Politics – LiveNews.co.nz

Q&A: Food Politics Matters

LiveNews Publisher — Sat, 07 Nov 2026 23:35:16 +0000

Source: Auckland University of Technology

04 Nov, 2026

Professor Tracy Berno

AUT Professor Tracy Berno, expert in resilient and sustainable food systems, answers questions about the food system, health, the environment and waste.

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Q: What is wrong with the food system?

Food is a human right, but the current food system is driven by profit rather than ethics. Agriculture, manufacturing, distribution and land are largely privatised, and multinational corporations hold considerable power. Their imperative is to make money, not necessarily to prioritise health, the environment or consumers.

Chocolate illustrates the consequences. Around 60% of the world’s chocolate is produced in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana. Pressure to keep production costs low is associated with child labour and appalling working conditions in the cocoa industry. The price and size of a chocolate bar do not reveal the human costs behind it.

Q: Are big companies controlling what we eat?

To a great extent, yes. A small number of multinational companies control much of the processed food sold in grocery stores. In New Zealand, two major corporate groups dominate grocery retail, limiting what reaches store shelves. By the time shoppers arrive, retailers and suppliers have already made many of the choices about what is available. A handful of international companies also control a large share of the seeds available to agriculture. Because so much food begins with a seed, this concentration of power matters.

Marketing adds another layer. Product placement, packaging, displays and music in grocery stores are informed by research into consumer behaviour and designed to encourage spending. Our decisions are shaped by more than individual preference.

Q: Why is healthy food so expensive?

First, we need to ask what counts as healthy food. Manufacturers may present ultra-processed products as healthy options, although many are not. Processing creates opportunities for businesses throughout the supply chain to earn revenue. For example, at the time of recording, a kilogram of potatoes and a 150-gram bag of potato chips each cost about $3.50 at Professor Berno’s local grocery store. The chips involve additional processing, oil, packaging and transport, among other inputs.

Price is not the only barrier. Preparing less-processed ingredients takes time and food literacy: the skills to turn them into a meal. Prepared products offer convenience to people who do not have those skills or the time to use them, even if they cost more.

Q: Why is it hard to identify a healthy option from food labels?

Labels can be difficult to interpret and require food literacy. Some packages use wording that implies a product is healthy, a practice Professor Berno calls “health washing”. The Health Star Rating system was intended to help shoppers compare products, but its ratings can be confusing without context.

Professor Berno points to a historical example in which Milo powder displayed a 4.5-star rating based on being prepared with trim milk, while the powder alone rated 1.5 stars. She also notes that olive oil can receive fewer stars than some margarines. A front-of-pack rating does not, by itself, tell the whole story about a food.

Q: Is the way we eat damaging the planet?

Yes. The way the agrifood industry currently operates contributes to environmental damage, biodiversity loss, climate change and declining water quality, alongside social harms. These impacts are connected to how food is produced, processed and distributed.

Q: Would eating more plant-based food help?

Substantial research suggests that moving towards a more plant-based diet can benefit both the environment and human health. That does not mean every meat-free or dairy-free product is necessarily better: some plant-based substitutes are ultra-processed. Food also has deep personal and cultural importance, and people may resist being told what to eat. Those factors need to be considered alongside the evidence.

Q: Does it matter if my rubbish bin is full of uneaten food?

Personal food waste matters, but it is only one part of a larger problem. Around 30% of food produced globally is wasted across production, processing, retail and households. Wasting food also wastes the soil, water, labour and money used to produce it. Professor Berno describes food waste as a major source of greenhouse gas emissions.

Q: What can I do to reduce food waste?

Start by buying what you need, even when a grocery store encourages you to buy more. Store food appropriately so it lasts longer, and find ways to use leftovers. Parts commonly discarded may also be useful: potato peelings can be baked into crispy chips, while chicken bones can be made into stock.

Understand date labels, too. A “use by” date concerns food safety; food past that date should not be eaten. A “best before” date concerns quality, and food may still be suitable to eat afterwards if it has been stored correctly. If food cannot be eaten and you are able to compost it, do that rather than putting it in the rubbish. Disposal should be the last resort.

AUT supports the role our academics play as critic and conscience of society, as set out by the Education and Training Act 2020.

Our approach to academic freedom and freedom of expression is set out in our Charter of Academic Freedom which was developed and endorsed by the AUT academic community.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/11/08/qa-food-politics-matters/

Meaningful assessments equate to degrees that matter

LiveNews Publisher — Sat, 07 Nov 2026 23:35:06 +0000

Source: Auckland University of Technology

06 Nov, 2026

AI is changing our attitude towards, and use of ‘knowledge’. Universities are adapting as technologies develop. Our history of applied learning means AUT has always been far more than a place of knowledge transfer.

At AUT, our approach to learning, and proof of learning includes:

Learn the thing, do the thing: AUT’s credentials are in applying knowledge – 89% of our bachelor’s graduates have a workplace experience, they have done the academic learning, and used it in real-world situations.
Exposure to professional and clinical experiences. Many thousands of AUT students are in our dozens of programmes that meet professional, clinical or regulatory standards: from nurses and paramedics who have clinical placements, teachers who have teaching practicums or engineering students working towards globally accredited standards.
Working with knowledge – and people: As AI develops, so too does the desire for ‘real’ experiences, the need to collaborate successfully, and the requirement to develop and hone judgement. These are not things an LLM can teach, but they are part of what a degree at AUT delivers.
Assessments that mean something and show what students can do: Invigilated tests are not the answer to AI concerns. To graduate, AUT students must be able show how they can utilise their learning for real tasks, and staff must be able to observe and gather evidence of this learning. AUT has always used the assessment process to ensure students can demonstrate their learning through opportunities to investigate, work together, to analyse and critique.
Assessing learning in the real-world: As New Zealand’s most modern university we have a huge range of assessments going well beyond the page or a digital environment and show our commitment to practice based and real-world learning. Assessments are in small localised face-to-face environments like studios (from architecture to design) and labs. They assess things students actually build – whether a computer science group project that meets the needs of a real client, an actual product a design student builds, or delivering a campaign for a real PR client as a communications student.

Is it still worth investing in a degree?

Yes. Going to university provides learning opportunities and experiences that go far beyond what an algorithm can provide. At AUT skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, creativity are baked into learning. Chances to apply learning in real-world situations, and to develop local and international networks all mean investing in a degree adds up.

How can you be sure students know their stuff?

Our focus at AUT has always been on students demonstrating their learning, not simply remembering facts in an exam setting. In the AI era AUT is refining our approach and using ‘Points of Observation of Learning’ (POOLs). Using POOLs, teachers and academics can see evidence of students’ ability to take what they have learned and use this information.

Does AUT still have invigilated assessments?

Yes, because sometimes it is essential for students to “think on their feet”, demonstrate independent learning and perform without access to AI. Depending on their programme, students may undertake clinical examinations, perform live demonstrations of technical skills, verbally explain their critical reasoning, and make decisions in real-time scenarios. These assessments sit alongside other ways students can demonstrate and apply their learning.

What about take-home assessments? Can’t students just use AI to write them?

Take-home assessments are important because that’s where skills and values such as relationship-building, judgement and curiosity can be developed and demonstrated. At AUT we have designed a model called Points of Observation of Learning (POOLs). POOLs make student thinking and learning visible, they put more emphasis on the process of putting an assessment together, rather than simply on the final product.

Does AUT include assessments in real-world settings?

Yes. Our graduates display the power of the knowledge they learned, and assessments are aligned with industry or professional – as well as academic – expectations. While studying, students have achieved real things, often while being assessed. Nursing students might have helped save lives, midwives delivered babies, teachers taught a classroom of students, computer scientists worked with a software client, communication students helped a small business. And all our graduates have worked in teams with other people, to deliver an outcome.

Across the university assessments are incredibly diverse:

As New Zealand’s largest health science university, we know that every year thousands of students have undertaken OSCE’s: Objective Structured Clinical Examination: these are practical tests used in almost all of the13 regulated health professions we teach, like paramedicine and nursing.
Design, hospitality and other students work at digital and analogue interfaces to produce things as different as garments they have sewn, models of spaces and buildings, prototypes of products, chemicals and meals.
Communication students are already contributing to actual news broadcasts on TVNZ.
Students are working with robots, on drones, and other forms of physical AI as part of the learning and their assessment.
To learn first-hand about how algorithms shape what we see and hear about the world via digital media, students in a global politics course deliberately change their online search terms, taking “before” and “after” screenshots to see the impact on their social media feeds. They can put these insights to use to become smart cultural navigators and more effective influencers for a better world.
Students in Education use generative AI or social media to help them learn a skill that they are keen to develop. They document their interactions and use their own experience to turn theories of learning into practical action.
In Engineering (ENME603 Fluid Mechanics), students document their learning through weekly learning journal entries. Students’ written submission explicitly demonstrates how the concepts encountered throughout the semester form the foundation for solving a complex, multi-part problem. The submission draws on – and explicitly cites – evidence captured in the learning journal, to support the claims and insights presented in the solutions.
In ARCH810 (Advanced Topics in Architecture) – a self-directed course intended to help students develop skills or knowledge in a specific area of interest – students produce an “artefact” that is justified by a research question or design problem. Students document their planning and tracking progress using an interactive digital whiteboard (e.g., Miro / Lucid). Staff feedback and comments, as well as students’ responses to these, are time-stamped to provide a clear trail of development.

Useful links:

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/11/08/meaningful-assessments-equate-to-degrees-that-matter/

Greens say all its enviro policies are on the table, warn against coalition’s ‘Dirty Dozen’.

LiveNews Publisher — Sat, 07 Nov 2026 21:50:21 +0000

Source: Green Party

The Green Party says all its environment policies are now on the table for New Zealanders to see, while today also releasing a list of a dozen laws and actions it says will accelerate environmental destruction, if National, Act and NZ First are allowed to progress them.

“I am asking New Zealanders to vote for those without a voice, including our threatened wildlife and wild places, while keeping their eyes wide open to the alternative which will devastate entire species and ecosystems,” says Green Party Co-leader Hon Marama Davidson.

“All of the Greens’ policies this election are now on the table, including our commitments to end mining on public conservation land, to protect our oceans and end bottom trawling, to restore our wetlands, rivers, and to limit the influence of big money that has corrupted our environmental laws.”

“By contrast, this has been the most environmentally destructive government Aotearoa has seen in a generation, and as Luxon, Jones and Seymour tell New Zealand every day, they have only just begun on their anti-nature programme. There will be much worse to come,” says Davidson.

“This year, New Zealanders marched in their tens of thousands against the Fast Track Act and anti-nature laws, while maps showing public conservation land at risk of being sold off went viral around the world.”

“At a time when half of our rivers are too polluted to swim in, fish populations are collapsing and over 4,000 native species are threatened with extinction, this Government could not be more out of touch with what New Zealanders want,” Davidson says.

The following anti-environmental laws and actions will be passed or progressed if a Luxon-led government is re-elected:

The Dirty Dozen

Conservation Amendment Bill. If passed, this bill has proposed changing the primary focus of conservation land management to ‘enable use and development to the greatest extent practicable,’ rather than manage for conservation.
Mining on public conservation land and other important and rare places, including coal mining on Denniston Plateau, Bream Bay sand mining, sea bed mining, industrial gold mining in central Otago drylands at the proposed Bendigo gold mine.
Fisheries Amendment Bill. If passed, this bill will hand unprecedented control over to the fishing industry. It includes the proposal to fine anyone sharing cameras footage from fishing boats up to $50,000, reduce public consultation, and incentivise trawling over more selective fishing methods, as well as reduce penalties for exceeding catch limits.
Failure to meet climate targets. International assessments of this government’s actions on climate put us in the league with Donald Trump at reversing climate action. We are putting international agreements at risk through our failure to meet climate commitments.
LNG fossil fuel facility. The Luxon government plans to use $1 billion of taxpayer money to underwrite an liquid gas import facility, locking New Zealand into more expensive power bills, and more climate heating emissions.
Gene Technology Bill. If passed this bill will radically deregulate genetic engineering and would allow genetically modified organisms to be released into the environment with inadequate risk assessments, oversight , tracking, and accountability. It would even allow GE experiments to be done outside of labs, with no expert supervision.
Environmental Reporting Amendment Bill. If passed, this bill will weaken environmental reporting and public accountability by changing the frequency of comprehensive State of the Environment from three to six years.
Natural Environment Act has been passed but has not yet taken effect. This bill embeds climate denialism and environmental exploitation into law by removing or weakening environmental protections.
Planning Act has been passed but has not yet taken effect. The controversial ‘regulatory relief’ rules force councils to pay or compensate landowners to not destroy biodiversity. Councils and experts made clear they can not meet these costs and this Act risks unprecedented biodiversity loss.
Wildlife (Authorisations) Amendment Act allows the Department of Conservation (DOC) to authorize the killing of protected wildlife where they stand in the way of development.
Re-opening offshore oil and gas exploration. While the law change has passed, the climate impact hasn’t happened yet. New permits, exploration, production and combustion will all play out over the next coming years, locking in climate heating emissions.
Possible withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. Act and New Zaland First have said the support removing NZ from our international obligations under the Paris Agreement, risking trade agreements and international credibility.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/11/08/greens-say-all-its-enviro-policies-are-on-the-table-warn-against-coalitions-dirty-dozen/

Unemployment shows Luxon asleep at the wheel

LiveNews Publisher — Sat, 07 Nov 2026 21:50:19 +0000

Source: Green Party

The Green Party says the latest Stats NZ release today shows the Government’s economic mismanagement is clearly taking the country in the wrong direction.

