This year’s AGM saw members returning to Singapore to attend in person, alongside strong participation from those joining virtually.

A year of reset and strategic investment

In 2025, ISCA recorded its first operating deficit in a decade. This was the result of a deliberate decision to invest in areas that will strengthen the Institute’s long-term value to members and the profession. ISCA continues to maintain a strong financial position, with healthy reserves and a resilient balance sheet.

Rather than maintaining the status quo, ISCA undertook a year of reset and renewal, with spending focused on building stronger capabilities, growing the talent pipeline, expanding into new markets and building new growth engines.

ISCA emphasised that these investments were not made for growth alone, but more importantly, to better support members and provide greater member value in a rapidly evolving business and professional landscape.

Looking ahead, ISCA’s priorities remain clear: to deliver a better member experience, strengthen the talent pipeline and enhance its regional relevance. In 2026, the focus will be on ensuring that these investments translate into tangible and visible outcomes for members.

Expanding opportunities through internationalisation

At the AGM, ISCA Council and management addressed members’ questions on the institute’s plans to expand internationally. ISCA’s regional efforts are aimed at making it easier for members to access opportunities beyond Singapore. For members based in Singapore, this means more job opportunities, potential clients and partnerships across the region. For members based overseas, it means stronger local support and a more connected ISCA network where they live and work. ISCA CEO Ms Fann Kor cited an example of a member who had spent over 20 years building his career in China and was looking to return to Singapore. Through ISCA’s network, he was connected to a listed company seeking deep China experience, creating an opportunity that would otherwise have been difficult to access.

Progress across key areas

Despite being an investment year, ISCA reported progress across several areas:

• Membership grew to 43,500, with 11% growth and a 98.3% renewal rate
• ISCA House recorded 30,000 visits, with member satisfaction at 94%
• Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification (SCAQ) candidate numbers grew by 37%, including 400 overseas candidates
• ISCA expanded its regional footprint to 12 overseas chapters across 9 countries, with 6 overseas offices and 3 Professional Services Centres
• Chartered Accountants Lab (CA Lab) readership reached 39,000, across more than 30 countries
• ISCA developed 8 AI agents and implemented 180 system enhancements to improve access and member experience
• ISCA Academy delivered close to 199,000 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours, while reducing average cost per hour by 6% to $37.70
• ISCA Cares marked its 10-year milestone, disbursing $1.5 million and supporting nearly 500 students
• For the first time, SCAQ is being promoted beyond Singapore, making ISCA the first professional body in Asia to promote our national CA qualification overseas
• The SCAQ was embedded in an overseas university for the first time, at Nanjing University of Finance and Economics

2026 ISCA Council Lineup

The newly-elected Council Members are:

• Mr Alan Chang Chi Hsung, Managing Director, OA Assurance PAC
• Ms Chua Siew Hwi, Senior Vice President, Changi Airport Group
• Mr Quah Zheng Wei, CEO, Accredify Pte Ltd
• Ms Tan Aik Na, Senior Vice President (Administration), Nanyang Technological University
• Ms Yong Zen Yun, Partner, General Assurance Leader, Pricewaterhousecoopers LLP

The re-elected Council Members are:

• Ms Jocelyn Goh Chern Ni, Audit & Assurance Partner, BDO LLP
• Mr Koh Wee Kwang, Director, Nexia Singapore PAC
• Mr Lee Boon Teck, Regional Managing Partner, Audit & Assurance, Deloitte & Touche LLP

The Council also appointed Ms Juliet Teo Juet Sim, Joint Head, Portfolio Development Group and Head, Ecosystem Enablement, Temasek Singapore Pte Ltd. Ms Teo was appointed for her expertise on how the finance profession is evolving in response to changing business models, sustainability priorities and global economic trends.

Office bearers

At the first Council meeting following the AGM, the ISCA office bearers were appointed. Mr Teo Ser Luck, immediate past president, was also appointed as ISCA Adviser.

President: Mr Lee Boon Teck

Vice Presidents:

• Ms Ang Suat Ching
• Ms Jocelyn Goh

Treasurer: Mr Song Yeow Chung

Secretary: Ms Judy Ng

Leadership perspectives

The newly elected ISCA President, Mr Lee Boon Teck, said: “The investments we have made over the past year lay the groundwork for a stronger, more connected profession. Our focus now is to ensure that every member, whether they are starting their career, leading an organisation, or building a practice overseas, can see and feel the difference ISCA makes. I am honoured to lead ISCA at this pivotal moment, and I look forward to working with the Council and our members to build on the strong foundations we have in place.”

ISCA Adviser and immediate past President Mr Teo Ser Luck said: “It has been a great privilege to serve ISCA, our members, and the accountancy sector over the past four years. This journey has been one of the most fulfilling I have ever embarked on. None of it would have been possible without an exceptional Council, a dedicated management team, and members who believed in what we were building together. My sincere appreciation to ISCA and our members for the opportunity to serve.”

ISCA CEO Ms Fann Kor said: “2025 was a year of deliberate investment to strengthen what matters most to our members and to the profession. We invested in the talent pipeline, member support, digital capability and regional connectivity so that ISCA can continue to stay relevant and useful in a changing environment. I would also like to thank Mr Teo Ser Luck for his leadership and contributions over the past four years. Under his stewardship, ISCA made meaningful progress in strengthening the profession, growing the Singapore CA Qualification and expanding our regional footprint. Management looks forward to working closely with the new Council to turn these investments into stronger outcomes and clearer value for members.

For the biographies of the elected office bearers, new and re-elected Council Members, please click here.
Hashtag: #DifferenceMakers #Accountancy #ISCACouncil #AGM

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

Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA)

The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) is the national accountancy body of Singapore. Established in 1963, ISCA administers the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification programme and is the designated entity by the Singapore Ministry of Finance to confer the Chartered Accountant of Singapore [CA (Singapore)] designation.

ISCA supports over 43,000 members across industries in Singapore and globally, with members in more than 40 countries. With a growing international presence, ISCA has 12 overseas chapters, 7 offices across 10 countries and a network of over 150 strategic partners, strengthening professional connections and opportunities across borders. ISCA is also a member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide, a global network representing more than 1.8 million Chartered Accountants and students across over 190 countries.

ISCA advances professional development and lifelong learning through ISCA Academy, its training arm and drives community impact through ISCA Cares, its charity arm.

For more information, visit www.isca.org.sg.

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 April 2026 – Cyberport today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) acting through Thailand Science Park (TSP), to establish a strategic partnership that strengthens innovation and technology (I&T) collaboration between Hong Kong and Thailand.

This marks a significant milestone for both sides since their first collaboration in 2024. The partnership aims to build a collaborative framework between Cyberport and NSTDA acting through TSP, create a reciprocal market-access gateway to facilitate start-ups’ entry into both the Thai and Hong Kong markets through ecosystem support, soft landing initiatives, and cross market collaboration, as well as promote knowledge exchange, industry engagement, and joint initiatives in emerging technology sectors, including artificial intelligence, smart city solutions, and other digital technologies.

Witnessed by Simon Chan, Chairman of Cyberport and Dr Chularat Tanprasert, Executive Vice President of NSTDA and Director of Thailand Science Park, the MoU was signed by Ir Eric Chan, Chief Public Mission Officer of Cyberport and Professor Dr Sukit Limpijumnong, President of NSTDA.

Simon Chan, Chairman of Cyberport, said, “Cyberport, as Hong Kong’s digital tech hub, AI accelerator and key incubator, supported companies to have expanded to Thailand, the broader ASEAN region along the Belt and Road, and over 35 markets worldwide. NSTDA and Thailand Science Park on our side will add strength to Cyberport’s ever-growing ASEAN alliances, paving the way to Hong Kong and Chinese Mainland companies to take a stronghold in ASEAN markets. We look forward to supporting high-potential companies from Thailand to capitalise on the vast markets in the Greater Bay Area and the wider Chinese Mainland, and global markets. This partnership significantly expands our bilateral collaborations in company soft-landing, ecosystem connection and proof-of-concept initiatives. Together we will continue to serve as a gateway to empower Asian innovators and attract worldwide entrepreneurs, to capitalise on new opportunities for digital economy and smart cities under the AI+ era.”

