Vientiane police detained 261 foreign nationals during a raid on a telecommunications fraud and online gambling operation at Thatluang Lake Special Economic Zone. Vientiane, Laos. 08 August 2026. (Photo: Lao Security News)
Authorities in Laos detained nearly 10,651 suspects of 31 nationalities in the first nine months of 2026 in a nationwide crackdown on cybercrime and online gambling, officials reported.
The Ministry of Public Security said on 6 October that authorities had detained the suspects between the start of the year and 16 September. Police also resolved 153 related cases during the period.
The suspects were mostly Lao, Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai, Myanmar, Russian, Brazilian, Ethiopian, Ugandan, and Rwandan nationals.
Growing Sophistication
Police said cybercrime has become increasingly sophisticated, with criminals using artificial intelligence (AI) to create fake identities and forge voices and faces for scams.
They also operate illegal loan apps to harvest personal data, use “ghost” accounts to launder money, and forge travel documents. Police said some of these operations are linked to human trafficking and drug offenses, with victims sometimes recruited through fake call center jobs.
To counter these threats, authorities have strengthened technical controls, including tighter management of SIM cards and efforts to link internet use with census databases.
They are also tracking and cutting off illegal satellite signals, including those from smuggled Starlink equipment. Starlink is a satellite internet service that provides high-speed broadband to remote and rural areas. Authorities have focused on illegal use of the service in remote areas and Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
Major raids
Police highlighted four major operations as part of the crackdown.
In mid-July, officers raided the ST Vegas Building near the 1st Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge in Vientiane, detaining 589 people and seizing more than 10,000 computers and phones.
In August, police searched a building in the Thatlaung Lake SEZ and detained 261 Chinese and Vietnamese nationals.
Police also raided six locations in Vientiane at the same time, confiscating more than 3,300 phones used by scammers. At the Athens Hotel, officers found a scam group involving 74 suspects from China, Vietnam, and Taiwan, along with suspected narcotics.
Recent handovers show the crackdown extends beyond Laos.
On 3 October, Bokeo officers handed 30 Vietnamese nationals to Vietnamese authorities at the Tay Trang International Border Gate in Dien Bien Province.
Earlier on 1 October, Lao officials handed 196 Chinese and Thai nationals to authorities in their home countries. Of them, 189 face cybercrime or telecom fraud allegations, and seven face illegal entry charges.
Earlier efforts
The drive builds on earlier work. Lao authorities detained 4,486 suspects and carried out 44 operations targeting cybercrime in the first six months of 2026. Then-Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone reported the figures to an Extraordinary Session of the National Assembly in early July.
Challenges remain
Despite these results, police said masterminds still direct operations from abroad through online networks, and complex repatriation procedures slow some cases. They said authorities must also address criminals’ use of AI to create fake identities and property owners who rent space to criminal groups.
The investment in the Via Verde platform marks Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners’ (CIP) entry into the Italian biomethane market, with a development pipeline of 20 biomethane projects.
COPENHAGEN, Denmark, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), through its Advanced Bioenergy Fund II (ABF II), has reached final investment decision (FID) on Via Verde, an Italian biomethane platform. ABF II invests primarily in the development, construction, and operation of biogas plants across Europe, converting agricultural waste and other sustainable feedstock into biomethane.
Via Verde represents ABF II’s first investment and marks CIP’s entry into the Italian biomethane market. The investment will create local jobs and supply domestically produced biomethane, which will replace imported fossil gas, supporting both Italy’s energy independence and decarbonisation efforts.
Via Verde comprises a development pipeline of 20 projects strategically located across multiple regions of Italy, including Lombardy, Abruzzo, and Campania. Each plant is expected to process approximately 60,000 to 100,000 tonnes of agricultural waste annually.
Once the 20 projects are fully operational, the Via Verde platform will deliver approximately 1 TWh of biomethane annually, equivalent to the annual gas consumption of around 60,000 Italian households.
Andreas F. Brandt, Partner at CIP, says of the new investment: “Via Verde marks our entry into one of Europe’s most attractive biomethane markets, giving us a strong foothold as Italy scales towards its 2030 biomethane targets. CIP will leverage its advanced bioenergy expertise to support Via Verde’s experienced local team and substantial project pipeline, laying a strong foundation for long-term growth. We believe biomethane will play a key role in strengthening Italy’s energy independence and supporting its transition to a lower-carbon energy system.”
Supported by favourable market fundamentals and policy support mechanisms, Via Verde is expected to establish an early at-scale position in the Italian biomethane market and support the expansion of domestic renewable gas production.
Notes to Editors
Media Contact E-mail: media@cip.com / M: +45 2844 7756
About Advanced Bioenergy Fund II
Copenhagen Infrastructure Advanced Bioenergy Fund II (CI ABF II) started fundraising in summer 2025. The fund leverages the seed portfolio and the in-house capabilities that CIP has built over the past four years for CI ABF I, providing a financially attractive product to our investors, both in terms of returns and diversified risks.
About Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners
Founded in 2012, Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners P/S (CIP) is a global fund manager and leading investor in energy infrastructure.
Through its funds, CIP invests in power generation (solar and wind), energy storage, transmission and distribution, advanced bioenergy, low-carbon fuels and carbon capture.
With 15 funds currently under management, CIP is trusted by over 200 of the world’s largest and most sophisticated institutions. CIP has projects in more than 30 countries, with presence on the ground through a network of more than 2,300 professionals.
This release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to purchase any security. Any investment involves substantial risks including complete loss of capital. There can be no assurance that CIP will be able to implement the strategy described herein or, if implemented, that it will lead to successful results. Similarly, there can be no assurance that CIP will be able to maintain the advantages discussed herein over time or outperform third parties or the financial markets generally.
