NCC Begins Review Of Nigeria Telecoms Policy As Government Targets Digital Economy Growth

The Nigerian Communications Commission has commenced a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s telecommunications policy framework, signalling a major regulatory shift aimed at aligning the sector with the realities of the country’s expanding digital economy.

The review comes more than two decades after the introduction of the National Telecommunications Policy in 2000, with government officials and industry regulators arguing that rapid technological advancement has rendered several aspects of the old framework outdated.

Speaking at a telecommunications policy review workshop in Lagos, presidential officials said the sector has evolved far beyond traditional voice communication and now serves as a critical backbone for digital finance, e-commerce, education technology, healthcare systems, agriculture innovation, cloud infrastructure, and national security operations.

Brandspur Brand News reports that the policy overhaul is expected to address key industry concerns including broadband penetration, internet affordability, quality of service, digital inclusion, infrastructure resilience, and consumer protection as Nigeria pushes to strengthen its digital transformation agenda.

Government representatives warned that weak coordination, outdated regulations, and overlapping institutional responsibilities continue to slow implementation, discourage investment, and limit the broader economic impact of the telecommunications industry.

The review is also expected to tackle longstanding operational challenges affecting telecom infrastructure expansion across the country, including fibre optic cable vandalism, multiple taxation, right-of-way bottlenecks, delayed regulatory approvals, insecurity, and rising energy costs.

According to industry regulators, Nigeria’s telecoms sector has transformed into a strategic economic infrastructure supporting banking systems, digital identity management, entertainment streaming, cloud computing, public sector operations, and enterprise technology services.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/05/22/mtn-nigeria-airtel-africa-record-n1-53-trillion-data-revenue-as-internet-services-drive-telecom-growth/

Officials further noted that emerging technologies such as 5G networks, artificial intelligence, satellite broadband, cybersecurity regulation, and Internet of Things solutions are reshaping the communications landscape and require a more modern policy framework.

The NCC said the review process will involve stakeholder consultations designed to identify policy gaps, improve regulatory efficiency, strengthen investor confidence, enhance customer experience, and support Nigeria’s long-term digital economy ambitions.

Industry analysts believe the proposed reforms could accelerate broadband infrastructure investments, improve connectivity in underserved communities, and position Nigeria as one of Africa’s leading digital technology markets over the next decade.

MTN Nigeria, Airtel Africa Record N1.53 Trillion Data Revenue As Internet Services Drive Telecom Growth

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Nigeria’s telecommunications industry is witnessing a major revenue transition as MTN Nigeria and Airtel Africa posted a combined N1.53 trillion in data revenue for the first quarter of 2026, underscoring the growing dominance of internet-based services across the sector.

The strong earnings performance reflects rising smartphone penetration, expanding 4G and 5G network infrastructure, and increasing consumer dependence on digital platforms for communication, entertainment, financial services, and remote work activities.

MTN Nigeria emerged as the largest contributor after reporting N826.07 billion in data revenue during the period, while Airtel Africa generated N705 billion from its data business, according to their latest financial disclosures.

The performance marks a significant shift in the telecom industry, where data services are now contributing more revenue than traditional voice calls, a development analysts say is reshaping business models and investment priorities among operators.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/05/22/beyond-the-vibe-bridging-africas-build-divide-with-intelligent-infrastructure/

Brandspur Banking News Desk reports that the sharp rise in data income was supported by strong growth in active internet subscribers, higher average data consumption, and continued investments in broadband expansion across urban and semi-urban markets.

Industry stakeholders believe the trend signals a new era for Nigeria’s telecom market, with operators increasingly positioning themselves as digital infrastructure providers rather than conventional voice service companies.

The expansion of mobile internet access is also accelerating the adoption of digital banking, e-commerce, streaming services, online education, and cloud-based enterprise solutions, further strengthening demand for high-speed connectivity nationwide.

Analysts expect competition between MTN Nigeria and Airtel Africa to intensify in the coming quarters as both operators continue to scale network capacity, improve service quality, and deepen customer acquisition strategies in Africa’s largest telecom market.

Beyond The Vibe: Bridging Africa’s Build Divide With Intelligent Infrastructure

By  Kehinde Ogundare, Country Head, Zoho Nigeria

Africa has always found its own way around barriers. When fixed-line
banking proved too slow and too exclusionary, Kenya did not wait for the
infrastructure to catch up. It built M-Pesa instead, a mobile payments
platform that by 2022 had 50 million customers across seven African
countries and processed nearly 20 billion individual transactions
annually.

That story is now so well-worn that it risks becoming a cliché. But it
contains a genuinely instructive logic: constrained circumstances,
properly understood, can become a design brief.

Today, Africa faces a new set of constraints, around software
development capacity, technical talent, and the cost of building digital
tools, demands exactly the same creative leap. Meeting these challenges
will require the same kind of practical innovation that previously
reshaped financial inclusion across the continent.

The numbers make the challenge plain. Africa’s internet economy was
projected to contribute $180 billion, [1] or 5.2% of aggregate GDP, by
2025. Meanwhile, cloud adoption is expanding at 25 to 30% [2] annually,
outpacing Europe and North America, while thousands of African companies
are already experimenting with AI-enabled operations.Yet, the human
infrastructure required to sustain this momentum is not keeping pace.

Unless the continent finds smarter and more scalable ways to build
digital systems, Africa risks becoming the world’s largest consumer of a
digital future it did not help design.

The build gap is structural, not incidental

Africa’s AI challenge is not a lack of ambition or demand, but the
widening gap between the pace of technological change and the
availability of skills needed to support it. Across the continent,
organisations are under growing pressure to build AI capability quickly,
as shortages in specialised talent increasingly affect innovation,
competitiveness, and the ability to fully participate in the global
digital economy.

A 2024 ICT Skills Survey found that more than 28,000 [3] high-end
developer and cybersecurity roles in South Africa had to be outsourced
because local talent was simply unavailable, with enterprises poaching
the same scarce professionals from one another in a cycle that drives up
costs and squeezes out the SMEs that form the backbone of most African
economies. Nigeria and Kenya, despite recording developer population
growth of 28% and 33% [4] respectively between 2023 and 2024, still
represent only a fraction of the global developer community.

