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CNN’s Mission Tiger goes deep into Southeast Asia’s efforts to save an iconic predator

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HONG KONG, Feb. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — CNN’s Mission Tiger, hosted by CNN’s Senior International Correspondent Will Ripley, follows conservation efforts in Southeast Asia aimed at helping tigers rebound from past declines. The program spotlights the innovative strategies and unwavering commitment of individuals and organizations striving to safeguard these majestic predators and their habitats and reconnect fragmented tiger strongholds across the region.

CNN’s Mission Tiger goes deep into Southeast Asia's efforts to save an iconic predator
CNN’s Mission Tiger goes deep into Southeast Asia’s efforts to save an iconic predator

Thailand’s Western Forest Complex, a vast connected network of forests and protected areas, highlights how well-planned wildlife corridors and strengthened protection are enabling tigers to reclaim habitat. Ripley joins rangers as they patrol tiger country, check camera traps, and look for signs of big cats in territories once devastated by poaching, providing a closer look at the dedication and daily realities of frontline conservation teams amid challenging conditions.

Moving to northern Malaysia’s Central Forest Spine, a critical rainforest chain for Malayan tiger survival, in Royal Belum State Park, conservationists including Dr. Dzaeman Dzulkifli and his team work on forest restoration and protection of endangered tree species to support a thriving ecosystem for tigers and their prey. Inhabiting roles once reserved for men, indigenous women rangers, Milah and Suzana, are breaking traditional gender norms by patrolling these same forests and showing how rebuilding the habitat and defending it from external threats must happen in tandem if tigers are to survive.

Established in 2023, Al Sultan Abdullah Royal Tiger Reserve (ASARTAR) is a crucial link in Malaysia’s central forest spine that, until recently, had almost no data on the wildlife inhabiting the area. Previously, conservation photographer Sebastian Kennerknecht installed advanced camera traps to capture powerful wildlife imagery to help galvanize public support for conservancy efforts. After Kennerknecht’s departure, local rangers and Panthera, an international wildcat conservation nonprofit, have taken over retrieving the data from the cameras which reveal a rich array of wildlife including tapirs, elephants, various smaller wild cats, and tigers – underscoring the reserve’s importance as a connecting corridor for not only tigers, but for other diverse animal populations as well.

Mission Tiger celebrates the profound impact of human dedication and innovative conservation strategies that are securing a future for one of the world’s most iconic and endangered species, highlighting the interconnectedness of nature and the shared responsibility of fostering a healthier planet.

Mission Tiger trailers: https://bit.ly/3OrzZeQ
Mission Tiger images: https://bit.ly/3M6udyJ
Mission Tiger microsite: https://edition.cnn.com/world/mission-tiger 

Airtimes for 30-minute special:
Saturday, 21st February at 1:30am HKT
Sunday, 22nd February at 7pm HKT
Monday, 23rd February at 6:30am and 12pm HKT

About CNN International  
CNN’s portfolio of news and information services is available in seven different languages across all major TV, digital and mobile platforms, reaching more than 379 million households around the globe. CNN International is the number one international TV news channel according to all major media surveys across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the Asia Pacific region, and Latin America and has a US presence that includes CNNgo. CNN Digital is a leading network for online news, mobile news and social media. CNN is at the forefront of digital innovation and continues to invest heavily in expanding its digital global footprint, with a suite of award-winning digital properties and a range of strategic content partnerships, commercialised through a strong data-driven understanding of audience behaviours. CNN has won multiple prestigious awards around the world for its journalism. Around 1,000 hours of long-form series, documentaries and specials are produced every year by CNNI’s non-news programming division. CNN has 36 editorial offices and more than 1,100 affiliates worldwide through CNN Newsource. CNN International is a Warner Bros. Discovery company.

Thailand and Malaysia Lead as Top Visa‑Free Destinations for Indian Travellers – Agoda

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Advertorial Desk
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Indonesia Emerges as the Top Visa on arrival Destination Based on Accommodation Search Data

SINGAPORE, Feb. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The latest accommodation search data from digital travel platform Agoda reveals Thailand and Malaysia as the most preferred visa free international destinations among Indian travellers. Indonesia continues to lead among visa on arrival (VOA) markets. The data reflects an uptick in interest compared to last year toward destinations across Asia that combine easy entry requirements with diverse leisure and cultural experiences.