Professor Dr. Sukit Limpijumnong, President of NSTDA, said, “The collaboration is designed to establish practical mechanisms to support start-ups in expanding internationally, including market entry, industry partnerships, and pilot or proof-of-concept deployments. TSP and Cyberport have been working closely in recent years to support start-up growth, with a notable milestone being the success of Nano Coating Tech, a Thai deep tech start-up specialising in advanced nano coating solutions for industrial applications and solar panels, that successfully got admitted into Cyberport Incubation Programme for funding up to HK$500,000 and comprehensive support,”

NSTDA, as an autonomous government agency, manages Thailand’s leading tech park, Thailand Science Park (TSP). Established in 2002 as Thailand’s first and largest science and technology park, TSP is designed to promote I&T development and R&D activities. NSTDA’s ecosystem is anchored by five national research centres, namely National Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Metal and Materials Technology Centre (MTEC), National Electronics and Computer Technology Centre (NECTEC), National Nanotechnology Centre (NANOTEC), and National Energy Technology Centre (ENTEC).

Alongside these centres, TSP is home to over 120 technology companies, nearly 40 percent of which are international firms. This reflects TSP’s role as a regional R&D hub in ASEAN, trusted by both local and global technology companies that choose Thailand as a base for technology development. This is supported by a strong pool of talent and advanced testing infrastructure that meets international standards.

NSTDA has been a long-standing strategic partner of Cyberport through TSP since 2024. Both sides have co-created programmes, global landing initiatives and webinars, facilitated deep-tech start-ups joining Cyberport Incubation Programme, and facilitated Cyberport start-ups joining TSP for market expansion.

Today’s MoU establishes a framework for joint activities that will support start-ups and technology companies from both Hong Kong and Thailand ecosystems. Key initiatives include:

• Support start-ups and technology companies recommended by either side in exploring market opportunities, establishing presence, and expanding operations within the respective innovative ecosystems.
• Facilitate connection to relevant industry partners, research institutions, and corporate networks to support collaboration, investment opportunities, technology adoption, market entry, and business development expansion.
• Encourage and support participation of start-ups in incubation programmes, entrepreneurship, ecosystem activities, community events organised by both sides.
• Jointly organise and promote seminars, forums, networking activities, and knowledge-sharing initiatives to strengthen collaboration between the two ecosystems.
• Explore and identify opportunities for start-ups to conduct pilot projects, technology demonstrations, or proof-of-concept initiatives with industry partners and prospective end users.

TSP will strengthen this collaboration through the “TSP Scale X Landing Programme” to fast-track international start-ups’ expansion into the Thai market, by connecting them to established partner networks and real industry demand in Thailand, while providing them with access to the country’s research and testing infrastructure.

Leveraging its role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder”, Cyberport continues to expand global partnerships to foster cross-regional growth of technology ecosystems and advance Hong Kong’s innovation on a global stage. In ASEAN, Cyberport has forged strategic collaborations with Indonesia’s Telkom University, Thailand’s Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA), as well as Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), apart from alliances in the Middle East, East Asia and North America, further strengthening Hong Kong’s position as an international I&T hub.
Hashtag: #Cyberport

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

About Hong Kong Cyberport

Wholly owned by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, Cyberport is Hong Kong’s digital tech hub and AI accelerator, with a vision to empower industry digitalisation and intelligent transformation, to promote digital economy and AI development, and to foster Hong Kong to be an international AI, innovation and technology (I&T) hub. Cyberport gathers over 2,300 companies, including 17 listed companies and 9 unicorns. One-third of onsite companies’ founders come from 27 countries and regions, while Cyberport companies have expanded to over 35 global markets.

Cyberport, with Hong Kong’s largest AI Supercomputing Centre and AI Lab as the engine, has been building the AI ecosystem with industry-leading AI companies and over 500 AI and data science start-ups. Through development of tech clusters, namely AI, data science, blockchain and cybersecurity, Cyberport empowers industries across smart city and government, banking and finance, digital entertainment, culture and tourism, healthcare, education and training, property management, construction, transportation and logistics, green environment and more, while hosting Hong Kong’s largest FinTech community. Commissioned by the HKSAR Government, Cyberport has implemented proof-of-concept and sandbox schemes, subsidisation for digital tech adoption, industry tech training and start-up incubation, to drive technology R&D, translation and commercialisation, thus propelling digital transformation and intelligent upgrade across industry and society.

Also as “State-level Scientific and Technological Enterprise Incubator” and Hong Kong’s key incubator, Cyberport supports entrepreneurs with funding and office space, extensive networks of enterprises, investors, technology corporations and professional services for business growth and expansion to Chinese Mainland and overseas markets, all-round facilitation for landing in Hong Kong, talent attraction and cultivation, ready as a launchpad to take start-ups in any stages of development to the next level.

For more information, please visit https://www.cyberport.hk/en

This year’s AGM saw members returning to Singapore to attend in person, alongside strong participation from those joining virtually.

A year of reset and strategic investment

In 2025, ISCA recorded its first operating deficit in a decade. This was the result of a deliberate decision to invest in areas that will strengthen the Institute’s long-term value to members and the profession. ISCA continues to maintain a strong financial position, with healthy reserves and a resilient balance sheet.

Rather than maintaining the status quo, ISCA undertook a year of reset and renewal, with spending focused on building stronger capabilities, growing the talent pipeline, expanding into new markets and building new growth engines.

ISCA emphasised that these investments were not made for growth alone, but more importantly, to better support members and provide greater member value in a rapidly evolving business and professional landscape.

Looking ahead, ISCA’s priorities remain clear: to deliver a better member experience, strengthen the talent pipeline and enhance its regional relevance. In 2026, the focus will be on ensuring that these investments translate into tangible and visible outcomes for members.

Expanding opportunities through internationalisation

At the AGM, ISCA Council and management addressed members’ questions on the institute’s plans to expand internationally. ISCA’s regional efforts are aimed at making it easier for members to access opportunities beyond Singapore. For members based in Singapore, this means more job opportunities, potential clients and partnerships across the region. For members based overseas, it means stronger local support and a more connected ISCA network where they live and work. ISCA CEO Ms Fann Kor cited an example of a member who had spent over 20 years building his career in China and was looking to return to Singapore. Through ISCA’s network, he was connected to a listed company seeking deep China experience, creating an opportunity that would otherwise have been difficult to access.

Progress across key areas

Despite being an investment year, ISCA reported progress across several areas:

• Membership grew to 43,500, with 11% growth and a 98.3% renewal rate
• ISCA House recorded 30,000 visits, with member satisfaction at 94%
• Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification (SCAQ) candidate numbers grew by 37%, including 400 overseas candidates
• ISCA expanded its regional footprint to 12 overseas chapters across 9 countries, with 6 overseas offices and 3 Professional Services Centres
• Chartered Accountants Lab (CA Lab) readership reached 39,000, across more than 30 countries
• ISCA developed 8 AI agents and implemented 180 system enhancements to improve access and member experience
• ISCA Academy delivered close to 199,000 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours, while reducing average cost per hour by 6% to $37.70
• ISCA Cares marked its 10-year milestone, disbursing $1.5 million and supporting nearly 500 students
• For the first time, SCAQ is being promoted beyond Singapore, making ISCA the first professional body in Asia to promote our national CA qualification overseas
• The SCAQ was embedded in an overseas university for the first time, at Nanjing University of Finance and Economics

2026 ISCA Council Lineup

The newly-elected Council Members are:

• Mr Alan Chang Chi Hsung, Managing Director, OA Assurance PAC
• Ms Chua Siew Hwi, Senior Vice President, Changi Airport Group
• Mr Quah Zheng Wei, CEO, Accredify Pte Ltd
• Ms Tan Aik Na, Senior Vice President (Administration), Nanyang Technological University
• Ms Yong Zen Yun, Partner, General Assurance Leader, Pricewaterhousecoopers LLP

The re-elected Council Members are:

• Ms Jocelyn Goh Chern Ni, Audit & Assurance Partner, BDO LLP
• Mr Koh Wee Kwang, Director, Nexia Singapore PAC
• Mr Lee Boon Teck, Regional Managing Partner, Audit & Assurance, Deloitte & Touche LLP

The Council also appointed Ms Juliet Teo Juet Sim, Joint Head, Portfolio Development Group and Head, Ecosystem Enablement, Temasek Singapore Pte Ltd. Ms Teo was appointed for her expertise on how the finance profession is evolving in response to changing business models, sustainability priorities and global economic trends.

