KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 March 2026 – In the spirit of Ramadan, a time when communities come together to share blessings and strengthen bonds of compassion, 7-Eleven Malaysia contributed RM27,888 to the Persatuan Kebajikan Kakitangan Masjid Negara Kuala Lumpur to support the mosque’s Ramadan moreh programme for worshippers throughout the holy month.
The contribution was presented during a mock cheque presentation ceremony by Tan Sri Mohd Annuar Zaini, Chairman of 7-Eleven Malaysia Holdings Berhad, accompanied by Co-CEO of 7-Eleven Malaysia, Mr. Tan U-Ming.
The contribution will support the preparation and distribution of moreh meals at Masjid Negara following nightly tarawih prayers. Each evening during Ramadan, hundreds of congregants gather at the mosque not only to perform their prayers but also to share simple meals together, reflecting the values of generosity, togetherness and gratitude that define the sacred month.
Masjid Negara has long been a spiritual and community landmark where Malaysians from all walks of life come together during Ramadan. From families and students to workers and travellers passing through the city, the mosque becomes a place where people reconnect with their faith while experiencing the warmth of a community that looks after one another.
Through the Ramadan programme organised by the Persatuan Kebajikan Kakitangan Masjid Negara Kuala Lumpur, food packs are prepared and distributed nightly to congregants to ensure that worshippers who stay for evening prayers can enjoy a meal together before returning home. The initiative reflects the mosque’s ongoing commitment to serving the needs of the community during the holy month.
Tan Sri Mohd Annuar Zaini, Chairman of 7-Eleven Malaysia Holdings Berhad said that Ramadan is a meaningful time for communities to come together and support one another, and the company is honoured to play a small part in supporting the efforts of Masjid Negara in serving its congregants.
“Ramadan reminds us of the importance of compassion, humility and sharing our blessings with the community. We are honoured to support the efforts of Masjid Negara in bringing people together through their Ramadan moreh programme and hope that this contribution will help create meaningful moments of togetherness among worshippers.”
Beyond providing food, the moreh programme plays an important role in strengthening the bonds among congregants who gather nightly at the mosque. These shared moments of fellowship reflect the true spirit of Ramadan where acts of kindness and generosity help bring communities closer together.
This contribution is also part of Semurni Kasih, 7-Eleven Malaysia’s annual community initiative during the Ramadan period, which focuses on supporting meaningful programmes that uplift communities and promote the spirit of care and generosity. Through Semurni Kasih, the company continues to work with various community partners to extend assistance to those in need while encouraging Malaysians to share kindness with one another.
Through this contribution, 7-Eleven Malaysia hopes to play a meaningful role in supporting initiatives that uplift local communities and ensure that the spirit of giving continues to be shared throughout Ramadan.
Hashtag: #7ElevenMalaysia
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 March 2026 – Wind power and photovoltaic energy are reshaping China’s energy landscape. As of March 2025, the combined installed capacity of wind and solar power nationwide has exceeded 1.48 billion kilowatts, surpassing thermal power in terms of total installed capacity in history.
However, early-generation wind and solar equipment, designed to last 20 to 25 years, is now entering a phase of large-scale decommissioning. It is estimated that by 2050, decommissioned photovoltaic modules will amount to 20 million tonnes, while retired wind turbine blades are expected to reach 3 million tonnes by 2035. How to properly handle this massive volume of retired equipment has become a pressing challenge that the industry must confront.
“True green development lies in delivering green power while ultimately achieving a closed loop through comprehensive end-of-life solutions,” said Hou Bo, deputy general manager of China Energy Investment Corporation (CHN Energy) Longyuan Environmental Protection Co., Ltd.
CHN Energy holds the world’s largest installed wind power capacity. Its combined installed capacity of wind and solar power is close to 120 million kilowatts, accounting for nearly 10 percent of the national total. After several years of technological breakthroughs, in October 2025, the company put into operation a kiloton-scale photovoltaic module recycling demonstration line, independently developed and constructed by CHN Energy Longyuan Environmental Protection Co., Ltd. In 2026, CHN Energy Longyuan Environmental Protection Zhangjiakou Branch is expected to commence operations, with an annual processing capacity exceeding 10,000 tonnes of decommissioned wind and solar equipment.
Meanwhile, CHN Energy Longyuan Environmental Protection has taken the lead in establishing a specialized committee on the circular utilization of retired wind and solar equipment under the China Association of Circular Economy. It has led or participated in the drafting of approximately 17 international, national, and industry standards. While ensuring a stable supply of green electricity, the company also gives due consideration to the full life-cycle utilization of all equipment, including the impacts on environmental governance, in an effort to break through this critical “last mile.”
“By building an integrated industry–academia–research–application system, we aim to address shared challenges together and foster the growth of this emerging sector,” said Hou. For CHN Energy, closing the loop on wind and solar is more than an environmental goal; it is the defining test of true green power.
Hashtag: #ChinaNewsService
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Australian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence the Hon Richard Marles MP and Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator the Hon Penny Wong hosted New Zealand Minister of Defence Hon Judith Collins KC MP and Minister of Foreign Affairs Rt Hon Winston Peters MP on 17 March in Canberra for the third Australia-New Zealand Foreign and Defence Ministerial Consultations (ANZMIN 2+2). Ministers also met separately for a Defence Ministers’ Meeting and Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.
Australian Ministers expressed gratitude for the sympathy shown by the people of New Zealand for the families and friends of the 15 people who tragically lost their lives in the horrific terrorist attack at Bondi Beach and affirmed their commitment to stamping out antisemitism in all of its forms.
Ministers recognised that the trans-Tasman relationship is more important than ever given the fundamental shifts in the global geostrategic environment and the risks posed to our shared national interests. They reaffirmed Australia and New Zealand were fundamentally aligned and rising to the challenge of permanent strategic contest through closer cooperation and major strategic investments by both countries to strengthen the fabric of peace in our region.
Ministers discussed the evolving situation in the Middle East and Iran’s long record as a destabilising force and a threat to international peace and security, including through its nuclear program, support for proxy groups, and brutal acts of violence against its own people and beyond its borders. Ministers condemned Iran’s reckless and indiscriminate attacks on countries in the region. Ministers urged the protection of civilian life, resumption of dialogue and diplomacy and adherence to international law.
Our Alliance
Ministers reaffirmed that our Alliance is the foundation of our foreign policy and defence partnership, and is built on trust, shared values and collective security. Our Alliance has a critical role in safeguarding both nations’ security, supporting stability in the Pacific, and advancing a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific where sovereignty is respected. Ministers highlighted the centrality of ANZMIN in setting the Alliance’s direction, and our shared commitment to using the full suite of statecraft tools to respond to intensifying global competition and a deteriorating strategic environment, both individually and together. Ministers welcomed the 75th Anniversary of the ANZUS Treaty, which underpins our formal commitments for the Australia-New Zealand Alliance.
Ministers welcomed the “Anzac 2035: Operationalising the Alliance” Joint Statement, issued today by Deputy Prime Minister Marles and Minister Collins KC, which sets out the Defence Ministers’ vision for our defence Alliance over the next ten years. It focuses on enhancing interoperability, including through collaborating on defence industry, preparedness and resilience, combined operations and exercises, and force posture, so we are increasingly ready to combine as an integrated Anzac force to deter, counter and respond to shared threats.
Partnering in the Pacific
Ministers recognised the peace, stability and prosperity of all countries and territories in the Pacific are interconnected. They reaffirmed their commitment to working in partnership with fellow Pacific countries and to supporting Pacific‑led regional architecture, with the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) at the heart of Pacific regionalism. Ministers committed to support Palau’s hosting of the PIF Leaders’ Meeting in 2026 and welcomed New Zealand’s hosting in 2027.
As fellow founding members of the PIF, Ministers recognised Australia and New Zealand’s roles in contributing to a stronger Pacific family, upholding common values and norms. They underscored the importance of supporting the PIF Chair and the principle of engaging on issues through talanoa. Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the Pacific’s priorities set out in Pacific Leaders’ 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent and its Implementation Plan, as well as to the Blue Pacific being an Ocean of Peace. They called on the international community to engage in the Pacific in ways that respect and strengthen regional norms and institutions, and respond to Pacific-led approaches to peace and security.
Ministers highlighted the Revitalised Pacific Leaders’ Gender Equality Declaration to accelerate gender equality and social inclusion in the Pacific and noted the growing challenge of maintaining hard‑won gains and sustaining momentum, including in addressing gender-based violence. Ministers agreed that continued, appropriately supported and well‑coordinated efforts on gender equality, social inclusion and human rights will help achieve the vision for a resilient, peaceful, prosperous and stable Pacific Region.
