STUTTGART, GERMANY / BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 April 2026 -Porsche Design Tower Bangkok and Christie’s co-hosted The Collector’s Evening, an exclusive invitation-only event held at The Peak, Gaysorn Tower, Bangkok. The private gathering brought together rare highlights from Christie’s forthcoming Hong Kong and Geneva auctions before a distinguished audience of collectors, investors, and wealth intermediaries, marking one of the most distinguished gatherings of collectors Bangkok has seen this year.
Melissa Chollasap (4th from left), Managing Director of Porsche Design Tower Bangkok, and Prapavadee Sophonpanich (5th from left), Senior Vice President, Managing Director of Christie’s Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam, co-hosted The Collector’s Evening, a private preview of rare highlights from Christie’s forthcoming Hong Kong and Geneva auctions, in Bangkok.
The auction preview brought together a rare timepiece, a significant work of jewelry art, and a highly limited collectible — each with a provenance and a place in the collector market that extends well beyond its auction estimate. The evening was led by Vickie Sek, Deputy Chairman and Asia Pacific Chairman of Christie’s, and Alexandre Bigler, Senior Vice President and Head of Watches for Asia Pacific, whose attendance of the event in Bangkok reflects the growing weight of the city’s collector community on the regional stage. This year marks Christie’s 40th year of presence in Asia.
Porsche Design Tower Bangkok served as co-host — an adequate setting that reflects the exclusivity of the objects on display. Born from the collaboration between Porsche Design and Ananda Development PCL, the tower is guided by Professor F. A. Porsche’s founding principle of optimising function while uncompromisingly reducing form to the essentials. The result is ‘Sky Villa’ residences — distinguished by design, exclusive in the truest sense, and coveted by those who understand the true meaning and value of architectural excellence. With just 22 residences, Porsche Design Tower Bangkok underscores its profound exclusivity but unequivocally establishes it as an unparalleled, coveted address. Beyond the preview, the evening served as an intimate occasion for Porsche Design Tower Bangkok to host its clients and prospective owners within a setting that reflected the project’s own collector values.
Central to that distinction is the ‘Passion Space’ — a private collector’s garage directly connected to each residence by private lift. Whatever its owner chooses to place within it, the ‘Passion Space’ was designed with the same conviction that defined the evening: that what individuals surround themselves with is never incidental.
Porsche Design Tower Bangkok emerges as one of merely two Porsche Design residential towers globally, drawing a parallel only with its prestigious Miami counterpart.
For those who value the extraordinary, Porsche Design Tower Bangkok welcomes private viewings by appointment at pdtowerbangkok.com.
Hashtag: #PorscheDesign
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Porsche Design:
In 1963, Professor Ferdinand Alexander Porsche created one of the most iconic design objects in contemporary history: the Porsche 911. Following his vision to take the principles and myth of Porsche beyond the automotive world, he created the exclusive lifestyle brand Porsche Design in 1972. His philosophy and design language can still be seen in all Porsche Design products today. Every Porsche Design product stands for extraordinary precision and perfection, boasts a high level of technological innovation and seamlessly combines intelligent functionality and puristic design. Created by Studio F. A. Porsche in Austria, our products are sold worldwide in Porsche Design stores, high-end department stores, exclusive specialist retailers and the official online store (porsche-design.com).
Inisiatif gabung sokongan segera dan pelaburan berterusan bagi membantu pertumbuhan mampan perniagaan, sambil mengekalkan akses serta nilai untuk pengguna
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 April 2026 – Shopee, platform e-dagang terbesar di Asia Tenggara dan Taiwan serta antara platform e-dagang terkemuka di Brazil, hari ini mengumumkan pelancaran Shopee Lindung Niaga, satu inisiatif bernilai RM150 juta yang direka untuk menyokong perusahaan mikro, kecil dan sederhana (PMKS) Malaysia melalui langkah-langkah praktikal meliputi penghantaran, modal kerja dan pemenuhan pesanan.
Sokongan RM150 juta merangkumi tiga teras strategik bagi membantu penjual mengurus kos, memperkukuh daya tahan dan memenuhi keperluan pembeli dengan lebih baik
Inisiatif ini mencerminkan pendekatan seimbang dalam menyokong pengguna dan PMKS ketika berdepan persekitaran operasi yang semakin mencabar. Dengan menggabungkan sokongan segera serta pelaburan berterusan dalam alat dan infrastruktur yang menjadi sandaran perniagaan, Shopee berhasrat membantu memperkukuh ketahanan perniagaan dalam jangka panjang, di samping memastikan akses dan nilai yang konsisten untuk pengguna.
Dalam usaha perniagaan menyesuaikan diri dengan perubahan semasa, Shopee Lindung Niaga memberi tumpuan bagi membantu PMKS mengekalkan operasi dalam tempoh terdekat sambil melabur dalam keupayaan yang diperlukan untuk terus berdaya saing.
“Shopee Lindung Niaga direka untuk menyediakan sokongan praktikal pada masa dan tempat yang paling diperlukan,di samping kami terus melabur dalam sistem dan alat yang menjadi sandaran perniagaan kecil untuk terus beroperasi dan berkembang, ,” kata Ian Ho, Naib Presiden, Shopee Malaysia.
“Pada masa sama, penting untuk pengguna terus mempunyai akses kepada barangan keperluan secara konsisten dan boleh dipercayai. Kedua-duanya penting dalam memastikan ekosistem yang sihat dan seimbang.”
