EBC Financial Group at iFX EXPO Asia 2026 covering Markets, Technology, and Industry Dialogue

 

EBC will offer a closer look at some of its newest developments and share news of the EBC Group Foundation


HONG KONG, Oct 7 (Bernama-GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Asia's trading landscape is evolving rapidly. Technology is accelerating access to market information and trading tools, while regulators across the region continue to adapt to a changing financial environment. That push and pull between growth, and oversight will shape many of the conversations at iFX EXPO Asia 2026, running from 7 to 9 October at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

More than 5,000 professionals from over 130 countries are expected to attend, and EBC Financial Group (EBC) will be among them at Booth 4, presenting its latest developments and joining three sessions on the conference programme.

Why Asia, Why Now

For EBC, the event comes at an important moment for the region. Asia remains one of the world's most active and diverse trading markets, with individual countries taking different approaches to regulation, product access and financial technology.

"Trading is changing fast. Technology, shifting trader and investor behaviour, and ongoing global volatility are reshaping how markets work," said Andria Phiniefs, Marketing Director at EBC Financial Group. "That makes this the right time to connect with traders and partners in Asia as we unveil our newest innovations."

"iFX brings the forex and brokerage industry together in one place making it the ideal place to connect with our traders as well as announce our latest innovations," Phiniefs added. "Join our speakers on Thursday and Friday as they explore the issues shaping the next phase of trading, regulation, and technology. Then visit us at Booth 4 to continue the conversation and see what EBC is working on."

Three Sessions, One Thread

EBC's sessions follow a clear line of questions. Where is the next opportunity in trading and investment? How can trading firms grow without breaking the rules? And once traders have the data, how do they make better decisions with it?

The first question opens the programme. On Thursday 8 October, from 13:20 to 13:50 in the Speaker Hall, Christopher Stiegeler, Chief Operating Officer of EBC Financial Group (UK) Limited, moderates a panel on Asia's next major trading opportunity and its growing regulatory challenges. Panellists will discuss regulatory uncertainty, product innovation and the different approaches to trading across the region.

The second follows on Friday 9 October. From 11:00 to 11:40, Charles Lagares, General Counsel of EBC Financial Group (UK) Limited, moderates "The Compliance Tightrope: How Fast Can Finance Grow Without Breaking the Rules?" The panel looks at how financial firms can expand while keeping pace with changing regulation, emerging technology and more complex compliance demands.

The third brings the two together. From 14:40 to 15:10 at the Mastery Hub, Dr Parker Tian, Head of EBC AI Lab, joins Stiegeler and Lagares for "The Data Isn't Enough: Contextual Intelligence for Trading Decisions". The session starts from a simple idea. Raw data alone rarely tells the full story. Trader behaviour, market conditions and individual trading patterns add the context that turns information into more relevant decisions. This thinking underpins EBC's approach to AI-driven trading.

Delegates can add all three sessions to their agenda through the iFX EXPO app.

Find EBC at the Show

iFX EXPO Asia 2026 runs from 7 to 9 October in Hall 3FG of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai. EBC is at Booth 4 and speaks in the Speaker Hall and Mastery Hub on Thursday 8 October and Friday 9 October. Online registration closes at 09:00 (UTC+8) on Wednesday 7 October.

For more analysis from EBC, visit: www.ebc.com. 

Disclaimer: This material is for information only and does not constitute a recommendation or advice from EBC Financial Group and all its entities ("EBC"). Trading Forex and Contracts for Difference (CFDs) on margin carries a high level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Losses can exceed your deposits. Before trading, you should carefully consider your trading objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and consult an independent financial advisor if necessary. Statistics or past investment performance are not a guarantee of future performance. EBC is not liable for any damages arising from reliance on this information.

About EBC Financial Group

EBC Financial Group, headquartered in London, UK, is a comprehensive financial services group licensed and operating in multiple key jurisdictions worldwide. The group offers over 200 Contracts for Difference (CFDs) products, including foreign exchange, precious metals, energy, stock indices, US stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies. With branches in major global financial centres such as Tokyo, Sydney, Singapore, and Hong Kong, its service network covers over 100 countries and regions.

Regulation is the cornerstone of trust in the financial industry. EBC 's various operating entities hold financial regulatory licenses issued by the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Australia's Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (CIMA), and South Africa's Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), strictly adhering to local regulatory rules in their operations.

