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Asia’s Economic Rewiring and the Rise of Future Business Leaders

HKUST MBA prepares leaders for innovation, inclusion, and leadership in a fast growing region

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 October 2025 – The MBA has faced its share of skepticism in recent years, with some questioning whether it still holds relevance in today’s fast-changing world. At the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), the answer is clear: it does— when it evolves. As Asia steps into a new era of economic leadership and traditional education models in the West face growing pressure, HKUST has reshaped its MBA to meet the moment. The program is now more inclusive, tailored for the fast-growing Asia region, more flexible, and more connected to innovation and global networks than ever before.

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The HKUST MBA Full-Time Class of 2026 reflects this transformation. With 59% female representation, the program signals a new generation of inclusive leadership across the region. Students come not only from traditional business backgrounds but also from journalism, education, government, and the social sector—underscoring HKUST’s commitment to professional diversity and public impact. A dedicated Social Sector award supports high- potential applicants from not-for-profits, NGOs, government, or social enterprises.

Asia’s economic trajectory is central to HKUST’s vision. For example, China’s per capita GDP* reached $13,390 in 2023, with Forecasters expecting GDP to double by 2035 to double by 2035. Indonesia, with its young and fast-growing population, is emerging as a regional powerhouse.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong continues to serve as a vital hub for trade, finance, and innovation across Asia. HKUST’s MBA curriculum is designed to align with these shifts, offering electives such as Practical AI for Business, Winning Strategies in the Digital World, Chinese Tech Strategy in the Global AI Era, and Doing Tech in Asia and China. The program’s flexible structure allows students to personalize their learning by choosing among an extensive selection of elective courses, while the MBA audit program enables alumni to continue their lifelong learning.

While HKUST has long been recognized as a business research powerhouse, what’s less well known is how its faculty integrate practical insight with academic rigor. Approximately two- thirds of HKUST’s MBA courses are taught by faculty with significant business and industry experience. Many others have consulted on challenging topics with corporations and government organizations.

“Asia’s business landscape is evolving at breakneck speed, and theoretical knowledge alone won’t cut it,” said Professor Paul Kitney, Professor of Business Practice at HKUST. “With over three decades in central banking, investment strategy, and hedge fund management, I’ve seen firsthand how markets reward those who can bridge insight with execution. At HKUST, we challenge MBA students to think like economists, act like strategists, and lead like entrepreneurs—equipping them to navigate complexity with clarity and confidence.”

International exposure remains a cornerstone of the HKUST MBA experience. Over 200 students participated in global study programs last year, while the school welcomed 195 visiting students from partner institutions—a 42% increase from the previous year. HKUST now partners with 80 leading institutions worldwide, including recent additions in Japan, Germany, South Korea, France, and Austria. The Executive Exchange series brings global business insights directly to campus, with recent speakers including the Non-Executive Chairman of HSBC Hong Kong, the CEO of Cathay Group (owner of Cathay Pacific Airways), the Chairman of Schneider Electric, and the CEO of Bain & Company.

Innovation is deeply embedded across the program, with cross-campus collaboration driving new opportunities. HKUST’s Unicorn Day connects students with Asia’s most promising startups, while the university’s Entrepreneurship Center offers hands-on support for venture creation and growth. During the recent Unicorn Day, several HKUST MBA startups—ranging from high-tech building materials to AI-enabled healthcare—pitched to investors.

As new industries reshape the region’s economy, the need for innovative, inclusive, and practical business leadership has never been greater,” said Professor Stephen Shih, Associate Dean of the HKUST MBA Programs. “Our students are immersed in a curriculum that reflects Asia’s economic dynamism and prepares them to lead with purpose.”

David Carreno Cerrillo (HKUST MBA Intake 2020) from Spain chose Asia over Europe or North America for a reason. “Asia is one of the world’s most important and rapidly growing areas. In some industries, it is no longer a region where companies simply offer their products and services, but an area in which innovation is happening and where the most well-known companies are based,” he explains. “Companies such as Tencent, Alibaba, and Huawei are clear examples of this trend—and that’s only considering China. The spectrum is wider if we include Korea, Japan, and Taiwan.”