Office bearers

At the first Council meeting following the AGM, the ISCA office bearers were appointed. Mr Teo Ser Luck, immediate past president, was also appointed as ISCA Adviser.

President: Mr Lee Boon Teck

Vice Presidents:

• Ms Ang Suat Ching
• Ms Jocelyn Goh

Treasurer: Mr Song Yeow Chung

Secretary: Ms Judy Ng

Leadership perspectives

The newly elected ISCA President, Mr Lee Boon Teck, said: “The investments we have made over the past year lay the groundwork for a stronger, more connected profession. Our focus now is to ensure that every member, whether they are starting their career, leading an organisation, or building a practice overseas, can see and feel the difference ISCA makes. I am honoured to lead ISCA at this pivotal moment, and I look forward to working with the Council and our members to build on the strong foundations we have in place.”

ISCA Adviser and immediate past President Mr Teo Ser Luck said: “It has been a great privilege to serve ISCA, our members, and the accountancy sector over the past four years. This journey has been one of the most fulfilling I have ever embarked on. None of it would have been possible without an exceptional Council, a dedicated management team, and members who believed in what we were building together. My sincere appreciation to ISCA and our members for the opportunity to serve.”

ISCA CEO Ms Fann Kor said: “2025 was a year of deliberate investment to strengthen what matters most to our members and to the profession. We invested in the talent pipeline, member support, digital capability and regional connectivity so that ISCA can continue to stay relevant and useful in a changing environment. I would also like to thank Mr Teo Ser Luck for his leadership and contributions over the past four years. Under his stewardship, ISCA made meaningful progress in strengthening the profession, growing the Singapore CA Qualification and expanding our regional footprint. Management looks forward to working closely with the new Council to turn these investments into stronger outcomes and clearer value for members.

For the biographies of the elected office bearers, new and re-elected Council Members, please click here.
Hashtag: #DifferenceMakers #Accountancy #ISCACouncil #AGM

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

Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA)

The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) is the national accountancy body of Singapore. Established in 1963, ISCA administers the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification programme and is the designated entity by the Singapore Ministry of Finance to confer the Chartered Accountant of Singapore [CA (Singapore)] designation.

ISCA supports over 43,000 members across industries in Singapore and globally, with members in more than 40 countries. With a growing international presence, ISCA has 12 overseas chapters, 7 offices across 10 countries and a network of over 150 strategic partners, strengthening professional connections and opportunities across borders. ISCA is also a member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide, a global network representing more than 1.8 million Chartered Accountants and students across over 190 countries.

ISCA advances professional development and lifelong learning through ISCA Academy, its training arm and drives community impact through ISCA Cares, its charity arm.

For more information, visit www.isca.org.sg.

• Agentic Mobile Protocol (AMP) is the world’s first agentic payment framework designed for mobile interfaces, including digital wallets, super apps, and wearable devices.
• Fully open-sourced, the protocol enables LLMs, platforms and merchants’ seamless agentic connection to 4.4 billion digital wallet users worldwide through simple and secure integration.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 April 2026 – Ant International is introducing the Agentic Mobile Protocol (AMP) for the agentic commerce industry to enable secure, AIOps-native agentic payment connection to mobile services including digital wallets, banking apps, super apps, and mobile portals from phones to wearable devices.

“We are deeply grateful for partners, acquirers and developers who contributed to this project. An agentic protocol for mobile commerce that ensures superior efficiency and security results will be key for businesses large and small expanding into the world’s fastest growing markets. We look forward to expanding our multi-layered partnerships to enable real-world successes of AI commerce,” said Jiang-Ming Yang, Chief Innovation Officer, Ant International.

Wallets and mobile payment key driver for agentic commerce

The global agentic commerce market could reach around USD 28 billion by 2030 with a 46% CAGR as the industry fast-forwards from pilot AI agent programs to full-scale autonomous transaction systems^[1]. The number of global digital wallet users reached 4.4 billion in 2025, and is expected to exceed 6 billion – over 75% of the global population – by 2030^[2].

While the new payment rails are positioned to become a primary interface for AI commerce, current AI payments protocols are designed largely for card rails. Merchants and digital wallets need to be able to offer smooth payment experience, authenticate trusted agents and verify credentials without disruption, as well as seamlessly handle post-checkout settlement and transaction management tasks in a mobile- and AI-native environment.

With the Agentic Mobile Protocol, merchants – LLMs, AI platforms, merchants with self-developed agents, and agent builders – and digital wallets can embed agentic payment functionality directly into their workflows, eliminating the need for system overhauls.

Ant International has open-sourced the AMP to help establish a universal, auditable standard to ensure that AI agents can transact securely and seamlessly across any global platform.

The AMP framework features:

• A superior agentic checkout experience through:
  • Faster agent integration: reducing the number of steps required to link a payment agent to a digital wallet by 50% compared to traditional card-binding methods.
  • Money-back guarantee: every agent-initiated transaction is backed by a money-back guarantee mechanism for payment partners in cases of account takeovers.
  • Cross-device compatibility: payment agents can work on mobile interfaces across smartphones, smartwatches, AR glasses and in-car systems, a capability absent in card-based systems.

• A more efficient and secure trust architecture for agent delegation to ensure secure and precise delegation of payment authority to AI agents — whether it is ordering coffee, booking a ride, or planning a trip – with full visibility and the ability to revoke or modify tasks at any time.

• A high-frequency agent-to-agent (A2A) settlement mechanism enables automated, ultra-small transactions between AI agents. It’s capable of handling nano-transactions as small as $0.000001 between agents with real-time accounting and clearing. A2A settlement is crucial to agentic economy, which requires the capacity to process high-frequency, sub-cent agent transactions that traditional payment rails cannot support.

• A full-spectrum Know Your Agent (KYA) framework establishes an agent’s digital identity and certifies its authorised capabilities. The proprietary Agent Trust Rating mechanism offers an additional layer of protection, a dynamic risk-management tool that determines whether an agent is trustworthy and controls the level of autonomy.

A 40 member-strong wallet ecosystem in cross-sector coordination

Ant International is working with wallet partners of Alipay+, the company’s global wallet gateway, to implement the AMP. Alipay+ now connects over 40 digital wallet partners, covering 1.8 billion user accounts and 150 million merchants globally.

Building on this payment partnership network that spans wallets, acquirers, super apps and cards, Ant International is among the first partners of Mastercard and Visa to pilot card-based transaction capabilities for AI agents, while collaborating with Google on its protocols for agentic commerce and payments.

Hashtag: #AntInternational

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

About Ant International

Ant International is a leading global digital payment, digitisation and financial technology provider. Through collaboration across the private and public sectors, our unified techfin platform supports financial institutions and merchants of all sizes to achieve inclusive growth through a comprehensive range of cutting-edge digital payment and financial services solutions. To learn more, please visit https://www.ant-intl.com/

• Agentic Mobile Protocol (AMP) is the world’s first agentic payment framework designed for mobile interfaces, including digital wallets, super apps, and wearable devices.
• Fully open-sourced, the protocol enables LLMs, platforms and merchants’ seamless agentic connection to 4.4 billion digital wallet users worldwide through simple and secure integration.

