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Bringing together local and overseas innovation talents and leaders to deepen cross-border, cross-campus collaboration

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 January 2026 – Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), together with 15 local tertiary institutions, marked a major milestone as Hong Kong Techathon+, the city’s largest international intercollegiate innovation and technology (I&T) annual event, celebrated its 10th anniversary. The Hong Kong Techathon+ Finale was successfully held recently (on 24 January) at Hong Kong Science Park. The team “Cresento” from The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology won the Gold Award in the category of Trusted AI and Data Science under the Local Track (Open Group) as well as the Best Presentation Award voted by the audience.

In parallel, the Global University Innovation Network (GUIN), jointly established by HKSTP and its 15 local tertiary institution partners, convened its inaugural forum on 23 January. The forum brought together GUIN member representatives and academic I&T leaders for in-depth exchanges on innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem development, further strengthening Hong Kong’s position as an international I&T and talent hub.

Hong Kong Techathon+ is co-organised by HKSTP and 15 local tertiary institutions, including: City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Hong Kong Shue Yan University, Lingnan University, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, The Education University of Hong Kong, The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, The University of Hong Kong, Tung Wah College; and three institutions under the Vocational Training Council – The Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education, and Hong Kong Institute of Information Technology.

Record-high International Participation Highlights Hong Kong’s Role as a Hub for Talent, Markets and Opportunity

This year’s Techathon+ attracted enthusiastic participation from both local and overseas universities, Approximately 1,900 participants formed over 470 teams. Notably, 215 overseas teams joined, underscoring the event’s growing international appeal.

Following rigorous selection, 172 teams advanced to the finale, including 122 local teams and 50 overseas teams from Australia, Brazil, Chinese Mainland, Japan, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Portugal, Singapore, the Republic of Korea, Taiwan, the UK, and the US. Kazakhstan, Japan, Korea and the UK participated for the first time through their university representatives, further demonstrating Techathon+’s reach as an international platform for I&T exchange.

A Decade of Growth: From a Local Challenge to One of Asia’s Major Inter-University I&T Platforms

HKSTP Chief Executive Officer Mr Terry Wong said: “Since its launch in 2015, Hong Kong Techathon+ has grown from a local challenge to one of Asia’s largest intercollegiate I&T events — driving creativity and collaboration while creating international impact. Techathon+ brings together outstanding young talents across tertiary institutions, turning ideas into innovative solutions that respond to societal needs and carry strong potential for real-world application. The platform has expanded the global pipeline of innovators and entrepreneurs, reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a hub connecting talents, markets, and opportunities, and writing the next chapter of Hong Kong’s I&T story.”

Beyond a Competition: A Comprehensive “Soft-landing” platform for Entrepreneurship

Hong Kong Techathon+ is more than a university innovation competition. Over the past decade, the platform has engaged over 9,000 participants, nurturing innovative talents and supporting the growth of startups.

Non-local teams also participated in a four-day immersive programme, featuring I&T ecosystem seminars, mentorship, investor matching, visits at Hong Kong Science Park, and tours to Chinese Mainland I&T bases, helping participants explore market expansion opportunities across the Greater Bay Area.

HKSTP also invites selected high-potential finalist teams and winners to join its Ideation Programme, offering up to HK$100,000 in seed funding (along with support aligned with participating universities’ startup programmes), free co-working spaces, access to advanced technology resources and professional mentorship. Through HKSTP’s incubation and industry networks, teams are supported from prototype development to sustainable startups operations – scaling progressively and building international impact.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is the exclusive Technology Enabler for the 10^th Edition of Hong Kong Techathon+, providing participating startups with access to leading cloud and artificial intelligence technologies and platforms. Through this collaboration, AWS offered competing teams technology resources in generative AI and machine learning, professional technical support, and workshop to accelerate innovation and drive Hong Kong’s development as an international I&T hub.

Inaugural GUIN Forum: Deepening Global University Innovation Collaboration

The first Global University Innovation Network (GUIN) Forum was successfully held on 23 January at Hong Kong Science Park, bringing together GUIN member institution representatives and I&T experts. The forum focused on three key areas:

• Exploring strategies for university-industry technology transfer collaboration to achieve win-win innovation outcomes
• Examining the Greater Bay Area as a hub for international innovation collaboration, including opportunities for research commercialisation and cross-border partnership, and
• Strengthening global collaboration networks through actionable pathways.

Speakers included Dr Tony Raven, former CEO of Cambridge Enterprise; Professor Poh Kam Wong, Emeritus Professor at National University of Singapore; and Dr Alwin Wong, Chair of the Association of Technology Transfer Professionals (ATTP), among others.

Co-founded last year by HKSTP and 15 local tertiary institution partners with support from multiple overseas institutions and partners, GUIN aims to bring together leading minds to advance international collaboration in innovation and entrepreneurship, reinforcing Hong Kong’s role as a global talent and innovation hub.

In his welcome address at the forum, Mr Terry Wong, Chief Executive Officer of HKSTP remarked: “We are building GUIN into a ‘global platform for innovation exchange and incubation’ — sharing knowledge, co-creating initiatives, and connecting startups with campus incubation resources and markets worldwide to turn concepts into tangible outcomes.”

