BEIJING, March 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — This is a news report from China Daily:

A convoy of off-road vehicles was winding its way up the mountain road, kicking up clouds of dust that obscured the view. Suddenly, it came to a halt. Wang Tianyi, clad in a blue uniform, camouflage pants, and work shoes, stepped out of the first vehicle and gently carried away the calf that was blocking the way ahead.

This unexpected encounter on Jan 28, unlike past encounters with bears and wild boars, marked the start of yet another challenging day for Wang and his colleagues as they embarked on a crucial mineral exploration mission around the Lanping lead-zinc mine in the Nujiang Lisu autonomous prefecture, Yunnan province.

As the first stage of mineral exploration, the work of Wang’s group involves collecting soil samples at the vertices of each 40-meter-by-100-meter rectangle, drying them in the sun, grinding them into powder, and testing their geochemical composition. With 90 percent of the work already completed, their task for that day was to sample the last and most rugged central area in the north.

“This is tough work, but every sample we collect brings us one step closer to finding new mineral deposits. And it’s all worth it,” the 35-year-old said.

Having commenced the project in early January, Wang is among the 33 geological workers from the Kunming General Survey of Natural Resources Center of the China Geological Survey, tasked with mapping a 44-square-kilometer surrounding area of China’s largest open-pit lead-zinc mine. Braving freezing temperatures, steep slopes, and mysterious unknowns, they provide valuable insights into the region’s mineral potential, facilitating the planning of future exploration and mining efforts.

Lead and zinc, often found together as co-minerals, are silvery-white metals characterized by their suitable ductility and relatively low electrical conductivity among metals. With extensive use in industrial alloys, anticorrosion coatings, and radiation shielding applications, they experience huge global demand.

In 1965, the local geological survey bureau discovered the Lanping mine, which boasts reserves of lead and zinc exceeding 15 million metric tons. It remained the largest of its kind in China until 2016, when a mine in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region surpassed its record.

While China ranks among the top globally in reserves for lead and zinc, the per capita availability of these metals remains limited. Moreover, the rise of new energy vehicles has further intensified demand, particularly given their critical roles in battery technologies.

Pan Jiarong, a senior engineer at the Kunming General Survey of Natural Resources Center who leads the exploration project, emphasized that prospecting near existing mines is a “low-cost, high-return” strategy, providing benefits such as economic value, resource security, and ecological protection. 

He pointed to the Olympic Dam deposit in Australia as an example, illustrating how it evolved from a copper mine into one of the world’s largest deposits of copper, gold, uranium, and nickel through a series of discoveries.

“Preliminary literature indicates a high likelihood of mineralization in this region. In addition, the geological structures and metallogenic conditions of known deposits often mirror their surrounding areas. This offers the potential to streamline work by utilizing existing exploration data, such as geological maps, geochemical anomalies, and drilling records, thereby reducing exploration risks and costs,” Pan said.

“If new ore bodies are discovered, development can quickly proceed by leveraging existing mining infrastructure, which minimizes environmental impact from additional construction, and generates economic returns,” he said, adding that this approach can also enhance regional mineralization theory.

Given Yunnan’s exceptional importance as a biodiversity hot spot for flora and fauna, Pan underscored that their exploration plan was designed with a strong commitment to green exploration principles. This involves strictly adhering to the red lines that protect permanent basic farmland, conserve ecological areas, and respect urban expansion boundaries. To further minimize environmental impact, shallow drilling is chosen over the more disruptive trenching method, with careful attention paid to the disposal of waste oil and rock reagents.

“The altitude here is relatively high, which means that natural restoration of vegetation faces significant challenges. Therefore, we hope to minimize the extent of environmental disturbance as much as possible,” Pan said.

The sun hung high in the sky at noon when geologist Zeng Liang and his local partner tightened the lids of their thermoses, put the empty compressed biscuit wrappers into their backpacks, and prepared to start the remaining half of their work — they were required to return to the base before 6 pm, when it got dark.