Leveraging its FCA-regulated liquidity access, EBC has established long-term and stable partnerships with over 50 leading banks and non-bank liquidity providers globally. By integrating clearing-grade liquidity quotes, EBC provides clients with direct access to the primary liquidity market, delivering highly competitive institutional-grade liquidity depth and bank-level spreads, allowing clients to easily enjoy extremely low transaction costs. All clients within the group can enjoy top-tier liquidity access through its FCA license; even for offshore accounts, quotes and orders are ultimately processed by a UK company. Combining big data and AI algorithms to optimize order matching mechanisms, EBC achieves over 87.6% of its orders executed at more favourable prices. For high-frequency and high-volume traders, EBC offers the customized EBC Private Room, a dedicated segregated trading channel that conceals trading orders and avoids market order manipulation. EBC is also one of the few licensed brokers in the industry capable of providing qualified professional investors with FCA liquidity clearing accounts with leverage up to 100x.

The Group’s core management team has over 30 years of experience working in large global financial institutions, having gone through multiple complete financial cycles. They have held core management positions in institutions regulated by the FCA, SEC, and CFTC, and their expertise covers key areas such as brokerage business, operations management, compliance and governance, and corporate risk management.

EBC has been named World Finance's "Best Broker in the World" for four consecutive years, earning the trust of over 5 million registered users worldwide. Upholding a long-term perspective, the Group actively fulfils its social responsibilities: as an official partner of FC Barcelona, it collaborates with the University of Oxford’s Department of Economics to promote financial education, supports the UN Foundation's "United to Beat Malaria" project, and partners with the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) to advance women's empowerment and social equity.

EBC firmly believes that everyone who trades seriously deserves to be treated seriously.
https://www.ebc.com/ 

Media Contact: 
Faiz Alavi Sulaiman
Global Public Relations Senior Executive
faiz.sulaiman@ebc.com  

Aldric Tinker
Global Public Relations Lead
aldric.tinker@ebc.com 


SOURCE: EBC Tech Limited

DISCLAIMER: BERNAMA MREM are not accountable for any causes of website defacement, misuse, or illegal activities connected to cryptocurrency, blockchain, tokenisation, or bitcoin. This material should not be considered as guidance or an opinion, as it does not constitute financial or investment advice. Use this information at your own risk; we are not liable for any losses or damages caused by the republication of this article.  

Cargill Invests Over US$130 Mln To Expand Asia Poultry Operations

 

Cargill Philippine’s Plant Groundbreaking

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 29 (Bernama) -- Cargill has announced an investment of more than US$130 million over the next two years to expand its poultry operations across Asia, driven by growing global protein demand and consumer appetite for high-quality cooked poultry products. (US$1 = RM4.08)

The investment encompasses capacity and efficiency enhancements across Cargill’s poultry network in Thailand and the Philippines to strengthen supply chain resilience and enhance food safety, quality and innovation for its foodservice and retail customers globally.

Cargill Vice President and Managing Director, Poultry APAC, Watcharapon Prasopkiatpoka said the investment would strengthen the company’s ability to deliver poultry products with the quality and consistency required by customers.

“By investing in infrastructure, technology and people, we are serving the growing demand from customers for high-quality protein while creating long-term economic value for farmers, businesses, suppliers and local communities,” he said in a statement.

A key component of the investment is the deployment of advanced technologies to optimise production processes and costs, alongside expanded production capacity in Thailand. The initiative includes a new automated cooked chicken production line at Cargill’s poultry processing plant in Saraburi, expected to be completed in 2028.

Over the next two years, the company will also make significant technological upgrades, incorporating state-of-the-art machinery and artificial intelligence (AI) into data processing to enable faster and more accurate decision-making.

Cargill currently exports cooked poultry products from Thailand to Japan, Europe, Asia and North America. With the expansion, its total cooked volume is expected to increase to approximately 160,000 metric tonnes, while creating more than 300 jobs for local communities.

The company is also constructing a new 30,000 metric tonnes grain silo in Thailand to enhance raw material storage and provide greater flexibility in grain procurement throughout the year, while creating additional income opportunities for local farmers beyond the traditional harvest season.

Meanwhile, in the Philippines, Cargill is constructing a new feed mill with an annual production capacity of 190,000 metric tonnes, expected to be completed by late 2027. The facility will generate more than 100 jobs and help strengthen the poultry supply chain while improving feed availability, efficiency and reliability across its Philippines operations.

-- BERNAMA

UMIOS, WAH KONG COMPLETE MALAYSIA PET FOOD JV

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 1 (Bernama) -- Umios Corporation and Wah Kong Corporation have completed the establishment of a strategic joint venture (JV) centred on Pet World International Sdn Bhd (PWI), a major Malaysian pet food company.

