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Pakse Launches Free Bus Service Amid Fuel Shortage

A map of Pakse showing each bus stop locations and approximate bus routes.

Authorities in Pakse have introduced a temporary free public bus service to help residents cope with ongoing fuel shortages and rising fuel prices affecting daily travel across southern Laos.

According to the Champasak Provincial Department of Public Works and Transport, the service will begin on 17 March, allowing both government officials and the general public to use state-managed buses free of charge.

The move comes as fuel stations across the province and other parts of the country have faced supply shortages in recent weeks, with some stations temporarily closing or running out of fuel.

Routes Introduced Across City

To ease transport challenges, authorities have organized several bus routes within Pakse and to nearby districts. The program will remain in place until fuel supply stabilizes and prices return to normal levels.

Within Pakse, two main routes will operate using three buses. One route connects Kilometer 7 North to Kilometer 8 South along Road 13 South, running from 06:00 am to 8:30 pm. Each round trip takes about two hours, with approximately seven trips per day.

Stops along this route include the provincial stadium, Sabaidee Market, Pakse Teachers Training College, and Pakse International Airport.

A second route runs between Tha Salakham and Dao Hueng Market during the same hours. Key stops include Sanamdaeng, Wat Phabat, Phonexay Secondary School, Champasak College of Health Science, and the Pakse city pillar shrine.

Expanding Access

Authorities have also introduced two additional routes linking Pakse with nearby districts. One connects Dao Hueng Market and Lak 14 Market, while another runs between Dao Hueng Market and the Sanasomboon District administration office.

These routes will help residents from surrounding areas travel to Pakse for work, school, and essential services.

Officials say the free service also intended to encourage the use of public transportation, helping reduce fuel consumption during the shortage.

Route maps, schedules, and stop locations will be shared through local media and displayed at bus stations and designated stops across the city.

Authorities are encouraging residents to use the service while efforts continue to stabilize fuel supply and maintain daily transportation.

 

Global Aesthetic Trends Evolve Toward ‘Anti-Sagging’: The Expansion of the Structural Skin Laxity Improvement and Liquid Type PCL Collagen Stimulator Market

SEOUL, South Korea, March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The global medical aesthetics market is rapidly shifting toward an “Anti-Sagging” paradigm, focusing on improving the fundamental causes of skin laxity. While traditional aesthetic approaches primarily addressed external signs of aging—such as wrinkle reduction and volume correction—the Anti-Sagging trend focuses on the structural causes of aging: the decrease of collagen within the dermal layer and the weakening of the skin’s support structure.

[3]
[3]

As a result, the market’s center of gravity is moving away from short-term procedures centered on Hyaluronic Acid (HA) fillers and toxins toward solutions based on Biostimulators that induce neocollagenesis (new collagen synthesis). In particular, the biodegradable polymer PCL (Polycaprolactone) is gaining significant attention for its structural approach to rebuilding the skin’s foundation, aligning perfectly with the Anti-Sagging movement.

Amidst these shifts, DEXLEVO’s liquid type PCL collagen stimulator, ‘GOURI,’ is emerging as a focal point of the industry. GOURI is a fully liquid PCL product developed based on the proprietary CESABP (Collagenesis-Enabled Solubilized Active and Biodegradable Polymer) technology, which is entirely free of microparticles.

The superior spreadability enabled by this technology is GOURI’s key differentiator. Upon injection, it naturally disperses throughout the entire dermal layer, inducing uniform collagen regeneration and elasticity improvement across the full face. Unlike conventional particle-based fillers that act locally at the injection site, GOURI enables a comprehensive approach to improving overall skin quality.

At the IMCAS World Congress 2026 held in Paris last January, Dr. Seung-min Oh participated as a speaker for the GOURI Symposium. He captured the attention of global medical professionals by presenting clinical data demonstrating a “triple effect”: redness reduction, skin texture improvement, and volume formation, alongside precision injection strategies based on facial anatomy.[1]

“Thanks to the unique spreadability of the fully liquid type PCL, GOURI can induce natural collagen regeneration across the entire face,” said Dr. Seung-min Oh, Chief Director of O& Clinic (and Academic Chair of the Korean Association of Laser, Dermatology, and Trichology). “By precisely leveraging this spreadability with a deep understanding of anatomical structures, we can provide patients with the most natural and healthy results. It is time for ‘Precision Aesthetics,’ rooted in clinical data, to become the universal standard.”[2]

About DEXLEVO

DEXLEVO is an innovative leader in the medical aesthetic device industry and the developer of GOURI, the world’s first fully liquid type PCL-based collagen stimulator. Through its proprietary CESABP technology platform, DEXLEVO continues to establish the clinical and academic foundations for Anti-Sagging solutions in the global aesthetic market.

