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HKDPB announces key findings of “Hongkongers’ Sense of Security in Savings” Survey for eighth consecutive year

Hongkongers’ average monthly savings rise to a record HK$10,100, while parents with a habit of saving aim to set aside an average of HK$2.26 million per child to feel sufficiently secure


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 December 2025 – The Hong Kong Deposit Protection Board (HKDPB) has conducted its “Hongkongers’ Sense of Security in Savings” survey for the eighth consecutive year. According to the survey results of this year, the average monthly savings of Hongkongers have topped HK$10,000 for the first time, reaching HK$10,100, marking a 3% growth from last year and a new record since the survey began. More than 67% of respondents said that they had a habit of saving, similar to last year, while 75% put their money in savings accounts or time deposits with banks. The survey also reveals that more than 20% of respondents with a saving habit had set a yearly saving target of HK$279,000 on average. Another finding is that 89% of young respondents, aged 18 to 29, had a habit of saving, with 32% of them having set saving goals; both figures mark the highest rates across all age groups, showing that young people were particularly proactive about saving. Among respondents with a saving target, 54% were confident of meeting their goals. Nearly 40% of respondents who had a habit of saving said that their savings were intended to meet “unexpected needs” (37%), followed by “preparing for retirement” (31%).

Ms Connie Lau Yin-hing, SBS, JP, Chairman of the HKDPB (left), and Dr Kevin Wong Tze-wai, Associate Director (Telephone Survey Research Laboratory), HKIAPS, CUHK (right), announce findings of the “Hongkongers’ Sense of Security in Savings 2025” survey.
Ms Connie Lau Yin-hing, SBS, JP, Chairman of the HKDPB (left), and Dr Kevin Wong Tze-wai, Associate Director (Telephone Survey Research Laboratory), HKIAPS, CUHK (right), announce findings of the “Hongkongers’ Sense of Security in Savings 2025” survey.

In terms of Hongkongers’ “sense of security” as provided by their current savings, the score edged up to 54.3 marks from 53.5 last year, marking the highest in the past four years. About 76% of respondents rated their “sense of security” in savings at 50 marks or above, a slight increase of 2 percentage points from the previous year, while 16% rated it at 80 marks or above, similar to last year. The survey also shows that, to maintain their current living standards for one year, Hongkongers generally needed an average of HK$1.02 million in savings to gain a sufficient “sense of security”, close to last year’s HK$1.03 million.

Parents saving more actively with education as priority

An in-depth poll was conducted again this year, following a similar study in 2020, to analyse changes in saving habits among Hong Kong parents who had at least one child aged 10 or below. The results for this year reveal that nearly 80% of such parents had a habit of saving, about 3 percentage points higher than 2020. Each parent saved HK$12,100 on average a month, a significant increase of 40% from the HK$8,600 five years ago. Additionally, these parents perceived a need to maintain HK$1.16 million in savings on average to gain a sufficient “sense of security”, 14% higher than the HK$1.02 million recorded in the general public.

The survey also finds that 60% of parents were putting aside additional savings for their children. Their average target was an extra HK$2.26 million per child to gain a sufficient sense of security, in particular, for their educational expenses (77%), including “local studies” (66%) and “overseas studies” (27%). Their most common way of saving was through “opening bank accounts for children” (48%), followed by “purchasing savings insurance” (45%). More than 56% of parents said that they had encouraged their children to develop saving habits, primarily by “providing fixed pocket money to children” (29%) and “requesting children to save for their desired items” (22%).

Rising trends in Hongkongers’ savings awareness and parents’ early financial planning

Ms Connie Lau Yin-hing, SBS, JP, Chairman of the HKDPB, said, “We can see from the survey results that Hongkongers are keeping up a strong momentum in saving. Average monthly savings are at a new high; not only that, but more than 67% of the public consistently maintain saving habits. These findings show that savings is a vital source of ‘sense of security’. At the same time, a clearer trend has emerged among the public to adopt prudent and stable saving methods, such as bank deposits. Another finding is that 89% of young respondents, aged 18 to 29, have a habit of saving, with 32% of them having set saving goals; both figures mark the highest rates across all age groups, showing that young people are particularly proactive about saving. Additionally, the Deposit Protection Scheme (DPS) automatically provides up to HK$800,000 statutory protection for each depositor, helping everyone save with more confidence.”

