Asia-Pacific

J.P. Morgan Private Bank announced it earned a record 10 accolades at The Asset Triple A Private Capital Awards 2026, more than doubling its total wins from the previous year. The firm was named Asia's Best Private Bank, Best Private Bank for UHNWIs – Asia, and Best Private Bank for Family Office, UHNWIs – Asia. Harshika Patel, CEO of J.P. Morgan Private Bank in Asia, was honored as Asia Private Banker of the Year. The awards recognized the bank's regional hub footprint in Australia, Singapore, and Hong Kong; its family office leadership via the 23 Wall platform; AI-enhanced high-touch advisory model; leading private investment access; and philanthropic and legacy impact strategies. The Asset Triple A Private Capital Awards are considered a premier mark of distinction in Asia-Pacific wealth management. J.P. Morgan Private Bank oversees more than $3.8 trillion in client assets globally as of June 30, 2026.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 30, 08:00 AM UTC

The Milken Institute has announced the return of its 13th annual Asia Summit, scheduled for October 7-9, 2026, at the Four Seasons Hotel Singapore. Under the theme 'Leading with Intelligence,' the summit will focus on integrating artificial intelligence into decision-making for leaders amid global geopolitical tensions and rapid technological advancement. The event will gather over 1,500 C-suite executives, business leaders, investors, policymakers, philanthropists, and innovators. Featuring approximately 80 sessions including keynote plenaries, panel discussions, and private roundtables, the summit will address critical issues affecting the Asia-Pacific region. Notable speakers include Jane Sun (Trip.com Group), Jenny Johnson (Franklin Templeton), Hanno Kirner (Dyson), Ray Dalio (Bridgewater Associates), Toto Wolff (Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team), and Rohit Sipahimalani (Temasek). A dedicated day on Friday will focus on AI investment, infrastructure, and policy decisions. The summit aims to foster partnerships that mobilize capital, accelerate innovation, and drive long-term prosperity across Asia.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 30, 06:00 AM UTC

Boston Scientific disclosed a global restructuring program on July 21, 2026, aiming for cost efficiencies and growth, with $700-$800 million in costs and $500 million in annual pre-tax savings, including headcount reductions. The company reported Q2 2026 earnings of $0.86 per share on $5.44 billion revenue, beating expectations, but trimmed its full-year outlook due to competitive dynamics. Shares initially rose then fell over 5% after the restructuring news.

9 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 04:07 PM UTC

AirTrunk, a data centre operator, has secured a US$2.3 billion green loan to finance the construction of a data centre in Johor, Malaysia. The financing was led by global coordinators including Credit Agricole, DBS, HSBC, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking, and UOB. The loan is designated as 'green', indicating it meets environmental sustainability criteria. The article notes that the AI boom has driven a surge in multibillion-dollar data centre investments across the Asia-Pacific region. The publication date is July 29, 2026, from The Business Times Singapore.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 04:49 AM UTC

AirTrunk, a data centre operator, has obtained a US$2.3 billion green loan to finance a data centre project in Johor, Malaysia. The financing was coordinated by a group of global banks including Credit Agricole, DBS, HSBC, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking, and UOB. The loan is designated as 'green', indicating it meets environmental sustainability criteria. The article notes that the artificial intelligence boom has driven a surge in multibillion-dollar data centre investments across the Asia-Pacific region, with this deal being a significant example. The publication date is July 29, 2026, from The Business Times Singapore.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 04:49 AM UTC

Ant International has added Hang Seng Bank as a banking partner to its Alipay+ unified wallet gateway, marking the first such partnership in Hong Kong. The collaboration allows Hang Seng Mobile App users to make payments by scanning QR codes across over 100 million merchants in more than 55 countries and regions, including mainland China and overseas. Alipay+ now connects over 50 digital wallets and financial institutions, including traditional banks and digital-only providers. Ant International cited rising demand for outbound cross-border payments from Asia Pacific, which is projected to nearly double to $3.7 trillion by 2032. The company recently closed a $1.2 billion Series A funding round to accelerate global expansion and product development across merchant payment and financial services.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 11:50 AM UTC

Nvidia and South Korea’s SK Group formalized a strategic partnership valued at over $500 billion, including a long-term memory supply deal with SK Hynix and plans to build a 2-gigawatt AI data center in South Korea using Nvidia’s Vera Rubin systems. Nvidia also invested $1 billion in Naver for an AI data center. The collaboration aims to bolster AI infrastructure for sovereign and enterprise AI across Asia-Pacific, with the first data center expected online by 2027.