Agoda analysed accommodation search data generated in India for visa‑free and VOA destinations, between 1 and 18 January 2026, for check‑in dates between February and March 2026.

Among the combined top five destinations searched with visa free or VOA status, Thailand ranked first, followed by Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. Thailand (visa free) and Indonesia (VOA) remain firm favourites, offering diverse mix of beaches, culture, and adventure, while Malaysia (visa free) combines urban and natural experiences.

Sri Lanka (VOA) recorded notable growth in accommodation searches, registering a 61% increase compared to last year, supported by its proximity and diverse offerings. Maldives (visa free) continues to draw Indian travellers seeking premium island escapes and short haul luxury stays. Together, these destinations underscore how Indian travellers are choosing destinations that offer strong value and simplified entry.

Beyond the top five, Philippines (visa free) ranked sixth and recorded 73% year-on-year search growth, driven by interest from beach loving and adventure-oriented travellers, with water sports remaining a key draw. While Nepal (visa free) ranked seventh. Kazakhstan (visa free) ranked eighth and is seeing interest for its distinctive Central Asian landscapes, while Bhutan (visa free) ranked ninth and attracts travellers drawn to wellness and cultural immersion. Laos (VOA) ranked tenth and recorded the strongest search growth among all top destinations with a 97% increase, positioning itself as a culturally rich alternative within Southeast Asia, aided by simplified visa access and growing awareness among Indian travellers.

Commenting on the trend, Gaurav Malik, Country Director, Indian Subcontinent & Indian Ocean Islands at Agoda, said, “Indian travellers are becoming increasingly intentional about their travel choices, with ease of visa accessibility playing a decisive role. Agoda’s 2026 Travel Outlook Report also revealed that if visa restrictions were not a factor, 84% of Indians would travel more frequently. 91% said that they would be open to exploring new destinations, the highest among their Asian peers. Furthermore, the growing search interest in emerging destinations such as Laos and the Philippines, alongside established favourites, reflect a growing appetite for diverse, culturally immersive yet hassle-free international travel.”

Travellers planning their upcoming getaways can browse Agoda’s wide range of offerings, spanning over 6 million holiday properties, more than 130,000 flight routes, and 300,000+ activities worldwide. The latest deals are available on the Agoda app or at agoda.com/deals.

Ushering in a Year of Prosperity: Celebrating Thailand’s Chinese New Year Festival Siam Paragon Joins Forces with TAT and Kasikornbank to Launch “Siam Paragon A Prosperous Chinese New Year 2026”

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Advertorial Desk
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Showcasing Spectacular Entertainment and Chinese Cultural Performances, Featuring Renowned Chinese Artist “Zhu Zhengting” to Bless the People of Thailand in the Heart of the City


BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 February 2026 – Siam Paragon, Thailand’s premier global landmark and the top destination in the hearts of Thai people and international tourists, has partnered with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and Kasikornbank, ushers in a grand celebration for the Year of the Horse. The event “Siam Paragon A Prosperous Chinese New Year 2026,” bringing an array of rare cultural performances from China to offer a magnificent experience in the heart of Bangkok, The celebration also features special performances by leading Thai artists and an exclusive appearance from Chinese superstar “Zhu Zhengting,” who flew in to deliver New Year blessings to Thai fans at Parc Paragon, Siam Paragon.

Ushering in a Year of Prosperity: Celebrating Thailand’s Chinese New Year Festival Siam Paragon Joins Forces with TAT and Kasikornbank to Launch "Siam Paragon A Prosperous Chinese New Year 2026"

The Grand Opening Ceremony, held on 14 February 2026, was honored by the presence of Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn, Minister of Tourism and Sports, alongside Mr. Han Zhiqiang, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Thailand, who both joined in delivering Chinese New Year blessings. Also in attendance were Thapanee Kiatphaibool, Governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT); Chadatip Chutrakul, Chief Executive Officer of Siam Piwat Group; and Mayuree Chaipromprasith, President of Corporate Affairs and Communications at Siam Piwat Co., Ltd., all gathered amidst a grand and festive atmosphere. The event captivated the audience with special performances, including “Chinese New Year Welcome Dance” from China and the “Siam Noble Steed Dance” from Thailand, symbolizing the deep-rooted ties between the two nations. The celebration also featured rare and exquisite Chinese cultural showcases from four renowned troupes originating from Beijing, Chongqing, Henan, and Fujian.