Ms Lau further stated: “As the saying goes, ‘Raise a child for a hundred years, and worry for ninety-nine.’ This survey confirms that raising the next generation plays an important role in parents’ financial planning. For example, compared to five years ago, parents now are saving more actively, significantly increasing the amount they save. Coupled with their ‘sense of security’ savings needs, the overall amount is also higher than that of the general public. As for financial education for children, parents often play a key role. The survey also reflects that many parents are cultivating good savings habits in their children. We hope that through the HKDPB’s diverse public awareness campaigns and community education activities, the public will further recognise the importance of saving. At the same time, the DPS will continue to safeguard everyone’s bank deposits, providing robust deposit protection so that all can save with peace of mind.”

Other highlights of the survey results:

  • Regular savers made up 89% of respondents aged 18 to 29, with 32% of them having set saving targets for the year; both statistics were the most among all age groups, indicating young people’s commitment to saving. They saved HK$10,900 on average per month, 8% higher than the general public and also scored 56.9 marks on their “sense of security” regarding savings, ranking second among all age groups.
  • Respondents aged 30 to 39 topped the list of yearly saving targets by averaging HK$369,000, the highest among all age groups and also 32% more than the general public.
  • Respondents aged 40 to 49 saved the most per month, averaging HK$11,900 per person, which was 18% higher than the general public, showing the strongest saving capacity across all age groups.
  • Respondents aged 50 to 59 perceived savings of HK$1.33 million as being necessary for a sufficient “sense of security”, topping all age groups. It is believed that members of this age group are starting to prepare for retirement and thus need more savings for peace of mind.

Based on returns submitted by Scheme members of the DPS, i.e., licensed banks in Hong Kong, the aggregate amount of relevant bank deposits under DPS protection reached HK$3,492 billion in 2024. According to the statistics provided by Scheme members, more than 92% of depositors were fully covered by the DPS.

The HKDPB commissioned the Hong Kong Institute of Asia-Pacific Studies (HKIAPS) at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) to conduct the “Hongkongers’ Sense of Security in Savings 2025” survey. From 1 September to 2 October 2025, the survey randomly selected and polled a total of 1,047 Hongkongers aged 18 or above by telephone, then carried out a more in-depth study on a total of 301 Hong Kong parents with at least one child aged 10 or below.

Hashtag: #HKDPB

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

About Hong Kong Deposit Protection Board

The Hong Kong Deposit Protection Board is a statutory body established under the Deposit Protection Scheme Ordinance to oversee the operations of the Deposit Protection Scheme. The objectives of the Scheme are to protect depositors and to help maintain the stability of Hong Kong’s banking system ().

China’s Treasured Artist Zhang Damo Donates a Hundred Masterpieces at Heung Kong Forum

GUANGZHOU, China, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On December 14, at the “Benevolent Heung Kong” charity calligraphy and painting donation ceremony during the 2025 Heung Kong Entrepreneurs Forum, Zhang Damo, Co-President of the Future Living Art Research Institute at One Heung Kong and a celebrated painter, donated 100 of his calligraphy and painting masterpieces. The proceeds from these works will be earmarked for public welfare and charity projects, as well as patriotic education initiatives in Hong Kong. This act was witnessed by hundreds of Chinese business leaders and cultural celebrities, marking yet another instance where Zhang Damo has fulfilled his social responsibility through art, following his receipt of an accolade from the Most Achieved Chinese Award (MACA).


At the donation venue, Zhang Damo remarked that this donation symbolized the profound bond between his artistic life and One Heung Kong’s mission to disseminate Chinese culture. He stressed that his works, akin to seeds, would scatter the essence of Chinese aesthetics far and wide. Zhang Damo also reminisced about his deep-rooted friendship with Mei Hing Chak, founder of Heung Kong Group, and Liu Zhiqiang, lauding them as exceptional entrepreneurs and philanthropists.

Not long ago, Zhang Damo was honored with the 2025 MACA Award, recognizing his unwavering commitment to his artistic roots and his efforts in promoting Chinese ink painting on the global stage. Established in 2010, MACA serves as a global platform to honor outstanding Chinese individuals, with evaluation criteria spanning character, achievements, contributions, and social responsibility.

