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2025 HKGFA Annual Forum – Navigating Climate Finance and Geopolitics: Strategies for Transition

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HONG KONG, Sept. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hong Kong Green Finance Association (“HKGFA”) hosted its Eighth Annual Forum today, under the theme “Navigating Climate Finance and Geopolitics: Strategies for Transition”. The Forum marks the start of Hong Kong Green Week (8 to 12 September), the city’s flagship sustainability event, coordinated by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (“HKMA”).

Dr. Ma Jun, Chairman and President of HKGFA
Dr. Ma Jun, Chairman and President of HKGFA

 

Mr. Paul Chan Mo-po, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government
Mr. Paul Chan Mo-po, Financial Secretary of the HKSAR Government

The 2025 HKGFA Annual Forum convened policymakers, regulators, and private sector leaders to advance dialogue on regional collaboration and innovation in green and sustainable finance. Around 1,500 participants from Hong Kong, mainland China, Asia, and beyond attended the hybrid event.

Across a series of insightful discussions and fireside chats, industry experts and sustainable finance thought leaders assessed the impact of higher tariffs and geopolitics on the global green economy and international trade. They discussed Hong Kong’s pivotal role in leading Asia’s climate transition and the opportunities for regional green cross-border transactions. Additionally, experts shared practical aspects on achieving a net-zero transition and the application of emerging technologies and AI to enable effective transition strategies.

The Annual Forum was officiated by senior government officials from Hong Kong and Mainland China, including the Honourable Paul Chan Mo-po, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong SAR Government, Dr. Zhang Bei, Deputy Director-General of the Research Bureau of the People’s Bank of China (“PBC”), and Mr. Christopher Hui, Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury of the Hong Kong SAR Government, who opened the afternoon session highlighting Hong Kong’s four-pillar strategy, including promoting market development, fostering financial innovation, enhancing sustainability transparency, and nurturing talent and enhancing data, to forge a collaborative, resilient and sustainable path forward.

Financial Secretary Mr. Paul Chan commenced the forum’s proceedings with opening remarks, in which he highlighted the Government’s policies and strategic directions in green transformation.  He said that beyond fulfilling its domestic commitments on carbon neutrality by 2050, Hong Kong has much to offer the world as an international financial centre, such as in facilitating green and transition finance, participating in international standard settings, and mobilising more capital across the public and private sectors to support green transition.

Mr. Chan also said that Hong Kong is emerging as a green tech hub, actively attracting prime green enterprises from around the world. In the age of AI which has vast potential in powering green transition, Hong Kong has prioritised it as a core industry, and many AI solutions for decarbonisation can scale here.

Mr. Chan said, “While the world may be facing substantial geopolitical challenges, Hong Kong is fully committed to being a reliable partner in the global green transformation. In the space of sustainable finance, technology, talent and many other areas, we can work together to turn climate challenges into rewarding opportunities.”

Dr. Ma Jun, Chairman and President of HKGFA, said, “Looking ahead, Hong Kong SAR and mainland China are well-positioned to play a pivotal role in advancing Asia’s leadership in climate finance. Hong Kong has the capability and responsibility to serve as a regional platform for standard setting, policy dialogues, product innovation, and capacity building, especially for developing countries and emerging markets.”

Dr Ma also announced the pilot soft launch of the HKGFA-CASI Certificate in Sustainable Finance, an online learning program that supports Hong Kong’s mission to scale up capacity and talent in Sustainable Finance. Through this unique collaboration, students can access self-paced training courses, latest global and regional sustainable finance market developments.

In the morning fireside chat, Dr. Li Cheng, Professor of Political Science, Founding Director of the Centre on Contemporary China and the World, The University of Hong Kong, Dr. Zhang Bei, Deputy Director-General of the Research Bureau, The People’s Bank of China (“PBC”), and Dr. Erik Berglöf, Chief Economist, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (“AIIB”), discussed the opportunities for green trade and green finance cooperation in Asia, applications of the Multi-jurisdictional Common Ground Taxonomy (MCGT), and regional connectivity of the voluntary carbon markets.