The highly anticipated highlight was the appearance of renowned Chinese artist “Zhu Zhengting,” who joined the festivities to wish fans wealth, happiness, and prosperity for the year ahead, while delivering a special performance as a New Year gift. Additionally, the celebration featured mini-concerts by leading Thai T-Pop artists, including Better Weather and Daou Pittaya, who brought joy and left a lasting impression amidst the spectacular sight of giant auspicious lanterns illuminating the entire of Parc Paragon.

The grand celebration of “Siam Paragon A Prosperous Chinese New Year 2026″ presents a magnificent parade of entertainment to deliver joy and prosperity for the Year
of the Horse, running from today until 18 February 2026. In addition to the spectacular colors of giant auspicious lanterns and exquisite cultural performances from the People’s Republic of China, there are concerts from leading Thai artists performing on a rotating schedule to provide non-stop fun at Parc Paragon and Fashion Hall.

The lineup includes:

  1. 15 February 2026: Enjoy performances by HERS and MEAN Band;
  2. 16 February 2026: Meet 2Ectasy, Jeffy, Kakagoesbackhome, and Slapkiss;
  3. 17 February 2026: Have fun with SERIOUS BACON and Klear;
  4. 18 February 2026: Concluding with Wanyai and OABNITHI.

Simultaneously, Siam Paragon is packed with activities to enhance luck and wealth across various areas, featuring many more highlights such as:

  • Be mesmerized by the art installation “The Fortune Guardians,” depicting a pair of lions in a rhythmic and lively spirit of celebration, created by Suthipa Kamyam, a renowned artist and illustrator who has collaborated with numerous international brands. She has transformed the Jewel zone and Cascade on the M Floor into an artistic landmark for the Chinese New Year, symbolizing the opening of gates to welcome positive energy, inviting luck and joy to flow in and reach all visitors.
  • The Sculpture Exhibition by Ren Zhe: This exhibition features the work of the renowned Chinese sculptor, celebrated for his masterful fusion of Eastern cultural roots with a contemporary global perspective. His powerful sculptures are imbued with dynamic movement, harmoniously communicating Eastern philosophical values through modern materials. The exhibition will be on display from 5 March 2026 at the Glass Wall on the M Floor.
  • NEXTOPIA, the prototype for the world of tomorrow, welcomes the Chinese New Year festival with the heartwarming concept “Let Good Things Grow: Lucky in Love, Lucky in Green.” This initiative invites everyone to share positive energy through self-care, meaningful connection with others, and sustainable growth alongside the planet. Visitors can immerse themselves in contemporary interactive activities and workshops that are engaging and accessible to all ages. We invite you to fulfill your special moments at NEXTOPIA with eco-friendly, heart-healthy menus amidst a romantic atmosphere and melodies —perfect for hanging out until midnight.
  • For those seeking spiritual guidance and an opportunity to give back, the Siriwattana Cheshire Foundation under the Royal Patronage of Her Majesty the Queen presents the “Siriwattana Fortune Telling for the Disabled” charity event. To welcome the Year of the Horse, the event features 40 renowned experts specializing in various disciplines. The event takes place from February 13–20, 2026, at Crystal Court, 2nd Floor (North Zone), Siam Paragon, from 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM. Fortune-telling tickets are available at the venue for 400 THB.

Beyond the exceptional experiences offered across all zones, Siam Paragon delights shoppers with the exclusive “A Prosperous Chinese New Year 2026,” promotion, running from today until 22 February 2026, featuring discounts of up to 50% at participating stores. Shoppers meeting the spending requirements can receive Siam Gift Cards and Paragon Department Store Cash Coupons with a total value of up to THB 1,700. Special privileges are also available for Kasikornbank credit cardholders, while ONESIAM members can earn 4x ONESIAM Coins upon qualifying spend, along with up to 15% credit cashback from participating credit cards, or 0% interest installments for up to 6 months on Siam Gift Card purchases.

