HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 May 2025 – FGA Trust, a Hong Kong-based innovative licensed digital trust platform provides comprehensive fiduciary solutions, has been officially appointed as the Eligible Introducer of ABC Bank, an leading Mauritius financial institution with over a decade of regional expertise, marking a strategic leap to empower high-net-worth individuals(HNWIs) in tapping Africa’s booming investment opportunities.
This appointment aligns with both parties’ digital transformation roadmap, which combines the bank’s African foothold with FGA Trust’s AI-powered solutions to unlock high-growth opportunities for Asia’s HNWIs in Africa’s $3.4 trillion economy.
FGA Trust provides an AI-optimized solution to fasten the client onboarding application process, automating KYC and documentation process while ensuring full regulatory compliance.
Mauritius has been a strategic gateway for businesses to enter Africa, as it ranked among Africa’s top three foreign direct investment destinations. The appointment offers structured access to offshore bank accounts, trust structure, multiple financing and investment channels, tailored for Asian and African HNWIs alike.
FGA Trust’s AI-driven Wealth Corridor helps to bridge the Asian wealth with African growth via such an appointment, echoing the Belt and Road Initiative. It also merges FGA’s expertise in Asia private wealth frameworks with ABC’s on-ground insights into African jurisdictions.
Mr. Kavi Harilela, Director of FGA Trust, said: “This appointment isn’t just about bridging geographies—it’s about rewriting the rules of engagement between Asian capital and African innovation. Africa’s complexity demands more than ambition—it requires institutional trust. We would like to provide bank-grade custodianship and also build a foundation of compliance-by-design.”
By connecting FGA Trust’s AI precision and fiduciary solutions with the ABC Bank’s finance infrastructure, it is creating a frictionless pipeline for investments into Africa’s digital leapfrogging, opening up more opportunities for global HNWIs. Hashtag: #FGA #assetmanagement #HongKong #資產管理 #Trust #信托 #OffshoreBank #離岸銀行
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
FGA Trust
FGA Trust is a Hong Kong-licensed financial institution specializing in bank-grade asset protection and customizable trust solutions. Our services provide a secure framework for managing and safeguarding clients’ assets, ensuring their financial legacies are preserved according to their wishes. With a team of experts from the trust, financial services, and payment sectors, we utilize cutting-edge, compliant technology to deliver customer-first services that prioritize safety and discretion. At FGA Trust, we empower clients to live confidently, knowing their arrangements are optimized for their benefit.
Over a dozen abandoned book bags were piled before a pole flying the Myanmar flag outside the school building. (Photo credit: AFP)
AFP – A Myanmar junta airstrike hit a school Monday, killing 22 people, including 20 children, witnesses said, despite a purported humanitarian ceasefire called to help the Southeast Asian nation recover from a devastating earthquake.
The strike hit a school in the village of Oe Htein Kwin, around 100 kilometres (65 miles) northwest of the epicentre of the 28 March quake, at about 10:00 AM local time, locals said.
United Nations chief Antonio Guterres is “deeply alarmed” by reports of the strike, his spokesman told reporters in New York, adding that “schools must remain areas in which children have a safe place to learn and not be bombed.”
The green school building was a shattered husk on Monday afternoon, its metal roof crumpled with gaping holes blasted through its brickwork walls.
Over a dozen abandoned book bags were piled before a pole flying the Myanmar flag outside, as parents chiselled small graves out of the hard earth to bury the shrouded bodies of their children.
“For now, 22 people in total, 20 children and two teachers, have been killed,” said a 34-year-old teacher at the school, asking to remain anonymous.
“We tried to spread out the children, but the fighter was too fast and dropped its bombs,” she added. “I haven’t been able to collect all the casualty data as parents are in a rush.”
An education official from the village area in the Sagaing region took the same toll.
The junta information team said reports of the strike were “fabricated news”.
“There was no airstrike on non-military targets,” it said in a statement.
Myanmar has been riven by civil war since the military deposed a civilian government in 2021, with the junta suffering stinging losses to a myriad of anti-coup guerrillas and long-active ethnic armed groups.