He adds, “The growth that the continent is experiencing made me decide to pursue my MBA in Asia, where I can gain a competitive edge in the labor market thanks to the cultural and operating knowledge acquired through being there.”

For Carmen Chan (HKUST MBA Intake 2024), choosing Hong Kong was about embracing change. “I got a sense of ‘itchy feet’ and wanted a change of scene,” she recalls, describing her decision to leave the UK for Hong Kong. The city’s magnetic appeal lies in its unique blend of East-meets-West culture. From its renowned culinary scene to abundant hiking trails, Hong Kong offered the perfect backdrop for both professional growth and personal adventure.

With a diverse student body, a curriculum aligned with Asia’s future, and a global network of partners and practitioners, the HKUST MBA is preparing the leaders who will define tomorrow.

*See, for example, China’s Economic Transition – Debt, Demography, Deglobalization, and Scenarios for 2035 by Dinny McMahon, Andrew Polk

Hashtag: #HKUST #MBA

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

Lao Delegation Joins North Korea’s Grand Celebrations Following Historic State Visit

Laos’ high-level delegation, led by General Vilay, joined North Korea’s 80th WPK anniversary, following President Thongloun’s landmark visit.

A high-level delegation from Laos participated in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK) grand celebrations on 10 October to mark the 80th anniversary of the founding of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK). 

Led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Public Security, General Vilay Lakhamfong, the Lao delegation attended a series of events in Pyongyang, including a large-scale military parade and mass rallies that showcased the unity and military prowess of North Korea. 

The visit followed closely on the heels of a landmark state visit by Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith on 7–8 October.

Held in Pyongyang with thousands of troops, citizens, and Party members in attendance, the 10-October events were the highlight of the WPK’s anniversary week. 

President Thongloun Sets the Stage

General Vilay’s attendance followed a high-profile visit by President Thongloun earlier that week, which marked the first time in years that a foreign head of state was publicly received by the DPRK for such a key national event. Although his visit concluded before the 10 October parade, it laid the groundwork for deeper engagement and was praised by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as a “historic milestone” in bilateral relations.

During his meetings with President Kim at the WPK Central Committee headquarters, President Thongloun reaffirmed the strong ties between the LPRP and the WPK. The leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in Party-building, education, and cultural exchange while supporting each other’s socialist paths.

President Thongloun also extended congratulations to the Korean people on the WPK’s 80th anniversary and thanked the DPRK for its historical support during Laos’ revolutionary struggle and nation-building efforts.

Thongloun is the third Lao President to visit North Korea, following Kaisone Phomvihane in 1977 and 1992, and Choummaly Sayyasone in 2011.

A Shared History

The timing of both visits was symbolic, marking not only the WPK’s founding anniversary but also the 60th anniversary of the first meeting between Kaysone Phomvihane and North Korea’s founder Kim Il Sung, as well as the 50th anniversary of formal diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Laos’ visible presence during North Korea’s most important national celebration comes at a time when the country is seeking to re-engage with its closest allies amid ongoing international isolation. Reports suggest additional visits from Russian and Vietnamese officials may follow later this month.

Asia’s First Climate Philanthropy Advisory Launches to Accelerate Regional Giving

  • Founded and led from Asia, the new platform is established to help close the region’s USD 815 billion annual climate finance gap.
  • As a mission-driven, non-profit initiative, the Advisory will channel all its resources toward deepening regional insight, expanding partnerships, and increasing Asia’s capacity for strategic climate giving.
  • The Advisory will mobilise millions in catalytic philanthropic capital and unlock larger flows of public and private finance into Asia’s climate solutions.

SINGAPORE, Oct. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Asia Climate Philanthropy Advisory – the first regional platform dedicated to climate giving, founded and led from Asia – was launched at a reception officiated by Guest-of-Honour Mr Ravi Menon, Ambassador for Climate Action, Singapore. The occasion highlighted the leadership role Asia must play in closing the climate finance gap and accelerating solutions.

As a mission-driven, non-profit initiative, the Advisory will channel all its resources toward deepening regional insight, expanding partnerships, and strengthening Asia’s capacity for strategic climate giving. By addressing barriers such as complexity, gaps in collaboration, and a lack of tailored knowledge, it will help make climate philanthropy in the region more effective and impactful. In doing so, the Advisory will mobilise millions in catalytic philanthropic capital from Asia and unlock far larger flows of public and private finance into regional climate solutions.