Since last summer, HKSTP and university partners have launched the Theme-based Global Incubation Programmes under GUIN with three initiatives currently underway focusing on dentistry, visual technology, and the circular economy. The inaugural ” Global Hub for Future Dentistry” programme has attracted 40 top applicants worldwide. Additional thematic incubation programmes are in preparation, and GUIN members and partner organisations are welcomed to co-develop this expanding international collaboration.

The 10^th Edition of Hong Kong Techathon+ Partial Awards List:

Local Track (Student Group)

Local Track (Open Group)

Global Track

*Winner of Best Presentation Award voted by the audience.

Hashtag: #HKSTP

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Co-organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), this year’s AFF, themed “Co-creating New Horizons Amid an Evolving Landscape”, takes on added significance being the first such event of China’s 15^th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030).

“Featuring more than 150 prominent speakers, from Hong Kong, throughout the Asian region and around the world, the Forum will inspire insight and innovation, create partnerships and explore fresh business opportunities,” John Lee, Chief Executive of the HKSAR, said in his opening remarks at the Forum.

Mr Lee also spoke of the boundless opportunities for Hong Kong under the unique principle of “one country, two systems”, that assures Hong Kong of the unwavering support of China, while continuing to expand its global markets and reach.

“This unparalleled positioning solidifies our institutional strengths: the rule of law, a judiciary that exercises its power independently, an open and transparent market, the free flow of capital and a low and simple tax regime,” Mr Lee said.

Mr Lee later witnessed the signing of a co-operation agreement between the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau and the Shanghai Gold Exchange, marking a new milestone in deepening co-operation between the gold markets of Hong Kong and Shanghai.

The agreement was signed by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Christopher Hui, and the Chairman of the Shanghai Gold Exchange, Yu Wenjian.

“The agreement just now signed is far more than a formal document,” said Mr Hui.

“It represents a resolute commitment to advancing the synergistic development of Hong Kong and Shanghai as premier international financial and gold markets. It reflects our joint determination to deepen the integration and complementary strengths of Hong Kong and Shanghai, so that together we can expand our share and influence in the global gold market, and better support Renminbi internationalisation.”

Mr Hui outlined the strategic significance of the agreement and the overall development blueprint for Hong Kong’s gold market.

“In recent years, amid heightened geopolitical uncertainty, inflationary pressures, and ongoing restructuring of the international monetary system, the strategic importance of gold has become even more pronounced,” Mr Hui said.

The agreement covers two major forward-looking areas of co-operation: establishing a high-level, collaborative governance structure for Hong Kong’s new gold central clearing system; and opening new avenues for physical infrastructure synergy and market interconnectivity.

“The signing of this agreement with the Shanghai Gold Exchange marks the dawn of a new chapter—one in which Hong Kong and Shanghai join forces to shape the future of global gold markets,” Mr Hui said.

A discussion session on gold trading themed “Global Spectrum – Gold Exchange” features expert panelists invited to examine recent market developments and share insights on Hong Kong’s role, potential and opportunity as a world-class gold trading centre. Speakers include overseas experts James Emmett, Chief Executive Officer, MKS PAMP SA and David Tait, Chief Executive Officer, World Gold Council.

Other highlights on day one of the AFF include a keynote luncheon speech by Dr José Manuel Barroso, former President of the European Commission, former Prime Minister of Portugal, and current Chairman of Goldman Sachs International Advisory Board, to share his insights on the current global landscape and macro‑level challenges.

Other notable speakers today include Zou Jiayi, President of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank; Scott Morris, Vice-President (East and Southeast Asia, and the Pacific) of the Asian Development Bank; Mehmet Şimşek, Minister of Treasury and Finance of Türkiye; Klemen Boštjančič, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Slovenia; H.E. Waleed Saeed Abdul Salam Al Awadhi, Chief Executive Officer of Securities and Commodities Authority of United Arab Emirates; Burkhard Balz, Member of the Executive Board of the Deutsche Bundesbank; Rhee Chang-yong, Governor of the Bank of Korea; and Gokul Laroia, Chief Executive Officer Asia of Morgan Stanley.

The AFF serves as the opening event of the International Financial Week in Hong Kong, featuring over 10 partner activities covering a range of global financial and business topics, including ASEAN opportunities, asset and wealth management, and artificial intelligence.

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UABBHK 2025 transformed traditional architectural exhibitions into a dynamic civic performance, positioning artificial intelligence (AI) not as a tool, but as a platform to co-create ethical, inclusive, and human-centred futures. Through immersive installations, public workshops, and experimental formats, UABBHK 2025 invited audiences to participate in the design of the city — in real time.

“The Biennale has not only showcased the possibilities of design in the AI era, but also activated a civic platform where architecture, technology and public imagination intersect,” said Ar. Allen Poon, Chairman of The Hong Kong Institute of Architects Biennale Foundation, during the ceremony. “Today’s conclusion marks both a milestone and a beginning — a new phase of creative exploration among Hong Kong, Shenzhen and the world.”