But the military pledged a ceasefire throughout this month “to continue the rebuilding and rehabilitation process” after the magnitude 7.7 quake in Myanmar’s central belt that killed nearly 3,800 people.
‘Needs are immense’
Tens of thousands are still living outside after the catastrophic jolt demolished or badly damaged their homes, facing the prospect of the monsoon season starting in the coming weeks.
“The needs are immense,” Jagan Chapagain, secretary general of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, told AFP on Monday.
“My worry is that time is not on our side.”
The United Nations and independent conflict monitors say the junta has continued its campaign of aerial bombardment despite the armistice meant to alleviate suffering.
Last week, the UN said that since the earthquake, more than 200 civilians had been killed in at least 243 military attacks, including 171 airstrikes.
In its ceasefire declaration, the military warned it would take “necessary defensive measures” if pressed by its opponents.
Numerous anti-coup and ethnic armed groups have made their own pledges to pause hostilities.
However, during the truce, some residents in eastern Myanmar said they have been displaced as anti-coup forces besieged junta-held towns on a lucrative trade route towards neighbouring Thailand.
The March earthquake saw the ground shear up to six metres (20 feet) in places, according to NASA analysis, levelling apartments, opening yawning holes in roads, and collapsing one major bridge.
The relief response is also being hobbled by funding shortfalls after US President Donald Trump slashed Washington’s international aid budget.
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 May 2025 – The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) continues to attract international talent in specialised fields, as demonstrated by the journey of Jarinyagon CHANTAWANNAKUL, a final-year Biomedical Engineering student from Thailand. Her story highlights CUHK’s growing reputation as a premier destination for healthcare technology education in Asia.
CUHK Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship awardee Jarinyagon CHANTAWANNAKUL (right) from Thailand receives recognition at the University’s Scholarship Presentation Ceremony 2021/22, exemplifying CUHK’s commitment to nurturing international talents. The significant scholarship recognises her outstanding academic achievements and potential contributions to healthcare innovation.
Choosing Excellence in Healthcare Innovation
Jarinyagon selected CUHK after recognising Hong Kong as one of Asia’s few locations offering specialised Biomedical Engineering programmes. The university’s comprehensive infrastructure, including dedicated libraries, laboratories, and teaching hospitals, along with its unique college system and generous hostel policy, proved decisive factors in her choice. Her academic excellence was recognised with the prestigious Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship, ensuring her financial stability throughout her studies.
Academic Achievement and Research Excellence
Her academic journey has been marked by notable achievements, including the Charles K. Kao Scholarship, which supported her research exchange at Stanford University’s Department of Otolaryngology. Most recently, she secured funding from the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation’s (HKSTP) Ideation programme to develop her final year project into a commercial product.
Biomedical Engineering student Jarinyagon CHANTAWANNAKUL gains hands-on research experience during her summer internship at Stanford University’s Department of Otolaryngology, School of Medicine.
Mentorship and Faculty Support
At CUHK, Jarinyagon has benefited from close mentorship by distinguished faculty members. Professor Scott Wu Yuan has served as her project supervisor, career mentor, and life adviser, while Professor Liting Duan’s guidance as academic adviser has helped ensure her continued success throughout the programme.
Global Exposure and Professional Development
Beyond classroom learning, Jarinyagon’s professional experience includes valuable internships at both Stanford University and a Hong Kong biotech company. Her first full-time paid position as an R&D intern in Hong Kong’s biotech sector provided crucial insights into industry operations and workplace dynamics in one of Asia’s primary business hubs.
Future Impact in Healthcare Innovation
Looking ahead, Jarinyagon aims to leverage her CUHK education to make meaningful contributions to healthcare through innovation. Her involvement with HKSTP’s Ideation programme exemplifies how CUHK prepares students to transform academic projects into practical healthcare solutions.
For Thai Students Considering CUHK
For prospective Thai students, Jarinyagon emphasises CUHK’s strong global reputation and generous scholarship opportunities as key attractions. The university’s diverse cultural environment provides invaluable opportunities for international students to expand their global perspectives while pursuing world-class education.