9 reports · 4 sources · Updated Jul 27, 08:41 AM UTC

The article reports that mergers and acquisitions in the Asia-Pacific sports sector have reached a record high, driven by a shift among wealthy investors from traditional sponsorship deals to acquiring equity stakes in sports teams and related assets. This trend reflects a broader strategic move towards direct ownership and control in the sports industry. However, Singapore's sovereign wealth fund Temasek views sports as an emerging theme rather than a core investment strategy, indicating a cautious approach. The analysis highlights specific examples, such as Singapore-based businessman Kiat Lim's control of Spanish football club Valencia CF and his stakes in McLaren, illustrating the growing involvement of Asia-Pacific capital in global sports assets. The piece provides insight into the motivations and implications of this investment shift.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 03:32 AM UTC

Infobip's 2026 Fraud & Security Report reveals a sharp rise in AI-powered fraud attacks, with detected threats increasing 77% year-on-year. In response, APAC enterprises are rapidly adopting AI-driven defenses, with AI-powered fraud detection growing 71% and pattern-based detection surging 105%. The report highlights distinct regional trends, including persistent OTP-based fraud in key APAC markets and heightened regulatory scrutiny in countries like the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, and India. Infobip executives emphasize the need for Network APIs and centralized CPaaS platforms to build resilient security frameworks. A case study shows PLDT Enterprise blocking over 1.3 billion spam and fraud attempts after deploying Infobip's SMS and Voice Firewall. The findings underscore a shift toward embedding security directly into communication infrastructure as trust becomes a competitive advantage in APAC's digital economy.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 02:08 AM UTC

Molicel, an ultra-high-power cell pioneer, announced its next-generation INR-21700-P70X cell at the Advanced Automotive Battery Conference (AABC) Europe 2026. The cell bridges lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors, offering 7000 mAh capacity, 340 Wh/kg energy density, and 30C continuous discharge. This launch comes amid a global shift from BEVs to hybrids, with the IEA noting manufacturers prioritizing hybrids. In the US, hybrids neared 20% of new vehicle sales by late 2025; in Europe, 24%; and Asia-Pacific captured 51.67% of global hybrid market value. The hybrid vehicle market is projected to grow from USD 335.21 billion in 2026 to USD 570.78 billion by 2034. Molicel's cell features 900W peak power for 5 seconds, under 200 microsecond power switching, and passed the UL9540A thermal runaway test. It retained 96% capacity after 1,000,000 cycles under hybrid-like conditions. The company positions the PX series as a key enabler for next-generation hybrid powertrains.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 02:02 AM UTC

The global LNG market, which hit a record 437 million tonnes in 2025, faces a temporary setback in 2026 due to Strait of Hormuz blockades and war damage to Qatar's Ras Laffan site, reducing supply by 13 million tpy for 3-5 years. US LNG exports are projected to reach 120 million tpy in 2026, generating over $60 billion in annual revenue and $8.2 billion in government taxes. However, long-term demand through 2050 is uncertain as cheaper Chinese solar and battery storage hybrids are expected to outcompete LNG in Asian markets by 2030, potentially reducing US LNG export demand. Shell forecasts 65% demand growth to 700 million tpy by 2050, while IGU predicts the same capacity by 2030.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 12:43 AM UTC

Otis Worldwide reported stronger second-quarter organic sales growth in 2026, driven by its service business, but lowered parts of its profit outlook as investments in service quality and productivity pressures weighed on margins. Net sales were $3.9 billion, with organic sales up 6%. Service organic sales rose 9%, with modernization orders up 9% and backlog up 26%. However, adjusted operating margin fell 180 basis points to 15.2%, and adjusted EPS declined 4%. New equipment organic sales declined 1%, the lowest rate of decline in nine quarters, with growth in the Americas and Asia Pacific offset by declines in China and EMEA. The company expects margins to recover as service revenue growth continues.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 04:06 PM UTC

