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Train Derailment After Crane Collapse Kills 22 in Thailand, Police Says

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Laotian Times
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A crane collapsed onto a passenger train in northeast Thailand, derailing it and killing at least 22 people, authorities said. (Photo: Nonthawat Wisutthipat)

AFP – A crane at a China-backed high-speed rail line in Thailand collapsed onto a passenger train on 14 January, causing it to derail and killing at least 22 people, local authorities said.

“Twenty-two people were killed and more than 30 were injured,” a local police chief in Nakhon Ratchasima province, Thatchapon Chinnawong, told AFP.

The incident occurred on Wednesday at around 9:00 AM when a crane being used to build the high-speed rail network fell onto a passenger train in Nakhon Ratchasima, northeast of the capital Bangkok.

“A crane collapsed onto a train causing it to derail and catch fire,” the Nakhon Ratchasima provincial public relations department said in a statement.

Live footage aired by local media showed rescue workers rushing to the scene, with a brightly coloured train derailed on its side as smoke billowed from the debris.

The Nakhon Ratchasima provincial department said the train was travelling from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani province.

Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn said 195 people were on board the train and authorities were rushing to identify the deceased.

The crane was being used in the construction of a USD 5.4-billion project to build a high-speed rail network in Thailand, backed by Beijing, which aims to connect Bangkok to Kunming in China via Laos by 2028 as part of China’s vast “Belt and Road” infrastructure initiative.

Industrial and construction site accidents have long been common in Thailand, where lax enforcement of safety regulations often leads to deadly incidents.

© Agence France-Presse

Xayabouly Prepares for Annual Masked Ghost Festival 2026

By
Thongsavanh Souvannasane
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Phi Ta Khon Festival in Xayabouly Province, Laos. (Photo credit: Pakaad)

Xayabouly Province is preparing for this year’s Masked Ghost Festival, or Phi Ta Khon Festival, from 31 January to 2 February. 

Traditionally this festival is a three day celebration combining Buddhist merit-making with local customs, featuring masked parades, colorful costumes, music, dance, games, and playful performances that invite protection from ancestral spirits.

The origins of the Phi Ta Khon Festival trace back to the Buddhist tale of Prince Vessantara, known to Lao people as Phavet. In Buddhist tradition, Prince Vessantara is revered for his boundless generosity. 

Local legend holds that when he returned from years of exile in the forest, spirits and forest guardians followed him home, symbolising the close bond between the spiritual and human worlds. This belief later gave rise to the festival’s iconic “ghost” procession.

Each of the festival’s three days offers a distinct experience. 

The first day is the most visually striking, as villagers don colourful costumes and handcrafted masks made from bamboo, rice husks, and coconut leaves. The masks feature exaggerated expressions, oversized heads, long noses, protruding tongues, and large ears, while participants wear patchwork outfits decorated with bells and carry carved wooden objects. Costumed revelers parade through the streets, playing games and engaging with the Phi Ta Khon, ancestral spirits believed to protect the community.

The second day mixes elements of the traditional rocket festival with costume contests, dance performances, and parades. 

The celebrations then shift to a more spiritual tone on the final day, when villagers gather to listen to Buddhist sermons delivered by monks.

The name Phi Ta Khon comes from the Lao phrase phi tam khon, literally translated as “ghosts follow people”.

Umoney Partners with Lao Airlines to Open a New Era of Payment Solutions for Laos’ Aviation Sector

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Advertorial Desk
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On 13 January, at the Unitel Headquarters, Star Fintech Sole Co., Ltd. (Umoney) and Lao Airlines held a signing ceremony and officially launched the Payment Gateway system. (Photo supplies)

On 13 January, at the Unitel Headquarters, Star Fintech Sole Co., Ltd. (Umoney) and Lao Airlines held a signing ceremony and officially launched the Payment Gateway system. The agreement was signed by Mr. Ha Jian Tang, Managing Director of Sata Fintech Sole Co., Ltd., and Mr. Sithided Douangsiththi, Deputy Director General of Lao Airlines.

This collaboration aims to enhance convenience for the Lao people, enabling Umoney users as well as customers holding accounts with other banks to purchase Lao Airlines flight tickets easily, quickly, and securely through the Lao Airlines application and website.

