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HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 4 December 2025 - Despite persistent global headwinds and trade tensions, Hong Kong's financial ecosystem remains a cornerstone of economic resilience, according to the findings of CPA Australia's Hong Kong Business Sentiment Survey. (from left to right) Mr Cliff Ip, Divisional Councillor of CPA Australia 2025 in Greater China; Mr Cyrus Cheung, Divisional Deputy President of CPA Australia 2025 in Greater China; Ms Karina Wong Divisional President of CPA Australia 2025 in Greater China; Mr Kelvin Leung, Divisional Deputy President of CPA Australia 2025 in Greater China The survey of accounting and finance professionals underscores the critical role of capital market strength and financial connectivity in maintaining the city's international competitiveness. Building on this year's solid economic growth, 63 per cent of respondents anticipate the economy will continue to expand steadily in the coming year. They are most likely to cite a competitive tax system (39 per cent), robust capital market (30 per cent) and the Chinese mainland's economic performance (24 per cent) as the main drivers of growth. However, respondents identified high living costs (28 per cent), a weakening global economy (27 per cent) and slowing mainland growth (26 per cent) as the biggest expected challenges for Hong Kong's economy and businesses in 2026. Further, property price forecasts for next year are subdued, with more than three-fifths expecting retail, industrial and office prices to decline, while residential outlook is somewhat better, but still mixed. Encouragingly, 42 per cent rate the city's international competitiveness as extremely high or fairly high. Hong Kong's IPO market staged a remarkable rebound this year, reclaiming its position as the world's top fundraising hub by the third quarter. Looking ahead, 66 per cent of respondents expect IPO activity to rise further in 2026. 'Enhancing Hong Kong's financial connectivity with other regions' were cited by 22 per cent of respondents as the most beneficial government policy for their organisation next year, followed closely by China's 'Going Out' strategy (21 per cent). Ms Karina Wong, CPA Australia's Greater China Divisional President for 2025, said: "Hong Kong's capital market is a vital engine for the city's economic growth and a key differentiator in sustaining global competitiveness. Amid geopolitical tensions and external volatility, Hong Kong is considered as a safe haven for international investors and businesses to manage their assets and diversify risks. "Our survey shows that enhancing financial connectivity with other regions is the policy most likely to have the greatest impact on business growth next year. To maintain this edge, the Hong Kong government and regulators should consider implementing an IPO Connect scheme to allow Mainland investors to participate in Hong Kong IPOs, attract more family offices to boost liquidity and retain wealth in the city, and streamline the listing process for Mainland companies. They should also keep building connections with overseas financial markets and attracting global investors to the city." Trade tensions continue to weigh heavily on business sentiment, with 51 per cent reporting it having negative impacts on their company's performance in 2025. Further, the proportion citing it as a key business concern in the next year has more than doubled from 9 per cent last survey to 20 per cent for 2026. Hong Kong companies have responded proactively to this challenge, with 24 per cent relocating or restructuring their operations, 20 per cent expanding into new markets and 19 per cent conducting risk assessments. Expansion strategies are increasingly focused on domestic (32 per cent) and Chinese mainland markets (46 per cent). Revenue expectations are more conservative for next year, with 39 per cent of respondents forecasting their company's revenue will grow in 2026, down from 51 per cent in 2025, while 37 per cent expect it to remain stable. Competitive pressures are intensifying, with 29 per cent citing it as their top challenge, up from 19 per cent. Cost management (43 per cent) remains the leading strategic priority for surveyed companies for the third consecutive year. Ms Wong said: "Companies are adopting a more cautious approach for 2026 in response to heightened external volatility. While uncertainties persist, Hong Kong continues to offer many promising opportunities, such as a buoyant stock market, a revitalised tourism sector and many successful mega-events. Many organisations are prioritising local prospects as a prudent strategy. "Strengthening the city's position as the premier gateway for Chinese enterprises under the Mainland's 'Going Out' strategy will reinforce its role as a unique connector to global markets. At the same time, supporting SMEs adopt AI-driven tools to improve productivity and cost management will ensure businesses remain agile and competitive. "Companies should leverage opportunities from China's 'Going Out' strategy, seek professional advice to manage financing and borrowing costs and innovate to generate new customer demand. Reducing operating costs through outsourcing non-core functions and tapping into government support schemes to diversify into new markets will be essential for navigating 2026." The survey was conducted from 22 October to 21 November 2025, capturing insights from 296 accounting and finance professionals