Merangsang Aktiviti Jual Beli
Di bawah pakej Shopee Lindung Niaga bernilai RM150 juta ini, Shopee menyediakan sokongan bersasar kepada pengguna dan PMKS tempatan yang layak menerusi tiga teras strategik:
1. Menyokong aktiviti transaksi melalui langkah sokongan bersasar: Shopee memperkukuh sokongan terhadap aktiviti jual beli melalui gabungan inisiatif logistik dan langkah bersasar bagi kategori produk utama.
Langkah pertama ialah pengenalan baucar penghantaran percuma tanpa pembelian minimum, yang membantu mengekalkan akses kepada keperluan harian serta menggalakkan aktiviti pembelian. Ini seterusnya membantu mengekalkan permintaan dan menyokong penjual dalam mengekalkan kadar penukaran jualan.
Sokongan tambahan turut disediakan bagi barangan bersaiz besar dan bernilai tinggi seperti perabot dan peralatan rumah. Melalui sokongan baucar khusus untuk kategori ini, Shopee membantu mengimbangi kos penghantaran yang lebih tinggi serta memudahkan urusan penghantaran yang lebih kompleks.
Ini menjadikan pembelian barangan besar lebih mudah diakses oleh pengguna, sambil membolehkan penjual dalam segmen ini memenuhi permintaan dan menjangkau pelanggan dengan lebih berkesan.
2. Memperluas akses kepada modal kerja: Pembiayaan kekal sebagai pemangkin penting bagi PMKS. Melalui kerjasama dengan Monee, Shopee memperluas akses kepada penyelesaian modal kerja termasuk SLoan for Sellers dan Quick Funds.
Modal pertumbuhan melalui SLoan for Sellers: Kemudahan ini direka untuk memudahcara lebih RM5 juta pembiayaan penjual, termasuk subsidi kadar faedah 100 peratus bagi ansuran pertama untuk pengguna baharu, bagi menyokong pengisian semula stok dan peluasan perniagaan yang lebih tangkas.
Akses dana segera melalui Quick Funds: Penjual baharu turut ditawarkan diskaun 50 peratus ke atas yuran pendahuluan serta percubaan percuma selama 20 hari, sekali gus memberi akses segera kepada pendapatan mereka untuk membantu mengurus aliran tunai.
3. Memperkukuh keupayaan pemenuhan untuk operasi lebih fleksibel: Shopee turut memperluas akses kepada Fulfilled by Shopee (FBS), membolehkan lebih ramai penjual memanfaatkan sokongan pergudangan dan logistik yang membantu meningkatkan kecekapan operasi.
Percubaan Percuma Fulfilled by Shopee (FBS) Selama Enam Bulan: Penjual yang layak berpeluang mengakses sokongan FBS tanpa kos bagi tempoh 6 bulan, sekaligus meningkatkan fleksibiliti dalam pengurusan kos operasi serta memperluas skala perniagaan, khususnya ketika tempoh puncak. Ini membolehkan penjual memberi lebih tumpuan kepada pertumbuhan perniagaan sambil mengekalkan konsistensi perkhidmatan.
Penjual yang menggunakan FBS turut mencatat peningkatan purata sekitar 20 peratus dalam trafik kedai, mencerminkan keterlihatan yang lebih baik serta akses kepada ciri platform yang membantu mereka menjangkau lebih ramai pelanggan.
Bagi pengguna, ini diterjemahkan kepada penghantaran yang lebih boleh dipercayai serta pengalaman membeli-belah yang lebih lancar.
Bagi penjual yang telah memanfaatkan program-program ini, ia telah membantu menyokong pertumbuhan perniagaan mereka.
Nur Shafiqah Mokhtar, pengasas kedai pakaian kanak-kanak Dashboxx Solutions, berkata: “SLoan membantu kami memperoleh modal tambahan dengan cepat untuk berkembang. Daripada memperlahankan operasi akibat kekangan aliran tunai, kami dapat meningkatkan operasi hampir serta-merta apabila pembiayaan diluluskan dan disalurkan dalam tempoh kurang daripada 24 jam.”
Stephen Beh, pengasas kedai keperluan bayi dan kanak-kanak Moo Baby, berkata: “Baucar penghantaran percuma memberi memberi impak besar kepada kami. Pelanggan lebih cenderung melengkapkan pembelian apabila mereka tidak perlu risau tentang kos penghantaran, khususnya bagi barangan bernilai lebih rendah. Ia membantu meningkatkan penukaran dan melengkapkan pembelian.”
Menyokong Daya Saing Jangka Panjang Melalui Alat Digital dan AI
Selain sokongan segera, Shopee terus melabur dalam alat digital yang membantu penjual meningkatkan kecekapan dan menyesuaikan operasi mereka dari masa ke semasa, termasuk Chat AI Assistant, Product AI Optimiser dan AI Model Try-On, yang membantu penjual menjimatkan masa serta mengurus perniagaan dengan lebih berkesan untuk jangka panjang.
“Perniagaan yang berdaya tahan bukan dibina melalui sokongan jangka masa pendek semata-mata, tetapi juga melalui pelaburan berterusan dalam keupayaan, teknologi dan kerjasama yang membantu perniagaan berkembang untuk jangka masa panjang ,” kata Ho.
Hashtag: #Shopee
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Mengenai Shopee
Shopee ialah platform e-dagang terkemuka di Asia Tenggara, Taiwan dan Brazil. Shopee memacu ekosistem digital yang inklusif dan mampan dengan membantu perniagaan beralih ke platform digital serta mengembangkan kehadiran dalam talian mereka, selain memperluas akses orang ramai kepada perkhidmatan digital dan memperkasa komuniti tempatan.