Hashtag: #CUHK
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About CUHK
Founded in 1963, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) stands as a leading comprehensive research university, consistently ranked among Asia’s top educational institutions.
PENANG, MALAYSIA / SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 May 2025 – The Ascott Limited (Ascott), the wholly owned lodging business unit of CapitaLand Investment (CLI), is ramping up talent development to support the opening of more than 300 new properties by 2028. This global expansion is expected to create more than 12,000 new jobs, including over 1,500 property leadership roles. To power this growth, the company is launching Ascott Accelerate, a structured talent management programme that fast-tracks high-potential associates into hospitality leadership positions. This will be complemented by a digital learning platform offering flexible and accessible development opportunities for associates across all levels.
Connecting Ascott associates from across places and cultures, out-of-classroom initiatives such as the Ascott Global Exchange Programme and Ascott Learning Festivals provide in-person opportunities for associates from different regions to engage in cross-culture discussions and gain insights into best practices from expert trainers.
Both new initiatives are part of the Ascott Global Academy for Excellence (AGAX), a comprehensive training platform launched in 2024 to build a future-ready workforce and support Ascott’s target of achieving over S$500 million in fee-related earnings by 2028. AGAX is led by the Ascott Learning Council, co-chaired by Ms Wong Kar Ling, Chief Strategy Officer and Managing Director, Southeast Asia, and Mr Lee Ngor Houai, Chief Operating Officer for Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA), South Asia and China.
Ascott Accelerate is one of the many new initiatives introduced as part of the Ascott Global Academy for Excellence (AGAX). AGAX is a comprehensive training platform designed to build a future-ready workforce for Ascott. It was launched in 2024 at the group’s biennial Ascott Global Conference.
In 2024, Ascott continued its upward trajectory, achieving a third consecutive year of record fee-related earnings at S$343 million, reflecting a 12% year-on-year increase on a recurring basis[1]. This performance was driven by a 6% rise in revenue per available unit (RevPAU) and the opening of a record 11,700 units across 54 properties. Today, Ascott’s global footprint spans more than 990 properties in over 230 cities, with two-thirds already operational. The company is advancing its growth through a multi-typology brand strategy designed to scale and diversify its presence across key markets. Malaysia exemplifies this approach with a portfolio of more than 40 properties – both operational and in the pipeline – spanning serviced residences, hotels, resorts, social living spaces and branded residences. Fittingly, Ascott chose Penang – home to 21 of these properties – as the launch site for Ascott Accelerate and its new digital learning platform during the Ascott Learning Festival, reinforcing Malaysia’s role in supporting the company’s broader growth strategy.
Mr Lee Ngor Houai said: “At Ascott, our vision is to be the preferred hospitality company, enriching global living with heartfelt experiences. To deliver on this, we have expanded our portfolio beyond serviced residences to include hotels, resorts, social living spaces and branded residences, offering guests more choices under our brand promise ‘Stay Your Way.’ Our multi-typology brand framework not only caters to the diverse needs of today’s travellers, but also empowers our associates to develop broad-based expertise and thrive across different accommodation formats. As our business continues to grow and diversify, we remain deeply committed to developing our people, ensuring they have the skills and support to grow with us. Looking ahead, talent development will remain central to our strategy as we expand globally, with over 300 new properties set to become operational by 2028.”
Ms Wong Kar Ling said: “To future-proof our talent pipeline, we are excited to launch Ascott Accelerate, a comprehensive initiative designed to nurture high-potential talent at every stage of their hospitality careers. This programme supports associates from entry-level roles to key property leadership positions, such as Residence Manager and General Manager. Through mentorship, on-the-job training, project-based learning and e-learning, Ascott Accelerate will shape the next generation of hospitality leaders, equipping them with the capabilities to drive our continued success. As the training needs of our organisation evolve, we are also exploring partnerships with leading hospitality institutions to enhance the professional credentials of our team. We welcome individuals with a passion for hospitality to join us at Ascott, where opportunities to grow and thrive are part of our dynamic journey.”