The challenge is further intensified by the continued loss of skilled
talent to more developed markets, limiting the continent’s ability to
build and retain the expertise needed for long-term digital growth.
However, this is not simply a pipeline issue that can be solved through
education alone. It reflects deeper structural constraints, from uneven
investment in technical infrastructure and digital training to the high
cost of reliable connectivity and power instability. Across African
markets, many businesses and communities are still forced to operate
within systems that make full participation in the digital economy
significantly harder. These are not isolated operational challenges.
They are systemic barriers that risk slowing Africa’s ability to fully
realise the opportunities of the AI era.

Intelligent tools as strategic infrastructure

This is precisely why the emergence of AI-assisted low-code and vibe
coding approaches represents something more than a developer trend. It
represents a potential structural response to a structural challenge.

Vibe coding, a term popularised by AI researcher Andrej Karpathy in
2025, refers to building functional applications through natural
language descriptions rather than conventional code. You describe what
you want; the system generates the structure, logic, and connections
required to make it work.

For the continent’s millions of entrepreneurs operating without a
developer on staff, this creates a genuine shortcut to working software,
whether it is a South African small business looking to digitise
operations, a Kenyan agritech startup building supply chain tools, or a
Nigerian SME trying to automate customer approvals and customer service
workflows.

Consider a small logistics company trying to manage deliveries across
multiple regions without the resources to hire a full development team.
AI-assisted low-code tools can help build routing dashboards, automate
customer notifications, and digitise inventory tracking in days rather
than months.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/05/22/nokia-launches-ai-networking-lab-to-drive-co-innovation-with-partners-and-accelerate-next-era-of-ai-native-data-centre-networking/

AI-assisted low-code development goes further still, bringing machine
learning, predictive analytics, and self-learning algorithms into the
development process, making it suitable not merely for quick prototypes
but for the scalable, data-intensive applications that banking,
healthcare, and logistics at continental scale genuinely require.

Recent research [5] found that Kenya’s approach to digital adoption,
characterised by grassroots digital literacy programmes and simplified
onboarding, demonstrates that informality need not be a barrier to
digital innovation. That finding points toward something important: the
tools that matter most in Africa are not necessarily the most
sophisticated ones. They are the ones that meet builders where they
actually are. A fast-moving startup operating out of a co-working space
in Lagos’s Yabacon Valley has different needs from an established
financial services firm in Cape Town navigating compliance requirements,
and both have different needs from the first-time builder in a smaller
city with no developer network at all.

What connects all three contexts is the principle that lowering the cost
and complexity of building software expands who gets to shape Africa’s
digital future. Africa requires massive scaling of its digital
workforce, with reports indicating that 650 million training
opportunities [6] will be needed to meet the demand for digital skills
across the continent by 2030. Traditional pipelines cannot close that
gap at the required speed. Tools that extend the productive capacity of
existing builders and draw non-technical entrepreneurs into the act of
building are critical.

Leapfrogging requires foundations, not just shortcuts

The risk, and it is a real one, is mistaking these tools for a
substitute for the deeper investments Africa still needs to make. As
analysts have argued, mobile money dramatically increased financial
inclusion but did not replace the need for a stable, well-regulated
banking sector, a tension that Nigeria’s rapidly maturing fintech
ecosystem is navigating in real time as it moves beyond its breakout
years.

The same logic applies here. Vibe coding and AI-assisted development
cannot paper over the infrastructure deficits that still constrain the
continent. Across many parts of Africa, inconsistent access to reliable
electricity and high-quality connectivity continues to shape who can
fully participate in the digital economy. While AI-powered tools may
lower technical barriers to innovation, their impact will ultimately
depend on broader progress in digital infrastructure, energy
reliability, and equitable access to technology and stronger governance
frameworks around cyber security and data sovereignty.

McKinsey has observed that Africa has a proven track record of
leapfrogging traditional development pathways, from mobile payments to
cloud adoption, often outpacing what established markets achieved
through slower, incremental routes.

What Africa needs, then, is not a choice between vibe coding and
AI-assisted development, nor between either of those and conventional
software engineering. It needs an intelligent layering of all three:
accessible, prompt-driven tools for the entrepreneurs and administrators
who need working solutions now; robust AI-assisted platforms for the
developers and institutions building systems that must scale across
borders and regulatory environments; and sustained investment in
producing and retaining the senior technical talent that no tool,
however intelligent, can fully substitute.

Africa’s AI market will be worth $16.5 billion by 2030 [7]. Whether
African organisations are building that future or merely consuming it
will depend on whether the means to build it are genuinely within reach,
across the continent’s established tech hubs and deep into the cities
and towns that sit beyond them.

Nokia Launches AI Networking Lab To Drive Co-Innovation With Partners And Accelerate Next Era Of AI-Native Data Centre Networking

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  • Nokia AI Networking Innovation Lab accelerates innovation in
    high-performance networking technologies for large-scale AI training and
    real-time inference by designing, testing, and validating new data
    center networking architectures built for AI at scale.
  • Lab serves as a testing ground for Nokia Validated Designs and a
    co-innovation hub with global AI and cloud partners—validating
    real-world scenarios, integrating commercial technologies, and advancing
    next-gen networking solutions to deliver much of the foundational
    infrastructure that organizations around the world need to make AI
    investments a success.
  • Early technology partners collaborating in the lab include AMD,
    Everpure, Keysight, Lenovo, Nscale, Supermicro and Weka

Sunnyvale, USA – Nokia today announced the launch of its AI Networking
Innovation Lab, a new center designed to drive co-innovation with AI and
cloud partners and accelerate the development of next-generation
networking technologies for artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure.
Located within Nokia’s Sunnyvale, California facility, the lab serves
as an innovation hub where Nokia will work across advanced AI networking
technologies, architectures and ecosystems with a variety of partners to
help shape the future of data center networking.