As the national carrier and largest airline in the Lao PDR, Lao Airlines operates both domestic and international routes. The airline remains committed to providing passengers with top-quality travel experiences comparable to leading international airlines, while also improving connectivity to remote and hard-to-reach areas to make travel more accessible.

As the national carrier and largest airline in the Lao PDR, Lao Airlines operates both domestic and international routes. The airline remains committed to providing passengers with top-quality travel experiences comparable to leading international airlines, while also improving connectivity to remote and hard-to-reach areas to make travel more accessible.

Through this collaboration, Umoney aims to simplify and modernize the payment experience for Lao Airlines customers and the Lao public nationwide. Starting now, all customers with an Umoney account or accounts with other banks can instantly book and pay for airline tickets, improving travel planning efficiency and meeting customer needs.

Umoney – Your trusted companion on every journey.

Umoney – Your Airlines Buddy.

KCM Trade Unveils Research Report Series

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Advertorial Desk
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Empowering Global Investors with Expert Market Intelligence

HONG KONG, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — KCM Trade, a global leading Contract for Difference (CFD) broker, today announced the launch of its proprietary research report series with the publication of its inaugural report, “An Annual Review of Global Financial Markets 2025“. The initiative represents a strategic expansion of the firm’s offering, expanding beyond trade execution to deliver structured, forward-looking market analysis to clients and the wider global investment community.

A New Chapter in Client Empowerment and Market Analysis

Led by KCM Trade’s Chief Analyst, Tim Waterer, the firm’s dedicated research team will publish research reports on a quarterly basis. The series is designed to dissect complex macroeconomic themes and translate them into actionable insights for traders and investors. The inaugural edition delivers a comprehensive review of a volatile 2025, analysing the impact of U.S. trade policy, Federal Reserve actions, and sectoral performances, before outlining critical themes for the year ahead, including the upcoming Fed leadership decision and the sustainability of the AI-driven tech rally.

Shaping Our Path Forward

Targeted at a global audience of retail and institutional investors, the report highlights KCM Trade’s commitment to fostering a more informed trading community. The strategic initiative aims to:

  • Expand KCM Trade’s reach and reinforce its position as an opinion leader in the financial services sector.
  • Provide unparalleled market insights derived from the daily analysis and expertise of its seasoned market commentators.
  • Provide sustained value for existing clients while engaging a broader audience of sophisticated market participants seeking depth and perspective.

KCM Trade expects this initiative to strengthen client relationships, attract new partnerships, and contribute meaningfully to global discourse on key financial market trends. The report will be published quarterly, with ad-hoc updates provided in response to major market-moving events.

Expert Insight from the Trading Frontline

“Our mission has always been to empower clients with clarity and insight in an often turbulent marketplace,” said Tim Waterer, Chief Analyst at KCM Trade. “The launch of our own research represents a natural evolution of that mission. By leveraging our team’s expertise in global markets, we aim to provide a unique, practitioner-focused perspective that cuts through the noise and highlights the opportunities and risks that matter most.”

The inaugural report, “An Annual Review of Global Financial Markets 2025“, is now available on the official KCM Trade website. Global investors are invited to visit the site to view the full report.

—END—

About KCM Trade

Founded in 2016, KCM Trade is dedicated to offering reliable, customised, and efficient trading services, connecting clients to top global financial markets. As a liquidity provider, we support institutional clients through a global network and offer diverse trading options to retail clients.
Our operations span Australia, Hong Kong SAR, Taiwan region, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Mauritius, and other regions. With our experienced and professional team, we can provide all-rounded and reliable support for client transactions.
KCM Trade is part of the KCM Group, affiliated companies include KCM Group Holdings Limited, Kohle Capital Markets Pty Ltd, and Kohle Capital Markets Ltd.

AiMOGA’s Intelligent Police Unit R001 Makes Official Debut, Ushering in a New Era of Smart Traffic Management

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Advertorial Desk
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WUHU, China, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — AiMOGA Robotics has deployed its first intelligent traffic policing robot, Intelligent Police Unit R001, at the intersection of Zhongjiang Avenue and Chizhu Mountain Road in Wuhu. The deployment brings humanoid robotics from pilot testing into frontline urban operations.

