Designed by Skechers & Alpro Physiotherapists for comfort and fall prevention, the shoes are introduced alongside the Silver Line Walk & Run family event.
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 February 2026 – For many families, a simple walk is no longer taken for granted. As parents and grandparents age, everyday movement can become a real concern, from the risk of slipping on smooth floors to the strain of bending down just to put on shoes. These challenges often cause seniors to walk less, gradually limiting their independence and keeping them from enjoying outings, travel, and daily activities with their family members.
The Alpro x Skechers Silver Line Walk & Run Event held on 31 January 2026.
Recognising the growing impact of mobility-related issues among older adults, Alpro Physio, the physiotherapy arm of Alpro Group specialising in mobility and rehabilitation, has partnered with Skechers Malaysia to introduce Silver Line, an exclusive footwear line for seniors available at Alpro. The series brings clinical insight directly into everyday product design, with the goal of helping seniors move more safely and confidently.
Silver Line is not just a walking shoe, but a mobility support solution built around the real challenges faced by the elderly. As Malaysia’s ageing population continues to grow, mobility issues are becoming an increasingly urgent public health concern. Falls remain one of the leading risks among older adults, often linked to poor balance, unsuitable footwear, or the physical strain of wearing shoes. Joint pain, stiffness, and reduced flexibility can further discourage regular movement, affecting both physical health and emotional well-being.
Safety is at the heart of Silver Line’s design. The shoe features Skechers’ Hands-Free Slip-ins™ technology, allowing seniors to put on their shoes without bending down, helping to reduce strain and the risk of losing balance. An enhanced anti-slip outsole improves grip on tiled and smooth surfaces, supporting better stability and lowering the risk of falls.
Comfort is equally essential. Extra cushioning helps reduce pressure on knees, joints, and heels, while the lightweight construction makes walking less tiring. A wider, senior-friendly fit accommodates swollen or sensitive feet, helping seniors stay active longer with less discomfort and greater confidence.
The introduction of Silver Line is marked by the “Silver Line Walk & Run,” a family-friendly community event that encourages Malaysians to stay active across generations, especially alongside their parents and grandparents. The initiative reflects a shared belief that healthy ageing should be supported not only through medical care, but also through practical lifestyle solutions like shoes designed with safety in mind.
Eugene Siow, Chief Physiotherapist of Alpro Physio, shared that many elderly patients experience limited mobility not simply because of age, but due to preventable factors such as inappropriate footwear. He explained that Silver Line was created to support balance, reduce joint strain, and most importantly, help seniors move with confidence and maintain independence.
Stephanie Chang, Senior General Manager of Skechers Malaysia, added that Skechers has long focused on comfort-led innovation, with Slip-ins™ technology offering significant benefits for seniors who struggle with bending or balance. She noted that the availability of this range through Alpro allows more seniors to access footwear that goes beyond comfort to genuinely support ageing communities.
The Silver Line shoe is exclusively available through Alpro OneClick, Alpro’s official online pharmacy platform. More than just footwear, it is a thoughtful and practical gift choice for parents and grandparents, one that supports their independence, comfort, and confidence with every step. More information about the Silver Line collection can be found at https://bit.ly/AlproxSkechersSilverLine. Hashtag: #AlproxSkechersSilverLine
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Alpro Group
Founded in 2002, Alpro Group’s ecosystem has grown to include Alpro Pharmacy, Apotek Alpro, Alpro スギ (Sugi) Pharmacy, Alpro Physio, Alpro Clinic, Alpro Baby, Alpro OptiSaver, Alpro Audiology, and Alpro Health. Supported by a team of more than 1,000 healthcare professionals, including doctors, pharmacists, nutritionists, dietitians, physiotherapists, optometrist and many others, Alpro serves over 5 million families in Malaysia and Indonesia through its extensive network of 500 physical outlets.
Alpro Pharmacy is the first and only community pharmacy in the region to offer product liability insurance of MYR 1 million in Malaysia and IDR 3 billion in Indonesia, ensuring the supply of genuine medications and enhancing consumer trust.
With the vision of a healthy and vibrant world, Alpro Group aims to become the No. 1 prescription pharmacy chain in Southeast Asia.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 February 2026 – The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) today successfully launched its annual flagship event, “ForeSight 2026”, at the HKPC Building, with the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES) as the strategic partner of the event. With the theme of “Empowering Hong Kong’s Innovation Ecosystem, Bridging Opportunities with the 15th Five-Year Plan”, the event brought together, both in online and offline, more than 500 government, business, industry leaders and approximately 16,000 viewers in Chinese Mainland to discuss how Hong Kong can proactively connect with the national “15th Five-Year Plan” and jointly promote innovation and industrial integration, helping enterprises achieve high-quality development and enhance international competitiveness.
The Honourable Paul CHAN Mo-po,GBM, GBS, MH, JP, Financial Secretary of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, officiated at the forum and expressed, “The country has consistently given strong support to Hong Kong’s development of innovation and technology. Whether in the ’14th Five‑Year Plan’ or in the recommendations for the ’15th Five‑Year Plan’, there is clear support for Hong Kong to develop into an international innovation and technology hub”. He added, “Looking ahead, we will continue to proactively align with national development strategies, promote the deep integration of technological innovation and industrial innovation, and further strengthen the linkage between technology and industry. We will encourage enterprises to devote more effort in research and development, expand the scope of technology applications, and nurture innovative enterprises with an international outlook and forward-looking vision, driving the economy toward a high value-added and more diversified future”.
The Honourable Sunny TAN, Chairman of Hong Kong Productivity Council, said in the closing remarks, “The ’15th Five-Year Plan’ brings significant and far-reaching development opportunities to Hong Kong. At the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee’s recent group study session, President Xi Jinping urged adopting a strategy whereby industry poses questions and science and technology provide the answers. HKPC will continue to play an active role in promoting innovation and industrial upgrading, closely echoing the overall development strategies of the national and HKSAR Government, and making good use of innovative technologies to address business challenges, providing comprehensive support to enterprises to accelerate their upgrading and transformation, enhance their competitiveness, and seize new opportunities”.
Unlocking Hong Kong’s Connectivity Advantages and Gathering Leadership Wisdom
The “ForeSight Visionary Leaders Panel” was held at the day, moderated by Mr Vincent WONG, Columnist and Media Veteran, and invited industry leaders including Ms ZHI Tao, Founder of Beijing Yunji Technology Ltd., Mr WANG Yong Chao, Founder and Chairman of Henan Oriental Materials Company Ltd., Mr Jonathan CHIU, President of Schneider Electric Hong Kong, Mr Peter YAN, JP, Director-General, Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and Mr Mohamed D. BUTT, MH, Executive Director of Hong Kong Productivity Council, to share their insights. The topic features three key areas of enterprise going global, technological empowerment and talent development, and delved into the practical experience of how enterprises can achieve innovation-driven and high-quality development under the national “15th Five-Year Plan” through Hong Kong’s role as a “bridgehead”, Chinese brands going international through Hong Kong, Hong Kong’s advantages in technical support and innovative talent gathering, and how it can provide the Chinese Mainland enterprises with a one-stop platform for upgrading and going globally.