“Unemployment is at an 11-year high. The extra number of New Zealanders made unemployed under Luxon’s three years can fill Mt Smart Stadium twice over,” says Green Party Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick.

“After National chose to run a campaign almost exclusively on attacking the Greens’ fully costed plans, New Zealanders just don’t believe anything they say anymore. People are watching our country and economy deteriorate because of the very ‘plan’ they are asking New Zealanders to stick with.”

“That’ll be why record numbers are turning out to vote. New Zealanders should know that if they choose it, they will resign this shocking one-term Government to the history books.”

“The number of New Zealanders who have been unemployed for 6-months or longer is the worst it has been since the mid-1990s. And the National Government has left us even more exposed to imported fossil fuel inflation.”

“This Government chose to make ordinary New Zealanders poorer, while the super-rich have added $27 billion to their wallets in the last year alone.”

“The Greens have a real plan to develop the economy, fix the tax system and support 64,000 new jobs. We will invest in innovation, research and development, transport, and energy infrastructure,” says Swarbrick.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/11/08/unemployment-shows-luxon-asleep-at-the-wheel/

Greens call for investment in jobs to keep young people in New Zealand

LiveNews Publisher — Sat, 07 Nov 2026 21:50:15 +0000

Source: Green Party

The Green Party is calling for active government investment to create jobs at home, after new research found the rise in young people moving overseas since 2023 will cost the country $76 billion in GDP over the next four decades

“A Green Government will not let New Zealanders be passengers in their own economy. We will ensure active government investment drives higher wages, sustained innovation, better education, resilient infrastructure, healthy nature and a country we can be proud of. This is how we give young people hope to stay and build this beautiful country,” says Green Party Co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick.

The research, commissioned by the Party, found the rise in young New Zealanders moving overseas since 2023 will cost the country $76 billion in GDP over the next four decades.

“New Zealand loses $40 billion in earnings and $6 billion in public investment and tax revenue that it will not get back – unless something serious changes. That is why we’re campaigning to change this Government.”

“We all feel the cost of our friends and family leaving the country. For the last three years, Christopher Luxon has told young people to move to where the jobs are. With his dire economic management, that’s meant record numbers going overseas.”

“If the right–wing refuses to acknowledge that very human cost, they should be capable of facing the cold, hard data. The loss of talent managed by Christopher Luxon could cost our country $76 billion in foregone GDP.”

“It’s normal for a number of young people to want to go on their OE. But what we’ve seen in the last three years is not normal.”

“New Zealanders deserve a real economic development plan, which means serious investment in our economy, our people, our infrastructure and our resilience. That’s what the Greens are providing, showing how we can create 64,000 new jobs and fix what is so clearly broken.”

The report finds 77,500 New Zealand citizens aged 18 to 30 left the country long term between 2023 and 2025. That is about 26,000 a year, around 60 per cent more than the 2016 to 2019 average, and roughly 30,000 more young people than if pre-COVID levels had held.

“Young people are following the jobs. The report finds that departures of people in their twenties rise and fall with the gap between unemployment here and in Australia, where about two thirds of departing citizens go. That gap is now 1.2 percentage points, the widest since 2012.”

Between the June 2023 and June 2026 quarters, the number of employed people aged 20 to 29 fell by 40,400, or 7.4 per cent. Unemployment among 15 to 24-year-olds reached 17.2 per cent in the June 2026 quarter.

“There is no shortage of creativity, hard work and innovation in this beautiful country – but there has been a shortage of political leadership. The Greens have the plan to fix that.”

“We do not need to wave goodbye to young people who don’t actually want to leave this country. We can have a sensible Government that invests in improving lives, lowering the cost of living, stimulating employment and economic resilience. That’s why the Greens exist,” says Swarbrick.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/11/08/greens-call-for-investment-in-jobs-to-keep-young-people-in-new-zealand/

National caught sneaking unpopular conservation policies back into play

LiveNews Publisher — Sat, 07 Nov 2026 21:50:12 +0000

Source: Green Party

The Green Party says Luxon must categorically rule out the sale and disposal of public conservation land and any intention to put profits ahead of nature in conservation law, after the National Party quietly released its ‘blue-green’ manifesto this morning.

The ‘Blue-Green’ policy, published online with no fanfare, quietly walks away from previous assurances by Luxon that his party had backed down from its unpopular conservation positions.

“Today a critical line has been drawn for New Zealanders, a vote for the Luxon coalition is a vote to rip up or sell off public conservation land,” says Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson.

“Over 70,000 people submitted on the Conservation Amendment Bill. But National has been caught out sneaking their hugely unpopular positions back into play, and New Zealanders should be very worried,” Davidson says.

National previously indicated it would remove the controversial land-disposal provisions from the Bill, yet its ‘blue-green’ manifesto makes no such commitment, and their Bill in front of the House remains unchanged.

“This election, our conservation land and assets are on the line. National is leaving the door wide open to changes that put our public conservation land at risk,” Davidson says.

“Another coalition government with ACT and NZ First raises serious concerns about the future of conservation protections.

“Seymour is a tireless advocate for selling off our critical public assets, while Jones pushed through the provisions to prioritise economic development on conservation land.

“National cannot claim to have listened to public concerns while refusing to rule out the very provisions that sparked widespread opposition.

“Our conservation estate is not a property portfolio or an economic development opportunity. It belongs to all New Zealanders and must be protected for future generations,” Davidson says.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/11/08/national-caught-sneaking-unpopular-conservation-policies-back-into-play/

Big donors hand National $500k in 11 days, eclipsing some parties’ entire 2026 donation total

LiveNews Publisher — Sat, 07 Nov 2026 21:50:05 +0000

Source: Green Party

Half a million dollars going to National in a week and a half, in an attempt to drive influence just before the election, shows why we need to get big money out of politics to make democracy work for all of us, says the Green Party.

From 2-13 October 2026, National received $499,000 in large donations, more than some parties have received the entire year, including the Opportunity Party ($491,660), nearly as much as the Green Party ($594,208), and almost 3.5 times more than Te Pati Māori ($144,000).

“Government is supposed to work for New Zealanders, not lobbyists and the super rich. It’s clear who the super rich are backing, and which party represents their interests,” says Green Party Co-leader Marama Davidson.

“Though this is just pocket change to the super rich, they wouldn’t donate millions if it didn’t deliver something in return. This year, ACT received $2.4M and National received $2.8M in large donations. Both parties have received more than Labour, the Greens, Te Pati Māori and Opportunity combined, who received $2.1M total. That right there is 5.2 million examples showing the wealthy believe political influence is worth paying for.”

“This term, Luxon’s Government has been brazen in its goal to weaken donation laws, make voting harder, and strip thousands of people of their human right to vote. Now they’re reaping the benefits.”

“What we do with our democracy matters. Who we afford special privileges shapes the decisions made in Parliament and the direction this country takes.”

“Our democracy should work for everyone, not just the wealthy few. The Green Party will bring the power back to all New Zealanders by getting big money and influence out of politics, capping political donations at $30,000, stopping companies from donating, and setting up a public register of lobbyists.”

“Because the power should be held by the 99.3%, not the 0.7%,” says Marama Davidson.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/11/08/big-donors-hand-national-500k-in-11-days-eclipsing-some-parties-entire-2026-donation-total/

Labour will crack down on unfair charges on bills

LiveNews Publisher — Sat, 07 Nov 2026 11:10:11 +0000

Source: New Zealand Labour Party

Labour will stop companies charging loyal customers more, end nasty surprises when deals finish, and ban fake discounts.

“This election is about the cost of living. Household bills have gone up under National, and every dollar counts,” Labour Leader Chris Hipkins said.

“Too often, people who stay with the same phone, internet or insurance company for years end up paying more than a new customer.

“Many find their bills go up when a deal ends, or that a sale wasn’t the bargain it looked like.

“You shouldn’t have to spend hours comparing prices, reading the fine print or changing companies just to get a fair deal. Labour will make sure companies treat their customers fairly,” Chris Hipkins said.

Labour will:

Stop companies charging loyal customers more: Phone, internet and insurance companies won’t be able to charge longstanding customers higher prices than new customers just because they haven’t switched.
Stop nasty surprises when deals end: Companies won’t be able to shift customers onto unjustifiably expensive plans when an introductory deal ends, and will have to tell you clearly what you’ll pay and whether there’s a cheaper plan.
Ban fake discounts: Advertised discounts will have to be based on the lowest price charged for that product in the previous 30 days.

“Some companies save their best deals for new customers, while people who’ve been with them for years pay more,” Labour Commerce and Consumer Affairs spokesperson Arena Williams said.

“Labour will change the rules so companies can’t charge loyal customers more just because they haven’t switched.

“We’ll also stop companies quietly moving people onto expensive plans when a deal ends. They’ll have to tell you clearly what you’ll pay next, and whether there’s a cheaper plan.

“And when a shop says something is on special, it should be a real saving. The Commerce Commission has had to take supermarkets to court over misleading specials. Labour will make it simple: advertised discounts will have to be based on the lowest price charged in the previous 30 days.

“Kiwis work hard. They deserve fair prices, honest deals, and more left over at the end of the week. Labour has a plan to tackle the cost of living and make sure Kiwis get a fair go on their household bills,” Arena Williams said.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/11/08/labour-will-crack-down-on-unfair-charges-on-bills/

Luxon’s failed record laid bare

LiveNews Publisher — Sat, 07 Nov 2026 11:10:08 +0000

Source: New Zealand Labour Party

The last jobs numbers before the election deliver a damning verdict on Christopher Luxon’s economic management, with unemployment climbing again to 5.7 percent, and 51,000 more Kiwis out of work since National took office.

“Three years of Christopher Luxon’s leadership and he’s made everything worse. His last chance to show his plan was working has come and gone, and Kiwis are paying the price,” Labour finance and economy spokesperson Barbara Edmonds said.

“For working families, the pressure hasn’t let up. The cost of living is still biting, bills are piling up and wages are struggling to keep pace.

“Young people are being hit particularly hard, with 91,000 or one in seven young people not working, studying or training. It’s no wonder so many are looking overseas for opportunities when they can’t find a future here at home.

“Māori unemployment is at 10.9 percent and Pasifika unemployment at 11.5 percent. National’s economic failure is hitting these communities especially hard and Christopher Luxon has barely noticed.

“National wiped out around 20,000 construction jobs, and cut thousands of public service positions. Skilled workers are losing their jobs while businesses are struggling to stay afloat.

“None of this was inevitable. When Labour left office unemployment was at 3.9%. Now it’s at an 11-year high.

“National chose cuts over investment, cancelled projects and left businesses to fend for themselves. The result is fewer jobs, less opportunity and more families under pressure.

“Labour will get Kiwis back on the tools, building homes, fixing schools and repairing hospitals. We’ll also stop the cuts to the public services our country relies on and get the economy moving again.

“New Zealand can’t afford another three years of National. If you want a government focused on creating jobs, growing the economy and giving Kiwis a fair shot, party vote Labour,” Barbara Edmonds said.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/11/08/luxons-failed-record-laid-bare/

National continues to fail Starship

LiveNews Publisher — Sat, 07 Nov 2026 11:10:05 +0000

Source: New Zealand Labour Party

Simeon Brown cannot ignore the stark warnings of nurses at Starship Hospital who say his hiring freeze has put lives at risk.

“Eighty-five nurses at Starship are demanding urgent action. That should be a massive wake-up call for Christopher Luxon and Simeon Brown,” Labour health spokesperson Dr Ayesha Verrall said.

“These are the nurses caring for some of the sickest children in New Zealand. They should be able to focus on looking after their patients, not having to fight a failure of a Health Minister to get the staffing they need to do their jobs safely.