As a professor at the Chinese National Academy of Art and a national first-class artist, Zhang Damo has dedicated over four decades to the study of Chinese painting. He has broken through traditional constraints with his “combined meticulous and freehand” technique, and his works have been collected by prestigious institutions both domestically and internationally. His representative pieces have clinched national awards, and several have been selected for the national art exhibition. The release of a personalized stamp album further underscores his artistic stature.

As the Chief Artist of the Peace Boat of the United Nations, Zhang Damo has traversed different countries, fulfilling the Belt and Road cultural mission through exhibitions and exchanges, and contributing significantly to the global promotion of Chinese culture. Mei Hing Chak commented that Zhang Damo’s use of art to support charity exemplifies the shared pursuit of artists and Chinese entrepreneurs in driving social progress.

 

CUHK and MicroSigX partner to launch a breakthrough test aiding early autism diagnosis offering 200 free test quotas

HONG KONG, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)’s Faculty of Medicine (CU Medicine) announced the official launch of the world’s first “AI-Powered Multikingdom Microbial Biomarkers Technology” (MSX Metagenie®) today, in collaboration with MicroSigX Biotech Diagnostic Limited, a CUHK spin-off. This innovative technology detects risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children, enabling early intervention and support for at-risk families. In July 2024, the technology received Breakthrough Device Designation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), underscoring its global leadership in the early identification of ASD. A pilot project will offer free testing for 200 eligible children.

Ceremony that marks the partnership of CU Medicine and MicroSigX in launching a breakthrough test to aid early autism diagnosis.
Ceremony that marks the partnership of CU Medicine and MicroSigX in launching a breakthrough test to aid early autism diagnosis.

Innovative non-invasive technology that bridges unmet clinical needs

The global incidence of ASD has been steadily rising, with the number of new cases each year now quadrupling compared to two decades ago. Currently, children exhibiting suspected autism symptoms are often referred en masse to specialists for diagnosis, leaving many families feeling uncertain and anxious during the waiting period. There is an unmet need of effective risk stratification, i.e., excluding low-risk children to relieve unnecessary parental anxiety while identifying at-risk children for early assessment by specialists.

In 2024, CU Medicine published groundbreaking research in the prestigious journal Nature Microbiology, identifying changes in four kingdoms of microbial species in the gut microbiome of children with ASD. This led to the development of the world’s first MSX Metagenie®. Professor Siew Ng, Associate Dean (Research) at CU Medicine and Croucher Professor of Medical Sciences, explained: “We can measure microbial signatures from a small fecal sample, analysing bacteria, archaea, fungi, and viruses, along with their genes and metabolic pathways. This data is processed through a validated AI model to generate an ASD risk score. This patented technology received FDA recognition in 2024 of its innovative nature, marking it as a pioneering diagnostic aid for autism.”

Professor Sandra Chan from the Department of Psychiatry at CU Medicine stated: “The test has shown a more than 95% negative predictive value, effectively ruling out autism. This provides reliable information to help exclude low-risk cases, enabling better allocation of medical and social resources to high-risk groups while alleviating parental concerns.”

CU Medicine is enhancing its translational efforts by launching MicroSigX, a spin-off company focused on developing innovative non-invasive diagnostic solutions. With strong support from the Hong Kong government’s RAISe+ Scheme, MicroSigX is expanding into the global market. The company plans to seek registration in Chinese Mainland and the US, aiming to benefit a broader community beyond Hong Kong.

Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR, stated: “MicroSigX’s technology is in part underpinned by the research conducted at Microbiota I-Center, a research centre established under InnoHK. We are happy to see that our research centres under InnoHK are turning upstream R&D into real application and products in the market.  Today’s pilot initiative not only marks a milestone in commercialisation of research and development outcomes, but also benefits the underprivileged local families by providing free tests to those in need with the assistance of non-governmental organisations. This is exactly our ultimate goal in promoting I&T: harnessing technological breakthroughs to benefit our society as a whole.”

