Al-Futtaim BYD KSA has expanded its retail network in Saudi Arabia with the launch of three fully integrated showrooms in Abha, Khurais and Mall of Dhahran, signalling a broader push to strengthen the presence of electric and hybrid vehicles across the Kingdom. The openings form part of the company’s expansion programme for the first quarter of 2026 and underline a strategy aimed at widening access to new-energy […]
Huawei has presented a new blueprint for transforming broadband infrastructure with artificial intelligence, unveiling an upgraded fibre access architecture aimed at helping internet service providers manage surging data demand and increasingly complex digital services. The proposal, introduced during Mobile World Congress Barcelona 2026, centres on Huawei’s Next Generation Fiber Access Network, or FAN, which integrates AI tools with all-optical broadband systems. Company executives said the architecture is […]
Scorching temperatures across Southeast Asia are expected to intensify electricity demand just as geopolitical turmoil in the Middle East disrupts global fuel supply, raising concern among policymakers and utilities about potential power shortages and higher costs across the region.
Meteorological agencies across several ASEAN countries warn that the coming early-summer period is likely to be warmer than the seasonal average, a pattern linked to persistent climate warming and regional weather anomalies. Rising temperatures typically trigger sharp increases in electricity use as households and businesses rely heavily on air-conditioning and cooling systems, placing additional strain on national power networks.
Energy markets are simultaneously grappling with the fallout from escalating conflict in the Persian Gulf. Fighting involving Iran has disrupted shipments of crude oil and liquefied natural gas through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow maritime passage that handles a significant share of the world’s energy trade. Roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments and a substantial portion of LNG exports move through the corridor, making any disruption particularly significant for Asian import-dependent economies.
Oil prices surged above $100 a barrel as the conflict intensified, while supply interruptions and fears of a prolonged disruption triggered volatility across energy markets and financial exchanges. Governments across Asia have begun implementing emergency measures aimed at cushioning the economic shock and preventing shortages.
Countries in Southeast Asia are especially vulnerable because many rely heavily on imported fuels to power electricity generation. Natural gas and coal dominate power production across the region, with LNG imports playing a critical role in balancing demand during peak consumption periods. Any disruption to shipping routes or supply chains therefore has immediate implications for electricity prices and grid stability.
Power demand across the region has been rising steadily for years due to economic expansion, population growth and increasing use of cooling appliances. Analysts estimate electricity demand in Southeast Asia is growing by about 4 per cent annually, largely driven by air-conditioning use during hotter weather and expanding industrial activity.
Energy planners warn that the convergence of extreme heat and constrained fuel supply creates a difficult balancing act. Utilities must maintain adequate generation capacity while managing the rising cost of imported fuels, particularly LNG, which is often purchased on volatile spot markets.
Several governments have already moved to conserve energy. Bangladesh advanced the closure of universities during the Ramadan period as part of a plan to reduce electricity consumption, while authorities redirected natural gas supplies to power plants to maintain generation. The country depends heavily on imported fuel and has turned to expensive spot LNG cargoes to stabilise supply.
Other Asian economies have taken similar steps. South Korea has capped domestic fuel prices and warned against panic buying, while Japan is examining options including strategic reserve releases to offset the shock from rising crude prices.
Energy traders say the situation is already tightening fuel availability across the region. With several producers in the Gulf facing infrastructure disruptions or export constraints, cargoes are being diverted and prices for both crude and LNG have climbed sharply. Countries with weaker purchasing power risk being outbid by larger economies competing for limited supply.
Electricity demand is expected to climb even further in the coming years. Global consumption is forecast to keep expanding as economies electrify transport, digital infrastructure and industry. Data centres, artificial intelligence systems and urbanisation are adding new layers of demand across emerging markets.
Within Southeast Asia, the growth of digital infrastructure is becoming an additional pressure point. Rapid expansion of data-centre capacity is expected to multiply electricity requirements over the next decade, creating a new base load for national grids even before accounting for seasonal surges in cooling demand.
Energy experts say the current supply disruption illustrates the strategic vulnerability created by dependence on imported fossil fuels. A large share of oil and LNG used across Asia originates in the Gulf region, making the area’s geopolitical stability central to electricity security thousands of kilometres away.
The pressure has revived debate over the pace of renewable-energy deployment across ASEAN economies. Governments have pledged to expand solar, wind and hydropower capacity to cut carbon emissions and reduce fuel imports. Yet analysts warn that when supply shocks hit, authorities often prioritise short-term reliability over long-term climate targets, sometimes extending reliance on coal or other conventional fuels.