AI workloads are fundamentally changing how data center networks must
operate. The performance, scale, and precision required to support
large-scale AI training and distributed, real-time inference place
unprecedented demands on networking infrastructure. To address these
challenges, Nokia is adopting a new approach to how technologies are
integrated, tested, and deployed from the ground up for the AI era.

The AI Networking Innovation Lab provides an environment where emerging
commercial technologies can be developed and validated. Within the lab,
Nokia brings together advanced AI networking protocols, cutting-edge
switching silicon and hardware platforms, and new architectural concepts
designed specifically for AI-driven data centers. These technologies are
tested and accelerated in close collaboration with a global ecosystem of
partners.

The AI Networking Innovation Lab is built upon three fundamental
pillars: Technology Innovation, Ecosystem Collaboration, and Validation.

Technology Innovation: The lab provides a dedicated space for AI
partners to experiment with next-gen solutions across the entire
networking stack – driving emerging standards forward with pioneering
approaches to new protocols, switching silicon, congestion control,
real-time telemetry, and automation.

“Partnering with Nokia in the AI Networking Innovation Lab has enabled
us to benchmark and optimize AI networks under real-world conditions.
Keysight emulated AI training workloads at scale across a range of AI
transports, from UEC and RoCEv2 to emerging lossless fabric
architectures. Together, we are helping accelerate AI network adoption
by giving operators and hyperscalers the validated insights needed for
confident, large-scale deployment,” said Ram Periakaruppan, Vice
President and General Manager, Network Applications and Security
business at Keysight.

Ecosystem Collaboration: True progress depends on a strong ecosystem of
technology providers – silicon manufacturers, GPU developers, system,
storage and test vendors, and cloud platforms – that work together to
create highly-compatible AI-ready solutions. This facilitates joint
testing for interoperability, improves integration, and ensures roadmaps
are aligned across different hardware, software, and orchestration
layers.

“AMD believes customer collaboration and an open ecosystem are
fundamental to accelerating AI innovation. By co-developing solutions
with partners, such as Nokia in their AI networking innovation lab, we
ensure our AMD enterprise AI solutions are tested with Nokia data center
switches on real-world workloads and network demands. An open,
standards-driven approach empowers customers to integrate seamlessly
across heterogeneous environments, avoiding lock-in and fostering
industry-wide advancement in AI,” said Travis Karr, Corporate Vice
President, HPC and Sovereign AI, AMD.

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/05/22/81-of-nigerian-businesses-say-meta-has-expanded-their-customer-base-as-new-research-values-platforms-economic-contribution-at-820-million/

Validation: This positions the lab as the testing ground for Nokia
Validated Designs, where customers and partners rigorously validate
multi-vendor data center architectures under authentic AI training and
inference workloads. By testing failure scenarios, congestion behavior,
and operational automation, the lab turns NVDs into proven, deployable
solutions — enabling predictable performance, faster deployment, and
reduced operational complexity and risk for organizations navigating the
AI era.

“Nokia is a strategic networking partner for Nscale as we build
towards AI Grid, and the engineering rigour behind their Validated
Designs reflects the kind of innovation needed to enable next-generation
AI infrastructure. The depth of hardware, software and failure testing
behind those blueprints is what will give operators the confidence to
deploy complex AI environments faster, with fewer integration risks and
less operational disruption. We’re excited to collaborate in the AI
Networking Innovation Lab to help push the boundaries of AI-native
networking and validate the next generation of solutions before they
reach production,” said Arno van Huyssteen, Vice President of Global
Telecommunications for Nscale.

The AI Networking Innovation Lab supports Nokia’s broader strategy to
accelerate the next era of AI-driven connectivity. As demand for AI
infrastructure continues to grow, data center networking has become one
of the most critical foundations of the global AI ecosystem. Through
this investment, Nokia is strengthening its capabilities in AI and cloud
infrastructure while advancing its vision of AI-native networking.

“The launch of Nokia’s AI Networking Innovation Lab marks a major
milestone in our commitment to drive the next era of AI-native
connectivity. As the industry continues to evolve with solutions like
scale-across and AI-Grid, this lab is poised to accelerate AI networking
technology that will not only support but optimize these emerging
industry offerings. This center gives our customers and partners early
access to new technologies, deeper collaboration with the world’s
leading AI ecosystem players, and the confidence that their networks are
validated under more realistic AI conditions. By accelerating innovation
and reducing deployment risks, we’re enabling the industry to deliver
faster, more reliable, and more sustainable AI experiences to people and
businesses everywhere,” said Rudy Hoebeke, Vice President of Software
Product Management at Nokia.

Multimedia, technical information and related news

Webpage: AI Networking Innovation Lab [2]

Blog: Building the future of AI-native networks | Nokia [3]

Webpage: Data Center Networks Design Hub for Nokia NFVs [4]

Webpage: Nokia Data Center Networks [5]

Press Release: Nokia strengthens leadership in AI-ready data center
networks with successful end-to-end Ultra Ethernet test across data
center switch family [6]

About Nokia

Nokia is a global leader in connectivity for the AI era. With expertise
across fixed, mobile, and transport networks, we’re advancing
connectivity to secure a brighter world.

81% Of Nigerian Businesses Say Meta Has Expanded Their Customer Base, As New Research Values Platform’s Economic Contribution At $820 Million

Virtually all Nigerian businesses surveyed say Meta’s platforms have expanded their customer reach, according to new independent research that finds Meta is contributing an estimated $820 million in annual economic value to Nigeria today — with AI adoption set to add $22 billion to GDP by 2035.

The “Nigeria’s Digital Economy” report, conducted by independent research firm Public First, finds that under the right conditions this figure could grow to $2 billion as digital adoption deepens — with Meta’s platforms functioning as essential digital infrastructure connecting Nigerian entrepreneurs to customers, markets, and new economic opportunity.