Ministers emphasised that climate change remains the single greatest threat to Pacific countries. COP31 presents an opportunity to deliver genuine progress towards keeping warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5°C. This comes at a critical time in this decisive decade for climate action. Ministers noted Australia and New Zealand would continue supporting Pacific priorities and amplifying Pacific voices globally, including to enhance access to climate finance, and elevate the ocean-climate nexus. They reaffirmed the Pacific Pre-COP and Special Leaders’ event to be held in Fiji and Tuvalu in October 2026 as cornerstone opportunities to support these priorities. Ministers reiterated support for the Pacific Resilience Facility as a Pacific-led solution with global benefit as a model, to which Australia and New Zealand had pledged significant contributions, and encouraged further pledges at the special climate finance session for small island developing states at COP31.
Ministers acknowledged the impact of transnational organised crime on Australia, New Zealand and throughout our Pacific neighbourhood, and agreed that combatting transnational organised crime, including drug trafficking to and through the Pacific, is a shared challenge and an urgent priority. Ministers committed to using defence and foreign affairs resources, where appropriate, to support efforts to combat transnational organised crime. Ministers acknowledged the call from PIF Leaders for a coordinated regional response to transnational organised crime and agreed to work with Pacific partners to develop collective approaches, including for consideration at the Transnational Crime Summit to be held in Fiji in May 2026.
Ministers acknowledged the value of our close coordination to maintain shared awareness of our maritime areas of interest and counter the risks posed both by concerning military vessel activity and the shipment of illicit drugs by sea.
Ministersreaffirmed their enduring commitment to cooperating closely to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to the Pacific and to support Pacific-led responses in that regard. They commended the rapid establishment of the Pacific Response Group (PRG) through the South Pacific Defence Ministers’ Meeting (SPDMM), as a regional asset to strengthen Pacific‑led responses to Pacific humanitarian and disaster response events and welcomed New Zealand’s forthcoming leadership as the host of the PRG headquartersafter Australia.Ministers welcomed SPDMM’s direction to explore expanding the mandate of the PRG to cover wider Pacific security threats. They noted regional efforts to enhance Pacific-led responses to regional security challenges including through the scoping of a SPDMM Status of Forces Agreement, the Regional Operations Deployment Framework being scoped by the Joint Heads of Pacific Security and efforts to better coordinate regional defence and security architecture.
Ministers welcomed the Political Declaration between New Zealand and Niue of 2025 and acknowledged New Zealand’s special constitutional relationships with the Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau, which are part of the Realm of New Zealand. They recognised New Zealand’s responsibility for the defence and security of the Realm and the benefits that these relationships bring to New Zealand and to the Cook Islands, Niue and Tokelau.
Ministers welcomed the signing of the historic Pukpuk Treaty between Papua New Guinea and Australia and the new Alliance in the region. They welcomed negotiations to finalise the Nakamal Agreement with Vanuatu and to elevate the Australia–Fiji Vuvale Partnership and the intention to establish the Kaume‘a ‘Ofi Partnership Agreement with Tonga.
These partnerships reflect a firm commitment to ensuring that the Pacific is in the driving seat to shape its futureand that we are supporting each other in shared interests and challenges.
Collaborating to address global challenges
Ministers reaffirmed their enduring commitment to multilateralism and international law and to supporting UN and regional institutions. Challenges to the rules-based multilateral system called for strong partnerships in our region and beyond. Ministers agreed on the need for bold and effective reforms to achieve a UN system capable of better delivering on its core mandates. Ministers welcomed the adoption of a new Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel, setting out practical actions for stronger accountability, safer access, and better protection for aid workers everywhere. They affirmed the need for deeper bilateral engagement and with regional partners to support the full implementation of the Women, Peace and Security agenda, including promoting women’s full, equal, safe and meaningful participation and leadership across all levels of conflict prevention, and regional peace and security. Ministers announced their support for Australia’s and New Zealand’s respective United Nations Security Council candidacies in 2029-2030 and 2039-2040.
Ministers discussed economic security and the importance of maintaining open and connected supply chains to facilitate the flow of fuels and goods. Respect for the commitments we and our trading partners have made underpins our prosperity and resilience, and that of our region. Both countries remain committed to working together and with other trade partners to ensure that trade continues to flow unimpeded.
Ministers committed to uphold and promote the Antarctic Treaty System rules and norms that keep this part of our region peaceful and free from conflict, cooperative and protected, and dedicated to scientific research. They agreed officials would strengthen cooperation through an annual strategic dialogue.
Ministers reaffirmed their support for ASEAN centrality and the ASEAN-led regional architecture, and highlighted ASEAN’s central role in shaping a peaceful, stable and prosperous region. As Comprehensive Strategic Partners of ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand reiterated their commitment to building upon longstanding ties with our region by deepening economic engagement. Ministers welcomed progress implementingInvested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040and New Zealand’sincreased focus on Southeast Asia as part of its Foreign Policy Reset. Ministers committed to continue working together on shared priorities under regional free trade agreements.
Ministers emphasised the need for strategic competition to be managed responsibly and welcomed continued dialogue between the United States and China. They acknowledged our collective agency and shared responsibility for the stability of our region. They reaffirmed the need to promote open channels of communication, transparency and practical measures to reduce the risks of misunderstanding, miscalculation, escalation and conflict.
Ministers reiterated concerns about the intensification of destabilising activities and instances of unsafe and unprofessional behaviour by China in the South China Sea. They reiterated all countries must adhere to international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and maritime disputes must be resolved peacefully and in accordance with international law. They recalled the 2016 South China Sea Arbitral Award is final and binding on the parties. Ministers affirmed their shared commitment to promoting regional stability and security and to working with partners to build capability and strengthen interoperability, including through Multilateral Maritime Cooperation Activities. They also reiterated their concern about the situation in the East China Sea and unsafe and unprofessional conduct in the sea and air.
Ministers reaffirmed the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait, opposing any unilateral action to change the status quo and encouraging dialogue rather than resorting to coercion or the use of force. They also reiterated their will to continue deepening relations with Taiwan in the economic, trade, and cultural fields as well as enhancing development coordination in the Pacific.
Ministers reiterated their grave concerns about human rights violations in Xinjiang. They expressed deep concerns about the erosion of religious, cultural, educational and linguistic rights and freedoms in Tibet. They shared deep concern over the erosion of rights and freedoms in Hong Kong, including the actions of Hong Kong authorities in targeting pro-democracy activists both within Hong Kong and overseas.
Ministers reiterated continued investment in the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA). The FPDA remained an indispensable anchor for regional security as the only multilateral security arrangement of its kind in Southeast Asia.
Ministers reaffirmed the importance of our relationships with global security partners, such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO), including through cooperation as Indo-Pacific partners of NATO. Ministers agreed that the Five Eyes partnership remained vital to our shared security architecture.
Ministers unequivocally condemned Russia’s illegal and unprovoked full‑scale invasion of Ukraine. They condemned the ongoing deployment of troops and transfer of military material from the DPRK to Russia, which supports the continued conflict. As active participants of the Coalition of the Willing discussions, Ministers welcomed the efforts of the United States of America, European countries and others aimed at ending the war, in line with international law. Ministers again urge Russia to end its war of aggression and engage in good faith with Ukraine on a ceasefire and peace deal. Ministers called on all those with influence on Russia, particularly China, to exert it now to end the war.
Ministers urged all parties to uphold the terms of the Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflictand agreed Australia and New Zealand, together with our partners, would continue to do what we can to contribute to a just and enduring two-state solution. Ministers expressed deep concern over Israel’s actions that undermine the path to peace, including the expansion of settlements and control over the West Bank, increasing settler violence against Palestinians, and restrictions on INGOs that impede their humanitarian operations.
Ministers strongly condemned the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s unlawful nuclear and ballistic missile programs, and its malicious cyber activities used to evade sanctions and fund these programs, and urged compliance with UNSC resolutions.
Ministers reiterated their grave concerns about the political and humanitarian crisis in Myanmar and the military regime’s airstrikes against civilians and civilian infrastructure. Ministers noted that recent elections did not meet the conditions of a free, fair and inclusive process. Ministers reiterated their calls for a cessation of violence, the release of those unjustly detained, safe and unhindered humanitarian access and inclusive dialogue. Ministers confirmed their countries stand ready to support genuine efforts to alleviate humanitarian suffering, improve economic and social conditions and advance a sustainable resolution to the ongoing crisis in Myanmar. Ministers reaffirmed their full support for ASEAN’s central role in resolving the crisis and called again for the full implementation of the Five-Point Consensus.
New Zealand looks forward to hosting the next ANZMIN 2+2 in 2027.
Food prices are up 4.5 percent, one of several economic indicators that household budgets are being squeezed.RNZ
New Zealand could experience a real fuel choke point in a fortnight, and Treasury’s worst-case scenario for inflation is too optimistic, says a leading economist.
War in the Middle East has effectively closed the Hormuz Strait, one of the world’s major shipping routes for crude oil.
While the government says New Zealand does not have a supply problem, it has conceded that rising prices will be putting pressure on some households.
Economist Cameron Bagrie says the real crunch point will come in just a few weeks, with fuel destined for New Zealand currently being refined in SIngapore or Korea after going through the strait before it closed.