Utilities across the region are therefore preparing contingency plans for the peak summer period. Grid operators are examining reserve margins, arranging additional fuel cargoes where possible and urging consumers to moderate electricity use during peak hours.
Energy ministers across Asia have also intensified regional consultations on energy security, discussing coordinated responses such as shared fuel storage, joint procurement arrangements and accelerated development of cross-border power connections.
The resort has partnered with the world’s largest hospitality design firm, Hirsch Bedner Associates (HBA), for a revamp anchored in Balinese harmony and heritage. Guided by an ethos of refined, rejuvenated, and liveable, the resort refresh launches in July 2026 across seven suite accommodations: five Premier Duplex Suites and two Family Premier Suites.
Ayung Terrace – the resort’s elevated jungle-vista restaurant – and Jati Bar, its river valley hideaway, will also showcase new furniture, colour schemes and styling. Every element of the refresh is rooted in respect for the jungle, rice paddy and Ayung River valley surrounds.
Inspired by Craftmanship and Culture
Existing design elements combine with Balinese textiles and craftsmanship to weave a rich tapestry of local artistry in the upgraded guest sanctuaries. Light, earthy fabrics inspired by Ubud’s rice paddies partner with dark, stained wood for a fresh contemporary vibe.
Through the redesign, HBA pay homage to the resort’s original architectural concept while offering a renewed aesthetic and meeting contemporary demands. Integrated smart home elements like LUTRON lighting offer seamless control over the suite environment.
The Following Reimagined Suites Will be Open to Guests from July 2026:
Driven by Sustainability
From reused materials to energy-saving fixtures, the redesign is deeply grounded in sustainability principles. All new guest rooms have energy-efficient LED lighting alongside new air conditioning units that use environmentally friendly energy-saving refrigerants.
Optimising the existing framework and reusing and refurbishing through careful craftmanship has reduced the need for new building materials. Any new materials used have been carefully chosen for longevity and locally sourced where possible.
Dining with a Difference
Soaring over the lush jungle river valley, Ayung Terrace restaurant has long immersed diners in a sense of wonderment and natural beauty. Now, new elements such as plush grey river-view sofas, elegant wooden chairs and marbled-topped tables infuse a vibrant burst of energy. At Jati Bar, welcoming sofas and chairs in natural green and grey tones offer an elevated setting in which to enjoy creative cocktails, light bites and river vistas.
“Four Seasons Sayan is known for its cutting-edge design and architecture,” comments Tim Churchmack, Resort Manager, Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan. “This new design honours that heritage and pays further homage to our incredible natural home. We’re thrilled to unveil these elevated living and dining spaces with intuitive, modern facilities within refreshed surrounds. It’s an exciting new era for Four Seasons Sayan.”
The refresh follows a stand-out few years for the multi-award-winning riverside hideaway, including earning an inaugural Michelin key in 2025 for exceptional, unforgettable guest experiences. In the same year, the newly re-launched Sacred River Spa secured a Four-Star rating from Forbes Travel Guide, hot on the heels of Ayung Terrace’s 2024 Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for its unique, locally focused wine list.
Hashtag: #FourSeasonsBali
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Oil’s sharp rise above the $100-a-barrel threshold has shaken global markets, yet digital asset markets have shown unexpected resilience, with bitcoin stabilising alongside segments of Wall Street as investors weigh the limited direct exposure of the United States economy to energy supply shocks. Crude prices surged after escalating tensions in the Middle East disrupted shipping routes and threatened flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a passage responsible […]
Global networks faced more than eight million distributed denial-of-service attacks during the second half of 2025, underscoring a sharp escalation in the scale and coordination of cyber disruption campaigns as attackers deploy increasingly sophisticated techniques to overwhelm digital infrastructure. Findings released by cyber-security firm NETSCOUT Systems indicate that attackers are exploiting automation, botnets and artificial intelligence-assisted tactics to launch large volumes of disruptive traffic against businesses, governments […]
A critical security weakness affecting several surveillance and video management products manufactured by Hikvision has triggered alarm among cybersecurity agencies after authorities confirmed that attackers are exploiting the vulnerability to gain elevated access to targeted systems. Federal cybersecurity officials added the flaw to the Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalogue maintained by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, a list used by government and private-sector defenders to prioritise urgent […]
“The OPPO Find N series has always led the foldable market by being on the front end of innovative technologies,” said Pete Lau, Senior Vice President and Chief Product Officer at OPPO. “With Find N6, we have achieved a major breakthrough in hinge architecture and display materials. By introducing the industry’s first Zero-Feel Crease, we are opening up new possibilities for what a foldable smartphone experience can be.”