Asia is critical to the world’s climate future but faces a large gap in climate finance. Innovative partnerships and trusted networks involving philanthropic capital as a complement to public and private finance will be key to closing this gap. Singapore remains committed to support Asia’s transition, and I am heartened that new collaborative initiatives are taking root here to help channel philanthropic resources towards impactful climate solutions in Asia,” said Ambassador Ravi Menon.

If we are to avert catastrophic climate impacts in Asia, the region must unlock new forms of capital – including philanthropy – to supplement public and private finance.

Asia is at the heart of the global climate challenge. The region faces an USD 815 billion annual finance gap, with decisions in the next decade set to determine global outcomes. Yet while Asia drives nearly two-thirds of global wealth creation, its philanthropists contribute only 12% of global climate philanthropy. With over 80% of ultra-high-net-worth giving already staying within the region, there is significant potential for catalytic, risk-tolerant capital to accelerate Asia’s transition.

“Our mission is to make climate giving in Asia simpler, more strategic, and more impactful,” said Laura Lee, the Advisory’s newly appointed CEO. “By pairing trusted knowledge with regional context and networks, we aim to empower Asian philanthropists to act decisively and shape a sustainable future for the region.”

The initiative is backed by Tara Climate Foundation, Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, Asia Philanthropy Circle, Growald Climate Fund, High Tide Foundation, Sequoia Climate Foundation, among other philanthropies. It builds on nearly two years of scoping and consultations with philanthropists, intermediaries, non-profit organisations and networks across Asia.

Asia’s climate future is the world’s climate future,” said Jamie Choi, CEO of Tara Climate Foundation. “This Advisory is a bold, Asia-first step to close the gap – a trusted platform that equips philanthropists from across Asia with the confidence and connections to fund solutions rooted in the region’s realities.”

Sonia Medina, Executive Director for Climate at CIFF, added: “Philanthropy can play a unique role in tackling the climate crisis – by seeding innovation and supporting systemic change. With Asia’s centrality to global outcomes, this Advisory provides the trusted guidance and networks philanthropists need to step forward with confidence.”

“Addressing the climate challenge will require a collective effort, especially in Asia where we have the opportunity to step up more,” said Laurence Lien, Chairman of Asia Philanthropy Circle. “This Advisory reflects the spirit of collaboration that is essential to unlock the giving potential in Asia, and to help Asian philanthropists to give more, give now and give well.”

About the Asia Climate Philanthropy Advisory (ACPA)

The Asia Climate Philanthropy Advisory (ACPA) is the first regional platform for climate giving, founded and led from Asia. ACPA provides philanthropies in the region with trusted guidance, regional insight, and partnerships to help mobilise catalytic capital for the region’s climate transition. As a mission-driven, non-profit initiative, it works to strengthen Asia’s capacity for strategic climate giving and unlock greater flows of public and private finance toward climate solutions.

Appian Announces 2025 APJ Partner Award Winners

Recognising Roboyo, WNS, Deloitte, Accenture, and Via Appia for delivering process excellence

SYDNEY, Oct. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Appian (Nasdaq: APPN) has today announced the recipients of its 2025 Asia-Pacific and Japan (APJ) Partner Awards, recognising excellence across five different categories. The awards honour high-performing partners who have driven significant growth in customer engagements and delivered transformational value through the Appian Platform. This year’s recipients have built world-class solutions and services spanning multiple industries, reinforcing another successful year for Appian’s partner ecosystem in the region.

“We’re proud to recognise our partners and the vital role they play in driving business transformation throughout APJ,” said Steve Gillett, Regional Vice President, APJ Alliances at Appian. “These Partner Awards showcase the remarkable impact our partners deliver for organisations across the region through their own deep expertise and commitment. Each of these partners has demonstrated exceptional dedication in providing outstanding value to the customers we serve together.”

The APJ Partner Awards program honours strategic partners who demonstrate leadership in enabling transformation with Appian. The winners have expanded Appian’s market presence while establishing new standards for delivering impactful solutions.