“What that means in practise is that we’ve got about 30 days supply stored here locally, there’s about another 20 days on the water
“But it’s anybody’s guess as to what ships are going to be in the water two weeks down the track.”
He said a realistic picture should start becoming clear in the next week or two – “The critical variable to watch is going to be despatches of vessels out of Korea.”
While Treasury has said a 3.7 percent rise in inflation was the worst case scenario facing the country, Bagrie said he thought inflation was going to be closer to 3.7 percent as a baseline, with rises in oil costs following through into general price rises.
But he added that there was still so much uncertainty in the global economy.
“Three point seven is an incredibly low number to be putting out there if you are talking worst case scenario.
“There is a big risk that we need to manage, but that risk is unquantifiable at the moment because it’s a moving feast, just have a look at the volatility we’re seeing across markets oil prices get up around $110-$120 and then they’re down to $90, then they’re back up to $105
“There’s so much uncertainty out there and so much flip-flopping in regard to putting pen to paper and coming up with numbers.”
But Bagrie said he had been impressed by the finance minster’s moves this week.
“Nicola Willis has actually done a really good job in the past couple of days, being very measured and pretty honest in regard to her responses. Do we have a problem? The answer is yes. How much of a problem is it going to be? We don’t really know because this thing could settle down quickly, oil prices are up and down like a yo-yo.”
He said there would be a return to normalcy “at some stage”.
“No one knows what stage or how long the duration of this thing is going to last. If anybody can give me an idea of the duration or when Hormuz is going to open, we’ll give you a pretty firm economic assessment in regard to what’s going to be the economic hit.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
Fruit and vegetables are up 9.4 percent on last year, with meat, poultry and fish rising 7.5 percent.123RF
New Zealand would benefit from a regime banning “excessive” supermarket prices, Consumer NZ says.
The organisation says some supermarket shoppers are questioning how quickly food prices have risen, as conflict in the Middle East pushes up oil prices.
Consumer NZ head of research and advocacy Gemma Rasmussen said it was understandable that shoppers were worried about how high prices could go.
Stats NZ data for February showed even before the impact of the conflict on oil prices was felt, food prices were up 4.5 percent year-on-year. Fruit and vegetables were up 9.4 percent and meat, poultry and fish 7.5 percent.
“When you pick up an item off the shelf, countless factors contribute to the final price. That makes it extremely difficult for consumers to know whether they are paying a fair and accurate amount,” Rasmussen said.
“Whether you’re an everyday shopper or a seasoned economist, breaking down the true pricing of any food item in a supermarket is close to impossible.
“The question for shoppers is: Are the prices you’re paying for food fair and competitive, and are there instances when the supermarkets are using external pressures as a smokescreen to jack their prices?”
She said when Cyclone Gabrielle hit the Hawkes Bay, she spoke to a producer who provided an example of a produce item that was affected by the floods.
“This resulted in the store price going from $3.50 a kg to $9 to $14.
“They said, if it’s sold for $3.50 retail, the supermarket is buying it for around $1.99 wholesale. It ended up reaching $4.50 wholesale, but despite this, it ended up being sold in the supermarkets for as high as $14.
“One supplier spoke on an instance when the margin a major supermarket made on a frozen product was close to 60 percent. He’s currently selling frozen produce with an alternative retailer who is ‘a dream to work with’ and takes only a 25 percent margin.”
She said businesses could set or increase their prices as they saw fit unless there was some form of price regulation in place.
“Australia had a similar model. However, from 1 July 2026, it will introduce a specific excessive pricing regime for very large supermarkets that will ban prices considered excessive in relation to supply cost plus a reasonable margin. If one of the big players breaches these rules it will face penalties of up to A$10 million, three times the benefit gained, or 10 percent of turnover.
“In effect, this is a direct attempt to curb price gouging and hold major supermarkets accountable where mark-ups are excessive and unjustified.
“New Zealand could benefit from a similar regime. Long-term structural reform has so far done little to meaningfully reduce supermarket pricing pressure, and with cost-of-living concerns continuing, households remain exposed to pricing that may be difficult to justify.”
Rasmussen said cost-of-living concerns were rising and shoppers were “continually” affected by potentially unfair or excessive pricing.
“New Zealanders don’t have time to wait for long term structural changes to be implemented and take effect.”
Woolworths and Foodstuffs were approached for comment.
Separately, Foodstuffs provided an update that said it was still business as usual at its supermarkets but its suppliers were planning ahead.
“New Zealand sits at the end of global supply chains, so we’re always looking upstream and keeping an eye on international events that could have flow-on effects for us,” said managing director Chris Quin.
“A large proportion of our products are grown or manufactured locally in New Zealand or Australia, sourced from Asia, or travel from Europe around the Cape of Good Hope at the bottom of Africa. So, right now our grocery supplies are largely unaffected by the disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, and our normal offer’s available in our stores.
“The main issue at the moment is higher fuel, freight and packaging costs rather than product availability.
“We’ve seen the cost of diesel for our transport fleet rise significantly, but at this stage we’re absorbing that to help keep our food prices as steady as possible for customers.
“For every dollar on-shelf, around two-thirds goes to suppliers for the goods themselves.
“So if suppliers are facing higher freight, fuel, packaging or other input costs, those pressures flow through over time. As we’ve all seen, this is a fast-moving situation, with no clear timeframes or outcomes. The effects of what’s happening now with supply chains and fuel prices could still be felt months down the track.”
Woolworths said it was watching the situation closely. “At this stage our stock levels and pricing have not been affected but we continue to monitor it.”
PETALING JAYA, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 March 2026 – CARSOME Group Inc (CARSOME or the Group), Southeast Asia’s largest integrated car e-commerce platform, today announced a strategic investment round of more than USD 30 million from a set of new and existing investors including the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited (HKIC), Gobi Partners, and Asia Partners. This fundraise underscores the investors’ confidence in CARSOME’s journey to profitability and long-term vision across the region, as demonstrated by the recent record FY25 results. These funds will further accelerate its profitable growth in the region for the coming years.
CARSOME Group Inc (CARSOME or the Group), Southeast Asia’s largest integrated car e-commerce platform, today announced a strategic investment round of more than USD 30 million from a set of new and existing investors including the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited (HKIC), Gobi Partners, and Asia Partners.
This investment and partnership reflect a shared ambition to strengthen connections between Southeast Asia and Greater China, leveraging Hong Kong’s role as a regional gateway for advanced automotive capabilities, technology development, and global talent. With the support from the HKIC, CARSOME will drive initiatives across areas such as supply chain sourcing and technology collaboration, accelerating the application of data and artificial intelligence (AI) in the automotive sector, which further empowers CARSOME for its regional expansion.
“CARSOME has spent the last several years focused on building a resilient, profitable business with strong fundamentals,” said Eric Cheng, CARSOME Group Co-founder and CEO. “This strategic collaboration and fundraise is a vote of confidence in our continued momentum and long-term vision. This partnership gives us crucial access to innovation capabilities, cross-border networks, and world-class talent that will support our work in AI, data, and next-generation mobility services across Southeast Asia.”
Clara Chan, Chief Executive Officer of the HKIC, said, “We are pleased to support CARSOME as part of our continued effort to harness technology to drive industry transformation, contributing to Hong Kong’s long-term economic development and resilience. With Hong Kong’s unique position as a gateway connecting global innovation and investment opportunities, CARSOME exemplifies the type of high-conviction, technology-driven enterprise that aligns with the HKIC’s mandate to foster scalable innovation across our strategic sectors. We look forward to supporting forward-thinking companies like CARSOME in creating tangible value for the future of Hong Kong.”
Chibo Tang, Managing Partner of Gobi Partners, said, “CARSOME is a leading example of how Southeast Asian startups are well-positioned to create close ties with partners in Greater China, leveraging each region’s unique strengths. We are pleased to be a returning investor in CARSOME, having supported them for almost a decade. Gobi was an early believer in CARSOME’s ability to scale across international borders, and we are happy to see their early potential come to fruition as they reimagine the way consumers across Asia purchase vehicles.”
THE AWARD-WINNING PRODUCTIONOF THE GLOBAL PHENOMENONJESUS CHRIST SUPERSTARWILL VISITTHE GRAND THEATRE,HONG KONG CULTURAL CENTRE FROM8 JULY AS PART OF ITS INTERNATIONAL TOUR
TIM RICE AND ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER’S ICONIC ROCK MUSICAL COMES TO HONG KONG FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME
PRIORITY BOOKINGFROM25 -26 MARCH | PUBLIC SALE ON 27 MARCH
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 March 2026 – Following several acclaimed and sold-out runs in London as well as an extensive tour of North America, UK and Australia, the Olivier Award-winning reimagined production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s celebrated musical JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR will visit the Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre from 8 July as part of a major international tour, giving Hong Kong audiences their first opportunity to experience Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary rock musical live on stage.
