepreneurship” combine to enable superior experiences through Asian cuisine for people worldwide. For more information, please visit www.LKK.com.
Launched in 2013, Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants aims to showcase the outstanding achievements and diverse culinary landscape of the region. The list is determined by the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy, a panel of over 350 culinary experts from across Asia who vote independently based on their specialised knowledge of the local dining scene. The Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants series includes the awards ceremony and list announcement, creating a premier networking platform for restaurateurs, media, seasoned travelers and culinary connoisseurs to celebrate the exceptional service, passion and talent in the dining industry.
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