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Asia’s Economic Rewiring and the Rise of Future Business Leaders

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HKUST MBA prepares leaders for innovation, inclusion, and leadership in a fast growing region

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 14 October 2025 – The MBA has faced its share of skepticism in recent years, with some questioning whether it still holds relevance in today’s fast-changing world. At the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), the answer is clear: it does— when it evolves. As Asia steps into a new era of economic leadership and traditional education models in the West face growing pressure, HKUST has reshaped its MBA to meet the moment. The program is now more inclusive, tailored for the fast-growing Asia region, more flexible, and more connected to innovation and global networks than ever before.

The HKUST MBA Full-Time Class of 2026 reflects this transformation. With 59% female representation, the program signals a new generation of inclusive leadership across the region. Students come not only from traditional business backgrounds but also from journalism, education, government, and the social sector—underscoring HKUST’s commitment to professional diversity and public impact. A dedicated Social Sector award supports high- potential applicants from not-for-profits, NGOs, government, or social enterprises.

Asia’s economic trajectory is central to HKUST’s vision. For example, China’s per capita GDP* reached $13,390 in 2023, with Forecasters expecting GDP to double by 2035 to double by 2035. Indonesia, with its young and fast-growing population, is emerging as a regional powerhouse.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong continues to serve as a vital hub for trade, finance, and innovation across Asia. HKUST’s MBA curriculum is designed to align with these shifts, offering electives such as Practical AI for Business, Winning Strategies in the Digital World, Chinese Tech Strategy in the Global AI Era, and Doing Tech in Asia and China. The program’s flexible structure allows students to personalize their learning by choosing among an extensive selection of elective courses, while the MBA audit program enables alumni to continue their lifelong learning.

While HKUST has long been recognized as a business research powerhouse, what’s less well known is how its faculty integrate practical insight with academic rigor. Approximately two- thirds of HKUST’s MBA courses are taught by faculty with significant business and industry experience. Many others have consulted on challenging topics with corporations and government organizations.

“Asia’s business landscape is evolving at breakneck speed, and theoretical knowledge alone won’t cut it,” said Professor Paul Kitney, Professor of Business Practice at HKUST. “With over three decades in central banking, investment strategy, and hedge fund management, I’ve seen firsthand how markets reward those who can bridge insight with execution. At HKUST, we challenge MBA students to think like economists, act like strategists, and lead like entrepreneurs—equipping them to navigate complexity with clarity and confidence.”

International exposure remains a cornerstone of the HKUST MBA experience. Over 200 students participated in global study programs last year, while the school welcomed 195 visiting students from partner institutions—a 42% increase from the previous year. HKUST now partners with 80 leading institutions worldwide, including recent additions in Japan, Germany, South Korea, France, and Austria. The Executive Exchange series brings global business insights directly to campus, with recent speakers including the Non-Executive Chairman of HSBC Hong Kong, the CEO of Cathay Group (owner of Cathay Pacific Airways), the Chairman of Schneider Electric, and the CEO of Bain & Company.

Innovation is deeply embedded across the program, with cross-campus collaboration driving new opportunities. HKUST’s Unicorn Day connects students with Asia’s most promising startups, while the university’s Entrepreneurship Center offers hands-on support for venture creation and growth. During the recent Unicorn Day, several HKUST MBA startups—ranging from high-tech building materials to AI-enabled healthcare—pitched to investors.

As new industries reshape the region’s economy, the need for innovative, inclusive, and practical business leadership has never been greater,” said Professor Stephen Shih, Associate Dean of the HKUST MBA Programs. “Our students are immersed in a curriculum that reflects Asia’s economic dynamism and prepares them to lead with purpose.”