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 April 2026 – Ant International is introducing the Agentic Mobile Protocol (AMP) for the agentic commerce industry to enable secure, AIOps-native agentic payment connection to mobile services including digital wallets, banking apps, super apps, and mobile portals from phones to wearable devices.

“We are deeply grateful for partners, acquirers and developers who contributed to this project. An agentic protocol for mobile commerce that ensures superior efficiency and security results will be key for businesses large and small expanding into the world’s fastest growing markets. We look forward to expanding our multi-layered partnerships to enable real-world successes of AI commerce,” said Jiang-Ming Yang, Chief Innovation Officer, Ant International.

Wallets and mobile payment key driver for agentic commerce

The global agentic commerce market could reach around USD 28 billion by 2030 with a 46% CAGR as the industry fast-forwards from pilot AI agent programs to full-scale autonomous transaction systems^[1]. The number of global digital wallet users reached 4.4 billion in 2025, and is expected to exceed 6 billion – over 75% of the global population – by 2030^[2].

While the new payment rails are positioned to become a primary interface for AI commerce, current AI payments protocols are designed largely for card rails. Merchants and digital wallets need to be able to offer smooth payment experience, authenticate trusted agents and verify credentials without disruption, as well as seamlessly handle post-checkout settlement and transaction management tasks in a mobile- and AI-native environment.

With the Agentic Mobile Protocol, merchants – LLMs, AI platforms, merchants with self-developed agents, and agent builders – and digital wallets can embed agentic payment functionality directly into their workflows, eliminating the need for system overhauls.

Ant International has open-sourced the AMP to help establish a universal, auditable standard to ensure that AI agents can transact securely and seamlessly across any global platform.

The AMP framework features:

• A superior agentic checkout experience through:
  • Faster agent integration: reducing the number of steps required to link a payment agent to a digital wallet by 50% compared to traditional card-binding methods.
  • Money-back guarantee: every agent-initiated transaction is backed by a money-back guarantee mechanism for payment partners in cases of account takeovers.
  • Cross-device compatibility: payment agents can work on mobile interfaces across smartphones, smartwatches, AR glasses and in-car systems, a capability absent in card-based systems.

• A more efficient and secure trust architecture for agent delegation to ensure secure and precise delegation of payment authority to AI agents — whether it is ordering coffee, booking a ride, or planning a trip – with full visibility and the ability to revoke or modify tasks at any time.

• A high-frequency agent-to-agent (A2A) settlement mechanism enables automated, ultra-small transactions between AI agents. It’s capable of handling nano-transactions as small as $0.000001 between agents with real-time accounting and clearing. A2A settlement is crucial to agentic economy, which requires the capacity to process high-frequency, sub-cent agent transactions that traditional payment rails cannot support.

• A full-spectrum Know Your Agent (KYA) framework establishes an agent’s digital identity and certifies its authorised capabilities. The proprietary Agent Trust Rating mechanism offers an additional layer of protection, a dynamic risk-management tool that determines whether an agent is trustworthy and controls the level of autonomy.

A 40 member-strong wallet ecosystem in cross-sector coordination

Ant International is working with wallet partners of Alipay+, the company’s global wallet gateway, to implement the AMP. Alipay+ now connects over 40 digital wallet partners, covering 1.8 billion user accounts and 150 million merchants globally.

Building on this payment partnership network that spans wallets, acquirers, super apps and cards, Ant International is among the first partners of Mastercard and Visa to pilot card-based transaction capabilities for AI agents, while collaborating with Google on its protocols for agentic commerce and payments.

Hashtag: #AntInternational

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

About Ant International

Ant International is a leading global digital payment, digitisation and financial technology provider. Through collaboration across the private and public sectors, our unified techfin platform supports financial institutions and merchants of all sizes to achieve inclusive growth through a comprehensive range of cutting-edge digital payment and financial services solutions. To learn more, please visit https://www.ant-intl.com/

Emerging Designers Reimagine Chinese Motifs Across Physical and Digital Realms

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 April 2026 – Following its successful presentation at LANDMARK, Central in March, the 2nd MOTIFX – Embracing the Beauty of Chinese Culture will be showcased at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from 27 to 30 April 2026, as part of Home InStyle and Fashion InStyle 2026.

Home InStyle and Fashion InStyle bring together a wide range of international brands celebrated for their craftsmanship and creativity, serving as a dynamic platform for exchange across the design and lifestyle industries while sparking new ideas and collaborations.

Organised by the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI) under the Vocational Training Council (VTC), and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), the 2nd MOTIFX invites emerging designers to reinterpret traditional Chinese motifs for contemporary living. Under the theme “Culture to Nature – A Surreal Garden of Botanical Patterns,” the exhibition explores the Chinese “grass” radical (艹 / 艸) through diverse creative perspectives. The works span a range of contexts and formats, from two- and three-dimensional pieces to both physical and digital mediums.

Curated by Michael LEUNG, the exhibition features works by 30 local design students and emerging designers from a range of disciplines, alongside participating local and international designers including Chulan KWAK, Cynthia MAK, Made by Sandwich, Karmuel YOUNG, Tomy NG, Moon.noon, STICKYLINE, and Leona FUNG. Over 100 original patterns inspired by the 艹 / 艸 radical bloom in Chinese character across the exhibition space, each rooted in the same ancient, ever‑living origin yet expressing distinct creative voices.

Artist Panel Discussion: “Cultural Fusion in Lifestyle Design: The Surreal Aesthetics of MOTIFX”
30 Apr 2026 | 11am-12pm

On 30 April 2026, in an artist panel discussion titled “Cultural Fusion in Lifestyle Design: The Surreal Aesthetics of MOTIFX,” moderated by Edith CHEUNG, Creative Director of MOTIFX, curator Michael LEUNG, artist Leona FUNG, and Moon HUNG will share their insights on blending traditional Chinese elements with contemporary lifestyle design. Through their works across multiple MOTIFX venues, they will discuss the effortless fusion of East and West in Hong Kong’s creative life, revealing the surreal beauty born from cultural intersection.

Featured Highlights: From Calligraphic Lines to Gardens of Time

Chulan KWAK – “Cursive Structure”

Chulan KWAK’s Cursive Structure series transforms two‑dimensional calligraphy into three‑dimensional objects. Inspired by the flowing strokes of Caoshu (草書) and the Small Seal Script (小篆體) form of the 艹 / 艸 radical, the work turns “Radical Grass (艹 / 艸)” into a pair of low chairs.

By keeping the distinction between 艹 / 艸 and 木 (tree), the pieces are set apart from the vertical form of trees and bring the energy and tension of calligraphic brushwork into physical space.

Cynthia MAK – “Tea Lamp”

Drawing inspiration from the Chinese character 茶 （tea） and the poetic essence of “Life is like tea – bitter at first, then sweet,” Cynthia reflects on life’s delicate balance between darkness and brightness in her creation, “Tea Lamp”. She reimagines the traditional Chinese lantern through vibrant colours and geometric abstraction, which serves as a warm reminder that, after a bitter day, a gentle radiance always awaits at home.

Made by Sandwich – “Garden of States”

Made by Sandwich’s Garden of Time probes the philosophical relationship between the 艹/ 艸 radical and time. The designers argue that numerous 艹/艸 – derived characters (such as 茂, 蘇, 萎, 荒) illustrate the shifting conditions of plants across time rather than static shapes. The work breaks away from a linear conception of time, layering moments of growth, decline, and disappearance onto a single visual. By assembling these “time slices” into one composition, it constructs a garden of time in which multiple states coexist, showing the simultaneous presence of flourishing and disappearance.