Building a holistic care network and promoting cross-sector collaboration for neurodevelopmental assessment in preschool children

To raise public awareness and promote its patented technology, CU Medicine and MicroSigX will launch a pilot initiative in January 2026 in collaboration with non-profit organisations, offering free MSX Metagenie® tests to 200 eligible preschool children aged 18 months to 4 years with suspected ASD symptoms but no formal diagnosis. 

The team will adopt a “holistic care” model, partnering with NGOs and neurodevelopmental experts to create a cross-disciplinary team, and will not only provide objective ASD risk assessments but also support families with early planning information.

CU Medicine will establish an “Advancement Centre for Autism” to develop training programmes for community healthcare professionals. The goal is to promote practical knowledge on autism assessment, integrating medical, social, family, and educational support. This initiative aims to foster a sustainable environment for comprehensive support for individuals with ASD.

A vision in action: creating a Centre for Excellence in the Greater Bay Area as an innovative hub for the ASD community

MicroSigX views this initiative as a starting point. By focusing on innovative microbiome technologies, the project will engage multidisciplinary experts across the healthcare, public, and private sectors, as well as the finance and insurance industries, to develop a “Centre of Excellence” for ASD, benefiting Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area, and beyond.

Professor Francis KL Chan, Choh-Ming Li Professor of Medicine and Therapeutics from CU Medicine, stated: “Our groundbreaking technology shows how government, industry, academia, and the research community can tackle healthcare challenges through innovation. We look forward to partnering with all sectors to improve children’s health.”

Monad (MON) Staking Now Live on Bybit On-Chain Earn

DUBAI, UAE, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, is pleased to announce that Bybit On-Chain Earn now supports Monad (MON) staking, effective December 11, 2025. This integration enables users to participate in on-chain MON staking with competitive APR rates all within the Bybit app.

Monad is a high-performance Layer 1 blockchain engineered for speed without sacrificing security or decentralization, all while maintaining full compatibility with the existing Ethereum ecosystem. MON serves as the network’s native token, facilitating gas fee payments, securing the chain through staking mechanisms, and aligning validators, developers, and users around protocol growth.

To access potential APR opportunities, eligible Bybit users may simply log in to their Bybit account and stake MON on Bybit On-Chain Earn, which currently offers one of the highest dynamic APRs within the product.

MON Staking on Bybit:

  • Competitive Returns: Participants can access enhanced APR through on-chain staking infrastructure.
  • Streamlined On-Chain Staking: Bybit handles the technical complexities of on-chain staking, providing a simplified user experience.
  • Supporting the Network: Staking participants contribute to blockchain security while earning rewards.
  • Flexibility: Bybit Earn offers flexible staking and redemption options that support blockchain decentralization.

Once successfully enrolled, staking rewards begin accruing approximately 5.5 hours after on-chain transaction confirmation. MON earnings compound automatically and are distributed upon redemption. Interest accrual ceases once a redemption request is submitted.

Monad has demonstrated strong momentum in recent weeks, with the blockchain’s integration of major infrastructure providers strengthening its ecosystem. As MON prices stabilize, Monad has implemented technical upgrades focused on security and performance, including encryption protocols and enhanced RPC methods for instant transaction confirmations.

Monad (MON) Staking Now Live on Bybit On-Chain Earn
Monad (MON) Staking Now Live on Bybit On-Chain Earn

Terms and conditions apply. For details on qualification rules and eligibility, users may visit: Bybit On-Chain Earn: Monad (MON) Now Supported!

#Bybit / #CryptoArk / #IMakeIt

About Bybit

Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 70 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.

For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press
For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com
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UABBHK 2025 Officially Opens to Public at Oil Street Art Space and East Kowloon Cultural Centre

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 December 2025 – The 2025 Hong Kong & Shenzhen Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism Architecture (Hong Kong) (UABBHK 2025) is officially open to the public at two key venues: the Oil Street Art Space (Oi!) in North Point and the East Kowloon Cultural Centre (EKCC) in Kowloon Bay. Organised by The Hong Kong Institute of Architects Biennale Foundation, and co-organised by The Hong Kong Institute of Architects, The Hong Kong Institute of Planners, and the Hong Kong Designers Association, UABBHK 2025 is fully supported by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) as the Lead Sponsor. Running until 24 January 2026, this citywide exhibition invites the public to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming architecture from a static practice into a civic performance.