Exhibition Highlights: Tech Meets Imagination

UABBHK 2025 unfolded across two venues, Oil Street Art Space (Oi!) and the newly opened East Kowloon Cultural Centre (EKCC), showcasing 25 curated exhibits by architects, artists, researchers, and technologists from Hong Kong and beyond. Teams from 10+ regions, including Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, Taiwan, as well as Australia, Austria, Italy, Japan, Singapore, the Netherlands, the UK, and the USA, explored how AI can be integrated into architectural thinking, spatial storytelling, and participatory design. Among the highlights were 4 video screening works that extended the exhibition’s themes through cinematic and documentary perspectives, addressing topics such as displacement and homecoming, the entanglement of code and culture, and speculative futures shaped by collective memory and student-led design fictions. Interactive installations like Prompt[Pond]ering, Sentient Mirror, and Collaborative Ephemeral Pavilion invited audiences to co-design spaces through AI-driven interactions. Works such as LANdLine Project and Flower Market Imaginaries grounded these future-facing visions in Hong Kong’s unique community and cultural context.

“In curating UABBHK 2025, we imagined AI not as a threat, but as a collaborator — a partner in rehearsing the future of our cities,” shared by Dr. Jimmy Ho and Ar. Aron Tsang, Lead Curators of UABBHK 2025. “We are proud to have created a platform that enables technology to be tangible, and civic imagination visible.”

Extending Impact: Public Programmes on Innovation & Collaboration

To extend the UABBHK 2025’s engagement beyond the galleries, two flagship public programmes were launched to bring AI and urban thinking into action: the ArchiTech Hackathon and the Hetao Vision: AI Video Competition.

ArchiTech Hackathon: Bridging Architecture and AI

Held earlier on the 24 January morning and co-hosted with Google Developer Group Hong Kong (GDGHK), the ArchiTech Hackathon was a first-of-its-kind 3-hour collaborative event that brought together 40 architects, developers and students — half from the HKIA Young Architects Group (YAG) and half from GDGHK — to explore how AI can support architectural workflows. The participants learned to use Google’s Gemini model and no-code platforms to build AI agents for architectural design code compliance.

Led by Mr. Frankie Wu from GDGHK, Ms. Adeline Chan and Ar. Owen Lam, Executive Curators of UABBHK 2025, the event embodied UABBHK’s vision by fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration between the tech and design communities, showcasing AI as a practical and imaginative tool for the built environment.

The winning team is Mr. Eric Chan and Ar. Toby Chiu. They successfully built the AI ​​agent for the competition in an astonishing time of 3 minutes, 56.32 seconds within a 60-minute timeframe, and was able to answer 10 questions, as required by the competition, completing the complex professional architect exam questions with 90% accuracy under four minutes.

Hetao Vision: Innovative AI Video Competition

Also announced during the ceremony were the winners of the Hetao Vision AI Video Competition, which invited creators to imagine the future of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone (HSITP). All entries were required to be fully AI-generated — both visually and aurally — using tools such as Runway, Pika Labs, Suno, and Udio.

The competition explored how AI can democratise futurology, letting creators of all backgrounds envision interconnectivity, innovation, and inclusiveness across the “one river, two banks” vision of Hetao.

The winning video,titled 深港河脈：一河兩岸的科創樞紐宏圖(Shenzhen-Hong Kong River Network: A Grand Vision for a Science and Technology Innovation Hub Across Both Banks) by Mr. Zhang Xiaoshan, was praised for utilising AI to create a convincing narrative of a cross-border innovation hub, demonstrating a profound understanding of the development of the Hetao area. Two additional finalists were also recognised for their distinctive storytelling and technical creativity.

A public screening of the shortlisted videos will be held in the Hetao Science and Technology Innovation Centre, in February 2026, allowing the public to reflect on the role of AI in imagining future urban life.

What’s Next: Visit UABBSZ and Explore the Living Archive

UABBHK 2025 will continue its journey in the Shenzhen & Hong Kong Bi-City Biennale of UrbanismArchitecture (Shenzhen) (UABBSZ) from January to March 2026. Whether you participated in the Hong Kong Edition or missed it, we warmly welcome you to visit the parallel venue of UABBSZ, at the Shenzhen Hetao Science and Technology Innovation Centre. Come and view the selection of UABBHK 2025 exhibits, continuing the creative dialogue and collaboration between Hong Kong and Shenzhen.

In addition, UABBHK 2025’s ideas and output will remain accessible through a dedicated digital gallery website and a forthcoming archive booklet, both will preserve the curatorial vision, exhibited works, and public interactions from this edition. These resources will serve as an open, living archive — a springboard for future conversations across architecture, AI, and urban futures.

Hashtag: #UABBHK

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About The Hong Kong Institute of Architects Biennale Foundation

The Hong Kong Institute of Architects Biennale Foundation is a non-profit making organisation established and incorporated in 2014 for charitable purposes. The objects for which the Biennale Foundation is established are:

• To promote creativity and advance the understanding, appreciation and interest of architectural and design excellence
• To encourage cross-border and cross-disciplinary dialogue and collaboration among creative professionals from Hong Kong, other parts of the Greater China region and overseas
• To support art, design, architectural and cultural education for students and youth, the community, and policy makers
• To create a favourable environment for study, research and experimentation of design, art and architectural works in an exhibition scale
• To energise and revitalise specific sites of interests by introduction of cultural and creative events

About the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency

The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), formerly known as Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) since 2009, was established in June 2024. CCIDA is a dedicated office under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR Government) to provide one-stop services and support to the cultural and creative sectors with a mission to foster a conducive environment in Hong Kong to facilitate development of the arts, culture and creative sectors as industries. CCIDA’s strategic foci are nurturing talent and facilitating start-ups, exploring markets, promoting cross-sectoral and multi-disciplinary collaboration, promoting industrialisation of the arts, culture and creative sectors under the industry-oriented principle, and fostering a creative atmosphere in the community, thereby reinforcing Hong Kong as Asia’s creative capital and our positioning as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.