“New Zealanders should be able to trust that when their child needs treatment, there will be qualified nurses there to deliver it.

“Nurses have been warning about staffing shortages up and down the country. These shortages are the result of the Government’s hiring freeze, with only 54 extra nurses hired in two years.

“Our children deserve better. Our nurses deserve better. Families going through the unimaginable stress of childhood cancer deserve a health system that is there for them when they need it most.

“Labour will end National’s hiring freeze and guarantee every eligible New Zealand-trained graduate nurse a job in our health system.

“National has already done serious damage to our health system. Another three years of the same will only make it worse. New Zealanders cannot afford to take that risk,” Dr Verrall said.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/11/08/national-continues-to-fail-starship/

HKUST President Prof. Nancy IP Receives UNESCO–Equatorial Guinea International Prize for Research in Life Sciences

MIL OSI — Sat, 07 Nov 2026 08:04:22 +0000

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 November 2026 – Prof. Nancy IP, President and The Morningside Professor of Life Science at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), has been awarded the 2026 UNESCO-Equatorial Guinea International Prize for Research in the Life Sciences in recognition of her pioneering contributions to neuroscience and Alzheimer’s disease research. The award ceremony was held on November 6 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France.

Prof. Nancy Ip, President and Morningside Professor of Life Science at HKUST, has been awarded the 2026 UNESCO-Equatorial Guinea International Prize for Research in the Life Sciences in recognition of her pioneering contributions to neuroscience and Alzheimer’s disease research. Prof. Ip accepts the award at a ceremony held on November 6 at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France.

In announcing the award, UNESCO recognized Prof. Ip as an internationally renowned neuroscientist whose research has significantly advanced the understanding of brain function and neurodegenerative diseases. It highlighted her team’s discoveries of novel biomarkers and genetic risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease, the development of an innovative blood-based diagnostic technology that enables earlier detection and monitoring of the disease, and her pioneering advances in gene therapy research that have opened new avenues for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.

Receiving the award in Paris, Prof. Ip expressed her heartfelt gratitude to her research team, collaborators and colleagues, and thanked HKUST for its steadfast support throughout her scientific journey.

Prof. Nancy Ip (middle) joins the 2026 UNESCO-Equatorial Guinea International Prize laureates and Fellowship Programme for Young Women Scientists in Africa recipients for a group photo.

Prof. Ip said: “I am deeply honored to receive the UNESCO-Equatorial Guinea International Prize for Research in the Life Sciences. This recognition belongs not only to me, but also to the many talented and dedicated team members, collaborators and colleagues who have contributed to these achievements. It reflects our shared commitment to advancing knowledge, deepening our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease, and translating scientific discoveries into meaningful benefits for patients and society.“

She added: “Alzheimer’s disease is not just a scientific and medical challenge. It is also a deeply human one, profoundly affecting the lives of those living with the disease and their families. Their courage reminds us why our work matters and inspires us to reach higher.”

Prof. Ip also emphasized the importance of global scientific collaboration and nurturing future generations of researchers. “Science is a collective endeavor,” she said. “Every breakthrough is built on collaboration across disciplines, institutions and borders. As a scientist and university president, I believe we must also empower young researchers by giving them the freedom to pursue their curiosity, the confidence to take intellectual risks, and the support they need to tackle the grand challenges facing humanity.”

Prof. Nancy Ip expressed her heartfelt gratitude to her research team, collaborators and colleagues, and thanked HKUST for its steadfast support throughout her scientific journey.

Breakthrough Contributions to Neuroscience and Alzheimer’s Disease Research

Prof. Ip has devoted more than three decades to advancing research on neurodegenerative diseases. To date, she has published over 350 scholarly papers and holds 144 patents. Her pioneering work has significantly deepened scientific understanding of intercellular communication in the nervous system, synaptic signaling, and the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases. Her research team has also achieved a series of breakthroughs in identifying protein targets associated with these disorders, opening new avenues for their diagnosis and treatment.

Recognizing that Alzheimer’s disease research has historically relied heavily on data from Western populations, with Asian populations being relatively underrepresented, Prof. Ip led her team in establishing a large-scale Chinese Alzheimer’s disease biobank. By integrating clinical data, neuroimaging information, and multi-omics datasets from Chinese populations, the team successfully identified multiple genetic risk factors prevalent among Chinese individuals. These findings have provided important scientific insights into disease mechanisms and laid a foundation for the development of precision diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

In recent years, Prof. Ip and her team have made significant advances in the early detection of Alzheimer’s disease and the clinical translation of related research. They co-developed a highly accurate, minimally invasive, and efficient blood-based diagnostic test that can aid early detection of Alzheimer’s disease and help identify individuals with mild cognitive impairment, thereby supporting timely clinical assessment and intervention planning, as well as the identification of suitable participants for clinical trials. The technology has been adopted by multiple healthcare institutions in Hong Kong and has since been expanded into community settings, helping to inform more effective disease management and risk-reduction strategies. Meanwhile, the team is actively exploring novel gene therapy approaches for familial Alzheimer’s disease through gene-editing technologies, with the goal of developing an integrated innovation pipeline spanning early diagnosis to next-generation therapeutics.

An Internationally Acclaimed Scientist

Prof. Ip is President of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and concurrently serves as Director of the State Key Laboratory of Nervous System Disorders and Director of the Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Prior to joining HKUST, she was a Senior Staff Scientist at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals in the United States. Since joining HKUST, she has held a number of key leadership positions, including Head of the Department of Biochemistry, Dean of Science, and Vice-President for Research and Development, before assuming the presidency of the University in 2022.

Renowned internationally for her scientific achievements and academic leadership, Prof. Ip is an elected member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the US National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), Academia Europaea, and the Hong Kong Academy of Sciences. Her many honors include the L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science Award, the State Natural Science Award of China (twice), and recognition by Nature as one of China’s “Ten Science Stars”. She was also appointed Chevalier de l’Ordre National du Mérite by the French Government and awarded both the Silver Bauhinia Star and Bronze Bauhinia Star by the HKSAR Government.

The UNESCO-Equatorial Guinea International Prize for Research in the Life Sciences was established by UNESCO to recognize outstanding scientific achievements that advance human health and improve quality of life. The Prize promotes scientific excellence, international collaboration, and the development of research networks worldwide. This year’s prize is shared by three laureates, who jointly receive US$300,000 and an Integración Tribal statuette created by Equatorial Guinean artist Leandro Mbomio Nsue.

Hashtag: #HKUST

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Ningbo Consensus on Collaborative Development released at 2026 Global Mayors Dialogue · Ningbo

MIL OSI — Fri, 06 Nov 2026 13:49:21 +0000

Source: Media Outreach

NINGBO, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 November 2026 – The Ningbo Consensus on Collaborative Development was jointly released by representatives from 15 countries at the main event of the 2026 Global Mayors Dialogue · Ningbo held in Ningbo, east China’s Zhejiang Province, on November 3.

Photo shows the thematic dialogue session at the main event of the 2026 Global Mayors Dialogue· Ningbo.

Held from Nov. 2 to 5 in Ningbo, the 2026 Global Mayors Dialogue · Ningbo, themed “Openness and Connectivity for Shared Opportunities”, has brought together more than 260 participants, including mayors and their representatives from 20 cities of 15 countries, such as France, Italy and New Zealand, as well as representatives of international organizations such as the United Nations Global Compact, business representatives and media professionals.

After in-depth discussions, the representatives agreed on three points of consensus covering deepening industrial cooperation, upholding trade openness and promoting people-to-people exchanges.

They agreed that advancing industrial development through cooperation, creating opportunities through openness, and fostering closer people-to-people ties are important ways to keep pace with economic globalization and promote urban prosperity and people’s well-being.

Participants will build on their respective strengths and resource endowments, identify their comparative advantages and pursue distinctive paths of open development. They will promote complementarity and resource sharing, expand two-way investment, and foster an open, inclusive and mutually beneficial environment for innovation, enabling the sharing of innovation outcomes.

On trade and openness, participants have pledged to firmly uphold the multilateral trading system, strengthen connectivity, facilitate the orderly flow and efficient allocation of production factors, safeguard stable and smooth supply chains, and resolve differences through dialogue.

They have also agreed to deepen exchanges and cooperation in culture, education, healthcare and other fields, improve mechanisms for interaction and expand people-to-people exchanges to foster mutual understanding and closer ties. They called for promoting exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations to overcome estrangement and prevent conflicts.

Looking ahead, participants will continue to promote openness and connectivity and share development opportunities, build new mechanisms for city-to-city cooperation, and strengthen mutual understanding and trust, contributing to the sustainable development of cities worldwide.

Guided by the State Council Information Office, the 2026 Global Mayors Dialogue · Ningbo is co-hosted by the People’s Government of Ningbo Municipality, the Information Office of the People’s Government of Zhejiang Province, and Xinhua News Agency Zhejiang Bureau.

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

ZTE Showcases at Hong Kong FinTech Week 2026: Architecting a Digital Foundation for the Era of Agentic Finance with “Zero Failure, Trust, Optimal TCO, and Open Ecosystem”

MIL OSI — Fri, 06 Nov 2026 12:30:52 +0000

Source: Media Outreach

ZTE presented its infrastructure strategy for agentic finance at Hong Kong FinTech Week 2026, emphasizing Zero Failure, Trust, Optimal TCO, and Open Ecosystem
With proven banking deployments worldwide, ZTE delivers reliable, secure, cost-efficient, and broadly compatible infrastructure to support financial institutions in the era of intelligent finance

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 November 2026 – ZTE Corporation (0763.HK / 000063.SZ), a global leading provider of integrated information and communication technology solutions, shared its infrastructure strategy and industry practices for the era of agentic finance at Hong Kong FinTech Week x StartmeupHK 2026, held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) from November 2 to 6.

Mei Zhonghua, Senior Vice President of ZTE and President of Overseas Enterprise Business, was invited to attend the event. Han Jingyun, Vice President of ZTE, attended the Financial AI Forum and delivered a keynote address entitled “The Runway for Intelligent Finance: Zero Failure, Trust, Optimal TCO, and Open Ecosystem.”

In his speech, Han pointed out that while intelligent finance unlocks tremendous industry opportunities, it also introduces unprecedented challenges: system operational instability, massive computing demand surges, security vulnerabilities across intelligent agents and equipment systems, computing capacity bottlenecks, soaring capital expenditures (CAPEX), and closed proprietary ecosystems. “Every intelligent takeoff demands a trustworthy runway,” he aptly remarked.

Facing the era of intelligent finance, ZTE has established a next-generation financial infrastructure anchored on its three-pillar “ZTE” framework:

Z (Zero Failure) — Architecting a Stable, Financial-Grade Intelligent Foundation

ZTE has built end-to-end full-stack capabilities spanning databases, operating systems, and network infrastructure. Currently, ZTE powers more than 10 billion financial transactions daily across major banking institutions, processing over RMB 10 trillion in daily transaction volume.

Its proprietary GoldenDB distributed database has run smoothly in mission-critical core banking systems for six consecutive years, delivering an extraordinary reliability of over 99.9999% (“six-nines”).

T (Trust and TCO Optimal) — Building Trustworthy, Cost-Efficient Intelligent Infrastructure

On the Trust front, ZTE advances security across both product and AI agent dimensions. GoldenDB was among the first to pass national security and reliability evaluations, with its distributed database achieving a Level II rating (the highest tier currently available); and ZTE’s cloud terminals leverage a zero-trust architecture with zero local data retention, mitigating security incidents by over 70%.

ZTE’s enterprise-grade AI agent platform, Co-Claw, was also among the first to earn official Trusted AI Accreditation from the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT), with its agent memory capability achieving the industry’s highest Level 4+ rating.

On the TCO Optimal front, ZTE delivers best-in-class TCO solutions across AI servers, cloud platforms, and cloud terminals. ZTE’s AI servers are broadly compatible with mainstream global GPUs, enabling on-demand, flexible selection to satisfy diverse computing requirements. In cloud terminals, ZTE ranks No. 1 nationwide in market share, with its Cloud PC platform serving over 10 million users, supporting unified management of millions of endpoints while repurposing existing assets to minimize capital investment.

E (Ecosystem) — Cultivating Broadly Compatible, Scale-Proven Open Intelligent Infrastructure

ZTE achieves extensive ecosystem compatibility across all technology layers, currently collaborating with over 30 leading industry ecosystem partners.

In Mainland China, ZTE serves all 6 major state-owned commercial banks and all 12 nationwide joint-stock commercial banks, achieving a 100% coverage rate. In Hong Kong, ZTE supports multiple mainstream financial institutions. Across overseas markets, its business footprint spans Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America, where ZTE has established long-term strategic partnerships with leading regional banks.