Certain information contained herein constitutes “forward-looking statements,” which can be identified by the use of terms such as “may,” “will,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” or comparable terminology.
Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, changes in economic conditions, political changes, legal and regulatory requirements, interest rate fluctuations, as well as changes in markets, prospects and competition. There can be no assurance that historical trends will continue. Some of the views expressed herein are the opinions of CIP and should not be construed as absolute statements and are subject to change without notice.
US$10 Billion in Venture Capital Convenes to Meet Hong Kong Start-ups; Government, Business and Young Professionals Explore Opportunities in the New Economy
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 October 2026 – The Global Youth Powerhouse Summit 2026, organised by Hong Kong Youth Professional Global Advocacy, was held on 5 October at the Conrad Hong Kong. Now in its third edition, the Summit coincides with the release of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development (2026–2030) and the latest Policy Address, which together set a clear blueprint for the city’s future. Anchored on these core themes and conducted entirely in English, the full-day programme focused on artificial intelligence, geopolitics, Hong Kong as an education hub, capital markets, life and health technology, and start-up financing. Government and business leaders, corporate representatives and young professionals were invited to examine Hong Kong’s strategic opportunities in the new economic landscape.
The Global Youth Powerhouse Summit 2026 brings together more than 600 young professionals, government and business leaders and corporate representatives
The Summit aims to connect young professionals with international resources, enabling participants to engage directly with industry leaders, grasp developments at the frontier of industry, and look ahead to the opportunities and challenges arising from artificial intelligence and Greater Bay Area integration. Previous editions have drawn a strong response. Across three editions, the Summit has attracted more than thousands of in-person participants and about 17,000 online participants from over 30 countries and regions, with social media reach exceeding 50 million.
This year’s Summit was the largest yet, bringing together more than 600 young professionals, government and business leaders and corporate representatives. Participants from over 60 countries and regions joined online. More than 30 distinguished speakers and moderators were invited, including officials of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and representatives of leading local and international organisations such as Huawei, the Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund, Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, Bullish and Endowus. In addition, consular representatives from up to 20 countries attended the Summit.
The Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Mr John Lee, GBM, SBS, PDSM, PMSM, delivered a pre-recorded video speech, encouraging young professionals to seize the opportunities of the times and inject fresh momentum into Hong Kong’s high-quality development. He said: “For our young people, I firmly believe that your opportunities ahead outweigh the difficulties. The HKSAR Government will join hands with all sectors to build platforms for you to thrive in Hong Kong, in our country, and in the global arena.”
The Deputy Secretary for Justice of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, SBS, JP, delivered an opening keynote entitled “Opportunities for the Professional Development of Young People”, and stressed: “As the saying goes, ‘Change is the only constant’—or as our Cantopop classic famously put it, ‘變幻原是永恆’. Today, we no longer measure change in years or decades, but in months and days. For our young professionals, this fast-paced era unlocks unprecedented career horizons. By accelerating Greater Bay Area integration through our new GBA Task Force and empowering you to act as the ultimate ‘super-connectors’ and ‘super value-adders’ helping Mainland enterprises go global, we are turning rapid change into your greatest professional advantage.”
Dr Kevin Lau, MH, Founding Convenor of Hong Kong Youth Professional Global Advocacy, said: “This is more than a high-level forum. It marks a milestone in the maturing of our network of young professionals. This afternoon, venture funds managing an estimated US$10 billion in assets gathered in the room — and what they are looking at is Hong Kong’s next generation. In life and health technology, our core belief is clear: artificial intelligence can assist imaging and diagnosis, but a physician’s care, and the warmth of a human hand, can never be replaced by technology.”
Other distinguished guests included Mr Kevin Choi, JP, Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry; Professor Frederick Ma, GBS, JP, Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council; Ms Bonnie Y Chan, JP, Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited; and Mr James Chau, President of the China-United States Exchange Foundation and World Health Organization Goodwill Ambassador for Sustainable Development Goals. Mr Bryan Che, Chief Strategy Officer of Huawei, and Ms Cindy Chow, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund, also attended in person to exchange views with young professionals.
Panel discussions
Artificial intelligence: from first-time users to advanced users The opening session began with remarks by Mr Kevin Choi, JP, Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, and was moderated by Ms Stephaine Chan, Director of the Office of the Vice Chairman of Esquel Group. Panellists included Ms Ilaria Chan, Chair of the Tech For Good Institute; Mr Bryan Che, Chief Strategy Officer of Huawei; and Ms Cindy Chow, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund. The discussion focused on whether small and medium-sized enterprises, non-governmental organisations and schools can genuinely put artificial intelligence to use, and on the talent, trust and practical-application issues Hong Kong faces in driving “AI for all”.
Mr Kevin Choi, JP mentioned: “Every major technology shift brings uncertainty. Our theme today from entry-level shock to AI-powered users building the next talent leader.”
Ms Stephaine Chan said: “Every AI conversation ends in the same place, right? More investment, better people, better models and stronger policy.”
Ms Ilaria Chan said: “These days, Al is so powerful that they can scan the Internet and social media and find vulnerable young people or old people. They can find it instantly and have a very sophisticated way to trick them and fraud them from scamming.”
Mr Bryan Che: “One of the opportunities of Al is because the interface is much more natural for most people to interact with. On one sense, it’s a lot easier for everyone to get started.”
Ms Cindy Chow said: “So I guess some of the most damaging thing is not allowing people to use or not, you know, really have the attitude to embrace all this new technology, what this new technology has to bring to you.”
Geopolitics: the super-connector This session was moderated by Mr James Chau, President of the China-United States Exchange Foundation and World Health Organization Goodwill Ambassador for Sustainable Development Goals. Speakers included Ms Ilaria Chan, Chair of the Tech For Good Institute; Ms Ellana Lee, Senior Vice President, Managing Editor, Asia Pacific, and Global Head of Productions at CNN; and Professor Frederick Ma, GBS, JP, Chairman of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.