across diverse industries. More than half of respondents are executives and managers, with representation from firms of all sizes. Hashtag: #CPAAustraliaThe issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.About CPA AustraliaCPA Australia is one of the largest professional accounting bodies in the world, with nearly 175,000 members in over 100 countries and regions, including more than 22,500 members in Greater China. CPA Australia is celebrating its 70th anniversary in Hong Kong this year. Our core services include education, training, technical support and advocacy. CPA Australia provides thought leadership on issues affecting the accounting profession and the public interest. We engage with governments, regulators and industries to advocate policies that stimulate sustainable economic growth and have positive business and public outcomes. Find out more at cpaaustralia.com.au
SYDNEY, Dec. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- X-Design, the AI branding platform built specifically for the brick-and-mortar economy, today announced it has achieved the #1 Product of the Day on Product Hunt. This milestone marks the launch of its new AI Agent, an autonomous design partner that enables cafés, fitness studios, and service providers to build and maintain a consistent, professional brand identity in minutes. While many AI tools focus on isolated tasks, X-Design's AI Agent creates a unified workflow powered by long-term contextual memory. It serves as an always-on brand manager, ensuring that everything from a shop's logo to its Instagram posts retains the brand's unique "Visual DNA" without requiring users to repeat themselves. Solving the "Visual Consistency" Struggle for SMBsBuilt on insights from over 500 beta users in retail, F&B, and wellness sectors, the Agent addresses the biggest challenge for small businesses: fragmentation. "Small business owners wear every hat, but 'Chief Design Officer' shouldn't have to be one of them," said Elvis, Founder of X-Design. "Reaching No. 1 on Product Hunt validates our belief that branding should be accessible to everyone. We aren't just generating logos; we are giving local shops a partner that remembers their specific style, tone, and preferences, effectively eliminating the need to 'brief' the designer every time they need a new asset." Key Capabilities Powering the Win1. A Full Brand System in Under 10 MinutesInstead of piecing together designs from different tools, users can chat with the AI Agent to generate a complete identity system, including unique logos, color palettes, and typography, in a single conversation. The AI instantly visualizes these elements on real-world mockups like storefront signage and packaging. In beta testing, this streamlined workflow allowed 92% of users to finalize a production-ready brand identity within just 10 minutes.2. The "Always-On" Brand ManagerOnce a brand is established, the Agent automatically saves all assets into a dynamic Brand Kit. This ensures that when a user requests a new asset, such as a holiday promo poster or a menu update, the system generates designs that strictly follow the stored brand guidelines without needing fresh instructions. This automated consistency helped beta users achieve 35% higher visual coherence across their marketing materials.3. Real-World Ready OutputAddressing the specific needs of physical businesses, the Agent produces files formatted for both digital screens and physical print. Whether users need menus, flyers, event signage, or promo cards, the output supports high-resolution formats (including SVG) ready for local print shops, eliminating the need for format conversion.4. AI Photography That Elevates SalesThe platform transforms everyday snapshots into professional marketing assets. With a simple command like "turn this into a studio-quality product photo," the AI enhances lighting, composition, and places products in realistic, on-brand environments. These high-quality visuals are optimized for Instagram, Google Maps, and digital displays, driving up to 41% higher engagement on product posts during early access. Pricing and AvailabilityX-Design is available worldwide at https://www.x-design.com/. The platform offers:1) Free Plan: Essential features for new businesses.2) Pro Plan:Full AI access, unlimited brand assets, and high-res downloads.3) Enterprise Plan: Custom solutions for larger teams. About X-DesignX-Design empowers the heart of the local economy—small businesses—to compete visually with major chains. By combining generative AI with professional design principles, X-Design helps independent sellers create and apply cohesive visual identities across all touchpoints without the complexity or cost of traditional agencies. Press & Partnership ContactEmail: info@x-design.com Website: https://www.x-design.com
SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 3 December 2025 - The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) is taking a major step forward in its internationalisation journey with two new strategic partnerships aimed at expanding the pipeline of CA (Singapore)-qualified talent and supporting Singapore companies growing their presence overseas. As global businesses increasingly operate across borders, the demand for accountants with international expertise, mobility and cultural fluency continues to rise. ISCA is responding proactively by strengthening collaboration with Jiangsu, one of China's most dynamic economic regions, to co-develop talent, elevate professional standards, and deepen industry-education integration. The partnerships were formalised on 3 December 2025 at the 19th Singapore–Jiangsu Cooperation Council Meeting in Nanjing, co-chaired by Mr Liu Xiaotao, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Jiangsu Provincial Committee and Governor of Jiangsu Province, and Ms Indranee Rajah, Singapore's Minister in the Prime Minister's Office and Second Minister for Finance and National Development. These agreements position both regions to jointly address the growing need for skilled accountants who can support companies' overseas expansion, strengthen cross-border governance, and operate confidently in global business environments. MOU with Jiangsu Institute of Certified Public Accountants (JICPA) The MOU between ISCA and JICPA marks a strategic milestone in bilateral cooperation. Both organisations will collaborate in the following key areas: professional exchange, talent development, members services and business expansion. This collaboration enhances both regions' ability to develop globally competent accountants who can support multinational and regional operations, including Singapore companies expanding into China and Chinese companies setting up in Singapore. Mr Li Zailin, President of JICPA said: "The signing of this MOU is a landmark in accountancy cooperation between Jiangsu and Singapore. Singapore's deep experience in accounting standards, regulation, and professional services complements Jiangsu's vibrant and rapidly growing accountancy sector. Through this partnership, we will strengthen professional exchange, develop global-ready talent, support member firms in cross-border development, and enhance the international competitiveness of our accounting firms." Academic Partnership with Nanjing Audit University (NAU) In addition, ISCA also signed an MOU with NAU, establishing a strong foundation for the development of accountancy talent and industry advancement. The areas of collaboration include resource-sharing, curriculum collaboration, ISCA qualification pathways, continuous professional development and student membership benefits. This strengthens the flow of international talent into Singapore's professional ecosystem and supports regional business needs for accountants with robust cross-border competencies. Professor Li Qianwen, Member of the Party Committee & Vice President, Nanjing Audit University said: "In this era of internationalised higher education, NAU remains committed to openness and collaboration. ISCA is widely respected in the global accounting community, and this partnership creates a strong bridge for our students to step onto the international stage. We look forward to leveraging our complementary strengths, co-developing innovative training models, and providing comprehensive career development support as our students prepare to enter the global professional arena." The signing ceremonies and collaborations at this year's Singapore–Jiangsu Cooperation Council Meeting mark a new chapter in professional exchange, talent cultivation, and business development between both regions. With sustained efforts from all parties, the accountancy sectors of Singapore and Jiangsu are poised to reach new heights of growth and prosperity. ISCA President Mr Teo Ser Luck said: "In a rapidly globalising world, strong international partnerships are vital for our profession. Our partnerships with JICPA and NAU strengthen our international talent pipeline and deepen Singapore's connectivity with one of China's most dynamic regions. By working closely together, we can develop global-ready accountants, uplift professional standards, and support Singapore companies as they grow overseas. This is an important step in ISCA's journey as a globally recognised professional body, and we look forward to advancing innovation and economic progress together." ISCA's efforts to expand its international networks are already supporting Singapore companies anchoring their presence in China. Mr Michael Chen, CEO of BIPO said: "With ISCA's introduction, BIPO has successfully registered on Nanjing Eco-Tech Island. This will allow us to better support Singapore and regional companies entering China with one-stop HR solutions, from talent recruitment to compliance. With ISCA's continued support, we are confident of growing our presence and helping more companies succeed in the Chinese market." Hashtag: #ISCA #JICPA #NAU #MOU #Accountancy #SCAQThe 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 with around 43,000 ISCA members making their stride in businesses across industries in Singapore and around the world. ISCA members can be found in over 40 countries and members based out of Singapore are supported through 12 overseas chapters in 10 countries. Established in 1963, ISCA is an advocate of the interests of the profession. Complementing its global mindset with Asian insights, ISCA leverages its regional expertise, knowledge, and networks with diverse stakeholders to contribute towards the advancement of the accountancy profession. ISCA administers the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification programme and is the Designated Entity to confer the Chartered Accountant of Singapore – CA (Singapore) – designation. ISCA is a member of Chartered Accountants Worldwide, a global family that brings together the members of leading institutes to create a community of over 1.8 million Chartered Accountants and students in more than 190 countries. For more information, visit www.isca.org.sg.