“A gorgeous, thrilling, heavenly musical.”
–The Guardian
“Hallelujah! An almighty revelation.”
–The Daily Telegraph
Featuring lyrics and music by Emmy, GRAMMY, Oscar and Tony winners Tim Rice and Andrew LloydWebber, this production was reimagined by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre where it originated and is helmed by director TimothySheader and choreographer Drew McOnie. Completing the creative team is design by Tom Scutt, lighting design by Lee Curran, sound design by Nick Lidster and music supervision by Tom Deering.
A global phenomenon that has wowed audiences for decades, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is a timeless work that explores the biblical portrayal of the extraordinary events that led to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of his betrayer, Judas Iscariot. The story, told entirely through song, explores the personal relationships and struggles among Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, Jesus’ disciples, his followers and the Roman Empire. Originally released as a concept album, the iconic 1970s rock score contains such well-known numbers as ‘Superstar’, ‘I Don’t Know How to Love Him’, and ‘Gethsemane’.
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR opened on Broadway in 1971 at the Mark Hellinger Theatre. The original London production opened at the Palace Theatre on 9 August 1972 and ran for over eight years. By the time it closed, after 3,358 performances, it had become the longest-running musical in West End history at that time. JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR has been reproduced regularly around the world in the years since its first appearance, with performances including a Broadway revival in 2012, an ITV competition TV show called Superstar that led to casting Ben Forster as Jesus in an arena tour of the show, and a production at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre celebrating 45 years since the musical’s Broadway debut. JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR will also have a limited run at the iconic London Palladium in summer 2026, starring Sam Ryder as Jesus. Produced by Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals, this production was originally created and produced at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.
Producer David Ian said:“This Olivier Award-winning production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR has amazed audiences around the world, and we are thrilled to bring this phenomenon to the stage in Hong Kong. Marking the first Hong Kong season of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic rock musical, this engagement promises a spectacular new chapter for local audiences.”
GMG Productions CEO Carlos Candal shares“GMG Productions is thrilled to be bringing this extraordinary show to Hong Kong. Building on our growing success across Asia, we are proud to present such a dynamic and high-calibre production as part of our long-term commitment to delivering world-class entertainment in the region.”
This production of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR won the 2017 Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival and the 2016 Evening Standard Award for Best Musical, selling out two consecutive engagements in 2016 and 2017. The production played a West End engagement at the Barbican in 2019 before returning to Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in concert version during the summer of 2020, followed by a universally acclaimed UK tour in 2023/24.
Casting to be announced.
The 2026 Tour of JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is produced by David Ian for Crossroads Live and Work Light Productions. The original production was produced by London’s Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre.
JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR will be performed in English with Chinese surtitles.
Tickets for the Hong Kong season will go on sale soon. Sign up to our online Priority List now at https://jesuschristsuperstar.hk to enjoy a 10% discount during Priority Booking from 25 March, 10am, for 48 hours. General Public Ticket Sales launch on 27 March; tickets are priced from HK$588 to $1,088.
For additional information about this production, please visit https://jesuschristsuperstar.hk
Facebook & Instagram: @GMGProductionsHK
SHOW AND TICKETING INFORMATION
DATES: 8 July – 1 August 2026
PERFORMANCE TIMES: Tuesdays- Fridays: 8pm Saturdays: 3pm and 8pm Sundays: 2pm and 7pm
VENUE: Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui
PERFORMANCE DURATION: 1 hour 50 mins including interval
TICKET PRICES:
VIP
HK$1,088
A Reserve
HK$988
B Reserve
HK$888
C Reserve
HK$688
D Reserve
HK$588
Concession VIP
HK$988
Concession A
HK$888
Concession B
HK$788
Concession tickets are available to full-time students, senior citizens aged 60 or above, persons with disabilities and CSSA recipients.
Performed in English, with Chinese surtitles
BOOKINGS Website: https://jesuschristsuperstar.hk Priority Booking from 25 March, 10am, for 48 hours; General Public Sales from 27 March.
Hashtag: #JesusChristSuperstar
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MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 March 2026 – AutoCount, a leading provider of financial management software solutions, successfully held its first AutoCount Philippines Partner Conference 2026. Bringing together 60 partners to strengthen collaboration and showcase innovations.
AutoCount top management members and Euronet representative unveil the BIR-Accredited POS with Euronet QRPH Integration
The event was attended by an official delegation from the Embassy of Malaysia in the Philippines, Mr. Norjufri Nizar Edrus, Deputy Chief of Mission; Ms. Azlina Che Dir, Trade Commissioner; and Mr. Mohd Amsyari Yahya, Assistant Trade Commissioner from MATRADE Manila.
The conference highlighted AutoCount’s product developments, software localization for Philippines BIR compliance, and 2026 roadmap, reinforcing its commitment to helping SMEs thrive in the country’s digital economy and cashless payment ecosystem.
Driving the Cashless Revolution: Euronet QRPH Integration
The key highlight of the conference was the unveiling of AutoCount’ integrated Point of Sale (POS) solution. By partnering with Euronet Services Inc., AutoCount now enables merchants to accept standardized QRPH payments directly within their existing POS workflow.
This integration eliminates the need for additional external hardware and complex manual entry, addressing the growing consumer preference for contactless transactions in the Philippines. Key benefits for merchants include:
Faster Checkout: Reduced wait times through instant QR scanning.
Future-Ready Tech: Aligned with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) direction towards a cashless ecosystem.
Full BIR Compliance for Philippine SMEs
Navigating tax regulations is a challenge for local businesses. Retailers can now operate with confidence that their system meets BIR requirements for official receipts, sales reporting, and proper record-keeping, eliminating compliance concerns and allowing them to focus on growing their business instead.
Speaking at the launch, AutoCount CEO, Mr. Choo Yan Tiee highlighted, “The retail landscape is changing fast. Customers expect convenience, cashless options, and faster checkout. QR payments are no longer optional. They are becoming the standard. With this integration, we are equipping our partners, and support merchants with a future-ready solution that aligns with the Philippines’ digital payment direction.”
Empowering a Growing Partner Ecosystem
The conference was attended by over 60 partners from the Philippines, and Malaysia, reflecting the growing strength of AutoCount’s regional network. A dedicated session showcased partner-developed plugins, proving the software’s flexibility and extensibility to support diverse industries and business requirements.
Strategic Vision for 2026
The event concluded with a roadmap focused on deeper localization and strengthening the Authorized Partner network in Philippines. As the digital economy accelerates, AutoCount remains committed to delivering compliant, scalable, BIR CAS-ready accounting and POS solutions for SMEs.
Rising food prices are hitting New Zealanders in the pocket and driving them to hunger says MP Ricardo Menéndez March, Green Party spokesperson for Commerce and Consumer Affairs.
“While the supermarkets have been making $1 million a day in excess profits, food prices have surged 4.5% over the last year. Fruit and vegetables, a core staple, are up a massive 9.4%.”
“The stark contrast is appalling, and these ridiculous prices are not sustainable for New Zealanders who are being strong-armed by a duopoly.”
“Woolworths NZ made $100 million in profit over the past six months while one in three households are experiencing food insecurity, yet the Government is doing nothing to address rising food prices.”
“Can we really trust that the supermarkets won’t exploit the emerging fuel crisis to needlessly increase their prices? Supermarkets must be held accountable.”
“This only has the potential to get worse, unless the Government actually steps up to take on the supermarket duopoly.”
“Consumers have been waiting for structural change for years, yet no government has been willing to take on the duopoly and stop them from price gouging ordinary New Zealanders.”
“While large corporations are generating record profits, thousands of families are forced to make impossible choices about what they can spend their income on.”
“Banning price gouging, taxing excess profits, or breaking up the duopoly are all simple and effective ways to make sure massive corporations stop exploiting New Zealanders, ensuring all of us can afford to have food on the table, a safe place to call home, and live a good life.”
“We can end corporate exploitation of ordinary New Zealanders so that everyone can make ends meet,” says Ricardo.
My Food Bag is forecasting its full-year net profit will be between $6.4 million and $6.8 million
Strong sales in the second half of the year have helped put My Food Bag on track to deliver year-on-year profit growth.
The NZX-listed company is forecasting its full-year net profit will be between $6.4 million and $6.8 million, up from $6.3 million in the 2025 financial year.
Revenue is tipped to grow 4.9 percent on the previous year, with the level of retained customers in the meal kit business up year-on-year, according to chief executive Mark Winter.
“We’ve prioritised providing our customers with greater flexibility, offering the more convenience and reiterating the value of our offering,” he said.
Winter says the meal kit business has expanded in the past year to target more health-conscious customers, and now offers a high protein option, a diabetes plan and meals tailored to those taking weight loss drugs.
My Food Bag chief executive Mark Winter.Supplied
Rising cost of ingredients a headwind
Ingredient price inflation is still a challenge for My Food Bag, said Winter, with food prices generally up 4.5 percent in the year to February, according to Stats NZ.