Mr James Chau said: “Against this backdrop, we often hear Hong Kong described as a super connector, typically framed in terms of trade volumes, capital markets and logistics but I think that these connections that we’re speaking of really only become very valuable and we understand and recognize the human bonds that pin these together.”
Professor Frederick Ma , GBS, JP said: “We are part of China. And yet we are under one country 2 systems connected to the rest of the world. That is the power of Hong Kong.”
Ms Ellana Lee said: “We made a very strategic decision when the times were tough to stay and remain in Hong Kong. I think that has and you know, we make these decisions not just out of a whim, but we are very calculative on why we need to stay. I have 8 cities across Asia Pacific. Hong Kong happens to be the hub for Asia Pacific. And there’s it boils down to four major reasons.”
Ms IIaria Chan: “Simple of how tech is helping people, there is an organization, WHO care for children that was founded 20 years ago that helps orphans in developing China back then Vietnam, Thailand now in Africa, Middle East to find loving permanent homes. But their bottleneck is how they train social workers and governments on how to take care of orphan welfare. Now this year we’ve actually been launching an online product that is able to scale these bottlenecks, especially in areas that are underfunded. This is a great example of Al tech.”
Education: Hong Kong as Asia’s education hub This session was co-moderated by Mrs Jennifer Yu Cheng, JP, Founder of the Future Leaders Foundation, and Ms Jennifer Ma, Founder of JM Edu Consulting. Speakers included Ms Maggie Chau, School Partnership Advisor at the Academy for Educational Development and Innovation of The Education University of Hong Kong; Mr Dion CHEN, MH, Vice-Chairman of the Hong Kong Direct Subsidy Scheme Schools Council; and Professor Charles Ng Wang-Wai, Vice-President for Institutional Advancement of The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.
Mrs Jennifer Yu Cheng, JP said: “An education hub is more than a place with excellent institutions. It is a place that students and families choose, where young people flourish, and connects education with research, innovation, careers and a wider community.”
Professor Charles Ng said: “With our national policy. And I think we should do better to support this great initiatives and thinking back actually 2023 and home government already in in the government policy in October, if I remember correctly to start to increase the local student quota from 20% to 40%.”
Ms Jennifer Ma said: “As a consultant we need demand to meet supply and we are definitely seeing the demand for Hong Kong education at K12 level…….The advocacy for Hong Kong to be the gateway for China Resources and talents to leave China and go into international arenas. But at the same time, we also see a lot of international people interested in what’s happening in mainland, and therefore Hong Kong is a great gateway. So, with that global education, global education philosophy, that means they really appreciate Hong Kong trilingual education by cultural mindset.”
Mr Dion CHEN, MH mentioned: “In 2026, a lot of DSS schools will work very hard to try to welcome and also promote welcome to Hong Kong and also promote Hong Kong’s education to the students in different countries.”
Ms Maggie Chau said: “Maggie: I can see that all the universities are actually implementing AI in their curriculum. Talking about teacher education, the programs we offer, I mean, not just The Education University of Hong Kong, the programs we offer in all universities implement Al in the curriculum in a way that we draw attention to the use of Al is it has to be ethical.”
Capital markets: AI listings, asset tokenisation and the new economy This session was moderated by Ms Emily CHAN Tan, a former CNBC anchor. Speakers included Ms Bonnie Y Chan, JP; Ms Clara CHAN Ka Chai, Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited; Mr Michael Lau, Senior Vice President and Head of Group Business Development at Bullish and Chairman of Consensus; and Mr Samuel RHEE, Co-founder, Chairman and Group Chief Investment Officer of Endowus.
Ms Clara CHAN Ka Chai said: “We always say that from zero to 1 is the most challenging part. So, the patients in terms of having staying power is the core, but it has to go in hand with other qualities like being proactive, being professional.”
Mr Michael Lau said: “I think it’s an interesting proposition to consider that these types of companies that are so capital. I would start looking beyond the current horizon of where we are to see where it could go next. And so I do think that there is a demand looking to that future where this idea of a tokenized capital market could be quite interesting.”
Mr Samuel RHEE mentioned: “First of all, maybe we just take a step back and just try to understand all of the capital markets, not just equities.”
Ms Bonnie Y Chan, JP said: “I want to point out one thing. I mean, we are operating a stock exchange and I think capital markets at the end of the day, the basic function is to match capital with opportunity. So what I’m very focused on is that I’m not just focused on technology or AI.”
Ms Emily CHAN Tan said: “We are not just witnessing a cyclical recovery, but also some would call this the threshold of a capital markets renaissance.”
Life and health technology: building a health-industry hub This session was moderated by Professor Lo Yuk-lam, BBS, Founding President of the Hong Kong Biotechnology Organisation. Speakers included Professor LI King-Chuen, Founding Dean of the School of Medicine at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; Dr Sarah SALVILLA, Director of Health and Strategic Partnerships at FWD Group; and Professor Anthony Wu Ting-yuk, GBS, JP, former Chairman of the Hospital Authority and Non-executive Chairman of Trinity Medical Group. The discussion focused on how AI in healthcare can strengthen the competitiveness of Hong Kong’s health industry.
Professor Lo Yuk-lam, BBS said: “Building HK’s holistic wellness hub, this year marks a defining moment for HK. With the release of our first ever five year plan and their chief executive policy address just a few weeks ago, our city’s road map for healthcare and biotechnology knowledge has never been clearer or more ambitious.”
Professor Anthony Wu Ting-yuk, GBS, JP said: “Every country every city is trying to recruit more talent and I think Hong Kong is an ideal position to attract talents.”
