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His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama Highlighted Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance and Regulations in the United Arab Emirates

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North Star

Expand North Star hosted an unfiltered panel discussion to challenge the conventional narratives surrounding unicorn companies

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, October 17, 2023/APO Group/ — 

The rapidly evolving AI industry poses a challenge for regulators as they seek to foster public trust and confidence in AI while promoting innovation and competitiveness for local industry. A session titled ‘Leaders of Change Through the AI Lens’ underscored the potential impact of AI and the need for its regulation on Day 3 of Expand North Star (https://www.ExpandNorthStar.com/), hosted by Dubai Chambers of Digital Commerce and organised by the Dubai World Trade Centre.

His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Digital Economy, Artificial Intelligence and Remote Work Applications and Chairman of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, revealed that the UAE Government has launched a program in partnership with Oxford University to educate public officials on how to govern artificial intelligence, how to audit AI systems, and help explore use cases.

H.E. Al Olama said regulations must be adapted to specific countries, noting that the challenges facing the USA vary from those in the UAE, Japan, China or England. To prevent technology from harming the public, the world must agree on a regulatory baseline, where legislation is possible, and how it can be implemented.

Other panelists included Mohamed Gouled, Vice President of Industries, International Finance Corporation, US and Emad Mostaque, Co-Founder and CEO, Stability AI, UK. Conscious of AI’s immense power, the panellists stressed the need for AI regulation. However, the speakers also acknowledged technology’s vast potential to change and uplift the world, highlighting how various AI use cases can elevate small businesses and developing countries.

Exploring the Entrepreneurial Journey with Founders

More than 1,000 investors with a combined total of over US$ 1 trillion under management are in Dubai, rapidly emerging as the heart of the world’s digital economy

Startup success stories are a business and tech media staple. But behind the glowing media reports is the hard work required to get there. Entrepreneurs need grit, patience, and perseverance to overcome obstacles and failures. Startups are for those who dare to challenge the status quo and create something new.

Expand North Star hosted an unfiltered panel discussion to challenge the conventional narratives surrounding unicorn companies. The panel featured prominent speakers from across the globe, including Rohit Chennamaneni, Founder at Darwinbox, Ramakant Sharma, Founder of LivSpace, Sebastien Borget, Co-founder & COO of The Sandbox, Dr. Milkayel Vardanyan, Co-Founder & CPO Picsart Dan Westgarth, Co-founder & COO, Deel and Melvyn Lubega, Founder & Director, Go1 and was moderated by Nic Watson, CEO, Udrive.

During the discussion, the panellists shed light on the triumphs and challenges of building and scaling a business. They highlighted the importance of properly valuing startups, influenced by customer activities and external market factors. Various obstacles were addressed, including long hours and constant toil that negatively affect the founders’ and employees’ well-being. The speakers told of corporate and personal upheaval as their businesses scaled, requiring continuous reinvention to maintain growth.

Asian Startup Scene: A Success Story

With its large population, history of entrepreneurship and public and private sector support for entrepreneurs, the Asian tech scene has never been this vibrant. Expand North Star had a Spotlight Asia focus on Day 3, hosting an engaging panel discussion titled “Exploring Ecosystems in Emerging Markets”. The panellists discussed the measures needed to propel future growth in the region’s startup landscape and an analysis of how increasing public-private partnerships are driving growth for next-generation startups. Asian founders explored how increasing public-private partnerships are driving the growth of next-generation startups.

Among the panellists were Ashok Kurian, Business Development & Startup Lifecycle Programs, Kerala Startup Mission, Ehantha Sirisena, CEO of KBSL, Sri Lanka, Naeem Zamindar, Founder, Neem, Pakistan, Rezwanul Haque Jami, Head of Commercial Strategy Ministry of ICT Bangladesh.

The speakers noted that the challenges facing Asian countries present tremendous opportunities. Education, infrastructure, healthcare and more are all rich targets for transformation. Government bodies in the continent are adopting new disruptive technologies, including from startups. The speakers commended organizers for putting together prominent events such as Expand North Star, essential to exploring international markets.

Hosted by the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, Expand North Star (https://www.ExpandNorthStar.com/) marks its largest-ever edition this year, from October 15-18, 2023, at its new Dubai Harbour venue. GITEX GLOBAL 2023 and Expand North Star bring together 1,800 startups from 100-plus countries at the Middle East’s biggest iconic superyacht hub. More than 1,000 investors with a combined total of over US$ 1 trillion under management are in Dubai, rapidly emerging as the heart of the world’s digital economy. This mega gathering of next-gen companies also features three themed sub-events targeting specific sectors: Fintech Surge, the Future Blockchain Summit, and Marketing Mania.  

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Expand North Star.