“For each geological exploration project, we generally team up a local villager with a geologist, as locals are more familiar with the mountain conditions and can look out for each other to ensure safety,” Zeng said. 

He added that his local partner had worked with him for several days. Previously, the local would bring a home-cooked boxed meal, but due to the cold weather, he has taken Zeng’s advice to bring biscuits and steamed buns instead.

Deep in the mountains, where telephone signals are generally weak, their emergency communication relies on the satellite phones carried in everyone’s bags — both geologists and their local partners. For them, mobile phones are primarily used for recording purposes.

“We have a WeChat group where we post dozens of videos every day — surprising, thrilling, and strange ones. While our daily work can be tedious, seeing what others post not only reminds us that we’re not alone but also highlights potential dangers,” he said.

Zeng, like Wang, is responsible for geochemical prospecting. He pointed to a video of a colleague using a pickax to break through a 2-centimeter-thick layer of ice to collect soil samples underneath, which could reveal the region’s properties.

“It’s quite a unique experience, as few projects are conducted in winter,” Zeng said, highlighting the daily temperature fluctuations. In the morning, they have to leave extra space in their bags for down jackets, which they take off at noon when it gets warmer.

He also emphasized the challenges posed by the local coniferous forest vegetation. Thick layers of pine needles on the ground make it extremely slippery, and many team members have slipped off slopes and grabbed onto trees to stop their fall. The rugged terrain, with slopes reaching a 40-degree incline, makes the path difficult to climb, allowing them to cover only about 1,000 meters of straight-line distance each day, with their step count exceeding 10,000.

Unlike Wang and Zeng’s group, whose work is almost done, Li Jinwang’s group will be engaged throughout the entire exploration project. Their responsibility is to conduct geological mapping, a crucial phase where rock characteristics — such as types, colors, textures, and structures — are accurately plotted on a topographic map at a specific scale to uncover regional geological patterns. 

“To ensure uniform recording practices, my group spent the first week at the known lead-zinc mine for field training and calibrating measurement protocols,” Li said, adding that for abnormal rocks that are difficult to judge, they will carefully mark the location, take clear photos, and collect a sample to bring back.

The dense vegetation in Yunnan results in a relatively thick humus layer, which presents certain challenges for their work. As Li moves from place to place, he swings a geological hammer with his right hand to strike the rocks, revealing their internal structures. With a small instrument in his other hand, he conducts preliminary tests on the rocks’ elemental content and physical properties.

“It can be very frustrating if no abnormalities are found throughout the day. However, no result is also a result and needs to be dealt with seriously,” he said.

Surprisingly, they have made some discoveries. For example, they have found hard gray-green rocks that exhibit a metallic luster under a magnifying glass — which is highly consistent with the characteristics of lead-zinc ores in the known Lanping deposit — suggesting a likelihood of mineral resources in the region.

Additionally, there are some findings for which they haven’t yet found a definite explanation, such as rocks that emit an odor similar to asphalt when chipped and rocks with sapphire-like speckles.

“Our work in mineral exploration is like opening a blind box: we never know what we will find next, but every discovery brings us closer to unlocking the secrets of the Earth’s mineral wealth. This is both the responsibility and the charm of the job I undertake,” Li said.

HONG KONG, March 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Mira Hong Kong hosted the second annual Ramadan Iftar Dinner on 26 February, reinforcing the city’s efforts to position itself as a Muslim‑friendly destination and a regional hub for culturally inclusive hospitality. The invitation‑only event took place at the penthouse ballroom of the design-driven retreat named Muslim‑Friendly Hotel of the Year at the Halal in Travel Awards 2025 by CrescentRating. Building on the inaugural Iftar hosted last year — the first of its kind staged by a luxury hotel in the Asia’s World City – the event was jointly organised with the Consulate General of Türkiye in Hong Kong and Miramar Travel.