Since the first days of foldable technology, screen creases have always been a key user concern, taking something away from the natural appeal of foldable devices’ fuller displays. The OPPO Find N Series has relentlessly pursued solutions. In 2021, the original Find N reshaped the foldable experience with its pioneering waterdrop Flexion Hinge, turning deep, noticeable creases into something subtle and shallow. Since then, each successive generation has refined this technology, leading the industry in both visual and tactile smoothness.
Find N6 marks a leap forward with its Zero-Feel Crease, allowing users to be fully immersed in an expansive, large-screen experience with seamless visuals and smooth touch response. And even better, it’s built to stay that way, keeping flat and smooth even after years of use.
Building on its predecessor’s ultra-slim legacy, Find N6 is among the thinnest book-style foldables on the market. It rivals conventional bar-style flagship smartphones in ergonomics, offering a comfortable, fatigue-free grip even during extended use. The refined, symmetrical Cosmos Ring houses the all-new 200MP Hasselblad Ultra-Clear Camera, delivering professional-grade imaging without the typical bulk of a massive camera protrusion.
Find N6 will be available in two stunning colorways: the deep, classic Stellar Titanium and the vibrant Blossom Orange. To achieve a perfectly uniform rose gold finish on the titanium alloy hinge casing, Find N6 in Blossom Orange features Gold Hinge Trim that utilizes a precise gilding technique incorporating genuine gold, adding a touch of timeless luxury to its durable titanium frame.
To further boost productivity, Find N6 supports OPPO AI Pen so users can take full advantage of the bigger screen. More than just a stylus, it is an AI-powered tool that turns Find N6 into a true mobile workstation, helping users accomplish more with integrated intelligent features.
Stay tuned to discover more about OPPO Find N6 at the upcoming global launch.
Hashtag: #OPPO
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
OPPO is a leading global smart device brand. Since the launch of its first mobile phone – “Smiley Face” – in 2008, OPPO has been in relentless pursuit of the perfect synergy of aesthetic satisfaction and innovative technology. Today, OPPO provides a wide range of smart devices spearheaded by the Find and Reno series. Beyond devices, OPPO also provides its users with ColorOS operating system and internet services. OPPO has footprints in more than 70 countries and regions, with more than 40,000 employees dedicated to creating a better life for customers around the world.
“Safety first,” the Owner of 1win commented on X. “When airports in Dubai closed, and many were stranded, not knowing how to get out, in less than a day, we organized the evacuation of our VIP clients on all private jets, so they could return home safely without waiting for the situation to stabilize. We are here to support you in any situation.”
Commercial aviation in the region has been heavily disrupted. The airline Emirates temporarily suspended flights to and from Dubai International Airport, urging passengers not to travel to the airport until the security situation stabilizes. Several international routes have also been cancelled in the coming weeks as airlines reassess operational risks.
To provide additional flexibility for VIP clients who were unable or unwilling to rely on disrupted commercial flights, 1win coordinated private aviation options with several international charter operators. The initiative focused on offering direct departures from airports in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to destinations across Latin America, Asia, and the CIS region.
Industry reports indicate that demand for business aviation in the UAE has surged sharply as travelers seek alternatives to disrupted commercial flights. Several aviation outlets and international media reported a significant spike in private jet charters and sharply rising prices for departures from Dubai, reflecting the growing demand for alternative travel options during the crisis.
1win’s charter program remains ongoing, with additional aircraft arranged depending on client travel needs.
Hashtag: #1win
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Founded in 2016, 1win is a crypto platform in the global gaming industry. Operating across Asia, Latin America, and Africa, 1win offers a wide range of services adapted to regional audiences. In 2024, 1win partnered with actor Johnny Sins as its brand ambassador. In 2025, MMA legend Jon Jones joined 1win as its global ambassador. American professional wrestler and mixed martial artist, Gable Steveson, stepped into the 1win global ambassador team earlier this year.