With over 12,000 new jobs expected to be created across more than 300 new properties slated to open as part of Ascott’s global portfolio by 2028, the company’s talent management programme, Ascott Accelerate, will seek to train and fast-track high-potential associates into key property leadership roles.
Ascott Accelerate features three progressive career development tracks:
Aim, which builds foundational leadership skills essential for supervisors;
Advance, which strengthens the management capabilities required to lead as heads of departments; and
Aspire, which prepares future Residence Managers and General Managers through curated hands-on learning, equipping them with the agility and leadership skills to thrive in a fast-evolving hospitality landscape.
To turbocharge the programme, Ascott is also introducing a new digital learning platform that enables associates to learn anytime, anywhere. Featuring tailored content across key operational areas – including guest services, housekeeping, property maintenance, digital technology and finance – the platform empowers associates to develop relevant skills at their own pace, while balancing daily responsibilities.
In addition, Ascott is enriching learning experiences through initiatives like the Ascott Global Exchange Programme and Ascott Learning Festivals. The exchange programme offers promising associates short-term overseas postings to broaden their perspectives, adapt to new environments and learn from high-performing teams across the network. Complementing this, the Ascott Learning Festivals are dynamic, in-person events where associates gain insights into the latest industry skills and best practices from expert trainers and thought leaders.
Ms Wong added: “Hospitality is about connecting people across places, cultures and possibilities. At Ascott, we believe those connections should begin within our own teams. Just as we aspire to offer global living to our guests, we are equally committed to giving our associates the opportunity to experience the global nature of our business – whether through international assignments or globally connected platforms like our learning festivals. These initiatives reflect not only the scale of our operations but also why many are drawn to hospitality: a passion for people, culture and discovery.”
[1] Excluding fee-related earnings from one-off projects and the impact of foreign exchange movements. Hashtag: #hospitality #talentdevelopment #humanresource #Ascott
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About The Ascott Limited
The Ascott Limited (Ascott) is driven by a vision to be the preferred hospitality company, enriching global living with heartfelt experiences. With a portfolio of over 990 properties across 230 cities in over 40 countries, Ascott’s presence spans Asia Pacific, Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the USA. Its diverse collection of award-winning brands includes Ascott, Citadines, lyf, Oakwood, Somerset, The Crest Collection, The Unlimited Collection, Fox, Harris, POP!, Preference, Quest, Vertu and Yello.
Ascott specialises in managing and franchising a wide range of lodging options, including serviced residences, hotels, resorts, social living properties and branded residences, catering to the varying needs and preferences of global travellers. Through the Ascott Star Rewards (ASR) loyalty programme, members enjoy exclusive privileges and curated experiences, enhancing every aspect of their travel journey.
As a wholly owned business unit of CapitaLand Investment Limited, Ascott generates fee-related earnings by leveraging its expertise in both lodging management and investment management. It also drives the expansion of funds under management by growing its sponsored CapitaLand Ascott Trust and private funds.
Headquartered and listed in Singapore in 2021, CapitaLand Investment Limited (CLI) is a leading global real asset manager with a strong Asia foothold. As at 31 March 2025, CLI had S$117 billion of funds under management held via stakes in seven listed real estate investment trusts and business trusts and a suite of private real asset vehicles that invest in demographics, disruption and digitalisation-themed strategies. Its diversified real asset classes include retail, office, lodging, industrial, logistics, business parks, wellness, self-storage, data centres, private credit and special opportunities.
CLI aims to scale its fund management, lodging management and commercial management businesses globally and maintain effective capital management. As the investment management arm of CapitaLand Group, CLI has access to the development capabilities of and pipeline investment opportunities from CapitaLand Group’s development arm. In 2025, CapitaLand Group celebrates 25 years of excellence in real estate and continues to innovate and shape the industry.
As a responsible company, CLI places sustainability at the core of what it does and has committed to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions for Scope 1 and 2 by 2050. CLI contributes to the environmental and social well-being of the communities where it operates, as it delivers long-term economic value to its stakeholders.
