News
Global tech leaders to convene in Singapore for GITEX AI Asia 2026
Even to feature 550 enterprises, 250 investors, 175 speakers
Singapore will host the second edition of GITEX AI Asia next week from April 9 to 10, with more than 550 enterprises, 250 investors, and 300 startups from over 110 countries expected to convene at Marina Bay Sands.
The event comes as Asia-Pacific’s AI spending is projected to hit US$ 78 billion by 2026, according to an IDC report.
Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia are also projected to account for 40% of global data center capacities by 2030. Singapore itself produces about 15% of the world’s semiconductors and recently launched a new quantum research center.
The conference underscores the region’s rapid adoption of AI across healthcare, finance, and public services. It will feature global technology leaders, investors managing US$ 350 billion in assets, and policymakers discussing Asia’s role in shaping the next era of AI and quantum innovation.
There will be a total of about 175 speakers. Among them are Japan former senator and vice minister Kotaro Tamura, and Aires Applied Quantum Technologies CEO Ken Lin They will highlight the region’s growing quantum IP base.
In addition, startups at North Star Asia, the regional edition of Expand North Star, will showcase breakthroughs. There are energy-efficient AI systems, real-time translation earbuds, and brain-computer interface rehabilitation tools.
Major firms including Ericsson and Gorilla Technology will likewise present infrastructure solutions for AI-driven urban environments.
Meanwhile, Belgium, Canada, the Philippines, and more countries will debut country pavilions. They will join mainstay participants like Australia, China, Germany, Hong Kong, India, the Netherlands, Pakistan, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, Vietnam, and of course, the host Singapore.
For investors and innovators alike, GITEX AI Asia signals Asia’s inflection point as a global leader in AI and quantum technologies. It also reinforces Singapore’s role as a high-impact gateway linking the continent’s innovation ecosystems with global capital and markets.
News
Sony teams up with Hello Kitty for exclusive limited-edition collection
Sony and Hello Kitty join forces.
Sony has teamed up with Hello Kitty for a limited-edition collaboration that combines selected Sony products with exclusive merchandise featuring Sanrio’s beloved character.
Available exclusively through Sony Store channels, the collection marks Sony’s first collaboration with Hello Kitty. It covers the Xperia 10 VIII smartphone and three wireless headphone models: the WH-1000XM6, WH-CH730N, and WH-CH530.
Each collaboration model comes with exclusive Hello Kitty merchandise designed specifically for Sony Store customers.
Sony x Hello Kitty collection
The Xperia 10 VIII collaboration model is priced at SGD 919. It comes with an exclusive Hello Kitty sacoche-style shoulder bag designed to carry the smartphone and other small essentials, along with a Hello Kitty tote bag.
Meanwhile, the WH-1000XM6 collaboration model costs SGD 609. The WH-CH730N is priced at SGD 249, while the WH-CH530 costs SGD 149.
Each headphone collaboration package includes a Sony Store-exclusive Hello Kitty pouch for carrying the headphones and personal belongings, as well as a Hello Kitty tote bag.
The products retain Sony’s existing designs while adding Hello Kitty-themed accessories. The collection aims to bring the character’s signature charm into everyday use without changing the core design of the Sony devices.
Available now in Singapore
Pre-orders for the Sony x Hello Kitty collaboration models are now available through Sony Store channels in Singapore.
Sony is also showcasing the collection at the Sony Store at 313@somerset. Visitors can try the products firsthand and take photos at a dedicated Hello Kitty photo wall.
The collaboration models are available in limited quantities.
For more information, visit the official Sony Store Singapore website.
News
iPhone 18 series breaks records in Vietnam as pre-orders triple
Despite hefty price tag, market saw immense demand for latest Apple devices
The iPhone 18 series saw immense demand upon its availability in Vietnam, with reports indicating that pre-orders at some local retailers for the latest Apple devices more than tripled compared to the previous generation during the same window.
Pre-orders in the market officially opened last month and saw hundreds of thousands of deposits in just days. Devices officially began hitting shelves and delivering to consumers last September 18.
The iPhone 18 Pro Max has been the sought-after model, as XO Tours noted, accounting for about 80% to 90% of the total number of pre-orders. Meanwhile, Burgundy has been the hit color option.
Retailers did have a few safeguards in place, like limiting each customer to a maximum of two Pro or Pro Max units combined.
And in spite of the hefty price tags, the availability of 0% interest installment plans, as well as Buy Now, Pay Later options kept the flagship models as an accessible luxury for consumers, with trade-ins also providing additional discounts.
As with many developing markets, Vietnam also relies heavily on smartphones as everyday devices over laptops, tablets, or PCs.
News
vivo V80 Lite launches in the PH: Price, availability, pre-order details
Pre-order until October 16 for perks
vivo has launched the Guinness World Records holder vivo V80 Lite in the Philippines for a starting price of PhP 24,999.
The midrange offering is available for pre-order until October 16. Customers can enjoy the following benefits when they place pre-orders during the period:
- vivo Buds Air3, worth PhP 1,799
- PhP 1,000 pre-order discount
- vivo Silver Membership exclusive privileges via the vivo Store app
- four-year battery warranty, worth PhP 1,510
- 100GB Google One cloud storage for six months (can be claimed until October 2, 2027)
Customers can also get an additional PhP 500 discount when purchasing through Home Credit at 0% interest until October 31, 2026. Use the voucher code HCV80LITE.
The vivo V80 Lite comes in two configurations:
- 6GB+128GB: PhP 24,999
- 6GB+256GB: PhP 27,999
The smartphone is designed for everyday use, as well as extended hours, with a 10,000mAh BlueVolt battery.
It becomes the latest handset to offer such a battery capacity, addressing a common pain point in smartphone usage.
The phone is also reinforced with IP68 and IP69 dust and water resistance for overall ruggedness.
In front is a 1.5K OLED display with high brightness for visible content even when outdoors.
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