Shopee menawarkan pengalaman membeli-belah yang mudah, selamat dan interaktif, dinikmati oleh jutaan pengguna setiap hari. Shopee juga merupakan penyumbang penting kepada ekonomi digital dengan komitmen kukuh untuk membantu jenama tempatan dan usahawan berkembang maju dalam e-dagang.
Shopee ialah sebahagian daripada Sea Limited (NYSE: SE), sebuah syarikat teknologi global. Misi Sea adalah untuk meningkatkan kualiti hidup pengguna dan perniagaan kecil melalui teknologi menerusi tiga perniagaan terasnya: Shopee, Garena dan Monee.
Initiative combines timely support with continued investment in capabilities to support sustainable growth for businesses while maintaining access and value for buyers
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 April 2026 – Shopee, the largest e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia and Taiwan, and a leading e-commerce platform in Brazil, today announced the launch of Shopee Lindung Niaga, a RM150 million initiative designed to support Malaysian micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through practical measures across shipping, working capital and fulfilment.
RM150 Million support across three strategic pillars to help sellers manage costs, strengthen resilience, and better serve buyers
The initiative reflects a balanced approach to supporting buyers and MSMEs as they navigate an evolving operating environment. By combining timely support with continued investment in the tools and infrastructure businesses rely on, Shopee aims to contribute to stronger business resilience over time while maintaining consistent access and value for buyers.
As businesses adapt to changing conditions, Shopee Lindung Niaga focuses on supporting MSMEs in sustaining operations in the near term while investing in the capabilities needed to remain competitive over the longer term.
“Shopee Lindung Niaga is designed to provide practical support where and when it matters most, while continuing to invest in the systems and tools that small businesses rely on to operate and grow,” said Ian Ho, Vice President, Shopee Malaysia. “At the same time, it is important that buyers continue to have access to essential goods with consistency and reliability. Both are important to a healthy and balanced ecosystem.”
Supporting Transaction Momentum
Under the RM150 Million Shopee Lindung Niaga package, Shopee is delivering targeted support for buyers and qualifying local MSMEs across three strategic pillars:
1. Supporting transaction momentum through targeted support measures: Shopee is enhancing its support for transaction activity through a combination of logistics initiatives and targeted measures for key product categories.
The first is the introduction of no-minimum-spend free shipping vouchers, which support continued access to everyday needs and encourage purchasing activity. This, in turn, helps sustain demand and supports sellers in maintaining conversions.
Additional support is also provided for bulkier and higher-value items, such as furniture and home appliances. Through targeted voucher support for these categories, Shopee helps offset higher delivery costs and simplifies more complex shipping arrangements. This makes larger purchases more accessible for buyers, while enabling sellers in these segments to better serve demand and reach customers more effectively.
2.Easing access to working capital: Financing remains an important enabler for MSMEs. In partnership with Monee, Shopee is expanding access to working capital solutions, including SLoan for Sellers and Quick Funds.
Growth capital through SLoan for Sellers: Designed to facilitate over RM5 million in seller financing, alongside a 100% interest rate subsidy on the first installment for new users to support restocking and more agile business expansion.
Instant liquidity through Quick Funds: 50% off Advance Fees and a 20-day free trial for new users, giving sellers immediate access to earnings to manage cash flow cycles.
3. Strengthening Fulfilment Capabilities For Operational Flexibility: Shopee is also expanding access to Fulfilled by Shopee (FBS), enabling more sellers to utilise warehousing and logistics support that helps streamline operations.
Complimentary Six-Month Trial of Fulfilled by Shopee: Eligible sellers can access six months of complimentary FBS support, providing sellers greater flexibility in managing overheads and scaling operations, particularly during peak periods. This allows sellers to focus more on growing their businesses while maintaining service consistency.
Sellers using FBS have also seen an average uplift of around 20% in store traffic, reflecting improved visibility and access to platform features that help them reach more customers
For buyers, this translates into more reliable delivery timelines and a smoother overall shopping experience.
For sellers already leveraging these programmes, they have helped support business growth.
Nur Shafiqah Mokhtar, founder of children’s fashion wear store Dashboxx Solutions, said, “SLoan helped us quickly unlock the extra capital we needed to grow. Instead of slowing down due to cash flow gaps, we were able to ramp up our operations almost immediately as approval and disbursement was completed in under 24 hours.”
Stephen Beh, founder of baby and children’s essentials store Moo Baby, said, “Free shipping vouchers make a big difference for us. Customers are much more willing to complete their purchase when they don’t have to worry about delivery cost, especially for lower-ticket items. It really helps to push conversion and basket completion.”
Supporting Long-Term Competitiveness Through Digital Tools and AI
Beyond immediate support measures, Shopee continues to invest in tools that help sellers operate more efficiently and adapt over time, such as a Chat AI Assistant, Product AI Optimiser and AI Model Try-On, which help sellers improve efficiency, save time, and manage their businesses more effectively over the long term.
“Resilient businesses are built not only through timely support, but through continued investment in the capabilities, tools and partnerships that help them compete and grow over time,” concluded Ho.
Hashtag: #Shopee
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Shopee
Shopee is a leading e-commerce platform in Southeast Asia, Taiwan, and Brazil. Shopee promotes an inclusive and sustainable digital ecosystem by enabling businesses to digitalise and grow their online presence, helping more people access and benefit from digital services, and uplifting local communities.