On the four panel discussions, HKGFA’s members and leading industry experts shared the following insights and practical considerations: 

  • Recalibrating Pathways to Net Zero – What has changed?
    Despite headwinds of rising tariffs and global trade disruptions, momentum in investments for the energy transition remains strong. Panellists shared how issuers are navigating the labelling of transition-related activities and operationalising net-zero pathways, underscoring the need for regionally tailored approaches that consider local contexts and dynamics—particularly in Asia—where companies are adopting diverse strategies to meet net-zero objectives beyond 2050.
  • Innovative Funding Mechanisms:
    The collaboration with multi-lateral development banks (MDB) insurers, private sector and philanthropic organisations (public, private, philanthropic partnerships) are essential to mobilising private investments for Asia’s climate transition. However, these blended finance structures remain nascent due to knowledge gaps, expertise and bankable projects. Government support and industry-wide capacity building is necessary to translate discussions into action.
  • Adapting to Shifting Green Supply Chains: Building Resilient Economies:
    The alignment of Hong Kong’s sustainability disclosure requirements with the IFRS ISSB S1 and S2, mandating climate-related disclosures and Scope 3 supply chain emissions from 2025, will drive corporates to map, disclose, and work with their suppliers to lower carbon emissions. Corporates continue to identify innovative solutions to achieve climate ambitions such as green steel, playing a critical role in decarbonising the building and transportation sectors. Additionally, taxonomies and sustainable finance guidelines (such as ICMA) help mitigate greenwashing, guiding investors to channel capital to activities and sectors with the highest impact.
  • GenAI and Green Tech: Catalysing Enabling Transition Strategies:
    The panel emphasised a shift toward emerging technologies and AI solutions as vital enablers to facilitate decarbonisation and enhance climate resilience, embraced by corporates in climate risk management, investors in ESG due diligence, and banks in transition planning. Financial sector support in accelerating the adoption of innovative green technologies is critical to mobilising capital and supporting a just, energy-efficient transition.

Earlier this year, HKGFA launched the Transition Knowledge Repository Hub to support financial institutions and corporates in navigating the key components of a credible transition plan to enhance awareness and capacity. Continuing in its efforts to support the green and sustainable finance ecosystem, HKGFA launched two report previews at the Forum:

1) “Activating the Retrofitting Market in Hong Kong“, industry-led research on retrofitting and policy recommendations to incentivise decarbonisation of the built environment. The report discusses structural and financial challenges to upscaling retrofitting, reviews local and overseas policies, and provides key asks and recommendations to the Hong Kong market.

and 2) “Mobilising Sustainable Finance to Halt and Reverse Nature Loss”, exploring the transformative potential of sustainable finance in addressing biodiversity loss, emphasising the critical role of financial institutions in driving nature-positive investments with case studies in Hong Kong, China, and Asian regions to illustrate how sustainable finance can bridge the US$737 billion annual funding gap for biodiversity by mobilising private capital.

HKGFA is committed to global collaboration and stakeholder engagement, and was appointed the co-convenor of Hong Kong’s TNFD consultation group, leading market development and capacity building to unlock nature financing.

This year’s HKGFA Annual Forum was sponsored by Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited, The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, Standard Chartered, China CITIC Bank International, Moody’s Ratings, Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking, Société Générale, and Sustainable Fitch.

About Hong Kong Green Finance Association

Founded in September 2018, Hong Kong Green Finance Association (HKGFA) provides a unique platform that supports the development of green finance and sustainable investments in Hong Kong and beyond. It aims to mobilise both public and private sector resources and talents in developing green finance policies, to promote green finance business and product innovation within financial institutions. HKGFA’s main goal is to position Hong Kong as a leading international green tech and green finance hub by providing greater access and opportunities for Hong Kong’s financial institutions and corporates to participate in green financing transactions locally, in mainland China, and in markets along the Belt & Road. This is in line with the global path to implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement.

HKGFA’s key activities are organised through five working groups, namely Banking – Financing the Transition, Product Innovation and Solutions, Sustainability-related Disclosures, Policy and Standards, Greater Bay Area Green Finance Alliance, and Real Estate. 

Please visit https://www.hkgreenfinance.org/ for more information.

LISCure BioSciences Secures World’s First FDA NDI notification for Hair Health Probiotic Mobiome®

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Advertorial Desk
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SEOUL, South Korea, Sept. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — LISCure BioSciences (“LISCure”) today announced that Mobiome®, its proprietary hair health probiotic, has received New Dietary Ingredient (NDI) Notification from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) —the first such recognition worldwide for targeting hair health.