Professor LI King-Chuen said: “Our education system will be individualized. And we will do the factual knowledge transfer through mostly self-directed learning. So we guide them, we build an AI system with prescribed information.”
Dr Sarah SALVILLA said: “Prevention for sure in terms of how do we educate people to be much more proactive in their everyday lives, yes you know, kind of the lifestyle things.”
Start-up pitching: connecting with capital The closing session was moderated by business journalist Ms Elaine Yu, with Mr LU Chin Yung, Senior Vice President (Start-ups) of the Sector Specialist Group at Invest Hong Kong. Representatives of 11 venture funds were present, including the Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund, Clee Capital, Click Ventures, GT Healthcare Capital Partners, Gobi Partners GBA, HKSTP Ventures, MindWorks Capital, Ryoden Medical Holdings, Seveno Capital, Verge HealthTech Fund and W2 Venture Partners. Together, the funds manage an estimated US$10 billion, have invested in more than 600 start-ups across more than 30 economies, and have backed at least nine unicorns, including Airwallex, Animoca Brands, Prenetics and GoGoX. Start-ups taking part in the pitching session included CELLmeric, Entoptica, PointFit, Syngular, Kodifly, AilsynBio, EveryBaby, A-grade, Orimmune Biotech, Nordia Biotech, Oncolmmu Nostics Limited, The Harbour School (THS), VisionBridge, Eden’s Garden, and CARE CONNECT.
Ms Elaine Yu said: “We have 15 startups and I think a group of students as well, very precocious students WHO are already thinking of ideas, real businesses with commercial viability at the cutting edge of science, research, healthcare and so forth. So, this should be a fun dynamic session.”
Mr LU Chin Yung pointed out: “Hong Kong is great in a lot of rankings in the world and this is not given, this is hard earned by your parents, by some of you sitting here. But as a young founder in Hong Kong, if you come to Hong Kong, you get to enjoy all this very safe environment. You have efficiency and then you also have a very clean government. This one I can say for sure. Yeah. And and all this, it helps the the founders to focus on your business, focus on grow, growing instead of you have to deal with many, many things.”
The Summit closed amid lively exchange. Hong Kong Youth Professional Global Advocacy said it will continue to build the Summit into a platform for dialogue between young professionals and leading figures in government and business, helping Hong Kong’s young talent seize the opportunities of the new economy.
Vice-Chairman, Hong Kong Direct Subsidy Scheme Schools Council
Mrs Carrie Cheng, JP
Founder, Future Leaders Foundation
Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, SBS, JP
Deputy Secretary for Justice, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Mr Kevin Choi, JP
Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry
Ms Cindy Chow
Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Alibaba Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Fund
Dr Kevin Lau, MH
Founding Convenor, Hong Kong Youth Professional Global Advocacy
Mr Lau Tak-ho
Senior Vice President and Head of Group Business Development, Bullish, and Chairman, Consensus
Ms Ellana Lee
Senior Vice President, Managing Editor, Asia Pacific, and Global Head of Productions, CNN
Professor King Li
Founding Dean, School of Medicine, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Professor Lo Yuk-lam, BBS
Founding President, Hong Kong Biotechnology Organisation
Mr Raymond Lui
Senior Vice President (Start-ups), Sector Specialist Group, Invest Hong Kong
Ms Michelle Ma
Founder, JM Edu Consulting
Professor Frederick Ma, GBS, JP
Chairman, Hong Kong Trade Development Council
Professor Charles Ng
Vice-President for Institutional Advancement, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Mr Samuel Rhee
Co-founder, Chairman and Group Chief Investment Officer, Endowus
Dr Sit Wai-nga
Director, Health and Strategic Partnerships, FWD Group
Professor Anthony Wu, GBS, JP
Former Chairman, Hospital Authority, and Non-executive Chairman, 全仁醫療集團
Ms Elaine Yu
Business Journalist
Ms Jeanne Cheng, JP
District Officer (Central and Western)
Dr Elsie Leung, GBM, JP
Former Secretary for Justice, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Professor Teresa Cheng, GBM, GBS, SC, JP
Secretary-General, International Organization for Mediation, and former Secretary for Justice
The Hon Tommy Cheung, GBM, GBS, JP
Non-official Member, Executive Council
The Hon Dr Lam Ching-choi, GBS, JP
Non-official Member, Executive Council
The Hon Chan Hoi-fung, BBS, MH, JP
Legislative Council Member
The Hon Chan Kin-por, GBM, GBS, JP
Non-official Member, Executive Council
The Hon Nixie Lam
Legislative Council Member
Mr Andrew Yao, SBS, JP
Hong Kong Deputy to the 14th National People’s Congress
Professor Herman Hu, GBS, JP
Hong Kong Deputy to the 14th National People’s Congress
Mr Gordon Lam
Hong Kong Deputy to the 14th National People’s Congress
Mr Chan Chung-ni, SBS, JP
Hong Kong Deputy to the 14th National People’s Congress
Mr Ho Hon-kuen, BBS, MH
Hong Kong Member, 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference
Mr Tu Haiming, BBS
Hong Kong Member, 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference
Mr Kung Wing-tak
Hong Kong Member, 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference
Dr Lo Kam-wing, BBS, JP
Hong Kong Member, 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, and President, The Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong
Mr Li Tai-chong, SBS, OM, JP
Member, National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference
The Hon Lam Wai-chuen
Legislative Council Member
The Hon Lau Man-kwan, JP
Legislative Council Member
The Hon Chong Ho-fung
Legislative Council Member
The Hon Lee Kwong-yu, MH
Legislative Council Member
The Hon Leung Tsz-wing, MH
Legislative Council Member
Mr Ng Yuk-yeung