This year’s winners were announced at Appian’s Partner Celebration Event in Sydney.

Delivery Award Winner: Roboyo

Roboyo has demonstrated outstanding achievement in delivering Appian projects with quality, speed, and measurable customer impact. The firm has delivered digital transformation across government, insurance, and higher education sectors in Australia, modernising critical processes including incident management, compliance, invoice automation, case collaboration, HR, finance, and student services. Roboyo has introduced first-of-its-kind innovations such as generative AI automation, cross-agency collaboration portals, and WCAG-compliant student platforms. These initiatives have resulted in reduced manual effort, improved compliance, faster turnaround times, and stronger transparency.

Innovation Award Winner: WNS

WNS has distinguished itself as an innovation leader through the development of Life Support Outage Management (LSOM) with PowerAlert, a unique solution addressing critical challenges faced by energy and utilities providers. These organisations often face compliance risks and operational inefficiencies due to manual outage management processes, creating safety concerns for vulnerable customers. WNS developed an integrated solution featuring real-time dashboards, automated outage notifications, accurate asset-to-customer mapping, and enforced compliance protocols. The solution achieved full compliance with outage notification requirements, eliminated regulatory breaches, and reduced manual workload significantly while improving operational productivity. Most importantly, it enhanced safety and service delivery for critical customer groups.

Growth Award Winner: Deloitte

Deloitte has shown exceptional commitment to accelerating Appian’s growth through a multi-year investment in its alliance with Appian. Building momentum with a strong pipeline and expanded delivery capability through practitioner enablement, Deloitte has secured early new customer wins with expansion opportunities already underway. With dedicated alliance leadership within Deloitte’s Engineering division, the practice has achieved rapid expansion with broad enablement across practitioners. Deloitte’s strategic focus on Public Sector and Financial Services, supported by executive sponsorship and proof-of-concept initiatives, has driven strong momentum across industries and geographies throughout Australia.

Transformation Award Winner: Accenture

Accenture has been an exceptional leader in driving transformational change through large-scale enterprise transformation with the Appian Platform. The firm is supporting post-merger integration and digital transformation for a large superannuation provider, unifying legacy systems and streamlining processes across the organisation. Accenture’s approach consolidates technology platforms and simplifies operations for efficiency and reduced complexity while enhancing member experience through digital channels, personalised interactions, and data-driven insights. The initiative has delivered measurable customer value including improved member satisfaction, simplified operations, and cost efficiencies. Using a phased approach with initial focus on integration followed by digital and operational enhancements, the transformation continues to expand to support future mergers and enterprise-wide change.

Channel Partner of the Year Award Winner: Via Appia

Via Appia has shown its dedication to expanding Appian’s presence across the APJ region through significant investment across multiple categories, including innovation, Appian Practice development, and delivery. The firm has expanded its presence in the Philippines with new customer wins in banking and government, delivering digital check deposit solutions for a leading bank and mission-critical automation for national institutions. By leveraging the Appian Platform, Via Appia has improved transparency, compliance, and customer experience for clients. As a longstanding regional practice with deep expertise and proven delivery success, Via Appia has demonstrated measurable customer value, from faster transactions to streamlined business processes.

About Appian

Appian is The Process Company. We deliver a software platform that helps organizations run better processes that reduce costs, improve customer experiences, and gain a strategic edge. Committed to client success, we serve many of the world’s largest companies across various industries. For more information, visit appian.com. [Nasdaq: APPN]

Follow Appian: LinkedIn, X (Twitter)

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Kuailu Cloud Launches Low-Code AI Office Platform to Boost SME Productivity and ERP Efficiency

HONG KONG, Oct. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Kuailu Tech has officially launched its AI-powered, low-code office platform, designed to help SMEs and enterprises streamline workflows, integrate ERP systems, and reduce repetitive administrative tasks.

Businesses today often operate across multiple systems, resulting in fragmented data, delayed approvals, and errors in financial reporting. Kuailu Cloud addresses these challenges by enabling AI “employees” to automate routine tasks, allowing human teams to focus on strategic and high-value work.