Additionally, the special “Lucky with Love” promotion will run from today until 17 February 2026. Shoppers meeting the spending requirements can redeem Siam Gift Cards and Paragon Department Store Cash Coupons with a total value of up to THB 31,800, plus an additional bonus of up to 1,550 ONESIAM Coins when spending via ONESIAM KBank Credit Cards. Furthermore, purchases of THB 2,000 or more will be rewarded with an extra Ang Pao (containing gift vouchers or discount coupons from participating stores). For top spenders at participating luxury brands, an exceptional prize of 2 Baht weight of gold, valued at THB 149,500 (price as of 26 January 2026), will be awarded to those with a cumulative spend of THB 4 million or more.

Experience the grandeur of the Chinese New Year celebration, a spectacular and radiant start to a prosperous Year of the Horse at “Siam Paragon A Prosperous Chinese New Year 2026.” Join the festivities at Siam Paragon from today until 20 February 2026. For more information, please visit Facebook: SiamParagon

Hashtag: #SiamParagon #SiamParagonCNY2026

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

Vietnam Licenses Musk’s Satellite Internet Firm Starlink

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Laotian Times
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Vietnam granted a license to Elon Musk’s Starlink to operate satellite internet services in the country. Once launched commercially, Vietnam will become the fifth Southeast Asian market to host the service, after the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia and Timor-Leste.

AFP – Vietnam has granted a license to Elon Musk’s Starlink to operate its satellite internet services in the communist country, a government agency said.

The radio frequency regulator said local unit Starlink Services Vietnam Co. can initially deploy four gateway stations and a maximum of 600,000 terminal devices in Vietnam.

The licensing requires Starlink to ensure “no interference with existing radio communication networks”, the Radio Frequency Management authority announced on Saturday.

The Starlink system would contribute to “expanding satellite internet connectivity” in the country, it added.

Starlink provides high-speed internet access to remote locations around the world via thousands of low Earth orbit satellites.

Nearly 80 percent of Vietnam’s around 100 million people are internet users, according to the Vietnam Internet Network Information Center.

But gaps in access to internet service remain in rural and mountainous areas.

Parent company SpaceX, founded by the world’s wealthiest person, Elon Musk, did not immediately reply to a request for comment from AFP on Sunday.

US-based Starlink says its services in Vietnam are “coming soon”, according to an availability map on its website.

Vietnam and the United States are in the process of negotiating a trade deal after Washington imposed 20 percent tariffs on Vietnamese goods last year.

The two countries held a sixth round of talks this month, but have not reached a final agreement.

Vietnam’s top leader To Lam will travel to the United States this week for a meeting of President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace”, two sources briefed on the visit told AFP last week.

The board, of which Trump is the chairman, was originally intended to oversee the rebuilding of the Gaza Strip after two years of war, but its charter appears to extend beyond the Palestinian territory.

The first meeting is scheduled to take place on February 19 in Washington.

It was not clear if Communist Party General Secretary Lam would also hold trade talks with Trump.

Vietnam’s government has not confirmed or publicly announced the trip.

The Southeast Asian manufacturing hub recorded 8.0 percent growth last year despite the US levies many feared would crush its export-oriented growth model.

Hanoi is targeting double-digit growth this year.

tmh/sco/mtp

 

© Agence France-Presse

CaoCao Inc. Robotaxi Fleet Hits 100 Vehicles, Marking a New Step Toward Driverless Commercial Operations at Scale

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Advertorial Desk
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HANGZHOU, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 February 2026 – On February 11, CaoCao Inc. announced that its Robotaxi fleet in Hangzhou’s Binjiang District had reached 100 vehicles, with operations supported by the company’s Green Intelligent Mobility Hub.

As Geely Holding Group’s primary commercial platform for Robotaxi operations, CaoCao has laid out a clear three-phase roadmap, with each stage corresponding to a different level of technological maturity and operational goals. The initial phase focuses on technology validation and small-scale pilot operations. The current phase is aimed at completing the transition from safety-driver-based services to fully driverless operations, while trialing mixed fleets of human-driven and autonomous vehicles. In the final phase, CaoCao plans to roll out fully purpose-built Robotaxis and pursue large-scale commercial operations globally.

The deployment of a 100-vehicle Robotaxi fleet in Hangzhou marks an important early milestone in CaoCao’s Robotaxi 2.0 phase. As the fleet scales up, the company will further validate service reliability, refine operational processes and enhance the passenger experience. CaoCao has also brought the world’s first Green Intelligent Mobility Hub online in the city. Equipped with automated battery swapping, self-cleaning, in-vehicle tidying, intelligent dispatching and automated billing, the hub is designed not only to support day-to-day fleet operations, but also to strengthen CaoCao’s capabilities in large-scale automated Robotaxi operations.