Mobiome® had previously been approved by the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) as a new functional ingredient, based on extensive scientific validation in both preclinical and clinical studies. Results demonstrated multiple mechanisms of action, including enhanced antioxidant activity, reduced inflammation, stimulation of hair follicle cell proliferation, and regulation of the hair follicle cell cycle. In clinical trials, Mobiome® archieved statistically significant improvements (p<0.05, 95% CI) in hair gloss and elasticity, as along with higher consumer satisfaction scores in parameters such as hair texture, split ends, dryness, and damage.

A New Standard for Probiotic Innovation
The FDA’s NDI Notification process is one of the most rigorous in the world, requiring comprehensive evidence of safety and scientific efficacy. Evaluations cover the ingredient’s characteristics, toxicological safety, gastrointestinal survivability, and functional validation data — Achieving NDI status therefore represents a critical credential for companies seeking to expand in the global dietary supplement market.

Accelerating Global Expansion
“With FDA acceptance of the NDI notification for Mobiome®, we have strengthened our competitive position not only in Korea but across the global nutraceutical market,” said Hwa-sup Chin, CEO of LISCure BioSciences. “We are now accelerating expansion plans with partners in North America, Europe, and key Asian markets.”

Beyond hair health, LISCure is developing a pipeline of individually recognized functional ingredients for body fat reduction, joint health, kidney health, and cognitive improvement, with additional FDA NDI submissions underway.

Parallel Advancement in PharmaceuticalsIn its core pharmaceutical business, LISCure is advancing multiple programs:

  • Brain Shuttle Platform ‘ExoPN-101’ – global partnership and potential licensing
  • LB-P8, a therapeutic candidate for PSC, granted FDA Orphan Drug Designation (ODD) and Fast Track Designation, now in U.S. Phase 2

LB-P2D, immuno-oncology therapeutic candidate supported by robust preclinical efficacy data, is advancing toward clinical trials in the U.S. By combining innovation in both pharmaceuticals and functional health products, LISCure is positioned to drive sustainable growth and deliver impactful health solutions worldwide.

About LISCure BioSciences
LISCure BioSciences is a biotechnology company specializing in the development of novel therapeutics and scientifically validated functional ingredients. With a dual focus on pharmaceutical innovation and health supplement commercialization, the company is committed to improving quality of life and contributing to the advancement of global healthcare.

Tineco Celebrates 9.9 with Promotional Prices Storewide and New S9 Artist Breeze

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Advertorial Desk
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  • Tineco has launched a storewide limited-time promotion for 9.9, with prices starting from just $99.
  • The global leader in smart cleaning technology is also introducing the all new S9 Artist Breeze, an addition to its flagship S9 lineup.

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 September 2025 – Tineco, a global leader in smart cleaning technology, has launched a storewide limited-time promotion for 9.9. Customers looking for innovative, user-friendly vacuums can explore Tineco’s range of home appliances at wallet-friendly prices from just $99. In addition to the festivities, Tineco also announced the launch of the S9 Artist Breeze, an addition to the brand’s top-performing S9 range.

Tineco 9.9 Special Promotions
Tineco 9.9 Special Promotions

ATTRACTIVE 9.9 PROMOTIONS UP FOR GRABS

From now till 14 September, customers purchasing through Tineco’s official website, Lazada and Shopee flagship stores, and mass retailers, can enjoy up to 75% off, with deals starting from $99.

Promotional prices are applicable across Tineco’s range of products, from the Smart Wet Dry Vacuums to Vacuum Cleaners and Carpet Cleaners. Customers can enjoy discounted prices on Tineco’s key products, including the advanced S9 Artist Steam from $900 (u.p. $3,099), and S6 Stretch Pro from $400 (u.p. $2,099).

Device Price Promotion Information Availability Launch Promotions *T&Cs apply, while stocks last
S9 Artist Steam $9xx Free accessories worth up to $666:

  • 12x Cleaning Solution
  • 2x Hepa Filter
  • 2x Roller Brush
Available now at Tineco’s official website, Lazada and Shopee flagship stores, and mass retailers Promotion runs from now till 14 September 2025.
S9 Artist Breeze $5xx Free accessories worth up to $149:

  • 2x Cleaning Solution
  • 1x Hepa Filter
  • 1x Roller Brush
S6 Stretch Pro $4xx Free accessories worth up to $275:

  • 6x Cleaning Solution

NEW TINECO S9 ARTIST BREEZE GUARANTEES TOP CLEANING PERFORMANCE WITH LATEST TECHNOLOGY

Tineco introduces the S9 Artist Breeze to its top-performing S9 range
Tineco introduces the S9 Artist Breeze to its top-performing S9 range

Fully equipped with Tineco’s latest technology, the new S9 Artist Breeze guarantees top cleaning performance suitable for Singapore lifestyles.