Events

The 6th Cross-Strait Sun Yat-sen Forum Successfully Held in Zhongshan, Guangdong

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Sun Yat-sen Forum

ZHONGSHAN, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 July 2026 – As 2026 marks the 160th anniversary of the birth of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the 6th Cross-Strait Sun Yat-sen Forum was held in Zhongshan, Guangdong Province—the hometown of the great pioneer—from June 27 to 29 under the theme “Carrying Forward Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Spirit of Endeavor and Working Together for the Great Rejuvenation of the Chinese Nation”. This year’s forum was the largest in its history, attracting the broadest participation from Taiwan compatriots and the highest proportion of young participants to date. Around 2,000 representatives from across the Chinese mainland, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macao attended the event. Centered on cultural heritage and driven by economic and trade cooperation, the forum established a multi-level platform for cross-strait exchanges and collaboration while fostering broader consensus on integrated cross-strait development.

Distinguished guests from both sides of the Taiwan Strait attended the opening ceremony and noted in their remarks that Dr. Sun Yat-sen is a revered national pioneer shared by compatriots on both sides of the Strait. His vision of rejuvenating China remains a common spiritual legacy, and people across the Strait should carry forward his ideals and work hand in hand toward national rejuvenation. During the opening ceremony, Zhongshan Municipal People’s Government and the Association of Taiwan Investment Enterprises on the Mainland signed the Strategic Framework Agreement on Deepening Zhongshan-Taiwan Economic and Trade Cooperation to Promote Integrated Development, laying a solid institutional foundation for long-term industrial cooperation across the Strait.

A series of cultural exchange activities also took place throughout the forum. Participants enjoyed an evening tour of the century-old Sunwen West Road Arcade Pedestrian Street, immersing themselves in Zhongshan’s rich historical heritage and the vibrant cultural and tourism scene of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. They also visited the Museum of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, where they studied revolutionary historical archives, bowed before Dr. Sun’s bronze statue to pay homage, and gained a deeper appreciation of his enduring ideals of “All Under Heaven Belong to the People” and “Revitalize China”. Many participants remarked that these activities provided an excellent platform for sustained exchanges among young people across the Strait and that their shared cultural roots and common heritage form a solid foundation for advancing cross-strait spiritual integration.

To further strengthen cross-strait economic cooperation and advance industrial integration between Shenzhen and Zhongshan, the forum also featured the “Taiwan Businesses Gather in Zhongshan, Industries Glow in the Greater Bay Area” 2026 Guangdong-Taiwan Economic and Trade Exchange Conference and Investment Promotion Event Celebrating the Second Anniversary of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link. A total of 19 industrial projects were signed during the event. The first group comprised seven Taiwan-invested projects spanning semiconductor supporting industries, electronic components, smart home products, high-end fitness equipment, and medical devices. The second and third groups included 12 Shenzhen-Zhongshan collaborative projects covering new energy vehicle components, industrial robotics, memory chip packaging, advanced specialty materials, and integrated cultural, tourism, and commercial developments.

During the investment promotion event, Taiwan business representatives spoke highly of Zhongshan’s business environment. Zhang Congyuan, Chairman of Huali Industrial Group, which has operated in Zhongshan for more than two decades, praised the city’s enterprise service philosophy of “staying out of businesses’ way when everything runs smoothly while providing prompt support whenever needed”. He noted that this business-friendly environment has helped the company grow into one of the world’s leading manufacturers of athletic footwear.

Guo Wenhai, secretary of the CPC Zhongshan Municipal Committee, extended a sincere invitation to Taiwan businesses and entrepreneurs to invest and establish operations in Zhongshan. He emphasized that the city offers not only strong industrial infrastructure but also high-quality government services. Zhongshan will continue to provide proactive, efficient, and dedicated support for businesses while continuously improving both its hard and soft investment environment. Leveraging the opportunities created by the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link, the city aims to create broader prospects for cooperation and shared growth for enterprises from both sides of the Taiwan Strait.

Participants and Taiwan business representatives agreed that, taking the 160th anniversary of Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s birth as an important milestone, this year’s forum created new channels for both cultural exchanges and industrial cooperation across the Strait. Looking ahead, Zhongshan will continue to organize regular initiatives, including entrepreneurship support programs for young people from Taiwan, youth exchange activities, and Guangdong-Taiwan industrial matchmaking events. By carrying forward Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s spirit, embracing the opportunities of the Greater Bay Area, and strengthening both economic cooperation and people-to-people ties, the city will continue to contribute to a new chapter of integrated cross-strait development.

 

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Toblerone Presents ” The Ultimate Gift “: The Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski

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Swarovski

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 1 July 2026 – An iconic Swiss chocolate brand meets one of the world’s most celebrated names in crystal artistry to bring ‘Never Square’ to life. Creating something unexpected, something beautiful, and something that gives back: Toblerone today announces The Ultimate Gift.