Realising the Full Empowerment of Enterprises to “Go Global”
HKPC echoes the national and HKSAR Government’s development strategies to address business challenges and industrial technology needs. Over the years, HKPC has successfully assisted many Chinese Mainland and local enterprises in expanding overseas markets, with many of these expansions implemented in Southeast Asia, Europe, ASEAN and the Middle East, etc., achieving upgrades and internationalisation. In recent years, HKPC and OASES have jointly established an “introduction-application-growth-go global” service model to help enterprises go global, with success cases include Westwell, Yunji Technology, UNISEE, etc. HKPC will continue to work with OASES to leverage the advantages of “Made in Hong Kong” to help enterprises connecting the world through Hong Kong.
Mr Peter YAN, JP, Director-General, Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said, “Hong Kong possesses a robust financial system, deep talent pool, and an international environment that integrates with international regulations, standards and operation practices. Coupled with the government’s relevant industry policies and long-established overseas networks, Hong Kong provides unique support for Chinese Mainland enterprises to use Hong Kong as a base to go global, as well as for overseas enterprises to development in the GBA. OASES is dedicated to attracting global strategic enterprises from five strategic I&T sectors, actively aligning with the national 15th Five-Year Plan. We provide comprehensive landing support services and assist enterprises in establishing their ‘first project’ in Hong Kong, fully leveraging Hong Kong’s role as a ‘Super Connector’ and ‘Super Value-Added'”.
At the same time, HKPC, as a member of the GoGlobal Task Force of the HKSAR Government, will continue to focus on providing “Six Tactics to Go Global” for enterprises through “The Cradle Go Global Service Centre” (The Cradle), including smart production, Technology research and development and evaluation, international standards and testing, professional services, training and on-site visits, and funding schemes, to support Hong Kong to leverage its unique advantages and empower enterprises to expand overseas with high quality.
Since its establishment in April, The Cradle has attracted more than 350 companies that have expressed interest in using its services. Among these, over 100 cases have entered a concrete follow‑up stage. Together with overseas expansion projects supported prior to its establishment, the cumulative total exceeds 450 cases.
Bringing the strengths of Government, Industry, Academia, Research and Investment to Build an Innovative Industrial Ecosystem
HKPC has been working closely with the government, industry, academia, research and investment sectors to promote new industrialisation and enhance the new quality productive forces of industries, including:
The major project led by Harbin Institute of Technology on key technologies and equipment for circular economy: Provide dynamic identification and big data resource pool construction solutions for multi-source solid waste in megaurban agglomerations
The project led by Jiangsu University on wheat green smart processing and key technology integration and industrialisation demonstration: Provide core technical support such as AI and the Internet of Things
Tsinghua University: Jointly established a technology centre to focus on the industrial transformation of intelligent manufacturing and AI technology
Zuquan Research Institute of Fudan University: Signed a cooperation agreement to promote collaboration and transformation of scientific and technological outcomes between Shanghai and Hong Kong
HKPC will continue to promote cross-sectoral dialogue between government, industry, academia, research and investment, focusing on the implementation of future industries and technology applications, and helping to build Hong Kong into a key node in the global I&T value chain.
HKPC’s annual flagship event, “ForeSight 2026”, themed “Empowering the Innovation Ecosystem and Bridging Hong Kong with New Opportunities under the 15th Five‑Year Plan,” brought together numerous government and business leaders.
The Honourable Paul CHAN Mo-po, GBM, GBS, MH, JP, Financial Secretary of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, delivered a speech as the guest of honour at the “ForeSight 2026”, pointing out that going forward, efforts will continue to proactively align with national development strategies and promote the deep integration of technological innovation and industrial innovation.
The Honourable Sunny TAN, Chairman of the Hong Kong Productivity Council and Legislative Council Member, said in his closing remarks that the Productivity Council will leverage innovation and technology to address enterprises’ real pain points, provide all‑round support to help enterprises accelerate their upgrading and transformation, enhance competitiveness, and seize new opportunities.
The Honourable Paul CHAN Mo‑po, Financial Secretary of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, GBM, GBS, MH, JP (centre); The Honourable Sunny Tan, Chairman of the Hong Kong Productivity Council and Legislative Council Member (second from right); Mr Peter YAN, JP, Director-General, Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (second from left); Mr Emil YU, BBS, JP, Deputy Chairman of the Hong Kong Productivity Council (far right); and Mr Mohamed D. BUTT, MH, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Productivity Council (far left), attended HKPC’s annual flagship event, “ForeSight 2026”.
Moderated by veteran media professional Dr. Vincent WONG, industry leaders shared their insights at the “ForeSight Visionary Leaders Panel”.
(From right to left) Mr Peter YAN, JP, Director-General, Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises; Mr Jonathan CHIU, President, Hong Kong, Schneider Electric Hong Kong; Mr WANG Yong Chao, Founder & Chairman of Henan Oriental Materials Company Limited; Ms ZHI Tao, Founder of Beijing Yunji Technology Ltd.; and Mr Mohamed D. BUTT, MH, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Productivity Council.
Hashtag: #HKPC #Foresight2026
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Hong Kong Productivity Council
The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) is a statutory body established in 1967, dedicated to enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of Hong Kong enterprises through world-class applied R&D, innovative technology services, and integrated manufacturing solutions. As a market-oriented, international R&D organisation, HKPC leverages its deep expertise and extensive industry experience in key areas such as AI, advanced manufacturing, life and health technology, green technology and new energy to drive new industrialisation and support the growth of emerging and future industries.
HKPC focuses on addressing business challenges and industrial technology needs, promoting the full integration between technological and industrial innovation. Through technology transfer, product innovation, intellectual property protection and commercialisation of R&D outcomes, the Council fosters collaboration with the local business community as well as top global R&D institutions, delivering added value to industries and advancing the development of new productive forces. HKPC’s world-class R&D achievements have been widely recognised over the years, winning an array of local and overseas accolades, reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as an international innovation and technology centre and a smart city.
To help enterprises capitalise on Hong Kong’s strengths in international connectivity to expand into global markets, HKPC offers comprehensive overseas expansion services tailored to critical areas including product development, technology, manufacturing, and management, enabling businesses to successfully go global from Hong Kong.
HKPC is also committed to providing timely and practical support to SMEs and startups with timely and practical, assisting them in accessing Government funding programmes. Through its FutureSkills training initiatives, HKPC helps both industry and academia stay ahead in latest digital and STEM technologies, nurturing a future-ready talent pool for Hong Kong.