Website: www.dexlevo.com

References

[1] IMCAS World Congress 2026. GOURI Symposium. Presented at: IMCAS World Congress 2026; January 31, 2026; Paris, France.

[2] Medisobija News. Dr. Seung-min Oh proves precision medical value of liquid PCL GOURI at IMCAS Paris 2026. Published February 5, 2026. Accessed March 13, 2026.
https://www.medisobizanews.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=134310

[3] U.S. National Library of Medicine (PMC) Case Report — DEXLEVO GOURI

 

Tata Communications Receives Frost & Sullivan’s 2025 Global Company of the Year Recognition for Leadership in Video-Managed Services

Innovative cloud-first workflows and customer-focused strategies enable Tata Communications to redefine digital media ecosystems worldwide.

SAN ANTONIO, March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Frost & Sullivan is pleased to announce that Tata Communications has received the 2025 Global Company of the Year Recognition in the video-managed services industry for its outstanding achievements in innovation, customer success, and strategic execution. This recognition highlights Tata Communications’ consistent leadership in driving digital transformation, advancing media workflows, and delivering cloud-native solutions that address the evolving needs of global broadcasters and content providers.

Frost & Sullivan evaluates companies through a rigorous benchmarking process across two core dimensions: strategy effectiveness and strategy execution. Tata Communications excelled in both, demonstrating its ability to align its long-term vision with industry megatrends while executing initiatives that scale globally and deliver measurable results. “Frost & Sullivan applauds Tata Communications for its innovative, cloud-first approach to transforming media and entertainment workflows, addressing critical industry challenges such as scalability, cost efficiency, and operational complexity,” said Rahul Agarwal, associate fellow and director at Frost & Sullivan.

Guided by a growth strategy rooted in cloud innovation, artificial intelligence, and remote production, Tata Communications has consistently adapted to the rapid transformation of the media and entertainment sector. Its sustained investment in cloud infrastructure and edge computing has enabled the company to expand capabilities across markets, empowering customers to accelerate digital adoption and streamline operations.

Innovation is central to Tata Communications’ leadership in video-managed services. The company’s Media Hub provides secure, cloud-based media asset management with customizable workflows, enabling broadcasters to manage, store, and distribute content more efficiently. Advanced solutions like MIMiC Transmission support large-scale, remote productions with reduced on-site staffing requirements, while its 100-gigabyte integrated backbone powers low-latency video delivery for high-profile global sporting events. Complementing these offerings, MIMiC Monitor enables real-time content monitoring across live and on-demand streaming platforms, reinforcing Tata Communications’ ability to deliver broadcast-grade reliability in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

Dhaval Ponda, global head, media and entertainment, Tata Communications, said: “This recognition validates our ‘Cloud-First’ ambition. By unifying global reach with edge innovation, we are simplifying media workflows, empowering sports and media companies to deliver immersive experiences with unprecedented agility and broadcast-grade reliability on a truly global scale.”

Tata Communications’ unwavering commitment to customer experience further strengthens its market position. The company maintains exceptionally high Net Promoter Scores, reflecting its ability to deliver operational reliability and proactive service. By integrating best practices from its acquisition of The Switch, Tata Communications has enhanced its global escalation processes, ensuring consistency and trust across workflows. Its 24/7 global service centers in Los Angeles, New York, London, and India support broadcasters with always-available expertise, accelerating the industry-wide shift to cloud adoption.