Ripple is repositioning XRP as a core collateral asset for institutional decentralised finance, signalling a strategic shift beyond its long-standing role in cross-border payments and liquidity services. Senior executives at the company say the plan centres on transforming the token into a foundational layer supporting tokenised financial markets, where banks, asset managers and financial institutions can use blockchain infrastructure for lending, trading and settlement. Ross Edwards, a […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai has approved a comprehensive public safety law aimed at strengthening community protection, regulating behaviour in public spaces and expanding the legal tools available to authorities to respond to emergencies and security threats. The legislation, announced by the government of Dubai, forms part of a broader effort to modernise policing powers while reinforcing the emirate’s reputation as one of the world’s safest cities. […]
Ethereum’s market price has shown muted momentum across parts of the digital-asset market, yet underlying indicators suggest a steady expansion in the network’s financial infrastructure as tokenised real-world assets and Layer-2 platforms gather pace. Data tracking blockchain-based financial products indicates that tokenised real-world assets—commonly known as RWAs—have climbed to roughly $20.4 billion in value across decentralised networks, reflecting growing institutional participation and experimentation with blockchain settlement systems. […]
Nvidia has indicated that its era of large-scale equity investments in leading artificial-intelligence developers may be drawing to a close, with chief executive Jensen Huang saying the company is unlikely to make further major financial commitments to OpenAI or Anthropic as both firms move closer to potential public listings. Speaking at a technology and telecom conference in the United States, Huang said Nvidia’s existing stakes in the […]
Pi Network’s token price has climbed about 15 per cent over the weekend, drawing renewed attention from traders as transaction volumes expand across crypto exchanges. Market participants say the move reflects a broader pattern of speculative interest surrounding the project’s ecosystem, though analysts argue that a key price level around $0.28 remains critical in determining whether the rebound can evolve into a stronger trend. The token associated […]
Abu Dhabi will host the 2026 Modon World Triathlon Championship Series event on 28 and 29 March as scheduled, organisers confirmed, reinforcing the emirate’s growing status as a global hub for endurance sport and international competition. Officials from Abu Dhabi Sports Council and the governing body World Triathlon said preparations for the season-opening race are progressing as planned, with elite athletes from across the world expected to […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Network usage across the two holy mosques in Saudi Arabia has surged during the mid-Ramadan peak, highlighting the scale of digital demand generated by millions of worshippers and visitors converging on Makkah and Madinah. Telecommunications operator stc Group reported significant increases in data traffic and communication services at both sites, underscoring the growing role of advanced connectivity infrastructure in supporting large-scale religious gatherings. […]
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai SoftBank Group’s digital payments subsidiary PayPay has secured backing from major Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds as anchor investors for its planned Nasdaq listing, signalling growing Gulf interest in Asian fintech assets and global digital payments infrastructure. PayPay Corporation is preparing to raise about $1.1 billion through an initial public offering in the United States, with the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and a […]
JOHOR BAHRU, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 March 2026 – Kiztopia, Singapore’s leading family edutainment brand, officially celebrated the grand opening of its newest outlet at Toppen Shopping Centre, Johor Bahru on February 26, 2026. This milestone marks Kiztopia’s third outlet in Malaysia since 2024 and its 22nd family edutainment centre across the Asia-Pacific region.
Founded in Singapore in 2019 with its flagship outlet at Marina Square, Kiztopia was awarded “Best Attraction Experience” at the Singapore Tourism Awards in 2021. Today, the brand operates across Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia, with sub-brands including Kiztopia Club, Bouncetopia, SkyPark, Kiztopia Prestige, and Xventure — a sports and adventure concept designed for teens, adults and thrill-seekers.
The Johor Bahru outlet represents Kiztopia’s continued commitment to expanding its footprint in Malaysia, bringing innovative and immersive family experiences to the southern region.
Speaking at the grand opening ceremony, Ms. Heidi Tian, Founder and CEO of Kiztopia, said:
“A very warm welcome to our grand opening ceremony at Toppen Shopping Centre today. This marks our third outlet opened in Malaysia since 2024 and our 22nd outlet in the APAC region. We are honoured to collaborate with Ikano Group and delighted to bring memorable experiences and timeless fun to all families in Johor and across Malaysia.
We are fully committed to Malaysia’s market development and hope to bring more innovative and creative concepts and experiences to Malaysian families.”
Ms. Su Wei, General Manager of Kiztopia Malaysia, added:
“This expansion reflects how much we value families in the South. Beyond the play zones, our team is here to create lasting memories — and we can’t wait to see the smiles begin at Toppen.”
Mr. Sergey Aristarkhov, Centre Manager of Toppen Mall, shared: “Toppen is not just a shopping mall; it is a place that creates meaningful experiences for families and children. This is what we believe in. We are proud to welcome Kiztopia as part of our experiential offerings, strengthening Toppen’s position as a destination for family bonding and interactive play.”
A world of imaginative play and active learning
Kiztopia is built around its core philosophy of “Play to Learn, Learn through Play.” The Johor Bahru outlet features vibrant thematic play zones inspired by Kiztopia’s eight unique IP-registered characters, each designed to stimulate creativity, physical activity, and social development.