Global investment firm KKR has appointed Roy Gori as a senior advisor. In this role, Gori will provide strategic advice to KKR on opportunities within global financial services and insurance sectors, with a particular emphasis on the Asia Pacific region and other international markets. The appointment leverages Gori's extensive experience in the financial industry to support KKR's expansion and investment strategies in these key areas.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 11:20 AM UTC

MustGrow Biologics Corp. is advancing its mustard-derived biological technologies for sustainable agriculture, focusing on soil health, crop nutrition, and protection. The company's flagship product, TerraSante, an organic biofertility product, recently received regulatory approvals in Texas, Utah, and Montana, expanding its U.S. market reach. MustGrow is also deepening its strategic relationship with Bayer, which is evaluating MustGrow's technologies for potential use in Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa. The company aims to capitalize on growing demand for biological alternatives to conventional chemical inputs in major farming markets.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 11:00 AM UTC

MustGrow Biologics Corp., an agricultural biologicals company, is advancing its mustard-derived technologies for soil health and crop protection. The company's flagship product, TerraSante, has received new regulatory approvals in Texas, Utah, and Montana, expanding its U.S. footprint. MustGrow is also deepening its strategic relationship with Bayer, which is evaluating MustGrow's biological technologies for potential use in Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa. The company aims to capitalize on growing demand for sustainable alternatives to chemical inputs in agriculture.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 11:00 AM UTC

Molicel, a Taiwanese ultra-high-power cell manufacturer, announced its next-generation INR-21700-P70X cell at the Advanced Automotive Battery Conference (AABC) Europe 2026. The cell bridges lithium-ion batteries and supercapacitors, offering 7000 mAh capacity, 340 Wh/kg energy density, and 30C continuous discharge. The release capitalizes on a global surge in hybrid vehicle demand as BEV growth slows, with hybrids reaching nearly 20% of US sales and 24% in Europe. The Asia-Pacific region holds 51.67% of the global hybrid market. Molicel's cell features under-200-microsecond power switching, 96% capacity retention after 1 million cycles under hybrid-like conditions, and passes UL9540A thermal runaway safety testing. The company positions the PX series as a key enabler for next-generation hybrid powertrains.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 10:00 AM UTC

Infobip's 2026 Fraud & Security Report reveals a dramatic increase in AI-powered fraud across the Asia Pacific region, with detected threats rising 77% year-on-year. In response, enterprises are rapidly adopting AI-driven defenses, with AI-powered fraud detection growing 71% and pattern-based detection increasing 105%. The report highlights distinct APAC trends, including persistent OTP-based fraud challenges in key markets and intensifying regulatory scrutiny in countries like the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, and India. A case study shows PLDT Enterprise blocked over 1.3 billion spam and fraud attempts after deploying Infobip's SMS and Voice Firewall. Infobip executives emphasize the need for Network APIs and centralized CPaaS platforms to build resilient security frameworks that combat fraud without disrupting user experience.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 03:00 AM UTC

Menarini Asia-Pacific announced an exclusive partnership with Pharmacosmos to register, commercialize, and distribute Cosela (trilaciclib) across 11 Asia-Pacific markets. Cosela is a first-in-class prophylactic therapy approved by the FDA to protect bone marrow from chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression (CIM) in patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). Under the agreement, Menarini will manage registration, reimbursement, and commercialization in Australia, Hong Kong/Macau, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. The first Asia-Pacific launch is anticipated in Hong Kong in 2028, pending regulatory approvals. The partnership builds on a prior 2024 agreement between the two companies for the iron infusion Monofer. Cosela is currently marketed in the US and China and under registration in Europe.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 03:00 AM UTC

Singapore-based used car platform Carro, valued at approximately US$3 billion in 2025 and operating across eight Asia-Pacific markets, has completed a new acquisition in Australia, marking its entry into that market. CEO discusses the company's AI-driven innovation, its ties with Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers, and future expansion plans. The move is part of Carro's strategy to leverage technology and partnerships to grow its footprint in the region's automotive landscape.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 09:00 PM UTC