Frost & Sullivan commends Tata Communications for setting benchmarks in strategic execution, customer focus, and technological innovation. The company’s cloud-first philosophy, combined with its deep expertise in AI-driven diagnostics and remote production, positions it as a trusted partner for global media organizations seeking agility, cost optimization, and scalability in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents the Company of the Year Recognition to an organization that demonstrates excellence in strategy development and implementation, resulting in measurable improvements in customer satisfaction, market growth, and competitive differentiation. Tata Communications exemplifies these qualities by redefining media workflows and shaping the future of video-managed services worldwide.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Recognition
Frost & Sullivan’s Best Practices Recognitions honor companies across regional and global markets that exhibit exceptional achievement and consistent excellence in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer experience, and strategic product development. Each recognition is the result of a rigorous analytical process in which Frost & Sullivan industry experts benchmark performance through comprehensive interviews, deep-dive analysis, and extensive secondary research. The goal is to identify true best-in-class organizations that are driving transformative growth and setting new industry standards.
Contact us: Start the discussion.

Contact:
Tarini Singh
E: Tarini.Singh@frost.com

About Tata Communications
A part of the Tata Group, Tata Communications (NSE: TATACOMM; BSE: 500483) is a global digital ecosystem enabler powering today’s fast-growing digital economy in more than 190 countries and territories. Leading with trust, it enables digital transformation of enterprises globally with collaboration and connected solutions, core and next gen connectivity, cloud hosting and security solutions and media services. 300 of the Fortune 500 companies are its customers and the company connects businesses to 80% of the world’s cloud giants. For more information, please visit www.tatacommunications.com

Summit Power International and AACT Jointly Host Iftar for About 440 Migrant Workers in Singapore, Including Bangladeshis

SINGAPORE, March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — To show appreciation for the migrant workers in Singapore, many of whom are Bangladeshi, Summit Power International Limited (“SPIL”) and the Anjuman & Aziz Charitable Trust (AACT) jointly hosted a breaking of fast (Iftar) for about 440 workers during the holy month of Ramadan.

Mr. Muhammed Aziz Khan PBM (centre), Founder Chairman of Summit Group and the Anjuman & Aziz Charitable Trust (AACT), broke fast with migrant workers in Singapore, many of whom are Bangladeshi nationals.
Mr. Muhammed Aziz Khan PBM (centre), Founder Chairman of Summit Group and the Anjuman & Aziz Charitable Trust (AACT), broke fast with migrant workers in Singapore, many of whom are Bangladeshi nationals.

Mr. Muhammed Aziz Khan PBM, the Founder Chairman of Summit Group and AACT, broke fast with the workers at a workers’ dormitory in Space@Tuas on 12th March 2026.

This is the second Singapore Iftar event sponsored by SPIL, the Singapore-headquartered parent of Bangladesh’s largest private sector power generation company.

Beyond Iftar, SPIL and AACT are engaged in long-term social responsibility efforts spanning Bangladesh and Singapore.

“Social responsibility is at the core of our business and personal lives. We are privileged to host this Iftar event for migrant workers, many of whom are Bangladeshi and heroes driving economic growth through remittance.” Mr. Muhammed Aziz Khan said.

Mr. Muhammed Aziz Khan, a Singaporean of Bangladeshi origin, was awarded the Public Service Medal (COVID-19) in 2023 for engaging and helping Bangladeshi workers who were isolated in local dormitories during the pandemic.

About Summit Group:

Summit Group is the largest infrastructure conglomerate in Bangladesh, employing over 6,000 people with investments across power, energy, ports, logistics, and telecommunication sectors.

Summit Power International, incorporated in Singapore in 2016, is a leading infrastructure developer and operator in South Asia whose strategic partners include JERA, Mitsubishi Corporation, Taiyo Life Insurance and GE.

The group is committed to providing affordable, sustainable energy solutions while supporting corporate social responsibility initiatives in education, healthcare, and community development. Recently, Summit was awarded the Reuters Global Energy Transition Award 2024 in the “Projects of Impact” category in recognition of the provision of sustainable solar power to remote

river-island communities and the improvement of energy access, livelihoods, and climate resilience.

About The Anjuman & Aziz Charitable Trust (“AACT”):

Founded in 2020 by Muhammed Aziz Khan and his wife Anjuman Aziz Khan, The Anjuman & Aziz Charitable Trust focuses on providing quality education to disadvantaged children across Bangladesh. Dr Hanns Kendel is the Managing Trustee.