The findings reveal that 14 million Nigerian SMEs used Meta’s apps — Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, Meta AI, and Threads — to start and grow their businesses in 2025, contributing $2 billion to Nigeria’s GDP and delivering an estimated $640 million in productivity gains through more efficient instant messaging.

WhatsApp is Nigeria’s gateway to AI

WhatsApp is playing a central role in connecting Nigerians to AI and new economic opportunities across the region. The platform serves as Nigerians’ primary AI surface — reflecting the wider regional pattern where 93% of Meta AI prompts in Sub-Saharan Africa are made via WhatsApp — demonstrating how AI adoption in Nigeria is happening through the tools people already use every day.

Balkissa Ide Siddo, Director of Public Policy, Sub-Saharan Africa at Meta, said: “Nigeria is one of the most dynamic, entrepreneurial and digitally engaged markets in the world — and this research makes clear the scale of what is possible when Nigerian ambition meets the right digital tools. From a tailor in Lagos reaching customers across the country through Instagram, to a small business owner in Kano taking orders on WhatsApp, to a creator in Abuja building a global audience on Facebook — Meta’s platforms are removing the traditional barriers to growth and unlocking real economic opportunity. The fact that 80% of Nigerians say access to reliable internet has improved compared to a decade ago speaks to the progress already made and with continued investment in connectivity, smart policy that supports innovation, and the rise of open-source AI built for and by Africans, Nigeria is exceptionally well positioned to lead the continent’s next decade of digital growth. We are proud to be a long-term partner in that journey.”

AI and Nigeria’s next growth frontier

The research highlights the transformative potential of artificial intelligence for Nigeria’s economy and innovation ecosystem:

Also read: https://brandspurng.com/2026/05/21/tinubu-appoints-39-year-old-professor-segun-aina-as-new-jamb-registrar-after-oloyedes-exit/

  • AI could add $22 billion to Nigeria’s GDP by 2035 with the right combination of investment, policy and innovation.
  • 87% of online Nigerians say AI products developed within Africa will be important for the continent’s economic growth.
  • Open-source AI gives Nigerian developers, businesses and creators the opportunity to build solutions in local languages, for local needs.

SMEs are reaching new customers across Nigeria

For Nigerian small businesses, Meta’s platforms have become a primary sales and discovery channel. 81% of online businesses surveyed said Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp have expanded their customer base beyond their local geography — reducing customer acquisition costs and giving a business in Kano access to the same advertising and commerce tools available to businesses in Lagos, London or New York.

93% of online adults say they feel more connected to a wider community through Meta’s family of apps, reflecting how deeply these platforms are woven into everyday life, commerce and community in Nigeria.

Alison Neyle, Director at Public First, said: “Nigeria’s digital transformation is creating new opportunities for businesses, creators and consumers alike. The findings show that Meta’s platforms are helping Nigerian firms grow across formal and informal sectors, supporting entrepreneurship and strengthening participation in one of the world’s most rapidly expanding digital economies. With the right combination of infrastructure, platform access and open-source AI, the upside for Nigeria is significant.”

The full report is available at https://metassa.publicfirst.co/

Methodology Note

This report uses a comprehensive modelling and research framework to measure Meta’s economic and social impact in Nigeria:

  • Economic Modelling: Nigeria’s digital economy was analysed using Input-Output (I-O) tables and the Hypothetical Extraction Method (HEM). Calculations are based on the latest national statistics, with projections for 2035 modelled using IMF, World Bank and Statista forecasts.
  • WhatsApp Economic Impact Analysis: Value generated by WhatsApp was estimated by combining business benefits — including operational efficiency gains, sales via the WhatsApp Business API and reduced customer acquisition costs — with consumer benefits, specifically the cost savings from data-based communication over traditional SMS and voice calls.
  • Opinion Research: Online surveys conducted in Nigeria in 2025 — a Consumer Survey among adults (18+), weighted to be nationally representative; and a Business Survey among senior business decision-makers, representing a range of organisational sizes.

Save the Children Hong Kong Releases “Hearing Children” – Child-led Research Report: How Family Interactions Affect Youth Mental Health

Over Half of Youth Feel Inferior Due to Parental Criticism: Accumulated Emotions Increase Risks of Depression

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 May 2026 – Save the Children Hong Kong today released its research report, “Hearing Children” – Child-led Research Report: How Family Interactions Affect Youth Mental Health (Full Report). Following the implementation of the Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance (the “Ordinance”), there has been ongoing public debate on how to enhance child wellbeing; however, unlike physical harm, psychological trauma is significantly more difficult to identify. According to the latest figures from the Social Welfare Department, a total of 1,354 child abuse cases were recorded in 2025. Of these, only 16 cases—a mere 1.2%—were classified as “psychological abuse”.

New study from Save the Children Hong Kong: Parental criticism leaves half of local youth feeling inferior and increases risks of mental health issues.

The organisation believes that whilst the vast majority of parents care deeply for their children, they may inadvertently cause psychological trauma through their disciplinary methods, communication styles, and the way expectations are conveyed. Save the Children Hong Kong recommends that parents adopt “Positive Parenting” to strengthen parent-child non-violent communication, expressing their thoughts through mutual understanding and respect. Simultaneously, the Government should allocate additional resources to community and school settings to bolster mental health support for children and young people. Regarding the 25 categories of professionals specified under the Ordinance, training on identifying psychological abuse should be strengthened to support frontline practitioners in making clearer judgements on reporting thresholds and to facilitate timely intervention.

Over 80% of Youth Feel Pressure to be “Perfect”: 40% Told to Improve Even When Praised

The study was designed by six youth researchers aged 14 to 17, under the guidance of Professor Gary Tang Kin Yat, Associate Professor of the Department of Social Science at The Hang Seng University of Hong Kong. It aimed to explore the psychological and emotional harm hidden behind parental “love and discipline”. The study surveyed 408 children and adolescents aged 13 to 18, and found that 20.4% of respondents experience heavy pressure to “be perfect”. Furthermore, 41.2% reported that even when parents praise their achievements, it is often accompanied by reminders of “how to do better next time”. Over half of the respondents felt inferior to others due to parental disparagement, while more than 30% felt that no matter how hard they tried, they could never meet their parents’ expectations.