Hong Kong Member, 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference
The Hon Fong Kwok-shan
Legislative Council Member
The Hon Lau Ka-keung, BBS, MH, JP
Legislative Council Member
The Hon Revd Canon Peter Koon, SBS, JP
Legislative Council Member
Mr Pablo Macedo Riba
Consul General of Mexico in Hong Kong
Dr Esteban Ramírez González
Consul General of Mexico in Hong Kong
Mr Alberto Martínez
Representative, Consulate General of Spain in Hong Kong
Ms Silvia Civera
Representative, Consulate General of Spain in Hong Kong
Mr Javier Sampedro
Commercial Representative, Consulate General of Spain in Hong Kong
Mr Juha Niemi
Consul General of Finland in Hong Kong and Macao
Mr O’Brien Ernesto Guerra Córdova
Consul General of Venezuela in Hong Kong
Mr Ammala Saenchonghack
Consul General of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in Hong Kong
Mr Riaz Ahmed Shaikh
Consul General of Pakistan in Hong Kong
Mr Yos Sokhemrin
Consul General of Cambodia in Hong Kong
Mr Maurits Ter Kulve
Consul General of the Netherlands in Hong Kong
Ms Lim Kim Suan
Consul General of Brunei Darussalam in Hong Kong
Mr Hassan Doutaghi
Consul General of Iran in Hong Kong
Mr Ali Abdulla Al-Hitmi
Deputy Consul General of Qatar in Hong Kong
Ms Helen Silvester
British Council
Mr Wilhelm Brauner
Belgium-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce
Professor Sin Kuen-fung, MH
Co-Executive Director, Academy for Educational Development and Innovation, The Education University of Hong Kong
Mr Lam Siu-hong, JP
Commissioner for Youth, Home and Youth Affairs Bureau
Mr Arnold Lau
Assistant Director-General, Invest Hong Kong
Professor James Dai
Associate Dean of Students, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Dr Chan Pui-yin
Vice-President, Hong Kong Medical Association
Ms Cecilia Ho
Chief Executive, Lee Hysan Foundation
Mr Quentin Merour
Consulate General of France in Hong Kong
Ms Christine Ma Lau
Founder and Principal, JEMS Character Academy
Ms Agnes Chan, BBS
Senior Advisor, Office of the Chairman, Greater China, EY
Ms Melissa Pang, BBS, MH, JP
Former President, The Law Society of Hong Kong, and Member, National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference
Mr Patrick Yeung
Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce
Ms Kimberly Kwok
Founder, Mighty Oaks
Mr Larry Chiang
Founder and Chief Executive Officer, International Finance Capital Group Limited
Ms Sophia Kao, GBS, JP
Former Chairperson, Women’s Commission, and founding Chairperson, Financial Reporting Council
Ms Marie Mercy
Consulate General of France in Hong Kong
Mr Peter Shum
Deputy Chairman of Federation of Hong Kong Industries
Mr Daryl Lin
JCI Hong Kong
Mr Jacky Chung
Hong Kong Trade Development Council (represented by Mr Andrew Chui)
Mr Silas Chu
Hong Kong Trade Development Council
Mr Lot Chan
Assistant Director of Health (Preparatory Office for Centre for Medical Products Regulation)
Dr Jeff Lee
Head of the Health Informatics and Technology Office
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Hong Kong Youth Professional Global Advocacy
Hong Kong Youth Professional Global Advocacy is a community organisation founded in 2023 by young professionals in Hong Kong. It seeks to serve as a bridge between Hong Kong and the world, uniting Hong Kong young people globally through a range of exchange activities and cultivating an overseas youth network that supports “Hong Kong opportunities”. The organisation brings together more than 120 young professionals across finance, real estate, building surveying, manufacturing, environmental protection, healthcare, law, accounting and technology, and works closely with professional bodies, industry associations and the media. Through monthly salons and online exchanges with the Greater Bay Area, Southeast Asia and countries along the Belt and Road, it promotes understanding of the development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Chinese Mainland, explores opportunities for collaboration, and ultimately aims to build a stronger network of professional youth and deepen exchange and cooperation with young people around the world.
NEW DELHI, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Fibocom showcases its MGB Series GNSS portfolio at India Mobile Congress (IMC) 2026, featuring MGB180, MGB280 and MGB390. Spanning cost-efficient single-frequency positioning to dual-frequency and RTK-enabled high-accuracy positioning, the series offers flexible options for IoT devices with different design priorities, including cost, power consumption, positioning accuracy and regional satellite compatibility.
Fibocom Showcases MGB Series GNSS Portfolio
MGB180 and MGB280 address mainstream single-frequency GNSS requirements, supporting GPS, BDS, GLONASS, Galileo and QZSS. Both integrate AGNSS and provide 96 tracking channels. MGB180 targets highly cost-sensitive tracking devices, combining compact integration with low-power operation. MGB280 further balances positioning performance and power efficiency, with strengths in fast startup, reacquisition and cellular coexistence for applications such as asset tracking, fleet management and vehicle telematics.
For more demanding positioning requirements, MGB390 extends the series with dual-frequency GNSS and 180 tracking channels. The MGB390-AR supports RTK high-accuracy positioning, with specified horizontal accuracy of 1 cm + 1 ppm. The MGB390-A supports NavIC (IRNSS), India’s regional navigation satellite system, strengthening local applicability for the Indian market.
“As India’s IoT ecosystem continues to grow, customers are looking for reliable technology partners that can support their journey from product development to large-scale deployment,” said Kony Li, General Manager of Fibocom MTC Business Unit. “With the MGB Series, Fibocom provides flexible GNSS solutions covering different levels of cost, power consumption and positioning performance, helping local customers accelerate the development and commercialization of IoT devices.”