Bridging the Gap: Human-Robot Synergy

Wearing the badge “ZhiJing R001” (“Intelligent Police”), the robot is stationed on a traffic island and performs standardized hand signals with stable motion. Built to collaborate with on-site officers, R001 supports traffic flow and roadside order, allowing officers to focus on complex situations.


Engineered for the Complexity of the Road

Intelligent Police R001 is the first purpose-built humanoid in AiMOGA’s policing line. At this stage, it focuses on traffic guidance and behavioral reminders, especially for non-motorized vehicles. Integrated with urban signal systems, it can detect irregular behavior and deliver polite, standardized prompts. Core capabilities include autonomous mobility for fixed posts, high-definition road monitoring, and multi-modal perception for reliable operation in dense traffic environments.

Empowering Humans: Shifting from High-Risk to High-Value Roles

Intersections expose officers to extreme weather, exhaust, and noise. Intelligent Police R001 currently undertakes repetitive, standardized signaling at fixed intersections, supplementing on-site personnel. Continuous operation helps reduce physical strain while validating human–robot collaboration, aligning with AiMOGA’s principle of “technology in service of people.”

Global Scale and Real-World Validation

AiMOGA follows scenario-driven development, with robots deployed across 100+ environments. In 2025, the company delivered 300 humanoid robots and 1,000 quadruped robots, completed a Series A funding round, and achieved EU certification for both hardware and software, operating in 30+ countries and regions.

“Learning from the Street, Not the Lab”

“Products that remain in the laboratory never truly mature,” said Zhang Guibing, General Manager of AiMOGA Robotics. “Real-world deployment is essential for achieving reliability.”

AiMOGA plans to further develop the Intelligent Police series to support emergency coordination and real-time public information services, reinforcing humanoid assistants in safer and more efficient urban traffic systems.

AGIBOT Launches in Malaysia – Marks the Start of a Series of Strategic Initiatives Across the Asia-Pacific Region

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Advertorial Desk
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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — AGIBOT, a leading robotics company specializing in embodied intelligence, today announced the start of a series of strategic initiatives across the Asia-Pacific region in 2026, starting with a landmark launch event in Malaysia. The launch event was held at i-City, Selangor, and was attended by AGIBOT’s senior leadership team, alongside Malaysian government officials, partners, customers, and media guests. The event reinforced AGIBOT’s long-term commitment to building partnerships and advancing automation in Malaysia and across the region.

YB Tuan Chiew Choon Man, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture; YB Tuan Chang Lih Kang, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Mr. Abel Deng , President, Asia-Pacific & Middle East Region, AGIBOT and Tan Sri Lim Kim Hong, Chairman of I-Berhad.
YB Tuan Chiew Choon Man, Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture; YB Tuan Chang Lih Kang, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Mr. Abel Deng , President, Asia-Pacific & Middle East Region, AGIBOT and Tan Sri Lim Kim Hong, Chairman of I-Berhad.

AGIBOT’s Industry Leadership – Ranked No. 1 in Humanoid Robot Shipments & Market Share in 2025

AGIBOT was founded in 2023 with a clear ambition reflected in its name: building robots for the AGI era. Rather than creating single-purpose machines, AGIBOT is focused on developing embodied intelligent robots that can learn, adapt, and evolve in the real world.

Last year AGIBOT reached several major milestones that underscored its leadership in humanoid robotics and embodied intelligence. Achievements include the latest rollout of its 5,168th mass-produced humanoid, demonstrating industrial-grade manufacturing capability and large-scale commercial readiness. AGIBOT also advanced embodied AI through real-world reinforcement learning, enabling its robots to be trained and deployed directly in physical production environments.

This resulted in AGIBOT being ranked No. 1 globally by Omdia. According to Omdia’s General-Purpose Embodied Intelligent Robot 2026 report, AGIBOT ranked No.1 globally in humanoid robot shipments and market share in 2025, shipping over 5,100 units and capturing 39% of the global market.