Ms. Wong Shek Hung, Director of Hong Kong Programme of Save the Children Hong Kong, noted that while parents genuinely care for their children, yet when faced with their own stresses and anxieties, they may struggle to find the most appropriate way to express their care. Consequently, their love can inadvertently become a burden for the child. “This reflects the pivotal role parents play in their children’s lives. Children place immense value on every word their parents say; as such, comments we may seem insignificant can directly impact how a child views themselves,” she said.

The survey also explored parental behaviours that adolescents found most distressing. Respondents identified the most hurtful remarks as toxic comparisons (e.g., “Why can’t you be more like them?”), invalidation of worth (“You are such a disappointment”), and dictatorial commands (“Because I said so”). The most resented behaviours included losing emotional control (“Losing their temper”), invading privacy (“Checking my phone”), and micromanagement (“Having to control everything”).

Table: The True Voices of Youth – What We Want Parents to Know

Most Hurtful Remarks

(Top Five)

Most Resented Behaviours

(Top Five)

Most Desired Encouragement (Top Five)
” Look at other people” “(Parents) Losing their temper” “You did a great job”
” You are so disappointing” “Snooping on my phone” “I support you”
“I said no means no” “Having to make every decision” “I believe you can do it”
“You aren’t as good as others” “Entering my room without knocking” “Your happiness is what matters most”
“I’m only doing this for your own good” “Moving or touching my belongings” “I know you’ve done your best”

Avoiding Adults: A Widening Gap in Mental Health Support for Children

Another alarming phenomenon is the significant gap emerging in Hong Kong’s mental health safety net for children and adolescents. Unlike physical trauma, psychological distress is difficult to identify and often relies on the victims seeking help themselves. However, the study found that when children and young people feel distressed, their help-seeking behaviour tends to “avoid adults”. A vast majority of respondents (86.3%) prioritise speaking to friends or venting on social media (78.7%). Conversely, the overwhelming majority “rarely or never” seek help from teachers (96.8%), social workers (97.5%), or parents (73.3%).

Nearly half of the respondents (49.6%) tend to internalise and handle their problems alone. Beyond the habit of self-reliance (47.3%), key reasons for this include a feeling that “no one truly understands or can help” (45.3%), a desire not to become a burden to others (29.9%), and a fear of being judged, misunderstood, or getting into trouble after seeking help (18.4%).

Ms. Wong Shek Hung expressed concern that current child protection systems—such as school-based social workers and helplines—may become ineffective if children actively avoid adult assistance, thereby limiting opportunities for timely intervention. She warned that if stress and emotions continue to accumulate without an outlet, the consequences could be severe.

Invisible Wounds: The Link Between Mental Stress and Psychosomatic Symptoms

Whilst psychological stress leaves no visible scars, its latent harm can be more enduring and profound. The study reveals that when adolescents are under mental pressure, their physical health is equally affected. When facing conflicts or difficulties at home, over a third of respondents (37.1%) reported “sometimes” experiencing insomnia, stomach aches, or headaches. Similarly, over a third (38.1%) indicated they “sometimes” experience acute anxiety reactions, such as nervous tension, trembling, or a racing heart.

Dr. Phyllis Chan Kwok-ling, Adviser of Save the Children Hong Kong and Psychiatrist, noted that psychological trauma is difficult to detect, which may lead to more severe cumulative consequences. “This is especially true if children and adolescents conceal their trauma or lack the self-awareness to address it. As trauma accumulates, it may become a root cause of emotional problems and increase the risk of developing conditions such as depression.” Dr Chan explained. She also expressed concern that the study found neither parents nor teachers are seen as confidants. “When adolescents face difficulties, they need adults to listen and share experiences. If they turn only to social media or peers, the lack of adult guidance may amplify their distress. Furthermore, relying solely on peers carries the risk of an ‘echo chamber’ effect; mutual validation amongst friends may deepen their sense of hurt and intensify wariness or hostility towards parents.”

Ms. Wong Shek Hung added that adolescents may not know how to articulate their inner needs, leading them to remain silent or cope in isolation. “In reality, as long as both parties are willing to take the first step towards better communication and empathy, a warm and intimate parent-child relationship can be maintained.”

Strengthening Systemic Support and Empowering Children with Emotional Regulation Skills

Beyond the family unit, society bears a responsibility to provide support across schools, communities, and institutional levels. We must systematically foster emotional management skills in children and assist parents in adopting positive communication and parenting techniques. To this end, the organisation proposes the following recommendations:

  1. Mainstream “Social and Emotional Learning” (SEL): Integrate SEL into the regular school curriculum to strengthen students’ ability to manage and articulate their emotions.
  2. Promote “Positive Parenting” through Home-School Cooperation: Implement comprehensive Positive Parenting initiatives to develop disciplinary communication skills and foster empathy within parent-child interactions.
  3. Enhance Mandatory Reporting Training: In relation to the Mandatory Reporting of Child Abuse Ordinance, training for professionals should be strengthened to include content on “identifying psychological abuse”, supported by real-life case studies to help frontline staff clarify reporting criteria and enable timely intervention.

(For detailed information on these recommendations, please refer to the full report.)

Ms. Wong Shek Hung emphasised that family dynamics cannot be addressed with a “one-size-fits-all” legislative framework, nor is punishing parents an ideal way to manage family relationships. “The law provides only the most basic safety net. As previously mentioned, most parents care deeply for their children; the gap lies in communication and mutual understanding, as well as in adopting positive ways of interaction. Beyond legislation, we hope to improve parent-child relationships in the long term through support services and public education.”
Hashtag: #SavetheChildrenHongKong #香港救助兒童會 #positiveparenting #正向管教 #mentalhealth #精神健康





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Save the Children Hong Kong

Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In Hong Kong and around the world, we do whatever it takes – every day and in times of crisis – so children can fulfil their rights to a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. With over 100 years of expertise, we are the world’s first and leading independent children’s organisation – transforming lives and future.