Karmuel YOUNG & Tomy NG – “Tower”

Inspired by the radical grass symbol (艹 / 艸), Karmuel YOUNG and Tomy NG collaborate on the multimedia work, “Tower”. A still yet highly charged installation that captures a moment of growth, “Tower” fuses art, fashion, and furniture using contemporary raw materials, dutifully interpreting growth as a process of emergence, layering, and change.

Karmuel shapes the base on Suprematist and Constructivist ideas, using rigid geometric forms and a neutral palette to highlight the texture of the materials, creating a stable, balanced yet restrained structure.

Tomy adds a glowing cellular element that acts as both light and living form. The floor lamp is designed as a suspended “cell”: a translucent 3D‑printed resin core wrapped in an inflatable latex membrane that functions like a placenta. As the latex inflates and deflates, the shape expands and contracts, shifting between open and enclosed states. Compared with the solid base, the structure feels fragile, porous, and time‑based, turning light into a living presence shaped by pressure and duration.

Immersive Experiences: The Intersection of Virtual and Reality

The exhibition utilizes multi-media works and installations, leading visitors into a sensory experience.

Moon.noon – “Blossom Unbounds”

Moon.noon’s “Blossom Unbounds” creates a multisensory, immersive experience that brings together dynamic visuals and music into one seamless environment for MOTIFX. Drawing inspiration from the grass radical (艹 / 艸) in Chinese characters, the work abstracts botanical forms into flowing patterns that reflect the cycles of the 24 solar terms and local flora.

Visual and auditory elements are carefully combined so that viewers move between the real and the digital, experiencing the changing seasons—from spring’s blossoming to winter’s quiet dormancy—and feeling the continuous rhythm of nature and culture. The installation invites personal discovery while dissolving the boundaries between traditional art and immersive, sensory‑driven design.

STICKYLINE – “Geometric Variants in Growth”

STICKYLINE’s large-scale installation Geometric Variants in Growth questions the boundary between the virtual and the real. This lush geometric jungle is built entirely from the endless stacking of two simple paper modules, each patterned with lines that resemble leaf veins while also echoing digital barcodes.

The work suggests that, as we allow real, tangible nature to gradually fade away, every like, share, and copy‑paste on social media nurtures an ever‑expanding virtual jungle that spirals out of control.

By inviting visitors to step into this man-made landscape, the installation prompts reflection on the increasingly blurred symbiosis between humans and nature—where both are quietly disappearing at once.

Contemporary Transformations of Traditional Craft

The exhibition also features works by artist Leona FUNG. Her brand ByLeona’s premium porcelain series blends the auspicious symbolism of traditional Chinese floral motifs with contemporary geometric aesthetics.

Leona moves beyond ceramics as mere tableware, selectively blended in Motifx ambassadors’ pattern with ByLeona’s original designs, extending intricate patterns onto functional objects such as floor lamps, mirrors, and candle holders. Guided by the principle that “every pattern carries meaning, and every meaning is auspicious,” she seamlessly integrates cultural symbols into modern living spaces, showing how traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design can speak to each other.

This April, step into the symbolic world hidden within Chinese characters and immerse yourself in the myriad forms of this fantastical natural realm.

Curator: Michael LEUNG
Born in Hong Kong, Michael LEUNG earned his Master’s degree from Design Academy Eindhoven in the Netherlands, where he later founded Studio AA (previously MIRO). His practice spans graphic, product, and spatial design, often exploring the intersections of craftsmanship and industry, local culture, and sustainability. Recipient of the Hong Kong Young Design Talent Award and Perspective 40 Under 40, his work has been showcased at Milan Design Week, Dutch Design Week, and other major international exhibitions. In recent years, he has collaborated with institutions such as the Vitra Design Museum (Germany) and the V&A (UK), extending his creative vision into exhibition curation.

Participating Designers
Chulan KWAK
Chulan KWAK is a Seoul‑based designer whose work spans sculpture, furniture, and spatial design. Trained in craft and conceptual design (BFA, Hongik University; MA, Design Academy Eindhoven), he focuses on transforming the energy and rhythm of calligraphy into three‑dimensional form, allowing shapes to extend as if freely brushed through space.

His practice centres on the distinction between the static line and the dynamic stroke, using layered plywood and MDF to construct fluid, volumetric gestures that replace carving with assembly. Through his ongoing Cursive Structure series, KWAK turns calligraphic strokes into chairs, benches, and sculptures that capture movement, balance, and the constant transformation of nature and form.

Cynthia MAK
Cynthia MAK is an emerging Hong Kong artist and designer whose work is known for its distinctive compositional language and geometric arrangements, forming a unique abstract style. Her paintings combine colour, form, and aesthetic judgment with emotional expression, drawing viewers into a cheerful and uplifting atmosphere.

Initially drawn to art as a way to express herself beyond words, Cynthia re‑engaged with painting during the 2021 pandemic, embracing the creative control it offered and embarking on a new professional path. Her work has been shown at institutions such as the Hong Kong Museum of Art, Ginza Six in Tokyo, and Abu Dhabi Art, and she has collaborated with renowned brands including Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Isetan Shinjuku, and Hong Kong Landmark on projects that bring joy to audiences and promote a healthy lifestyle.

Exhibition Details

The 2nd MOTIFX – Embracing the Beauty of Chinese Culture
@ Home InStyle & Fashion InStyle 2026
Date: 27–30 April 2026
Time:
9:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (Monday to Wednesday)
9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Thursday)
Venue: Booth 3CON‑001, Hall 3E South Concourse area,
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

“Cultural Fusion in Lifestyle Design: The Surreal Aesthetics of MOTIFX” Artist Panel Discussion
Date: 30 April 2026 (Thursday)
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Venue: THE RUNWAY, Halls 3FG, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
Moderator: Ms. Edith Cheung
Speaker: Mr. Michael Leung, Ms. Leona Fung, Mr. Moon Hung
Hashtag: #MOTIFX

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

About Vocational Training Council (VTC)

Established in 1982, the Vocational Training Council (VTC) is the largest vocational and professional education and training provider in Hong Kong. The mission of VTC is to provide a valued choice to school leavers and working people to acquire the values, knowledge and skills for lifelong learning and enhanced employability, and also to provide support to industries for their manpower development. VTC has 14 member institutions, namely the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi), the Institute of Professional Education And Knowledge (PEAK), the School for Higher and Professional Education (SHAPE), the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE), the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI), the Hong Kong Institute of Information Technology (HKIIT), the Hotel and Tourism Institute (HTI), the Chinese Culinary Institute (CCI), the International Culinary Institute (ICI), the Maritime Services Training Institute (MSTI), Youth College, Pro-Act by VTC, the Integrated Vocational Development Centre (IVDC) and the Shine Skills Centre.

Website: https://www.vtc.edu.hk/home/en/

About Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI)

Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI) is a member of VTC Group. HKDI was established in 2007 with the mission to be a leading provider of design education and lifelong learning, including architecture, interior and product design, communication design, digital media, and fashion and image design. With a view to providing professional designers for the creative industries, it promotes the “think and do” approach and encourages interdisciplinary synergy in its broad range of design programmes that cultivates students’ cultural sensitivities and sense of sustainability. HKDI maintains a strong network with industry and provides its students with essential practical experience. Overseas exchanges are actively arranged for students to broaden their international perspective.

Website: http://www.hkdi.edu.hk

About Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA)

The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), formerly known as Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) since 2009, was established in June 2024. CCIDA is a dedicated office under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR Government) to provide one-stop services and support to the cultural and creative sectorswith a mission to foster a conducive environment in Hong Kong to facilitate development of the arts, culture and creative sectors as industries. CCIDA’s strategic foci are nurturing talent and facilitating start-ups, exploring markets, promoting cross-sectoral and multi-disciplinary collaboration, promoting industrialisation of the arts, culture and creative sectors under the industry-oriented principle, and fostering a creative atmosphere in the community, thereby reinforcing Hong Kong as Asia’s creative capital and our positioning as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.