Looking ahead to the era of intelligent finance, ZTE will continue to leverage its three “ZTE” pillars—safeguarding mission-critical operations with Zero Failure, driving sustainable growth through Trust and Optimal TCO, and co-creating value with partners across an Open Ecosystem—to forge an enduring, resilient intelligent foundation for the future of Hong Kong’s financial ecosystem.

Hashtag: #ZTE

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Making best use of railway land

LiveNews Publisher — Thu, 05 Nov 2026 21:20:07 +0000

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government has extended KiwiRail’s lease of railway land by 100 years, unlocking the commercial potential of billions of dollars in Crown property, Rail Minister Winston Peters says.

“New Zealanders have invested in their railway estate for generations, and we must make those assets work harder for taxpayers,” Mr Peters says.

“Across the country, valuable railway land sits vacant or underused. We want to turn that wasted potential into productive investment, jobs, and revenue.

“Any smart businessperson knows that the value of land depends on what you can do with it, and how long you have to do it. No developer will invest millions in buildings and infrastructure without certainty they can recover their investment and make a return.

“A short lease limits investment and depresses value. A long lease provides certainty, attracts capital, and unlocks commercial opportunities. That is why we are extending KiwiRail’s lease from 2070 to 2170, putting its landholdings on a near-freehold commercial footing.

“Railway land remains in Crown ownership through the New Zealand Railways Corporation. We are not selling the family silver. We are making it earn its keep.

“We initiated this work in 2018 and were surprised to discover, on returning to the railways portfolio, that it had been left idling by people with no commercial experience.

“Since then officials and KiwiRail have engaged with iwi, whose existing rights of first refusal over railway land remains unchanged, and many have expressed interest in joining investment ventures in railway assets as a result of that engagement.

“Every dollar earned from railway property is a dollar that can be put to work supporting rail rather than coming from taxpayers’ pockets.

“New Zealanders own these valuable assets which were left to rot on the roadside for too long, but with our efforts they will garner a return on them,” Mr Peters says.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/11/06/making-best-use-of-railway-land/

The “1st Greater Bay Area Health and Longevity Summit & Awards Ceremony” concludes successfully in Macao

MIL OSI — Thu, 05 Nov 2026 16:19:22 +0000

Source: Media Outreach

Melco joins forces with industry leaders to deliver on the city’s Big Health vision

MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 November 2026 – To accelerate the high-quality development of the Big Health industry in the Greater Bay Area (GBA), the “1st Greater Bay Area Health and Longevity Summit & Awards Ceremony”, proudly sponsored by Melco Resorts & Entertainment, concluded successfully today at Studio City. Jointly organized by Hong Kong Ta Kung Wen Wei Media Group (MACAO) and iRad Hospital, the landmark event brought together international pioneers and industry leaders, drawing more than 360 guests including members of the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference National Committee, for high-level dialogue and exchange on the latest developments shaping the future of health and longevity.

1st Greater Bay Area Health and Longevity Summit & Awards Ceremony concludes successfully in Macao

As the Strategic Sponsor, Melco reinforced its commitment to Macao’s Big Health sector. This advances the vision established with its October 2025 launch of iRad Hospital in partnership with the iRad Medical Group at Studio City—the world’s first and Macao’s only integrated resort hospital equipped with both MRI and CT scanning facilities.

Mr. Lawrence Ho, Chairman & CEO of Melco

Mr. Lawrence Ho, Chairman & CEO of Melco, said, “As Macao pursues its ‘1+4’ appropriate economic diversification strategy, Melco is proud to support this inaugural wellness and longevity summit. With iRad Hospital at Studio City, we are bridging cutting-edge longevity science and world-class hospitality together under one roof – and today’s exchange of ideas among leading experts from across the world is exactly how Macao will grow into a premier global hub for medical tourism and Big Health innovation. We sincerely thank our co-organizers and the distinguished speakers and experts for sharing their invaluable insights and expertise, which contributed to the success of this inaugural event.”

Featuring an exceptional line-up of 25 global speakers from 10 regions, the Summit delivered a dynamic programme of keynotes and high-level discussions addressing the future of health and longevity. The three highly anticipated keynotes included:

Keynote 1: “One Gene. Cancer. Aging. One Switch” – Presented by Professor Dean Felsher of Stanford University, a leading cancer researcher specializing in oncology and pathology. He currently serves as the Founding Director of the Translational Research and Applied Medicine (TRAM) Program. His pioneering research focuses on the concept of oncogene addiction, utilizing innovative model systems to translate basic science breakthroughs into targeted therapeutics and novel cancer treatments.

Keynote 2: “Don’t Die: One Man’s War on Aging” – Presented by Bryan Johnson, Founder of Blueprint, and Kate Tolo, Co-Founder of Blueprint and Immortals. Together, they are pioneering the global longevity and biohacking movement by transforming rigorous health data tracking into accessible consumer protocols. Their multi-million dollar open-science experiments actively track thousands of biological markers to optimize human healthspan and redefine the limits of aging.

Keynote 3: “The Future of Longevity is Delicious” – Presented by René Redzepi and Peter Kreiner of Noma, a world-famous Copenhagen-based restaurant and food innovation lab. Together, they champion culinary exploration by unlocking the potential of hidden, wild, and treasured natural ingredients through advanced fermentation and foraging. Their work demonstrates how meticulous preparation methods and nutrient-rich, unadulterated ingredients can harmoniously elevate both exceptional flavor and long-term human wellness and longevity.

A series of high-level fireside chats further explored cutting-edge developments across wellness and longevity, science, technology and healthcare, with sessions including “Wellness & Longevity: From Vitality to Science”, “The Convergence of Quantum Computing and Biochemistry in Drug Development”, “Imaging, Omics & AI”, “Data Trust: Privacy and the Future of Health Data” and “Heritage & Innovation: New Pathways for High-Quality TCM Development in the GBA”.

Mr. Dennis Tam, Honorary Chairman of iRad Hospital and President and CEO of Black Spade Capital

Mr. Dennis Tam, Honorary Chairman of iRad Hospital and President and CEO of Black Spade Capital, said, “Longevity doesn’t begin in a laboratory. It begins with people. At iRad, we are building the Longevity+ brand around exactly that idea — bringing world-class science and genuine human connection under one roof. This first Greater Bay Area Health and Longevity Summit in Macau was proof it works: 360 business leaders, professionals, and entrepreneurs, 25 speakers from 10 regions, and conversations that went far beyond any single keynote — all in just four hours. We are proud to keep building it across the Greater Bay Area and beyond, to the world.”

The event was marked by an opening ceremony officiated by distinguished guests including representatives of the event’s Supporting Units: Mr. Lo Iek Long, Director of the Health Bureau of the Macao SAR Government; Mr. Choi Peng Cheong, Director of the Pharmaceutical Administration Bureau of the Macao SAR Government; Mr. Larry Leong, Acting President of the Board of Directors of the Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute of the Macao SAR Government; and Mr. U U Sang, Deputy Director of the Economic and Technological Development Bureau of the Macao SAR Government; other government officials: Mr. Yang Quanzhou, Deputy Director-General of the Economic Affairs Department of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR; Mr. Cheong Chok Man, Director of the Policy Study and Regional Development Bureau of the Macao SAR Government; Mr. Lio Chi Chong, Acting Director of the Gaming Inspection and Coordination Bureau of the Macao SAR Government; and Mr. Cheng Wai Tong, Acting Director of Macao Government Tourism Office; Mr. Lawrence Ho, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Melco, the event’s Strategic Sponsor; and representatives of the co-organizers: Mr. Zheng Yong Nan, Vice Chairman and General Manager of Hong Kong Ta Kung Wen Wei Media Group; Mr. Dennis Tam, Honorary Chairman of iRad Hospital and President and CEO of Black Spade Capital; Dr. Matthew Ngan, Founder and Chairman of iRad Hospital; and Mr. Kin Wong, CEO of iRad Hospital.

The event culminated in a networking dinner and awards ceremony, honoring 17 outstanding organizations and individuals in the GBA for their contributions to the Big Health industry, medical innovation and the integration of healthcare and tourism.

https://www.melco-resorts.com
https://hk.linkedin.com/company/melco-resorts-entertainment
https://x.com/MelcoResorts
https://www.facebook.com/MelcoCSR/
Wechat: 新濠博亚娱乐
https://www.instragram.com/melco.resorts

Hashtag: #Melco #iRad #TaKungWenWei #longevity #GreaterBayArea

About Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited

The Company, with its American depositary shares listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (Nasdaq: MLCO), is a developer, owner and operator of integrated resort facilities in Asia and Europe. The Company currently operates City of Dreams ( www.cityofdreamsmacau.com) and Altira Macau ( www.altiramacau.com), integrated resorts located in Cotai and Taipa, Macau, respectively. Its business also includes the Mocha Clubs ( www.mochaclubs.com), the only non-casino based operation of electronic gaming machines in Macau. In addition, the Company operates Studio City ( www.studiocity-macau.com), a cinematically-themed integrated resort in Cotai, Macau. In the Philippines, the Company operates and manages City of Dreams Manila ( www.cityofdreamsmanila.com), an integrated resort in the Entertainment City complex in Manila. In Europe, the Company operates City of Dreams Mediterranean, an integrated resort in Limassol, in the Republic of Cyprus ( www.cityofdreamsmed.com.cy) and licensed satellite casinos in other cities in Cyprus (the “Cyprus Casinos”). In South Asia, the Company operates the casino and manages the Nüwa hotel at City of Dreams Sri Lanka ( www.cityofdreamssrilanka.com), an integrated resort in Colombo, Sri Lanka. For more information about the Company, please visit www.melco-resorts.com.

The Company is majority owned by Melco International Development Limited, a company listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited, which is in turn majority owned and led by Mr. Lawrence Ho, who is the Chairman, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Cyberport Venture & Capital Forum 2026 Concludes with Record 600+ Deal Flows, 2,800+ Attendees and 200,000+ Online Views

MIL OSI — Thu, 05 Nov 2026 15:34:11 +0000

Source: Media Outreach

Two-day forum explores AI, the agentic economy and the tokenisation landscape, unveiling new global capital trends

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 November 2026 – Cyberport Venture & Capital Forum (CVCF) 2026 successfully concluded its two-day event, recording over 600+ deal flows. Centered on the theme “Scaling in a Changing World: Winning the Next Competitive Cycle”, Cyberport’s annual flagship forum convened over 2800+ attendees and over 200,000+ online views. The forum facilitated direct engagement between international investors and high-growth technology enterprises through founder pitch sessions, structured investor matching, startup clinics, and innovation showcases. Industry leaders and global investors exchanged critical market intelligence on emerging cross-border opportunities, capital strategies, and scalable enterprise models. The forum also served as a premier platform for exploring next-generation technology solutions, highlighting advances in agentic AI, tech infrastructure transformation, and asset tokenisation.

The spotlight event of CVCF, the “Agentic Economy Summit“, featured a keynote speech by Joseph Chan, Under Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury of the HKSAR Government, with welcome remarks from Dr Rocky Cheng, CEO of Cyberport.

Joseph Chan, Under Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury, stated in his speech, “Digital Assets are redefining how value moves across the global economy. Hong Kong is not merely observing this transformation; we are actively leading and architecting it. The Blockchain & Digital Asset Pilot Subsidy Scheme launched by Cyberport last year received an encouraging response, with more than half of the shortlisted projects already successfully commercialised. Building on this momentum, the FSTB has commissioned Cyberport to launch Scheme 2.0 to foster collaboration between technology companies and enterprises, accelerating the development and adoption of innovative solutions in real-world asset tokenisation, blockchain and digital assets. We will continue working closely with the industry to build a trusted, sustainable and vibrant digital asset ecosystem.”

Dr Rocky Cheng, CEO of Cyberport, stated in his speech, “Agentic AI is evolving from workplace assistants to autonomous entities that transact and decide on our behalf, accelerating the agentic economy from a vision into reality. We must confront three core questions: how to anchor trust when autonomous agents transact; how to take stablecoins and tokenised assets from pilot to scale; and where the human edge endures as AI drives execution costs toward zero. Hong Kong has already laid a solid foundation for the compliant issuance of stablecoins and tokenised assets. The next imperative is to drive their practical adoption across circulation, trading, collateralisation, and cross-border settlement. At the same time, the One-Person Companies (OPC) model is redefining entrepreneurship, unlocking unprecedented opportunities for young founders. Cyberport will continue to champion its role Serving as Hong Kong’s digital tech flagship and AI accelerator, Cyberport rallies talent, technology, capital, and market access to drive the Government’s I&T agenda and cement Hong Kong’s leadership in AI and digital assets.”