About Muhammed Aziz Khan PBM:

Muhammed Aziz Khan, PBM, is the founder and Chairman of Summit Group of Companies. A Singapore citizen of Bangladeshi origin, he has led Summit Group from Bangladesh’s first private sector power producer to a diversified infrastructure conglomerate.

Khan received the Public Service Medal (COVID-19) and Pingat Bakti Masyarakat from Singapore’s Prime Minister’s Office in 2023 for his outstanding contributions during the pandemic.

Mr. Khan holds an MBA from the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), University of Dhaka and served as the Honorary Consul General of Finland to Bangladesh (2016-2025). He is also the Chairman of Siraj Khaleda Trust, Anjuman & Aziz Charitable Trust (AACT), and serves on the Board of Trustees of the Asian University for Women (AUW) and Prothom Alo Trust.

Media Contact: 
Mohsena Hassan
mohsena.hassan@summit-centre.com

Mr. Muhammed Aziz Khan, alongside approximately 440 migrant workers, at the joint Iftar event hosted by Summit Power International Limited and AACT at Space@Tuas, Singapore, March 12, 2026.
Mr. Muhammed Aziz Khan, alongside approximately 440 migrant workers, at the joint Iftar event hosted by Summit Power International Limited and AACT at Space@Tuas, Singapore, March 12, 2026.

 

 

K-Royal Cultural Festival Celebrates Korean Culture at Palaces, Ticket reservation for international programs available from March 16

K-content including performances, guided tours, culinary experiences / Royal court arts of Korea at palaces

SEOUL, South Korea, March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — K-Royal Cultural Festival for spring 2026 which are hosted by the Korea Heritage Service’s Palace Heritage Headquarters (Director: Ahn Ho) and organized by the Korea Heritage Agency (President: Lee Gwi-young) will begin booking programs for foreigners.

K-Royal Cultural Festival for spring 2026 is set to run from April 24 to May 3, offering chances for participants to experience Korea’s royal court culture hands-on. Prior ticket reservation for international programs is available on Korea’s travel platform Creatrip (www.creatrip.com) from 2PM of March 16.

Opening Ceremony of K-Royal Culture Festival 2025
Opening Ceremony of K-Royal Culture Festival 2025

K-Royal Cultural Festival is Korea’s biggest cultural heritage festival themed on Korea’s history. It takes place in Korea’s five palaces (Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Deoksugung, Changgyeonggung, Gyeonghuigung Palaces) and Jongmyo Shrine. Every spring and fall since 2014, the Festival has showcased various enactments, performances, exhibitions, experiences, and other programs to introduce Korea’s traditional royal culture.

Celebrating its 12th anniversary this year, the Royal Culture Festival has continued to grow steadily by presenting distinctive programs. It attracts tremendous interest from domestic visitors in Korea, with many programs selling out shortly upon opening each year. In particular, during last year’s spring and fall festival periods, approximately 1.37 million people visited the palaces, marking the highest attendance in the festival’s history.

This year’s spring festival, under the theme “Palaces, Awakening the Arts,” will offer a variety of royal court culture programs throughout the palaces with experiences that are not easily available during regular palace visits.

The festival’s programs are designed to provide hands-on experience on Korea’s royal culture, with performances bringing together K-POP and traditional Korean music, nighttime tours, and culinary experience programs.

  • The opening will be celebrated with an opening ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace Heungnyemun Gate Square (April 24). Directed by Yang Jung-woong, who served as the artistic director of the 2025 APEC Summit, the event will open under the theme “Palaces, Awakening the Arts – Hyper Palace.” This large-scale performance will blend multiple genres including royal court dance (jeongjaemu), media façade, a hanbok fashion show, and a gugak (traditional Korean music) EDM performance, presenting a stage that reinterprets traditional culture in a contemporary way. 300 prior reservation tickets are available for international visitors, free of charge.
  • At Around Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, a new nighttime program titled “The Dance of Crown Prince Hyomyeong and the Moon” will be presented (April 28-30). This immersive nighttime performance tour allows visitors to move through different areas of the palace while following the story of Crown Prince Hyomyeong, who played a key role in advancing the arts of the Joseon Dynasty royal court. The program will be conducted in English and will operate through paid advance reservations, with 40 participants per day.