Website: https://www.ccidahk.gov.hk/en/index.html

Disclaimer: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.

Emerging Designers Reimagine Chinese Motifs Across Physical and Digital Realms

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 April 2026 – Following its successful presentation at LANDMARK, Central in March, the 2nd MOTIFX – Embracing the Beauty of Chinese Culture will be showcased at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from 27 to 30 April 2026, as part of Home InStyle and Fashion InStyle 2026.

Home InStyle and Fashion InStyle bring together a wide range of international brands celebrated for their craftsmanship and creativity, serving as a dynamic platform for exchange across the design and lifestyle industries while sparking new ideas and collaborations.

Organised by the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI) under the Vocational Training Council (VTC), and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), the 2nd MOTIFX invites emerging designers to reinterpret traditional Chinese motifs for contemporary living. Under the theme “Culture to Nature – A Surreal Garden of Botanical Patterns,” the exhibition explores the Chinese “grass” radical (艹 / 艸) through diverse creative perspectives. The works span a range of contexts and formats, from two- and three-dimensional pieces to both physical and digital mediums.

Curated by Michael LEUNG, the exhibition features works by 30 local design students and emerging designers from a range of disciplines, alongside participating local and international designers including Chulan KWAK, Cynthia MAK, Made by Sandwich, Karmuel YOUNG, Tomy NG, Moon.noon, STICKYLINE, and Leona FUNG. Over 100 original patterns inspired by the 艹 / 艸 radical bloom in Chinese character across the exhibition space, each rooted in the same ancient, ever‑living origin yet expressing distinct creative voices.

Artist Panel Discussion: “Cultural Fusion in Lifestyle Design: The Surreal Aesthetics of MOTIFX”
30 Apr 2026 | 11am-12pm

On 30 April 2026, in an artist panel discussion titled “Cultural Fusion in Lifestyle Design: The Surreal Aesthetics of MOTIFX,” moderated by Edith CHEUNG, Creative Director of MOTIFX, curator Michael LEUNG, artist Leona FUNG, and Moon HUNG will share their insights on blending traditional Chinese elements with contemporary lifestyle design. Through their works across multiple MOTIFX venues, they will discuss the effortless fusion of East and West in Hong Kong’s creative life, revealing the surreal beauty born from cultural intersection.

Featured Highlights: From Calligraphic Lines to Gardens of Time

Chulan KWAK – “Cursive Structure”

Chulan KWAK’s Cursive Structure series transforms two‑dimensional calligraphy into three‑dimensional objects. Inspired by the flowing strokes of Caoshu (草書) and the Small Seal Script (小篆體) form of the 艹 / 艸 radical, the work turns “Radical Grass (艹 / 艸)” into a pair of low chairs.

By keeping the distinction between 艹 / 艸 and 木 (tree), the pieces are set apart from the vertical form of trees and bring the energy and tension of calligraphic brushwork into physical space.

Cynthia MAK – “Tea Lamp”

Drawing inspiration from the Chinese character 茶 （tea） and the poetic essence of “Life is like tea – bitter at first, then sweet,” Cynthia reflects on life’s delicate balance between darkness and brightness in her creation, “Tea Lamp”. She reimagines the traditional Chinese lantern through vibrant colours and geometric abstraction, which serves as a warm reminder that, after a bitter day, a gentle radiance always awaits at home.

Made by Sandwich – “Garden of States”

Made by Sandwich’s Garden of Time probes the philosophical relationship between the 艹/ 艸 radical and time. The designers argue that numerous 艹/艸 – derived characters (such as 茂, 蘇, 萎, 荒) illustrate the shifting conditions of plants across time rather than static shapes. The work breaks away from a linear conception of time, layering moments of growth, decline, and disappearance onto a single visual. By assembling these “time slices” into one composition, it constructs a garden of time in which multiple states coexist, showing the simultaneous presence of flourishing and disappearance.

Karmuel YOUNG & Tomy NG – “Tower”

Inspired by the radical grass symbol (艹 / 艸), Karmuel YOUNG and Tomy NG collaborate on the multimedia work, “Tower”. A still yet highly charged installation that captures a moment of growth, “Tower” fuses art, fashion, and furniture using contemporary raw materials, dutifully interpreting growth as a process of emergence, layering, and change.

Karmuel shapes the base on Suprematist and Constructivist ideas, using rigid geometric forms and a neutral palette to highlight the texture of the materials, creating a stable, balanced yet restrained structure.

Tomy adds a glowing cellular element that acts as both light and living form. The floor lamp is designed as a suspended “cell”: a translucent 3D‑printed resin core wrapped in an inflatable latex membrane that functions like a placenta. As the latex inflates and deflates, the shape expands and contracts, shifting between open and enclosed states. Compared with the solid base, the structure feels fragile, porous, and time‑based, turning light into a living presence shaped by pressure and duration.

Immersive Experiences: The Intersection of Virtual and Reality

The exhibition utilizes multi-media works and installations, leading visitors into a sensory experience.

Moon.noon – “Blossom Unbounds”

Moon.noon’s “Blossom Unbounds” creates a multisensory, immersive experience that brings together dynamic visuals and music into one seamless environment for MOTIFX. Drawing inspiration from the grass radical (艹 / 艸) in Chinese characters, the work abstracts botanical forms into flowing patterns that reflect the cycles of the 24 solar terms and local flora.

Visual and auditory elements are carefully combined so that viewers move between the real and the digital, experiencing the changing seasons—from spring’s blossoming to winter’s quiet dormancy—and feeling the continuous rhythm of nature and culture. The installation invites personal discovery while dissolving the boundaries between traditional art and immersive, sensory‑driven design.

STICKYLINE – “Geometric Variants in Growth”

STICKYLINE’s large-scale installation Geometric Variants in Growth questions the boundary between the virtual and the real. This lush geometric jungle is built entirely from the endless stacking of two simple paper modules, each patterned with lines that resemble leaf veins while also echoing digital barcodes.

The work suggests that, as we allow real, tangible nature to gradually fade away, every like, share, and copy‑paste on social media nurtures an ever‑expanding virtual jungle that spirals out of control.

By inviting visitors to step into this man-made landscape, the installation prompts reflection on the increasingly blurred symbiosis between humans and nature—where both are quietly disappearing at once.

Contemporary Transformations of Traditional Craft

The exhibition also features works by artist Leona FUNG. Her brand ByLeona’s premium porcelain series blends the auspicious symbolism of traditional Chinese floral motifs with contemporary geometric aesthetics.

Leona moves beyond ceramics as mere tableware, selectively blended in Motifx ambassadors’ pattern with ByLeona’s original designs, extending intricate patterns onto functional objects such as floor lamps, mirrors, and candle holders. Guided by the principle that “every pattern carries meaning, and every meaning is auspicious,” she seamlessly integrates cultural symbols into modern living spaces, showing how traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design can speak to each other.

This April, step into the symbolic world hidden within Chinese characters and immerse yourself in the myriad forms of this fantastical natural realm.

Curator: Michael LEUNG
Born in Hong Kong, Michael LEUNG earned his Master’s degree from Design Academy Eindhoven in the Netherlands, where he later founded Studio AA (previously MIRO). His practice spans graphic, product, and spatial design, often exploring the intersections of craftsmanship and industry, local culture, and sustainability. Recipient of the Hong Kong Young Design Talent Award and Perspective 40 Under 40, his work has been showcased at Milan Design Week, Dutch Design Week, and other major international exhibitions. In recent years, he has collaborated with institutions such as the Vitra Design Museum (Germany) and the V&A (UK), extending his creative vision into exhibition curation.