The technologically advanced S9 Artist Breeze ensures a clog-free, smooth and uninterrupted cleaning experience as the powerful 22kPa suction instantly removes dust and debris, and DualBlock Anti-Tangle Design effectively prevents hair and pet fur from tangling. Triple-sided Edge is designed for convenience, ensuring thorough cleaning along walls and leaves no corner uncleaned. Equipped with Tineco’s signature technology, the iLoop Smart Sensor, cleaning is optimised as suction and water flow are adjusted automatically and effectively.

With a runtime of 50 minutes, the S9 Artist Breeze is capable of cleaning entire homes of up to 300 square metres on a single charge in lay-flat mode. The new model is also easy to use with a 180° Lay-Flat Design that easily reaches under furniture and 90° Swivel Steering for easy maneuverability and maximum user comfort.

With the launch of S9 Artist Breeze, Tineco remains dedicated to innovation and providing smarter home appliances for all customers.
Hashtag: #Tineco

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

About Tineco

Founded in 1998, Tineco is a high-tech company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of ECOVACS Group (SHA: 603486). Dedicated to innovation, Tineco has consistently delivered smart home cleaning solutions that redefine convenience and efficiency. With the launch of the Floor One S9 Artist and Floor One Switch S7 Stretch, Tineco continues to lead the way in creating products that make everyday life easier and more enjoyable.

Shanghai Electric Reports Growth in Both Revenue and Profit in 2025 Interim Report

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Advertorial Desk
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SHANGHAI, Sept. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Shanghai Electric (SEHK: 2727, SSE: 601727), a global leader in industrial and energy equipment manufacturing, announced its mid-term performance results for the period ending June 30, 2025. The Group reported revenue of RMB 54.303 billion (USD 7.605 billion), marking an 8.9% year-on-year increase, while net profit attributable to shareholders of the parent company surged by 7.3%. These results underscore the success of Shanghai Electric’s strategic growth in emerging sectors and its expanding influence in international markets.

 

Shanghai Electric’s three core business segments—energy equipment, industrial equipment, and integrated services—synergized operations to drive structural improvements in both revenue composition and order portfolio:

  • Energy equipment segment generated operating revenue of RMB 30.116 billion (USD 4.218 billion), up 22.2% year-on-year;
  • Industrial equipment segment reported revenue of RMB 18.598 billion (USD 2.604 billion), remaining largely flat compared to the same period last year;
  • Integrated services segment saw modest growth, with revenue rising 3.8% to RMB 8.260 billion (USD 1.156 billion).

In the first half of 2025, Shanghai Electric secured new orders totaling RMB 109.81 billion (USD 15.38 billion). Orders in the energy equipment sector accounted for RMB 60.04 billion (USD 8.41 billion), followed by industrial equipment for RMB 22.82 billion (USD 3.2 billion) and integrated services for RMB 26.95 billion (USD 3.77 billion). Notably, orders in the new energy sector achieved robust growth rates, showing significant progress of Shanghai Electric’s green energy transition strategy.

Furthermore, the Group’s overseas revenue reached RMB 8.696 billion (USD 1.218 billion), an 11.7% increase year-on-year. Key milestones included the on-schedule completion of the Zafarabad 220kV digital substation project in Uzbekistan’s Jizzakh Province and the full commissioning of the Similajau-Bunut 500kV transmission line project in Sarawak, Malaysia. These achievements aligned with Shanghai Electric’s strategic focus on the Belt and Road Initiative and further strengthened its market share in participating countries.

Shanghai Electric prioritizes technological innovation. In the first half of the year, the Company allocated RMB 2.546 billion (USD 356.61 million) to R&D, representing 4.7% of its total operating revenue with a 9.4% year-on-year increase.

It has solidified its position as a technological pioneer and reported core breakthroughs in controlled nuclear fusion, AI and robotics innovation. Shanghai Electric delivered the world’s first cryogenic test Dewar for the ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) magnet in July. The Group launched its LINGKE dual-arm industrial robot and SUYUAN industrial humanoid robot, marking the initial establishment of a comprehensive robotics ecosystem spanning industrial, specialized, and intelligent robotics. Concurrently, it has strengthened its capabilities in critical components, laying the groundwork for end-to-end automation solutions.