“Our platform allows organizations to quickly integrate intelligent workflows with ERP systems without relying heavily on IT resources,” said the CTO of Kuailu Tech. “SMEs can deploy custom systems in hours instead of months, improving efficiency, reducing errors, and creating a seamless AI-driven office environment.”

Key Features and Benefits

  • AI Approval Officer: Approves complex workflows using simple natural-language commands and provides early alerts for budget overruns, contract anomalies, or operational risks. This ensures faster ERP workflow management and minimizes human error.
  • AI Data Advisor: Delivers real-time analytics, visual dashboards, and early warnings for overdue receivables, inventory issues, or operational bottlenecks. SMEs can make informed decisions with AI-powered ERP insights.
  • OCR and Smart Reminders: Automates resume and invoice processing, reducing manual input. Contracts, procurement requests, and employee milestones are tracked automatically, enabling HR and finance teams to work more efficiently.
  • Low-Code System Builder: Drag-and-drop interface allows users to design ERP and workflow systems in just a few hours. Businesses can customize procurement, inventory, sales, and approval workflows without coding expertise.
  • Industry Templates: Over 30 ready-made templates for e-commerce, manufacturing, and healthcare, enabling companies to rapidly deploy ERP-integrated systems. Templates reduce errors, accelerate financial reporting, and optimize operational workflows.

Proven Impact

Businesses deploying Kuailu Cloud’s AI office platform have reported improvements in workflow efficiency, accuracy, and ERP operations. Industry users, including e-commerce, manufacturing, and healthcare companies, have noted faster order processing, improved inventory management, and streamlined HR and financial operations.

The platform allows HR teams to manage multiple employees per user and accelerates financial reporting, turning processes that previously took several days into tasks completed within hours. Kuailu Cloud is available for evaluation through a 30-day free trial, allowing enterprises to experience the platform’s benefits firsthand.

Industry Applications

  • E-Commerce: Synchronizes online orders, inventory, and procurement, reducing data errors and improving delivery efficiency.
  • Manufacturing: Supports production scheduling, BOM cost calculation, and supply chain monitoring, enhancing ERP data accuracy and workflow automation.
  • Healthcare: Tracks equipment maintenance schedules, regulatory compliance, and procurement workflows, ensuring operational safety and resource optimization.

By addressing the pain points of SMEs and enterprise clients, Kuailu Cloud facilitates low-code ERP integration, workflow automation, and AI-powered decision-making, helping organizations scale efficiently.

About Kuailu Tech

Kuailu Tech is a global artificial intelligence enterprise dedicated to driving the digital and intelligent transformation of enterprise office operations. Based on its self-developed large model technology, the company has created a new generation of AI office intelligent entities, covering a full-scenario intelligent office ecosystem including AI intelligent office, AI intelligent collaboration, and AI intelligent meetings.

The platform empowers SMEs and enterprises with AI-driven workflow automation, low-code system customization, and seamless ERP integration, enabling smarter, faster, and more efficient decision-making across departments.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Marketing Department, Kuailu Tech
Email: huangdr@egretsoft.com 

Official Website:
www.kuailutech.com

Green SM debuts in Surabaya, driving a cleaner and smarter way to travel


SURABAYA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 October 2025 – Residents and visitors in Indonesia’s “City of Heroes” can now enjoy quieter, safer, and more affordable rides with the launch of Green SM, the country’s first premium all-electric taxi service. To celebrate its debut, Green SM is offering up to IDR 50,000 off per ride, giving passengers a chance to experience modern, eco-friendly travel at an accessible price while contributing to cleaner air for Surabaya.

Mr. Deny Tjia – Managing Director of Green SM Indonesia (fifth from the right), Mr. Agus Imam Sonhaji, S.T., M.M.T. – Expert Staff to the Mayor for Development, Economy, and Finance (center), together with representatives of government agencies and strategic partners at the launch ceremony.
Mr. Deny Tjia – Managing Director of Green SM Indonesia (fifth from the right), Mr. Agus Imam Sonhaji, S.T., M.M.T. – Expert Staff to the Mayor for Development, Economy, and Finance (center), together with representatives of government agencies and strategic partners at the launch ceremony.