Participating Designers
Chulan KWAK
Chulan KWAK is a Seoul‑based designer whose work spans sculpture, furniture, and spatial design. Trained in craft and conceptual design (BFA, Hongik University; MA, Design Academy Eindhoven), he focuses on transforming the energy and rhythm of calligraphy into three‑dimensional form, allowing shapes to extend as if freely brushed through space.

His practice centres on the distinction between the static line and the dynamic stroke, using layered plywood and MDF to construct fluid, volumetric gestures that replace carving with assembly. Through his ongoing Cursive Structure series, KWAK turns calligraphic strokes into chairs, benches, and sculptures that capture movement, balance, and the constant transformation of nature and form.

Cynthia MAK
Cynthia MAK is an emerging Hong Kong artist and designer whose work is known for its distinctive compositional language and geometric arrangements, forming a unique abstract style. Her paintings combine colour, form, and aesthetic judgment with emotional expression, drawing viewers into a cheerful and uplifting atmosphere.

Initially drawn to art as a way to express herself beyond words, Cynthia re‑engaged with painting during the 2021 pandemic, embracing the creative control it offered and embarking on a new professional path. Her work has been shown at institutions such as the Hong Kong Museum of Art, Ginza Six in Tokyo, and Abu Dhabi Art, and she has collaborated with renowned brands including Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Isetan Shinjuku, and Hong Kong Landmark on projects that bring joy to audiences and promote a healthy lifestyle.

Exhibition Details

The 2nd MOTIFX – Embracing the Beauty of Chinese Culture
@ Home InStyle & Fashion InStyle 2026
Date: 27–30 April 2026
Time:
9:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. (Monday to Wednesday)
9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Thursday)
Venue: Booth 3CON‑001, Hall 3E South Concourse area,
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

“Cultural Fusion in Lifestyle Design: The Surreal Aesthetics of MOTIFX” Artist Panel Discussion
Date: 30 April 2026 (Thursday)
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Venue: THE RUNWAY, Halls 3FG, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
Moderator: Ms. Edith Cheung
Speaker: Mr. Michael Leung, Ms. Leona Fung, Mr. Moon Hung
Hashtag: #MOTIFX

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

About Vocational Training Council (VTC)

Established in 1982, the Vocational Training Council (VTC) is the largest vocational and professional education and training provider in Hong Kong. The mission of VTC is to provide a valued choice to school leavers and working people to acquire the values, knowledge and skills for lifelong learning and enhanced employability, and also to provide support to industries for their manpower development. VTC has 14 member institutions, namely the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi), the Institute of Professional Education And Knowledge (PEAK), the School for Higher and Professional Education (SHAPE), the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE), the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI), the Hong Kong Institute of Information Technology (HKIIT), the Hotel and Tourism Institute (HTI), the Chinese Culinary Institute (CCI), the International Culinary Institute (ICI), the Maritime Services Training Institute (MSTI), Youth College, Pro-Act by VTC, the Integrated Vocational Development Centre (IVDC) and the Shine Skills Centre.

Website: https://www.vtc.edu.hk/home/en/

About Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI)

Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI) is a member of VTC Group. HKDI was established in 2007 with the mission to be a leading provider of design education and lifelong learning, including architecture, interior and product design, communication design, digital media, and fashion and image design. With a view to providing professional designers for the creative industries, it promotes the “think and do” approach and encourages interdisciplinary synergy in its broad range of design programmes that cultivates students’ cultural sensitivities and sense of sustainability. HKDI maintains a strong network with industry and provides its students with essential practical experience. Overseas exchanges are actively arranged for students to broaden their international perspective.

Website: http://www.hkdi.edu.hk

About Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA)

The Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), formerly known as Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) since 2009, was established in June 2024. CCIDA is a dedicated office under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR Government) to provide one-stop services and support to the cultural and creative sectorswith a mission to foster a conducive environment in Hong Kong to facilitate development of the arts, culture and creative sectors as industries. CCIDA’s strategic foci are nurturing talent and facilitating start-ups, exploring markets, promoting cross-sectoral and multi-disciplinary collaboration, promoting industrialisation of the arts, culture and creative sectors under the industry-oriented principle, and fostering a creative atmosphere in the community, thereby reinforcing Hong Kong as Asia’s creative capital and our positioning as the East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.

Website: https://www.ccidahk.gov.hk/en/index.html

Disclaimer: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organisers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.

A research paper done by higher education academia indicates transition, particularly after a break from formal education, can influence students’ academic performance, particularly as they rebuild study habits and self-directed learning.

A National Transition with Growing Relevance

As Singapore continues to emphasise lifelong learning and workforce readiness, the NS-to-university transition is increasingly viewed as a critical phase in the education journey. National policies allow some flexibility, such as disruption schemes that enable eligible servicemen to begin university alongside their academic cohort. However, most students still enter university after completing NS, requiring them to re-engage with academic learning after a prolonged hiatus. This has prompted educators to call for stronger institutional support to help students bridge the gap effectively.

Supporting NS Returnees: SIM’s Student-Centric Approach

Recognising the challenges faced by students transitioning from National Service back into academic life, the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) provides a range of structured academic and student support services to facilitate reintegration. Through refresher workshop and learning support initiatives, students are introduced to university expectations, including academic writing, study strategies, and independent learning skills.

The SIM Student Learning Centre provides academic support and enriching learning experiences for all students. It is staffed by a dedicated team of senior students with strong proficiency in academic writing, who regularly conduct workshops on study skills and university life, sharing practical insights with their juniors. In addition, the Peer‑Assisted Learning (PAL) Programme, established in 2013, continues to run today. Under this programme, high‑performing students are trained as subject leaders to facilitate group learning sessions, supporting collaborative learning and helping participants improve their academic performance.

In addition, SIM provides holistic student support through its Student Wellness Centre and Student Care services, which offer counselling, stress management programmes, and peer support initiatives to help students adjust to academic and personal challenges. These services are designed to support students in managing the transition to university life and maintaining overall well-being.

Complementing its academic and personal support structures, SIM promotes a vibrant campus culture through student communities and peer networks that strengthen social integration and contribute to student resilience and success. The institution further supports employability by providing facilities and career-related resources that help students build connections and prepare for the workforce.

Together, these initiatives form a comprehensive support ecosystem that helps students returning from NS rebuild academic confidence, adapt to self-directed learning, and progress successfully in their higher education journey.

Preparing Students for Academic and Career Readiness

The transition from NS to university involves not only academic adjustment but also broader behavioural and social adaptation. By combining structured support, flexible learning pathways and applied education, SIM aims to support students in rebuilding academic confidence and sustaining long-term learning success. As Singapore continues to strengthen its education to employment pathways, supporting students through key transition phases such as NS to higher education will remain an important focus for institutions and policymakers alike.

Reference:

1. Study Habits, Skills, and Attitudes: The Third Pillar Supporting Collegiate Academic Performance – https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1111/j.1745-6924.2008.00089.x
2. LifeSG (Ministry of Defence). Managing NS and Your Studies – https://www.life.gov.sg/guides/pe/managing-ns-studies
3. Central Manpower Base (CMPB). Disruption for Further Studies – https://www.cmpb.gov.sg/before-ns/disruption-for-further-studies/
4. Richardson, M., Abraham, C., & Bond, R. (2012). Psychological correlates of university students’ academic performance: A systematic review. Psychological Bulletin. – https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/a0026838
5. SIM Learning Support – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/life-at-sim/learning-support
6. SIM Student Care – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/life-at-sim/student-care

Hashtag: #SIMGlobalEducation #SIMGE #GlobalEducation #InternationalDegree #CareerReady #FutureSkills

https://www.sim.edu.sg/

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

About SIM Global Education

SIM Global Education (SIM GE) is a leading private education institution in Singapore and the region. We offer more than 140 academic programmes ranging from diplomas and graduate diploma programmes to bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes with some of the world’s most reputable universities from Australia, Canada, Europe, United Kingdom, and the United States. SIM GE’s cohort is made up of 17,000 full- and part-time students and adult learners, of which approximately 41% are international students hailing from over 50 countries.