But Winter said the company has managed to improve its gross margin for the second half, compared to the prior year.
“We’ve always prioritised what we can do internally to take unnecessary cost out that the customer doesn’t value and that includes at assembly sites around productivity.”
“We invested a substantial amount of money a couple of years ago in implementing light automation, so initiatives like that have allowed us to partially offset the food price inflation costs that we’re seeing come through.”
With the Middle East conflict generating an uncertain outlook for inflation, Winter said the company is keeping a close eye on developments and staying in contact with suppliers.
The company expects to release its confirmed full-year results in May.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
Stats NZ’s price and deflators spokesperson Nicola Growden said the average price of a kilogram of beef mince was now $4.60 more than the same time in 2025.
“This is the largest annual price increase in beef mince prices since the series began in June 2006.”
Westpac senior economist Satish Ranchhod said export beef prices were up, which was being reflected in local prices.
Westpac is expecting beef prices to move higher still through this year, as global supply remains tight.
BNZ chief economist Mike Jones said international meat prices were at record levels. “Driven in particularly by a real tightening in the US market. US cattle numbers are at the lowest level since 1951, so they are short of beef and that is pushing the global price up. We’re now seeing that reflected more in the retail prices that we pay,”
He said it was hard on households who might have relied on mince to be a cheaper staple.
“If you look at the food price index, you’ve got much higher mince and meat prices, you’ve got bread, veggies all going up in some cases in double digits.
“And we’re starting down some big increase in petrol prices as well, so it is very much concentrated in some of those essential categories so it’s going to be particularly tough going for households that never got much relief from the cost of living. We’re going to have to have a pretty hard look at some of our forecasts for things like consumer spending over the rest of the year.”
Infometrics chief forecaster Gareth Kiernan said the increases were concentrated in red meat, rather than chicken or pork.
“The price at the sale yards for beef has gone up 71 percent since March 2024. Lamb is up 85 percent and that’s driven by strong demand out of China and the US. At the same time, global supply coming out of New Zealand and Australia is quite weak as well.”
Some things did get cheaper – olive oil was down 22.1 percent over a year and potato crisps down 3.2 percent.
Growden said chocolate biscuits also fell in price.
Food prices are expected to increase in the coming months as disruption in the Middle East pushes up oil prices.
Kiernan earlier told RNZ that sectors such as fishing were particularly exposed to increases in oil prices.
Willis said that the government was aware of the pressure that could put on some households, but warned if there was to be any assistance, it would be very specific.
University of Auckland associate professor of economics Susan St John told Checkpoint New Zealand was already in a “crisis” and low income families were likely most affected.
She said it was about time that “something significant” was done.
“An emergency package could be developed, much like John Key did in 2008 in the global financial crisis,” she said.
“But a package that gets that money directly into the lowest of income families.”
Susan St John.RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
One way to do that is to pay them the full amount of working for families that they currently do not get, St John said.
St John said they missed out on about $100 a week.
“It could be temporary, as was John Key’s policy in 2008 for 16 weeks and be extended if more time was needed,” she said.
“But that would be very focused and go to the very lowest families, the ones that miss out on the full package, the ones who are on benefits, all part benefits, including about 250,000 of the poorest children.”
If you gave the full working for families package, it would mean nearly $100 extra a week, she said.
She said there was a lot of flexibility.
“The beauty of it is that it’s so highly targeted, which is what the minister wants and it’s not the only thing that should be done.
“Because those families who are getting the full package, the working low income families also need help.”
St John said the government would have provide payments without expecting to make cuts elsewhere.
“They’ve already cut far too much out of people on low incomes and so it can’t be found by making their lives any more miserable in other ways,” she said.
“There are different ways if you do want to do something really significant for families and make it stick and that might involve creaming a little bit off the top end of New Zealand Super and redistributing that back through the programs that need it in the social security budget.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 March 2026 – The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) today officially launched its 35th Anniversary celebrations with a vibrant ceremony, bringing together distinguished government officials, industry leaders, and members of the university community to reflect on an extraordinary journey of excellence.
The Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR Government Mr. CHAN Kwok-ki (middle), Deputy Director of LOCPG Mr. LUO Yonggang (third right), Secretary for Education of the HKSAR Government Dr. Christine CHOI Yuk-lin (third left) and members of the HKUST leadership team, including Pro-Chancellor Dr. John CHAN Cho-Chak (first right), Council Chairman Prof. Harry SHUM (second right), Court Chairman Dr. the Honorable Andrew LIAO Cheung-Sing (first left), and President Prof. Nancy IP (second left) inaugurate a series of commemorative initiatives for the HKUST 35th anniversary.
Themed “Where Miracles Happen,” the milestone event honors the pioneering spirit that has propelled generations of HKUST members to achieve remarkable feats. Officiating at the ceremony were Mr. CHAN Kwok-Ki, Chief Secretary for Administration of the HKSAR Government; Mr. LUO Yonggang, Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR (LOCPG); and Dr. CHOI Yuk-Lin, Secretary for Education of the HKSAR Government. They were joined by HKUST Pro-Chancellor Dr. John CHAN Cho-Chak, Council Chairman Prof. Harry SHUM, Court Chairman Dr. the Honorable Andrew LIAO Cheung-Sing, and President Prof. Nancy IP to inaugurate a year of commemorative activities.
A Journey Forged with Vision and Purpose
In her welcome address, President Ip, who joined HKUST in 1993, offered a personal reflection on the University’s remarkable ascent. She witnessed its evolution into a world-class institution; a success built on academic excellence and a vibrant innovation ecosystem created from the ground up. She credited this profound transformation to the extraordinary foresight of the University’s Founding President, Prof. Chia-Wei Woo.
“From its very inception, HKUST was built on a bold and unprecedented vision: to become Hong Kong’s first research-intensive university,” President Ip shared. “Long before the Greater Bay Area concept existed, our founders, led by Prof. Woo, understood that Hong Kong’s future was inextricably linked with the region. This visionary courage saw them forge vital connections with the Chinese Mainland, laying the groundwork for what would become HKUST (Guangzhou) in 2022. Their courage, dedication, and tenacity built the unshakeable foundation on which we stand today.”
President Ip emphasized that the University’s success is measured not by rankings alone, but by its tangible impact on society. This founding DNA—to anticipate and meet societal needs with excellence—is now driving HKUST’s most ambitious chapter yet: the establishment of a new School of Medicine. “This is a transformative milestone, fulfilling a dream pursued for over three decades,” she stated. “We are deeply grateful to the HKSAR Government for its trust and partnership. Together, we will build a technologically advanced, humanistic medical school that ushers in a new era for healthcare in Hong Kong. Let us honor those who walked before us by carrying their courageous legacy into a new era of excellence.”
A Cornerstone of Hong Kong’s Global Leadership
Mr. Chan Kwok-Ki commended HKUST’s profound impact on Hong Kong’s development. “Over the past 35 years, HKUST has evolved from a bold new institution into a globally respected university, driven by visionary leadership, dedicated faculty, a continuing flow of talented students, and an enduring spirit of innovation. Its strong international rankings, vibrant start-up ecosystem, and diverse global student body demonstrate how research and education can deliver tangible societal impact,” he stated. “As Hong Kong advances its role as an international education hub, HKUST stands as a shining example of how universities can nurture global talent while supporting national development priorities. With strengths spanning artificial intelligence, science, and its planned School of Medicine, HKUST is exceptionally well-positioned to shape the future of innovation and talent development.”
Carrying a Pioneering Spirit into the Next Chapter
Prof. Harry Shum reflected on the University’s unique position. “Thirty-five years is a fascinating milestone. In human terms, it is the age of maturity, the point where youthful energy meets seasoned wisdom. And I see the same spirit alive in this institution. We still possess the curiosity and drive of our early years. But now we have the strength, the reputation, and the alumni network that only decades can build. The world is changing faster than ever before. If we are to serve the next generation as well as we have served the past, we must lead, we must innovate, and we must redefine what education can be. In this regard, HKUST is ready to open a new chapter.
“The HKSAR Government has appointed HKUST with the trust to build the third medical school in Hong Kong. We envision the University’s medical school that will bridge traditional medical curriculum with the latest technology and AI breakthroughs, will gradually revolutionize the entire medical spectrum—from diagnosis to treatment to recovery, prevention and personalized medicine. I am confident that this future-oriented medical school, which will admit its first cohort in 2028, will play an important role in educating and training a new generation of scientists and clinicians in the next 35 years and beyond.”
A Celebration of Innovation and Heritage
Reflecting the theme “Where Miracles Happen,” the ceremony showcased HKUST’s leadership in technology in a truly spectacular fashion. In a breathtaking fusion of tradition and innovation, the university’s Guangzhou campus team presented a robotic lion dance. This remarkable creation brought the classic folk art to life through advanced robotics, embodying the spirit of cultural heritage reimagined through cutting-edge engineering.