“AGIBOT made significant strides to improve the mass production and the practical use of embodied robotics last year. This was capped off at the end of last year when we rolled out our 5,000th mass-produced humanoid robots. This milestone, along with others, puts AGIBOT in a strong position as we start 2026,” said Deng Taihua, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of AGIBOT. “Today’s AGIBOT launch event in Malaysia is an example of our commitment to bring mass production and the practical use of embodied robotics to customers in this region.”

AGIBOT and I-Berhad Launch First AI & Robotics Experience Centre in Malaysia 

The AGIBOT launch event on the 13th January 2026 also marked the Grand Opening of the AI World Experience Centre in i-City, officiated by the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), YB Chang Lih Kang. The Centre was established in partnership with I-Berhad, one of Malaysia’s leading investment and property development companies, and the master developer of i-City. As a part of this strategic alliance, AGIBOT’s world-class robotics and embodied AI was deployed across property, hospitality, tourism and day-to-day urban life in i-City, Malaysia’s leading digital city. In parallel, the collaboration introduces a strong focus on human wellness and longevity, where AI and robotics are applied not only to productivity and automation, but also to health optimization and quality of life. AI World represents the first stage of a broader, long-term partnership between AGIBOT and I-Berhad.

Mr. Abel Deng邓丰先生 , President, Asia-Pacific & Middle East Region, AGIBOT during a presentation at the launch
Mr. Abel Deng邓丰先生 , President, Asia-Pacific & Middle East Region, AGIBOT during a presentation at the launch

“The building and launch of Malaysia’s first AI & Robotics Experience Centre concludes the first phase of our partnership with i-City, with plans for further development in the coming year. This launch also marks the first of several strategic initiatives we will roll out in the Asia-Pacific region throughout 2026 and beyond,” shares Abel Deng, President, Asia-Pacific & Middle East Region, AGIBOT. “This year, in collaboration with regional partners, we will accelerate the development of the embodied robotics ecosystem in Asia Pacific and deploy embodied robotics products and solutions across a wider range of closed-loop commercial scenarios.

“We are confident that this strategic initiative between AGIBOT and I-Berhad will advance Malaysia’s vision to become a regional hub for AI innovation through integrated development across technology, governance, talent, infrastructure, and investment,” said Tan Sri Lim Kim Hong, Chairman of I-Berhad. “Furthermore, by developing the world’s first AI and Robotics Residential Tower as a real-world testbed and commercialization platform for humanoid robotics, we are accelerating the integration of embodied intelligence into everyday residential life. We are also laying the groundwork to translate advanced robotics capabilities into everyday living, while embedding health, wellness and longevity at the core of future residential environments. Through the convergence of AI, robotics, wellness innovation and a scalable Robots-as-a-Service (RaaS) model, we are establishing a new benchmark for intelligent, human-centric living in the region, beginning with AI Tower.”

AGIBOT’s Industry-Leading Robotics Portfolio and Commercial Applications

AGIBOT offers a diversified and complete robotics portfolio tailored to a wide range of real-world applications. AGIBOT’s product lineup includes:

  • AGIBOT A2 series – full-sized humanoids enabling multimodal interaction and autonomous navigation for guided presentations and showroom spaces
  • AGIBOT X2 series – half-sized compact humanoids that can interact naturally with people, walk in a humanlike way, and perform complex, expressive movements, designed for entertainment, research and education
  • AGIBOT G2 series – industrial-grade embodied robots combining interactive intelligence with precise force-controlled manipulation for rapid deployment in industrial environments.
  • AGIBOT D1 series – high-mobility quadruped robots for inspection and operations in complex environments
  • AGIBOT C5 – autonomous commercial floor-care robot delivering efficient sweeping, scrubbing, and smart navigation for large facilities