The popular program “Awakening the Morning Palace” will also offer sessions exclusively for international visitors (April 28-May 3). The program invites participants to stroll through the halls and the Secret Garden of Changdeokgung Palace while listening to stories about the palace’s architecture and taking in the serene morning scenery. It will be operated through paid advance reservations for 40 participants per day.

As part of the festival’s special performance lineup, the royal court music concert “Palace Concert: A Performance by 100 Artists” will also take place (May 1-3). This large-scale traditional arts performance, featuring 100 gugak musicians, offers audiences a chance to experience the essence of Korean traditional music. Korean and English commentary will be provided to help audiences better understand the performance. The program will be operated through paid advance reservations for 100 participants per day.

  • At Deoksugung Palace Jungmyeongjeon Hall, the culinary program “The Emperor’s Dining Table” will allow visitors to experience the banquet culture of the Korean Empire imperial court (May 1-3). Participants can try dishes inspired by imperial banquet cuisine while learning about the history and diplomatic culture of the era through a gastronomic talk program. Each session will accommodate 20 participants through paid advance reservations.
  • At Jongmyo Shrine Main Hall, a new program titled “Royal Ancestral Ritual Music Nighttime Performance” will be presented, introducing the cultural value of Jongmyo Jeryeak, which is inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list (April 28-30). Set against the solemn and majestic atmosphere of the shrine, this traditional music performance offers audiences an opportunity to experience the profound depth of Korean royal ritual music. The program will be operated through advance reservations, free of charge.
  • In addition to the programs requiring advance reservations, the festival will also feature a variety of on-site programs open to visitors without prior booking. These include the “K-Heritage Market” at Gyeongbokgung Palace, where visitors can explore K-heritage goods and traditional crafts, and “Gyeongbokgung Time Travel – Royal Palace Daily Life,” which recreates scenes of everyday life in the Joseon Dynasty royal court. Visitors without advance reservations can also enjoy the festive atmosphere through the many events taking place throughout the palaces.

Details about prior reservation for international programs can be found on Creatrip (www.creatrip.com).

Appendix: K-Royal Culture Festival international program reservation details (foreigner-exclusive).

Reservation overview

  • Programs: 6 foreigner-exclusive programs
  • Reservation starting date: 2PM of Mar 16 2026 (Mon), at Creatrip (www.creatrip.com)
  • Inquiries: Creatrip (help@creatrip.com)

Program schedule

Number

Category

Program

Venue

Date and time

Capacity

(participants per session)

Price (KRW)

1

K-Royal Cultural Festival

2026 K-Royal Culture Festival Opening Ceremony

Gyeongbokgung Palace Heungnyemun Gate Square

April 24 (Fri)

300

Free

2

The Dance of Crown Prince Hyomyeong and the Moon

Around Changdeokgung Palace

April 28( Tue) – April 30 (Thu)

40

10,000

3

Awakening the Morning Palace

Around Changdeokgung Palace

April 28(Tue) – May 3 (Sun)

40

10,000

4

The Emperor’s Dining Table

Deoksugung Palace Jungmyeongjeon Hall

May 1 (Fri) – May 3 (Sun)

20

15,000

5

Royal Ancestral Ritual Music Nighttime Performance

Jongmyo Shrine Main Hall

April 28( Tue) – April 30 (Thu)

40

Free

6

Special program

Palace Concert: A Performance by 100 Artists

Changdeokgung Palace Injeongjeon Hall

May 1 (Fri) – May 3 (Sun)

100

20,000

 

Vietnam Warns of Possible Flight Cuts Amid Jet Fuel Shortage

Vietnam to Resume International Flights to Laos

Travellers flying to and from Vietnam could face disruptions as early as next month, after the country’s aviation authority warned that jet fuel supplies may not last beyond March amid the regional energy crisis triggered by the conflict in the Middle East.

The warning comes as fuel supply disruptions ripple across Southeast Asia. In Laos, panic buying emptied several petrol stations in Vientiane in early March after Thailand briefly suspended fuel exports.

Nearly half of Laos’ 2,538 fuel stations later reported temporary closures, while diesel prices surged sharply before a modest government price reduction provided partial relief.

Fragile Supply Chain

Vietnam imports more than two-thirds of the jet fuel required for airline operations. Until recently, about 60 percent of that supply came from China and Thailand.

Both countries have now restricted exports.