SIM GE’s holistic learning approach and culturally diverse learning environment aim to equip students with knowledge, industry skills and employability competencies, as well as a global perspective to succeed as future leaders in a fast-changing, technologically driven world.

For more information on SIM Global Education, visit www.sim.edu.sg

A research paper done by higher education academia indicates transition, particularly after a break from formal education, can influence students’ academic performance, particularly as they rebuild study habits and self-directed learning.

A National Transition with Growing Relevance

As Singapore continues to emphasise lifelong learning and workforce readiness, the NS-to-university transition is increasingly viewed as a critical phase in the education journey. National policies allow some flexibility, such as disruption schemes that enable eligible servicemen to begin university alongside their academic cohort. However, most students still enter university after completing NS, requiring them to re-engage with academic learning after a prolonged hiatus. This has prompted educators to call for stronger institutional support to help students bridge the gap effectively.

Supporting NS Returnees: SIM’s Student-Centric Approach

Recognising the challenges faced by students transitioning from National Service back into academic life, the Singapore Institute of Management (SIM) provides a range of structured academic and student support services to facilitate reintegration. Through refresher workshop and learning support initiatives, students are introduced to university expectations, including academic writing, study strategies, and independent learning skills.

The SIM Student Learning Centre provides academic support and enriching learning experiences for all students. It is staffed by a dedicated team of senior students with strong proficiency in academic writing, who regularly conduct workshops on study skills and university life, sharing practical insights with their juniors. In addition, the Peer‑Assisted Learning (PAL) Programme, established in 2013, continues to run today. Under this programme, high‑performing students are trained as subject leaders to facilitate group learning sessions, supporting collaborative learning and helping participants improve their academic performance.

In addition, SIM provides holistic student support through its Student Wellness Centre and Student Care services, which offer counselling, stress management programmes, and peer support initiatives to help students adjust to academic and personal challenges. These services are designed to support students in managing the transition to university life and maintaining overall well-being.

Complementing its academic and personal support structures, SIM promotes a vibrant campus culture through student communities and peer networks that strengthen social integration and contribute to student resilience and success. The institution further supports employability by providing facilities and career-related resources that help students build connections and prepare for the workforce.

Together, these initiatives form a comprehensive support ecosystem that helps students returning from NS rebuild academic confidence, adapt to self-directed learning, and progress successfully in their higher education journey.

Preparing Students for Academic and Career Readiness

The transition from NS to university involves not only academic adjustment but also broader behavioural and social adaptation. By combining structured support, flexible learning pathways and applied education, SIM aims to support students in rebuilding academic confidence and sustaining long-term learning success. As Singapore continues to strengthen its education to employment pathways, supporting students through key transition phases such as NS to higher education will remain an important focus for institutions and policymakers alike.

Reference:

1. Study Habits, Skills, and Attitudes: The Third Pillar Supporting Collegiate Academic Performance – https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1111/j.1745-6924.2008.00089.x
2. LifeSG (Ministry of Defence). Managing NS and Your Studies – https://www.life.gov.sg/guides/pe/managing-ns-studies
3. Central Manpower Base (CMPB). Disruption for Further Studies – https://www.cmpb.gov.sg/before-ns/disruption-for-further-studies/
4. Richardson, M., Abraham, C., & Bond, R. (2012). Psychological correlates of university students’ academic performance: A systematic review. Psychological Bulletin. – https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/a0026838
5. SIM Learning Support – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/life-at-sim/learning-support
6. SIM Student Care – https://www.sim.edu.sg/degrees-diplomas/life-at-sim/student-care

Hashtag: #SIMGlobalEducation #SIMGE #GlobalEducation #InternationalDegree #CareerReady #FutureSkills

https://www.sim.edu.sg/

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

About SIM Global Education

SIM Global Education (SIM GE) is a leading private education institution in Singapore and the region. We offer more than 140 academic programmes ranging from diplomas and graduate diploma programmes to bachelor’s and master’s degree programmes with some of the world’s most reputable universities from Australia, Canada, Europe, United Kingdom, and the United States. SIM GE’s cohort is made up of 17,000 full- and part-time students and adult learners, of which approximately 41% are international students hailing from over 50 countries.

SIM GE’s holistic learning approach and culturally diverse learning environment aim to equip students with knowledge, industry skills and employability competencies, as well as a global perspective to succeed as future leaders in a fast-changing, technologically driven world.

For more information on SIM Global Education, visit www.sim.edu.sg

30,000 sq ft of luxury office suites and meeting facilities now open across levels 22–23 of the City’s newest landmark tower

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – Media OutReach Newswire – 28 April 2026 – The Work Project (TWP), the global luxury workspace provider backed by CapitaLand, has opened its first UK location at One Leadenhall, bringing 30,000 sq ft of premium coworking and flexible workspace to Central London, in the heart of the Square Mile.

Occupying levels 22 and 23 of Brookfield Properties’ landmark tower at 1 Leadenhall Street, TWP’s Leadenhall coworking office offers 360-degree, unrestricted panoramic views across the London skyline. The fit-out, by Sydney-based boutique practice Farago Han Studio, draws on the heritage of the adjacent Grade II*-listed Leadenhall Market, interpreting its Queen Anne Revival architecture in a contemporary register across arrival galleries, private lounges, and bespoke office suites. Abundant natural light across both floors is a consistent feature, by design rather than by coincidence.

The location places members at the centre of the City’s established financial cluster. For firms working in London’s CBD, Liverpool Street, Bank, and Monument stations are all within easy walking distance, as is the retail and dining offer of Leadenhall Market itself. Lloyd’s of London, Aon, and Willis Towers Watson are among the major institutions in the immediate vicinity.

Workspace Options and Facilities

Standard Offices accommodate teams of 5 to 20, while Enterprise Offices serve teams of 20 or more. A Standard Office will also provide access to shared meeting rooms and phonebooths in the common area, whereas Enterprise Offices come with dedicated meeting rooms and phonebooths within the office suite.

Both formats including client branding opportunities at their office entrance wall for a personalised experience upon arrival.

Across the two floors of the Leadenhall Street offices, members have access to a business lounge, fully equipped meeting rooms bookable on an hourly or daily basis, a dedicated corporate event space, reception and secretarial services, private phone booths, and a pantry. The membership also includes global access across TWP’s portfolio of 20 locations in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Australia, alongside a programme of networking and community events and a member perks scheme. Premium dining and retail options are available within One Leadenhall itself, in addition to the broader offer of the surrounding area.

Junny Lee, Founder and CEO of The Work Project, said: “One Leadenhall was always our intended starting point in London, with the intent to create an office environment that sets the bar for premium flexible workspaces in the City of London. The organisations we have attracted since January reflect exactly who this space was designed for: established businesses that want the address, the environment, and the service standard to match their own client expectations.”

Early Take-Up and UK Expansion

Since opening in January 2026, the space has reached 60% occupancy, with take-up concentrated among firms in insurance, banking, private equity, and technology.

The One Leadenhall opening is the first step in a broader UK rollout. TWP is targeting a portfolio of approximately 400,000 sq ft across the City and West End by 2030, expanding its offer for businesses working across London’s CBD and beyond, with further locations in similarly prestigious buildings planned.

Organisations seeking premium coworking space in Central London can arrange a tour through TWP’s sales team at sales.uk@theworkproject.com or via WhatsApp on 07377 991499.
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About The Work Project

The Work Project (TWP) is a leading provider of flexible workspaces designed to empower businesses and enhance productivity. TWP creates beautifully crafted modern spaces that are flexible, modular, and customizable to meet the unique needs of each client. By prioritising client branding, expansion capabilities, and individual work cultures, TWP ensures that every workspace becomes an extension of the company it serves.