As a lead candidate under Immuno Cure’s patented “PD-1-Enhanced DNA Vaccine Technology Platform”, ICVAX aims to achieve sustained, immune-mediated HIV-1 virological control without the need of antiretroviral therapy. Following the successful first-in-human ICVAX Phase I clinical trial in Shenzhen that showed exceptional safety and immunogenicity profiles, this clinical study will explore the safety and immunogenicity of ICVAX in HIV-infected volunteers in Hong Kong, to be administered by three distinct delivery systems. This comparative approach will provide essential data on the optimal delivery method for ICVAX, and hence potentially identifying the most effective, patient-friendly and scalable option for enhancing immunotherapeutic responses in people living with HIV.

The clinical study will be conducted at Prince of Wales Hospital and will be led by Dr Grace LUI, Head of the Division of Infectious Diseases at CUHK Medicine’s Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, as the Principal Investigator. This is a randomized clinical study to evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of ICVAX in a total of 22 HIV-infected volunteers using three delivery systems: Teresa-EPT-1 electroporation device, PharmaJet’s Tropis, a WHO pre-qualified needle-free injection system, and PapiVax’s TriGrid EP device.

This study has been granted ΗΚ$4.2 million funding under the Public Sector Trial Scheme of the Innovation and Technology Fund of the HKSAR Government (project reference number: UTT/002/23GM). Professor Zhiwei CHEN, Director of the HKU AIDS Institute and Principal Scientific Advisor of Immuno Cure, serves as the Project Coordinator for this funding. This study is also partially supported by Theme-based Research Scheme (TRS) of the Research Grants Council under the University Grants Committee of the Education Bureau (project reference number: T11-702/24-N).

“This Phase I clinical study is an important landmark, being the first evaluation of ICVAX in Hong Kong volunteers and incorporating multiple innovative delivery technologies,” said Dr Grace LUI. “By testing these devices, we aim to optimize safety, immunogenicity, and patient experience for this promising HIV therapeutic DNA vaccine candidate.”

“ICVAX is built on the innovative PD-1-Enhanced DNA vaccine technology invented and developed locally at the HKU,” said Professor Zhiwei CHEN. “This study will help optimize delivery of ICVAX, paving the way for broader international deployment.”

“The launch of this clinical study is a major milestone of vaccine development for Immuno Cure,” said Dr Xia JIN, CEO of Immuno Cure. “By testing ICVAX for the first time in Hong Kong and comparing three innovative delivery devices this study not only advances our understanding of the performance of our DNA medicines, but also significantly supports the global commercialization of ICVAX and our other DNA medicines. Immuno Cure is committed to leading innovation in immunotherapy to combat infectious diseases and cancers.”

Hashtag: #ImmunoCure

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About Immuno Cure

Immuno Cure is a clinical stage biotechnology group based in the Hong Kong Science Park, focusing on research and development of innovative DNA medicines and antibody immunotherapies to fight against cancers, inflammatory and infectious diseases based on its patented PD-1-enhanced DNA Vaccine Platform and Anti-Δ42PD1 Antibody Platform

To learn more about Immuno Cure, please visit http://www.immunocure.hk.

About CUHK Medicine

Established in 1981, CU Medicine has achieved international recognition in teaching, research, and clinical practice and is the youngest medical school ranked among the world’s top 25 in many global rankings. In the “Best Global Universities Subject Rankings 2025-26” by U.S. News and World Report, its “Gastroenterology and Hepatology”, “Endocrinology and Metabolism” and “Clinical Medicine” programmes rank 1st in Asia, while Gastroenterology and Hepatology claims 2nd globally.

The Faculty comprises 14 clinical departments and five schools, delivering a world-class environment for teaching and research with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary, interprofessional, and international collaboration. To date, it has cultivated over 6,000 medical graduates who are making an impact across local and global healthcare systems. The Faculty is dedicated to driving innovation by translating groundbreaking research into real-world clinical applications. Its contributions have reshaped medicine — evidenced by the filing of 3,000 patents, strategic patent acquisitions, and the establishment of more than 20 start-ups. Its pioneering research has not only rewritten international clinical guidelines but also revolutionised the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of numerous diseases.

To learn more about CU Medicine, please visit http://www.med.cuhk.edu.hk.

About HKU AIDS Institute

HKU AIDS Institute was established in November 2007 to take HKU in a new strategic direction in fighting this global epidemic and help to make it a leader in the region in AIDS research, education and prevention. Scientists at the AIDS Institute are fully committed to conducting basic and applied research that facilitates the understanding of AIDS pathogenesis and the development of effective AIDS vaccines. Currently, the Institute is leading the Hong Kong Theme-based Research Scheme entitled “Potentiating Host Immunity for HIV-1 Functional Cure”.