Next, CaoCao will gradually extend the daily service hours of its Robotaxis and expand their service coverage. The company will roll out its CaoCao Intelligent Mobility RAS remote safety platform and fully implement an intelligent asset management system, further integrating its operational strengths with smart cockpit and autonomous driving technologies. These efforts are aimed at building a closed-loop system for fully driverless Robotaxi operations and laying the groundwork for large-scale deployment.

While expanding its domestic footprint, CaoCao is also stepping up international collaboration. The company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and will establish a local office in Abu Dhabi this year, where it will work with local partners to pilot autonomous driving and green mobility technologies.

In addition, CaoCao is working with Geely and other partners to develop a fully purpose-built Robotaxi model pre-equipped with dedicated autonomous driving hardware and software. The vehicle is set to debut this year, and the company aims to deploy 100,000 of these vehicles by 2030. Green Intelligent Mobility Hubs will be rolled out in tandem with the expansion of the Robotaxi business, providing comprehensive automated support for all aspects of Robotaxi operations and, together with partners, helping to build an integrated “sky–ground–space” mobility ecosystem.

With its integrated model that combines intelligent purpose-built vehicle, intelligent driving technology and intelligent operation, CaoCao Inc. is steadily expanding its Robotaxi footprint and helping to drive urban transportation toward a greener, smarter and more efficient future.

Hashtag: #CaoCao

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

Myanmar Expels Timor-Leste’s Representative Over War Crimes Case

By
Laotian Times
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Myanmar nationalists rally against the country's prosecution for genocide against the Rohingya minority at the International Court of Justice, in downtown Yangon on January 27, 2026. Hundreds of Myanmar nationalists on January 27 protested the country's prosecution for genocide against the Rohingya minority, in a rare public rally permitted by military authorities accused of the mass atrocities. (Photo by ANTHONY WALLACE / AFP)

AFP – Myanmar’s junta on 15 February announced the ejection of East Timor’s top representative in the country, after a rights group said Dili had opened a legal case against the military for war crimes.

Myanmar’s military, which snatched power in a 2021 coup, has for decades been accused of rights abuses, mostly targeting the nation’s ethnic minorities.

The nation is currently defending itself from prosecution at the International Court of Justice over allegations of genocide against the mostly Muslim Rohingya minority.

But the Chin Human Rights Organization (CHRO) said this month East Timor has opened its own case against the junta for both war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The CHRO, which represents Myanmar’s Chin ethnic minority, said “a senior Timorese prosecutor has been appointed to look into the criminal file” presented by the organisation.

A junta statement said Dili’s reported appointment of a prosecutor to probe the case was a “great disappointment”.

It said Timor-Leste’s charge d’affaires had been summoned on Friday and was given a week to leave Myanmar.

According to the CHRO, its case against the junta includes “irrefutable evidence” of gang rape, a massacre of ten people, the slaughter of religious officials and a hospital air strike.

The organisation entered the complaint under the principle of universal jurisdiction, which allows domestic courts to try international offences.

The case, and increasing diplomatic tension, pits two countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) bloc against each other.

East Timor only joined the bloc in October 2025, becoming its 11th member.

The junta statement accused East Timor of violating ASEAN charter articles that “underscore the importance of upholding respect for sovereignty and non-interference”.

The junta previously expelled East Timor’s top diplomat in August 2023, over a meeting his government held with a banned shadow administration founded in the aftermath of the coup.

© Agence France-Presse

Empowering Hongkongers to Build Side Businesses — Asia Coach Group Partners with E-Commerce Educator Francisco Ho to Launch the New “10x E-Commerce System” Course

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Advertorial Desk
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HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 16 February 2026 – Asia Coach Group Limited today announced a collaboration with local e-commerce educator Francisco Ho to launch the “10x E-Commerce System,” a new training programme. Built around a systematic e-commerce operations methodology, the course is designed for Hong Kong working professionals, full-time parents, and small-scale entrepreneurs looking to expand their career horizons beyond their primary occupation, equipping participants with end-to-end e-commerce competencies spanning product selection, store setup, traffic acquisition, and conversion.