The Summit’s morning session examined how tokenised assets, HKD stablecoins and agentic AI are reshaping global financial infrastructure and business models. Key industry leaders shared their insights:

Dr Feng Xiao, Chairman & CEO of HashKey Group, delivered a keynote on rewiring identity, money and value on-chain, exploring the shift from basic tokenisation to a fully realised agentic economy.
Discus Fish, CEO & Co-founder of Cobo, shared how individuals can preserve a distinctly human edge in the age of intelligent agents by drawing on purpose and independent judgement.
Mr Wolf Ruzicka, Chief Commercial Officer of Unlimit, shared how a focused, use case-led approach to agentic AI can deliver measurable business value and enable scalable enterprise adoption.
Rachel Lee, Director of Blockchain & Digital Asset at Cyberport, and Michael Law, Senior Fintech Director at the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), explored how Hong Kong is supporting the development of tokenisation.
Industry leaders from Anchorpoint, Finloop, HashKey Exchange, UBS, and more joined dynamic panel discussions on the next chapter of HKD stablecoins and the collaborative building of the agentic economy ecosystem.

The afternoon programme centred on agentic payment, institutional tokenisation, and OPCs, an emerging model in which AI agents enable lean entrepreneurial ventures to achieve unprecedented operational scale. Through fireside chats and panel discussions, leading industry figures gave investors and entrepreneurs a clearer view of future opportunities and of how frontier technologies such as agentic AI and digital assets can drive business growth. Highlights included:

Samuel Tse, Head of Investment & Corporate Finance at Animoca Brands, chaired a fireside chat alongside Reap and Pivota on navigating agentic commerce.
Expert panels featuring representatives from Visa, Ethereum Institutional, CSOP Asset Management, Payment Cards Group, Canton Foundation, Plume, FORMS HK, AWS Hong Kong, on unlocking the full value of tokenised assets and the future of money movement, and how OPCs is now a new, scalable form of entrepreneurship.

In addition, a series of start-up workshops offered practical guidance on securing capital and achieving sustainable growth amid rapid industry transformation, while addressing the new financing challenges of the agentic AI era to help founders seize opportunities in a fast-changing and highly competitive market.

Across the two days, CVCF 2026 featured over 80 physical booths and more than 100 virtual showcases, highlighting market-ready technologies and breakthrough innovations from Hong Kong and the broader region. The exhibition enabled start-ups to demonstrate their capabilities across enterprise AI, agentic systems, asset tokenisation and digital finance, while fostering strategic exchanges among industry leaders from the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong and international markets.

Building on Cyberport’s growing international footprint, CVCF 2026 also welcomed a record turnout of overseas delegations from Europe, the Americas and Asia, forging multi-regional partnerships and creating pathways for international start-ups to land, access capital and scale via Hong Kong.

To revisit the content and speaker line-up of Cyberport Venture & Capital Forum 2026, please visit https://cvcf.cyberport.hk/en/index. The CVCF virtual event platform remains open until mid-November, where attendees can revisit forum sessions and virtual tech solution showcases, and schedule one-on-one deal flow meetings.

Hashtag: #Cyberport

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 2,400 companies, including 30 listed companies and 10 unicorns. 40% of onsite companies’ founders come from 28 countries and regions, while Cyberport companies have expanded to over 36 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.

For more information, please visit https://www.cyberport.hk/en.

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Unlock a Season of Enchantment at Galaxy Macau, with a Dazzling Luxury Maison-inspired Winter Wonderland

MIL OSI — Thu, 05 Nov 2026 14:16:13 +0000

Source: Media Outreach

Where European artistry meets Macau’s East-meets-West appeal:

Galaxy Macau presents a glittering Christmas collaboration with one of the world’s leading luxury maisons.

As the sole Festive showcase in Southern China, the award-winning integrated resort hosts the largest indoor exhibit of its kind in Asia.

MACAU SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 November 2026 – As Macau sparkles with the magic of the festive season, transforming the city into one of Asia’s most captivating winter destinations, Galaxy Macau will unveil a majestic, experiential holiday installation, unique to Southern China. Showcasing a dazzling monumental mansion inspired by a signature classic by one of the world’s leading luxury houses, a magical winter wonderland awaits at the award-winning integrated resort. As one of only five exclusive showcases by the luxury maison in Asia, and the largest indoor exhibit of its kind in the region, this extraordinary installation heralds a bountiful season of immersive artistry, exceptional hospitality and festive indulgence.

Home to a constellation of world-class hospitality, luxury retail and curated lifestyle experiences, Galaxy Macau will once again take centre stage in Macau’s winter celebrations, transforming the integrated resort into a winter wonderland where creativity, refined European-inspired craftsmanship and festive illuminations come to life, in a series of interactive displays that will delight guests from around the world.

For those wishing to extend their festivities, Galaxy Macau’s exclusive collection of nine award-winning hotels offers an unparalleled seasonal retreat, where peerless hospitality, acclaimed dining and exclusive experiences come together in effortless elegance with glittering festive displays and unique experiential moments with each property’s signature touches bringing the festivities to life.

Galaxy Promenade Dazzles in a Show-Stopping Display of Artistry

At the heart of the season lies a collaboration with one of the world’s famed French luxury maisons, presenting the year’s most dazzling festive showcase in a nod to European couture and atelier craft, only at Galaxy Promenade.

Galaxy Macau presents a curated programme of festive activities and luxurious accommodations, offering an exciting and captivating seasonal retreat for holiday visitors to explore unique seasonal experiences.

Taking centre stage in the Pearl Lobby at Galaxy Macau, one of the maison’s most iconic signature creations will be reinterpreted as a magnificent Christmas mansion, reimagined as an immersive three-dimensional, 7.5-metre installation. Dusted in snow, and adorned with festive accoutrements and animated decorative elements, this monumental centrepiece brings together theatrical grandeur and the maison’s unmistakable design language, poised to spark festive delight, joy and wonder for all visitors.

Nine curated signature Christmas trees, each artfully designed to reflect the distinct character and aesthetic of its respective hotel, will glitter across Galaxy Macau in artful splendour, with a programme of festive merriment to spark joy for guests of all ages.

As the largest indoor installation of its kind in Asia, among just five regional exhibits and the sole showcase in Southern China, it represents a rare convergence of luxury craftsmanship, artistic expression and magical experiences. Monumental in scale yet intricate in execution, it transforms Galaxy Promenade into a photogenic destination for luxury connoisseurs of all ages.

Complementing the luxury maison’s glittering installation, a 7.5-metre Christmas tree, framed by dancing dolls, and novelty ornaments blanketed with snow, will stand outside its boutique at Galaxy Promenade, creating yet another exclusive seasonal landmark for visitors to create photo moments within the luxury resort.

Throughout the season, Galaxy Promenade will unveil a succession of immersive brand activations, bespoke experiences and exclusive showcases. Home to one of Asia’s most prestigious collections of luxury maisons and lifestyle brands, the destination will offer privileged access to bountiful festive discoveries, available only during this merry celebratory period.

Across Galaxy Macau, participating maisons and brands will present a curated programme of show-stopping seasonal experiences, from exclusive gifting inspirations and interactive workshops to simmering limited-time displays and novel festive encounters, creating stylish moments of discovery with every visit.

Galaxy Macau’s nine distinctive hotel Christmas trees inspired by the signature character of each iconic property, will create an elegant festive wonderland for guests to explore.

Curated Festive Family Moments

Complementing the grandeur of the season’s artistic showcases, Galaxy Macau will present a thoughtfully curated collection of family experiences designed to inspire discovery, creativity and meaningful connection.

From festive workshops to community-focused activities, Galaxy Kidz and JW Kids’ Club encourage young guests to celebrate the season through creativity, discovery and the spirit of giving.

At Galaxy Kidz, our little guests can embark on the exclusive “Twinkle Treasures” adventure, an imaginative festive journey of exploration and play. Festive workshops at Galaxy Kidz and JW Kids’ Club will encourage hands-on creativity, while limited-edition, novelty keepsakes offer lasting reminders of the season’s most treasured moments. Beloved Wavey the Peacock will also make special appearances throughout the celebrations, strutting for the season in his finest festive livery.

Extending the spirit of giving beyond the resort, Galaxy Kidz will launch its year-end tradition of meaningful festive charity, inviting guests to participate in community engagement and share warmth and festive blessings across Macau.

Adding to the experiential festivities, local children’s choirs will be performing a repertoire of beloved Christmas carols at Banyan Tree Macau, JW Marriott at Galaxy Macau and Andaz Macau on 3, 4 and 11 December, filling the resort with joyful merriment and the heartwarming spirit of the season.

“Jingle Paws”, the interactive sculptural installation of a monumental mechanical plush cat, will be newly dressed forfor Christmas and continuess its mission to delight guests with playful and lifelike movements throughout the day at Jade Lobby, creating an unforgettable photo opportunity and immersive, highly shareable experience for guests of all ages to enjoy.

Galaxy Redefines Seasonal Gifting Inspired by Local Flavours

Celebrating the world-renowned unique character and creativity of Macau, East Square will be transformed into a vibrant Winter Bazaar showcasing festive offerings from the city’s time-honoured brands and local SMEs.

Bringing together artisanal treats and collectibles, including seasonal delicacies and sought-after souvenirs, the bazaar offers a distinctive expression of local craftsmanship and entrepreneurial vitality. The ultimate gift-filled seasonal marketplace will serve as a platform for cultural exchange and discovery, inviting residents and visitors alike to engage with the people, flavours and traditions that contribute to Macau’s unique identity.

As the season for sharing, the Winter Bazaar reflects Galaxy Macau’s longstanding commitment to supporting local SMEs and contributing to Macau’s economic diversification, while creating a meaningful platform for local businesses to connect with a wider audience during one of the year’s most celebrated seasons

In addition, Galaxy Rewards members can enjoy a selection of exclusive, member-only privileges, including priority access to a collection of personalised activities for the perfect memorable Christmas celebrations. New members can also enjoy rewarding experiences throughout the award-winning integrated resort, with a programme of festive fun and special delights.

For the latest festive updates and seasonal experiences, visit www.galaxymacau.com and download the Galaxy Resort App, prior to registering as a Galaxy Rewards member, to stay connected to upcoming highlights and exclusive offerings.

Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau

GALAXY MACAU INTEGRATED RESORT

Galaxy Macau, The World-class Luxury Integrated Resort delivers the “Most Spectacular Entertainment and Leisure Destination in the World”. Developed at an investment of HK$43 billion, the property covers 1.1 million-square-meter of unique entertainment and leisure attractions that are unlike anything else in Macau. Nine award-winning world-class luxury hotels provide close to 5,000 rooms, suites and villas. They include Andaz Macau, Banyan Tree Macau, Broadway Hotel, Capella at Galaxy Macau, Galaxy Hotel, Hotel Okura Macau, JW Marriott at Galaxy Macau, Raffles at Galaxy Macau, and The Ritz-Carlton, Macau. Unique to Galaxy Macau, the 75,000-square-meter Grand Resort Deck features the world’s longest Skytop Adventure Rapids at 575-meters, the largest Skytop Wave Pool with waves up to 1.5-meters high and 150-meters pristine white sand beach. Two five-star spas from Banyan Tree Spa Macau and The Ritz- Carlton Spa, Macau help guests relax and rejuvenate. Wave Pool with waves up to 1.5-meters high and 150-meters pristine white sand beach. Two five-star spas from Banyan Tree Spa Macau and The Ritz- Carlton Spa, Macau help guests relax and rejuvenate.

As the most compelling dining destination in Asia, Galaxy Macau offers a wide variety of gastronomic delights, exquisite experiences and ingredients of the finest quality with over 120 dining options from Michelin dining to authentic delicacies.

Embark on a delightful and rewarding journey at Galaxy Promenade, the one-stop shopping destination boasting some of the world’s most iconic luxury brands. Be the first to get the latest limited-edition items; explore fascinating pop-ups by coveted labels and revel in fabulous shopping rewards and privileges. Our VIPs are entitled to a highly-curated experience with dedicated personal shoppers at guests’ service, and be invited to exclusive luxury brand events. A different calibre of privileges and rewards also await. Discover the joys of fashion and stand at the forefront of style and sophistication—Galaxy Promenade has everything guests need to stay ahead of the style game.