To learn more about HKU and AIDS Institute of HKU, please visit https://www.hku.hk/ and https://www.med.hku.hk/aidsinst/.

About BAY TRIAL

BAY TRIAL is a key initiative in implementing the “Notice of the State Council on Issuing the Development Plan for the Shenzhen Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone” (State Council [2023] No. 12). It serves as strong support for Shenzhen’s development as an international science and technology innovation centre and for promoting the high-quality development of the biopharmaceutical industry in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). Located in the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Cooperation Zone, BAY TRIAL leverages the zone’s unique geographical and policy advantages to integrate clinical trial innovation resources across the GBA, deepen Shenzhen-Hong Kong science and technology collaboration, and establish a one-stop clinical trial platform.

To learn more about BAY TRIAL, please visit: https://baytrial.smart.org.cn/about/index.html

Advancing R&D, talent development and the region’s energy transition

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 January 2026 – ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC), one of the world’s fastest growing data centre colocation providers headquartered in Singapore, today announced two significant initiatives that strengthen Singapore’s position in the global digital and energy transition: the launch of the FutureGrid Accelerator, Southeast Asia’s first live High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC)-powered AI infrastructure testbed; and a suite of strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with four Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) to advance skills development and expand internship and early career pathways for Singaporeans entering the workforce. These initiatives align with national efforts to support talent graduating into a challenging job market, while building the specialised capabilities required for next generation power and digital infrastructure.

Officiated by Ms Gan Siow Huang, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Trade & Industry, the announcement underscores a national push to build capabilities not only for AI-ready data centres, but also for the wider energy ecosystem, as Singapore and the region pursue net-zero ambitions.

FutureGrid Accelerator: HVDC innovation for AI and the wider energy transition
Located at the Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) Electrification and Power Grids Centre (EPGC) on Jurong Island, the FutureGrid Accelerator is a pioneering initiative jointly developed by STT GDC and LITEON, supported by the Energy Research Institute @ NTU (ERI@N) and NTU deep-tech spinoff Amperesand. It is the region’s first live testbed demonstrating HVDC integration with real AI workloads, addressing the high-density and high-resiliency requirements of next-generation AI computing.

While central to the future of AI data centre architecture, HVDC represents a broader opportunity: it is a foundational technology that supports more efficient, resilient and integrated power systems. This is critical for Singapore’s long-term energy strategy, its transition to low-carbon energy grids and the region’s increasing need for sustainable power delivery.

Why HVDC Matters: A scalable platform beyond the data centre
As AI and high-performance computing workloads scale, traditional alternating current (AC) power systems face inherent limitations. HVDC overcomes these constraints and delivers several transformative benefits:

• Up to 30% overall energy savings compared to conventional AC systems
• A reduction of up to 400 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent (CO₂e) per megawatt per year
• 45% lower copper consumption and a 30–40% smaller power-infrastructure footprint
• The ability to support ultra-high-density racks exceeding 1,000kW, with higher reliability and lower cost
• Native compatibility with renewable power sources able to feed directly to the direct-current system, avoiding inefficient power conversions

“The FutureGrid Accelerator is a strategic investment in Singapore’s long-term digital leadership,” said Bruno Lopez, President and Group Chief Executive Officer, ST Telemedia Global Data Centres. “By bringing together global industry leaders like LITEON with local deep-tech talent such as Amperesand, we are building infrastructure that is ready for future AI workloads while pioneering sustainable practices and setting new benchmarks for energy efficiency and carbon-conscious innovation. This initiative reflects our commitment to future-ready technologies and reinforces Singapore’s position as a global Centre of Excellence for advanced sustainable digital infrastructure. It is a bold step forward in shaping the future of data centres and accelerating energy transition across the region.”

Ms Gan Siow Huang, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs & Trade and Industry, said: “The FutureGrid Accelerator demonstrates how industry and academia can work together to drive innovation and strengthen Singapore’s global leadership in cutting-edge technologies. I also welcome STT GDC’s partnerships with ITE and SP, which will add to the suite of training options for the rapidly growing areas of AI and energy-efficient systems.”

The FutureGrid Accelerator will validate HVDC system performance at power loads of at least 325kW, incorporating the latest AI servers. The environment incorporates LITEON’s data centre reference architecture with Amperesand’s Solid State Transformer (SST) technology—an enabling innovation for next-generation HVDC deployment. STT GDC plans to deploy this technology in future data centres in Singapore and progressively scale adoption across its global operations.

“LITEON is committed to advancing the frontier of power management efficiency, and our collaboration with STT GDC and Amperesand is key to establishing the next standard for sustainable AI infrastructure in Asia,” said Jason Tsao, Head of Direct Current Microgrid at LITEON. “By deploying an end-to-end data centre reference architecture and integrated power management system in a live environment with STT GDC and partners, we are validating a high-density, energy-saving solution ready to meet the extreme demands of global technology leaders.”

“The FutureGrid Accelerator underscores NTU’s role as a strategic partner in shaping the future of sustainable AI infrastructure”, said Prof Lam Khin Yong, NTU’s Vice President (Industry). “By integrating cutting-edge HVDC technologies with our research capabilities and the entrepreneurial drive of NTU spin-offs like Amperesand, we are advancing impactful solutions that can significantly enhance energy efficiency and grid resilience. This collaboration showcases how universities can drive transformative innovations at the intersection of energy, digitalisation and sustainability.”