David Carreno Cerrillo (HKUST MBA Intake 2020) from Spain chose Asia over Europe or North America for a reason. “Asia is one of the world’s most important and rapidly growing areas. In some industries, it is no longer a region where companies simply offer their products and services, but an area in which innovation is happening and where the most well-known companies are based,” he explains. “Companies such as Tencent, Alibaba, and Huawei are clear examples of this trend—and that’s only considering China. The spectrum is wider if we include Korea, Japan, and Taiwan.”

He adds, “The growth that the continent is experiencing made me decide to pursue my MBA in Asia, where I can gain a competitive edge in the labor market thanks to the cultural and operating knowledge acquired through being there.”

For Carmen Chan (HKUST MBA Intake 2024), choosing Hong Kong was about embracing change. “I got a sense of ‘itchy feet’ and wanted a change of scene,” she recalls, describing her decision to leave the UK for Hong Kong. The city’s magnetic appeal lies in its unique blend of East-meets-West culture. From its renowned culinary scene to abundant hiking trails, Hong Kong offered the perfect backdrop for both professional growth and personal adventure.

With a diverse student body, a curriculum aligned with Asia’s future, and a global network of partners and practitioners, the HKUST MBA is preparing the leaders who will define tomorrow.

*See, for example, China’s Economic Transition – Debt, Demography, Deglobalization, and Scenarios for 2035 by Dinny McMahon, Andrew Polk

Hashtag: #HKUST #MBA

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Cyber and Supply Chain Risks Reshaping Japan’s Business Landscape, Aon Survey

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  • “Geopolitical Volatility” is a top five current and future risk, highlighting the growing instability across the region
  • 83 Percent of Firms Report Rising Insurable Risk Costs

TOKYO, JAPAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 February 2026 – Aon plc (NYSE: AON), a leading global professional services firm, has released the Japan findings of its 2025 Global Risk Management Survey. The survey reveals that Japanese businesses are navigating a complex landscape marked by persistent cyber threats, supply chain disruptions and weather/natural disasters. The survey, which gathered insights from nearly 3,000 risk managers, C-suite leaders and executives across 63 countries, highlights the unique risks Japan businesses are facing amid global disruption.

Japan’s Top Risks:

“Cyber Attacks/Data Breach” remains the top risk for Japanese businesses, consistent with global trends. “Supply chain or distribution failure” ranks second, as extreme weather events and mounting geopolitical volatility including shifting trade policies force companies to reassess their supply chains. In addition, “Product Liability/Recall” and “Exchange Rate Fluctuation” pose significant risks, reflecting the country’s manufacturing strength and exposure to global market volatility. Notably, 63.6 percent of Japanese respondents reported losses due to product liability or recall issues and 47.6 percent cited losses from exchange rate fluctuations.

Tatsuya Yamamoto, CEO of Japan at Aon, said, “Japanese organisations are operating in an environment of unprecedented complexity. Cyber, weather and geopolitical risks continue to be acute challenges for Japan businesses, underscoring the need for robust risk management frameworks and agile strategies. As market trends shift and competition intensifies, vigilance and adaptability will be key. The interconnectedness of risks – where a cyber attack can disrupt supply chains or geopolitical volatility can trigger regulatory changes – demands a holistic, proactive approach to resilience.”

2025 Top 10 Business Risks in Japan

  1. Cyber Attacks/Data Breach
  2. Supply Chain or Distribution Failure
  3. Weather/Natural Disasters
  4. Geopolitical Volatility
  5. Business Interruption
  6. Economic Slowdown/Slow Recovery
  7. Exchange Rate Fluctuation
  8. Commodity Price Risk/Scarcity of Materials
  9. Product Liability/Recall
  10. Failure to Attract or Retain Top Talent

Risk Management: Formalisation and Focus on Insurable Risks

Japanese organisations demonstrate a strong commitment to risk management, with 74.7 percent having a formal risk management and insurance department, compared to 68.4 percent globally. Additionally, 75.3 percent measure the total cost of insurable risk and 83.3 percent report that these costs are increasing. While risk awareness is rising, most organisations have yet to quantify their exposures or leverage advanced analytics.