Galaxy Cinemas takes immersive movie experiences to the next level with the latest audio-visual technology, ultra-luxurious facilities and bespoke services; CHINA ROUGE, one-of-a-kind cabaret lounge that evokes the glamor of Shanghai’s golden era with stylish entertainment and customizable surrounds; and Foot Hub, which presents the traditional art of reflexology for authentic relaxation and revitalization. For Authentic Macau Flavours and Vibrant Asian Experiences, Broadway Macau – just a 90-second walk via a bridge from Galaxy Macau, has over 35 Authentic Macau & Asian Flavours at Broadway Food Street. The 2,500-seat Broadway Theatre plays host to world-class entertainers and a diverse array of cultural events.

Meeting, incentive and banquet groups are also catered to with a portfolio of unique venues in Galaxy Macau and an expert service team. Galaxy International Convention Center (GICC) is the latest addition to the Group’s ever-expanding integrated resort precinct and will usher in a new era for the MICE industry in Macau. GICC is a world-class event venue featuring 40,000-square-meters of total flexible MICE, and the 16,000-seat Galaxy Arena – the largest indoor arena in Macau.

For more details, please visit www.galaxymacau.com, www.broadwaymacau.com.mo and www.galaxyicc.com.

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Global Higher Education Forum Highlights Hong Kong’s Strategic Vision as International Talent Hub

MIL OSI — Thu, 05 Nov 2026 12:04:26 +0000

Source: Media Outreach

– 5 November 2026 – Education leaders from around the world gathered in Hong Kong for the World Class University Presidents Forum 2026 (November 4-5), further enhancing the city’s prestige as a global hub for higher education and promoting academic collaboration and exchanges.

University presidents, renowned scholars and international education leaders representing more than one-third of the world’s top 50 universities joined the Forum, which was held at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). They discussed key issues such as talent cultivation in the intelligent age, technology and innovation driving the future economy, and universities’ response to major global challenges.

Pictured at the World Class University Presidents Forum 2026 in Hong Kong are (from left) HKUST President, Professor Nancy Ip; HKSAR’s Acting Chief Executive, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Minister of Education, Mr Huai Jinpeng; HKSAR’s Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin; and HKUST Council Chairman, Professor Harry Shum.

Speaking at the opening ceremony (November 4), Chan Kwok-ki, Acting Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), said the Forum’s theme, “Higher Education Reimagined: Innovating for the Future” reflects the current global environment.

“We live in an age of rapid technological change, systemic economic shifts, and unprecedented global challenges,” Mr Chan said. “In this transformative landscape, universities are no longer just communities of learning and skills development. They are engines of innovation, guardians of truth, and architects of our collective future.”

Mr Chan noted that higher education has always been a vital pillar of Hong Kong’s success, with the city being home to five universities that are ranked among the world’s top 100. Also, the latest QS World University Rankings: Asia 2027 (November 3), listed five Hong Kong universities in Asia’s top 10, and three in Asia’s top five, further demonstrating the strength of Hong Kong’s higher education system.

“This is not by chance,” Mr Chan said. “It is the result of sustained government investment, clear policy direction and the hard work of our universities.”

Serving as a bridge between East and West, Hong Kong offers a fertile ecosystem characterised by internationalisation and diversification, which brings global talent together to address shared global challenges.

“Alongside signature international events such as the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education (APAIE) Conference and Exhibition held in February, the World Class University Presidents Forum 2026 forms part of a strategic series of signature initiatives promoting the ‘Study in Hong Kong’ brand worldwide, underscoring the city’s role as a key driver shaping the future of global higher education,” said Dr Choi Yuk-lin, the Secretary for Education of the HKSAR.

Dr Choi stressed that Hong Kong’s educational future is taking concrete physical shape through the development of the Northern Metropolis University Town.

Under the “One town, Five elements” framework, the HKSAR Government is building a holistic campus ecosystem integrating higher education, advanced research, market innovation, vibrant living spaces, and top-tier talent.

“Positioned at the gateway to the Chinese Mainland, the University Town will foster deep Industry-Academia-Research integration, linking academic research directly with industry capabilities to serve national development under the 15th Five-Year Plan,” Dr Choi said.

Several heavyweight interuniversity co-operation signing ceremonies were also held during the Forum. These included a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on deepening collaboration between Central South University and Monash University; an MOU between Zhejiang University and the HKUST on the establishment of a joint innovation centre; a Trilateral Joint Seed Fund agreement among the University of Warwick, Nanyang Technological University, and Shanghai Jiao Tong University; as well as a student exchange agreement between Trinity College Dublin and Nanjing University, marking a new milestone in global higher education and research collaborative innovation.

“Assembling such a distinguished constellation of global academic leadership strongly reaffirms Hong Kong’s standing as an international education hub and significantly enhances the city’s discourse power in the global educational arena,” Dr Choi said.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

CR Longdation Aethereal Cybersecurity × Global Cybersecurity Alliance (GCSA) Join Hands to Establish the “AI and Cybersecurity Research Centre”

MIL OSI — Thu, 05 Nov 2026 11:04:13 +0000

Source: Media Outreach

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 November 2026 – CR Longdation Aethereal Cybersecurity × Global Cybersecurity Alliance Limited (GCSA) announced a partnership to establish the “AI and Cybersecurity Research Centre,” integrating the two parties’ technological and resource advantages in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and industrial applications to drive cutting-edge technology research, product innovation, and industry collaboration.

Founded in 1982, CR Longdation’s business covers property management, asset management, and community services, among other areas. CR Longdation Aethereal Cybersecurity focuses on AI-driven digital-intelligent transformation and cybersecurity services for government and enterprises, dedicated to providing professional technologies and solutions to the Hong Kong SAR Government, public institutions, and enterprises, and holds cybersecurity-related qualifications. GCSA is committed to promoting technological innovation, research collaboration, and international exchange in the global cybersecurity field, with a focus on security challenges in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, Web3, and digital finance.

The two parties will strengthen cooperation in the security field. The Research Centre will focus on joint research and development in areas including AI anti-fraud, cyber threat detection, digital finance security, and cybersecurity automation, exploring the practical application of technologies such as AI anti-fraud honeypots, intelligent fraud identification, threat intelligence analysis, and security protection platforms.

This collaboration will combine the two parties’ resources and professional service capabilities to promote cross-institutional collaboration in the fields of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, contributing to the development of the digital economy and the cybersecurity industry.

News Sources:

CR Longdation announcement: https://www.crproperty.com.hk/CRLDDynamic/2026-11-05/2969462.html
Aethereal Cybersecurity announcement: https://aethereal.com.hk/news/ai-cybersecurity-research-centre
GCSA Global Cybersecurity Alliance announcement: https://media.gcsa.com/news-3730609?channel=cybersecurity
CR Longdation website：www.crproperty.com.hk
Aethereal website: https://aethereal.com.hk
GCSA website: www.gcsa.com
GCSA Official WeChat：https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/Arqp9nnFIVxoucPHyTxRvw

Hashtag: #GlobalCybersecurityAlliance

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

After Reaching 7 Million Users in the Philippines, Skyro Launches Transparent Cash Loans in Malaysia

MIL OSI — Thu, 05 Nov 2026 05:04:59 +0000

Source: Media Outreach

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 5 November 2026 – Skyro, a high-growth digital finance group that reached operational break-even in the Philippines just over three years after launching there, has introduced its first lending product in Malaysia. The company is starting with digital cash loans and hopes to expand its offering by introducing a product with an approved credit limit, potentially before the end of 2026.

Skyro has operated in the Philippines since 2022, building a registered user base of more than 7 million and an active loan portfolio exceeding US$200 million. In September 2026, the company announced that it had secured approval from Malaysia’s Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) to provide online moneylending services. Malaysia is Skyro’s second market in Southeast Asia.

Skyro’s first Malaysian product offers new customers cash loans of up to RM1,000 (approximately US$250), with repayment terms of up to four months. The company plans to gradually increase borrowing limits for eligible customers, potentially reaching RM10,000 (approximately US$2,500), as it builds its local lending portfolio.

The application process takes place entirely in the Skyro mobile app, without requiring a branch visit. Malaysian citizens with a valid MyKad and regular income can apply by verifying their identity and providing supporting income documents. Skyro assesses each application individually, taking into account the applicant’s income, existing financial commitments and credit history. Most applicants receive a decision within minutes, with approved funds transferred directly to their bank accounts.

Transparency is a central feature of the new product. Before signing the loan agreement, customers can review their approved loan amount, monthly installments, applicable fees and total repayment obligation, based on a fixed interest rate of 1.5% per month.

Arsen Liametov, co-founder and co-CEO of Skyro, said:

“For many people, financial needs don’t always arise at a convenient time. Whether someone needs to pay for home repairs or an unexpected expense, we want Malaysians to have another option to consider when they need short-term financing. But making credit available is only one part of our service. It’s equally important that customers understand what they’re borrowing, what it will cost and how they’ll repay it before making that decision.”

As its Malaysian business evolves, Skyro hopes to introduce a product with an approved credit limit by the end of 2026 that would enable customers to apply for subsequent loans more easily once they have established a repayment record with the lender. Skyro will use insights from its initial cash-loan offering to adapt future products to Malaysian consumers’ needs and borrowing habits as it works towards building a financial ecosystem.

The launch comes as Malaysia steps up efforts to tackle illegal moneylending, including unlicensed Ah Long lenders and fraudulent loan apps. For consumers with limited access to traditional bank credit, licensed digital cash loans and revolving credit lines can provide a safer, more transparent alternative, combining convenient access to financing with clear repayment terms and responsible lending practices.

Hashtag: #Skyro

About Skyro

Skyro is a high-growth, digital-first fintech group delivering scalable, responsible financial access across high-potential emerging markets. Launched in the Philippines in 2022, the group now has more than 7 million registered users and a credit portfolio exceeding US$200 million.

Powered by proprietary data science, AI-driven credit decisioning and alternative-data scoring, Skyro combines a mobile-native experience with modular fintech architecture to serve underserved customer segments at scale.

Founded by Arsen Liametov and Nasim Aliev through a management buyout, Skyro is financed through a balanced combination of private capital, debt facilities and strategic equity investment from GCC-based investors. The company is expanding into new markets as it seeks to build a diversified financial services business across emerging economies.

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Funding for research into hydrogen resources

LiveNews Publisher — Wed, 04 Nov 2026 22:50:05 +0000

Source: New Zealand Government

Exploratory research work into the commercial viability of hydrogen resources in Southland will be accelerated by a grant of up to $17.8 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says.

“This investment is about improving our understanding of hydrogen and whether it can provide New Zealand another source of energy at a time when global access to energy resources is increasingly uncertain,” Mr Jones says.

“Hydrogen presents an exciting economic and emerging energy opportunity. We need to better understand how hydrogen could support New Zealand’s economic growth, strengthen energy security, and build on our natural advantages.

“The research will help establish whether New Zealand’s natural hydrogen resources can be commercially developed. This is an important step towards building a clearer picture of how hydrogen can contribute to our economic prosperity.”

The project, led by Earth Sciences New Zealand in collaboration with University of Canterbury and University of Auckland, is a two-phase early-stage natural and orange hydrogen exploration programme, beginning with a drill site near Bluff in Southland. It will also include investigations into identifying a prospective North Island natural hydrogen drilling location.

“This RIF investment aims to unlock long-term economic value in our regions through the innovative use of New Zealand natural resources,” Mr Jones says.

“The research data from the project is intended to be open access, improving our collective understanding of New Zealand’s natural hydrogen potential and allowing government, researchers and industry to make better-informed decisions about regulation, future exploration, and investment.”

Funding for the project comes from the Government’s $30 million RIF hydrogen package announced in August to help grow the hydrogen sector.

Editors’ note

White hydrogen, also known as natural hydrogen, occurs naturally underground while orange hydrogen is produced through reactions of certain rock formations.

Both are emerging globally as potential lower-emissions sources of hydrogen for industrial processes, fertiliser and chemical production, fuel, and hard-to-electrify sectors such as heavy transport, industry, aviation and the maritime sector.

For more information see: Direction for white and orange hydrogen regulation | Beehive.govt.nz.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/11/05/funding-for-research-into-hydrogen-resources/

Cyberport Venture & Capital Forum 2026 Grand Opening

MIL OSI — Wed, 04 Nov 2026 15:19:17 +0000

Source: Media Outreach

Cyberport Community Cumulative Funding Surpasses HK$74.5 Billion, Welcoming 19 Listed Companies and 2 Unicorns over the Past Year
Cyberport Investors Network (CIN) Celebrates 9th Anniversary, Facilitating Over HK$6 Billion in Cumulative Funding
Cyberport Signs MoUs with Gobi Partners and Thailand’s National Innovation Agency to Unlock Global Growth Corridors

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 November 2026 – The annual flagship event Cyberport Venture & Capital Forum 2026 (CVCF) officially opened today at Hong Kong Cyberport. The two-day forum, themed “Scaling in a Changing World: Winning the Next Competitive Cycle”, brings together over 80 influential global venture capitalists, entrepreneurs and industry leaders to explore new frontiers in global venture trends, capital rerouting, Enterprise and Agentic AI, One-Person Companies (OPCs), digital assets, frontier technologies, and tokenisation economy, aiming to spotlight Hong Kong’s unique position as a strategic gateway connecting the Chinese Mainland, ASEAN, the Middle East, Central Asia and global innovation and funding networks. The forum also showcases the latest fundraising achievements of Cyberport start-ups.