Reuters recently reported that China first instructed refiners to stop signing new export contracts before imposing a full ban on refined fuel exports beginning 11 March. Thailand followed on 6 March by suspending exports of refined oil products, including jet fuel, to most destinations.

Supplies from Singapore have also declined.

The sudden shift has left Vietnam’s aviation sector scrambling to secure sufficient fuel supplies.

Short-Term Supply Concerns

Vietnam’s aviation authority warned on 9 March that jet fuel shortages could begin as early as April if the situation continues.

Airlines have been asked to review flight schedules, while airports are preparing extra parking space in case planes need to be grounded. Major fuel suppliers Petrolimex and Skypec say they can only guarantee jet fuel supplies until the end of March, with Skypec urging authorities to prioritize essential domestic flights if shortages worsen.

Vietnam is now exploring alternative sources of supply.

Officials have identified potential suppliers including South Korea, Japan, Brunei, and India, although aviation authorities warn that securing new contracts quickly may prove difficult under current market conditions.

Even if supply disruptions ease, authorities say the sharp rise in fuel prices could still force airlines to reduce flights on routes that become unprofitable.

FinVolution Group Announces Strategic Entry into Australia

SYDNEY, March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — FinVolution Group (NYSE: FINV), a leading fintech company, announced its entry into the Australian market, following the acquisition of local lending platform Fundo. This move marks the Company’s significant strategic expansion into a high-value developed market.

Tiezheng Li, CEO of FinVolution Group, commented, “Our entry into Australia marks an important step in FinVolution’s international expansion. We look forward to bringing our responsible, technology-driven financial services to users in Australia.”

Australia presents a compelling growth opportunity characterized by a mature regulatory framework and a significant demand for digital lending. The Fundo acquisition allows FinVolution to leverage its expertise in data-driven risk pricing and operational efficiency to enhance financial accessibility in Australia, further advancing the Group’s commitment to global financial inclusion.

This expansion builds on FinVolution’s track record of executing deep localization strategies across diverse markets. By adapting its product offerings to meet local needs while upholding rigorous compliance standards, the Company ensures its Australian operations align with the regulatory discipline required in a developed economy.

Guided by its “Local Excellence, Global Outlook” strategy, FinVolution’s international business has become an increasingly important growth driver. As reported in its 2025 financial results, international transaction volume increased by 38.6% year-over-year to RMB 14.0 billion(US$ 2.0 billion), while international operations contributed 31.4% of total revenue in the fourth quarter.

Today, FinVolution operates leading fintech platforms across China, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Pakistan, alongside its newest market, Australia. As of December 31, 2025, the Company has served a cumulative total of 40.7 million users worldwide and facilitated approximately RMB 1.2 trillion (US$ 171.6 billion) in cumulative transaction volume, solidifying its position as a leading credit-tech company.

 

CARSOME Raises Over USD 30 Million in a Strategic Fundraising Round


PETALING JAYA, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 17 March 2026 – CARSOME Group Inc (CARSOME or the Group), Southeast Asia’s largest integrated car e-commerce platform, today announced a strategic investment round of more than USD 30 million from a set of new and existing investors including the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited (HKIC), Gobi Partners, and Asia Partners. This fundraise underscores the investors’ confidence in CARSOME’s journey to profitability and long-term vision across the region, as demonstrated by the recent record FY25 results. These funds will further accelerate its profitable growth in the region for the coming years.

CARSOME Group Inc (CARSOME or the Group), Southeast Asia’s largest integrated car e-commerce platform, today announced a strategic investment round of more than USD 30 million from a set of new and existing investors including the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited (HKIC), Gobi Partners, and Asia Partners.
CARSOME Group Inc (CARSOME or the Group), Southeast Asia’s largest integrated car e-commerce platform, today announced a strategic investment round of more than USD 30 million from a set of new and existing investors including the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited (HKIC), Gobi Partners, and Asia Partners.

This investment and partnership reflect a shared ambition to strengthen connections between Southeast Asia and Greater China, leveraging Hong Kong’s role as a regional gateway for advanced automotive capabilities, technology development, and global talent. With the support from the HKIC, CARSOME will drive initiatives across areas such as supply chain sourcing and technology collaboration, accelerating the application of data and artificial intelligence (AI) in the automotive sector, which further empowers CARSOME for its regional expansion.