Mr. Abel Deng邓丰先生 , President, Asia-Pacific & Middle East Region, AGIBOT ; Mr. Daniel Jiang姜青松先, Partner & Co-president of AGIBOT; Mr. Deng Taihua 邓泰华先生, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of AGIBOT; YB Tuan Chang Lih Kang 郑立慷部长, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation; Tan Sri Lim Kim Hong丹斯里林金煌, Chairman of I-Berhad ; YB Tuan Chiew Choon Man赵俊文副部长 , Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture; Dato' Eu Hong Chew拿督尤芳洲, Non-Independent Non-Executive Director of I-Berhad
Mr. Abel Deng邓丰先生 , President, Asia-Pacific & Middle East Region, AGIBOT ; Mr. Daniel Jiang姜青松先, Partner & Co-president of AGIBOT; Mr. Deng Taihua 邓泰华先生, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of AGIBOT; YB Tuan Chang Lih Kang 郑立慷部长, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation; Tan Sri Lim Kim Hong丹斯里林金煌, Chairman of I-Berhad ; YB Tuan Chiew Choon Man赵俊文副部长 , Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture; Dato’ Eu Hong Chew拿督尤芳洲, Non-Independent Non-Executive Director of I-Berhad

AGIBOT’s robots are focused on eight key commercial applications, including reception and hospitality, entertainment and commercial performances, industrial intelligent manufacturing, logistics sorting, security inspection and patrol, data collection and training, scientific research and education. Through widespread adoption across multiple industries, AGIBOT brings the potential of embodied AI to reality, by driving industrial upgrades, transforming service and production processes, and supporting broader digital transformation efforts.

– End – 

About AGIBOT

AGIBOT is dedicated to driving innovation through the integration of AI and robotics, creating world-leading general-purpose embodied robot products and an application ecosystem. Built on the foundation of robotic body and powered by the fusion of interaction, manipulation, and locomotion intelligence — “1 Robotic Body + 3 Intelligence” — AGIBOT is a leading robotics company in the industry to deliver a complete product portfolio and deploy across all major application scenarios.

For more information, please visit AGIBOT online at AGIBOT.com and follow AGIBOT on their socials:
https://www.facebook.com/AGIBOT.zhiyuan
https://x.com/AGIBOT_zhiyuan
https://www.instagram.com/AGIBOT_
https://www.youtube.com/@AGIBOT-robot

Shape the Era, Pioneer the Times — Ge Jun 2026 New Year Eve’s Talk Opens in Guangzhou, Offering Forward-Looking Perspectives for Entrepreneurs

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Advertorial Desk
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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 January 2026 – Initiated by Ge Jun, Chairman and CEO of TOJOY Enterprise Services, Shape the Era, Pioneer the Times — Ge Jun 2026 New Year Eve’s Talk was grandly held at the Guangzhou Baiyun International Convention Center. At the crossroads of 2025 and 2026, more than a thousand entrepreneurs, founders, and distinguished guests gathered for this landmark intellectual event—one that blended trend foresight, humanistic reflection, and purposeful recharging. Together, they listened to the narrative of the times, and explored the path to becoming true pioneers of the era.

The “Ge Jun 2026 New Year Eve’s Talk” was grandly held in Guangzhou, bringing together prominent business leaders and more than 1,000 entrepreneurs to share insights on the AI revolution, economic transformation, and the future pathways of high-quality development.
The “Ge Jun 2026 New Year Eve’s Talk” was grandly held in Guangzhou, bringing together prominent business leaders and more than 1,000 entrepreneurs to share insights on the AI revolution, economic transformation, and the future pathways of high-quality development.

From Hidden Cornerstones to Transformation Pioneers — Painting the Resilient Foundation of China’s Economy

In his keynote address, Ge Jun outlined a vivid panorama of “Era Pioneers.” The picture encompassed technology trailblazers riding the crest of the AI wave, transformation leaders revitalizing traditional industries, and countless unsung yet indispensable cornerstone entrepreneurs. Together, these diverse figures revealed an essential truth: regardless of scale or spotlight, true pioneers are those who continuously create value in their fields.

“If these stories from across the country are not shared more widely, it would be unfair to the entrepreneurial community—and irresponsible to our times.” Ge remarked with conviction. Over the past six years, he has traveled across the country, engaging with countless SME founders. In his view, it is precisely these resilient, often unsung enterprises that underpin the most authentic strength and enduring warmth of China’s economy.

A New Generation Takes the Stage — Writing New Answers with New Tools

Midway through the address, Ge shifted focus to the rising generation of entrepreneurs. He depicted their multifaceted profiles, and emphasized that the new generation is redefining what it means to be an era pioneer. With new perspectives, new tools and new value systems, they inject fresh momentum into the future.