Established in 2009, Save the Children Hong Kong is part of the global movement which operates in around 100 countries. We work with children, families, schools, communities and our supporters to deliver lasting change for children in Hong Kong and around the world.

TCMA Marks National Milestone, Driving Thailand’s Cement Industry toward Net Zero 2050

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 May 2026 – Thai Cement Manufacturers Association (TCMA) marked a significant national milestone in advancing the decarbonization of Thailand’s cement and concrete industry toward Net Zero 2050. This progress is driven by strong collaboration among government agencies, industry players, and international partners under the “Decarbonization of the Cement and Concrete Sectors in Thailand” project, while accelerating the adoption of technology, innovation, and green investment to enhance competitiveness and support long-term economic growth.

Dr. Chana Poomee, Honourary Chairman of TCMA and President of ASEAN Federation of Cement Manufacturers (AFCM), stated that today’s “National Milestone” reflects the power of collaboration at both national and international levels. The initiative is led by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), in partnership with TCMA and key Thai government agencies, including the Department of Climate Change and Environment and the Department of Industrial Works, with financial support of CAD 8 million from the Government of Canada through Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), to accelerate tangible greenhouse gas reductions in the cement and concrete sector.

TCMA, as the industry representative, serves as a central platform connecting stakeholders across the entire value chain, driving the implementation of the “Thailand 2050 Net Zero Cement and Concrete Roadmap.” This aligns with Thailand’s NDC 3.0 targets, strengthening industrial competitiveness, attracting green investment, and fostering sustainable economic growth.

“Decarbonization is not only a pressing challenge but also a strategic opportunity to enhance national competitiveness. The progress achieved under this project spans policy development, innovation, technology deployment, standards, and capacity building-key enablers that will accelerate the industry’s transition toward Net Zero”, Dr. Chana said.

A key technological advancement under the project is the introduction of the Mobile Carbon Capture Unit (MCCU) from CETRI, Canada. This advanced and flexible technology is designed for real-world industrial operations and will be piloted starting in June, rotating across cement plants of TCMA members in the SARABURI SANDBOX. The pilot aims to validate performance under diverse operational conditions and pave the way for large-scale industrial application.

“The deployment of MCCU in Thailand highlights the strength of international collaboration in bringing advanced technologies into real-world application. It accelerates learning-by-doing, validates technological performance, strengthens local technical capabilities, and reduces investment risks-laying a strong foundation for future scale-up”,
Dr. Chana added.

From an investment perspective, the development of technology-ready and standards-aligned projects enhances investor confidence, increases the attractiveness of green investment, and improves access to sustainable finance-key drivers in accelerating the industry’s transition to Net Zero.

TCMA continues to advance the industry under a “Collaborative Mindset-Action-Value,” promoting the systematic adoption of low carbon technologies, including low carbon cement innovations such as Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3), Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS). These solutions not only reduce emissions but also improve efficiency, lower long-term costs, and strengthen global competitiveness.

At the regional level, TCMA is expanding its role through AFCM by fostering collaboration and advancing the AFCM Decarbonization Roadmap, which serves as a shared framework to reduce carbon emissions across ASEAN’s cement industry while enhancing regional technology, standards, and competitiveness.

“As President of the AFCM, TCMA is committed to driving ASEAN toward becoming a low carbon region by leveraging collaboration as a key mechanism to accelerate technology transfer, strengthen the industry capabilities, and unlock new regional economic opportunities”,
Dr. Chana said.

TCMA reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration and welcoming international support in both technology and finance to accelerate the transition toward a low carbon industry, while enhancing Thailand’s competitiveness on the global stage.

Hashtag: #TCMA #CementActionToNetZero #NetZero2050 #Decarbonization

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

Yeebo Ramps Up AI Computing Expansion with Subsidiary Suanova’s TaaS Rollout at Cyberport

Setting a New Benchmark for Domestic AI Computing Services

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 May 2026 – Yeebo (International Holdings) Limited (“Yeebo”; Stock Code: 00259.HK, together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”) is pleased to announce that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Suanova Technology Limited (“Suanova”), has officially established a presence at Hong Kong Cyberport (“Cyberport”) and launched its domestic Token-as-a-Service (“TaaS”) business. This milestone marks a significant strategic step in the Group’s accelerated expansion into the fast-growing AI computing services sector.

Powered by Cyberport to Build a New AI Computing Services Hub

Leveraging Cyberport’s robust technological infrastructure and vibrant innovative ecosystem, Suanova is well-positioned to fully capitalize on Hong Kong’s role as a strategic gateway and the unique advantages of the Greater Bay Area, accelerating the rapid growth of its TaaS business. As Hong Kong’s digital technology hub and AI accelerator, Cyberport is home to a thriving community of over 2,300 companies, encompassing a diverse range of technology enterprises and industrial resources. It enables Suanova to connect seamlessly across the AI value chain and engage with a wide base of potential clients, creating a highly competitive platform for scalable business growth while further expanding its reach in the AI computing services market.

One-Stop TaaS Platform Accelerates AI Commercialization

Powered by its proprietary domestic heterogeneous computing infrastructure, Suanova has built a unified, high-efficiency API service system that delivers cost-effective, locally optimized large model solutions for enterprises. Through flexible and scalable service capabilities, Suanova empowers enterprises to rapidly develop AI applications and intelligent agents, accelerating commercialization and deployment. Its cube-router.com platform transforms AI computing resources into on-demand, ready-to-use services, ushering in a new era of “TaaS”. This significantly lowers barriers to AI adoption while enabling digital and intelligent transformation at scale.

“We are pleased to see Suanova successfully establish its presence at Hong Kong Cyberport. Backed by Cyberport’s solid resource foundation, supportive government policies and resources, and extensive corporate network, Suanova is well equipped to drive strong growth. Looking ahead, we will leverage Cyberport’s infrastructure and ecosystem to accelerate commercialization and scale our business, strengthening our footprint in the Asia-Pacific computing services market,” said Mr. Chen Da-liang, CEO of Suanova.