For more information, please visit HKPC’s website: www.hkpc.org/en.
India has set out a strategic roadmap to accelerate domestic capabilities in robotics and physical artificial intelligence, signalling a push to reduce dependence on imported hardware and proprietary software while positioning the country as a competitive global supplier of intelligent machines. The plan, prepared by the Technology Advisory Group for Emerging Technologies, places indigenisation, software sovereignty and sector-focused deployment at the centre of the national approach, with healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, agriculture and media production identified as priority domains.
The roadmap comes as governments worldwide race to translate advances in artificial intelligence into physical systems that can operate autonomously in real-world environments. While software-led AI has seen rapid adoption, policymakers argue that long-term economic and strategic gains will hinge on control over robotics hardware, operating systems and embedded intelligence. India’s proposal reflects concerns that reliance on imported robots and closed platforms could expose critical sectors to supply-chain risks and limit domestic innovation.
At its core, the strategy seeks to build a full-stack robotics ecosystem, spanning sensors, actuators, edge computing, operating software, cloud integration and safety certification. Officials involved in drafting the document have stressed that the objective is not isolation but resilience, with domestic alternatives developed alongside international collaboration. The roadmap calls for common standards and open architectures to prevent vendor lock-in and to allow startups and research institutions to build interoperable systems.
Healthcare has emerged as an early focus area, driven by workforce shortages and rising demand for precision care. The roadmap highlights surgical assistance, rehabilitation devices, hospital logistics robots and elder-care support systems as near-term opportunities. Policymakers note that such applications demand high reliability and ethical safeguards, reinforcing the need for locally controlled software stacks and transparent algorithms. Parallel efforts are proposed to strengthen clinical validation pathways and align regulatory approvals with global benchmarks.
Manufacturing and logistics form another pillar, with the document pointing to collaborative robots, autonomous guided vehicles and smart warehousing as tools to raise productivity and improve workplace safety. India’s manufacturing sector, dominated by small and medium-sized enterprises, has historically lagged in robot adoption due to cost and skills barriers. The roadmap recommends targeted incentives, shared testing facilities and modular designs to lower entry thresholds, alongside large-scale skilling programmes to train technicians, operators and system integrators.
Agriculture features prominently, reflecting policy priorities around food security and rural incomes. The plan outlines the use of robotics for precision spraying, harvesting, soil analysis and post-harvest handling. Developers are encouraged to design systems suited to fragmented landholdings and diverse crops, rather than importing models built for large, mechanised farms elsewhere. Officials argue that domestically developed agricultural robots could also find markets across Asia and Africa, where similar conditions prevail.
An unusual inclusion is the media and creative sector, where robotics and physical AI are seen as enablers of immersive production, automated camera systems and smart broadcasting infrastructure. The roadmap suggests that integrating robotics with virtual production and generative tools could lower costs for newsrooms and studios while enhancing safety in hazardous reporting environments.
Beyond sectoral applications, the strategy places strong emphasis on software sovereignty. It calls for homegrown robotics operating systems, simulation platforms and AI frameworks that can be audited and customised. While global open-source projects are acknowledged as valuable foundations, the document urges sustained public funding to ensure domestic stewardship and long-term maintenance. Data governance and cybersecurity are flagged as critical, particularly for robots deployed in sensitive locations.
Financing and procurement reforms form another strand. The roadmap proposes dedicated funding windows for deep-tech robotics ventures, longer grant cycles to reflect extended development timelines and clearer pathways from research labs to commercial deployment. Public procurement is positioned as a market-shaping tool, with government agencies encouraged to pilot domestically developed robots in hospitals, warehouses and public infrastructure.
The roadmap also addresses ethical and social dimensions, including job displacement concerns and safety standards. Rather than framing robotics as a threat to employment, the document argues that productivity gains can create new roles in design, maintenance and supervision, provided reskilling keeps pace. It recommends national guidelines for human–robot interaction, liability frameworks and continuous monitoring of societal impact.
Greenlogue/AP Saudi Arabia has committed $2 billion to build two large-scale solar power plants in Turkey with a combined capacity of 2,000 megawatts, marking one of the biggest cross-border renewable energy investments announced between the two countries. The plan was confirmed by Turkey’s energy minister following high-level talks in Riyadh, underlining Ankara’s push to accelerate clean power deployment while drawing in long-term foreign capital. The agreement was […]
The Octagon® Returns with a Triple-Header May 28-30 Featuring UFC FIGHT NIGHT® and ROAD TO UFC Season 5 at Galaxy Arena
Follow Galaxy Ultimate on WeChat for exclusive updates and behind-the-scenes UFC content
MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 February 2026 -Galaxy Macau, together with the world’s premier mixed martial arts (MMA) organisation, UFC, is thrilled to announce that the Octagon will make its highly anticipated return to the award-winning luxury resort with three consecutive days of competition from May 28 to 30, culminating in UFC FIGHT NIGHT® MACAU, live from Macau’s largest indoor venue, Galaxy Arena. This international sports promotion is set to attract fans from across the region, further cementing Macau’s position as a leading destination on the global sports and entertainment map.
In the lead‑up to UFC Fight Night, Galaxy Macau will host a week-long celebration featuring UFC-themed interactions, athlete meet-and-greets and immersive fan experiences throughout the luxury resort. To be among the first to receive the latest updates, fans are encouraged to follow Galaxy Ultimate on WeChat and visit Galaxy Macau’s official website.
Galaxy Macau is excited to welcome the return of UFC for a thrilling, state-of-the-art entertainment showcase at Galaxy Arena between May 28 and 30.
Aligned with the Macao SAR Government’s vision, the return of UFC cements Galaxy Macau’s continued support for the city’s economic diversification and the commitment to enhancing its entertainment landscape. The return of UFC to Galaxy Macau underscores the resort’s unwavering commitment to elevating Macau’s status as a world‑class destination for sports, tourism and culture.
The previous sold-out UFC FIGHT NIGHT® MACAU was held at the Galaxy Macau in November 2024.