Shopee offers an easy, secure, and engaging experience that is enjoyed by millions of people daily. Shopee is also a key contributor to the digital economy, with a firm commitment to helping homegrown brands and entrepreneurs succeed in e-commerce.
Shopee is part of Sea Limited (NYSE: SE), a leading global consumer internet company. Sea’s mission is to better the lives of consumers and small businesses with technology through its three core businesses: Shopee, Garena, and Monee.
BINZHOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 29 April 2026 – Boxing Port in Binzhou, east China’s Shandong Province, recently dispatched its first foreign trade shipment, with 300 tonnes of finished coil steel bound for the Philippines. The cargo departed for Manila Port, marking a breakthrough in the port’s international container business and opening a direct logistics channel from Boxing County and nearby areas to overseas markets.
Shandong Marine Group’s Boxing Port
The shipment, packed into 11 standard containers, was transported via inland waterways to Weifang Port for transshipment before continuing by sea to the Philippines. As Boxing Port’s first foreign trade operation, this launch provides local enterprises with a more efficient and cost-effective pathway to global markets.
As an inland river port, Boxing Port’s move into international shipping helps ease logistics bottlenecks and supports local industries in integrating into global supply chains. With more international routes in the pipeline and port functions steadily improving, the port is transitioning from a transport node into a regional hub for opening-up.
Looking ahead, Boxing Port will further expand its international shipping network, strengthen collaboration with customs authorities, shipping companies, and regional manufacturers, and promote the regular operation of foreign trade services. These efforts will inject new momentum into the global expansion of advanced manufacturing industries in northern Shandong and the broader Yellow River Basin.
Hashtag: #BinzhouInformationOffice
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 April 2026 – Cyberport today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) acting through Thailand Science Park (TSP), to establish a strategic partnership that strengthens innovation and technology (I&T) collaboration between Hong Kong and Thailand.
Cyberport today (28 April 2026) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) acting through Thailand Science Park (TSP), to establish a strategic partnership that strengthens innovation and technology (I&T) collaboration between Hong Kong and Thailand. Witnessed by Simon Chan, Chairman of Cyberport and Dr Chularat Tanprasert, Executive Vice President of NSTDA and Director of Thailand Science Park, the MoU was signed by Ir Eric Chan, Chief Public Mission Officer of Cyberport and Professor Dr Sukit Limpijumnong, President of NSTDA.
This marks a significant milestone for both sides since their first collaboration in 2024. The partnership aims to build a collaborative framework between Cyberport and NSTDA acting through TSP, create a reciprocal market-access gateway to facilitate start-ups’ entry into both the Thai and Hong Kong markets through ecosystem support, soft landing initiatives, and cross market collaboration, as well as promote knowledge exchange, industry engagement, and joint initiatives in emerging technology sectors, including artificial intelligence, smart city solutions, and other digital technologies.
Cyberport today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) acting through Thailand Science Park (TSP), Group photo with Simon Chan, Chairman of Cyberport (centre-left); Dr Sukit Limpijumnong, President of NSTDA (centre-right); Ir Eric Chan, Chief Public Mission Officer of Cyberport (fourth from left); Dr Chularat Tanprasert, Executive Vice President of NSTDA and Director of Thailand Science Park (fourth from right); Parson Lam, Director of the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Bangkok (third from left); Leung Kwan Ho, Associate Director, Hong Kong Trade Development Council (second from right); and Mr Joseph Koc, Ambassador of Thailand (third from right).
Witnessed by Simon Chan, Chairman of Cyberport and Dr Chularat Tanprasert, Executive Vice President of NSTDA and Director of Thailand Science Park, the MoU was signed by Ir Eric Chan, Chief Public Mission Officer of Cyberport and Professor Dr Sukit Limpijumnong, President of NSTDA.
Simon Chan, Chairman of Cyberport, said, “NSTDA and Thailand Science Park on our side will add strength to Cyberport’s ever-growing ASEAN alliances, paving the way to Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland companies to take a stronghold in ASEAN markets. We look forward to supporting high-potential companies from Thailand to capitalise on the vast markets in the Greater Bay Area and the wider Chinese Mainland, and global markets. Together we will continue to serve as a gateway to empower Asian innovators and attract worldwide entrepreneurs.”
Simon Chan, Chairman of Cyberport, said, “Cyberport, as Hong Kong’s digital tech hub, AI accelerator and key incubator, supported companies to have expanded to Thailand, the broader ASEAN region along the Belt and Road, and over 35 markets worldwide. NSTDA and Thailand Science Park on our side will add strength to Cyberport’s ever-growing ASEAN alliances, paving the way to Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland companies to take a stronghold in ASEAN markets. We look forward to supporting high-potential companies from Thailand to capitalise on the vast markets in the Greater Bay Area and the wider Chinese Mainland, and global markets. This partnership significantly expands our bilateral collaborations in company soft-landing, ecosystem connection and proof-of-concept initiatives. Together we will continue to serve as a gateway to empower Asian innovators and attract worldwide entrepreneurs, to capitalise on new opportunities for digital economy and smart cities under the AI+ era.”
Professor Dr. Sukit Limpijumnong, President of NSTDA, said, “The collaboration is designed to establish practical mechanisms to support start-ups in expanding internationally, including market entry, industry partnerships, and pilot or proof-of-concept deployments. TSP and Cyberport have been working closely in recent years to support start-up growth, with a notable milestone being the success of Nano Coating Tech, a Thai deep tech start-up that was successfully admitted into Cyberport Incubation Programme.”