Sharing Industry Insights at Cyberport Forum

Today, Suanova was invited to participate in Cyberport’s “Insight Exchange”「洞察交流」forum, joining the panel discussion titled “The Future of AI Chips: Why Hardware Diversity Fuels Innovation”「AI 晶片新未來:多元硬件赋能無限創新」. During the session, Mr. Gu Meng, Senior Vice President of Suanova, shared key insights and practical experience on how AI chip hardware empowers industrial innovation and engaged in discussions on emerging AI trends with industry peers. This participation further enhanced Suanova’s market visibility while strengthening collaboration with Cyberport and ecosystem partners.

Shanghai Cube Drives Computing Efficiency and Expands Industry Applications

Suanova continues to advance high-performance computing infrastructure through its flagship product, Shanghai Cube – a fully domestic, high-density computing system engineered from the ground up. By decoupling the design and manufacturing within its integrated hardware-software architecture, Shanghai Cube consolidates innovations from leading domestic technology providers into a unified, scalable platform. It features comprehensive integration and optimization of key hardware and software components, including domestic high-performance GPU chips, network switching chips, liquid cooling systems, operating systems, and orchestration platforms, delivering a best-in-class, plug-and-play solution. Notably, Shanghai Cube features a high-density architecture capable of supporting up to 128 GPU modules within a single standard cabinet, significantly surpassing the typical domestic configuration of 32 GPUs. This makes it ideally suited to space-constrained environments such as Hong Kong. With utilization rates consistently exceeding 90%, it delivers outstanding operational efficiency and cost effectiveness.

Shanghai Cube exemplifies Suanova’s end-to-end capabilities through its “Super Integration” model, offering a one-stop enterprise solution spanning cloud and compute services, private deployments, as well as AI model and application development. Beyond AI infrastructure, Shanghai Cube is expanding into broader industries, including healthcare and banking and finance services, with solutions already rolling out. Building on this momentum, Suanova considers leveraging Shanghai Cube’s platform and ecosystem strengths to drive the next phase of TaaS growth.

“Looking ahead, we are scaling decisively in AI computing to unlock the full potential of Suanova’s integrated technology and platform capabilities. As AI adoption accelerates, computing power is emerging as the key driver of the next industrial transformation. We are not just participating – we are leading. By strengthening our ecosystem, sharpening our competitive edge, and deepening strategic partnerships, we are well-positioned to seize this once-in-a-generation opportunity – establishing Yeebo and Suanova as leaders in next-generation domestic AI computing services while helping shape the future of the global digital economy,” said Mr. Fang Yan Tak, Douglas, Chairman of Yeebo.

Hashtag: #Yeebo

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

About Yeebo (International Holdings) Limited

Founded in 1988, Yeebo (International Holdings) Limited is a diversified electronic component company with a well-established presence in the global market. The Company’s core business spans flat panel displays, computing power and capacitors, serving a broad spectrum of industrial and consumer applications. Headquartered in Hong Kong, Yeebo operates its manufacturing operations primarily in the Guangdong and Jiangsu provinces, supporting a global sales network that ensures localized service and support for its international clientele.

In alignment with its long-term strategic vision, Yeebo is leveraging its robust operational foundation to expand into the Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) compute and related sectors. This initiative reflects the Company’s commitment to innovation and technological advancement, with the objective of positioning Yeebo as a leading and influential participant in the rapidly evolving AI industry across mainland China and Hong Kong.

About Suanova Technology Limited

Suanova, under Yeebo, is an innovative technology company focused on delivering independent, efficient, and accessible domestic AI computing services. Its business spans three core areas: computing power and cloud operations, computing technology development and computing industry investment. With branches in Hong Kong and Shanghai, it provides customers with better localized services. It is committed to transforming complex AI infrastructure into simple, efficient, and cost‑effective services through continuous technological innovation, with the goal of becoming a leading “infrastructure operator” in the AI era.

HKCSS “S+ Summit 2026” Navigating the Future – Tech for Good & Co-creation

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 May 2026 – Amid rapid social, economic, and environmental changes, Hong Kong faces significant challenges such as demographic shifts and economic transformation, while also encountering development opportunities through technological advancements and regional integration. Collaborative efforts across all sectors are essential to build a sustainable and livable Hong Kong with innovative ideas and solutions.

The Hon Grace CHAN Man-yee, Chief Executive of HKCSS, Mr Angus ZHU, Architect, Technology Architecture Department, Tencent Sustainable Social Value Organization (SSV), Mr HO Kai Ming, JP, Under Secretary for Labour and Welfare of HKSAR, The Revd Canon Hon Peter Douglas KOON Ho-ming, SBS, JP, Chairman of HKCSS, Mr David Spriggs, Chief Executive Officer, Infoxchange, The Hon Duncan CHIU, Legislative Council Member (Technology and Innovation) of HKSAR.

The Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS) organized “S+ Summit 2026” today. Under the theme of “Tech for Good”, offering a multiple perspective towards how technological advancement is reshaping social development while examining the challenges and opportunities facing social sustainable development. Over 700 participants from technology enterprises, charitable foundations, policy research institutes, social service organizations, and social enterprises, to engage in cross-disciplinary dialogue. By fostering “Tech for Good and Co-creation”, HKCSS aspire to build a robust ecosystem, accelerating digital transformation within the social service sector to collectively address the evolving needs of sustainable social development.

The Revd Canon Hon Peter Douglas KOON Ho-ming, SBS, JP, Chairperson of HKCSS, stated: “Driven by the wave of AI and data application, we understand how digital transformation creates both opportunities and challenges to social welfare sector. The annual flagship initiative “S+ Summit” is to promote technology empowerment, resource matching for the organizations, in a way to rebuild their competitive edge, enhancing service efficiency to align with China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, forging a new path of social development.”

Mr HO Kai Ming, JP, Under Secretary for Labour and Welfare of HKSAR, stated “The SAR Government has always attached great importance to, and actively promoted, the application of innovation and technology in social welfare services. Advanced technology should not only serve as a tool for enhancing efficiency, but can also be used to address social issues and promote the public good. Let us harness the power of technology to work together in building a harmonious, stable, caring and inclusive society.”

Mr Angus ZHU, Architect, Technology Architecture Department, Tencent Sustainable Social Value Organization (SSV) and Mr David Spriggs, Chief Executive Officer, Infoxchange Australia are invited as speaker of Keynote Speech: “Tech-Driven Future: Key Dynamics for Digital Transformation in Social Service Organizations”. They shared the successful cross sector collaboration case from domestic and international market, examined how social service organizations can leverage frontier technologies like Big Data and Artificial Intelligence, mastering the key dynamics and performance metrics to accelerate digital transformation. The Hon Duncan CHIU, Legislative Council Member (Technology and Innovation) of HKSAR, moderated the panel discussion to facilitate deep exchange of insights with the two speakers.

The “S+ Summit 2026”, features symposium, roundtable and workshop sessions, explore the pivotal driving roles of AI and big data in digital transformation, service innovation, strategic philanthropy, and future skills training. A new addition this year, the “Tech Clinic Free consultation” feature professionals from Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland and Singapore, providing one‑on‑one consultation on digital strategy and transformation, and case discussion.

The successful conclusion of “S+ Summit 2026” marks a new milestone in deepening the collaboration between social welfare and technology and innovation sector. HKCSS will continue to act as a catalyst for social transformation by practicing “Tech for Good” to connect with more social resources with technical expertise, to help the sector seize technological opportunities and improve people’s well-being, working together to build a more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable society.”

Hashtag: #HKCSS

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

About ‘S+ Summit’

The “S+ Summit and Expo” is the annual initiative of the The Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS). It brings together the stakeholders from different sectors to discuss local and regional social issues under the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We hope that “S+” can promote stakeholder collaboration (Synergy), create social impact (Social Impact), and promote Hong Kong’s sustainable development (Sustainability).

As GCC Temperatures Soar, Carpe Diem Beach Club Phuket Beckons Middle East Luxury Travellers

BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 May 2026 – Carpe Diem Beach Club, the premier Mediterranean-inspired destination on Bang Tao Beach, has officially unveiled its signature beachfront lifestyle experience tailored for Middle East travelers seeking a refined seasonal escape. As soaring summer temperatures across the GCC continue to drive record demand for luxury destinations in Thailand, the venue offers an elevated sanctuary that seamlessly blends sophisticated coastal dining, stylish beachside leisure, and curated sunset-to-evening programming designed for the discerning international traveler.

Source: Carpe Diem Beach Club

The upscale Bang Tao area of Phuket island is emerging as one of South East Asia’s most attractive luxury escape destinations for affluent travellers from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar. Home to the island’s largest mosque and known for high-end resorts, beach clubs and premium lifestyle offerings, Bang Tao appeals to luxury travellers seeking energy, exclusivity and comfort. For premium beach destinations such as Carpe Diem Beach Club Phuket, this reflects a broader evolution in luxury travel behaviour amongst Middle East audiences.

“Over the past two decades working across luxury beach clubs internationally, one of the biggest shifts I’ve seen is affluent travellers seeking experiences that reflect how they want to live, socialise and travel,” said Bruce Hanrahan, Co-Owner and Co-Founder of Carpe Diem Beach Club Phuket.

“Particularly amongst Middle East travellers, there is growing demand for destinations that combine atmosphere and energy with comfort and elevated service. Phuket, and especially Bang Tao, has evolved, offering a more sophisticated and lifestyle-driven experience than has traditionally been associated with the island.”

Middle East travellers represent one of Thailand’s highest-value tourism segments, travelling in groups or with family, staying 7–14 days or longer and spending approximately 80,000–100,000 THB per trip, according to Tourism Authority of Thailand data.

Younger affluent travellers from the region are increasingly influenced by lifestyle-driven travel behaviours, in which distinctive venues, curated hospitality experiences and social validation on digital platforms shape destination selection.

This has created demand for luxury experiences centred on beachfront dining, cabana culture, premium service and social environments that feel refined rather than party-focused.

Carpe Diem Beach Club Phuket has curated an experience around sophisticated coastal energy, elevated hospitality and all-day lifestyle experiences, an approach that has attracted guests, including global music star and White Lotus actress Lisa.

Located on Bang Tao Beach, the venue combines Mediterranean-inspired dining, premium beachfront lounging and signature social programming within a setting designed to feel polished and immersive from day to night. Rather than focusing solely on nightlife, the venue’s positioning centres on experience-led hospitality within a premium environment.

“Luxury today is about intentionality,” added Benny De Bellis, Co-Owner and Co-Founder of Carpe Diem Beach Club Phuket. “Guests want premium environments where they can socialise, celebrate and experience the atmosphere, but in a way that still feels comfortable, curated and personalised to them.”

“The experience at Carpe Diem is designed to feel social and high-energy, whilst still comfortable and intentional,” addedBenny.”Guests can move seamlessly between beachfront dining, relaxed daytime lounging, sunset sessions and social gatherings, without ever feeling overcrowded or party-driven. That’s the balance many luxury travellers are increasingly looking for.”

As Phuket strengthens its position as a global luxury lifestyle destination, Bang Tao’s blend of beachfront hospitality, upscale leisure experiences and international social culture is expected to remain attractive to Middle East audiences seeking a refined escape from the summer heat.

For all reservations and information, visit carpediemphuket.com.

Hashtag: #CarpeDiem

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

ABOUT CARPE DIEM BEACH CLUB

Founded in 2021, Carpe Diem Beach Club is a Mediterranean-inspired beachside destination located on Bangtao Beach, Phuket, Thailand. The Club combines refined coastal cuisine, a stylish beach lounge, craft cocktails, and live entertainment to create memorable all-day experiences. Signature programming includes Bespoke Bloody Mary Sundays, La Dolce Vita Sundays Brunch, signature fire shows on Wednesdays and Sundays, and more.