Q1 data follows $74B economic loss in Asia Pacific from natural disasters in 2024
Earthquake in Myanmar estimated to be the costliest event of the year so far, with only a fraction insured
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 May 2025 – Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, published Asia Pacific (APAC) insights from its Q1 Global Catastrophe Recap – April 2025, which analyzes the natural disaster events that occurred worldwide during the first quarter of 2025.
During this period, the APAC region experienced significant wildfire activity, particularly in South Korea and Japan. South Korea faced devastating wildfires that resulted in 31 deaths, 49 injuries and the destruction of over 7,700 structures with losses estimated at approximately $1B.
The earthquake that occurred in March in Myanmar is the costliest event of the year so far. Damage is expected to reach billions of dollars and only a fraction is covered by insurance. The costliest event for APAC insurers was ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, with insured losses of approximately AU $1B.
The Q1 data follows Aon’s 2025 Climate and Catastrophe Insight report, which identified global natural disaster and climate trends to quantify the risk and human impact of extreme weather events in 2024, where total economic losses in APAC were $74B, with insurance covering only approximately $4B.
The main driver of economic losses in 2024 was flooding, with a significant contribution from seasonal floods in China. Two major events: the Noto earthquake in Japan and Typhoon Yagi in Southeast Asia and China also accounted for a large proportion of the losses.
Typhoon Yagi was one of the most severe storms to hit Southeast Asia since Typhoon Rammasun in 2014. The storm caused extensive damage across Vietnam, China, Myanmar, the Philippines and Thailand, resulting in significant economic and insured losses. This event highlights the importance of considering both wind and flood risks in typhoon-prone areas.
George Attard, CEO for Reinsurance Solutions for APAC at Aon, said: “The devastating earthquake in Myanmar, which caused at least 5,400 deaths and significant structural and infrastructure loss, underscores the importance of being prepared for catastrophe-related risks. Extreme weather and seismic events remain a powerful force driving the complexity and volatility that businesses and communities face and emphasizes the urgent need for innovative mitigation solutions to address this growing challenge.”
Aon’s 2025 Climate and Catastrophe Insight report highlights several trends with natural catastrophe losses:
Growing Disaster Losses: Global insurance losses in 2024 were 54 percent above the 21st-century average, covering $145B of the $368B in damages. Even though insured losses far exceeded the average, the protection gap stood at 60 percent, representing a significant financial headwind to communities, businesses and governments. In the APAC region, the protection gap was much higher with 95 percent of the losses not covered. Increases in population density in coastal areas, wealth and overall exposure to natural hazards in high-risk areas continue to be a crucial component of growing disaster losses.
Earthquake Risks: April 2024 saw a significant earthquake impact in Taiwan, while Japan experienced the Noto Peninsula earthquake on January 1, 2024. This emphasises the need for ongoing vigilance and preparedness for seismic events.
Exposure Changes: Changes in exposure is a growing challenge for insurers and clients. These changes, rather than climate risks alone, are driving shifts in loss patterns. Typhoon Yagi, for example, accentuated the importance of a regional risk management approach that extends beyond sovereign borders.
Advances in Flood Modelling: Despite the challenges, advancements in flood modelling have made significant strides in recent years. Advanced tools and data analytics can help businesses and governments understand the complexities of flood risk and prepare for future events.
Economic Impacts: The exposure of commercial infrastructure to extreme weather has increased, requiring companies and insurers to explore the impact of changing weather patterns on assets. While Typhoon Yagi made a significant impact on economic and insured losses in China, Vietnam and the Philippines, 2024 was a relatively quiet year for natural catastrophes in Asia when compared with the long-term regional trend.
The economic and insured losses in the region also contrast with the global figures, where economic losses from natural disasters in 2024 are estimated at $368B, more than 10 percent above the long-term average since 2000.
With greater resilience and mitigation measures in place, global economies can reduce damage and loss of life.In 2024, 18,100 people lost their lives due to natural hazards, mostly from heatwaves and flooding globally. This was below the 21st-century average of 72,400. The long-term decrease in global fatalities can be attributed to improved warning systems, weather forecasts and evacuation planning, underscoring the value of reliable climate data, insights and analytics.