These upcoming events are part of the visionary four-year strategic partnership established last year, which brings three UFC FIGHT NIGHT® events to Galaxy Arena through to 2029. As part of this ongoing partnership, Galaxy Macau will also host the opening round of ROAD TO UFC Season 5 on May 28-29 – the organisation’s acclaimed talent ‑development series that showcases the top MMA prospects from across the Asia‑Pacific region as they fight for a direct pathway to the global UFC stage. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the UFC’s most promising stars as they fight it out to the top spot at Asia’s leading entertainment hub, Galaxy Arena.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
ABOUT GALAXY MACAU INTEGRATED RESORT
Galaxy Macau, world-class luxury integrated resort, delivers the “Most Spectacular Entertainment and Leisure Destination in the World”. Developed at an investment of HK$43 billion, the property covers 1.1 million-square-meter of unique entertainment and leisure attractions that are unlike anything else in Macau. Nine award-winning world-class luxury hotels provide close to 5,000 rooms, suites and villas. They include Banyan Tree Macau, Galaxy Hotel™, Hotel Okura Macau, JW Marriott Hotel Macau, The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, Broadway Hotel, Raffles at Galaxy Macau, Andaz Macau, and the opening-soon Capella at Galaxy Macau. Unique to Galaxy Macau, the 75,000-square-meter Grand Resort Deck features the world’s longest Skytop Adventure Rapids at 575 metres, the largest Skytop Wave Pool with waves up to 1.5-metre high and 150-metre pristine white sand beach. Two five-star spas from Banyan Tree Spa Macau and The Ritz- Carlton Spa, Macau help guests relax and rejuvenate.
As the dining destination in Asia, Galaxy Macau offers a wide variety of gastronomic delights, exquisite experiences and ingredients of the finest quality with over 120 dining options from Michelin dining to authentic delicacies; Galaxy Promenade is the hottest shopping destination featuring the latest in fashion and curated experiences in Macau. Spanning over 100,000-square-meter, luxury flagship stores, lifestyle boutiques and our selection of labels are among the more than 200 world-renowned brands for a world-class shopping journey; Galaxy Cinemas, immersive thrills and luxurious comfort go hand in hand at Galaxy Cinemas. All 10 theatres are equipped with the latest audio-visual technology; CHINA ROUGE, one-of-a-kind deluxe lounge that evokes the glitz and glamor of Shanghai’s golden era with entertainment in luxury and style; and Foot Hub presents the traditional art of reflexology to make you feel more relaxed and revitalized. For Authentic Macau Flavours & Vibrant Asian Experiences, Broadway Macau – just a 90-second walk via a bridge from Galaxy Macau, has over 35 Authentic Macau & Asian Flavours at its Broadway Food Street. The 2,500-seat Broadway Theatre plays host to world-class entertainers and a diverse array of cultural events. Meeting, incentive and banquet groups are also well looked after with a portfolio of unique venues in Galaxy Macau and a professional service staff.
Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) is the latest addition to the Group’s ever-expanding integrated resort precinct and will usher in a new era for the MICE industry in Macau. GICC is a world- class event venue featuring 40,000-square-meter of total flexible MICE, and a 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena – the largest indoor arena in Macau.
Bitcoin slid to its weakest level since Donald Trump’s election victory, underscoring how fragile sentiment has become across digital-asset markets as tighter financial conditions, regulatory uncertainty and profit-taking converge. The world’s largest cryptocurrency fell sharply in volatile trading, extending a multi-week decline that has erased a large portion of gains built up earlier in the cycle. Prices moved to levels last seen shortly after Trump secured the […]
Bitcoin sank to around $81,000, erasing a significant portion of its gains and triggering fresh volatility across digital asset markets, as forced liquidations, global risk aversion and growing scrutiny of major exchanges combined to deepen losses. The decline unfolded amid heightened uncertainty in broader financial markets, with crypto assets once again moving in tandem with risk-sensitive equities and high-yield instruments. The sell-off accelerated as leveraged positions were […]
Apple has disclosed a new approach to artificial intelligence–driven speech synthesis that restructures how sounds are handled before they reach neural networks, a change the company says can significantly accelerate voice generation while preserving naturalness. The technique groups phonetically similar audio units into clusters prior to processing, reducing computational load and enabling faster output, a development with implications for on-device features, accessibility tools and data privacy. According […]
French prosecutors have carried out a judicial operation targeting offices and data linked to Elon Musk’s social media platform X as part of an inquiry into how the company’s recommendation systems operate, widening the scope to include examination of its artificial intelligence chatbot, Grok. The move places one of the world’s most influential digital platforms under intensified regulatory and legal scrutiny in Europe at a time when […]
Plastic fragments have been detected in fish from some of the most isolated waters of the Pacific, underlining how far synthetic pollution has spread through the world’s oceans. An extensive scientific assessment of fish caught around Fiji, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu found that about one in three specimens contained microplastics, small fragments produced as larger plastic items break down. The findings challenge assumptions that distance from industrial […]
Spin the lucky windmills at Galaxy Macau to generate vitality and good luck with glittering offers breezing through the luxury resort to shower guests with good fortune
MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 February 2026 – Galaxy Macau, Asia’s leading luxury integrated resort, proudly launches “Start the Year Lucky at Galaxy Macau” Chinese New Year Campaign, inviting guests to embrace good fortune through a curated selection of festive activities, culinary experiences, exclusive shopping privileges and immersive entertainment from February 4 to March 3. Signup on WeChat for Galaxy Ultimate membership to enjoy every bit of each visit.
Start the Year Lucky at Galaxy Macau
Spin lucky windmills to receive great blessings
This year’s celebrations are built around the central theme of the lucky windmill, a playful and symbolic motif believed to usher in luck. Throughout the season, Galaxy Macau will be adorned with enchanting windmill décor—each spin symbolising the arrival of good fortune. Across Galaxy Promenade, in resemblance of spring flowers in full bloom, giant displays of peach blossom and daffodil windmills symbolise a continuous flow of good fortune and blossoming prosperity. Guests will discover these windmills thoughtfully placed across the resort and are invited to spin selected ones to capture auspicious blessings for the coming Chinese New Year and take wonderful photos, creating visual harmony with the resort’s gilded architecture and inviting visitors to welcome luck at every turn.
This Chinese New Year, spin the lucky windmills at Galaxy Macau to wish for fortune and health, while enjoying the wondrous array of privileges across the award-winning luxury resort.
Beginning on February 4, the day marking the start of spring in the traditional lunisolar calendar, Galaxy Macau’s iconic, multisensory Diamond Show will transform into a special seasonal format, accompanied by two gigantic windmills that accentuate the elements of luck, adding dazzling brilliance to the resort’s celebrations. During Chinese New Year, traditional lion dances and God of Fortune greetings will shower auspicious blessings on guests, strengthening the spirit of renewal and good luck throughout the luxury resort.
From February 4 to March 3, guests spending MOP300 or more, or presenting a hotel keycard with holder or same-day show tickets at mall concierge counters at Galaxy Promenade, will receive a lucky gift prepared to spread the vibrant festive greetings.
Families checking in over the festive period can look forward to a rich programme of Chinese New Year–themed workshops at the Galaxy Kidz Edutainment Center. Specially designed for younger hotel guests, these workshops offer engaging, hands‑on experiences that introduce children to festive icons, seasonal crafts and cultural stories associated with the Chinese New Year. These activities not only add playfulness and creativity to the celebrations but also allow children to shape cherished memories during their stays at Galaxy Macau.
Shop at Galaxy Promenade this Chinese New Year for the perfect gifts for loved ones, while receiving captivating rewards and privileges.