Francisco Ho, Founder of "10x E-Commerce System" Business Coaching Programme
Francisco Ho, Founder of “10x E-Commerce System” Business Coaching Programme

Nearly 40% of Hongkongers Run a Side Business — E-Commerce Emerges as the New Frontier

According to a Glassdoor-Harris poll, nearly 40 per cent of Hongkongers maintain a side business to meet rising living costs. A separate Statista survey found that 64 per cent of Hong Kong e-commerce operators expect revenue growth of 10 to 20 per cent in 2026. As digital tools become more accessible and barriers to entry continue to fall, a growing number of professionals and young entrepreneurs are turning to independent branded online stores to broaden their business reach, driving a surge in demand for systematic e-commerce knowledge and hands-on operational skills.

A New Entrepreneurial Pathway for Professionals

Francisco Ho said: “More and more professionals in Hong Kong are exploring how to turn their expertise or personal interests into a sustainable brand. The appeal of e-commerce lies in its relatively low barrier to entry and its potential for scalability. You don’t need to leave your day job to build a business from the ground up. The 10x E-Commerce System is built for exactly these individuals — offering a practical, actionable framework that turns ‘I want to give it a try’ into a concrete first step.”

The programme moves beyond the conventional reliance on third-party marketplace platforms, teaching participants to establish independently branded online stores. Through data-driven product selection strategies, seasonal consumer psychology analysis, and AI-powered tools, learners are equipped to capitalise on peak holiday shopping periods.

Four Core Modules — Building a Complete E-Commerce Skill Chain

The curriculum is structured around four core modules that together form a comprehensive e-commerce skill chain. The “P.V.S. Value Bundling Method” leverages data-driven insights for precision product selection and high-margin product development. The “S-Tier Supply Chain Alliance System” establishes asset-light partnership models that reduce capital pressure and inventory risk. The “KOL Traffic Monetisation Engine” provides a replicable framework for influencer collaboration and short-form video traffic generation. Finally, the “AI Growth Flywheel” integrates automated customer service, AI-powered predictive product selection, and dynamic pricing mechanisms, working in tandem with the Shopify platform to enable highly efficient, automated store operations — allowing participants to sustain and grow their business even while maintaining full-time employment.

A Homegrown Mentor with a Global Footprint

Course instructor Francisco Ho is the founder of two online stores each generating over HKD 100 million in annual revenue, with combined annual sales exceeding USD 17 million. His business portfolio spans Korean cosmetics brand BLESSEDMOON, investment firm COLLECTED GROWTH, and the business programme Pitching Dojo. Having launched a large-scale online store and established his own manufacturing facility at the age of 20, Ho is a member of the World Elite Leaders Alliance and has to date mentored over 100 students in successfully scaling their e-commerce businesses.

As Hong Kong’s e-commerce market enters a phase of accelerated growth, the data-driven and AI-empowered approach championed by the 10x E-Commerce System represents a vital resource for local entrepreneurs seeking to ride the digital economy wave and break through in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Hashtag: #Ecommerce #Business #Entrepreneurship #Coaching #FranciscoHo #10xEcommerceSystem

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

About Asia Coach Group

Founded in 2019, Asia Coach Group is a premier business education institution serving professionals and organisations across Asia. Our mission is to develop high-calibre business leaders and equip them with the skills, strategies, and mindset to drive measurable results.

To date, we have trained over 10,000 participants — from C-suite executives and seasoned professionals to first-time founders — generating more than HKD 300 million in cumulative revenue. Our faculty comprises six domain-expert instructors specialising in e-commerce, sales, investment, and corporate performance training.

DBS is First Bank in Asia Pacific to Pilot Visa Intelligent Commerce for Everyday Payments

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Advertorial Desk
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The collaboration validates AI-ready card credentials, authentication and payment signals on Visa Intelligent Commerce, ensuring ecosystem readiness for secure, agent-initiated payments

SINGAPORE, Feb. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — DBS Bank, Southeast Asia’s largest bank and Visa, a global leader in digital payments today announced their ongoing collaboration to drive the future of agent-initiated payments via a joint pilot under Visa Intelligent Commerce (VIC). VIC brings together a comprehensive suite of integrated APIs and a partner programme, utilising Visa’s secure infrastructure to enable safe, transparent and consent-driven payments by AI agents, on behalf of consumers.