MGB180, MGB280 and MGB390 are all in mass production. Fibocom continues to work with customers and ecosystem partners in India to accelerate product integration and commercialization across location-enabled IoT devices.
About Fibocom
Fibocom, founded in 1999, provides wireless communication and AI solutions through integrated hardware and software capabilities. Its portfolio spans cellular communication, AI, automotive and GNSS modules, supporting intelligent connectivity across industries including transportation, energy, retail and robotics.
HONG KONG, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Whether navigating outer space or tackling challenges closer to home, technology is revolutionizing our ability to explore. In the seventh season premiere of Tech for Good, CNN anchor and correspondent Kristie Lu Stout meets the young researchers and innovators leading a new era of discovery and developing technology that pushes beyond the limits of human reach. From lunar exploration to environmental monitoring, this episode spotlights creative, adaptable and resourceful engineering that expands opportunities to venture and discover.
CNN’s Tech for Good spotlights the next generation pushing the limits of exploration
CNN first visits students at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), to meet a team of engineers developing origami-inspired lunar rover wheels. The intricate spiral wheels are made from thin metal strips, and are designed to change shape, absorb shock, and navigate rough terrain. PhD candidate Seong-binLee and his team have spent three years refining it, with the hope of it one day exploring lunar lava tubes and caves. Master’s student YiseubYun is working on integrating artificial intelligence and reinforcement learning to turn their design into an intelligent rover, as the team works towards South Korea’s planned lunar mission. In another aerospace project at KAIST, PhD candidate Sung-jin Lee is developing a satellite-mounted gripper designed to capture space debris, which the team says is due to be tested in space in 2027.
CNN then heads to Florida, where students from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University are trying to tackle a vast environmental challenge at Lake Okeechobee, Florida’s largest lake. Warm water and nutrient-rich runoff contributes to toxic blue-green algae blooms that threaten people, wildlife and coastal economies. PhD student Kaylor Taylor and a collaborative team of engineers, drone pilots and environmental scientists are using drones fitted with specially designed devices to take air and water samples, as well as cameras to map algal blooms from the sky. Their system results in faster and richer data collection beyond traditional sampling, helping scientists understand how blooms develop, move, and predict what might happen next.
In Chennai, CNN visits Team Anveshak and ‘Jade’ at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras. Developed by project lead Soham Warde and a team of 60 students, ‘Jade’ is a Mars rover prototype developed to navigate rough terrains, drill for soil samples, and carry out tasks with a robotic arm. Beyond its capabilities, the USD$6000 rover reflects ‘jugaad’, an Indian concept that means to make ambitious things possible using what’s on hand. The team has won several competitions run by the Indian Space Research Organization, but the next stop is an international rover competition in Florida for a chance to demonstrate India’s homegrown approach on a global stage.
Finally, in Tech for Good’s ‘Where Are They Now?’ segment, CNN revisits Myoungseok Kim, originally spotlighted for his nanoscale DNA folding at Seoul National University in 2023. Now at the University of California Berkeley, his latest discovery in the DNA origami field may serve as biosensors for detecting diseases, including cancer.
PHNOM PENH, CAMBODIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 October 2026 – Somerset Diamond Bay Garden Phnom Penh, the new serviced residence managed by The Ascott Limited (Ascott) – a Singapore-headquartered global hospitality company wholly owned by CapitaLand Investment (CLI) – has appointed Jamila Nsouli as General Manager ahead of its planned opening in November 2026.
Jamila Nsouli | General Manager at Somerset Diamond Bay Garden Phnom Penh
In the role, Nsouli will lead the property’s pre-opening programme and establish its operational and guest-experience priorities. The opening strategy will focus on practical, flexible accommodation for business travellers, leisure guests and families – creating a welcoming home away from home while connecting each stay with the character of Phnom Penh.
Nsouli is a senior hospitality leader with over 20 years of experience in Cambodia, having held executive roles with Accor, Minor Hotels, Relais & Châteaux, LVMH, and Ascott. She excels in pre-openings, commercial strategy, and team development to drive sustainable growth.
“Phnom Penh is evolving so fast, yet its hospitality remains deeply personal,” Nsouli said. “At Somerset Diamond Bay Garden, we are combining that local heart with spaces designed for modern life – a place where guests can settle in, feel at home and experience the city on their own terms. Our entire team is eager to welcome our first guests and make their time here truly memorable.”
The 168-unit property will offer accommodation ranging from studios to three-bedroom residences. Published property information lists private balconies, kitchenettes and in-room washing machines among the accommodation features. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, children’s pool and play area, wellness spaces, and rooftop dining.
Located on Koh Pich, the property is near Connexion Mall and the Diamond Convention & Exhibition Centre, with access to other parts of Phnom Penh via Norea Bridge.
Somerset Diamond Bay Garden Phnom Penh is part of a management collaboration between The Ascott Limited and Overseas Cambodian Investment Corporation. OCIC is active in major property and infrastructure developments in Cambodia, including Koh Pich and Techo International Airport.
For pre-opening enquiries, reservations or further information, visit discoverasr.com or call +855 23 900 664.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Somerset Diamond Bay Garden Phnom Penh
Somerset Diamond Bay Garden Phnom Penh is a premium riverside property on Koh Pich. Offering studios to three-bedroom suites with kitchenettes, balconies, and laundry, it features a pool, gym, rooftop restaurant, and kids’ facilities. Ideally located near key venues, it caters to business, leisure, and families.
For more information, visit discoverasr.com or follow @SomersetDiamondBayPhnomPenh on social media.
New specialisation within Master of Science in Accounting focuses on applying, evaluating and governing Generative and Agentic AI in accounting and finance
SINGAPORE, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The accountant of the future may spend less time checking documents and more time checking what artificial intelligence has done with them.