Open blind boxes to get lucky rewards
Galaxy Macau’s luxury retail destination – Galaxy Promenade, home to world‑renowned fashion houses, lifestyle brands and specialty boutiques – will further elevate the festive environment with themed storefronts and specially curated gift items. Between February 13 and 23, guests can enjoy up to 6% shopping and dining rebate upon designated spending at Galaxy Promenade, along with the chance to instantly win a Blind Box and receive lucky souvenirs at the brand-new Italian Shopping Area or Pearl Lobby.
Besides house-operated exciting rewards, the house of brands along Galaxy Promenade, such as Cartier, Delvaux, Dior and Prada, will run highlight seasonal activations to maximise the festive ambiance.
Sumptuous festive delicacies await at Galaxy Macau to spread luck, joy, health and togetherness for the Chinese New Year.
Festive delicacies to share good fortune
Central to Galaxy Macau’s Chinese New Year celebrations is an exquisite range of gourmet festive delicacies. Whether enjoyed in a festive reunion meal or as part of traditional seasonal rituals, these delicacies reflect Galaxy Macau’s dedication to culinary excellence.
From February 14 to March 8, “Lai See” dining vouchers will be awarded to guests spending designated amounts at selected restaurants for use during returning visits, so as to maximise the celebratory atmosphere and bring joy to gatherings of family and friends. Festive delights are served at more than 10 Galaxy Macau restaurants, from traditional Chinese to global flavours.
Get lucky at Galaxy Macau’s house of top performance venues while enjoying top tier shows from stars from around the world.
Spectacular entertainment to welcome good fortune
Galaxy Macau’s entertainment offerings shine even brighter during the campaign. This Chinese New Year, Galaxy Macau’s collection of world-class performance venues are filled with spectacular shows.
Besides Hollywood star Jimmy O. Yang’s variety spectacles at Galaxy Arena on February 21 and 22 featuring special guests including singer Jackson Wang, Cantopop star Wan Kwong and rising Hong Kong star musician Tyson Yoshi, K-Pop boy group RIIZE is set to stage the Macau shows of their [RIIZING LOUD] Concert Tour at the same venue on February 7 and February 8.
Chinese singer Tian Zhen, will take the stage at Galaxy Arena on February 19 to mesmerise fans on the third day of the Year of the Horse. Popular star Silence Wang will join the line by performing for three nights from February 27 to March 1 at Galaxy Arena to explain his interpretation of “Rise of Romance”, which is the name of his concert tour.
On February 5, Galaxy Cinemas dazzles with star power, as Hong Kong film “Night King” will present its World Premiere at Galaxy Macau’s East Square with a crew meet-and-greet, featuring some of the biggest names in Hong Kong film industry, led by the director of the film Jack Ng joining the stars and fans.
GalaxyArt presents from now until April 12 the works of pioneer Chinese master copper sculptor Zhu Bingren, an artisan who revived the historic artform through boundless exploration and imagination.
The Golden Glow of Art Welcomes the New Year
GalaxyArt, the artistic arm of Galaxy Macau, is presenting “Golden Fortunes: the Macau Debut of Zhu Bingren’s Copper Art” until April 12. National-level artist and pioneer of the “molten copper” artistic technique, Master Zhu joins hands with his son, Mr Zhu Junmin, to showcase at GalaxyArt a series of 68 glittering copper arts and other artforms, some of which being national diplomatic gifts and others – galloping horses and elegant peacocks – wishing good prospects for the New Year. Guests are invited to savour an artistic spring season at Galaxy Macau.
GEG Presents: Lai Chi Vun Shipyards Spring Festival Bazaar of Fortune
Celebrate Chinese New Year together amidst festive cheer at Lai Chi Vun Shipyards! Tradition and excitement converge at this year’s spectacular bazaar, featuring stunning attractions including Macau’s largest display of 302 dancing lion heads—an innovative check-in spot, Chinese New Year limited festive wishing trees, and a popular ice-skating rink. This seasonal celebration will take place from February 14 to 22 and on weekends between February 28 and March 8. With plenty more to explore, the Spring Festival Bazaar of Fortune is the Chinese New Year destination for everyone!
StarWorld Hotel will be festively decorated every corner to boost the celebratory atmosphere, amid sumptuous festive delicacies presented by its award-winning culinary team.
StarWorld Hotel dresses up for Chinese New Year
Located in the heart of Macau Peninsula, StarWorld Hotel celebrates the Chinese New Year in parallel style. The hotel will be festively decorated every corner to boost the celebratory atmosphere. Amidst the joyful vibes, guests are invited to savour seasonal delicacies meticulously prepared by StarWorld’s award-winning restaurants – immerse in warm wonders as unlimited gatherings take place.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Galaxy Macau Integrated Resort
Galaxy Macau, The World-class Luxury Integrated Resort delivers the “Most Spectacular Entertainment and Leisure Destination in the World”. Developed at an investment of HK$43 billion, the property covers 1.1 million-square-meter of unique entertainment and leisure attractions that are unlike anything else in Macau. Nine award-winning world-class luxury hotels provide close to 5,000 rooms, suites and villas. They include Banyan Tree Macau, Galaxy Hotel™, Hotel Okura Macau, JW Marriott Hotel Macau, The Ritz-Carlton, Macau, Broadway Hotel, Raffles at Galaxy Macau, Andaz Macau and the opening-soon Capella at Galaxy Macau. Unique to Galaxy Macau, the 75,000-square-meter Grand Resort Deck features the world’s longest Skytop Adventure Rapids at 575-meters, the largest Skytop Wave Pool with waves up to 1.5-meters high and 150-meters pristine white sand beach. Two five-star spas from Banyan Tree Spa Macau and The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Macau help guests relax and rejuvenate.
As the dining destination in Asia, Galaxy Macau offers a wide variety of gastronomic delights, exquisite experiences and ingredients of the finest quality with over 120 dining options from Michelin dining to authentic delicacies; Galaxy Promenade is the hottest shopping destination featuring the latest in fashion and curated experiences in Macau. Spanning over 100,000-square-meter, luxury flagship stores, lifestyle boutiques and our selection of labels are among the more than 200 world-renowned brands for a world-class shopping journey; Galaxy Cinemas, immersive thrills and luxurious comfort go hand in hand at Galaxy Cinemas. All 10 theatres are equipped with the latest audio-visual technology; CHINA ROUGE, one-of-a-kind deluxe lounge that evokes the glitz and glamor of Shanghai’s golden era with entertainment in luxury and style; and Foot Hub presents the traditional art of reflexology to make you feel more relaxed and revitalized. For Authentic Macau Flavours & Vibrant Asian Experiences, Broadway Macau – just a 90-second walk via a bridge from Galaxy Macau, has over 35 Authentic Macau & Asian Flavours at its Broadway Food Street. The 2,500-seat Broadway Theatre plays host to world-class entertainers and a diverse array of cultural events. Meeting, incentive and banquet groups are also well looked after with a portfolio of unique venues in Galaxy Macau and a professional service staff.
Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) is the latest addition to the Group’s ever-expanding integrated resort precinct and will usher in a new era for the MICE industry in Macau. GICC is a world-class event venue featuring 40,000-square-meter of total flexible MICE, and a 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena – the largest indoor arena in Macau.
StarWorld Hotel, Galaxy Entertainment Group’s (GEG) first five-star flagship hotel, is located in the heart of Macau’s business and entertainment hub on the Macau Peninsula. The iconic 39-storey hotel is famed for its distinctly Asian characteristics of intelligence, experience and innovation and its star-rated quality in hospitality, entertainment, accommodation and dining.
Opened in 2006, StarWorld Hotel is the hub to see everything the city has to offer, and it appeals to tourists from all over the world. Renowned for its ultra-high levels of personal services to guests, StarWorld has won numerous prestigious awards including the 5-Star Diamond Award from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences, the Top 100 Hotels of China designation from the China Hotel Industry Summit, the Top 10 Glamorous Hotels of China designation from the China Hotel Starlight Awards, the Supreme Award for the Most Glamorous Hotel of Asia from the Golden Horse Awards of China Hotels and the “Top Class Comfort Hotels” from Michelin Guide Hong Kong & Macau from 2014 to 2020.
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held substantive talks with His Excellency Guy Parmelin, President of the Swiss Confederation, in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, emphasising cooperation on artificial intelligence, economic partnership and water security while reinforcing diplomatic commitment to global peace and stability. The discussions at Qasr Al Shati brought forward agreements aimed at deepening bilateral relations between the two […]
By Nitya Chakraborty The announcement on India-US trade deal was expected, but the manner in which both President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi did the same in social media has led to big confusion. After a phone call with Narendra Modi, Trump claimed on Monday that the US had reached a trade arrangement […]
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 February 2026 – Liver cancer is one of the three deadliest cancers worldwide, and metabolic dysfunction-related cases have become increasingly common in recent years. A research team from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) has identified a protein secreted by fat cells that promotes cancer growth and has successfully developed a novel antibody that neutralises this protein, marking a significant breakthrough in impeding the progression of liver cancer. The research findings have been published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.
Prof. Terence Lee, Associate Head and Professor of the PolyU Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, and his research team have developed a novel antibody targeting the adipocyte-derived protein FABP4, offering a new approach to treating metabolism-related liver cancer.
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), commonly known as fatty liver disease, currently affects around a quarter of the global population and is an important risk factor for liver cancer. In affected individuals, fat cells induce insulin resistance and chronic inflammation, leading to excessive fat accumulation in the liver. This ultimately impairs liver function and may progress to liver cancer. Treatment options for MASLD-induced liver cancer remain limited and the effectiveness of current immunotherapies is suboptimal.
A breakthrough study led by Prof. Terence LEE, Associate Head and Professor of the PolyU Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, and his research team has revealed that an adipocyte-derived protein, known as fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4) is a key driver that accelerates tumour growth. Through mass spectrometry, the team confirmed that patients with MASLD-induced liver cancer had markedly elevated FABP4 levels in their serum. Further investigations showed that FABP4 activates a series of pro-proliferative signalling pathways within cells, causing cancer cells to multiply and grow more rapidly.
Prof. Lee’s team has successfully developed a monoclonal antibody that neutralises FABP4. This antibody not only inhibits the growth and proliferation of FABP4-driven cancer stem cells, but also enhances the ability of immune cells to combat cancer.
Prof. Lee said, “This neutralising antibody against FABP4 demonstrates significant potential in inhibiting tumour growth and activating immune cells, providing a complementary approach to current immunotherapy strategies. Our findings highlight that targeting adipocyte-derived FABP4 holds promise for treating MASLD-induced liver cancer.”
Prof. Lee added that gaining deeper insights into how adipocyte-derived FABP4 affects liver cancer cells helps to explicate the disease mechanisms of liver cancer, particularly in obese individuals. Intervening in the relevant signalling pathways could provide effective methods to combat this aggressive malignancy.
Prof. Lee believes that, as this adipocyte-targeted immunotherapy continues to mature, it will bring more treatment options to MASLD patients. He remarked, “If its efficacy can be proven in clinical trials, it could offer new hope to many affected individuals.”
The research is supported by the Innovation and Technology Fund of the Innovation and Technology Commission of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China. PolyU has filed a non-provisional patent for the developed antibody and is continuing to optimise its binding affinity to facilitate future clinical applications. Hashtag: #PolyU #FattyLiver #Cancer #LiverCancer #理大 #香港理工大学 #肝癌 #癌症 #脂肪肝
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Cochin International Airport Ltd has begun the procurement process for hydrogen fuel cell electric buses, positioning the Kochi hub to operate what is being described by officials as the country’s first airport-based fleet powered entirely by hydrogen. The move places ground transport at the airport within a wider transition to low-emission mobility and aligns with Kerala’s push to build a hydrogen ecosystem tied to national climate and energy goals.
The plan covers the purchase and operation of three hydrogen fuel cell buses to handle airside passenger movement, a segment traditionally dominated by diesel vehicles. Airport authorities say the buses will be deployed on routes linking terminals and remote aircraft bays, where stop-start driving and idling make emissions reductions particularly challenging. The project is being executed by Cochin International Airport through its airport operating company, which has already gained global attention for running entirely on solar power.
The initiative forms part of the Kerala Hydrogen Valley programme, a state-led framework intended to aggregate demand, anchor pilot projects and attract private investment into hydrogen production, storage and end-use. State officials describe the airport deployment as a visible demonstration use case that can validate hydrogen technology in public transport settings and reduce perceived risk for other operators. The hydrogen valley concept is designed to link generation from renewable sources with consumers such as mobility providers, ports and industrial users, building scale over time rather than relying on isolated pilots.
At the national level, the project sits under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which targets the creation of a domestic hydrogen market and seeks to lower the cost of green hydrogen through incentives, demand aggregation and infrastructure support. The mission, backed by the Government of India, prioritises applications where hydrogen can displace fossil fuels in hard-to-abate sectors, including transport, fertilisers and refining. Aviation ground operations have emerged as a promising niche because fleets are centrally managed and refuelling can be controlled within secure perimeters.
Airport officials say the buses under procurement will be fuel cell electric vehicles, generating electricity onboard through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, with water vapour as the only tailpipe emission. Compared with battery-electric buses, hydrogen vehicles offer faster refuelling and longer range, features considered important for continuous airport operations. The buses will require dedicated refuelling infrastructure within the airport campus, and plans include on-site safety systems and training for personnel handling hydrogen.