For the grand officiating ceremony, HKUST turned into an unexpected source of inspiration: humanity’s best friends. But there were no ordinary dogs. A team of robotic dogs—developed by Direct Drive Technology (an HKUST-nurtured startup), the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, and the Cheng Kar-Shun Robotics Institute—took center stage. Engineered to navigate complex, uneven terrain and perform dangerous industrial inspections, these four-legged helpers were given a far more meaningful mission for the day: carrying the ceremonial “Miracle Balls” to the officiating guests. As robotic dogs trotted majestically onto stage bearing their precious cargo, they symbolized the University’s commitment to channeling cutting-edge research into real-world applications—and its penchant for making miracles happen.
The ceremony reached its pinnacle with a dramatic display of innovation. In a symbolic gesture of bridging past and future, a drone—generously donated by distinguished alumnus Mr. WANG Tao, Founder of DJI—soared into the venue carrying the commemorative “35th Symbol Key.” As the drone gracefully descended to deliver the key to the officiating party on stage, it signaled the formal inauguration of the anniversary celebrations.
HKUST expressed its deep gratitude to Mr. Wang for his generous donation of two of the latest drone solutions to the university. These state-of-the-art drones will serve as an inspiration for faculty and students to explore and address new challenges in the rapidly evolving low-altitude economy.
The campus itself has been transformed with a “Circle of Time” visual theme, inspired by the iconic Sundial sculpture—a symbol of the University’s enduring legacy and its continuous measurement of progress in education, research, and knowledge transfer.
A Legacy of Excellence and National Trust
Since its founding in 1991, HKUST has risen to rank among the world’s top 50 universities. This commitment to excellence is underscored by the deep trust the nation has placed in the University. Following the reorganization of two existing State Key Laboratories, HKUST has secured approval from the Ministry of Science and Technology to establish a new one, further strengthening its role in advancing cutting-edge research critical to national development.
In a major national space endeavor, HKUST is developing a multi-functional robot for the historic Chang’E-8 lunar mission, designed to operate on the lunar surface and contribute to China’s advancing space exploration capabilities. The University is also leading the development of a high-precision, point-source greenhouse gas detection instrument. This groundbreaking project is set to make history as it will become HKSAR’s first payload to China’s Tiangong Space Station aboard the Tianzhou cargo spacecraft for research and application.
Celebratory Events
A full year of celebratory activities is planned, including co-hosting Asia Universities Summit with Times Higher Education, an AI Film Festival, and joint celebrations with HKUST (Guangzhou).
Global Thought Leadership
Following the symposium held earlier this year, where multiple Nobel laureates and world-leading scholars were invited to engage with HKUST faculty, students and alumni, the University will co-host the THE Asia Universities Summit 2026 with Times Higher Education (THE) this April. The event will draw university presidents and industry leaders from around the world to Hong Kong to explore Asia’s leadership role in driving global change. HKUST will also host the China Association of Higher Education’s flagship “World University Presidents Forum” for the first time in Hong Kong.
AI and Innovation Thematic Events
HKUST will organize a series of events focused on AI, technology governance and creative culture—including an AI Film Festival—to highlight the University’s leadership and societal impact in AI.
Building the HKUST Community
The University will host joint celebrations across its Clear Water Bay and Guangzhou campuses, including a year-long blood donation drive, a marathon, a “Mixed Reality x AI” art exhibition, and more, to foster closer interaction between faculty and students from the two campuses. HKUST will also organize a grand anniversary gala dinner to celebrate with faculty, students, alumni and community leaders, alongside a digital commemorative booklet that recounts the University’s 35 years of outstanding achievements with society.
Hashtag: #HKUST
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Hong Kong–based K‑Tech and Calgary’s Aurora AZ Energy form joint venture to power large‑scale AI, HPC and crypto mining operations in Alberta with low‑cost wellhead natural gas.
K-TECH SOLUTIONS COMPANY LIMITED (NASDAQ: KMRK) ANNOUNCES JOINT VENTURE WITH AURORA AZ ENERGY LTD. TO DEVELOP UP TO 500 MW OF AI AND HPC INFRASTUCTURE IN CANADA
HONG KONG SAR & NEW YORK, US – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 March 2026 – K‑Tech Solutions Company Limited (Nasdaq: KMRK) (“K‑Tech” or the “Company”), a technology firm specializing in high-performance computing infrastructure, today announced that its subsidiary has entered a joint venture agreement, as supplemented, with Aurora AZ Energy Ltd. (“Aurora”), a developer of wellhead natural gas power solutions, to develop large-scale crypto mining, artificial intelligence (AI) and high‑performance computing (HPC) infrastructure in Alberta, Canada.
The Joint Venture plans to develop an initial 100 megawatts (MW) of IT capacity at Aurora’s flagship site in Alberta. Expansion beyond this level, potentially up to 500 MW over time, would be subject to securing additional power supply, land and capital. Aurora AZ Energy Ltd. is a specialist in wellhead energy solutions.
By integrating natural gas resources directly at the wellhead with advanced power generation technologies, Aurora intends to utilize natural gas resources to sustainably support high‑density computing operations. The Joint Venture expects wellhead-sourced power to deliver energy costs meaningfully below prevailing grid rates in North America, positioning the partnership’s facilities as a cost-efficient platform for data center environments on the continent. Additionally, the Joint Venture intends to convert natural gas that might otherwise be flared to generate power for computing operations, reducing waste.
Under the terms of the Joint Venture, Aurora will supply power‑rich data center sites sourced from its wellhead energy portfolio, while K‑Tech will lead the design, development, and operations of the computing facilities. Together, the parties will deploy purpose‑built, high‑density data centers optimized for crypto mining, AI training/inference, and other compute‑intensive workloads. The transaction is subject to customary regulatory approvals, including applicable provincial energy and environmental permits in Alberta.
Development Roadmap
The partnership is structured across several phases that together establish a roadmap to deploy over 100 MW and up to 500 MW of IT capacity:
Initial Deployment: The Joint Venture will launch at Aurora‘s flagship site in Alberta, where the parties plan to develop an initial 100 MW of IT capacity supported by dedicated, wellhead‑sourced power infrastructure. Site preparation and infrastructure buildout are expected to commence in September 2026, with initial computing capacity projected to come online in Q2, 2027
Capacity Expansion: Subject to securing additional power and land at existing Aurora locations, the joint venture may expand total IT capacity at those sites toward the 500 MW target. The parties expect to evaluate expansion opportunities upon successful deployment of the Phase 1 facility.
Portfolio Scale-out: K‑Tech and Aurora intend to evaluate and may develop additional sites across Aurora‘s broader wellhead energy portfolio, which currently encompasses over 20 active wellhead locations across Alberta. This creates an opportunity to further scale high‑density AI and HPC capacity beyond the initial development plan.
“As AI models and HPC workloads become increasingly power‑intensive, scalable and cost‑effective infrastructure is critical. By partnering with Aurora, we are combining wellhead energy solutions with high‑performance chip design and data center expertise to support next‑generation AI and HPC applications,” said Kenneth Kwok, CEO of K‑Tech Solutions Company Ltd.
“Aurora was built to unlock the full value of natural gas at the wellhead,” said Jim Zhou, CEO of Aurora AZ Energy Ltd. “Working with K‑Tech allows us to apply that capability to high‑density computing infrastructure. We believe this collaboration will support the integration of energy and digital infrastructure at scale.”
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 March 2026 – The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Ministry of Commerce, Royal Thai Government, continues to promote Thailand’s content and entertainment industry in international markets. This initiative is carried out through business networking activities at “Thai Night Hong Kong 2026”, alongside Thailand’s participation in the Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FILMART) 2026, one of Asia’s most prominent marketplaces for film and television content.
FILMART 2026 will take place from 17–20 March 2026 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China. The event provides an opportunity for Thai content companies to connect with international buyers, investors, and industry partners while showcasing the strengths of Thailand’s entertainment industry on the global stage.
Ms. Sunanta Kangvalkulkij, Director-General of the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), stated that the department places strong emphasis on supporting Thailand’s content and entertainment industry in international markets. DITP aims to help Thai entrepreneurs expand business opportunities and strengthen partnerships with global industry players, while enhancing the competitiveness of Thai companies in the global marketplace.
“Thailand’s participation in FILMART and the organization of Thai Night Hong Kong 2026 provide an important platform to present the capabilities of Thai content companies and to foster new partnerships with international producers, distributors, and investors. These activities will help expand business opportunities and further promote Thai content in global markets,” she said.
At FILMART 2026, Thailand will showcase the strengths of its entertainment industry through four strategic pillars: Talents, Locations, Production, and Post-production. These pillars highlight Thailand’s skilled creative professionals, diverse filming locations, internationally recognized production standards, and advanced post-production capabilities, including visual effects and animation, supported by government measures that help facilitate international investment.