Japanese Businesses Risk Management Assessments for Top Three Risks

For “Cyber Attacks/Data Breaches”:

  1. 27.2 percent have assessed the risk
  2. 12.6 percent have developed continuity plans
  3. 22.3 Percent have risk management plans

For “Supply Chain or Distribution Failure”:

  1. 25 percent have assessed the risk
  2. 20 percent have developed continuity plans
  3. 26.7 Percent have risk management plans

For “Weather/Natural Disasters”:

  1. 24.1 percent have assessed the risk
  2. 22.4 percent have developed continuity plans
  3. 13.8 percent have risk management plans

Future Risks: Rapidly Changing Market Trends and Geopolitical Volatility

Looking ahead, Japanese organisations expect “Weather/Natural Disasters” and “Geopolitical Volatility” to remain critical risks, alongside “Rapidly Changing Market Trends,” which is more prominent in Japan than globally. This highlights the country’s exposure to climate events and evolving consumer preferences.

Japan’s Top Five Future Business Risks by 2028:

  1. Cyber Attacks/Data Breach
  2. Weather/Natural Disasters
  3. Geopolitical Volatility
  4. Rapidly Changing Market Trends
  5. Increasing Competition

Shinichi Kandatsu, head of Commercial Risk Solutions for Japan at Aon, said, “Cyber and weather-related risks continue to lead the rankings as top concerns for Japanese businesses today and in the future, with geopolitical volatility also ranking among the top five risks across both periods. This trend reflects the growing instability across the region, with implications for supply chains, regulatory environments and financial performance. In today’s fast-moving market, leveraging advanced data analytics is essential for businesses to anticipate emerging risks, optimise risk capital and build resilience. The findings from Aon’s Global Risk Management Survey provide Japanese businesses with actionable information to benchmark their risk strategies and identify areas for improvement.”

To access the full report and explore how Aon is helping clients navigate today’s disruption dynamic, visit Global Risk Management Survey Japan

Hashtag: #Aon

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About Aon

Aon plc (NYSE: AON) exists to shape decisions for the better — to protect and enrich the lives of people around the world. Through actionable analytic insight, globally integrated Risk Capital and Human Capital expertise, and locally relevant solutions, our colleagues provide clients in over 120 countries with the clarity and confidence to make better risk and people decisions that help protect and grow their businesses.

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Disclaimer

The information contained in this document is solely for information purposes, for general guidance only and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although Aon endeavours to provide accurate and timely information and uses sources that it considers reliable, the firm does not warrant, represent or guarantee the accuracy, adequacy, completeness or fitness for any purpose of any content of this document and can accept no liability for any loss incurred in any way by any person who may rely on it. There can be no guarantee that the information contained in this document will remain accurate as on the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No individual or entity should make decisions or act based solely on the information contained herein without appropriate professional advice and targeted research.

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Sustainable seafood matters to eight in ten consumers, leading to calls for retailers to support sustainable choices

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MSC calls on retailers to increase their offer of sustainable seafood products ahead of the Chinese New Year, in response to insights from consumers

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 February 2026 – As families across Singapore and Malaysia prepare to toss yusheng and serve whole steamed fish for Chinese New Year, new research reveals a striking disconnect: more than eight in ten Malaysians (85%) and nearly three-quarters of Singaporeans (74%) say sustainable seafood matters to them.

Despite actively seeking out sustainable sources, a YouGov survey commissioned by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) found that more than half of Singapore consumers (58%) have never noticed an eco-label when shopping. Recognition of the MSC blue ecolabel label sits at 21%.

With seafood consumption expected to rise during Chinese New Year as celebrations take centre stage, it’s a critical moment for sustainable shopping choices.

Malaysia consumes more than double the global average per capita (49 kg versus 21 kg globally), while Singapore imports most of its seafood supply. Without clear labelling and retailer commitment, consumers who want to make sustainable choices often cannot.