This year’s theme — TECHFORMANCE: Technology, Platform and Performance — responds to global concerns about the impact of AI on authorship, ethics, and creativity in built environment practices through 25 exhibits from Hong Kong and overseas exhibitors. Rather than presenting AI as a threat, the Biennale reframes it as a platform for civic imagination, public experimentation, and participatory design.

“Through UABBHK 2025, we aim to reclaim architecture as a human-centred discipline — one that celebrates creativity, ethics, and civic responsibility in the age of AI,” said Ar. Allen POON, Chairman of The Hong Kong Institute of Architects Biennale Foundation.

Two Venues, Two Curatorial Focuses

At Oi!, the exhibition explores Co-Creation and Urban Narratives with the Community. Visitors are invited to engage directly with interactive installations that respond to sound, movement, memory, and language. The design of the exhibition reflects the venue’s warehouse heritage, featuring arched aluminium structures that create vaulted spaces for community interaction and storytelling.

At EKCC, the exhibition shifts the focus to Experimental AI-driven Urban Futures. A series of modular lab tables serve as platforms for collaborative experimentation, integrating technology and design in a hands-on setting. Both venues at Oi! and EKCC are further unified by a coherent spatial language using aluminium extrusion bent into arcs — a material choice that balances cost-efficiency, elegance, and reusability.

“We see each venue not just as a display, but as a stage for civic performance,” said Dr. Jimmy HO and Ar. Aron TSANG, Lead Curators of UABBHK 2025. “By tailoring the design of each site to its specific context, we invite the public to co-create the urban futures they want to see.”

Exhibits from UABBHK 2025 will also be showcased at the coming Shenzhen & Hong Kong Bi-City Biennale of UrbanismArchitecture (Shenzhen) (UABBSZ), which will open by late December 2025 at the Hetao Science and Technology Innovation Centre in Shenzhen. The exhibition will feature a portal-inspired installation symbolising the collaboration between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, further reinforcing the Biennale’s cross-border dialogue and spatial continuity.

For more information, please visit UABBHK 2025’s website: https://uabb2025.hkia.org.hk/en. For detailed exhibitor list and installation descriptions, please refer to the appendix.

For hi-res photo, please click here

For UABBHK 2025 factsheet, please click here

Hashtag: #UABBHK

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

About The Hong Kong Institute of Architects Biennale Foundation

The Hong Kong Institute of Architects Biennale Foundation is a non-profit making organisation established and incorporated in 2014 for charitable purposes. The objects for which the Biennale Foundation is established are:

  • To promote creativity and advance the understanding, appreciation and interest of architectural and design excellence
  • To encourage cross-border and cross-disciplinary dialogue and collaboration among creative professionals from Hong Kong, other parts of the Greater China region and overseas
  • To support art, design, architectural and cultural education for students and youth, the community, and policy makers
  • To create a favourable environment for study, research and experimentation of design, art and architectural works in an exhibition scale
  • To energise and revitalise specific sites of interests by introduction of cultural and creative events

About the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency

The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) established in June 2024, formerly known as Create Hong Kong (CreateHK), is a dedicated office set up by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau to provide one-stop services and support to the cultural and creative industries with a mission to foster a conducive environment in Hong Kong to facilitate the development of arts, culture and creative sectors as industries. Its strategic foci are nurturing talent and facilitating start-ups, exploring markets, promoting cross-sectoral and cross-genre collaboration, promoting the development of arts, culture and creative sectors as industries under the industry-oriented principle, and promoting Hong Kong as Asia’s creative capital and fostering a creative atmosphere in the community to implement Hong Kong’s positioning as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange under the National 14th Five-Year Plan.

2025 Hong Kong & Shenzhen Bi-City Biennale of UrbanismArchitecture (Hong Kong)’s Disclaimer:
The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.

Xinhua Silk Road: Textile and clothing industry in town of Guiping in S. China’s Guangxi seizes e-commerce wave to boost dev’t

BEIJING, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The textile and clothing industry in Mule Town in Guiping, a county-level city in south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, is striving to boost development through e-commerce.