At the same time, DITP continues to capitalize on the growing global popularity of Y and GL series, one of the fastest-growing segments of Thailand’s entertainment industry, with valued at more than THB 4.9 billion in 2025. These genres have gained strong international fan bases and present significant opportunities for Thai content to reach global audiences.
Thailand is also encouraging the development of new content formats such as short-form dramas, which are increasingly popular on digital platforms and streaming services. These formats allow Thai creators to expand their presence across global distribution channels and reach wider international audiences.
With the remarkable growth and international recognition of Thailand’s entertainment industry in recent years—driven by talented filmmakers, diverse filming locations, and high production standards—Thai Night Hong Kong 2026 aims to move beyond showcasing industry capabilities toward fostering concrete international business collaboration.
A key highlight of the event will be the creation of a strategic platform for partnership discussions between Thai entrepreneurs and international industry partners. The event is expected to welcome more than 500 global investors, producers, directors, and media representatives, providing opportunities to expand business partnerships and further strengthen Thailand’s presence in the global entertainment industry.
For more information and updates about Thai Night Hong Kong 2026 and Thailand’s participation in FILMART 2026, please visit: www.ditp.go.th www.facebook.com/thailandfilms
Hashtag: #DITP
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The exclusive event at The Cinema at Selfridges London presented Thailand’s Healing is the New Luxury communication concept through a film premiere featuring Henry Moodie and immersive wellness and cultural experiences.
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 March 2026 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) premiered the Healing Journey Thailand global campaign at The Cinema at Selfridges, presenting Thailand’s tourism direction under the concept Healing is the New Luxury. The event featured the campaign film starring British singer‑songwriter Henry Moodie, alongside cultural showcases, tourism updates and wellness experiences reflecting Thailand’s approach to meaningful travel.
Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said: “Healing Journey Thailand reflects Thailand’s tourism development, where travel is defined by quality and balance. Guided by the concept Healing is the New Luxury, the campaign highlights Thailand’s wellness traditions, living culture and contemporary lifestyle experiences, allowing travellers to reconnect with themselves and the country.”
The London showcase, led by Ms. Thapanee and Mr. Nithee Seeprae, TAT Deputy Governor for Marketing Communications, welcomed media, influencers and guests from the United Kingdom and Europe. Before the cinema programme, guests experienced Thai creativity through cultural workshops and Thai culinary offerings.
The programme opened with the Healing is the New Luxury campaign film, followed by tourism updates outlining Thailand’s direction toward sustainable tourism. The centrepiece was the premiere of Henry’s Hero VDO, documenting Henry Moodie’s journey through Trang and Krabi.
Appearing in a bespoke outfit by Thai luxury fashion brand SIRIVANNAVARI, specially designed for the occasion, Moodie introduced audiences to Thailand through moments of reflection and cultural immersion. The film captures encounters with community traditions and local crafts, alongside the tranquil island landscapes of Ko Muk and Ko Kradan, presenting Thailand as a destination where travellers can reconnect with nature, culture, and themselves.
The screening was followed by a conversation between Henry Moodie and TAT executives, where he reflected on his journey across southern Thailand and noted that the message Healing is the New Luxury resonated with his travel experience.
The event concluded with a sound healing session. Before the London premiere, TAT introduced the Healing Journey Thailand campaign through AXN Asia clips featuring Henry Moodie. The global campaign continues through creator‑led journeys across Thailand, with storytellers capturing experiences and highlighting festivals such as Songkran, Loi Krathong–Yi Peng, Vijit Chao Phraya, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival and Tomorrowland 2026.
Hashtag: #TourismAuthorityofThailand #TAT
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Through the partnership, Ant International secures comprehensive marketing rights of the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and world-class players of the Argentine National Football Team to launch strategic activations across its brand portfolio, including Alipay+, Antom, Bettr and WorldFirst
BUENOS AIRES and SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 March 2026 – Ant International, a leading global payment, digitisation, and fintech solutions provider for merchants and financial institutions, today announced a partnership with the Argentine Football Association (AFA), becoming an Official Sponsor of the Argentine National Football Team for the Asia region (excluding the Middle East).
Leandro Petersen (left), Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer of AFA and Peng Yang, Chief Executive Officer of Ant International during a signing ceremony of the partnership.
With over 30 offices around the world, Ant International provides AI- and blockchain-empowered cross-border digital payment, treasury and digitalisation solutions for global merchants and financial institutions. Building on broad regional collaborations, its digital payment and account services connects 150 million+ merchants to 1.8 billion consumer accounts in the Asia Pacific by integrating 300+ of mainstream and alternative payment methods.
This agreement unites the reigning FIFA World Cup Champions with one of the world’s most innovative financial technology providers. Through this partnership, Ant International secures comprehensive marketing rights to launch strategic activations across its brand portfolio, including Alipay+, Antom, Bettr and WorldFirst, by leveraging the intellectual property of the AFA and the world-class players of the Argentine National Football Team.
“We are incredibly proud to support the Argentine national team, a beacon of excellence, teamwork, and global inspiration,” said Peng Yang, Chief Executive Officer of Ant International. “Sports and tech are two critical bonds for communities and markets that break barriers and connect people. Together we will bring more extensive and enriched football experience and community impact through our Asia fintech and digital services network.”
With three FIFA World Cup triumphs in 1978, 1986, and 2022, and having reached the global final on six historic occasions, the Argentine National Team occupies a hallowed place in the pantheon of sporting legends. As the standard-bearers of the “Albiceleste” spirit, the team is defined by a century-old lineage of virtuosity and an unwavering commitment to the pursuit of glory.
“Football is the ultimate universal language. It serves as a powerful bridge that transcends borders and connects the entire world,” said Claudio Fabian Tapia, President of AFA. “Through this partnership, we are excited to bring that connection to an even wider audience in Asia.”
“This partnership is a commitment to long-term success and a strategic union of two global leaders,” said Leandro Petersen, Chief Commercial and Marketing Officer of AFA. “By joining forces, we aim to deepen our presence in Asia and achieve new heights in both sports and fin-tech.”
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
BARCELONA, SPAIN – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 March 2026 – On March 2nd, the 2026 WLAN Global Industry Forum, hosted by the World WLAN Application Alliance (WAA), was held in Barcelona, Spain. Centered on the theme of “AI-WLAN: Envisioning a New Premium Intelligent WLAN Ecosystem,” the Forum attracted over a hundred participants from countries and regions worldwide, representing the full industry value chain—including technology experts, network operators, equipment vendors, testing and certification bodies, and research institutes and universities. By bringing together global WLAN resources on one platform, the Forum built a bridge for cross-regional and cross-sector collaboration, accelerating the WLAN industry’s global and intelligent upgrading empowered by AI, and underscoring a shared vision for coordinated development across the global ecosystem.
Panel Discussion on “AI-WLAN Innovative Points on Application and Standardization”
Today, the deep integration of AI and WLAN has become an inevitable trend in the global short-range connectivity industry. As the world’s first international industry and standards organization dedicated to WLAN application experience, WAA has taken the lead in advancing the vision of building a global hub for AI–WLAN technical exchange and standardization. By convening this industry forum, WAA brought together global consensus and international momentum to address shared challenges in the sector, while jointly exploring new pathways and paradigms for the converged evolution of AI and WLAN.
This forum was hosted by Luis Jorge Romero, CSO of the Comentropy Industry and Standards Innovation Service Center. In his opening address, ZHANG Ping, President of WAA, stated that the forum’s theme of AI-WLAN: Envisioning a New Premium Intelligent WLAN Ecosystem not only reflects the shared vision of the industry, but also demonstrates a collective commitment to action, work together toward a better digital future. In his welcome address, Gan Bin, Vice President of Huawei, noted that AI is transforming WLAN from “passive response” to “proactive prediction,” enabling networks to better meet differentiated, scenario-specific needs across industries. He expressed his hope that industry partners will join forces to help the global WLAN sector play an even greater role in the AI era.
International cooperation remained a central thread throughout the Forum and emerged as a key focus for participants. Together with international organizations, operators, and leading equipment vendors, WAA jointly released the “International Cooperation Initiatives on AI-WLAN Standardization,” outlining priority areas for collaborative innovation in AI-WLAN technical standards on a global scale. The Initiative lays a solid foundation for reducing standard barriers and advancing coordinated technology development.
During the Forum, WAA signed two Memoranda of Understanding—one with WBBA and another with GIIC—further expanding its international cooperation landscape and joining forces to usher the WLAN industry into a new phase of intelligent and global development. The Forum also featured the launch ceremony of the “Establishment of the WLAN Intelligent Sensing Industry Ecosystem Organization & Release of High-Quality 10 Gbps AI Campus Technical and Standard White Paper Ceremony.” These milestones will continue to deepen industry collaboration, accelerate technological innovation, and optimize application scenarios—working collectively to deliver a higher-quality and more efficient network service experience for users.
In the keynote session, speakers engaged in in-depth discussions aligned with the Forum theme, focusing on core topics such as AI–WLAN technology convergence, standards evolution, scenario-based deployment, and ecosystem co-creation. They shared forward-looking insights and practical achievements, offering ideas and direction to advance coordinated development across the global industry.