Industry analysts note that hydrogen mobility in the country remains at an early stage, with high vehicle costs and limited refuelling networks acting as constraints. Fuel cell buses can cost several times more than diesel equivalents, and the economics depend heavily on access to competitively priced green hydrogen. Kerala’s approach has been to pair demand-side pilots with efforts to scale renewable-powered hydrogen production, reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels while addressing local air quality concerns.
Kochi airport’s history of renewable adoption has been cited by policymakers as a reason it was selected for the hydrogen bus deployment. The airport became the first fully solar-powered airport in the world and has since expanded its renewable portfolio, including battery storage and electric vehicle charging for landside transport. By extending decarbonisation to airside mobility, the airport is attempting to address a segment that contributes to operational emissions but often receives less public scrutiny than aircraft themselves.
Transport experts caution that the success of the hydrogen buses will depend on operational reliability and lifecycle emissions, not just tailpipe performance. Green hydrogen must be produced using renewable electricity to deliver meaningful climate benefits, and storage and distribution losses need to be minimised. Safety protocols will also be closely watched, given hydrogen’s flammability, although proponents point out that fuel cell vehicles have been operating in several countries under stringent standards.
The Kochi deployment is being monitored by other airports and urban transport authorities exploring alternatives to diesel. Several metropolitan transport agencies have trialled electric buses, while hydrogen has so far been limited to a handful of demonstration projects in public transport. If the airport fleet performs as expected, officials believe it could accelerate adoption in other controlled environments such as ports, logistics hubs and industrial campuses.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 3 February 2026 — A new joint study by Carbyne Fitness and IFPA Singapore has revealed a striking and persistent gender divide in Singapore’s fitness habits: while 80% of home gym users are male, over 60% of individuals actively seeking personal trainers are female.
The findings, based on Carbyne Fitness’ customer data and an online database of personal training enquiries compiled by IFPA Singapore’s personal trainers, point to two fundamentally different approaches to exercise motivation and engagement between men and women.
A Tale of Two Fitness Journeys The data suggests that men overwhelmingly prefer self-directed fitness, buying equipment such as adjustable dumbbells, benches, and racks for home use. Women, on the other hand, are more inclined toward guided training experiences led by certified professionals.
According to Brian Chang, founder of Carbyne Fitness and IFPA Singapore, this split reveals not just gender preferences, but deeper social and psychological factors shaping how Singaporeans exercise.
“Men often see fitness as something they should be able to handle on their own, like asking for help somehow means they’re not strong enough,” said Chang. “That’s why many men would rather train themselves than work with a coach. Ladies, on the other hand, are usually more open to learning and getting guidance. They see working with a coach not as weakness, but as a smart way to improve safely and effectively.”
The Male Home Gym Boom The pandemic sparked a surge in home gym investments, and Carbyne Fitness has been at the forefront of this trend. Its adjustable dumbbells and adjustable kettlebells have become popular among working professionals looking to save time and train efficiently at home.
Carbyne Fitness’ customer data revealed that four in five customers are male. “The home gym trend among men is here to stay,” Chang explained. “They appreciate the convenience, privacy, and long-term savings. For many, it’s not just fitness equipment, it’s a personal investment in staying strong and independent as they age.”
However, with about 58% of Carbyne Fitness customers living in HDB flats, 26% in condominiums, and 16% in landed properties, many still hold the misconception that home workouts, especially in smaller HDB or condo spaces, aren’t practical or effective. Landed property owners make up less than 5% of Singapore’s dwellings, yet account for 16% of Carbyne Fitness’ customers.
Dwelling Type
National Share (SingStat)
Carbyne Customer Share
Index (Representation)
HDB (Public Housing)
72.0%
58.5%
0.81 (Under-indexed)
Condominiums
23.3%
25.6%
1.10 (Over-indexed)
Landed Properties
4.7%
15.9%
3.38 (Heavily Over-indexed)
“One of the most common reasons people give for not buying home gym equipment is that they ‘don’t have the space,'” said Chang. “But in reality, a proper home setup doesn’t need much room; a good pair of adjustable dumbbells and a bench can fit comfortably within just one square meter if you choose the right equipment.”
Why Women Seek Trainers In contrast, IFPA Singapore’s training enquiries show that a majority of personal training clients are female. Of the 392 Singapore-based individuals who sought personal training, 63% were women, even though men still represent the majority of gym members nationwide.
Category
Male %
Female %
Dominant Characteristic
Home Gym Buyers (Carbyne)
80%
20%
High Autonomy
PT Seekers (IFPA)
37%
63%
Guidance Seeking
Population (DOS 2025)
49.3%
50.7%
Balanced
“This reflects a growing confidence among women to take charge of their fitness journey,” said Chang. “But it also shows that women tend to prioritize safety and proper form. They are more willing to invest in expert guidance rather than risk injury from unguided workouts.”
Many female clients, Chang adds, have goals that extend beyond appearance: postnatal recovery, strength for caregiving, or functional fitness for daily life.
“It’s not just about aesthetics anymore,” he said. “Women are recognizing that strength training builds long-term resilience, both physically and mentally.”
Implications for Singapore’s Fitness Industry The gender divide uncovered by Carbyne Fitness and IFPA Singapore also points to structural gaps in how Singapore’s fitness ecosystem is organized, particularly the limited avenues for personal trainers to operate independently.
Most commercial gyms and public facilities, including ActiveSG gyms, do not permit outside personal trainers to conduct sessions within their premises. Trainers who are not employed directly by these gyms are often barred from coaching clients on-site, regardless of their certification or insurance coverage.
This restriction limits both consumer choice and career opportunities within the industry. For clients, especially women who prefer guided training but may not want to commit to an expensive gym membership, the policy creates a barrier to accessing affordable, flexible coaching. For freelance trainers, it restricts their ability to build a sustainable practice or serve niche communities such as seniors, postnatal women, or first-time exercisers.
“Many independent trainers tell us their biggest challenge isn’t finding clients; it’s finding space,” said Chang. “There’s a clear demand for affordable, accessible training environments, but the system hasn’t caught up yet.”
As a result, more trainers have turned to parks, void decks, or private studios, and a growing number of clients are exploring home-based personal training, sometimes with only a pair of resistance bands. This shift reflects broader lifestyle preferences: Singaporeans want convenience, privacy, and trust, not just a gym membership.
The study suggests that expanding access to personal training across shared and public fitness spaces could help Singapore move toward a more inclusive, community-driven fitness culture, one that empowers both male and female participants to train safely, confidently, and sustainably at every stage of life.
Volunteering for the Silver Generation Both Carbyne Fitness and IFPA Singapore are working to build a more inclusive fitness culture through the Silver Strength volunteer program, which runs weekly strength sessions for seniors using resistance bands, adjustable dumbbells, and other small equipment at Active Ageing Centers across Singapore.