Under the transaction, Umios invested approximately 11.4 billion Japanese yen to acquire a 51 per cent stake in PWI through a newly established holding company, strengthening its presence in Malaysia’s growing pet food market. (100 Japanese yen = RM2.58)

“We have built PWI over many years into one of Malaysia’s leading pet food businesses, and our priority was to find a partner that could help take the company into its next stage of growth while sharing our long-term vision for the business,” said PWI chief executive officer and shareholder, Choy Peng Yew.

Choy said Umios’s capabilities in pet food, product development and international markets complement PWI’s strengths and will support the company’s expansion beyond Malaysia into Asia and other markets.

According to a statement, the partnership combines Umios’s expertise in wet pet food with PWI’s dry-food capabilities, providing coverage across both wet and dry products for dogs and cats.

The partners plan to integrate their sales networks, product portfolios, manufacturing capabilities and research and development (R&D) expertise to accelerate growth across Asia. Umios is targeting pet food operating profit of approximately 10 billion Japanese yen and a return on invested capital (ROIC) of approximately 18 per cent for the year ending March 2028.

PWI holds the No. 2 position in Malaysia’s pet food market and ranks No. 1 among local companies, according to NielsenIQ. It operates the country’s only BRC-certified pet food plant and employs about 350 people, with products sold through more than 10,000 physical stores and its own e-commerce channels.

The company recorded consolidated sales of approximately 12.4 billion Japanese yen for the year ended September 2025.

Japan Corporate Advisory Institute Ltd (JCAI), a Tokyo-headquartered cross-border mergers and acquisitions (M&A) advisory firm focused on Japan, Southeast Asia and India, acted as financial advisor, advising on transaction strategy, valuation, negotiations and documentation through closing.

-- BERNAMA

Meet Merqeen and Syafiq Kyle, win prizes worth up to RM85,000 at CIMB OCTOFest

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 1 (Bernama) -- Get active with Merqeen and Syafiq Kyle through Zumba, Fun Run and HIIT, enjoy live music and stand a chance to win prizes worth up to RM85,000 at CIMB OCTOFest, a community festival taking place across four weekends in four cities this OCTOber.

This marks the first time CIMB OCTOFest will be held nationwide. Kicking off at Andaman Island, Penang, OCTOFest will travel to KotaSAS, Kuantan and Kota Jail, Johor Bahru, before making its final stop at LaLaport Kuala Lumpur. Visitors can look forward to performances by local artistes including ALPHA, Scha Nuril, Sai, Vikram and Danny Khoo.

CIMB OCTOFest

Venue Date
Andaman Island, Penang 9-11 October 2026
KotaSAS, Kuantan, Pahang 16-18 October 2026
Kota Jail, Johor Bahru, Johor 23-25 October 2026
LaLaport Bukit Bintang City Centre, Kuala Lumpur 30 October-1 November 2026

Admission is FREE!

A key attraction at OCTOFest is the giant OCTO phone, the largest OCTO phone ever built. Visitors can take part in Mission Happiness by completing a series of interactive, fun missions around the festival for a chance to unlock surprise rewards.

The Mission Happiness online campaign is also underway, giving CIMB OCTO App users more opportunities to win exclusive rewards through eligible QR Pay transactions, including OCTO Happiness Kits, OCTOFest exclusives and limited-edition OCTO blind boxes.

Visitors can also discover and support local businesses while enjoying a variety of local food and lifestyle products including clothing, fragrance and accessories.

For more information about OCTOFest, please visit https://www.cimb.com.my/cimboctofest and @CIMBMalaysia on Instagram.

SOURCE: CIMB Group Holdings Berhad

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT
Name: Raza Syazani Muhammad
Group Corporate Communications
CIMB Group Holdings Berhad
Tel: +601111315689

--BERNAMA

ERS ELECTRONIC UNVEILS AUTOMATED PANEL-LEVEL PACKAGING SYSTEM

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 1 (Bernama) -- ERS electronic, a provider of thermal management solutions for semiconductor manufacturing, has introduced a fully automated panel-level packaging (PLP) system for 310×310 mm substrates, integrating temporary carrier bonding, debonding and detaping on a single platform.

“Our new machine reflects our commitment to solving real manufacturing challenges,” said ERS electronic chief executive officer, Laurent Giai-Miniet in a statement.

He added that integrating three traditionally separate process steps into one automated platform enables customers to streamline production, improve process consistency and achieve higher yield and throughput.

The system operates at 13 panels per hour and eliminates inter-tool transfers across three thermally critical process steps. The first unit has been delivered to a leading semiconductor manufacturer for integration into its panel production line.