Professor Dr. Sukit Limpijumnong, President of NSTDA, said, “The collaboration is designed to establish practical mechanisms to support start-ups in expanding internationally, including market entry, industry partnerships, and pilot or proof-of-concept deployments. TSP and Cyberport have been working closely in recent years to support start-up growth, with a notable milestone being the success of Nano Coating Tech, a Thai deep tech start-up specialising in advanced nano coating solutions for industrial applications and solar panels, that successfully got admitted into Cyberport Incubation Programme for funding up to HK$500,000 and comprehensive support,”
NSTDA, as an autonomous government agency, manages Thailand’s leading tech park, Thailand Science Park (TSP). Established in 2002 as Thailand’s first and largest science and technology park, TSP is designed to promote I&T development and R&D activities. NSTDA’s ecosystem is anchored by five national research centres, namely National Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Metal and Materials Technology Centre (MTEC), National Electronics and Computer Technology Centre (NECTEC), National Nanotechnology Centre (NANOTEC), and National Energy Technology Centre (ENTEC).
Alongside these centres, TSP is home to over 120 technology companies, nearly 40 percent of which are international firms. This reflects TSP’s role as a regional R&D hub in ASEAN, trusted by both local and global technology companies that choose Thailand as a base for technology development. This is supported by a strong pool of talent and advanced testing infrastructure that meets international standards.
NSTDA has been a long-standing strategic partner of Cyberport through TSP since 2024. Both sides have co-created programmes, global landing initiatives and webinars, facilitated deep-tech start-ups joining Cyberport Incubation Programme, and facilitated Cyberport start-ups joining TSP for market expansion.
Today’s MoU establishes a framework for joint activities that will support start-ups and technology companies from both Hong Kong and Thailand ecosystems. Key initiatives include:
Support start-ups and technology companies recommended by either side in exploring market opportunities, establishing presence, and expanding operations within the respective innovative ecosystems.
Facilitate connection to relevant industry partners, research institutions, and corporate networks to support collaboration, investment opportunities, technology adoption, market entry, and business development expansion.
Encourage and support participation of start-ups in incubation programmes, entrepreneurship, ecosystem activities, community events organised by both sides.
Jointly organise and promote seminars, forums, networking activities, and knowledge-sharing initiatives to strengthen collaboration between the two ecosystems.
Explore and identify opportunities for start-ups to conduct pilot projects, technology demonstrations, or proof-of-concept initiatives with industry partners and prospective end users.
TSP will strengthen this collaboration through the “TSP Scale X Landing Programme” to fast-track international start-ups’ expansion into the Thai market, by connecting them to established partner networks and real industry demand in Thailand, while providing them with access to the country’s research and testing infrastructure.
Leveraging its role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder”, Cyberport continues to expand global partnerships to foster cross-regional growth of technology ecosystems and advance Hong Kong’s innovation on a global stage. In ASEAN, Cyberport has forged strategic collaborations with Indonesia’s Telkom University, Thailand’s Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA), as well as Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), apart from alliances in the Middle East, East Asia and North America, further strengthening Hong Kong’s position as an international I&T hub. Hashtag: #Cyberport
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Hong Kong Cyberport
Wholly owned by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, Cyberport is Hong Kong’s digital tech hub and AI accelerator, with a vision to empower industry digitalisation and intelligent transformation, to promote digital economy and AI development, and to foster Hong Kong to be an international AI, innovation and technology (I&T) hub. Cyberport gathers over 2,300 companies, including 17 listed companies and 9 unicorns. One-third of onsite companies’ founders come from 27 countries and regions, while Cyberport companies have expanded to over 35 global markets.
Cyberport, with Hong Kong’s largest AI Supercomputing Centre and AI Lab as the engine, has been building the AI ecosystem with industry-leading AI companies and over 500 AI and data science start-ups. Through development of tech clusters, namely AI, data science, blockchain and cybersecurity, Cyberport empowers industries across smart city and government, banking and finance, digital entertainment, culture and tourism, healthcare, education and training, property management, construction, transportation and logistics, green environment and more, while hosting Hong Kong’s largest FinTech community. Commissioned by the HKSAR Government, Cyberport has implemented proof-of-concept and sandbox schemes, subsidisation for digital tech adoption, industry tech training and start-up incubation, to drive technology R&D, translation and commercialisation, thus propelling digital transformation and intelligent upgrade across industry and society.
Also as “State-level Scientific and Technological Enterprise Incubator” and Hong Kong’s key incubator, Cyberport supports entrepreneurs with funding and office space, extensive networks of enterprises, investors, technology corporations and professional services for business growth and expansion to Chinese Mainland and overseas markets, all-round facilitation for landing in Hong Kong, talent attraction and cultivation, ready as a launchpad to take start-ups in any stages of development to the next level.
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 April 2026 – The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) held its 2025/2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 24 April 2026, where members reflected on a year of deliberate investment to strengthen member value and looked ahead to the priorities for the year ahead. The AGM also saw the election and appointment of the 2026 ISCA Council.
This year’s AGM saw members returning to Singapore to attend in person, alongside strong participation from those joining virtually.
A year of reset and strategic investment
In 2025, ISCA recorded its first operating deficit in a decade. This was the result of a deliberate decision to invest in areas that will strengthen the Institute’s long-term value to members and the profession. ISCA continues to maintain a strong financial position, with healthy reserves and a resilient balance sheet.
Rather than maintaining the status quo, ISCA undertook a year of reset and renewal, with spending focused on building stronger capabilities, growing the talent pipeline, expanding into new markets and building new growth engines.