Strong adoption of AI tools among Singapore businesses Current cybersecurity readiness can be enhanced High AI adoption boosts productivity, but human oversight is essential SINGAPORE, Dec. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Singapore businesses are rapidly embracing digital transformation, with strong uptake of artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics tools, but continue to lag in cybersecurity maturity, according to the latest survey by global professional accounting body CPA Australia. Technology adoption for businesses in Singapore in 2025. The annual Business Technology Survey found that 95 per cent of businesses in Singapore use data analytics and visualisation software such as Python, Power BI and Excel, slightly above the survey average of 93 per cent. Artificial Intelligence (AI) adoption follows closely at 92 per cent, also ahead of the survey average of 89 per cent. Nearly one in five organisations in Singapore have deeply embedded AI across their business operations, positioning Singapore as a front-runner in strategic AI use. However, the most common form of AI use remains ad-hoc and occasional adoption, reported by 44 per cent of organisations. This typically involves deploying readily available AI tools such as ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini, and using AI assistants embedded in productivity platforms such as Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. CPA Australia Singapore Divisional President, and Digital Business and Risk Services Leader at PwC Singapore, Greg Unsworth, said: "Singapore's strong foothold in AI reflects the nation's continued push towards digital transformation and operational excellence. However, businesses must move beyond experimentation and strategically integrate AI across functions to unlock its full value." Despite the strong digital adoption, Singapore's cybersecurity maturity remains a key vulnerability. Only 23 per cent of businesses have fully integrated cybersecurity into their business strategy and operations, below the survey average of 28 per cent. Further, 69 per cent of businesses report using cybersecurity software, trailing the survey average of 81 per cent. This presents a deep concern as organisations may be exposed to increased risk as they expand their digital footprints. The survey revealed that 17 per cent of organisations take a reactive approach to cyber threats, only responding to threats as they arise rather than through structured prevention. Additionally, 11 per cent are unsure how cybersecurity is managed internally, pointing to gaps in governance and communication. "Cybersecurity must be a strategic priority as digital adoption accelerates," Mr Unsworth said. "The rise of AI-enabled threats, from sophisticated phishing to deepfake impersonation, makes it critical for businesses to strengthen their cyber resilience. Trust must be earned and reinforced through every digital interaction." Respondents highlighted the notable benefits from AI adoption. Over the past year, Singapore businesses have leveraged technology to streamline workflows, automate repetitive tasks, and enabled greater speed and precision in decision-making. These gains have translated into better employee experiences, with staff spending less time on mundane tasks and more time on higher-value tasks. At the same time, customer experience has improved as organisations use AI to deliver more personalised, responsive and data-informed services. However, these benefits are accompanied by challenges. Growing reliance on AI raises concerns around human oversight and accountability, especially in decisions requiring judgement or ethical considerations. Some organisations are experiencing job displacement in routine or entry-level roles, and many continue to struggle with integrating AI into legacy systems. Cultural and organisational barriers, such as resistance to change and limited staff buy-in and lack of understanding and trust in AI technologies, also hinder adoption. These issues are compounded by high implementation costs, uncertain returns on investment, limited digital literacy among senior leaders, a shortage of technology talent, and intensifying data privacy and security concerns. Despite these hurdles, AI remains essential for businesses looking to stay competitive. CPA Australia member and Director & Head of OCISO, APJ for Google Cloud, Daryl Pereira said: "AI's potential is transformative, yet it remains a powerful co-worker, not a replacement for human ingenuity. As businesses accelerate AI adoption, they must be deliberate in preserving and elevating valuable human skills. The shift requires organisational