The launch was attended in person by Mr. Agus Imam Sonhaji, S.T., M.M.T., Expert Staff to the Mayor for Development, Economy, and Finance, representing the Mayor of Surabaya; Mr. Trio Wahyu Bowo, A.Md. LLAJ, S.E., M.M., Acting Head of the Surabaya Transportation Agency; Police Commissioner Ms. Endang Srie Narullita; Mr. Agus Hebi Djuniantoro, S.T., M.T., Head of the Surabaya Office of Industry and Manpower; Mr. H. M. Ali Affandi La Nyalla Mahmud Mattalitti, Chairman of the Surabaya Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN); Lt. Col. (Inf.) Ifan Alfa, Kasiter Korem 084/BJ; as well as officials from various municipal departments and agencies, along with members of the local business community.

The arrival of Green SM marks a significant milestone for Surabaya, a central economic and trading hub in the eastern part of Java. With more than 3.8 million vehicles registered in 2024, mostly motorbikes and private cars, the city faces rising congestion and air pollution that challenge both productivity and quality of life. Green SM’s all-electric fleet, operated by professionally trained drivers and supported by seamless booking on the Green SM app, introduces a reliable, comfortable, and sustainable alternative that directly supports Surabaya’s Smart City vision and Indonesia’s carbon-reduction commitments.

Green SM first entered Indonesia in Jakarta in December 2024, where its signature cyan-colored VinFast electric taxis quickly gained public support for their quiet rides, courteous drivers, transparent fares, and tangible environmental benefits. Earlier this month, the service expanded to Makassar and Bekasi, demonstrating its adaptability to diverse urban environments, from coastal tourism destinations to industrial commuter corridors. With its launch in Surabaya, the nation’s second-largest urban hub, Green SM moves from a step-by-step rollout to a true nationwide push for green mobility, proving that sustainable transportation is no longer aspirational, but achievable today.

Deny Tjia, Managing Director of Green SM Indonesia, shared: “Our expansion into Surabaya is more than just adding a new city, it reflects a deeper commitment to the people and rhythm of Indonesia’s most dynamic urban centers. Within just one month, we have expanded to Makassar, Bekasi, and now Surabaya, demonstrating both the strong demand for premium green mobility and our ability to scale rapidly. Surabaya, as eastern Java’s commercial hub and international gateway, is the ideal place to demonstrate that electric taxis are not only practical but also establish a new benchmark for sustainable urban mobility.”

For families returning from long flights or commuters rushing to work, Green SM provides more than just transportation. Passengers step into cabins free of fuel odors and exhaust, enjoy the peace of quiet electric engines, and benefit from spacious interiors that hold children, luggage, or shopping bags. Whether families, professionals, or seniors, Green SM turns every journey into a healthier, safer, and stress-free experience.

As part of the launch, Green SM is offering a 100% discount, up to IDR 50,000 per ride, for the first ride taken between October 14 and 16, followed by a 50% discount, up to IDR 50,000, for one ride between October 17 and 20, applicable for bookings made through the Green SM app. In the following week, Green SM will offer an another 35% discount, up to IDR 50,000, for one ride from October 21 to 27. Every driver has completed professional training focused on safety, service, and eco-friendly driving, ensuring passengers receive both premium comfort and peace of mind.

With Surabaya now added to its expanding network, Green SM reaffirms its long-term mission: to make sustainable mobility accessible to everyone while supporting Indonesia’s transition to a cleaner, smarter, and more connected future. Each ride in the City of Heroes is not only a step toward greater convenience but also a meaningful contribution to cleaner skies, fresher air, and smoother streets for generations ahead.

Hashtag: #GSM

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

About GSM & Green SM

GSM (Green Smart Mobility) is the world’s first company to operate an all-electric ride-hailing service across multiple platforms. As a pioneer in sustainable transportation, GSM has built the foundation for a cleaner, smarter, and more responsible mobility model powered entirely by VinFast electric vehicles. Founded by Chairman of Vingroup Pham Nhat Vuong, GSM is committed to developing a future-ready mobility ecosystem while inspiring greener lifestyles in countries that are rapidly embracing sustainability.