In energy storage technology, Shanghai Electric achieved a milestone with its solid-state battery production line, where key equipment, including wet coating, mixing, rolling, and solid electrolyte transfer printing systems, has passed rigorous real-world project validation. It has accentuated the Group’s technological advancement and positioned it as a frontrunner in next-generation energy storage solutions.

For further details, please visit https://www.shanghai-electric.com/group_en/.

Thai Top Court Orders Ex-PM Thaksin Jailed for One Year

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Laotian Times
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Thailand's former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra arrives with his daughter Thailand's sacked prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra (L) at the Supreme Court in Bangkok on September 9, 2025, ahead of a ruling on whether he properly served a prison term in 2023. Thailand's top court is due to make a ruling on September 9, which could see the kingdom's most powerful and polarising statesman jailed in a watershed moment for his imperilled political dynasty. (Photo by Manan VATSYAYANA / AFP)

By Thanaporn PROMYAMYAI/AFP – Thailand’s Supreme Court on 9 September ordered the country’s most powerful and polarizing statesman Thaksin Shinawatra to be jailed for one year, ruling he improperly served a 2023 prison term in hospital.

Thaksin, 76, had been sentenced to eight years for corruption and abuse of power after returning to the country in August 2023 following years spent living in exile.

But he never spent a night in a cell, whisked to a private hospital room, his sentence was reduced to one year by royal pardon, before he was freed in an early release scheme for elderly prisoners.

“Sending him to hospital was not legal, the defendant knows his sickness was not an urgent matter, and staying in hospital cannot count as a prison term,” said the ruling read out by a judge.

The court ordered the issuance of a warrant to take Thaksin to Bangkok Remand Prison to begin serving a one-year prison term.

Shinawatra’s political clan has for two decades been the key foe of Thailand’s pro-military, pro-royalty elite who view their populist brand as a threat to traditional social order.

But the dynasty’s momentum is flagging after a litany of legal and political setbacks, culminating in his daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra last month being ousted from the prime minister’s office.

Thaksin arrived at the court smiling and posing for photos, flanked by dynasty heiress Paetongtarn who left the ruling without him but told reporters he was “in good spirits”.

“My father remains a spiritual leader, whether through his past political role, his contributions to the country, or his sincere intention to be part of improving the lives of the people,” she said.

Thaksin was elected prime minister in 2001 and again in 2005, but took himself into exile after his second term was cut short by a military coup.

The timing of his return and his transfer to hospital, which coincided with his Pheu Thai party forming a new government, fuelled public suspicion of a backroom deal and allegations of special treatment.

The Supreme Court’s Criminal Division for Persons Holding Political Positions began investigating in April, and has probed prison and medical officials to determine if the sentence was properly served.

Their ruling came just days after the Pheu Thai party was ousted from top office, with Paetongtarn felled by a Constitutional Court ruling she breached ministerial ethics in a border spat with Cambodia.

Pheu Thai had held the premiership since 2023 polls, but a coalition led by their onetime ally Anutin Charnvirakul replaced them on Sunday.

Thaksin flew out of the country by private jet ahead of Tuesday’s verdict, fueling speculation in Thai media he may have absconded.

But he returned on Monday ahead of the ruling.

© Agence France-Presse

Trip.com Group Joins Forces with Cityline to Transform Event Ticketing Experiences

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Advertorial Desk
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HONG KONG, Sept. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Trip.com Group, a leading global travel service provider, and Cityline, an information technology integration solutions enterprise, today celebrated the official launch of a five-year strategic partnership with a signing ceremony in Hong Kong. This landmark collaboration marks Trip.com Group’s first-ever partnership with a major ticketing provider in the Hong Kong and Macau markets and Cityline’s inaugural integration with an online travel agency platform, combining Trip.com’s global reach with Cityline’s leading technology solutions.


This partnership enables Trip.com Group to leverage Cityline’s solutions and technology capabilities, allowing Trip.com and Ctrip users to seamlessly collect physical tickets at Cityline’s extensive network of self-service kiosks across Hong Kong, Macau, and Mainland China. By integrating online ticket purchasing with offline collection, the collaboration enhances convenience and accessibility, delivering a streamlined ticketing experience for users attending major events.

The partnership has already proven successful in facilitating ticketing for high-profile events, including Ayumi Hamasaki Asia Tour 2025 Hong Kong, Evolution Nic Live, G-DRAGON 2025 World Tour [Übermensch] IN HONG KONG, and Hong Kong Football Festival 2025. Looking ahead, this model will be rolled out for upcoming events such as The Fact Music Awards 2025 in Macau, further expanding its reach.