The forum was inaugurated by Lillian Cheong, Acting Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry and Simon Chan, Chairman of Cyberport, and other distinguished guests at the opening ceremony, marking the official start of this global forum.

Lillian Cheong, Acting Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, said “Turning AI potential into sustainable growth requires more than technology. It also requires investment, business expertise and access to markets. This is where today’s forum can make a difference – bringing innovators and investors together to explore emerging technologies, support promising ventures and open doors to new opportunities. The HKSAR Government will continue to strengthen the support that helps promising ventures grow as well its investment to mobilise more private capital, consolidating Hong Kong’s position as an international innovation and technology centre, and as a premier hub for AI.”

Simon Chan, Chairman of Cyberport, said: “In a shifting global capital landscape, Hong Kong’s role as a ‘super-connector’ and ‘super value-adder’ between the Chinese Mainland and the world is more valuable than ever. The cross-border dialogue and partnerships forged here will create fresh opportunities for innovation, investment and collaboration.”

Cyberport Start-ups Show Robust Fundraising as AI and the Agentic Economy Take Centre Stage

Cyberport’s start-ups have demonstrated robust fundraising performance over the past year. Cyberport gathers over 2,400 companies, Cyberport start-ups have raised over HK$74.5 billion in funding. During the year, Cyberport proudly welcomed 19 listed companies and 2 unicorns to its community. Recent high-value fundraising rounds include Finloop, Qupital and Premialab, leverage AI, blockchain and digital assets — reflecting sustained market confidence in these emerging technologies and underscoring Cyberport’s success in fostering their development.

CIN Celebrates 9th Anniversary, Connecting Global Capital with High-Potential Start-ups

As Hong Kong’s digital tech hub, AI accelerator and key incubator, Cyberport actively connects global investors with start-ups through diverse funding channels.

The CIN 9th Anniversary Celebration commemorated a successful nine-year milestone while ushering in a new chapter of leadership, as the chairmanship passed from Hendrick Sin to John Ng. To honour this pivotal handover, Hendrick Sin, Hon. Duncan Chiu, and Cindy Chow were officially designated as Honorary Chairs of CIN in recognition of their distinguished contributions to the ecosystem.

Hendrick Sin, Honorary Chair of CIN; Co-Founder of CMGE Technology Group Limited; Chairman of China Prosperity Capital, stated in his video speech, “CIN has facilitated over HK$6 billion in investments across more than 130 projects since its inception, reflecting strong investor confidence in Cyberport companies. Looking ahead, we will strengthen the quality and depth of our deal flow, enhance structured capital partnerships to broaden access to funding at different growth stages, and deepen our relationships with CVCs, PE firms, family offices and LPs, further diversifying CIN’s investor network. Through these efforts, CIN will continue to connect promising companies with the right capital, expertise and networks needed to scale and succeed.

John Ng, Chairman of CIN, added in his speech, “I’m honoured to be appointed Chairman of CIN. The network has grown to nearly 250 investment firms, an achievement that reflects the tremendous efforts of Hendrick and the CIN team over the past years. Drawing on my background in corporate venture capital and family offices, one of my priorities will be to expand CIN’s network within these communities and take CIN into its next chapter.”

Another key financing channel, CMF, has invested in 30 start-up projects as of September 2026, with total investment including co-investments exceeding HK$2.7 billion and a co-investment ratio of over 1:9.3. Further augmenting ecosystem liquidity, Cyberport, BOCHK Asset Management and BOC Group Investment formed a strategic partnership in May 2026, as well as with Taiping Financial Holdings in Aug 2026 on venture capital funds to back promising Hong Kong I&T start-ups.

Strategic Partnerships to Unlock Global Growth Corridors

At the Forum, Cyberport signed two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), with Gobi Partners and with Thailand’s National Innovation Agency (NIA), to solidify global corridors for cross-border expansion.

Cyberport and Gobi Partners signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen collaboration in nurturing innovation and technology enterprises, facilitating market expansion and investment opportunities, and strengthening the innovation ecosystems of Hong Kong, Asia and the Middle East.

Building on a longstanding partnership, Gobi has invested in more than 24 Cyberport companies, including CMF co-investments. Witnessed by Lillian Cheong, Acting Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Simon Chan, Chairman of Cyberport, and Chibo Tang, Managing Partner, GBA Team of Gobi Partners, the MoU was signed by Dr Rocky Cheng, CEO of Cyberport, and Fred Li, Managing Director, GBA Team of Gobi Partners.

Meanwhile, Cyberport and Thailand’s National Innovation Agency (NIA) signed an MoU to promote cross-border innovation collaboration, startup development and knowledge exchange in AI, smart city and other digital technologies. It will cover soft-landing and market expansion, business matching, innovation programmes and community engagement, joint events, and proof-of-concept and pilot opportunities. The MoU was witnessed by Lillian Cheong, Acting Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Simon Chan, Chairman of Cyberport, and Preechaya Panyakrua, Innovation Counsellor of NIA, and signed by Dr Rocky Cheng, CEO of Cyberport, and Dr Krithpaka Boonfueng, Executive Director of NIA.

Decoding the New Playbook for Scaling in the Age of AI

This year’s CVCF programme is organised around three umbrella themes: Mega Trends & AI Frontiers, Regional Market Focus & Global Corridors, and Market Focus & Strategic Capital Dynamics.

Opening the main stage, Mahesh Krishnaswamy, Founder and CEO of Taara, delivered the keynote “The Innovation Playbook: Capitalizing on Moonshots and Faster Cycles in the Age of AI”, sharing how Taara evolved from a radical moonshot into a real-world high-speed optical communications solution — a timely lens on compressed innovation cycles and how breakthrough technology scales.

The forum also brought together venture capital leaders from Gobi Partners, Alumni Ventures, Rasmal Ventures, Primavera Capital, Draper Dragon, Pegasus Tech Ventures, Plug & Play and more to examine AI-driven capital shifts, high-growth corridors across the Middle East, ASEAN and the Greater Bay Area, and how public-private and corporate strategic capital can accelerate tech scale-ups.

Beyond the thought leadership sessions, the event further reinforced Cyberport’s role in connecting capital, innovation and global market opportunities. It also provided a dynamic platform for business matching and startup empowerment. This year’s Founder Pitch attracted strong interest from local and international venture capital firms, enabling startups from early-stage innovators to high-growth scale-ups to present their cutting-edge solutions to investors and ecosystem partners.

Throughout the first day, the event floor featured tailored Investor Matching sessions, dynamic Innovator Showcases featuring elite, high-potential startups across key tech sectors from local and global partner networks, and dedicated Startup Clinics offering practical strategic guidance. Coupled with engaging networking exchanges, Day one concluded on a positive note, reinforcing Cyberport’s ongoing role in connecting capital, innovation, and global market opportunities.

Day two will feature the CVCF’s spotlight event “Agentic Economy Summit”, themed “Intelligent Frontiers, Tokenised Horizons”, featuring a keynote address by Joseph Chan, Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, and will explore how agentic AI is reshaping business and how digital assets are redefining the way value moves. The summit will examine digital identity, institutional tokenisation, HKD stablecoins, programmable payments and machine-to-machine commerce, alongside the rise of OPCs. Day two also features hands-on startup workshops designed to equip founders with practical playbooks for pitch mastery and market scaling.

For more information on Cyberport Venture & Capital Forum 2026 and the speaker line-up, please visit http://cvcf.cyberport.hk/.

Hashtag: #Cyberport

About Hong Kong Cyberport

For more information, please visit https://www.cyberport.hk/en.

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

AEI Capital Group Opens Expanded Hong Kong Headquarters and Launches the AEI Global Asset & Wealth Hub

MIL OSI — Wed, 04 Nov 2026 11:45:09 +0000

Source: Media Outreach

Group signs seven strategic Memoranda of Understanding with partners from the United States, Greater China, Malaysia and the Maldives, as the Hong Kong hub prepares the ground for a sister hub in the Maldives

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 November 2026 – AEI Capital Group, an international alternative investment and asset management group, celebrated the grand opening of its expanded new Hong Kong headquarters office located at the China Resources Building. As the Group now expands its Hong Kong operations through the launch of this new Hong Kong headquarters, its international offshore affiliates manage aggregate alternative assets exceeding USD 7 billion as of December 2025. Located within the Hong Kong CBD with an exceptional Victoria Harbour view, the expanded office is directly annexed to the St. Regis Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, which will significantly lubricate AEI Capital Group’s strategic initiatives to organise global or regional events in Hong Kong via its expanded Hong Kong headquarters office. To ensure seamless operational continuity, the Group’s respective licensed associated entities will maintain their existing office premises until further official notification is submitted to their respective regulators.

Group signs seven strategic Memoranda of Understanding with partners from the United States, Greater China, Malaysia and the Maldives, as the Hong Kong hub prepares the ground for a sister hub in the Maldives

Being dual-headquartered in Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong, emboldened by its other satellite offices in Singapore, London, Washington DC and Chengdu for global market coverage, AEI Capital Group is aspired to ride on Hong Kong’s recently crowned status as the No.1 global wealth centre (surpassing Switzerland lately) to develop its onshore Global Asset & Wealth Hub in Hong Kong. This newly launched Hub operates exclusively as a strategic platform dedicated to international enterprise matchmaking, cross-border commercial networking, and global corporate facilitation, to be complemented by AEI’s upcoming launch of its offshore Global Asset & Wealth Hub in Maldives, the world-renowned top luxurious travel destination recently emerged to grow its own offshore financial centre.

AEI Capital Group’s official launch ceremony of its Hong Kong new headquarters office was witnessed by a long list of spectacular special guests, such as Mr Abdulla Jihad, the former Vice President and Finance Minister of Maldives Republic; Dato Iskandar Mohd Nuli, the President and CEO of Maldives International Financial Centre; Dato Hafizi Bin Abdul Mutolif, the Deputy Chairman of Malaysian Armed Forces Co-operative, a sovereign wealth entity associated with Malaysian armed forces; Shaikh Humaid Abdulla Ali Abdulla Almualla, a UAE royal family member who is one of the anchor partners for AEI’s royal & billionaire-focused multi-family office; Datuk Wira Dr Lim Zhao Qi (Ken), the Chairman of Labuan Investment Banks Association & CEO of European Credit Investment Bank; Victor Deng, the President of Sensegain Asset Management, a Beijing-headquartered prominent investment firm; Hongtao Duan (段宏涛), the Chief Executive of Hoping China, a China quality-brand development organisation mandated by the China government for the overseas growth of China nationwide quality-brands; Warren Baker, Managing Partner of LDA Capital, a prominent global emerging markets investment firm based in Los Angeles and Madrid, and some key senior officials from Invest HK in family office and global financial services segments to support AEI’s aspiration to grow its Hong Kong global headquarters.

Seven strategic collaboration MoUs

The signing ceremony of a series of strategic collaboration MoUs between AEI Capital Group and its global strategic partners was organised on the same day too at the Runnovation Event Hall, a premier international innovation and exchange platform under China Resources Group in Hong Kong, subsequent to the grand launch ceremony of the AEI Global Asset & Wealth Hub in the afternoon.

AEI has entered into the following strategic collaboration MoUs with its respective global institutional partners of regional market importance:

MoU with Regal Prestige Multi Family Office (under AEI Capital Group) and FYSEN Group of Companies (Maldives) – for strategic investment and development in various industries in the Maldives, including the financial sector
MoU with Regal Prestige Multi Family Office (under AEI Capital Group) and Malaysian Armed Forces Co-operative (the sovereign wealth entity associated with Malaysian Armed Forces) – for capitalisation and strategic investment for various assets held by the co-operative
MoU with LDA Capital Group LLC, a leading emerging markets equity investment group – for collaboration on growth equity deal opportunities across Asia and Europe
MoU with Hoping China Development Promotion Centre (好品中国发展促进中心) – for strategic collaboration to support the capitalisation and growth of its global halal commerce platform
MoU with Hoping International Financial Group Co., Limited (好品国际金融集团有限公司) – for collaboration on growth equity deal opportunities
MoU with Labuan Investment Banks Association – for strategic collaboration in the asset and wealth space
MoU with Sensegain Asset Management Group Co., Ltd. – for collaboration on growth equity deal opportunities

Why Hong Kong, and why now

There is a widely repeated claim that capital has grown scarce. It has not. Capital is abundant, arguably more so than at any point in a generation, but it has been concentrated in the western world rather than in Asia, the largest growth engine in the world. The scarcity is not of capital; it is of capital willing to cross the distance to where the growth actually is. Hong Kong sits at that crossing.