Philippine Airlines has agreed to purchase up to 20 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners, marking its first order for Boeing aircraft in nearly 20 years. The aircraft are scheduled for delivery starting in 2031. The deal represents a significant shift for the airline, which has historically favored Airbus aircraft in recent years. The order signals renewed confidence in Boeing's widebody aircraft and strengthens the manufacturer's presence in the Asia-Pacific aviation market. The announcement was made on July 20, 2026, and reported by The Business Times Singapore.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 01:45 PM UTC

The Emerging Payments Association Asia (EPAA) has launched an AI & Agentic Payments Working Group with HSBC as a founding member, aiming to develop standards and frameworks for agentic commerce across the Asia Pacific region. The initiative brings together banks, payment networks, fintechs and technology platforms to address unresolved issues including liability when AI agents exceed their mandate, cross-border identification and authentication of agents, fraud monitoring challenges, and dispute handling for software-initiated transactions. The group will develop shared standards for agent identity, authentication and authorization, as well as trust and liability frameworks. It will also coordinate regulatory engagement across ASEAN and APEC, producing toolkits and policy recommendations. Formal policy paper recommendations are scheduled for the 51st ASEAN Summit and APEC Economic Leaders' Week in November 2027. The working group is open to member organizations across the APAC payments ecosystem, with a committee of 10-12 organizations and a wider group of up to 30.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 20, 12:55 PM UTC

OpenAI is facing rapidly increasing demand from startups across the Asia-Pacific (Apac) region, even as it expands its presence in Singapore. The company announced a commitment of more than US$300 million in Singapore over the next few years, including the creation of over 200 new roles. This investment underscores Singapore's strategic importance as a hub for OpenAI's operations in the region. The article, published by The Business Times on July 20, 2026, highlights the tension between growing customer demand and the company's efforts to scale its team and infrastructure in Apac. The expansion is part of OpenAI's broader strategy to capture the booming AI startup ecosystem in Asia.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 11:00 PM UTC

OpenAI is facing surging demand from startups in the Asia-Pacific (Apac) region while simultaneously expanding its presence in Singapore. The company has committed more than US$300 million in the Republic over the next few years, including the creation of over 200 roles. The article, published by The Business Times on July 20, 2026, highlights OpenAI's strategic investment in Singapore to meet growing demand from the startup ecosystem in the region. The expansion underscores Singapore's role as a key hub for AI and technology companies in Asia.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 11:00 PM UTC

OpenAI is committing more than US$300 million to its Singapore operations over the next few years, including the creation of over 200 roles, as it expands its team in the Republic. The investment comes amid surging demand from startups across the Asia-Pacific region. The article, published by The Business Times on July 20, 2026, highlights OpenAI's strategic focus on the APAC market and its efforts to scale operations to meet growing enterprise and startup needs. The expansion underscores Singapore's role as a key regional hub for technology companies.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 11:00 PM UTC

The inaugural Broadband Development Summit APAC 2026, convened by the World Broadband Association (WBBA) in Bangkok on July 14, brought together government officials, standards bodies, and telecom operators to build consensus on AI-era networks. Participants included the ITU, Thailand's National Board of the Digital Economy and Society, Huawei, and operators like Telkomsel, Globe, and AIS. Key themes included accelerating broadband evolution, advancing computing-network synergy, closing the quality divide, and building AI-ready infrastructure with 10G access and 800GE cores. Speakers emphasized that high-speed broadband is vital infrastructure for the AI revolution, with AI embedded into network architecture for proactive service excellence. Huawei promoted 'Optics-AI Synergy' to foster collaborative growth, while operators like Globe reported AI systems automatically resolving 30% of Wi-Fi issues without human intervention.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 18, 05:00 PM UTC