Developed and manufactured at ERS electronic’s Advanced Packaging facility in Barbing, Germany, the machine combines the company’s 55 years of thermal management expertise with more than 30 years of in-house machine-building capability, following ERS's 2024 integration of a semiconductor specialist equipment engineering team.

ERS has been an early adopter of panel-level packaging, having shipped its first commercial panel-level tool to Fraunhofer IZM in Berlin in 2018. The 310×310 mm panel format is gaining traction because it offers significantly greater substrate area utilisation compared with 300 mm circular wafers.

According to Yole Group, the panel-level packaging market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of more than 40 per cent over the next five years. Dual-carrier bonding and debonding workflows are also becoming increasingly important for backside processing in 3D IC, high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and 2.5D IC packaging.

In dual-carrier processes, bonding and debonding typically require separate machines positioned at different points on the fab floor. Moving panels between tools adds handling steps and transit time while increasing the risk of substrate damage.

ERS said its integrated platform consolidates all three process steps within one system, allowing panels to move between process modules rather than between machines, reducing handling time and risk without requiring changes to the surrounding fab layout.

-- BERNAMA

MINTRED and MIDA Launch Sarawak Global Supply Chain and Sourcing Programme 2026 to Connect Local Businesses with Regional and Global Value Chains

YBhg. Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, Chief Executive Officer of MIDA

KUCHING, Sept 30 (Bernama) -- The Sarawak Government has launched the Sarawak Global Supply Chain and Sourcing Programme 2026 at the Pullman Hotel, Kuching, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening industrial linkages, developing local enterprises, and enhancing Sarawak’s participation in regional and global supply chains.

The inaugural programme, aimed at building a more resilient supply chain ecosystem in Sarawak, was officiated by The Honourable Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah bin Ali Hasan, Deputy Premier of Sarawak, Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment, and Second Minister for Natural Resources and Urban Development Sarawak.

Led by the Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment (MINTRED) and the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), in collaboration with the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), InvestSarawak, the Regional Corridor Development Authority (RECODA), and the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC), the programme brings together multinational corporations (MNCs), anchor companies, investors, government agencies, and local enterprises to explore sourcing, procurement, and partnership opportunities.

In his keynote address, the Deputy Premier emphasised that Sarawak has entered a new phase of industrial development, where the focus extends beyond attracting investments to ensuring that these investments generate meaningful economic value through stronger local participation, technology transfer, skills development, and integration into global supply chains.

Sarawak’s investment momentum remains strong, having secured RM116 billion in approved investments across the primary, manufacturing, and services sectors between 2021 and 2025, with domestic investments accounting for 61 per cent of the total. The State also recorded RM10.8 billion in approved investments in the first half of 2026, reflecting continued investor confidence in Sarawak’s economic direction, infrastructure, and green energy capabilities. MIDA continues to work closely with the Sarawak Government and relevant agencies to facilitate high-quality investments, strengthen local sourcing, and create greater opportunities for Sarawak-based companies to participate more meaningfully in regional and global supply chains.

The Honourable Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah bin Ali Hasan highlighted the importance of developing a comprehensive industrial ecosystem around major investments, particularly in strategic sectors such as advanced manufacturing and semiconductors, green energy, downstream oil and gas and petrochemicals, green metals, hydrogen and clean technologies, the digital economy and artificial intelligence, aerospace and precision engineering, as well as agriculture and food manufacturing.

He encouraged Sarawakian enterprises to seize the opportunities presented by the programme by enhancing competitiveness, embracing digital transformation, investing in technology, adopting international standards, and strengthening workforce capabilities to meet global market demands.

The programme also serves as a platform for multinational corporations and anchor companies to strengthen engagement with local suppliers and service providers, fostering long-term commercial partnerships and developing a more resilient and diversified supply chain ecosystem in Sarawak.

Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, Chief Executive Officer of MIDA, said, “Our focus is not only attracting anchor investments, but also on ensuring that these investments open up more opportunities for local companies. Through this programme, we are bringing anchor companies and Sarawak-based businesses together to better understand procurement requirements, identify capability gaps, and build stronger business linkages. We want to see more Sarawak companies become suppliers and partners to these investors, strengthen their capabilities, and ultimately position themselves to participate in regional and global supply chains. MIDA will continue to work closely with the Sarawak Government and our strategic partners to help make this happen.”

“This reflects the spirit of #InvestLokal – ensuring that investments translate into stronger local capabilities, deeper industry linkages and greater opportunities for Malaysian businesses,” he added.