Among nearly 200 Guests invited were VIP officials from the HKSAR Government, members of the Legislative Council, and leaders from Hong Kong’s tourism, hospitality, and business sectors including: Guest of Honour – Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Cheuk Wing Hing; Olympian gold medallist, Ms Vivian Kong, Legislative Council Member, Functional Constituency – Tourism; Commissioner for Tourism, Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, Mrs Angelina Cheung; as well as Hong Kong Tourism Board’s Executive Director, Mr Anthony Lau. They were joined by Consuls General of 12 other countries, spanning Muslim‑majority nations across the Middle East and Asia, representing Egypt, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Bangladesh, Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia, as well as Romania and Poland. Also in attendance were members of the Board of Trustees — the governing body of Hong Kong’s Islamic community — underscoring the event’s role as both a diplomatic and community‑focused gathering.

At sunset, the meaningful evening began with a recitation from the Holy Quran by Mufti Muhammad Arshad, Chief Imam of Hong Kong, followed by the symbolic breaking of the fast with dates and lentil soup in an elegant setting of the 10,000‑square‑foot penthouse ballroom transformed with décor referencing Istanbul’s architectural heritage with iconic Blue Mosque and Iznik pottery reflecting a tangible intersection between Chinese porcelain aesthetics and Ottoman-era craftsmanship, echoing cultural exchanges along the Silk Road between East and West.

At the heart of the celebration was a rich and diverse Halal buffet curated by The Mira Hong Kong’s culinary team offering a broad selection of Middle Eastern, Asian and International dishes, designed to reflect the diversity of Hong Kong’s multicultural dining landscape. Authentic Turkish highlights such as iconic chicken döner carving and lamb kebab with mint yoghurt, presented next to vibrant mezze spread, and classic desserts such as crispy cheese kunafa, and Turkish date halva, were served along signature Chinese halal specialities from Michelin-recommended Cuisine Cuisine including signature Peking duck, as well as international favourites including beef Madras curry.

A vibrant highlight of the gathering was the interactive Ramadan Bazaar featuring culinary and cultural delights: Turkish coffee brewed in hot sand, traditional baklava with pistachios, and freshly baked Turkish pretzels (simit) prepared following the exact recipe shared by the Consul General of Türkiye. Engaging Turkish shadow puppet theatre, live Ebru marbling art, and live music by The Saffron Quartet, performing traditional Turkish and Middle Eastern compositions using authentic instruments, transporting Guests in time and space.

Addressing the Guests gathered, Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Cheuk Wing Hing, said: “We are committed to further promoting Muslim tourism and facilitating Halal certification, as outlined in the Chief Executive’s 2025 Policy Address. Our goal is clear: to enhance Muslim-friendly services for our residents, and to position Hong Kong as a welcoming destination for Muslim visitors from around the world. Through sustained collaboration, we can strengthen Hong Kong’s reputation as a vibrant, inclusive city and enrich its cultural tapestry with diversity.”

Reflecting on the significance of the occasion, Mr Alexander Wassermann, Head of Hotels & Serviced Apartments, Miramar Group, said: “It is a meaningful honour for The Mira Hong Kong to host a Ramadan Iftar Dinner once again as a continued commitment to providing a unique platform where cultures connect through hospitality, respect and shared experiences. This annual celebration not only honours the spirit of Ramadan but also underscores The Mira’s leadership in forging Muslim friendly hospitality. Leveraging on the prime location neighbouring with the Kowloon Mosque, and offering broad range of services ranging from halal Cantonese fine dining, halal wedding banquets to halal coffee breaks for meetings and events, our design-led, tech-forward property named Muslim Friendly Hotel of the Year by CrescentRating, continues to align our guest experience in newly refurbished guest rooms with Global Muslim Travel Index identified trends so that The Mira Hong Kong remains a destination hotel of choice for Muslim leisure and corporate travellers, and a benchmark for inclusive hospitality in our city.”

About The Mira Hong Kong

The Mira Hong Kong is a design-driven urban retreat in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, offering 489 boldly styled guest rooms and suites with tech-forward amenities. Home to six restaurants and bars, 18,000 square feet of wellness facilities at MiraSpa, and flexible event spaces crowned by a penthouse Ballroom, the hotel overlooks lush Kowloon Park. Centrally located in the heart of the vibrant shopping district, just steps away from the MTR, a short stroll to Star Ferry and with High-Speed Rail within easy reach, The Mira seamlessly connects guests to every corner of the vibrant metropolis. The Mira Hong Kong is a member of the Design Hotels™ and a partner hotel of Marriott Bonvoy. www.themirahotel.com 

Address: Mira Place, 118-130 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Instagram: @themirahotel | Facebook: @themirahk

BARCELONA, Spain, March 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In our current digital era, modern life and economic activity rely heavily on networks. Network stability directly impacts the public’s digital well-being and sense of social participation. As the “brain” of telecom networks, the core network affects tens of millions of users, which means any service interruptions can have immeasurable consequences for society. With networks becoming increasingly complex, traditional O&M methods are no longer sufficient. Autonomous Networks (AN) L4 are widely regarded as the key path forward.

2025 marked the first year of AN L4 commercialization. TM Forum, together with industry partners, released the seventh edition of the Autonomous Networks White Paper, which defined implementation milestones, key technologies, and solution packages for AN L4. This provided global operators with full guidance for deploying L4 solutions. Already, 18 leading operators worldwide have unveiled their AN L4 strategies and objectives. At the same time, high-stability evaluation of core networks has become an industry consensus. Since the release of the evaluation criteria, six operators have obtained official certification from TM Forum.

Over the past year, Huawei’s ICNMaster MDAF has focused on stability and efficiency. It introduced the industry’s first hybrid model architecture—Mixture of Models (MoM)—delivering optimal precision and efficiency. It also launched intelligent agents for fault management and complaint handling, enabling scenario-based automation. After a year of development, MDAF has been successfully deployed across the networks of 14 leading operators worldwide. It has significantly improved O&M efficiency, reduced service recovery time, and enhanced the operational experience of O&M personnel.

As we look further into 2026, Huawei’s ICNMaster MDAF will continue to innovate and lead the industry. A new AN L4 solution will be introduced to address the most pressing challenges of operators. Along with global customers and partners, Huawei will drive the advancement of both the AN industry and the high-stability evaluation criteria, helping operators worldwide achieve efficient O&M and robust network stability, in a decisive move toward AN L4. We look forward to your participation!

BANGKOK, March 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Harbour, a UK-based investor, has assumed Nopporn “Nick” Suppipat’s rights and title to all interests that he and his affiliated companies have in Wind Energy Holding Co. Ltd (“WEH”).

This includes Nick’s beneficial interest in Golden Music Limited (“GML”), a Hong Kong incorporated company which is the registered holder of 38% of the issued shares of WEH and is under independent, court appointed receivership.  

As Thailand’s leading domestic wind energy company, WEH is expected to play a pivotal role in helping the country achieve its target of 51% renewable energy in its power mix by 2037.

Today’s announcement means that Nick has fully stepped away from his interests in WEH and the associated litigation in various countries. He has no residual financial interest in WEH or the litigation associated with its ownership.

Nick Suppipat said:

“After more than a decade of litigation, I have concluded that the most effective course of action is to divest fully all my interests in WEH to Harbour. I look forward to focusing my time and resources on an exciting new business venture.”

Notes to the Editors

About GML

• In August 2023, The High Court of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region appointed independent Interim Joint and Several Receivers over all the issued shares of Golden Music Limited (“GML”).
• In June 2025, the receivership was made permanent, granting the Joint and Several Receivers full powers and authority over GML’s assets, which include 38% of the issued shares of WEH.
• The Joint and Several Receivers were themselves appointed as directors of GML on and from 3 August 2023 and now constitute its board of directors.

SINGAPORE, March 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Otis Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: OTIS),  the world’s leading elevator and escalator manufacturing, installation, service and modernization company, has appointed Nicolas (Nico) Lopez President of Otis Asia Pacific (APAC), effective immediately.  

As APAC President, he will be responsible for the business and geographies across Asia, excluding Greater China. He will drive growth and transformation by advancing customer centricity and operational excellence across service, modernization, new equipment, manufacturing, and innovation, strengthening the regional portfolio, workforce, and customer relationships of Otis.

“It takes advanced technology, outstanding technical expertise, and deep dedication to move millions of people safely and reliably across Asia Pacific every day,” Lopez said. “I’m proud to be leading a team that has earned the trust of customers and passengers. We never take this trust for granted, and we are always working to meet the expectations of the people we serve.”

Lopez brings broad commercial, operational, legal, and governance expertise to his new role. With a decade at Otis, he most recently was the Managing Director for Otis Southeast Asia. His tenure also includes oversight of distributor operations across more than 60 countries, and senior business development and compliance positions across Otis APAC and Latin America. Lopez also spent nearly a decade with the former parent company of Otis.

He holds an MBA from Universidad del CEMA and a Master of Laws from Columbia Law School.

Lopez succeeds Stéphane de Montlivault, who has retired after four decades with Otis. De Montlivault was instrumental in developing Otis as an industry leader in Asia and also co-founded WorkWell Leaders, a charity that promotes workplace mental wellbeing.

About Otis

Otis gives people freedom to connect and thrive in a taller, faster, smarter world. The global leader in the manufacture, installation, service and modernization of elevators and escalators, we move 2.5 billion people a day and maintain approximately 2.5 million customer units worldwide – the industry’s largest Service portfolio. You’ll find us in the world’s most iconic structures, as well as residential and commercial buildings, transportation hubs and everywhere people are on the move. Headquartered in Connecticut, USA, Otis is 72,000 people strong, including 45,000 field professionals, all committed to manufacturing, installing and maintaining products to meet the diverse needs of our customers and passengers in more than 200 countries and territories. To learn more, visit www.otis.com and follow us on LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook @OtisElevatorCo.

SINGAPORE, March 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Otis Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: OTIS), the world’s leading elevator and escalator manufacturing, installation, service and modernization company, has appointed Nicolas (Nico) Lopez President of Otis Asia Pacific (APAC), effective immediately.  

As APAC President, he will be responsible for the business and geographies across Asia, excluding Greater China. He will drive growth and transformation by advancing customer centricity and operational excellence across service, modernization, new equipment, manufacturing, and innovation, strengthening the regional portfolio, workforce, and customer relationships of Otis.

“It takes advanced technology, outstanding technical expertise, and deep dedication to move millions of people safely and reliably across Asia Pacific every day,” Lopez said. “I’m proud to be leading a team that has earned the trust of customers and passengers. We never take this trust for granted, and we are always working to meet the expectations of the people we serve.”

Lopez brings broad commercial, operational, legal, and governance expertise to his new role. With a decade at Otis, he most recently was the Managing Director for Otis Southeast Asia. His tenure also includes oversight of distributor operations across more than 60 countries, and senior business development and compliance positions across Otis APAC and Latin America. Lopez also spent nearly a decade with the former parent company of Otis.

He holds an MBA from Universidad del CEMA and a Master of Laws from Columbia Law School.

Lopez succeeds Stéphane de Montlivault, who has retired after four decades with Otis. De Montlivault was instrumental in developing Otis as an industry leader in Asia and also co-founded WorkWell Leaders, a charity that promotes workplace mental wellbeing.

About Otis
Otis gives people freedom to connect and thrive in a taller, faster, smarter world. The global leader in the manufacture, installation, service and modernization of elevators and escalators, we move 2.5 billion people a day and maintain approximately 2.5 million customer units worldwide – the industry’s largest Service portfolio. You’ll find us in the world’s most iconic structures, as well as residential and commercial buildings, transportation hubs and everywhere people are on the move. Headquartered in Connecticut, USA, Otis is 72,000 people strong, including 45,000 field professionals, all committed to manufacturing, installing and maintaining products to meet the diverse needs of our customers and passengers in more than 200 countries and territories. To learn more, visit www.otis.com and follow us on LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook @OtisElevatorCo.

SINGAPORE, March 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Synpulse, the global consultancy to major financial institutions, is proud to announce the promotion of Andreas Mettenberger and Adrien Thonet to Partner. Their appointments come at a defining moment for Synpulse, as the firm marks its 30‑year anniversary and reflects a journey shaped by global expansion, technological innovation, and a deepening leadership footprint across the Asia‑Pacific region.

Built on deep industry expertise and a strong commitment to delivering meaningful client impact, Synpulse’s 30-year journey has charted an ambitious path toward shaping the digital future of financial services. At the heart of this evolution is the Asia‑Pacific region, which has rapidly emerged as both a key growth driver and a strategic pillar of Synpulse’s global operations.

The announcement also continues Synpulse’s broader global momentum, following new partner appointments in Europe with Joel Smith being promoted to Partner and the advancement of Marcel Lötscher to Senior Partner in the Americas.

Salomon Wettstein, Managing Partner and Head of North Asia at Synpulse commented, “The promotions of Andreas and Adrien underscore the strength and maturity of our Hong Kong and North Asia platform. As the region continues to emerge as a strategic growth engine for Synpulse, their leadership reflects both the depth of our local capabilities and our long-term commitment to investing in this market. This is an important step in building a sustainable leadership bench to support our clients’ ambitions across North Asia.”

Based in Hong Kong, Andreas Mettenberger has driven the expansion of Synpulse’s APAC wealth and asset management practice, leading flagship WealthCockpit implementations for key financial institutions. Known for his strategic leadership and delivery excellence, Andreas will sharpen Synpulse’s focus on becoming the partner of choice for external asset managers and family offices both as a strategic advisor and technology partner while accelerating the rollout of our WealthCockpit solutions across APAC, the Middle East, and Europe. His promotion to Partner reaffirms Synpulse’s commitment to serving APAC clients with leading expertise in digitalisation, operating model design, and regulatory readiness.

Adrien Thonet, also based in Hong Kong, has been a driving force behind Synpulse’s Avaloq strategy. With over a decade of deep expertise across Avaloq, Wealth Management, and Private Banking, he has driven high‑stakes core banking transformations and ecosystem collaborations that have positioned Synpulse as a trusted ally to next‑gen financial institutions. As Partner, Adrien will accelerate Synpulse’s momentum by expanding our Avaloq footprint across APAC and MEA, driving a strong pipeline, ensuring the seamless delivery of major transformation programs and strengthening global collaboration to create powerful synergies across APAC, MEA, and Europe.

“The addition of Adrien and Andreas as partners reflects Synpulse’s commitment to investing in exceptional talent and leadership,” said Yves Roesti, CEO and Managing Partner of Synpulse. “Their energy and forward‑looking vision will further propel our teams and clients toward bold, transformative growth across APAC and beyond. Their appointment is a pivotal step in shaping a truly global, future‑ready Synpulse that will continue to push boundaries and raise the bar for our industry.”

About Synpulse

Synpulse is a global management consultancy and a trusted partner to financial institutions. We deliver end-to-end transformation for financial institutions, combining deep industry expertise with technology across strategy, design, implementation, and operations. With a network of over 100 ecosystem partners and our technology division Synpulse8, we co-create innovative digital solutions that deliver value-creating impact. Our team of 1,000+ professionals from more than 20 locations is united by a shared commitment to excellence and client success.

Further information www.synpulse.com.