Mr. Bo Sun, Chief Marketing Officer of Trip.com Group, commented: “Travel is defined by unique experiences, and at Trip.com Group, we are constantly innovating to bring travellers closer to those moments. With a rich and growing calendar of live events attracting audiences worldwide, these experiences are a key reason people travel and one of our fastest-growing segments. This collaboration builds on our efforts to deliver a seamless, integrated experience that meets all traveller needs, making every journey an opportunity for discovery, connection, and lasting memories.”

Mr. Marcus Lam, Executive Director & General Manager of Cityline, added: “Our collaboration with Trip.com Group marks a deep integration of online and offline ticketing experiences. This powerful alliance will undoubtedly enhance the traveller experience, allowing users from more regions to enjoy the diverse performances in Hong Kong, Macau, and the Greater Bay Area.”

The collaboration aligns with the growing trend of entertainment-driven travel, as highlighted in Trip.com Group’s Momentum 2025: Travel’s Next Big Trends report. The report reveals that 66% of travellers are organising trips around live events, with concerts and sporting events driving demand. 66% have already travelled internationally to watch their favourite artists perform, turning concerts into full-fledged travel experiences. Football remains the top choice for live sports travel, followed closely by basketball and the Formula 1. Enthusiasts are not just attending these events but seeking destinations that offer complementary experiences, such as exploring local landmarks and culinary hotspots in between match schedules or race weekends.

By leveraging Trip.com Group’s global user base and Cityline’s ticketing technology solutions, the partnership creates strategic opportunities for both companies to expand their presence in overseas markets. Cityline gains access to more domestic and international users, while Trip.com strengthens its event offerings through Cityline’s ticketing technology solutions, fostering cross-border collaboration and long-term growth in the events and ticketing space.

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About Trip.com Group

Trip.com Group is a leading global travel service provider comprising of Trip.com, Ctrip, Skyscanner, and Qunar. Across its platforms, Trip.com Group helps travellers around the world make informed and cost-effective bookings for travel products and services and enables partners to connect their offerings with users through the aggregation of comprehensive travel-related content and resources, and an advanced transaction platform consisting of apps, websites and 24/7 customer service centres. Founded in 1999 and listed on NASDAQ in 2003 and HKEX in 2021, Trip.com Group has become one of the best-known travel groups in the world, with the mission “to pursue the perfect trip for a better world”. Find out more about Trip.com Group here: group.trip.com. Follow us on: X, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

About Cityline

Cityline is an information technology integration solutions enterprise established in 1993, adhering to a people-oriented spirit and industry-leading technology to provide comprehensive solutions for enterprises and organizations. Our business covers system development, ticketing solutions, and enterprise-to-enterprise e-commerce platforms. Cityline operates the largest physical ticketing network in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, and is ISO 27001 information security certified, serving over 100 million customers annually through accommodation, dining, and ticketing services. Our vision is to enhance the experience of individual and corporate clients through continuous innovation and promote enterprise collaboration. For more information, please visit www.cityline.com.

Laos Marks World Population Day with Focus on Youth, Reproductive Rights

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Laotian Times
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The Lao Government and UNFPA came together to mark World Population Day with a high-level event themed “Empowering young people to create the family they want.” (Photo: supplied)

UNFPA – On 9 September in Vientiane, the Lao Government and UNFPA came together to mark World Population Day with a high-level event themed “Empowering young people to create the family they want.”

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Demand For Advanced Automation, Integration and AI Drives Workato’s Growth Down Under

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Advertorial Desk
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80% YoY growth, new customers, partner collaboration, planned fivefold team growth, and new AI and Automation Hub adds to Workato’s impressive accolades 

SYDNEY, Sept. 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Workato®, the leader in agentic orchestration, today announced its continued growth locally, reporting an 80% year-on-year uptick in Australia and New Zealand. Leading enterprises including Atlassian, Southbase Construction, Village Roadshow and Canva, are now leveraging Workato for business process orchestration and to prepare for a more agentic, AI-enabled future.

To support local customers, Workato has expanded the local team from twenty-two to thirty-six people, with plans to grow the local team fivefold over the next three years. Workato also recently launched its Sydney AI and Automation Hub, focused on advancing the science and engineering of autonomous enterprise agents. The hub will serve as the engine for developing elite AI agents and bridging the gap between agent ambition and enterprise-grade execution.