In Malaysia, where fishing remains central to coastal livelihoods, 75% of Malaysians believe support and resources are essential for local fishermen to fish responsibly and sustainably.

In Singapore, where nearly all seafood is imported, consumers look to retailers and regulators for assurance, with 55% citing government standards and 54% citing origin information as key drivers of confidence.

“When asked what sustainable seafood means to them, consumers demonstrated a sophisticated understanding: 62% of Singaporeans and 56% of Malaysians associate it with well-managed fisheries operating under clear rules.

“It’s clear that consumers are ready and willing to seek out credible certification, so we’re urging retailers and businesses to make MSC eco-label products visible and accessible,” saidAnne Gabriel, Program Director for Oceania and Singapore at the Marine Stewardship Council.

The research also highlights expectations of retailers. More than half of Singaporeans (52%) believe supermarkets should commit to sourcing sustainable seafood. Even amid cost-of-living pressures, 38% say they are willing to pay more for sustainably sourced seafood, while many others say clear labelling would help them make better choices within their budget.

The findings suggest that as festive demand peaks, clearer eco-labelling could help consumers align their values with their shopping – without changing what’s on the dinner table.

Shoppers can find MSC certified sustainable seafood at Cold Storage Singapore, FairPrice Group and Prime Supermarket in Singapore, and at AEON Retail, Jaya Grocer and Village Grocer in Malaysia.

Key findings at a glance

  • 85% of Malaysians and 74% of Singaporeans say sustainable seafood is important
  • 63% (MY) and 58% (SG) have never noticed any eco-label on seafood
  • 75% of Malaysians believe fishermen need support to fish sustainably
  • 52% Singaporeans say retailer commitment to sustainable sourcing would encourage them to choose sustainable seafood
  • Malaysia consumes 49kg of seafood per capita annually vs 21kg global average, sources from Malaysia – Fishery and Aquaculture Country Profiles

About the research
The survey was conducted by YouGov on behalf of the Marine Stewardship Council between 15-19 January 2026. The sample comprised 1,007 adults aged 18+ in Singapore and 1,003 adults aged 18+ in Malaysia. Data was weighted to be representative of the adult population in each country.
Hashtag: #TheMarineStewardshipCouncil #MSC

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

About the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is an international non-profit organisation. Our vision is of the world’s oceans teeming with life, and seafood supplies safeguarded for this and future generations. Our blue fish ecolabel and fishery certification program recognises and rewards sustainable fishing practices. When you see the blue fish label, you can trust the seafood was caught sustainably. For more information visit

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ATPI Strengthens Taiwan Presence with Award-Winning Travel Management Solution

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2025 Global Travel Management Company of the Year recognition affirms ATPI’s leadership in localised, enterprise-ready travel management

TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 February 2026 – ATPI Taiwan continues to strengthen its position as a trusted global travel management partner for organisations operating in Taiwan, following the recognition of ATPI’s Hong Kong and Singapore operations as Global Travel Management Company of the Year at the Travel Daily Media Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025.

Photo caption: (Left to Right) Kelly Jones, Managing Director of ATPI Taiwan; Gary Marshall, CEO of Travel Daily Media; and Ali Hussain, Managing Director of ATPI Asia, at the TDM Travel Trade Excellence Awards 2025 – Asia

The Travel Daily Media Travel Trade Excellence Awards – Asia recognises organisations demonstrating excellence in operational delivery, technology integration and service innovation. ATPI was recognised for its ability to deliver globally integrated travel programmes supported by personalised service, secure platforms and disciplined governance across complex, multi-market environments.

Building on these globally recognised capabilities, ATPI Taiwan operates as a professional travel management organisation purpose-built for multinational and technology-driven enterprises. Its local operating model addresses key structural gaps in Taiwan’s corporate travel landscape, where many providers remain leisure-focused and reliant on manual processes that limit transparency, control and scalability.