“CARSOME has spent the last several years focused on building a resilient, profitable business with strong fundamentals,” said Eric Cheng, CARSOME Group Co-founder and CEO. “This strategic collaboration and fundraise is a vote of confidence in our continued momentum and long-term vision. This partnership gives us crucial access to innovation capabilities, cross-border networks, and world-class talent that will support our work in AI, data, and next-generation mobility services across Southeast Asia.”

Clara Chan, Chief Executive Officer of the HKIC, said, “We are pleased to support CARSOME as part of our continued effort to harness technology to drive industry transformation, contributing to Hong Kong’s long-term economic development and resilience. With Hong Kong’s unique position as a gateway connecting global innovation and investment opportunities, CARSOME exemplifies the type of high-conviction, technology-driven enterprise that aligns with the HKIC’s mandate to foster scalable innovation across our strategic sectors. We look forward to supporting forward-thinking companies like CARSOME in creating tangible value for the future of Hong Kong.”

Chibo Tang, Managing Partner of Gobi Partners, said, “CARSOME is a leading example of how Southeast Asian startups are well-positioned to create close ties with partners in Greater China, leveraging each region’s unique strengths. We are pleased to be a returning investor in CARSOME, having supported them for almost a decade. Gobi was an early believer in CARSOME’s ability to scale across international borders, and we are happy to see their early potential come to fruition as they reimagine the way consumers across Asia purchase vehicles.”

Hashtag: #CARSOME


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

About CARSOME

CARSOME is Southeast Asia’s largest integrated car e-commerce platform. With operations across Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore, CARSOME aims to digitize the region’s used car industry by reshaping and elevating the car transaction and ownership experience.

Together with subsidiary brands , , and , , and , CARSOME provides end-to-end solutions to consumers and used car dealers across the decision funnel, from car content consumption, car inspection, and ownership transfer to financing and other ancillary services, as well as an automotive training institution, promising to bring trust, transparency, and choice to our customers. For more information, please visit .

About Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited (HKIC)

The HKIC was established in 2022 as the Patient Capital institution wholly owned by and representing the HKSAR Government. It adopts an “Investment +” approach, seeking reasonable financial return in the medium to long term and at the same time creating and supporting growth impetus with a view to contributing to Hong Kong’s economy and society.

The HKIC currently manages the “Hong Kong Growth Portfolio”, “Greater Bay Area Investment Fund”, “Strategic Tech Fund”, and “Co-Investment Fund”. At this stage, it is focusing on three key sectors, namely Hard and Core Technology, Biotech, and New Energy and Green Technology, as well as the relevant applications.

As of January 2026, the HKIC has invested in over 170 projects. Every Hong Kong dollar invested by the HKIC has attracted over 6 Hong Kong dollars from long-term capital for investment. Visit the website for more information: https://www.hkic.org.hk/

About Gobi Partners

Founded in 2002, Gobi Partners is a leading pan-Asian investment firm specialising in bespoke capital solutions for family offices, sovereign wealth funds, financial institutions and corporate investors. Headquartered in Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur, Gobi manages US$1.7 billion across 20 funds, investing in early to growth-stage companies with the potential for generational and global impact.

The firm’s team of over 90 investment professionals operates from 17 locations, curating a diversified portfolio of more than 400 companies, with 75 exits achieved to date. Gobi is recognised for its long-term, values-aligned approach, building ecosystems at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and inclusion. From pioneering TaqwaTech for two billion Muslims, to advancing the circular economy, to promoting gender-diverse leadership, Gobi backs the trends that are reshaping societies.

Gobi’s edge lies in identifying structural and demographic shifts, forging partnerships with universities and institutions of higher education; bridging world-class research with private capital and bringing deep technology breakthroughs to commercialisation.

For more information, please visit:

About Asia Partners

Asia Partners is a growth equity firm focused on the next generation of high-growth technology and technology-enabled companies that will transform the Southeast Asia economy. Its mission is to empower founders to build a new generation of tech giants, through deploying capital that directly addresses the region’s ‘Series C/D Gap’, and expertise in operating skills, drawing upon its collective experience of growing eight multi-billion dollar companies, including three in Southeast Asia.

Visit the website for more information: