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Digital Cyprus Conference 2026 Puts AI At The Heart Of Business Transformation

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 2, 2026

Artificial intelligence and digital transformation took centre stage this week as the 5th Digital Cyprus Conference 2026 brought together business leaders, policymakers, technology experts and internationally recognised speakers in Nicosia to discuss how emerging technologies are reshaping the future of business.

AI Takes Centre Stage In Cyprus’ Digital Agenda

Organised by the Cyprus Information Technology Enterprises Association (CITEA) and IMH, the conference explored how artificial intelligence is transforming industries, changing the way businesses operate and creating new opportunities for growth across the economy.

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Addressing the event, Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy Nicodemos Damianou highlighted the strategic role of digital transformation and AI adoption in strengthening Cyprus’ long-term competitiveness.

Business Leaders Examine The Next Wave Of Transformation

Building on that theme, speakers from Cyprus and abroad shared insights into the latest developments in digital technologies, focusing on the strategies businesses can adopt to remain competitive in an increasingly technology-driven marketplace.

Alongside the conference programme, participants also explored an outdoor technology exhibition showcasing innovative products, services and digital solutions from companies across the sector.

CITEA Says AI Is No Longer Optional

Reflecting on the discussions, CITEA President Giorgos Malekkos said the conference demonstrated not only how rapidly artificial intelligence is evolving, but also how businesses are already putting the technology into practice while preparing for the opportunities it is expected to create in the years ahead.

“AI is here to stay and was the central theme of the conference, a topic that will continue to be highly relevant in the years ahead,”
he said.

Malekkos added that CITEA and its members stand ready to help businesses take the next step by supporting the adoption and effective use of artificial intelligence.

A Growing Platform For Cyprus’ Digital Ecosystem

This year’s event once again reinforced the conference’s role as one of Cyprus’ leading forums for the business and technology community. By bringing together policymakers, industry leaders and technology providers, it provided a platform for exchanging ideas, sharing expertise and building new partnerships across Cyprus’ growing digital ecosystem.

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Shein Targets $25 Billion Valuation In Hong Kong IPO As Growth Slows

by News Editor

August 17, 2026

Shein is reportedly targeting a valuation of around $25 billion in its planned Hong Kong IPO, a sharp decline from the nearly $100 billion valuation the online fashion retailer achieved in a 2022 fundraising round.

Two people familiar with the plans said the company was likely to target about $25 billion, while another source put the expected range at $25 billion to $28 billion based on the proposed price band.

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IPO Valuation Falls Sharply

Shein plans to sell up to 8% of its shares in the offering, according to a person familiar with the plans. At a $25 billion valuation, that would translate into an IPO of as much as $2 billion.

The latest target is also below the $30 billion to $40 billion valuation the company was seeking earlier this month as it began meeting with potential investors.

Founded in China in 2012 and now headquartered in Singapore, Shein sells low-cost clothing to consumers in about 160 countries. The company is expected to launch its long-awaited Hong Kong IPO later this week.

Trade Restrictions Weigh On Growth

Shein’s valuation has come under pressure as major markets tighten rules affecting low-cost e-commerce shipments. The European Union, for example, has moved to impose additional fees on cheap parcels from platforms such as Shein and Temu. EU Tightens Rules On Low-Cost E-Commerce Parcels

In the U.S., the removal of an import duty exemption for small packages has also affected the company. Shein reported a $99 million quarterly loss in the first quarter of 2026 as sales growth slowed, while a one-time accounting charge further weighed on its results. Shein Reports First-Quarter Loss Ahead Of IPO

Investors Question Shein’s Growth Prospects

The steep reduction in valuation reflects growing concerns over slower growth, higher trade costs, regulatory pressure and stronger competition across global e-commerce.

Some investors who reviewed Shein’s recent financial statements or attended IPO presentations told Reuters they were skeptical that the company could return to the growth rates that supported its $98.2 billion valuation in 2022. Shein’s Slowing Growth Tests Investor Appetite

A lower IPO valuation could also affect Shein’s existing investors. Under the terms of its IPO filing, the company may have to issue additional shares to certain pre-IPO investors if its valuation falls below agreed thresholds.