In his address titled “WLAN in Era of AI,” ZHANG Ping, President of the WAA, outlined four core directions for the development of AI-WLAN: wireless intelligence, operational intelligence, AI-WLAN security, and WLAN sensing with embodied intelligence, charting the course for the technological path.
Jim Lansford, IEEE Life Fellow, Chair of lEEE 802.11 Wireless Next Generation Standing Committee, stated in his presentation “The Next Generation beyond 802.11bn: the Foundation for AI-Native WLAN” that AI and machine learning can effectively mitigate interference, defend against quantum attacks, optimize physical layer parameters, and drive wireless networks to achieve capabilities for immersive entertainment and high-reliability, low-latency industrial automation, approaching the performance of wired networks.
SHI Chao, Deputy General Manager, Home IoT Product Department, China Mobile (Hangzhou) Information Technology Co., Ltd, shared insights in his presentation “From Connectivity to Intelligent Networking: China Mobile’s Leadership in the Intelligent Upgrade of AI-WLAN Home Networks.” He proposed that AI-WLAN serves as the “brain” and “nervous system” of the digital home, enabling autonomous network intelligence to proactively resolve issues before users even notice, thereby achieving proactive service delivery.
XU Fan, Chief Architect of Huawei Optical Access Network Product Line, proposed in his presentation “AI-WLAN Enables Ultimate Home Network Experience” that deterministic low latency (within 20 milliseconds) is a key enabler for cloud-edge collaboration, embodied intelligence, remote robot control, and high-definition live streaming for influencers. AI-WLAN is becoming the core foundation of the digital experience.
Bocar Alpha BA, CEO of SAMENA Telecommunications Council, emphasized that building an industrial ecosystem integrating AI and WLAN is of paramount importance. The deep integration of AI and intelligent wireless networks has become a foundational pillar for cross-industry digital transformation. WLAN has evolved from a supportive technology into a strategic infrastructure underpinning economic development. Promoting cross-regional collaborative efforts in WLAN standardization is fundamentally significant for ensuring the sustainable development and digital resilience of the digital economy.
Marcos Martínez Vázquez, MaxLinear, Rapporteur ITU-T Q3/15, introduced “AI Technologies in ITU-T Q3/SG15,” proposing that AI provides a mechanisms for in-premises communications to achieve cross-layer, cross-device, and system-level optimization that are difficult to accomplish with traditional methods, and that subsequent efforts will be made to strengthen alignment with international organizations such as WAA to avoid duplicate work and create synergies in standards development.
Tiago Rodrigues, Wireless Broadband Alliance President and CEO, noted in “AI/ML For Wi-Fi: Enabling Scaleable, Intelligent Wi-Fi Ecosystems” with operational complexity, AI and machine learning are becoming essential to keep networks reliable, secure and efficient at scale. The industry must align on common data, interfaces and governance, so that intelligent Wi-Fi can work across real-world multi-vendor environments and deliver value for all who use it.
LIU Guangfeng, General Manager of H3C Spain Office, shared insights in his presentation titled “AI-Driven WLAN for Enterprise: From High Speed to True Intelligence” on how manufacturers translate standards into products and services, achieving issue prediction, adaptive policy management, and zero-trust security through cloud-based models.
ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 6 Chair Shin-Gak Kang noted in “ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 6 Standardization toward AI-Enhanced Network Control” that AI can significantly enhance WLAN performance and user experiences without changes to PHY/MAC standards, and that future efforts should accelerate standardization of control and management mechanisms for WLAN environments, while recognizing physical capacity limits and leveraging AI technologies.
Ganesh Swaminathan, Vice President and General Manager of the Wireless Infrastructure and Networking at Qualcomm Technologies, introduced in “Enabling Reliable AI-Driven WLAN Experiences with Wi-Fi 8” how the end-to-end full-stack connectivity and computing capabilities based on the latest Dragonwing chip platform, leveraging Wi-Fi 8 and an AI-native architecture, provide high-bandwidth, intelligent access for home, 5G FWA and Fiber Gateway and industry scenarios.
Following the keynote speeches, a roundtable forum was held on the topic “AI-WLAN Innovative Points on Application and Standardization.” Moderated by Li Li, Chief Scientist of Standards at Huawei, the panel brought together Jim Lansford (Chair of IEEE 802.11 Wireless Next Generation Standing Committee), Marcos Martínez Vázquez (MaxLinear, Rapporteur ITU-T Q3/15), Shin-Gak KANG (ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 6 Chair), WANG Xuemin (Chair of WAA TCS), DU Peng (Technical Director of Europe, New H3C Technologies Co., Ltd. ), and Chano Gómez (Senior Director of Product Management, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.). They engaged in in-depth discussions on topics including AI-WLAN security, performance enhancement, experience optimization, and standards collaboration, building consensus for the practical implementation and healthy development of the technology and industry.
As major industry gathering combining strong professionalism with a global outlook, the 2026 WLAN Global Industry Forum not only provided a core platform for worldwide collaboration and exchange across the WLAN value chain, but also strengthened international consensus on AI–WLAN convergence and reinforced the foundation for global industry cooperation. WAA Secretary-General YANG He stated: “Building on the momentum of this Forum, WAA will continue to deepen the two-way integration of AI and WLAN, further strengthen international collaboration, and continue to serve as a ‘coordinator’ and a ‘catalyst.’ We will keep bridging global industry resources, deepen international technical exchange and standards cooperation, and promote outcomes that enable premium WLAN experiences to benefit users worldwide—together writing the next chapter of the AI–WLAN intelligent network ecosystem.”
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The companies in the Major Electricity Users Group account for more than a quarter of New Zealand’s energy use. File photo.123RF
Energy prices around the world are being squeezed by the conflict in the Middle East, but there should not be any price shocks in local power bills this winter, says the group representing the country’s biggest energy consumers.
The Major Electricity Users Group says power prices need to hold steady this winter, with businesses already shouldering cost increases driven by war in the Middle East.
The electricity bill can be the third highest cost for many businesses, after wages and raw materials, and over the past two years various manufactors – including several mills – have closed due to energy costs.
But Major Electricity Users Group chair John Harbord told Checkpoint that while it was a “very challenging environment” for its members, there should not be any power price shocks this winter.
He said the country’s hydro lakes have more water than they usually do due to a wet spring, and there was the strategic stockpile of coal at Huntly.
“At this stage, unless we get a prolonged dry period in the lead up to winter, we shouldn’t get price shocks due to scarcity of energy to make electricity with.
“Now obviously we don’t have control over the price, that’s set by the generators but there is no reason at this stage to expect a significant price shock passed from generators on to consumers.”
He said companies are currently absorbing increases in things such as shipping and insurance, and not adding a premium.
Harbord said electricity was an “absolutely critical” cost for businesses in the current environment.
“If it goes up at all and companies have to absorb it that’s going to put some strain on a lot of businesses, and not just our members, larger commercial or industrial users, but even your corner dairy, your retail shops as well, they’re ll looking at increases in electricity bills this winter.”
He said the system was already factoring in the increased demand from the AI factory, saying that it would take some time to get up and running, and the infrastructure was being prepared to handle it.
“People are building generation to get ahead of that.”
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 March 2026 – MyRepublic and Singapore Polytechnic (SP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to establish a strategic collaboration to drive applied AI innovation through the co-development of AI training programs leveraging MyRepublic’s AI automation sandbox environment.
MoU signing ceremony between MyRepublic and Singapore Polytechnic.
Powered by MyRepublic’s AI Automation Box, the sandbox offers secure, on-premise AI infrastructure designed for experimentation, prototyping and deploying intelligent automation solutions. Faculty and students will gain hands-on experience developing AI workflows, deploying Large Language Model (LLM) applications and building real-world automation solutions aligned with industry challenges.
The partnership extends beyond infrastructure to include co-development of AI training programmes, consultancy engagements, collaborative solution design, and industry attachment opportunities. By integrating applied learning with commercial deployment expertise, both organisations aim to drive innovation that results in measurable industry impact.
“Applied AI innovation happens when infrastructure, talent and real-world problems converge,” said Lawrence Chan, Chief AI Officer, MyRepublic. “Through this collaboration, we are providing industry-grade AI automation capabilities that empower educators and students to move beyond experimentation into deployment.”
“At Singapore Polytechnic, we believe that successful technology adoption starts with people. Tools matter, but real impact comes when teams have the skills, confidence, and hands‑on experience to apply AI meaningfully,” said Georgina Phua, Deputy Principal (Development), Singapore Polytechnic. “Through this partnership, SP and MyRepublic will work together on training and consultancy initiatives to support enterprises in exploring and building agentic workflows.”
Together, MyRepublic and SP aim to accelerate AI adoption, strengthen industry-academia collaboration and position Singapore at the forefront of applied AI capability development.