“Amperesand is obsessed with revolutionising Medium Voltage to critical load power delivery for next-generation AI data centres, defence, and other essential electrified assets. We focus on first principles to achieve market leading power density, efficiency, and reliability,” said Brian Dow, CEO and Co-Founder of Amperesand. “In this era of AI data centre and other critical power systems becoming economic and national security interests for many countries, Amperesand’s MV SST Platform enables in-country cyber-secure controls and data, regionally available supply chains, and low CAPEX intensity local manufacturing. Our solution is an intelligent, universal Medium Voltage power source that works on-and-off grid to improve critical infrastructure resilience as new large electrical loads come online.”

Developing Energy-Ready Skills: Partnerships with ITE, SP, NTU and NUS
STT GDC signed MOUs with the Institute of Technical Education (ITE), Singapore Polytechnic (SP), NTU Singapore and National University of Singapore (NUS). These partnerships will benefit more than 8,000 Singaporeans over five years through industry-aligned training in AI infrastructure and sustainable energy systems. This ensures the scaling of HVDC—and the broader energy transition—is matched by the transformation and availability of skills, jobs and talent development pathways.

Mr Lopez added, “Talent is the decisive enabler as we advance AI and sustainability infrastructure. These partnerships build a skilled workforce needed to strengthen Singapore as a global hub for advanced digital and energy systems.”

Key initiatives and impact:

• Building a talent pipeline: STT GDC will provide internship placements across ITE, SP, NTU and NUS over the next five years, with support from Enterprise Singapore. The programme offers immersive, hands-on experience in data centre operations and corporate functions such as IT, sustainability, finance and marketing, supported by mentoring from industry professionals. In addition, STT GDC will offer 100 sponsorships for Data Centre Foundation Certificate (DCFC®) offered by EPI, a global certification body for data centre facilities, data centre operations and industry professionals, accelerating entry into the sector.
• Developing industry-ready talent with ITE: The collaboration with ITE will benefit approximately 800 students annually — totalling 2,400 students over three years — from ITE’s engineering and information and communications technology (ICT)-related Higher Nitec and Work-Study Diploma courses. Key initiatives include co-developing industry-relevant curricula for full-time and Continuing Education & Training (CET) courses in data centre operations and sustainability; deploying a data centre virtual reality system at the ITE Extended Reality Centre for immersive training; supporting lecturer attachments and student internships; and enabling students to pursue the sponsored DCFC® course.
• Sustainability leadership with SP: The partnership with SP develops expertise in environmental sustainability and green data centre solutions. Initiatives include joint exploration of green technologies and practices; industry seminars and events to promote sustainable solutions; and targeted programmes for training, mentorship, applied projects and internships.
• Innovation and research leadership with NTU: The partnership with NTU combines cutting-edge joint R&D of solutions for AI data centres powered by direct current sources; training, curriculum and talent development for the AI data centre sector; industry and career talks; and internship opportunities across STT GDC’s group of companies.
• Graduate pathways with NUS: STT GDC’s collaboration with NUS supports accessible entry points for graduates through internships, training opportunities and ongoing career and industry engagement to raise awareness of digital infrastructure pathways.

Hashtag: #STTelemedia

https://www.sttelemediagdc.com/

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About ST Telemedia Global Data Centres

ST Telemedia Global Data Centres (STT GDC) is one of the fastest-growing data centre providers with a global platform serving as a cornerstone of the digital ecosystem that helps the world to connect. Powering a sustainable digital future, STT GDC operates across Singapore, the UK, Germany, Italy, India, Thailand, South Korea, Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, Malaysia and Vietnam, providing businesses an exceptional foundation that is built for their growth anywhere. For more information, visit https://www.sttelemediagdc.com/

Appendix: Partner Quotes

Mr Peter Lam, Chief Executive Officer, Institute of Technical Education (ITE): “At ITE, our focus is on equipping our students with future-ready skills for Singapore’s evolving economy. Through the partnership with STT GDC, our students gain valuable real-world training and exposure to advanced tools in data centre operations. This strengthens our efforts to prepare career-ready students and develop talent for Singapore’s growing digital infrastructure sector.”

Mr Soh Wai Wah, Principal and CEO of SP: “Singapore Polytechnic is committed to developing a future-ready workforce that can support Singapore’s growing demand for sustainable and resilient data centre operations. This partnership with STT GDC brings together our strengths in training, applied learning and industry collaboration to nurture talent in environmental sustainability and green solutions for data centres. Through co-developed programmes, mentorship, student projects and internships, we will build deeper capabilities and broaden pathways for learners to contribute to this important sector. SP looks forward to advancing this effort with STT GDC to support Singapore’s long-term industry and sustainability goals.”

Professor Lam Khin Yong, Vice President (Industry), Nanyang Technological University: “STT GDC is a partner that shares our commitment to advancing impactful research and developing future-ready talent. Leveraging NTU’s strengths in artificial intelligence, energy-efficient systems and translational innovation, this partnership will accelerate the co-development of next-generation AI data centre technologies while providing our students and researchers with valuable real-world experience. Together, we are helping to build a robust pipeline of skilled professionals who will support Singapore’s ambitions in sustainable and AI-driven digital infrastructure.”