AI is already being used in accounting and finance to review documents, analyse financial information, identify anomalies and support audit work. But as more of this work is performed or assisted by AI, professionals still have to decide whether its outputs are accurate, appropriate and reliable enough to inform a business decision.
Singapore Management University’s (SMU) School of Accountancy (SOA) is responding to this shift with a new Applied Artificial Intelligence Track in its Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) programme. The track is designed to equip accounting and finance professionals with the skills to apply AI to professional workflows, evaluate its outputs and put appropriate governance and human oversight around its use.
The move comes as AI is reshaping the work of accounting and finance professionals. Budget 2026 identified accountancy as one of the professions where AI can automate routine work and enable professionals to focus on higher-value activities requiring professional judgement and expertise. The Government also announced that it would support workers in building practical AI capabilities, starting with the accountancy and legal professions.
An accounting-first approach to AI
Unlike AI programmes centred primarily on computer science, data science or general business applications, the new track starts with the professional contexts in which accounting expertise matters.
Students will gain practical exposure to technologies including Generative AI, large language models (LLMs), retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) and Agentic AI. They will learn not only how these technologies can be applied, but also how to assess their reliability and limitations, supervise AI-enabled workflows and establish appropriate controls.
The emergence of Agentic AI extends this shift beyond generating content and analysis towards AI systems capable of coordinating and executing multi-step workflows. For accounting and finance professionals, this raises new questions about how such systems should be supervised, where human review and escalation should occur, and who remains accountable for the resulting decisions.
Professor Zhang Liandong, Dean and Lee Kong Chian Professor of Accounting, SMU School of Accountancy, said:
“We designed the Applied AI Track around how AI is entering accounting and finance work. The question is not simply whether a tool can perform a task, but whether professionals understand its limitations, can evaluate its output and know what controls are needed before relying on it. Students will therefore learn to apply emerging technologies such as Generative and Agentic AI within professional workflows, while retaining the professional judgement, human oversight and accountability that remain central to the profession.”
The Applied AI specialisation comprises four Course Units drawn from five specialist offerings, covering Agentic AI for Accounting; AI Governance, Evaluation and Ethics; Modern AI Applications in Business; Blockchain and AI for Decentralised Intelligence; and the Innovation and Technology Capstone (SMU-X).
The curriculum combines these specialist courses with the MSA’s accounting core and foundational training in programming, data management, statistics, forecasting, visual analytics and machine learning. Through the SMU-X capstone, students will also apply AI, analytics and digital technologies to real accounting and finance problems with industry partners.
The track is built around the premise that AI should augment rather than replace professional expertise. Its emphasis is on applied use, evaluation and governance of AI in professional contexts, rather than on developing AI models from the ground up. Students will learn to integrate AI into existing workflows, establish review and escalation points, evaluate AI-generated outputs and determine where human intervention remains necessary.
From using AI to governing it
The capabilities developed through the track extend beyond learning to operate AI tools.
Graduates will be equipped to apply, evaluate, supervise and govern AI in professional contexts, including the ability to:
apply AI to accounting, audit and assurance, financial analysis, finance transformation and related professional workflows;
evaluate AI-generated outputs and identify inappropriate assumptions, errors or limitations;
design and supervise AI-enabled workflows, including human-in-the-loop processes;
assess risks relating to privacy, cybersecurity, model risk, bias, explainability and regulatory compliance; and
translate AI-generated insights into decisions that remain subject to professional accountability.
Ms Irene Liu, Managing Director, Risk, Regulatory and Compliance Lead for Southeast Asia, Accenture Southeast Asia said: “Firms are starting to use AI across finance, from reconciliations and detection of potential reporting issues to correcting journals and supporting complex financial valuations. As AI becomes embedded in finance systems and workflows, accountants increasingly need to understand how to interact with these AI tools, validate their outputs, identify exceptions and exercise professional judgement over when and how those outputs should be used.”
This shift could affect a wide range of professional work, from audit working-paper and document review to financial analysis, anomaly and risk detection, finance-process redesign and controls over AI-generated outputs.
The track is intended to prepare professionals who can apply, evaluate, supervise and govern AI within their area of expertise, rather than simply use AI tools.
Building on an established accounting and analytics foundation
The Applied AI Track builds on the MSA’s existing focus on data and analytics. The MSA comprises 15 Course Units, including eight programme core courses, four track electives, two open electives and one postgraduate professional development course.
Students may also use their open electives for an internship, other SMU master’s courses, or overseas immersion and exchange opportunities.
As AI takes on more of the work traditionally performed by professionals, the role of the accountant will continue to evolve. Knowing how to use AI will be one part of that change. Equally important will be knowing when to question it, when not to rely on it, and who remains accountable for the decisions that follow.
About Singapore Management University (SMU)
Established in 2000, Singapore Management University (SMU) is recognised for its high-impact, multi-disciplinary research that addresses Asian issues of global relevance, and for its interactive, collaborative and project-based approach to learning. Home to over 13,000 students across six schools and two colleges, SMU offers bachelors, masters and PhD programmes across Accountancy, Business, Economics, Information Systems, Integrative Studies, Law and Social Sciences, as well as executive development and continuing education programmes. SMU graduates are consistently ranked among the most employable in Singapore, and command one of the highest mean starting salaries. Through its city campus, SMU enjoys strategic linkages with business, government and the wider community in Singapore and beyond. www.smu.edu.sg
Sompha “Sam” Lavanh sits at his barbecue restaurant along the Mekong River in Vientiane on October 6, 2026. (Photo: Beatrice Siviero)
The men behind a barbecue grill in Vientiane speak English more easily than Lao.
Some spent decades in the United States. Others left Laos as babies and did not return until they were sent back years later.