ISCA emphasised that these investments were not made for growth alone, but more importantly, to better support members and provide greater member value in a rapidly evolving business and professional landscape.
Looking ahead, ISCA’s priorities remain clear: to deliver a better member experience, strengthen the talent pipeline and enhance its regional relevance. In 2026, the focus will be on ensuring that these investments translate into tangible and visible outcomes for members.
Expanding opportunities through internationalisation
At the AGM, ISCA Council and management addressed members’ questions on the institute’s plans to expand internationally. ISCA’s regional efforts are aimed at making it easier for members to access opportunities beyond Singapore. For members based in Singapore, this means more job opportunities, potential clients and partnerships across the region. For members based overseas, it means stronger local support and a more connected ISCA network where they live and work. ISCA CEO Ms Fann Kor cited an example of a member who had spent over 20 years building his career in China and was looking to return to Singapore. Through ISCA’s network, he was connected to a listed company seeking deep China experience, creating an opportunity that would otherwise have been difficult to access.
Progress across key areas
Despite being an investment year, ISCA reported progress across several areas:
Membership grew to 43,500, with 11% growth and a 98.3% renewal rate
ISCA House recorded 30,000 visits, with member satisfaction at 94%
Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification (SCAQ) candidate numbers grew by 37%, including 400 overseas candidates
ISCA expanded its regional footprint to 12 overseas chapters across 9 countries, with 6 overseas offices and 3 Professional Services Centres
Chartered Accountants Lab (CA Lab) readership reached 39,000, across more than 30 countries
ISCA developed 8 AI agents and implemented 180 system enhancements to improve access and member experience
ISCA Academy delivered close to 199,000 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours, while reducing average cost per hour by 6% to $37.70
ISCA Cares marked its 10-year milestone, disbursing $1.5 million and supporting nearly 500 students
For the first time, SCAQ is being promoted beyond Singapore, making ISCA the first professional body in Asia to promote our national CA qualification overseas
The SCAQ was embedded in an overseas university for the first time, at Nanjing University of Finance and Economics
2026 ISCA Council Lineup
The newly-elected Council Members are:
Mr Alan Chang Chi Hsung, Managing Director, OA Assurance PAC
Ms Chua Siew Hwi, Senior Vice President, Changi Airport Group
Mr Quah Zheng Wei, CEO, Accredify Pte Ltd
Ms Tan Aik Na, Senior Vice President (Administration), Nanyang Technological University
Ms Yong Zen Yun, Partner, General Assurance Leader, Pricewaterhousecoopers LLP
The Council also appointed Ms Juliet Teo Juet Sim, Joint Head, Portfolio Development Group and Head, Ecosystem Enablement, Temasek Singapore Pte Ltd. Ms Teo was appointed for her expertise on how the finance profession is evolving in response to changing business models, sustainability priorities and global economic trends.
Office bearers
At the first Council meeting following the AGM, the ISCA office bearers were appointed. Mr Teo Ser Luck, immediate past president, was also appointed as ISCA Adviser.
President: Mr Lee Boon Teck
Vice Presidents:
Ms Ang Suat Ching
Ms Jocelyn Goh
Treasurer: Mr Song Yeow Chung
Secretary: Ms Judy Ng
Leadership perspectives
The newly elected ISCA President, Mr Lee Boon Teck, said: “The investments we have made over the past year lay the groundwork for a stronger, more connected profession. Our focus now is to ensure that every member, whether they are starting their career, leading an organisation, or building a practice overseas, can see and feel the difference ISCA makes. I am honoured to lead ISCA at this pivotal moment, and I look forward to working with the Council and our members to build on the strong foundations we have in place.”
ISCA Adviser and immediate past President Mr Teo Ser Luck said: “It has been a great privilege to serve ISCA, our members, and the accountancy sector over the past four years. This journey has been one of the most fulfilling I have ever embarked on. None of it would have been possible without an exceptional Council, a dedicated management team, and members who believed in what we were building together. My sincere appreciation to ISCA and our members for the opportunity to serve.”
ISCA CEO Ms Fann Kor said: “2025 was a year of deliberate investment to strengthen what matters most to our members and to the profession. We invested in the talent pipeline, member support, digital capability and regional connectivity so that ISCA can continue to stay relevant and useful in a changing environment. I would also like to thank Mr Teo Ser Luck for his leadership and contributions over the past four years. Under his stewardship, ISCA made meaningful progress in strengthening the profession, growing the Singapore CA Qualification and expanding our regional footprint. Management looks forward to working closely with the new Council to turn these investments into stronger outcomes and clearer value for members.
For the biographies of the elected office bearers, new and re-elected Council Members, please click here. Hashtag: #DifferenceMakers #Accountancy #ISCACouncil #AGM
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA)
The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) is the national accountancy body of Singapore. Established in 1963, ISCA administers the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification programme and is the designated entity by the Singapore Ministry of Finance to confer the Chartered Accountant of Singapore [CA (Singapore)] designation.
ISCA supports over 43,000 members across industries in Singapore and globally, with members in more than 40 countries. With a growing international presence, ISCA has 12 overseas chapters, 7 offices across 10 countries and a network of over 150 strategic partners, strengthening professional connections and opportunities across borders. ISCA is also a member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide, a global network representing more than 1.8 million Chartered Accountants and students across over 190 countries.
ISCA advances professional development and lifelong learning through ISCA Academy, its training arm and drives community impact through ISCA Cares, its charity arm.