BioGaia AB reported its Q2 2026 financial results, with net sales reaching SEK 441 million, representing 12% growth excluding currency effects. The company achieved an operating profit of SEK 132 million, up 22% year-over-year, with an EBIT margin of 30% and an adjusted EBIT margin of 33%. Regional performance varied: Europe, Middle East, and Africa saw a 21% sales increase; the Americas grew 16%; while Asia Pacific declined 6% due to order variability. Year-to-date net sales reached SEK 813 million with 13% growth excluding currency effects. CEO Theresa Agnew reiterated the company's strategic pillars, focusing on growing the core health areas of Gut Health, colic, oral health, and immune health.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 17, 06:46 PM UTC

This opinion piece by Ken Chu, Chairman and CEO of Mission Hills Group, analyzes Hong Kong's tourism recovery in early 2026. While the city's economy grew by 5.9% in the first quarter and visitor arrivals surged to 14.3 million, the author warns against the risk of urban homogenization. The article highlights that as travel becomes easier, Asian cities are increasingly offering interchangeable experiences, characterized by identical global retail brands, standardized dining concepts, and similar lifestyle precincts. This trend blurs the distinct boundaries between destinations, making them feel familiar regardless of location. Chu argues that while improved connectivity and urban design are positive developments, they have led to a side effect where unique local identities are diluted. To maintain its competitive edge and continue attracting tourists, Hong Kong must resist becoming just another generic Asian metropolis. Instead, the city should lead with its unique cultural and historical differentiators, ensuring that its tourism offerings remain distinct rather than replicating standardized playbooks seen elsewhere in the region.

1 reports · 1 sources

INNOVATE (NYSE:VATE) reported strong first-quarter 2026 results, with consolidated revenue rising 33% to $364.8 million and the net loss narrowing to $17.2 million, or $1.29 per share. The performance was primarily driven by the Infrastructure segment, which includes DBM Global, where revenue surged 35.1% to $357.9 million due to robust demand in tech-related construction markets such as AI infrastructure and data centers. The segment maintained an adjusted backlog of $1.8 billion. Conversely, the Life Sciences and Spectrum segments faced headwinds, with Life Sciences revenue dropping 48.4% to $1.6 million, although adjusted EBITDA losses in this sector decreased due to lower expenses. Despite these challenges, MediBeacon achieved significant regulatory progress, receiving CE mark approval for its TGFR Monitor. Cash reserves increased to $134.6 million, while total debt rose to $699 million. Interim CEO Paul Voigt highlighted solid execution and improving visibility into 2026, citing strong opportunities in technology, healthcare, and New York City projects. The company continues to benefit from historic spending levels by technology companies on computing infrastructure.

1 reports · 1 sources

Historically, the Asia-Pacific region has faced criticism for lagging in sustainability efforts compared to other global markets. However, a significant shift is currently underway as numerous businesses across the region actively work to reverse this trend. By implementing comprehensive green business practices, APAC-based companies are striving to create a healthier environment and foster a robust culture of sustainability. This transformation involves various initiatives and operational changes designed to minimize environmental impact while enhancing corporate responsibility. The article highlights that adopting sustainable practices offers dual benefits: it contributes positively to planetary health and strengthens internal business culture. Specifically, the piece identifies and discusses five notable APAC businesses that are leading this charge by integrating sustainability into their core strategies. These examples serve as benchmarks for other organizations in the region, demonstrating that environmental stewardship can coexist with commercial success. The narrative underscores the growing importance of sustainability in the APAC business landscape, marking a departure from past shortcomings towards a more eco-conscious future.

1 reports · 1 sources

On Holding (ONON) delivered robust financial results for the first quarter of 2026, surpassing market expectations and prompting management to raise full-year guidance. The company reported a gross margin of 64.2% and an adjusted EBITDA margin of 21%, both exceeding previous guidance and consensus estimates. A significant driver of this performance was the Asia-Pacific region, where net sales surged by 61% on a constant currency basis, highlighting APAC as a critical growth catalyst for the brand. Following these results, GT Research maintains a bullish stance on the stock, characterizing it as undervalued. The analyst’s updated valuation model suggests potential upside with a target price near $50. The article emphasizes On Holding's strong business model, improved profitability metrics, and effective strategic execution in key international markets. This analysis reinforces the view that the company is well-positioned for continued long-term growth, appealing to investors seeking solid fundamentals and margin expansion in the athletic footwear and apparel sector.

1 reports · 1 sources