Addressing the critical issue of generational succession in the private economy, Ge highlighted developments ranging from the revival of legacy brands to IP-driven transformation, and revolutionary changes in manufacturing and communications. True succession, as he emphasized, is never a simple replication of experience. It is the continuation of a courageous, innovative spirit, paired with comprehensive renewal of tools, methodologies and connection models.

The Future Is Now — Finding the “Boarding Pass” and “Charging Station” in the AI Era

Standing at the threshold of a new technological revolution, Ge raised a profound question: “As AI redefines the core of productivity, how can enterprises and individuals ensure they are not left behind?”

In response, he laid out three crucial action pillars, forming a clear strategic framework for enterprises to navigate transformation and unlock new growth:

All Things Reborn — Every industry can be renewed with new technologies and new ways of thinking. New value always emerges from the reshaping and integration of traditional business models.

Local-Driven Prosperity — By deeply cultivating local markets, leveraging regional advantages and policy dividends, and building competitiveness within the dual-circulation framework, enterprises can realize “globalization at their doorstep.”

Purposeful Recharging — In an age of accelerating technological changes, emotional connection and the shared pursuit of meaning are becoming the ultimate “charging stations,” something AI can never replace.

According to relevant reports, this New Year Eve’s Talk marks an important milestone in Ge Jun’s ongoing commitment to empowering the entrepreneurial community. In this year’s Grain Rain season, he will continue to provide forward-looking perspectives and long-term growth companionship for entrepreneurs navigating an increasingly complex era.

Hashtag: #TOJOY

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

Allianz Risk Barometer 2026: Cyber remains top business risk but AI fastest riser at #2 in Asia Pacific

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Advertorial Desk
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  • Cyber, especially ransomware attacks, ranks as the #1 risk for companies of all sizes (36% of responses)
  • Artificial Intelligence is the biggest riser and jumps from #9 to #2 (32%), highlighting the emerging risks for companies in almost all industry sectors
  • Business interruption, strongly connected to geopolitical risks and natural catastrophes, remains a significant concern at #3

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 January 2026 – Cyber incidents created many headlines in 2025 and are still the biggest worry for companies in Asia Pacific and globally in 2026, according to the Allianz Risk Barometer. The past year has also been a significant one for accelerated adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), which is reflected in its ranking as the biggest riser in the annual survey at #2 as a complex source of operational, legal, and reputational risk for businesses. For the first time in five years, Business interruption is not in the top two risks for Asia Pacific, dropping to #3. Yet, this peril remains a significant concern given it can be a consequence of other risks in the top 10.

Asia Pacific Top 10 risks
Asia Pacific Top 10 risks

Allianz Commercial CEO Thomas Lillelund comments: “Following the volatility and uncertainty of 2025, businesses continue to face interconnected and highly complex risks in 2026’s fast-changing environment. Given the continuing rise of AI across society and industry, it is unsurprising that it is the big mover in the Allianz Risk Barometer. As well as bringing huge opportunities, its transformative potential and rapid evolution and adoption are also reshaping the risk landscape, making it a standout concern for firms of all sizes worldwide, alongside other more established threats.”

Christian Sandric, Allianz Commercial President, Commercial, Asia Pacific, says, “The evolving risk landscape, particularly in the areas of cyber threats and the adoption of AI, pose new challenges to businesses in the region. With Asian economies playing a pivotal role in global and regional trade, the potential for business interruption also remains a significant concern. This volatile environment stresses the importance of resilience in a business’ supply chain, response measures, and risk management strategies to withstand and recover from disruptions.”

Cyber risks the biggest concern for companies

Cyber incidents is the top risk in Asia Pacific, and a top three risk in Australia, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand. The Asia Pacific region experienced the most cyberattacks in 2024, increasing 13% year-on-year and accounting for 34% of attacks globally. While businesses in Asia, in particular large companies, have shown an increase in cyber resilience and appetite for cyber risk transfer solutions, their overall cyber coverage is generally lower compared to American or European peers and a significant portion of large organizations still remain self-insured.