“Our growth in Australia and New Zealand is a direct reflection of the trust our customers place in Workato’s powerful automation and integration platform which lays the foundation for more robust AI and agentic use cases,” said Charlie Hutchinson, Vice President, Australia and New Zealand at Workato.

“Our continued investment in the region—anchored by the newly created AI & Automation Hub, Australian data centre, IRAP assessment and plans to grow our local team fivefold over the next three years—demonstrates our long-term commitment to enabling secure, sovereign-ready automation at scale,” said Hutchinson.

Workato is now estimated to contribute over $90 million annually to the Australian and New Zealand economies, directly and indirectly supporting thousands of technology jobs across customers and partners.

Customers Powering Australian Innovation

Australian and New Zealand organisations are increasingly turning to Workato to streamline operations, drive digital transformation, and unlock the power of AI-driven orchestration. Customer wins and testimonials include:

  • Atlassian
    • “We want to engage the business teams as part of our automation story, rather than simply doing things on their behalf. I think the future of automation is to enable our employees to have their own digital assistants. This removes the dependency on our IT teams, and our people will be equipped to resolve issues quickly on their own,” said Srividya Sathyamurthy, Senior Manager of Intelligent Automation at Atlassian.
  • Canva
    • “Workato allowed us to put innovative technology in the hands of Canvanauts in a governed way, accelerating the impact that can be achieved with our IT team,” said Michael Denari, Global Head of IT, Canva.
  • Village Roadshow
    • “One of the things that Workato did to us is that now our dashboards are very boring – no spikes, no outages. Workato did not even break a sweat with major blockbuster releases like Barbenheimer, the biggest weekend for Australian cinema since 2019,” said Arul Arogyanathan, CIO, Village Roadshow Group.
  • Southbase Construction
    • “This isn’t just an opportunity for our IT team to leverage AI in isolation. Instead, it’s our responsibility to intelligently orchestrate with AI, so that our workers don’t lose precious time when a safety hazard presents itself. Workato is built to be this orchestrator,” said Lem Prestage, Group IT Manager, Southbase Group

This Strong Momentum Comes Off The Back Of Several Recently Announced Hires, Updates, and Accolades, including:

  • ANZ new hires
    • Charlie Hutchinson, Vice President, Australia & New Zealand
    • Diana Tucker, Senior Director, Partner Sales, APAC
    • Vivian Nguyen, Commercial Sales Manager, ANZ
    • Jack Gibson, Director, Solutions Consulting, ANZ
  • Philanthropy:
    • Workato ANZ has partnered with Ronald McDonald House Charities, supporting the mission to provide accommodation and support to families with seriously ill children, as part of its Workato Cares initiative, a philanthropy and social impact arm of Workato
  • Updates: 
    • Workato ONE: Workato recently announced the next phase of the Agentic Enterprise with Workato ONE. Workato ONE is the industry’s only platform that brings together everything organisations need to build and deploy secure, trusted, enterprise-ready agents with full business context across the core of the enterprise. The company also announced Genies, pre-built, domain-specific agentic apps that leverage agent-based interactions to orchestrate critical business processes across CRM, ERP, HR, and ITSM functions with enterprise context and governance, and two exciting industry partnerships, further cementing Workato’s position as a leader in the AI space.
    • Workato GO is Workato’s new, unified AI-powered productivity platform, now generally available as of June 2025. It brings together enterprise search, automation, and AI-driven actions in a single, secure experience—helping employees discover, interact with, and act on enterprise data from over 10,000+ systems.
  • And industry accolades: 
    • Recognised as a leader for the sixth consecutive year in the 2025 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Integration Platform as a Service (iPaaS).

Lastly, Workato’s flagship World of Workato (WOW) conference is coming to Sydney on October 16th, 2025. WOW is where the Workato Community comes together to explore how work is evolving — and what it means to lead through change. Learn more here.

About Workato

Workato transforms technology complexity into business opportunity. As the leading agentic orchestration company, Workato empowers enterprises to connect and unify data, processes, applications, and experiences. Its AI-driven platform enables teams to navigate complex workflows in real-time, driving efficiency and agility. Trusted by more than 12,000 global customers, Workato empowers organizations of every size to unlock new value and lead in today’s fast-changing world. Learn how Workato helps businesses of all sizes achieve more at workato.com.

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