A defining differentiator is financial transparency. Unlike traditional agencies that issue a single “all-in” receipt, ATPI Taiwan provides two separate documents:

  • a Travel Agency Receipt detailing the net ticket fare; and
  • a Government Uniform Invoice (GUI / 發票) clearly itemising the agreed service fee.

ATPI is currently the only travel management company in Taiwan offering this structure. The model enables procurement and finance teams to perform audit-level cost analysis, eliminates hidden mark-ups and supports compliance requirements for publicly listed, multinational and technology-led organisations.

ATPI Taiwan’s cloud-based global travel management platform integrates directly with ATPI’s worldwide traveller profile and governance framework. This enables organisations to enforce consistent travel policies, approval workflows and duty-of-care standards across Taiwan and international markets. Centralised dashboards provide real-time visibility of both Taiwan and global travel spend, supporting procurement oversight, financial control and data-driven decision-making for high-volume international travel programmes.

Data security is another critical differentiator. While traveller information in Taiwan is often collected via unsecured consumer messaging platforms, ATPI Taiwan operates in line with ATPI Global Standards and international data protection protocols. Traveller data is managed through the ATPI e-Profile platform, supported by PCI-compliant secure links for document submission and mandatory quarterly data-security training. To date, ATPI Taiwan has maintained a zero data-misconduct and zero data-leakage record.

ATPI also provides professional 24/7 global emergency support through its World Support Centres (WSC), ensuring continuity across time zones with full system access and defined escalation protocols — capabilities essential for mission-critical and time-sensitive travel.

“Our focus is on delivering enterprise-grade travel management that combines global consistency with local precision,” said Kelly Jones, Managing Director – Southeast Asia, China, Hong Kong & Taiwan, ATPI. “Clients choose ATPI not only for our global reach, but for the governance, transparency and personalised service that allow their travel programmes to operate with confidence and control.”

“These capabilities translate directly into measurable outcomes for our clients,” added Asa Yang, General Manager, ATPI Taiwan. “In one recent case, our team conducted a strategic fare analysis for a complex five-destination itinerary and identified a more cost-effective routing. Instead of retaining the price differential, we returned 100% of the savings to the client, delivering a direct saving of TWD 160,000. This reflects our commitment to financial transparency, integrity and proactive programme management.”

The dual awards further reinforce ATPI’s long-standing leadership in corporate and specialist travel management. Following ATPI’s acquisition by Direct Travel in September 2025, the combined organisation operates as a global travel management group, bringing together international scale and personalised service across corporate and complex travel sectors, including marine, energy, mining, sports and group travel. Together, Direct Travel and ATPI manage more than USD 6 billion in annual travel volume, with operations spanning over 100 countries across the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa and the Middle East.

Hashtag: #atpi #corporatetravelmanagement


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

About ATPI

is a global leader in travel and event management, renowned for delivering innovative and highly tailored solutions across various industries including corporate, marine, mining, energy, sports, and group travel as well as event management services. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Manchester, UK, ATPI employs approximately 2,500 people and has an operations network that spans across 100+ locations on six continents. Their robust global footprint, combined with deep local expertise, allows them to meet the unique and complex needs of a diverse clientele.

In September 2025, ATPI was acquired by longstanding partner Direct Travel to create a global Travel Management powerhouse.

About Direct Travel, Inc.

Direct Travel is one of the world’s largest travel management companies, focused on delivering exceptional, groundbreaking solutions to every client and traveller. With a long history of proven market expertise, we blend advanced technology, superior service, and expert insights to drive tangible value and meaningful savings—offering solutions across Corporate Travel, Leisure Travel, and Meetings & Events.

Through Avenir, our next-generation platform developed with leading technology partners, we provide the industry’s broadest inventory and a modern, real-time shopping experience that empowers travellers and simplifies programme management. What truly sets us apart is the human care behind the technology: an experienced, passionate team dedicated to anticipating needs and delivering exceptional service at every step.

For more information, visit.

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