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ASTRI Welcomes Government Appointments of New Board Chairman and Board Members

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HONG KONG, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) welcomes the Hong Kong SAR Government’s appointment of Prof Chan Chi-hou as the new Board Chairman, effective 21 October 2026, for a two-year term. He succeeds Ir Prof Sunny Lee, who concludes a seven-year tenure as ASTRI’s Board Chairman on 20 October 2026.

Prof Chan Chi-hou said: “I am deeply honoured that the Hong Kong SAR Government has entrusted me to serve ASTRI and contribute to our country and Hong Kong’s technological innovation and development goals outlined in the Nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan and Hong Kong’s first five-year plan. I would also like to thank Ir Prof Sunny Lee for his visionary leadership, particularly in steering the successful merger with the Nano and Advanced Materials Institute (NAMI), which has strengthened ASTRI’s interdisciplinary research and development (R&D) capabilities and heightened its profile at home and abroad.”

“As Hong Kong accelerates investment in technology infrastructure and talent development, I look forward to working closely with fellow Board members and Ir Dr Ted Suen, CEO of ASTRI, to advance innovation, foster collaboration across government, industry, academia, research, and investment communities, and expedite the commercialisation and adoption of research outcomes. Together, we will help enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness, create greater value for society and reinforce the city’s position as an international innovation and technology (I&T) hub,” he added.

Prof Chan is an internationally-recognised expert in applied electromagnetics, terahertz science and wireless communications. He currently serves as Vice-President (Community Engagement), Director of the State Key Laboratory of Terahertz and Millimetre Waves, and Chair Professor of Electronic Engineering at City University of Hong Kong (CityU). Before joining CityU in 1996, he was a tenured Associate Professor in the Electrical Engineering Department at the University of Washington, and a Visiting Assistant Professor in the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at the University of Illinois. He obtained his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from The Ohio State University and his doctoral degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. An IEEE Fellow, Prof Chan has received numerous international honours in recognition of his pioneering research and contributions to the field.

Outgoing Chairman Ir Prof Sunny Lee congratulated Prof Chan on the appointment and said: “It has been my great privilege to serve on ASTRI’s Board as a member and Chairman for nearly 14 years to witness its remarkable growth into a leading R&D centre that delivers tangible impact for industry, the economy and society. I am confident that, with Prof Chan’s distinguished expertise, strategic vision and extensive leadership experience, ASTRI will continue to scale new heights, drive impactful innovations and accelerate the translation of research excellence into real-world applications, creating lasting value for Hong Kong and beyond.”

Under Ir Prof Lee’s stewardship, ASTRI has actively supported national development priorities and the Hong Kong SAR Government’s policy agenda. Leveraging Hong Kong’s unique role as a super-connector between Chinese Mainland and the world, ASTRI has reinforced its position bridging stakeholders in the global I&T ecosystem.

Six New Board Members Appointed

In addition, the Hong Kong SAR Government has appointed six new members to the ASTRI Board: Prof Chan Shing-chow, Professor & Associate Dean (Masters), Faculty of Engineering, University of Hong Kong; Mr Ricky Chan Wai-chung, Chief Executive Officer, Jing Mei Automotive Limited; Mr Alan Chiu Chi-wai, Managing Partner, ELLALAN; Ms Irene Chow Man-ling, Director, DSL Investments Limited; Mr Hui Chi-wai, Chief Executive Officer (AXM), ASMPT SEMI China (AXM); and Prof Gary Wong Ka-leung, Associate Provost (Quality Assurance and Accountability) and Chair Professor, Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong. Their two-year terms will run from 21 October 2026 to 20 October 2028.

ASTRI expresses its heartfelt gratitude to outgoing Board Chairman Ir Prof Sunny Lee and members Dr Felix Chow Bok-hin, Mr Theodore Ma Heng, Dr Alfred Ng Man-cheuk, Ir Dr Samson Tai Kin-hon and Mr Anthony Tong Tat-hay for their dedicated service and invaluable guidance.

Effective from 21 October 2026, the members of ASTRI’s Board of Directors are as follows:

Chairman

Prof Chan Chi-hou

Members (listed in alphabetical order of surname)

Prof Chan Shing-chowMr Ricky Chan Wai-chungProf Christopher Chao Yu-hangProf Cheng Shuk-han, MHMr Alan Chiu Chi-waiMr Jason Chiu Tsz-kiu, JPMs Irene Chow Man-ling, JPMr Dennis Ho Chiu-pingMr William Ho TatMr Hui Chi-waiIr Arthur Lee Kam-hungHon Jack Ng Wun-kit, JPArchitect So Ching, JPProf Michael Tse Chi-kongProf Martin Wong Ding-fatProf Gary Wong Ka-leungMr Wilfred Wong Kam-pui, BBS, JP

Official Members

Mr Kevin Choi, JP, Permanent Secretary for Innovation, Technology and IndustryMr Ivan KB Lee, JP, Commissioner for Innovation and Technology

Photos Download: https://bit.ly/4B1pToO

About ASTRI

Founded in 2000 by the HKSAR Government, Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) is the city’s largest government-funded R&D centre. Committed to transforming high-impact research into practical innovations, ASTRI drives market-driven, interdisciplinary advancements across sectors, including Smart City, FinTech, Digital Health and Life Sciences, New Industrialisation and Intelligent Manufacturing, Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC) and Advanced Electronics, New Energy and Energy Storage, and Green and ESG Technologies. Following its merger with the Nano and Advanced Materials Institute, ASTRI has further strengthened its capabilities, with over 1,500 patents and 2,200 successful cases of technology transfer. Recognised with numerous international awards, ASTRI continues to nurture top I&T talent and foster collaborations among the I&T ecosystem, contributing to Hong Kong’s high-value economic development. For more information, please visit: https://www.astri.org 

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SOURCE Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI)

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Hexaware Hosts Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire Mayoral Delegation, Deepens Partnership with University of Leeds

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Part of the Great North Mayoral Delegation’s visit to India, discussions focused on Hexaware’s UK expansion and planned R&D centers in Leeds and Manchester

MUMBAI, India, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hexaware Technologies (NSE: HEXT), an AI-first digital and IT services company, hosted a delegation led by Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, and Bev Craig, Mayor of Greater Manchester, as part of The Great North’s first joint mayoral-led trade mission to India

Hexaware met with Tracy Brabin and delegates from West Yorkshire at its Mumbai office to discuss the company’s UK investment plans, regional employment, and opportunities for technology collaboration across the North of England.

During the visit, Hexaware and the University of Leeds discussed their agreement to strengthen industry–academic collaboration through research, knowledge sharing, and experiential learning opportunities for students.

Earlier in the mission, on October 14 in Bengaluru, Hexaware leaders met Bev Craig, Mayor of Greater Manchester, together with representatives of the British Deputy High Commission and the Invest Manchester team, to discuss Hexaware’s investment in the city region.

Hexaware announced that it will create hundreds of jobs and invest £9 million in a new Design and Innovation Centre at Manchester’s innovation district, SISTER, delivered in collaboration with the University of Manchester. By establishing a base at SISTER, Hexaware will have access to Europe’s largest clinical academic campus on Manchester’s Oxford Road Corridor and a rapidly expanding digital and tech ecosystem within the city.

The visits follow Hexaware’s June 2026 announcement of a £25 million UK expansion, expected to create approximately 1,200 jobs over three to five years across Manchester, Leeds, and Birmingham, including 420 in Manchester and 240 in Leeds. Plans include proposed R&D centers in Manchester and Leeds, with Newcastle also under consideration as a potential future location, given the region’s strong university talent pool and proximity to Scotland.

Parameshwaran Iyer, Executive Vice President & Head – Europe, Hexaware, said, “The North of England is an important part of our UK growth plans. Our investment goes into developing technology capabilities and recruiting graduates from the region’s universities, training them to work with enterprise and public-sector customers. Our new agreement with the University of Leeds will strengthen this pipeline, giving us closer access to graduate talent as we grow our presence in the region. We see considerable potential in the talent and expertise available across these cities.”

Bev Craig, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said, “Greater Manchester has established strengths in healthcare, life sciences, and AI, supported by close cooperation between universities, researchers, and industry. We welcome Hexaware’s plans for Manchester and the opportunities they present for investment, innovation, and employment in these sectors.”

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said, “It was great to visit Hexaware’s headquarters in Mumbai and hear first-hand about the company’s ambitious plans for growth in the UK. Their investment in Leeds and the creation of hundreds of new jobs is fantastic news for West Yorkshire and a strong vote of confidence in our region. Trade missions like this give us the opportunity to meet decision-makers directly, strengthen international relationships and explore how businesses like Hexaware can deepen their links with West Yorkshire to create a stronger, better-off region that works for all.” 

Glenn McCauley, Head of Proposition Development at the University of Leeds, said, “We were delighted to join this Great North Mayoral Delegation to India and to discuss with Hexaware leadership and with the Mayor of West Yorkshire how the University of Leeds’ agreement with Hexaware can be a catalyst to drive economic growth in our region.”

India and the North of England are connected above all through people, with more than 81,000 people of Indian heritage living in Yorkshire and the Humber, and 50,000 people of Indian diaspora in Greater Manchester. Thousands of Indian students also choose universities in the two regions every year. Increasingly, Indian companies are also among the region’s investors and employers. The India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), in force since July 2026, alongside The Great North’s investment initiatives, gives that relationship fresh momentum.

Hexaware will continue discussions with regional partners on its proposed R&D facilities, graduate recruitment, and technology partnerships across the North of England, drawing on Leeds’ strengths in digital engineering, data science, robotics, fintech, and technology-enabled care, and Manchester’s strengths in healthcare, life sciences, cyber, and AI.

About Hexaware

Hexaware is a global technology and business process services company. Every day, Hexawarians wake up with a singular purpose: to create smiles through great people and technology. With offices across the world, we empower enterprises worldwide to realize digital transformation at scale and speed by partnering with them to build, transform, run, and optimize their technology and business processes. Learn more about Hexaware at https://hexaware.com.

 

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Fosun Wealth Opens Its First Private Wealth Center in Hong Kong at Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui

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Appointment-Only Center for High-Net-Worth Clients, Partnering with Fosun Wealth IFA to Expand Wealth Management Capabilities

HONG KONG, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Fosun Wealth International Holdings Limited (“Fosun Wealth”) announced the official opening of its first Private Wealth Center on the 23rd floor of Prudential Tower, at The Gateway, Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong. The center provides a dedicated offline space for meetings and wealth planning in Hong Kong, exclusively tailored for high-net-worth clients. Visits are by appointment only, and the center operates in partnership with Fosun Wealth IFA (Independent Financial Advisor), supporting clients from initial discussions and tailored proposals through to signing and implementation.

The opening ceremony, themed “A Starry New Chapter on Victoria Harbour”, brought together business partners from fund, asset management and insurance industries in Hong Kong to celebrate the occasion.

Expanding amid Industry Growth to Address Clients’ Demand for Long-Term Advice

The opening comes as Hong Kong’s wealth management sector continues to expand. According to the Securities and Futures Commission of Hong Kong, as of the end of 2025, total assets under management (AUM) in Hong Kong jumped 20% year-on-year (YoY) to a record high of HK$42.2 trillion. Among the major segments, AUM of private banking and private wealth management business increased by an impressive 24% YoY to HK$12.9 trillion. At the same time, client expectations have shifted. High-net-worth individuals are increasingly looking beyond fragmented, one-off product recommendations and seeking professional institutions that can deliver cross-market and multi-generational support over the long term.

The center’s location in Harbour City offers views across Victoria Harbour and a calm, private setting. It features four dedicated meeting rooms, with each client received by a relationship manager throughout their visit to allow for in-depth discussions in a confidential environment. In addition to client meetings and document signing, the center will also host smaller, focused sessions to help clients better capture opportunities in Hong Kong’s wealth management market.

Strengthening Collaboration with Fosun Wealth IFA to Enrich Service Matrix

The Private Wealth Center will also serve as a working base for Fosun Wealth IFA, supporting professional discussions and the review of more complex cases. Launched by Fosun Wealth in 2025, Fosun Wealth IFA is Hong Kong’s first one-stop platform for independent financial advisors (IFAs) to establish and grow their practices. It has already built a team of nearly 500 advisors. Built on a compliant licensing framework, the platform integrates diversified financial products, AI-powered tools and structured trainings, supporting advisors from licensing through ongoing professional development to independent practice. The goal is to help raise standards and professionalism across Hong Kong IFA industry.

Fosun Wealth subsidiaries hold securities and insurance brokerage licenses. Under strict compliance, they provide access to insurance, securities, asset management, and corporate financing services. Fosun Wealth has also established partnerships with numerous leading fund houses, asset managers, and insurers, supporting both the Private Wealth Center and the IFA platform.

Cheng Kang, CEO of Fosun Wealth, said: “Hong Kong continues to strengthen its position as an international hub for asset and wealth management, supported by its resilience and openness. This creates a valuable opportunity for us to deepen our presence in the local market. The opening of the Private Wealth Center is more than the launch of a new location—it marks a new chapter in Fosun Wealth’s commitment to serving high-net-worth clients in Hong Kong with a more personal, long-term approach, bringing our ‘warm private wealth stewardship’ to a broader client base. Whether we are serving high-net-worth clients or building a stronger ecosystem for financial advisers, we aim to set a high standard in Hong Kong’s wealth management industry. We will focus on turning our capabilities into lasting value for clients, and work with clients and partners to support the continued growth of the sector.”

About Fosun Wealth International Holdings Limited

Fosun Wealth International Holdings Limited (hereinafter referred to as “Fosun Wealth”) is an AI-driven global one-stop Web5(Web2+Web3) wealth management platform wholly owned by Fosun International Limited (stock code: 656.HK) in Hong Kong. With its solid financial position, Fosun Wealth has obtained various licenses via its subsidiaries, including Type 1, 2, 4, 6, and 9 licenses granted by the Securities and Futures Commission(SFC) of Hong Kong, and an insurance broker license granted by the Insurance Authority(IA) of Hong Kong. Fosun International Securities Limited, a subsidiary of Fosun Wealth, is one of the first batch of brokerages to provide virtual asset dealing service. Fosun Wealth has launched several industry-leading brands, including the Fosun Wealth App, Finloop, FinChain, and Fosun Wealth IFA. For more information, please visit: www.fosunwealth.com.

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SOURCE Fosun Wealth International Holdings Limited

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WOLFX Student Super App Reaches 104 Universities One Month After US Launch

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All-in-one college platform reports 300 percent subscription growth following Arizona campaign 

MELBOURNE, Australia, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — WOLFX, an all-in-one app designed to help college students thrive academically, socially and financially, has been downloaded by students at 104 universities in 130 cities across the US just one month after its launch in Indiana.

The platform recorded a 300 percent increase in subscriptions following its Rush WOLFX campaign in Arizona. Rush WOLFX is a game of skill that involves college fraternities and sororities putting their business skills to the test to win a $10K prize. 

WOLFX plans to hold six additional Rush competitions at Universities across the country next month.

WOLFX brings together AI-powered study tools, wellness support, a student marketplace and opportunities for student entrepreneurs in a single app, giving students who juggle academic, social and financial pressures one place to manage college life.

“I developed WOLFX to make the lives of college kids better. To see the app being so well received across America gives everyone involved a huge boost,” said Simon Bishop, founder of WOLFX. “As a father, I know college can be a daunting time for students and parents. WOLFX is aimed at easing those fears of loneliness and isolation. I’m so happy WOLFX is making a difference.”

Students say the app is already part of their daily routine.

“This is honestly the only college app you’ll ever need,” said Katie Wolf, a cheerleader at Indiana University. “Whether it’s managing my schedule, working on a business idea or even selling some items on the student marketplace, WOLFX has me covered. This app is a game changer for college students.”

WOLFX Platinum is available for $28.99 per month. WOLFX can be downloaded on iOS and Android.

About WOLFX

WOLFX is a student-focused super app designed to help college students navigate campus life through AI-powered study tools, wellness support, a student marketplace and entrepreneurial opportunities. The platform aims to make college life more connected, manageable and rewarding. WOLFX is available on iOS and Android. Learn more at https://wolfxapp.com/.

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SOURCE WOLFX

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