Ms Joan Tay, Senior Director, NUS Centre for Future-ready Graduates: “NUS’ partnership with STT GDC is timely, as demand grows for skilled professionals to manage complex, high-density AI infrastructure. Through internships, training, industry engagement and access to recognised certification, we bridge education and industry to equip students with the skills and experience needed to thrive in today’s fast-evolving digital infrastructure space.”

Alibaba Cloud and NVIDIA as Key Technology Partners. Usher in a New Era of Industrial AI.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 January 2026 – AsiaInfo Technologies Limited (“AsiaInfo Technologies” or the “Company”; HKEX stock code: 01675), a leading provider of software products, solutions, and services, and ABB Robotics jointly established the “Embodied Intelligence Laboratory” and held its inauguration ceremony at AsiaInfo Plaza in Beijing on 25 January.

Tian Suning, Chairman of AsiaInfo Technologies, and Dr. Ouyang Ye, Chief Executive Office and Chief Technology Officer of AsiaInfo Technologies, together with Han Chen, Vice President of ABB Group and President of ABB Robotics China, jointly held an unveiling ceremony for the laboratory. Li Li, Vice President of the Government-Enterprise Business Unit at Alibaba Cloud Intelligence Group, attended the ceremony as key technology partners, witnessing this milestone that ushers in a new phase of integration between Physical AI technologies and the real economy.

ABB Robotics is one of the world’s leading robotics suppliers, offering a comprehensive and integrated portfolio that includes industrial and collaborative robots, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), controllers, application solutions, services, and equipment. Powered by its intelligent software, its technologies help businesses across industries from automotive to electronics and logistics to become more resilient, flexible, and efficient.

As AI rapidly moves from the digital realm into the physical world, Physical AI, as the key bridge linking AI capabilities with real‑world industries, is becoming a core engine driving the intelligent upgrade of manufacturing sector. Against this backdrop, AsiaInfo Technologies has established a strategic partnership with ABB Robotics to jointly set up the Embodied Intelligence Laboratory, integrating both parties’ core strengths in foundation AI large models, industrial automation, communications technologies and robot control. The laboratory will focus on cutting‑edge areas such as industrial simulation and Physical AI, aiming to break through bottlenecks in the perception, decision‑making and execution capabilities of intelligent agents in complex real‑world scenarios. It will build an end‑to‑end innovation system spanning technology research and development (“R&D”), technology commercialization and large‑scale industrial deployment, thereby injecting strong AI‑driven momentum into high‑quality development.

As a leader in full‑stack digital‑intelligence capabilities, AsiaInfo Technologies will take AI large model application as the core lever, deeply integrating its strengths in 5G‑A telecommunications technology and network security to drive technology integration and large‑scale deployment at the laboratory. By developing replicable, scalable scenario‑based solutions, the Company will accelerate the rollout and value realisation of innovation in the intelligent manufacturing sector. Leveraging its global expertise in industrial automation and flexible control, ABB Robotics will provide the laboratory with real‑world, production‑line use cases and strong engineering support capabilities, enabling efficient validation, optimisation and iteration of technical solutions, and achieving deep coupling and mutual empowerment between technology and application scenarios.

The laboratory will leverage external technology partners to reinforce its R&D capabilities. By utilising Alibaba Cloud’s massive data processing power and cutting‑edge algorithmic frameworks such as Vision‑Language‑Action (VLA), and NVIDIA accelerated computing technology for training optimisation, it will significantly speeding up the industrialisation of Physical AI technologies.

The Embodied Intelligence Laboratory jointly established by AsiaInfo Technologies and ABB Robotics has been officially launched, marking the shift of their strategic partnership into a practical stage of implementation based on previous research. This collaboration represents not only a forward-looking initiative by both parties to deploy cutting-edge technologies and fulfill their industrial responsibilities, but also a pivotal step in advancing Physical AI from the laboratory into real-world applications on the factory floor. Looking forward, AsiaInfo Technologies together with partners including ABB Robotics and Alibaba Cloud, will use the laboratory as a core platform to deepen technical collaboration and scenario co‑creation, drive large‑scale deployment of Physical AI in industry, build a globally impactful benchmark for industrial intelligence, and help shape an open and collaborative Physical AI ecosystem.
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The event highlighted key developments shaping international trade flows, including geopolitical tensions, evolving sourcing strategies, capacity dynamics, and cost developments across air and sea freight markets. The discussions also underscored the growing importance of structured Supply Chain Optimization as companies adapt their logistics networks to changing market conditions.

“After several years of volatility, the air freight market is gradually moving toward a more balanced environment,” said Daniel Chua, Head of Air Freight, Air & Sea Logistics Asia Pacific at Dachser. “While demand fundamentals remain positive, careful capacity planning and realistic forecasting will be increasingly important as the market continues to normalize.”

In air freight, Dachser expects demand in 2026 to grow at a single-digit rate, supported by moderate capacity expansion and a normalization of rate patterns. While stable yields are anticipated, growth will continue to be driven by e-commerce, electronics – particularly AI-related components – and pharmaceuticals, alongside a structural shift of trade lanes toward Southeast Asia.