Illustrative reference of an agentic transaction with DBS Visa Altitude
Illustrative reference of an agentic transaction with DBS Visa Altitude

Through this collaboration with Visa, DBS is the first issuer in Asia Pacific to advance real-world agentic commerce use cases, marking a significant step in translating agentic commerce from concept to reality, as well as establishing the foundations for safe and scalable adoption across the region.

A Visa commissioned study showed that generative AI chatbots have quickly become mainstream among Singapore consumers, with usage reaching exceptionally high levels. Close to 77% of Singapore residents are already using generative AI tools such as chatbots in their daily lives, signalling rapid adoption across age groups. This momentum is also reflected in online shopping behaviours — with eight in 10 Singapore consumers now relying on AI assistance when shopping online. These insights highlight how deeply integrated AI has become in the digital habits of Singaporeans today.

Building on this momentum, DBS and Visa successfully demonstrated through a series of real-world food and beverage transactions that AI-powered agents can complete everyday tasks on behalf of customers using DBS/POSB credit and debit cards via secure, issuer-controlled flows. The collaboration will now enable DBS and Visa to explore a wider range of agentic commerce transactions, such as online shopping, travel bookings and more. These trials aim to make digital transactions more seamless for consumers, reduce manual steps and streamline payment processes – all while maintaining rigorous controls.

“AI agents are unlocking a new phase in digital payments, where routine transactions can be completed efficiently and reliably, helping customers save time and simplify everyday tasks,” said Ananya Sen, Group Head of Regional Consumer Products, DBS Bank. “Our collaboration with Visa shows how agent-led payments can be deployed securely and safely at scale, giving customers confidence in how transactions are made in an AI environment. By building these capabilities across our regional footprint, we are shaping the next generation of cards and payments, setting new standards for intelligent, trusted and seamless commerce.”

“This collaboration with DBS marks meaningful progress in advancing ecosystem readiness at a time when agentic commerce is rapidly evolving,” said T.R. Ramachandran, Head of Products & Solutions, Asia Pacific at Visa. “Through Visa Intelligent Commerce and Trusted Agent Protocol, we’re building the foundation that will make agentic commerce safe, secure and scalable — from AI‑ready credentials to advanced authentication. This sets the stage for how trusted, AI‑powered experiences will come to life for consumers and partners across the region.”

As the collaboration progresses, DBS is strengthening its readiness for agent-led commerce by validating AI‑ready credentials[1], advanced authentication and intent‑driven transaction controls. With Visa Intelligent Commerce, the collaboration is shaping a framework where trust, accountability and customer choice are built into every transaction. This approach positions DBS and Visa to help define how agentic commerce can scale responsibly across the region, balancing innovation with resilience, as well as convenience with confidence.

[1] AI‑ready credentials are secure, tokenised card details that trusted AI agents can use to make purchases safely on cardholders’ behalf, protected by Visa’s authentication checks, intent‑driven safeguards and issuer‑managed permissions

 

About DBS
DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia with a presence in 19 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS is in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank’s “AA-” and “Aa1” credit ratings are among the highest in the world.

Recognised for its global leadership, DBS has been named “World’s Best Bank” by Global Finance, “World’s Best Bank” by Euromoney and “Global Bank of the Year” by The Banker. The bank is at the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking, having been named “World’s Best Digital Bank” by Euromoney and the world’s “Most Innovative in Digital Banking” by The Banker. In addition, DBS has been accorded the “Safest Bank in Asia” award by Global Finance for 17 consecutive years from 2009 to 2025.

DBS provides a full range of services in consumer, SME and corporate banking. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS understands the intricacies of doing business in the region’s most dynamic markets.

DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, as it banks the Asian way. Through the DBS Foundation, the bank creates impact beyond banking by uplifting lives and livelihoods of those in need. It provides essential needs to the underprivileged, and fosters inclusion by equipping the underserved with financial and digital literacy skills. It also nurtures innovative social enterprises that create positive impact. 

With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. For more information, please visit www.dbs.com.

About Visa
Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, merchants, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Visa.com.

Illustrative reference of an agentic transaction with DBS Visa Altitude
Illustrative reference of an agentic transaction with DBS Visa Altitude

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