Significant Asia Events in 2024
Date
Event
Location
Deaths
Economic Loss
(2024 $ B)
Insured Loss
(2024 $ B)
09/06 -14/07
South Central China Floods
China
470
15.7
0.4
01/09 – 09/09
Typhoon Yagi
China, Southeast Asia
816
12.9
0.7
01/01
Noto Earthquake
Japan
489
18.0
1.5
01/03 – 30/06
India Heatwaves
India
733
NA
NA
20/06 – 30/06
Karachi Heatwave
Pakistan
568
NA
NA
“Asia is at the forefront of flood modelling,” said Peter Cheesman, head of Risk Capital analytics for APAC at Aon. “Despite this, there remains a need for better tools and collaborations with public and private partnerships to help close the insurance gap. A comprehensive, multi-country strategy, together with advanced modelling and data inputs, are critical in helping risk managers prepare for future events as climate and exposure trends continue to evolve.”
Aon’s 2025 Climate and Catastrophe Insight report can be found here. Hashtag: #Aon #climaterisks #climate #catastrophe #catastropherisks #flooding
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Aon
Aon plc (NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise, and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues provide clients in over 120 countries with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that protect and grow their businesses.
Disclaimer The information contained in this document is solely for information purposes, for general guidance only and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although Aon endeavours to provide accurate and timely information and uses sources that it considers reliable, the firm does not warrant, represent or guarantee the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or fitness for any purpose of any content of this document and can accept no liability for any loss incurred in any way by any person who may rely on it. There can be no guarantee that the information contained in this document will remain accurate as on the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No individual or entity should make decisions or act based solely on the information contained herein without appropriate professional advice and targeted research.
Tel Aviv, Israel – Newsfile Corp. – May 13, 2025 – Kardome, a voice AI market leader, announced today a strategic collaboration with LG Electronics to integrate Kardome’s Spatial Hearing AI into LG’s next-generation smart devices.
Kardome’s Spatial Hearing AI technology enables smart devices to hear like humans do, delivering natural, seamless, and highly accurate voice user interfaces (voice UIs)-even in noisy or complex environments. The technology will first be integrated into LG’s line of smart TVs, with expansion planned across additional categories including smart appliances, audio products, and vehicles.
LG Electronics will integrate Kardome’s Spatial Hearing AI into LG’s next-generation smart devices
As demand rises for intuitive voice UIs across the smart home and consumer electronics markets, Kardome’s Spatial Hearing AI offers a critical differentiator: spatial awareness and voice isolation that enable devices to understand and respond to users in real-time, regardless of background noise or the number of speakers.
LG Electronics, known for its commitment to innovation and quality, sees this as an opportunity to enhance its product offerings further.
“Kardome’s technology is a game-changer for smart devices,” said Jungho Kwak, head of MS Service Platform Development Division at LG Electronics. “By integrating this next-generation Spatial Hearing AI technology, we deliver a more intelligent and responsive user experience that redefines what’s possible in voice-enabled products.”
Kardome’s proprietary Spatial Hearing AI technology isolates and identifies individual voices in real-world settings. This ability allows devices to understand commands faster and more accurately, enhancing user satisfaction and performance.
“Our partnership with LG represents a major milestone for Kardome,” said Dani Cherkassky, CEO of Kardome. “Together, we’re bringing voice AI to the forefront of product innovation. Our Spatial Hearing AI sets a new voice UI standard in consumer electronics.”
This collaboration showcases how Spatial Hearing AI can transform human-machine interaction across LG’s ecosystem of connected devices, offering manufacturers a powerful solution to meet today’s voice-first user expectations.
For more information about Kardome’s Spatial Hearing AI technology, visit www.kardome.com.
About Kardome
Kardome is a pioneer in voice AI for consumer and automotive products. Its Spatial Hearing AI technology delivers accurate, context-aware voice interaction in real-world environments. The company’s patented technology enables smarter, more human communication between users and their smart devices. Learn more at kardome.com.