The centrepiece is the Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski: an exceptionally rare series of hand-made crystal replicas of the original Toblerone chocolate bar – the gift many associate with travel. Familiar in form. Remarkable in execution. Individually numbered, certified, and utterly one-of-a-kind.

The Ultimate Gift: A Global Auction for Good

From 1st July to 31st July 2026, travellers passing through some of the world’s most iconic airports (Athens, Delhi, Doha, Dubai, Frankfurt, Madrid, New York JFK, Singapore and Zurich) will encounter a mesmerising pop-up experience celebrating both brands and, above all, will have the chance to bid in person on the Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski.

Each auction is linked to the airport’s own established charity partner – organisations already embedded in their local communities and chosen by the airports themselves. 100% of winning bids will be donated to the designated charity at each location.

However, the auction is open to everyone globally. No need to be travelling to take part. Bidding is available online (terms and conditions apply), click here to visit the auction site and here for more information on the charities.

The Story Behind the Crystal Bar

Toblerone was born in Switzerland in 1908. Its triangular shape has made it one of the most recognised silhouettes in the world. For generations of travellers, it has been the gift you bring home: a small but indulgent, reliable piece of Switzerland.

To bring the Toblerone Crystal Bar to life, Toblerone turned to Swarovski. Swarovski delivers a diverse portfolio of unmatched quality, craftsmanship, and creativity. Founded in 1895 in Austria, the company designs, manufactures and markets high-quality crystals and created stones as well as finished products such as jewelry.

The two share more than Alpine geography. They share a belief that quality is not a detail but it is the point. That the things worth making are worth making properly. And that some of the most enduring objects in the world are the ones that manage to be both beautiful and, somehow, completely unpretentious about it.

The result is the Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski: Toblerone’s unmistakable triangular form, unapologetically rich on the inside, reimagined as a luxury artefact through Swarovski’s crystal craftsmanship.

Iain Livingston, President Toblerone & World Travel Retail, says: “Toblerone has always been more than a chocolate bar. It’s a ritual, a symbol of travel, and one of the world’s most recognised gifts. Creating the Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski feels like a natural expression of who we are: a brand that takes quality seriously but never takes itself too seriously. The Ultimate Gift is exactly that and will raise funds to support brilliant causes that help make the world a better place.”

The Craft Behind the Crystal

Each Toblerone Crystal Bar crafted by Swarovski is exclusively designed and developed using Swarovski’s rich savoir-faire:
Modelled on the original Toblerone chocolate bar & manufactured in Austria
Each weighs 851g and measures 305mm in length
546 individually cut facets per bar
140 hours of development and 65 hours of production – 100% handmade
Crafted with high-precision cutting technology, characterised by unmatched brilliance

The Ultimate Gift Box: Available to All

For those who prefer to take something home immediately, Toblerone is also launching a limited-edition Ultimate Gift Box adorned with Swarovski crystals, available exclusively in World Travel Retail throughout the campaign period across airports globally.

Inside: a Milk Toblerone bar.

Crystals on the outside. Unapologetically rich on the inside. The answer, as ever, to the question every traveller eventually asks themselves at the airport: “Where is my Toblerone?”

 

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Kora highlights the growing importance of payment infrastructure as stablecoin adoption accelerates

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Kora

The conversation is shifting from what is possible to what can be implemented securely, compliantly and efficiently

AMSTERDAM, The Netherlands, July 1, 2026/APO Group/ –As stablecoins continue to gain traction across the financial services industry, businesses are increasingly focused on the infrastructure required to support their adoption at scale. The conversation is shifting from what is possible to what can be implemented securely, compliantly and efficiently.

 

This was a key theme at Money20/20 Europe 2026, where global fintech leaders gathered to discuss the future of payments. Across the event, discussions centred on artificial intelligence, regulation and reducing fragmentation across global payment systems.

Industry leaders focus on practical implementation 

As businesses explore new payment rails, the need for reliable infrastructure that connects local and global markets becomes even more important

Sessions such as the live Agentic AI demonstrations and the Policy20 regulatory roundtables highlighted the industry’s growing focus on execution rather than experimentation. Stablecoins featured prominently in conversations around faster settlements, lower costs and more efficient cross-border payments.

“Kora is well-positioned for where the industry is heading,” said Tofunmi, Head, Global Partnerships at Kora. “As businesses explore new payment rails, the need for reliable infrastructure that connects local and global markets becomes even more important.”

Connecting Africa to the future of payments 

Money20/20 Europe reinforced the importance of payment infrastructure in enabling the next generation of financial services. Throughout the event, Kora was recognised as a trusted African payment infrastructure provider, with discussions focused on the company’s expansion efforts and growing settlement capabilities.

As demand for faster and more connected payment experiences grows, Kora continues to build the infrastructure that enables businesses to collect, send and settle payments across Africa and globally.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kora.

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