leadership to proactively rethink roles, redesign workflows, and invest heavily in continuous learning. By prioritising upskilling and fostering cross-functional collaboration, companies can maintain a competitive edge and empower their teams to innovate responsibly." As Singapore continues to lead in digital adoption, investing in cybersecurity maturity and fostering a culture of responsible innovation, businesses can unlock the full potential of AI and data to drive sustainable growth and global competitiveness. About the survey CPA Australia's 5th annual Business Technology Survey was conducted between July and September 2025. It explores business technology trends across various sectors, business sizes and markets. The survey received responses from 1,117 accounting and finance professionals working in different markets, including Australia, Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR, Malaysia and Singapore. 44 per cent of respondents worked in companies with 500 or more employees, 29 per cent in companies with 50 to 499 employees and 28 per cent in companies with fewer than 50 employees. About CPA Australia CPA Australia is one of the largest professional accounting bodies in the world, with more than 175,000 members in over 100 countries and regions, including more than 8,600 members in Singapore. CPA Australia has been operating in Singapore since 1954 and opened our Singapore office in 1989. Our core services include education, training, technical support and advocacy. CPA Australia provides thought leadership on issues affecting the accounting profession and public interest Find out more at cpaaustralia.com.au
Weak cybersecurity strategies leave businesses exposed Businesses must prioritise strengthening leadership technology capabilities AI challenge is to balance efficiency gains and preserve human expertise KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA - Media OutReach Newswire - 27 November 2025 - Malaysian businesses are rapidly adopting AI and data analytics, but weak cybersecurity strategies are leaving them exposed to growing digital threats, according to CPA Australia's latest Business Technology Survey. While 87 per cent of businesses use data analytics and visualisation tools and 85 per cent have adopted AI, only 18 per cent have fully embedded cybersecurity into their operational strategy, well below the survey average of 28 per cent. Of concern, 17 per cent of Malaysian businesses react to cyber threats only as they occur, and 19 per cent are unaware or unsure how cybersecurity is managed by their employer. "With AI reshaping the business landscape, businesses must embed clear processes to protect their digital assets into their core business strategy," Priya Terumalay, CPA Australia's Regional Head for Southeast Asia, said. "Structured prevention and detailed oversight are critical as AI-generated scams, deepfake impersonations and highly targeted phishing attacks become more prevalent." Despite strong uptake of AI tools, deep integration into business operations remains low at just 11 per cent, compared with the survey average of 16 per cent. Most businesses use AI tools occasionally and rely on readily available tools such as ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot, or built-in AI assistants. Those businesses using AI find it is already delivering benefits, especially increased productivity, improved employee experience -– such as reducing routine tasks and enabling focus on strategic priorities -– and improved accuracy and efficiency of repetitive tasks. Survey respondents cited high implementation costs, limited technology literacy within boards and senior management and tech talent shortages as key barriers to technology adoption. "Malaysian businesses should prioritise strengthening the technology capabilities of senior leadership. While our survey shows that Malaysia is not far behind leading countries in digital adoption, without a clearer tone at the top, the nation could fall further behind regional and global competitors in digital maturity," Priya said. The Malaysian government is committed to positioning the country as an AI-driven economy, with the AI Technology Action Plan 2026-2030 set to be tabled in Parliament in December. Against this backdrop, Priya emphasised: "The growing maturity of technologies such as AI is accelerating business transformation. AI tools are streamlining repetitive tasks and boosting productivity across organisations. "Though the potential of AI is immense, it is not a substitute for human ingenuity. As adoption increases, businesses must strike a balance between leveraging technological advancements while preserving and making better use of human expertise. "As AI reshapes various industries and tasks, its true impact is yet to be determined, with the possibilities, risks, challenges and opportunities still being debated and discovered." About the survey CPA Australia's 5th annual Business Technology Survey was conducted between July and September 2025. It explores business technology trends across various sectors, business sizes and markets. The survey received responses from 1,117 accounting and finance professionals working in different markets, including Australia, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Singapore. 