Visa-free travel arrangement and 35 bilateral accords signed
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 May 2025 – Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)’s Chief Executive John Lee is leading a delegation of over 50 business leaders from Hong Kong and Mainland China to Qatar and Kuwait to forge closer connections and promote the city’s advantages to the Middle East. This historic visit marks the first time that Mainland entrepreneurs have joined an official overseas Hong Kong delegation.
“The composition of the delegation demonstrates Hong Kong’s unique role as a ‘super connector’ and ‘super value-adder’ under the principle of ‘one country, two systems'”, Mr Lee said. “Hong Kong is dedicated to capitalising on its connectivity with both Mainland China and the world, collaborating and synergising with economies and enterprises that are eager to pursue high-quality development with us.”
The first stop in Qatar (May 10-12) yielded significant results, including the signing and announcement of 35 bilateral accords covering areas such as economic co-operation, investment, finance, legal collaboration and innovation and technology (I&T). These included a tripartite agreement among organisations from Hong Kong, Mainland China and Qatar focusing on fintech collaboration, showcasing Hong Kong’s bridging role between different economies.
In addition to Hong Kong-Qatar co-operation, two agreements were reached between enterprises from Mainland China and Qatar, fostering co-operation in financial services and high-end manufacturing.
HKSAR’s Chief Executive John Lee (seventh right) witnesses agreements signed between government department, enterprises, and institutions from Hong Kong, Mainland China and Qatar.
Speaking at a business luncheon in Doha (May 12) themed “Partnering for Success – Hong Kong as a ‘Super Connector’ and ‘Super Value-Adder’, Mr Lee unveiled a new arrangement allowing HKSAR passport holders to visit Qatar visa-free for up to 30 days. He also said that Hong Kong and Qatar have substantially concluded the negotiations on an Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement.
On arriving in Qatar (May 11), Mr Lee met the Amir of the State of Qatar, High Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, and the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, His Excellency Mohammed bin Ali Al Mannai, to exchange views on strengthening bilateral relations and economic co-operation between Hong Kong and Qatar.
Mr Lee meets the Amir of the State of Qatar, High Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (right).
Qatar is Hong Kong’s third-largest trading partner in the Middle East with bilateral trade in goods worth US$1.6 billion last year. Mr Lee said that there is plenty of room for further growth in trade and business between the two places.
During a visit to the Qatar Investment Authority, Mr Lee was briefed on the operation and investment strategies of the sovereign wealth fund, and explored with the Qatar Investment Authority the development and co-operation opportunities for both sides in finance and the economy.
With I&T being an area of great potential for bilateral collaboration, Mr Lee and other delegation members visited Lusail City, one of the country’s flagship smart cities, to understand how the city integrates I&T with urban planning and infrastructure development. Mr Lee highlighted that both Hong Kong and Qatar attach great importance to technological development and regard artificial intelligence as an engine of new economic development.
Mr Lee tours Lusail City in Qatar.
Delegation members also toured the National Museum of Qatar to learn about the country’s history and rich cultural heritage.
Before departing for Kuwait, Mr Lee took the chance to visit an autonomous vehicle project at Doha Hamad International Airport. The project is designed by a Mainland Chinese tech firm with its international headquarters in Hong Kong, and first piloted at Hong Kong International Airport. “This exemplifies our role as a launchpad for global innovation,” Mr Lee said. Hashtag: #hongkong #brandhongkong #asiasworldcity #collaboration #partnering #Qatar #beltandroad
PARIS, FRANCE – Media OutReach Newswire – 13 May 2025 – Malaysia calls on the international community to strengthen cooperation in addressing the global water crisis – a transboundary challenge impacting nations of rich and poor alike. Strategic partnerships and coordinated policy actions are essential to securing a sustainable and resilient water future for all.
Sharing Malaysia’s experience at the Global Water Summit 2025 in Paris, Deputy Prime Minister Yang Amat Berhormat Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah Haji Yusof said, it is time for the global community to recognise water as an invaluable resource to human survival and development
While sharing Malaysia’s experience at the Global Water Summit 2025 in Paris, Deputy Prime Minister Yang Amat Berhormat Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah Haji Yusof said, it is time for the global community to recognise water as an invaluable resource to human survival and development.