In sea freight, Dachser forecasts global demand growth to slow below three percent in 2026, despite continued strength in intra-Asia trade and Asia-Europe volumes. While fleet growth remains significant, supply and demand are relatively balanced, supported by blank sailings and vessel scrapping. Freight rates are expected to stabilize into early 2026, although uncertainty remains due to high operating costs and ongoing geopolitical developments.

“Even as rates soften, the market remains far from predictable,” said Eunice Yu, Head of Ocean Freight, Air & Sea Logistics Asia Pacific at Dachser. “Flexibility, diversified routing options, and realistic lead-time planning are essential for building resilient supply chains in the year ahead.”

Beyond outlooks: enabling resilience through Supply Chain Optimization

Beyond market analysis, Dachser sees that supply chains increasingly depend on structured, data-driven planning by taking a Supply Chain Optimization approach, which supports customers in analyzing, modeling, and redesigning logistics networks based on real operational data.

Philipp Ramsbacher, Team Leader of Supply Chain Optimization at Dachser says, “By applying Supply Chain Optimization with data-driven simulation, Dachser enables customers to evaluate scenarios, align stakeholders, and develop optimized and implementable supply chain solutions. These solutions help design logistics networks that are robust, efficient, and sustainable.”

Projects showcased during the event demonstrated measurable improvements, including cost savings, reduced CO₂ emissions, and enhanced delivery performance, underscoring the value of a structured Supply Chain Optimization approach.

With integrated air, sea, and contract logistics solutions and its strong presence across Asia Pacific as well as a well-established European road logistics backbone, Dachser continues to support customers navigate changing market conditions while strengthening long-term supply chain performance.

Hashtag: #Dachser

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Dachser

Dachser, a family-owned company headquartered in Kempten, Germany, provides transport logistics, warehousing, and customized services in two business fields: Dachser Air & Sea Logistics and Dachser Road Logistics. The latter consists of two business lines: Dachser European Logistics and Dachser Food Logistics. Comprehensive contract logistics services and industry-specific solutions round out the company’s range. A seamless shipping network—both in Europe and overseas—and fully integrated IT systems ensure intelligent logistics solutions worldwide.

Thanks to some 37,300 employees at 433 locations all over the globe, Dachser generated consolidated net revenue of approximately EUR 8 billion in 2024. The same year, the logistics provider handled a total of 83.2 million shipments with a tonnage of 44.1 million metric tons. Country organizations represent Dachser in 43 countries. For more information about Dachser, please visit dachser.com

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UNESCO has approved an emergency assistance package worth about US$740,000 to help safeguard cultural heritage sites in Vietnam threatened by climate stress, environmental degradation and development pressures, according to officials briefed on the decision. The funding is designed to support urgent conservation work, technical assessments and community-led protection measures at vulnerable locations across the country.

The package, cleared under UNESCO’s emergency assistance mechanisms, will prioritise sites exposed to flooding, erosion and extreme weather, challenges that have intensified along Vietnam’s long coastline and river systems. Heritage specialists involved in the programme said the initiative aims to stabilise damaged structures, document at-risk artefacts and strengthen local capacity to respond to future threats, rather than focus solely on restoration.

Vietnam is home to eight UNESCO-recognised World Heritage properties, including Ha Long Bay, the Complex of Hué Monuments, Hoi An Ancient Town and My Son Sanctuary. Many of these sites combine natural and built heritage, making them particularly sensitive to environmental change and tourism pressures. Officials familiar with the emergency package said the funding will be channelled to areas where immediate intervention can prevent irreversible loss.

UNESCO representatives said the programme reflects a broader shift towards preventative heritage protection, integrating scientific monitoring with traditional conservation practices. Technical teams are expected to work alongside Vietnamese authorities to conduct rapid risk assessments, improve drainage and structural support where needed, and deploy digital documentation tools to create detailed records of vulnerable assets.

Climate-related risks have become a growing concern for heritage managers in Southeast Asia. Rising sea levels threaten coastal archaeological remains, while heavier rainfall has increased the frequency of landslides and subsidence in historic towns. In Vietnam’s central regions, typhoons have repeatedly damaged ancient structures, prompting calls for faster international support mechanisms.

Cultural officials in Hanoi have welcomed the assistance, noting that emergency funding complements longer-term conservation programmes already under way. Vietnam has invested heavily in heritage tourism over the past decade, positioning historic sites as key economic drivers for local communities. However, the pace of visitor growth has also strained infrastructure and conservation budgets, particularly at smaller or less prominent locations.

Experts involved in the UNESCO initiative said community engagement would be central to the programme’s success. Local residents, custodians and artisans are expected to take part in risk-mitigation planning and training, ensuring that emergency measures align with traditional knowledge and livelihoods. This approach is intended to reduce dependence on external interventions while strengthening stewardship at the grassroots level.

The emergency package also includes provisions for knowledge-sharing with other countries facing similar challenges. UNESCO officials said lessons from Vietnam’s experience will inform future responses in the region, where heritage sites increasingly sit at the intersection of climate vulnerability and rapid economic development.

International heritage bodies have emphasised that emergency assistance is not a substitute for sustained conservation funding. While the US$740,000 allocation is modest compared with the scale of risks, specialists said it can play a critical role in stabilising sites and buying time for more comprehensive interventions. The funds are expected to be disbursed in phases, with progress reviews guiding subsequent activities.