Agentic Mobile Protocol (AMP) is the world’s first agentic payment framework designed for mobile interfaces, including digital wallets, super apps, and wearable devices.
Fully open-sourced, the protocol enables LLMs, platforms and merchants’ seamless agentic connection to 4.4 billion digital wallet users worldwide through simple and secure integration.
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 April 2026 – Ant International is introducing the Agentic Mobile Protocol (AMP) for the agentic commerce industry to enable secure, AIOps-native agentic payment connection to mobile services including digital wallets, banking apps, super apps, and mobile portals from phones to wearable devices.
Ant International launches Agentic Mobile Protocol (AMP), the world’s first agentic payment framework designed for mobile interfaces, including digital wallets, super apps, and wearable devices.
“We are deeply grateful for partners, acquirers and developers who contributed to this project. An agentic protocol for mobile commerce that ensures superior efficiency and security results will be key for businesses large and small expanding into the world’s fastest growing markets. We look forward to expanding our multi-layered partnerships to enable real-world successes of AI commerce,” said Jiang-Ming Yang, Chief Innovation Officer, Ant International.
Wallets and mobile payment key driver for agentic commerce
The global agentic commerce market could reach around USD 28 billion by 2030 with a 46% CAGR as the industry fast-forwards from pilot AI agent programs to full-scale autonomous transaction systems[1]. The number of global digital wallet users reached 4.4 billion in 2025, and is expected to exceed 6 billion – over 75% of the global population – by 2030[2].
While the new payment rails are positioned to become a primary interface for AI commerce, current AI payments protocols are designed largely for card rails. Merchants and digital wallets need to be able to offer smooth payment experience, authenticate trusted agents and verify credentials without disruption, as well as seamlessly handle post-checkout settlement and transaction management tasks in a mobile- and AI-native environment.
With the Agentic Mobile Protocol, merchants – LLMs, AI platforms, merchants with self-developed agents, and agent builders – and digital wallets can embed agentic payment functionality directly into their workflows, eliminating the need for system overhauls.
Ant International has open-sourced the AMP to help establish a universal, auditable standard to ensure that AI agents can transact securely and seamlessly across any global platform.
The AMP framework features:
A superior agentic checkout experience through:
Faster agent integration: reducing the number of steps required to link a payment agent to a digital wallet by 50% compared to traditional card-binding methods.
Money-back guarantee: every agent-initiated transaction is backed by a money-back guarantee mechanism for payment partners in cases of account takeovers.
Cross-device compatibility: payment agents can work on mobile interfaces across smartphones, smartwatches, AR glasses and in-car systems, a capability absent in card-based systems.
A more efficient and secure trust architecture for agent delegation to ensure secure and precise delegation of payment authority to AI agents — whether it is ordering coffee, booking a ride, or planning a trip – with full visibility and the ability to revoke or modify tasks at any time.
A high-frequency agent-to-agent (A2A) settlement mechanism enables automated, ultra-small transactions between AI agents. It’s capable of handling nano-transactions as small as $0.000001 between agents with real-time accounting and clearing. A2A settlement is crucial to agentic economy, which requires the capacity to process high-frequency, sub-cent agent transactions that traditional payment rails cannot support.
A full-spectrum Know Your Agent (KYA) framework establishes an agent’s digital identity and certifies its authorised capabilities. The proprietary Agent Trust Rating mechanism offers an additional layer of protection, a dynamic risk-management tool that determines whether an agent is trustworthy and controls the level of autonomy.
A 40 member-strong wallet ecosystem in cross-sector coordination
Ant International is working with wallet partners of Alipay+, the company’s global wallet gateway, to implement the AMP. Alipay+ now connects over 40 digital wallet partners, covering 1.8 billion user accounts and 150 million merchants globally.
Building on this payment partnership network that spans wallets, acquirers, super apps and cards, Ant International is among the first partners of Mastercard and Visa to pilot card-based transaction capabilities for AI agents, while collaborating with Google on its protocols for agentic commerce and payments.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Ant International
Ant International is a leading global digital payment, digitisation and financial technology provider. Through collaboration across the private and public sectors, our unified techfin platform supports financial institutions and merchants of all sizes to achieve inclusive growth through a comprehensive range of cutting-edge digital payment and financial services solutions. To learn more, please visit https://www.ant-intl.com/
Made by Sandwich 創作的「時間的花園」,深入探討了「艹/艸」部首與時間的哲學關係。設計師認為許多從「艹/艸」衍生出的漢字(如茂、蘇、萎、荒)並非描述固定形態,而是描繪植物隨時間流逝的狀態。作品打破了線性的時間觀念,將生長、衰退與消失等不同階段的瞬間,並置於同一畫面上,構建出一座由「時間切片」組成的花園,呈現萬物共存的多重狀態。
Tomy 以發光的細胞結構向上延伸,同時作為光源與有機體。落地燈被構想為一個懸浮的「細胞」——半透明 3D 樹脂列印核心外覆一層可充氣與抽氣的乳膠膜層,形成如「胎盤」般的外膜。透過充氣與抽氣,乳膠在膨脹與壓縮之間轉換,使形體於暴露和包覆之間遊移。與基座的剛性對比,強調脆弱性、滲透性與時間性,將光呈現為一種由壓力與時間塑形的生命狀態。
出生於香港,於荷蘭 Design Academy Eindhoven 取得設計碩士後,在當地創立Studio AA(前稱MIRO),項目橫跨平面、產品與空間設計。作品探索工藝與工業、本土文化及永續性等課題,曾獲香港青年設計才俊獎及Perspective 40 Under 40 Awards,並於米蘭、荷蘭設計週及國際重要展覽亮相。近年與德國維特拉設計博物館、英國V&A等機構合作,將設計觸角延伸至展覽策劃。
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
關於職業訓練局(VTC)
職業訓練局(VTC)成立於1982年,是全香港最具規模的職業專才教育機構。VTC的使命是為離校生及在職人士提供具價值的進修選擇,協助他們培養正確價值觀和掌握知識技能,充分裝備他們終身學習,加強就業能力,為業界提供支持,促進行業人力發展。VTC共有14間機構成員,包括香港高等教育科技學院(THEi高科院)、高峰進修學院(PEAK)、才晉高等教育學院(SHAPE)、香港專業教育學院(IVE)、香港知專設計學院(HKDI)、香港資訊科技學院(HKIIT)、酒店及旅游學院(HTI)、中華廚藝學院(CCI)、國際廚藝學院(ICI)、海事訓練學院(MSTI)、青年學院、卓越培訓發展中心(Pro-Act by VTC)、匯縱專業發展中心(IVDC),及展亮技能發展中心。
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 April 2026 – Each year, thousands of Singaporean men complete their National Service (NS) and transition into higher education, typically after a gap of up to two years from formal academic study. The transition back to academic life presents adjustment challenges. After two years in a highly structured and regimented environment, many returning students must readjust to self-directed learning, academic rigour, and independent time management.