“Water, the lifeblood of our planet, unites us in a shared responsibility. The global water crisis, transcending borders and economies, demands urgent collaboration,” he said in his speech during the Opening Plenary: “Delivering the Economics of Water” here today.
Sharing the nation’s progressive approach to sustainable water management, Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah who is also the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA), highlighted both its successes and lessons learned, reaffirming Malaysia’s commitment to offering its expertise as a model for countries facing similar water security issues.
In his address, he outlined key milestones in Malaysia’s water management journey, emphasising reforms that have transitioned the country from fragmented state governance to a more coordinated federal-state partnership. He also underscored Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to manage growing demands, including urbanisation, climate change and industrial water use.
Key Highlights from Malaysia’s Water Sector Transformation 2040 Agenda:
Shifting Perspectives on Water – Malaysia is focusing on treating water as a precious, finite resource. The nation is accelerating smart water management systems and implementing a matching grants program to reduce non-revenue water (NRW) with co-funding from federal government.
Strengthening Private Sector Collaboration – Malaysia is inviting private sector investment to help drive innovation in water management. New policies are fostering opportunities for greater participation in green initiatives, water reclamation and the use of alternative energy sources in water infrastructure.
Proactive Preparedness for Climate Change – Malaysia is strengthening its resilience to climate change by enhancing flood forecasting, advance data modelling and scenario planning to better anticipate extreme weather events.
Dato’ Sri Haji Fadillah also added that Malaysia’s active role in regional efforts, particularly within ASEAN, while extended an invitation to global innovators to invest in and collaborate on the next generation of water technologies. The Malaysian government remains committed to fostering sustainable water management practices through continuous innovation, partnerships and shared global solutions.
Meanwhile, Indah Water Konsortium (IWK) Sdn Bhd Chief Executive Officer, Narendran Maniam stated that resource recovery has shifted from a discretionary measure to a policy imperative, driven by the pressing need to enhance environmental resilience and ensure sustainable resource management amid escalating economic and ecological pressures.
Narendran added that for IWK, resource recovery has evolved from being a nice-to-have to a necessity, with a focus on three main drivers behind this journey:
Commitment to Environmental Sustainability – IWK is dedicated to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, minimising waste and creating positive environmental impact through all its efforts.
Changing the Utilities Landscape – by becoming the second tap for the nation. As Malaysia is rapidly becoming a regional hub for data centres, it presents a unique opportunity for IWK to support the sustainability of Malaysia’s data centre industry through reclaimed water supply.
Economic Values and Financial Sustainability.
“Our message to the broader ecosystem is simple – bring value into the equation. The door is open for collaboration. As the national sewerage company, all collaborations will be subject to transparent open tenders and due diligence,” he said at the roundtable talk “Delivering the Capex Surge” during the summit. Hashtag: #GlobalWaterSummit #Sustainability #IWK #NewLifeForWater #EraBaharuAir #PETRA
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Indah Water Konsortium Sdn Bhd (IWK)
Indah Water Konsortium Sdn Bhd (IWK), is a sewerage services company owned by Minister of Finance Incorporated, Malaysia. IWK is responsible for providing sewerage services, operating and maintaining 9,133 existing sewage treatment plants and network pump stations, as well as more than 22,000 km networks of sewerage pipelines serving 32 million Connected Population Equivalent (cPE).
Our core expertise spans Operations and Maintenance, Refurbishment, Planning & Policy Strategy, Engineering and Process Review, Project Planning and Management, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Hazard and Operability Studies (HAZOP), as well as Research & Development, and Training Services including module development. IWK has been recognised to lead capacity building projects via mentorship programme by UN Habitat and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The company has completed two projects: UN Habitat’s Global Water Operators’ Partnerships & Water Organization Partnerships (WOP) Project in Banjarmasin, Indonesia, and ADB’s Water Organization Partnerships for Resilience (WOP4R) Programme in Baguio City, the Philippines.