Globally, cyber incidents is the top risk for the fifth year in a row, with its highest-ever score (42% of responses), and by a higher margin than ever before (+10%). It ranks as the main corporate concern in every region (Americas, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Africa and Middle East). The continued presence of cyber at the top of the Allianz Risk Barometer reflects a deepening reliance on digital technology at a time when the cyber threat landscape, and geopolitical and regulatory environments, are fast evolving.

AI creates emerging risks as well as new business opportunities

Ranking #2 in Asia Pacific, AI is a top three risk and biggest riser in Australia, China, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, and Singapore, economies which are in the top 50% in terms of AI readiness. More than 90% of companies in the region are planning to scale up Generative AI over two years, with a focus on managing costs and lifting revenues.

Globally, AI has surged into the top tier of business concerns, rising to #2 (32%) in 2026 from #10 in 2025 – the biggest jump in this year’s ranking. It is a big mover in all regions – ranked #2 also in the Americas, Africa and the Middle East, and #3 in Europe – and is a growing risk for companies of all sizes too, moving into the top three for large, mid-sized and smaller firms. As AI adoption accelerates and becomes more deeply embedded in core business operations, respondents expect AI-related risks to intensify, especially when it comes to liability concerns. The rapid spread of generative and agentic AI systems, paired with their growing real-world use, has raised awareness of just how exposed organizations have become.

Business interruption strongly connected to geopolitical risks and natural catastrophes

Business interruption (BI) is the third most significant risk in Asia Pacific and a top three risk in China, India, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and South Korea. The closely linked risk of changes in legislation and regulation – which includes trade tariffs – ranks #4 (25%), unchanged year-on-year driven by concerns over growing protectionism. Commerce is increasingly taking place between geopolitically aligned economies, resulting in new paths in global trade and the emergence of next generation trade hubs, including Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand in the region.

2025 marked a shift towards protectionist trade policies and tariff wars that brought uncertainty to the world economy. Geopolitical risks are putting supply chains under increasing pressure, but as risks rise, just 3% of Allianz Risk Barometer respondents view their supply chains as “very resilient”. In the past year alone, trade restrictions have tripled to affect an estimated US$2.7trn of merchandise – nearly 20% of global imports according to Allianz Trade – fueling companies exploring trends such as friendshoring and regionalization. These developments lead to a high-risk perception – 29% of respondents rank BI as a top peril, placing it at #3 globally, although it drops a position year-on-year.

Natural catastrophes ranks #5 (22%) in Asia Pacific, and is a top three risk in Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, and Thailand. The region experienced several natural catastrophes in 2025, including the Myanmar Earthquake, Typhoons Matmo, Ragasa, and Bualoi, Cyclone Alfred, wildfires in South Korea, as well as floods in Malaysia and Thailand. A delayed onset of the tropical cyclone season resulted in flooding and landslides, exerting a high human and economic toll in Asia where the insurance gap remains high at over 80%. According to research, there has been a significant increase in the intensity of tropical cyclones in recent decades, and these trends are linked to rising ocean temperatures and climate change, which retains its #6 ranking (19%) in the survey.

Resources:

Hashtag: #Allianz #AllianzCommercial #AllianzRiskBarometer #ARB2026

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

About Allianz Commercial

Allianz Commercial is the center of expertise and global line of Allianz Group for insuring mid-sized businesses, large enterprises and specialist risks. Among our customers are the world’s largest consumer brands, financial institutions and industry players, the global aviation and shipping industry as well as family-owned and medium enterprises which are the backbone of the economy. We also cover unique risks such as offshore wind parks, infrastructure projects or film productions. Powered by the employees, , and network of the world’s #1 insurance brand, we work together to help our customers prepare for what’s ahead: They trust us in providing a wide range of traditional and risk transfer solutions, outstanding and services as well as seamless handling. Allianz Commercial brings together the large corporate insurance business of Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS) and the commercial insurance business of national Allianz Property & Casualty entities serving mid-sized companies. We are present in over 200 countries and territories either through our own teams or the Allianz Group network and partners. In 2024, the integrated business of Allianz Commercial generated around €18 billion in gross premium globally.

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