Photo shows the Mule textile and clothing industry park in Guiping which has been put into operation. (Provided by Lin Qiuyun)
Photo shows the Mule textile and clothing industry park in Guiping which has been put into operation. (Provided by Lin Qiuyun)

Known as a famous town of leisure sports clothing in China and the largest leisure clothing production base in Guangxi, Mule Town currently has 500-plus textile and clothing enterprises, with an annual production of over 300 million sets of clothing, and the products are sold well throughout China and even in Europe, North America, Africa, and Southeast Asia, etc.

With the rise of e-commerce in the clothing industry, the textile and clothing enterprises in the town are continuously cultivating their own e-commerce teams and gradually entering overseas e-commerce platforms for product sales. Currently, the average annual sales of clothing through e-commerce exceed 50 million sets, and there are over 3,000 personnel engaging in e-commerce sales.

Li Tailiang, general manager of Guangxi Guiping Suying Sports Goods Co., Ltd. based in Guiping, said that the company has seen a good momentum in live-streaming sales and e-commerce sales, and its new factory area in the Guiping textile and clothing industry park with an investment of 45 million yuan has started production, boasting a daily output of 4,000-5,000 pieces (sets) and a planned annual production capacity of over 1.6 million pieces (sets).

“Logistics convenience is an important advantage for us to attract investment,” project leader Wu Songze said at the construction site of the Guiping e-commerce logistics park, adding that the logistics park is an important component of the Guiping textile and clothing industry park, and at present, the park houses five logistics companies, 11 e-commerce companies, and 12 clothing companies.

As the core cluster area of Guiping’s textile and clothing industry, Mule Town has seen the textile and clothing output value reach 6.746 billion yuan from January to October this year, with the clothing express delivery hitting 11.5319 million pieces, a year-on-year increase of 5.52 percent, and the daily express delivery volume exceeding 50,000 pieces, and even up to 100,000 pieces during major events.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/348831.html  

MetaOptics Provides Year-End Business Review and Update

SINGAPORE, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — MetaOptics Ltd (Catalist: 9MT) (“MetaOptics” or the “Company”, and together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”) As we approach the Christmas festive season and the close of 2025, MetaOptics would like to express its sincere appreciation to all stakeholders who have supported the Company’s journey and growth.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the professional teams involved in our listing on the Catalist Board of the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited, to our shareholders who have supported the Company since its inception, and to our investors who continue to believe in our long-term vision. In particular, we are grateful to the investors who are subscribing for our new shares for an aggregate of S$4.85 million under our recent Placement exercise announced on 1 December 2025, strengthening our resources for the fulfilment of anticipated upcoming customer purchase orders and providing funding for the Group’s general working capital requirements.

Strategic Growth and Collaboration

MetaOptics continues to make progress on continued collaboration with institutional investors, strategic partners, and the broader innovation ecosystem, focusing on deep technology, semiconductor innovation, and global market expansion. These partnerships are key to accelerating technology commercialisation, talent development, and sustainable growth across Singapore, the U.S., and international markets.

MetaOptics recently signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding with a major camera module manufacturer to produce metalens camera and optical modules, including thin metalens modules for notebook front-facing cameras and laser-based consumer electronics products. MetaOptics also entered into a design agreement with a world-class customer to develop a precision projector metalens, miniaturising their existing optical lens technology.

U.S. Expansion and Technology Development

During 2025, MetaOptics strategically expanded to the U.S. through the incorporation of its U.S. subsidiary in October 2025 and the rental of office space through the NUS Block 71 co-working space in San Mateo, strategically located in the heart of Silicon Valley which allowed close engagement with leading semiconductor and smart device companies, and active prospecting of global technology leaders.

MetaOptics has received positive market interest for its direct laser writer technologies and identified a technology gap in the 200nm–600nm range where MetaOptics’ solutions are well positioned to deliver differentiated value. Collaborations with two leading U.S. universities on advanced computational/tunable metalens projects are underway, targeting potential product launches potentially from 2027, alongside recruitment of emerging talent.

MetaOptics had earlier announced its intention to seek a dual listing of the Company’s shares on the NASDAQ Stock Market in the United States (the “Proposed NASDAQ Listing“) and will provide updates and release announcements relating to the Proposed NASDAQ Listing (including any material developments and progress made) as may be appropriate from time to time.