“Hong Kong is where Asia’s growth meets the world’s capital, and that is exactly the bridge we exist to build,” said John Tan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AEI Capital Group. “The innovation and the growth are here. What is missing is the pricing and the liquidity. We exist to close that gap, one company at a time.”

A two-way bridge

The AEI Global Asset & Wealth Hub is a corporate and strategic platform that brings the group’s partners together for cross-border collaboration and network-building between Asia, the Gulf, Europe and the United States. The Hong Kong hub is the first; a sister hub in the Maldives is in preparation.

The group sees the partnerships as a bridge that runs in both directions. Asian companies with real fundamentals but depressed valuation and liquidity can be strategically supported and, where it serves them, carried outward toward deeper pools of capital. In the other direction, US and European investors and companies seeking Asian exposure gain a strategic partner whose home advantage is the very market they are trying to enter. Asia-out and world-in are, in the group’s view, the same competence seen from two sides.

IMPORTANT COMPLIANCE NOTICE & DISCLAIMER:

To ensure the highest standards of regulatory compliance, this Hub does not engage in, and is completely separated from, any regulated financial services or asset management activities within Hong Kong. All regulated financial services within the region are, or will in the future be, conducted strictly and exclusively by the Group’s associated licensed entities registered with and supervised by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong holding Type 4 (Advising on Securities) and Type 9 (Asset Management) licenses, as well as its relevant registered trust companies and other associated licensed or regulated entities in Hong Kong, which maintain entirely separate corporate governance, designated physical operating areas, and absolute informational barriers (Chinese Walls). While the Group expands its Hong Kong operations through the newly launched headquarters, its respective licensed associated entities in Hong Kong shall maintain their existing office premises until relevant statutory notifications are officially served to their respective regulators.

To ensure absolute compliance with the Securities and Futures Ordinance (SFO) of Hong Kong, all strategic collaboration Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) referenced in this press release—including all related activities concerning growth equity deal opportunities, investment, and capitalisation—are entered into, managed solely by, and executed exclusively through independent offshore affiliates of the Group operating entirely outside of Hong Kong.

These offshore entities are properly licensed, registered, or authorised outside Hong Kong for their relevant activities in their respective jurisdictions; however, they do not hold any regulated licenses under the SFO, do not conduct any regulated activities within Hong Kong, and do not engage in the active marketing of any investment, asset management, or financial products to the public in Hong Kong.

This press release is issued for information only. It does not constitute an offer, invitation or solicitation to invest in, or an advertisement for, any financial product, security or regulated service, and is not directed at any person in any jurisdiction where such an offer would be unlawful.

Hashtag: #AEICapitalGroup #CorporateExpansion #HongKongBusiness #StrategicPartnerships #CrossBorderBusiness

AEI Capital Group

Founded in 2011 and dual-headquartered in Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur, AEI Capital Group is a leading international alternative investment and asset management group operating across Southeast Asia and Greater China, with its subsidiaries and associated licensed entities maintaining an active operational presence in Hong Kong. The Group’s international offshore affiliates manage aggregate alternative assets exceeding USD 7 billion as of December 2025. Its discipline is growth equity: not venture capital, not private equity, but the intersection of the two.

That track record has been recognised over the years. Wealth & Finance International named AEI Capital Group Best Investment Firm – East Asia from 2021 to 2023. In 2025, CEO Insights Asia placed John Tan, the group’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, among the Top 10 CEOs in Banking, Financial Services and Investment in Malaysia, alongside the chief executives of other leading Malaysian banks.

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

“Global University Presidents and Leaders Summit 2026” Concludes Successfully in Hong Kong

MIL OSI — Wed, 04 Nov 2026 05:34:13 +0000

Source: Media Outreach

Participating presidents issue a consensus declaration on the mission of higher education in the age of Artificial Intelligence

The 2nd Summit Explores Three Cross-Disciplinary and Cross-Generational Themes: Higher Education, Legal System, and Youth Development

Bringing together university presidents and senior management from over 50 global institutions to establish a dynamic exchange platform with local higher education institutions

Discussions focus on leveraging the Northern Metropolis University Town to attract international talent and telling the “Hong Kong Legal System” story well under “One Country, Two Systems”

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 November 2026 – The “Global University Presidents and Leaders Summit 2026”, organized by the Hong Kong Association for External Friendship (HKAEF), has successfully concluded. This year’s summit achieved fruitful outcomes. Beyond establishing an exchange platform that gathered presidents and senior management from over 50 universities across more than 20 countries and regions to interact and explore collaboration opportunities with local tertiary institutions, participating university presidents reached a vital consensus on the mission of university education in the current era of Artificial Intelligence (AI) before the event concluded. They have released a joint declaration that underscores the importance of liberal arts education to human social development alongside the promotion of AI education.

Bringing together university presidents and senior management from over 50 global institutions to establish a dynamic exchange platform with universities in Hong Kong

Prof. Priscilla Leung Emphasizes Human Leading Role in the New AI Era

Speaking at the summit, Prof. Priscilla Leung Mei-fun, Member of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), pointed out that humanity must maintain a leading role in the new AI era, ensuring that ultimate decision-making is never entirely surrendered to AI. The new consensus document released at this year’s summit likewise emphasizes that AI education must value technology while remaining firmly human-centric.

Participating Presidents Issue Consensus Declaration on the Mission of University Education in the AI Era

Universities participating in this year’s summit reached a consensus on the mission of university education in the AI age and jointly issued a joint declaration prior to the event’s closing. As university leaders, they committed to advancing education that is both inclusive and future-oriented, alongside responsible innovation. Upholding the rule of law while nurturing a diverse civilization and an industry-academia-research integrated innovation ecosystem that prioritizes human well-being, they will advocate for the human-value-oriented responsible development of AI and uphold high standards of corporate social responsibility. While vigorously promoting AI education and leading its advancement, they will deeply keep in mind the significance of liberal arts education for the development of human society.

Summit Features Groundbreaking Format with Two Venues and Three Core Themes

“Global University Presidents and Leaders Summit 2026” stands as Hong Kong’s most premier educational event of the year. In addition to discussing higher education topics centered around the Northern Metropolis University Town, the summit hosted parallel sessions addressing the legal system and youth development, creating a cross-disciplinary and cross-generational forum.

Presidents and Leaders from Over 50 Global Universities Visit Hong Kong, Providing a Timely Exchange Platform for Local Tertiary Institutions

Boasting a stellar lineup, the summit once again received the full support of the University Grants Committee and the active participation of 10 local universities. Internationally, presidents and senior executives from over 50 universities across more than 20 countries and regions across North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Belt and Road nations traveled specifically to Hong Kong to attend and share insights. Participating institutions included the University of Cambridge (UK), Nanyang Technological University (Singapore), Athens University of Economics and Business (Greece), and Umm Al-Qura University (Saudi Arabia), among many others. This timely platform fosters new opportunities for inter-institutional cooperation while allowing overseas university leaders to witness firsthand Hong Kong’s extraordinary educational achievements and superior systems as well as its global vision, telling the good “Hong Kong Education” story effectively.

Following the practice of the inaugural event, this year’s summit also invited overseas university management to nominate an outstanding student representative to join the delegation. This enables students to experience Hong Kong’s opportunities, development, and internationalized faculty firsthand, thereby strengthening Hong Kong’s “Study in Hong Kong” brand.

Legal System Parallel Session Focuses on “Hong Kong’s Role as an International Legal Hub under ‘One Country, Two Systems’” and Telling the “Hong Kong Legal Story” Well

Complementing the education forum, the second day of the summit featured two specialized parallel sessions. The legal parallel session concentrated on how “One Country, Two Systems” contributes to China’s overall national development, Hong Kong’s positioning as an international legal hub along the Belt and Road, dedicated legislation for the development of the Northern Metropolis, and how legal professionals from the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area can “go global” together.

Key speakers included Prof. Guiguo Wang, President of the Academy of International Strategy and Law of Zhejiang University; President of International Academy of the Belt and Road Initiatives; Dr. Cheung Kwok-kwan, Deputy Secretary for Justice of the HKSAR; Prof. Priscilla Leung Mei-fun, HKSAR Legislative Council Member; Prof. Teresa Cheng, Secretary General of The International Organization for Mediation; Ms Sophie Zhou, Vice President of the Guangdong Lawyers Association; and Prof. Alex Fan Hoi-kit, HKSAR Legislative Council Member and President of the Hainan International Arbitration Court, alongside numerous scholars and legal representatives from Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland, and the Belt and Road countries. They discussed from multi-faceted perspectives how Hong Kong can leverage the unique advantages of its legal system under “One Country, Two Systems.” Discussions centered on investment protections under the Basic Law, dedicated legal arrangements for the Northern Metropolis development, the appeal of Hong Kong’s common law system to overseas investors, and Hong Kong’s role as an international mediation and arbitration center.

Stellar Guests Vivian Kong and Laurence Brahm Share Insights at Youth Forum, Encouraging the New Generation to Pursue Dreams with Courage

Another parallel session was staged — a youth forum themed “Intergenerational High-level Talent Dialogue”, and it was well attended by young attendees from overseas, Chinese Mainland, and Hong Kong. The Olympic fencing gold medalist and HKSAR Legislative Council Member Ms Vivian Kong inspired attendees by sharing her personal journey of pursuing dreams through perseverance and determination. Mr Laurence Brahm (author of Zhu Rongji and the Transformation of Modern China) also shared his engaging personal story of chasing the Chinese Dream.

Five HKSAR Principal Officials and Business Leaders Gather to Advance the Commercialisation of Northern Metropolis University Town Scientific Research Outputs

The summit featured a stellar lineup of keynote speakers. Aside from scholars from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, and abroad, five key HKSAR Government Bureau chiefs served as key speakers. These senior government officials delivered presentations on topics related to Northern Metropolis development, industry-academia collaboration across local tertiary institutions, and human capital, effectively communicating the concept of the Northern Metropolis and its University Town to international audiences. Additionally, business representatives were invited to attend and speak, bringing government, industry, academia, research, and investment sectors together to collaborate. Their collaborative dialogue helped accelerate business sector’s participation in the development of the Northern Metropolis and drive the commercialisation of university scientific research outputs.

Furthermore, Mr Vuk Jeremic, President of the United Nations General Assembly (2012–2013), was invited to deliver a keynote speech at the High Table Dinner titled “Transition to Multipolarity in the Age of Geopolitical Recession,” broadening attendees’ worldview and delivering significant insights.

For the detailed program schedule and speaker list of the two-day summit, please visit:
https://www.gupls.com.hk/en.

The summit’s photos can be downloaded from this link: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1OdUhldhve9XoN2oUn6R0WOcuRnSS4wLv?usp=sharing

Hashtag: #HKAEF

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

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Funding for better connections in Kaikōura

LiveNews Publisher — Wed, 04 Nov 2026 02:09:39 +0000

Source: New Zealand Government

Locals and visitors will benefit from improved access in central Kaikōura, with the Government providing a grant of up to $500,000 from the Regional Infrastructure Fund for new facilities, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones and Tourism Minister Louise Upston say.

Kaikōura District Council will contribute $250,000 towards the $750,000 project, which will improve links between the West End, town centre, visitor facilities and the wider walking and cycling network, including the Whale Trail.

The project comprise a new pedestrian and cycle bridge across Lyell Creek and an extension of the West End car park

“Kaikōura is a tourism success story, and we need to make sure its infrastructure keeps pace. Better access around the town centre will improve the experience for visitors while making it easier for locals to get where they need to go,” Ms Upston says.

“Improving parking and walking and cycling links will make it easier to get around town and help local businesses make the most of the visitors Kaikōura attracts.”

The car park extension is expected to add around 60 spaces, alongside a new access road, footpath and recreational green space. The pedestrian and cycle bridge across Lyell Creek will provide a more direct link between the West End, town centre and wider walking and cycling network.

“This is exactly the sort of targeted regional infrastructure the Regional Infrastructure Fund is designed to support. It meets a practical local need and will make Kaikōura a better-connected place to live, visit and do business,” Mr Jones says.

The project will now progress through detailed design, costing, consenting and procurement before construction can begin.

Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/11/04/funding-for-better-connections-in-kaikoura/