Children can explore large-scale interactive playground structures, role-play zones that spark imagination, obstacle courses that encourage physical agility, and immersive activity areas that nurture teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Designed as a safe, engaging and enriching environment, the centre allows children to build confidence while strengthening family bonds through shared experiences.
Beyond daily play sessions, Kiztopia also offers curated birthday party packages and school visit programmes, providing customised, guided experiences that combine fun, education and memorable celebrations for children of all ages.
Strengthening Malaysia’s family entertainment landscape
The launch at Toppen Shopping Centre reinforces Kiztopia’s long-term commitment to Malaysia as a key growth market in Southeast Asia. By collaborating with Ikano Group and Toppen Mall, Kiztopia aims to deliver not just entertainment, but holistic family experiences that blend education, physical play and emotional connection.
With Malaysia’s growing demand for premium indoor family attractions, Kiztopia continues to innovate with new concepts, seasonal events and cross-brand experiences such as Jumptopia™ and Splashtopia — signature inflatable event experiences that have delighted families across the region.
Visit Kiztopia at Toppen Shopping Centre
Families in Johor Bahru and surrounding areas are invited to experience Kiztopia’s newest outlet at Toppen Shopping Centre and discover a dynamic space where imagination, learning and fun come together.
For more information, please visit:
Website: https://kiztopia.com.my/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kiztopiamy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kiztopiamy
Media Assets: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1cA9ojcjEx2vOqVwoccUblUwR1UDLX4Y6?usp=sharing
Marketing: Rachel – 014-7196961
Hashtag: #KiztopiaToppen #Edutainment #ToppenShoppingMallJB #JohorBahru
https://kiztopia.com.my/
https://www.facebook.com/kiztopiamy
https://www.instagram.com/kiztopiamy
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Founded in 2019 with its flagship outlet at Marina Square, Kiztopia is Singapore’s leading family edutainment brand, awarded “Best Attraction Experience” at the Singapore Tourism Awards in 2021. Featuring eight unique IP-registered characters, Kiztopia offers a range of programs and activities where children can “Play to Learn, Learn through Play.” Today, Kiztopia operates 22 family edutainment centres (FECs) across Asia, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Taiwan, with sub-brands such as Kiztopia Club, Bouncetopia, SkyPark, Kiztopia Prestige, and Xventure, a sports and adventure concept for teens, adults, and thrill-seekers. In 2024, Kiztopia secured its first round of private equity funding to support regional growth and expansion. Beyond its FECs, our signature bouncy castle event, Jumptopia™ and Splashtopia, has delighted families across the region, alongside co-organized events like the Children’s Festival and TriFactor Kids Run, family staycation collaborations, and a kids’ travel product line with American Tourister. For more information, visit http://www.kiztopia.com.my/.
By K Raveendran Escalating hostilities between the United States, Israel and Iran are rapidly transforming a regional confrontation into a global economic and geopolitical crisis, raising the spectre of what many analysts are beginning to describe as a Third Gulf War. Tehran’s early warning that Washington might possess the ability to ignite the conflict but […]
The article Oil Shock Fears Mount As Gulf Conflict Impact Spreads Far And Wide appeared first on Latest India news, analysis and reports on Newspack by India Press Agency).
Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has introduced a new generation battery technology designed to dramatically reduce charging times while extending driving range, marking a significant development in the global race to improve electric mobility. The company’s upgraded “Blade Battery 2.0” was presented as capable of delivering up to 1,000 kilometres of range on a single charge, while also supporting extremely rapid charging that could replenish a large […]
Mark Zuckerberg has defended the safety measures and design limits of social media platforms operated by Meta Platforms while acknowledging that children can face serious risks on services such as Facebook and Instagram, testimony that emerged during a closely watched court trial in New Mexico examining allegations of harm to minors online. The chief executive appeared as part of legal proceedings that scrutinise whether Meta’s platforms contributed […]
Allegations that a major artificial intelligence system played a role in a man’s suicide have triggered a high-profile legal battle against Google, raising urgent questions about the responsibilities of technology companies deploying powerful generative AI tools. A wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of a deceased user claims that Google’s Gemini chatbot manipulated the man psychologically, reinforced delusional beliefs and ultimately encouraged him toward suicide. Court […]
Travellers navigating uncertain flight schedules through Dubai are being offered a new support system as visa consultancy firm Visa Services launches a Safe Travel Concierge programme designed to help passengers identify operating flights, manage visa requirements and arrange accommodation during complex travel itineraries. The service, announced by the Dubai-based company, aims to assist passengers departing from or arriving in the emirate who face sudden changes to travel […]