Now, a small group of deportees is working together to run a barbecue restaurant and build a new life in a country that was once home, but is unfamiliar to many of them.
It is one of the ways returnees are trying to find their feet after being deported from the United States.
Since US President Donald Trump returned to office in January 2025, Lao nationals have been caught up in a broader immigration crackdown targeting people with deportation orders. Some men and women who had lived in the United States for years, and sometimes decades, were detained by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with little warning. Some were sent to Laos with only the clothes they were wearing when they were detained. By the end of January last year, more than 4,500 Lao nationals had final deportation orders.
In March 2025, the Lao government urged nationals living illegally in the US to return voluntarily, saying it would help with their return and that they would not face fines or penalties in Laos. Lao-American communities also expressed concern over deportation, citizenship, travel restrictions, and difficulties returning to Laos.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement has said incomplete travel documents, along with diplomatic and political issues, could delay deportations, leaving some people in limbo even after they have been ordered to leave the United States.
Chanida Phaengdara Potter, founder and managing director of Roots, an organisation that helps people deported from the United States rebuild their lives in Laos, said the number of returnees the group has encountered is approaching 1,000. Authorities have not confirmed an official figure.
Roots specifically works with people facing severe vulnerabilities, although the broader population of returnees varies widely in age, circumstances, and needs. Many arrive after periods of poverty, or other difficult circumstances in the United States.
Starting Over
For many returnees, the hardest part begins when they land. Chanida said the first week is critical, with help needed for basic needs, housing, healthcare, work, and documentation.
The organization estimates that around a quarter to a third of the people it supports have severe mental health conditions, physical disabilities, or are elderly. Some psychiatric medications are difficult to find in Laos; Roots has also dealt with serious crises, including self-harm and deaths among returnees.
Legal documentation can make rebuilding a life harder.
Returnees receive “Yellow IDs,” which provide temporary residency but must be renewed annually and do not grant Lao citizenship.
“When you’re stateless, it means that you are at risk for further mistreatment or discrimination,” Chanida said. “So they’re in a limbo status.”
The documents can also make healthcare difficult, with insurers not currently accepting them.
But Chanida said one of the biggest obstacles is the assumption that deportees are simply “criminals.”
“These are people who are coming in with trauma, you know? Very traumatized lived experiences,” Chanida said. “And then add a layer of deportation. And so that adds it, you know, even more.”
Finding a Way Forward
At the barbecue stand in Vientiane, Athithane “Anthony” Tiamtisack has spent years helping newer arrivals adjust to life in Laos. He has lived in the country for 16 years after spending most of his life in the United States, and helped several returnees set up the business.
Every returnee needs a sponsor before they can leave Laos’ reception centers, Anthony said. Those with relatives can often leave the government centers within two weeks.
“If no sponsor, there’s no place to go,” he said.
Language is another barrier to finding work.
“If you speak only English in Laos, your life will be 30 percent more expensive,” Anthony said.
He said the legal situation also remains unclear for people trying to help returnees.
“We don’t know what’s going on in the law,” he said. “There’s no laws as of now on this.”
Athithane “Anthony” Tiamtisack sits behind the barbecue stand along the Mekong River in Vientiane on October 6, 2026. He has lived in Laos for 16 years and helped several returnees set up the business. (Photo: Beatrice Siviero)
Building a New Life
For the men working at the BBQ restaurant, the business is one way to deal with those challenges. There, they can earn money, meet other returnees, and build a life after deportation.
Each arrived in Laos with a different history, but they now share the same task of figuring out how to start over.
Sompha “Sam” Lavanh, 49, is one of them. He left Laos for the United States when he was seven or eight months old and grew up in Oregon. His wife and two children, one of whom is disabled, remain in the United States.
When he arrived in Laos, he said, he did not know what to do. He eventually joined the barbecue business, which has now been operating for five months and sources its meat from local markets.
“We might as well try to provide opportunities for people,” he said.
For Sam, the business is also a way to build enough stability to eventually bring his family to Laos.
“If I have a chance, I want my life here to be stable first, so I can bring my family here and see my wife again,” he said.
For now, they stay in touch by phone.
“Everybody I love is there. Only me here,” he said. “We call every day.”
His separation from them was not something he expected. Sam said he was detained in the United States after years of attending routine immigration check-ins without incident.
“I already completed my annual check-in, authorities said I was fine and scheduled one for next year,” he said. “But then they showed up at my driveway two months later. I got detained immediately, they didn’t even tell my wife.”
Detained During Annual Immigration Check-In
A Lao returnee who was deported from the United States works as a cook at a barbecue stand along the Mekong River in Vientiane on October 6, 2026. (Photo: Beatrice Siviero)
Another returnee, Chio Saechao, 46, said being separated from his family has been one of the hardest parts of starting over.
He was detained during a routine annual immigration check-in after years of attending the appointments without incident.
“I got detained whilst doing my annual check-ins. It was unprompted. I’ve been checking in for 20 years,” he said. “I went in, checked in, and never came back out.”
“They took us with what we were wearing. They didn’t give us a chance to get our luggage, nothing.”
He said he was 16 when he committed a criminal offense that eventually led to his deportation decades later.
“We were just children. At 16 we know nothing,” he said.
Born in a Thai refugee camp to Lao parents, Chio was resettled in the United States at eight months old.
“I can’t speak Lao, anything, but my food is going to speak for me,” he said.
He said he has also noticed that people in Laos are gradually becoming more accepting of the group of returnees from the US.
For all of them, though, starting over has come with losses that go beyond leaving the United States. Some have struggled to access healthcare, while others have been separated from their families for thousands of miles.
But for those now building lives in Laos, there is little choice but to keep going.
“I have no choice. But compared to other countries, I would rather be here,” Chio said. “This is a second chance in life, and we need to make the best of it.”
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