The initiative, funded by the National Youth Council, empowers older adults to stay strong, mobile, and independent, while giving volunteers the chance to make a direct impact in their communities.
“Silver Strength is more than fitness. It is about bridging intergenerational gaps and helping seniors live confidently and age with strength,” said Chang.
About the Study The gender distribution insights were derived from:
Carbyne Fitness customer data, representing over 1,000 unique customer interactions across Singapore between January 2024 and September 2025.
IFPA Singapore’s independent observation of 392 prospective client profiles compiled between October 2025 and December 2025.
While the sample sizes differ, both data sets converge on a clear narrative: Singapore’s home gym market is predominantly male, while personal training demand is female-driven.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Carbyne Fitness
Carbyne Fitness is a Singapore-based fitness equipment company focused on delivering space-efficient, performance-driven home gym solutions for modern lifestyles. Best known for its space-saving gym equipment such as adjustable dumbbells and foldable treadmills, Carbyne helps professionals, families, and seniors train effectively at home without compromising on quality or safety.
IFPA Singapore, operated by Get Certified PT, is the official Singapore operator of the International Fitness Professionals Association (IFPA), delivering internationally accredited personal training education and professional development. IFPA Singapore focuses on producing industry-ready practitioners through competency-based, real-world training.
Dubai has unveiled plans to construct what officials describe as the world’s first villa assembled entirely by robots, marking a sharp acceleration in the city’s push to industrialise construction and reduce reliance on manual labour. The pilot project, scheduled to rise at Expo City Dubai, will test whether fully automated systems can deliver a complete residential unit from foundation to finish without on-site human builders. Authorities say […]
A policy signal aimed at accelerating investment in data centres and cloud infrastructure has placed long-horizon tax certainty at the centre of India’s digital strategy, with the government outlining a framework that would allow eligible technology companies operating in designated zones to enjoy tax neutrality aligned with the national Vision 2047 roadmap.
The move, articulated through a combination of policy statements, budget-linked clarifications and regulatory guidance, is intended to draw hyperscalers, artificial intelligence firms and data infrastructure investors into large-scale, long-duration projects. Officials have framed the approach as a way to anchor capital-intensive facilities whose payback periods stretch over decades, while supporting the ambition of building a multi-trillion-dollar digital economy by the country’s centenary year.
Rather than a blanket exemption across the economy, the proposal centres on sector- and location-specific incentives. These include extended tax holidays and concessional regimes within special economic zones, international financial services hubs and approved data centre parks, alongside customs-duty relief on equipment, accelerated depreciation and stable indirect tax treatment for power, cooling and network inputs. Policy planners argue that such assurances reduce regulatory risk and make India competitive with rival hubs in Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
Data centres have emerged as a focal point of the strategy. Explosive growth in cloud computing, streaming services, digital payments and generative AI has driven demand for hyperscale facilities, each requiring billions of dollars in upfront investment and long-term commitments to energy supply. Government assessments suggest that predictable taxation over a multi-decade horizon is as critical as land and power availability when investors choose locations.
Senior policymakers have linked the tax framework to broader reforms designed to ease market entry. These include streamlined approvals through single-window systems, clarity on cross-border data flows under evolving digital governance rules, and incentives for renewable energy integration to address the sector’s heavy electricity needs. State governments are also playing a role, offering land at concessional rates and rebates on electricity duties to attract marquee projects.
Industry executives have responded cautiously but positively. Large cloud providers and colocation operators have welcomed signals of long-term stability, noting that uncertainty over future tax treatment has historically complicated investment planning. At the same time, companies are seeking detailed rules on eligibility, duration and compliance obligations, wary of policy reversals or narrow interpretations that could dilute the promised benefits.
Economists see both opportunity and risk in the approach. Supporters argue that anchoring global technology players could generate spillover benefits, from skilled employment and local supplier networks to improved digital services for domestic firms. They also note that data infrastructure underpins sectors ranging from finance and healthcare to manufacturing and logistics, amplifying its economic impact beyond headline investment numbers.
Critics caution that extended tax concessions must be carefully calibrated to avoid eroding the revenue base without delivering commensurate gains. They point to the need for clear performance benchmarks, such as minimum investment thresholds, local employment commitments and sustainability standards, to ensure public value. Questions have also been raised about competitive neutrality, with domestic firms seeking assurance that incentives will not unduly favour a handful of global giants.
The policy push comes amid intensifying global competition for data and AI infrastructure. Governments worldwide are offering combinations of tax relief, energy subsidies and regulatory flexibility to attract projects seen as strategic assets. India’s pitch emphasises scale, market growth and democratic governance, positioning the country as a long-term partner rather than a short-term tax arbitrage destination.
Niantic has lined up an intensive run of events for February, marking the closing stretch of Pokémon Go’s Precious Paths season and signalling an effort to maintain player engagement ahead of the next seasonal transition. The programme combines new Raid rotations, themed celebrations tied to the calendar, and a headline Community Day built around both Kanto and Alolan forms of a long-standing fan favourite, alongside the global […]
Miral has confirmed plans to develop a Topgolf venue on Yas Island, adding another global leisure brand to Abu Dhabi’s flagship entertainment destination and reinforcing the emirate’s strategy of broadening year-round tourism beyond theme parks and seasonal events. The venue, to be known as Topgolf Yas Island, will be developed and operated by Miral under a licensing agreement with Topgolf International. It is expected to feature technology-enabled […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Money managers at some of the world’s largest asset firms are repositioning portfolios to guard against inflation risks they believe are being underestimated by wider financial markets, even as headline measures show easing price pressures across major economies. Executives and portfolio managers at BlackRock, Bridgewater Associates and Pacific Investment Management Co. have signalled that persistent cost pressures, supply-side constraints and policy uncertainty […]
A UAE-based investment firm has acquired a 49% holding in World Liberty Financial, the cryptocurrency platform linked to Donald Trump, in a transaction that values the venture at about $500 million and places foreign capital at the heart of a politically sensitive digital-asset business. The investment, disclosed through corporate filings and confirmed by people familiar with the transaction, gives the Gulf investor a near-equal stake in a […]
Abu Dhabi’s main stock exchange and Italy’s bourse have taken a formal step towards closer capital-market integration, signalling ambitions that extend beyond headline listings to the plumbing of cross-border settlement and custody. The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange Group, ranked among the world’s top 20 exchanges by market capitalisation, and Borsa Italiana, part of the Euronext group, signed a letter of intent during the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund is arranging a sizeable Australian dollar loan backed by a clutch of local assets, underscoring the depth of global appetite for infrastructure-linked credit tied to long-term institutional owners. People familiar with the matter said the AD Investment Authority is seeking an A$3.75 billion facility secured against four Australian assets held by a wholly owned subsidiary. The borrowing is […]
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