A research paper done by higher education academia indicates transition, particularly after a break from formal education, can influence students’ academic performance, particularly as they rebuild study habits and self-directed learning.
A National Transition with Growing Relevance
As Singapore continues to emphasise lifelong learning and workforce readiness, the NS-to-university transition is increasingly viewed as a critical phase in the education journey. National policies allow some flexibility, such as disruption schemes that enable eligible servicemen to begin university alongside their academic cohort. However, most students still enter university after completing NS, requiring them to re-engage with academic learning after a prolonged hiatus. This has prompted educators to call for stronger institutional support to help students bridge the gap effectively.
Recognising the challenges faced by students transitioning from National Service back into academic life, the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) provides a range of structured academic and student support services to facilitate reintegration. Through refresher workshop and learning support initiatives, students are introduced to university expectations, including academic writing, study strategies, and independent learning skills.
The SIM Student Learning Centre provides academic support and enriching learning experiences for all students. It is staffed by a dedicated team of senior students with strong proficiency in academic writing, who regularly conduct workshops on study skills and university life, sharing practical insights with their juniors. In addition, the Peer‑Assisted Learning (PAL) Programme, established in 2013, continues to run today. Under this programme, high‑performing students are trained as subject leaders to facilitate group learning sessions, supporting collaborative learning and helping participants improve their academic performance.
In addition, SIM provides holistic student support through its Student Wellness Centre and Student Care services, which offer counselling, stress management programmes, and peer support initiatives to help students adjust to academic and personal challenges. These services are designed to support students in managing the transition to university life and maintaining overall well-being.
Complementing its academic and personal support structures, SIM promotes a vibrant campus culture through student communities and peer networks that strengthen social integration and contribute to student resilience and success. The institution further supports employability by providing facilities and career-related resources that help students build connections and prepare for the workforce.
Together, these initiatives form a comprehensive support ecosystem that helps students returning from NS rebuild academic confidence, adapt to self-directed learning, and progress successfully in their higher education journey.
Preparing Students for Academic and Career Readiness
The transition from NS to university involves not only academic adjustment but also broader behavioural and social adaptation. By combining structured support, flexible learning pathways and applied education, SIM aims to support students in rebuilding academic confidence and sustaining long-term learning success. As Singapore continues to strengthen its education to employment pathways, supporting students through key transition phases such as NS to higher education will remain an important focus for institutions and policymakers alike.
Richardson, M., Abraham, C., & Bond, R. (2012). Psychological correlates of university students’ academic performance: A systematic review. Psychological Bulletin. – https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/a0026838
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About SIM Global Education
SIM Global Education (SIM GE) is a leading private education institution in Singapore and the region. We offer more than 140 academic programmes ranging from diplomas and graduate diploma programmes to bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes with some of the world’s most reputable universities from Australia, Canada, Europe, United Kingdom, and the United States. SIM GE’s cohort is made up of 17,000 full- and part-time students and adult learners, of which approximately 41% are international students hailing from over 50 countries.
SIM GE’s holistic learning approach and culturally diverse learning environment aim to equip students with knowledge, industry skills and employability competencies, as well as a global perspective to succeed as future leaders in a fast-changing, technologically driven world.
For more information on SIM Global Education, visit www.sim.edu.sg
Get every print issue delivered to your door — fill in your details below to subscribe or renew.
Terms & Conditions and Notice
Terms & Conditions:
No refund policy: all sales are final, please review your order before confirming. We do not offer refunds or exchanges for any products sold through Inovatif Media Asia (IMA), the publisher of The SmartInvestor magazine.
Price subjected to change at Management's discretion.
IMA is not responsible for delays or delivery failures.
Print subscription for overseas readers are subjected to additional delivery charges.
Additional charges apply for courier services.
NOTICE:
IMA has not appointed any sales representatives; all purchases must be made directly by emailing my-circulation@inovatif.com.my. We are not responsible for any transactions made through unauthorised channels.
Please also check with us on the retail price of our magazines if you have not received our renewal/subscription form, before making any payments.