Product Launches and Market Outlook

MetaOptics’ latest device prototypes and Generation-2 products are nearing completion for CES 2026, including participation in Pepcom Premiere. As the Company closes 2025, sales of metalens equipment, metalenses, and modules have exceeded expectations and outperformed 2024, with strong bookings expected for 2026 driven by Generation-1 products. Generation-2 products, including rectangular metalenses, metalens module assembly tools, and 5G smart device solutions, are expected to further strengthen our competitive position.

MetaOptics wishes all shareholders, partners, customers, and friends a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and looks forward to continued progress and growth in 2026.

By Order of the Board

Thng Chong Kim
Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
17 December 2025

For media and investors relations enquiries, please contact:

MetaOptics Technologies Pte Ltd.
81 Ayer Rajah Crescent 01-45
Singapore 139967 ir@metaoptics.sg

KuCoin Named Exclusive Crypto Exchange and Payments Partner for Tomorrowland Winter and Tomorrowland Belgium (2026-2028)

Partnership Bridges Culture and Technology to Empower the People of Tomorrow

PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands, Dec. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — KuCoin, a leading global cryptocurrency platform built on trust, today announced a multi-year strategic partnership with Tomorrowland Winter (2026–2028) and Tomorrowland Belgium (2026–2028), becoming the festivals’ Exclusive Crypto Exchange and Crypto Payments Partner. This collaboration marks an important step in connecting global cultural experiences with the growing adoption of digital assets.

As the partnership is unveiled, both KuCoin and Tomorrowland highlight a deeply aligned vision—one centered on empowering the People of Tomorrow and building a borderless, inclusive and future-ready global community. Tomorrowland has long united millions across more than 200 countries through creativity, imagination and shared human experience.

KuCoin, originally known as the People’s Exchange, has evolved into a trusted global crypto platform that provides secure, transparent and accessible infrastructure enabling the free and efficient movement of value worldwide. This shared outlook forms the foundation for a collaboration that extends beyond commercial cooperation into a meaningful resonance of purpose and spirit.

With this vision in place, the partnership will introduce enhanced experiences across Tomorrowland’s flagship festivals. Tomorrowland Winter 2026 will take place from March 21–28, 2026, in Alpe d’Huez in the French Alps, while Tomorrowland Belgium 2026 will return to Boom, Belgium, across two weekends: July 17–19 and July 24–26, 2026. 

Reflecting on the collaboration, KuCoin CEO BC Wong said:

“Tomorrowland unites the People of Tomorrow through creativity, connection and a shared belief in a better world. KuCoin was born as the People’s Exchange, and today we carry that spirit forward as a trusted global platform enabling the secure and efficient movement of value worldwide. We share a common One World philosophy—one without borders, where everyone can participate and belong. Guided by trust, precision and resilience, we are proud to work with Tomorrowland to create future-ready experiences where culture and technology empower one global community.”

As crypto continues to evolve from a niche technology into a core component of global digital finance, this partnership enables KuCoin to introduce crypto to a broader mainstream audience through its collaboration with Tomorrowland. Together, the partnership reinforces the long-term potential for real-world crypto adoption globally.

Looking ahead, Tomorrowland connects the world through music and storytelling, while KuCoin connects it through value and technology. Together, the two brands aim to create new forms of participation and expression for the People of Tomorrow, shaping a future where digital innovation and global culture move forward as one.

About KuCoin

Founded in 2017, KuCoin is a leading global crypto platform built on trust and security, serving over 40 million users across 200+ countries and regions. Known for its reliability and user-first approach, the platform combines advanced technology, deep liquidity, and strong security safeguards to deliver a seamless trading experience. KuCoin provides access to 1,000+ digital assets through a broad product suite and remains committed to building transparent, compliant, and user-centric digital asset infrastructure for the future of finance.

Learn more: www.kucoin.com

About Tomorrowland

Tomorrowland was founded 20 years ago by Belgian brothers Manu & Michiel Beers and remains a family-owned business, driven by a creative and passionate team. Over the years, Tomorrowland has evolved into a global entertainment brand. The WEAREONE.world group consists of several business units, including Festival & Events, Music, Experiences, Leisure, Products, and Fiction. Today, over 350 passionate team members create magic from the headquarters in Antwerp (Belgium), as well as from local offices in Brazil, France and Ibiza.