44 per cent of respondents worked in companies with 500 or more employees, 29 per cent in companies with 50 to 499 employees and 28 per cent in companies with fewer than 50 employees Hashtag: #BusinessTehnology #CPAAustralia #MalaysiaBusinesseshttps://www.cpaaustralia.com.auhttps://www.linkedin.com/school/cpaaustraliahttps://www.facebook.com/cpaaustraliahttps://www.instagram.com/cpaaustralia/https://www.tiktok.com/@cpaaustraliaThe issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.About CPA AustraliaCPA Australia is one of the world's largest professional accounting bodies, with more than 175,000 members in over 100 countries and regions, including more than 21,000 members in Southeast Asia where CPA Australia has been involved for over 70 years. With offices in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam, we are the largest Australian accounting body in the region providing education, training, technical support and advocacy. CPA Australia provides thought leadership on issues affecting the accounting profession and the public interest. We engage with governments, regulators and industries to advocate policies that stimulate sustainable economic growth and have positive business and public outcomes. Find out more at cpaaustralia.com.au.
100% network coverage, ultra-low 5ms latency, and connectivity to 99% of local ISPs ensure seamless market entry for global businesses. SINGAPORE, Nov. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CDNetworks, the APAC-leading network to deliver edge as a service, is empowering businesses to deliver ultra-low-latency, reliable experiences to users in the Middle East. With PoPs strategically located in 12 cities across the region, CDNetworks plans to expand its network further. The Middle East, particularly the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, is rapidly emerging as a hub for technological innovation. Across sectors like e-commerce, media streaming, and gaming, businesses are facing rising user expectations for instant and reliable experiences. However, obstacles such as cross-border network congestion continue to hinder growth for global businesses. CDNetworks is helping businesses overcome these barriers through its deep regional expertise and cutting-edge technology, including: 100% network coverage across the Middle East Comprehensive security and acceleration solutions Connectivity to 99% of local ISPs, with latency as low as 5ms 24/7 support and services tailored to local needs These capabilities have already proven transformative for organizations entering the Middle East market. One leading local services app, which struggled with performance issues, saw latency reduced by 50% on average after adopting CDNetworks' solutions. Over the busy Eid al-Fitr period, the app handled nearly 2 billion requests with zero downtime. With this level of reliability, the app was able to scale its service from one city to major hubs across the Gulf. "The Middle East region, with its fast-growing, innovation-driven economies, represents tremendous growth potential," said Antony Li, APAC Head of Sales at CDNetworks. "By combining our regional expertise, robust infrastructure, and advanced solutions, we aim to empower businesses to scale with confidence in this dynamic market." Looking ahead, CDNetworks remains committed to supporting the Middle East's digital transformation. Beyond the region, it has also achieved complete network coverage in key emerging markets, including Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Africa. About CDNetworks As the APAC-leading network with over 2,800 global PoPs and over 20 years of technology experience, CDNetworks delivers the fastest and most secure digital experiences to end users. Our diverse products and services include web performance, media delivery, cloud security, edge computing, zero-trust security, and colocation services — all designed to spur business innovation. To learn more, visit cdnetworks.com and follow us on LinkedIn.
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