Green SM is GSM’s official global brand, representing the company’s vision and values in every market it serves. In Southeast Asia, Green SM operates in Indonesia, under the name Xanh SM in Vietnam and Laos, and as Green GSM in the Philippines. Across all markets, the brand offers a refined travel experience with VinFast electric cars, professional drivers, and a service culture centered on safety and care.

Green SM represents progress toward a future where technology, the environment, and humanity move forward together in harmony. The brand is committed not only to providing zero-emission transportation but also to fostering an environmentally conscious society in every market it operates.

Agoda and Saudi Tourism Authority partner to boost inbound tourism from Asia

SINGAPORE, Oct. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda, through its strategic partnerships arm Rocket Travel by Agoda, has announced a long-term strategic collaboration with the Saudi Tourism Authority to showcase Saudi’s rich heritage and diverse experiences to travelers across the Asia-Pacific region. Launched against the backdrop of WiT Singapore, the first campaign of the collaboration, ‘Spectacular Saudi’, will leverage immersive storytelling, curated cultural experiences, and exclusive offers to drive inbound travel to the country from 11 key Asian markets.

The ‘Spectacular Saudi’ campaign will run until 28 February 2026 targeting travelers from Singapore, China, India, Indonesia, Pakistan, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Japan, Australia, South Korea, and Thailand.  With the aim of generating demand through targeted advertising, the Saudi Tourism Authority will leverage Agoda’s Media Solutions to reach active travelers, deploying a marketing campaign that spans both Agoda’s digital platforms and external channels. The initiative aims to reach high numbers of prospective customers and bolster tourism to Saudi.

Building off of the ‘Spectacular Saudi’ campaign, Agoda and Saudi Tourism Authority’s four-year collaboration will run until the end of 2029, maximizing Agoda’s online presence and reach. It will integrate a range of marketing efforts, including onsite banners and social media amplification. To drive bookings, the campaign will also offer additional discounts on selected accommodations in Saudi.

Through dedicated landing pages, travelers will discover Saudi’s hidden gems and iconic destinations. Simultaneously, Agoda will also boost the exposure of hotels in Saudi, helping hotel partners benefit from premium positioning on the landing page to reach thousands of travel-ready users.

“We are pleased to collaborate with the Saudi Tourism Authority on the upcoming initiatives, kicking off with the ‘Spectacular Saudi’ campaign. By combining our experience in engaging travelers from Asia with their vision for the Kingdom, we aim to foster new connections and inspire more visitors to discover Saudi Arabia’s unique destinations. We look forward to supporting our partners throughout this campaign and contributing to the continued growth of Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector,” said Damien Pfirsch, Chief Commercial Officer at Agoda.

Alhasan Aldabbagh, President of APAC at Saudi Tourism Authority remarked, “Our strategy at the Saudi Tourism Authority is focused on high-impact partnerships that offer unrivaled access to global consumer markets. By leveraging Agoda’s extensive reach, we are driving direct conversion, ensuring that Saudi is positioned as the top choice for millions of travelers. This campaign is important for accelerating the country’s tourism growth.”

This partnership underscores a shared ambition to connect travelers with Saudi’s vibrant culture and natural beauty, enhancing the nation’s tourism appeal. Agoda’s global network of over 6 million properties, plus flights, activities and more, stands ready to support this endeavor, promising value and variety to travelers exploring Saudi.

Scam Centers in Myanmar Rebuild, Expand Despite Crackdown

Scam Centers in Myanmar Rebuild, Expand Despite Crackdown
This handout satellite photo from Planet Labs PBC taken on September 18, 2025 and received on September 30, 2025 shows the KK Park complex in Myanmar's eastern Myawaddy township along the Moei River facing Mae Sot district (top and R) in Thailand's border province of Tak. They said they had smashed them. But fraud factories in Myanmar blamed for scamming Chinese and American victims out of billions of dollars are still in business and bigger than ever, an AFP investigation can reveal. Satellite images and AFP drone footage show frenetic building work in the heavily guarded compounds around Myawaddy on the Thailand-Myanmar border, which appear to be using Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service on a huge scale.

AFP – Scam centers in Myanmar blamed for swindling billions from victims across the world are expanding fast just months after a crackdown that was supposed to eradicate them, an AFP investigation has found.