According to the Deputy Premier, collaboration among industry players, government agencies, financial institutions, academia, and technology providers is essential to building a competitive industrial environment that supports sustainable economic growth.

The two-day programme features networking sessions, knowledge-sharing forums, business matching engagements, and business clinics designed to facilitate collaboration between local enterprises and global industry players. With attendance of more than 300 participants, the programme aims to turn business connections into tangible commercial outcomes, including supplier development, investment opportunities, technology transfer, and job creation.

In concluding his address, The Honourable Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah bin Ali Hasan called on all stakeholders to work to strengthen Sarawak’s industrial ecosystem and enhance the State’s position as a strategic and reliable hub within regional and global supply chains. He then officially launched the Sarawak Global Supply Chain and Sourcing Programme 2026.

About MIDA
MIDA is the government’s principal investment promotion and development agency under the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry (MITI) to oversee and drive investments into the manufacturing and services sectors in Malaysia. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur Sentral, MIDA has 12 regional and 20 overseas offices. MIDA continues to be the strategic partner to businesses in seizing the opportunities arising from the technology revolution of this era. For more information, please visit http://www.mida.gov.my and follow us on X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube channels.

About MINTRED
The Ministry of International Trade, Industry and Investment Sarawak (MINTRED) is the Sarawak Government ministry responsible for driving industrial development, facilitating investment, promoting international trade and supporting the growth of SMEs and entrepreneurs. The Ministry plays a key role in positioning Sarawak as a preferred investment destination and trading partner by facilitating business and investment opportunities, strengthening industry capabilities and supporting the State’ s overall economic development.

SOURCE: Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT ​
MIDA
Puan Rozita Ibrahim
Director, Domestic Investment Division
Tel: (603) 2267 3498
Email: rozita@mida.gov.my

MINTRED
Ms. Lo Sheau Sia
Deputy Permanent Secretary
Tel: 082-495748
Email: loss@sarawak.gov.my

--BERNAMA

CHENGDU HOSTS DIGITAL LIGHT AND SHADOW ART FESTIVAL WITH GLOBAL ARTWORKS

The 2026 Chengdu International Digital Light and Shadow Art Festival officially opens on Sept. 29.

 

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 30 (Bernama) -- The 2026 Chengdu International Digital Light and Shadow Art Festival officially opened on Sept 29 at Eastern Suburb Memory and will run throughout China's National Day holiday, featuring 36 digital artworks from multiple countries.

Hosted by Chengdu Dongfang Zhenghuo Culture Media Co Ltd, the festival adopts a dual-track model combining indoor immersive exhibitions and outdoor public light displays, covering architectural projection, interactive installations, and digital performances.

In recent years, Chengdu has developed into a core city for China's digital cultural and creative industries, with a cluster of original local intellectual properties (IPs) accelerating their expansion into overseas markets, according to a statement.

Animated feature films produced by Chengdu enterprises, "Ne Zha 2" and "All Wishes Come True", have been released in overseas cinemas and received acclaim from local audiences for their production standards and distinctive Eastern cultural elements.

At the end of August, "All Wishes Come True" was released in more than 110 cinemas across Malaysia, with over 600 daily screenings. "Ne Zha 2" claimed the number-one box office spot in Singapore for three consecutive weeks and topped Malaysia's box office for two weeks.

Beyond its digital cultural and creative sector, Chengdu continues to attract global visitors with tourism offerings including World Heritage sites, Sichuan culinary experiences and all-season ice and snow sports.

According to the "China Ice and Snow Economic Vitality Report (2024-2025 Snow Season)", Chengdu ranks ninth nationwide in terms of supply scale for its ice and snow economy and has built more than 60 winter sports venues.

The “2024-2025 China Ski Industry White Paper” notes that Chengdu Sunac Snow Park in Dujiangyan has a snow area of 55,000 square metres, ranking fourth among the world's top 10 indoor ski resorts by snow area. The venue operates year-round, allowing visitors to combine indoor skiing with visits to the Dujiangyan and Mount Qingcheng World Heritage Sites.

To prepare for an expected increase in inbound tourist arrivals, Chengdu continues to optimise inbound facilitation services, including through mutual visa exemption arrangements with countries such as Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia.

The 240-hour visa-free transit policy at Chengdu Tianfu International Airport is also expected to support inbound travel. The total number of inbound and outbound travellers through Chengdu ports is projected to reach 144,000, averaging approximately 18,000 people per day, while dedicated green channels and multilingual services are being provided for international visitors.

-- BERNAMA