Vientiane police have detained more than 100 suspects in four cybercrime and online gambling raids across the capital since early September.
Vientiane police dismantled four cybercrime and online gambling operations across Vientiane Capital in early September, detaining more than 100 suspects and seizing large quantities of computer equipment, mobile phones, and suspected narcotics.
In the latest arrest, on 6 September, the authorities detained 43 people at the Yuzhou Smart Hotel in Xaythany District’s Nongviengkham village. Officers seized dozens of laptops and 468 mobile phones.
Three days earlier, on 3 September, authorities cracked down on two locations, also in Xaythany District, in Nonsengchanh and Nathom villages, detaining 39 suspects in total. Chinese nationals accounted for the largest share, followed by Burmese nationals.
In another case, authorities raided the Huay Ye Hotel in Sikhottabong’s Sang Jiang Market area last week, detaining 16 suspects. Officers seized desktop computers and laptops from the scene, along with a substantial quantity of suspected narcotics, including 132 packets containing ketamine and vape cartridges containing suspected narcotic liquids.
According to Lao state media, around the same time, authorities also raided Houngheuang in Sikhottabong District, detaining 11 suspects, including one Lao national. Officers seized nitrous oxide tanks, syringes containing suspected narcotic liquid, and other drug paraphernalia.
Part of a Nationwide Campaign
Lao authorities handed over 34 Thai nationals to Thai authorities on 2 September, marking the seventh transfer batch tied to the ST Vegas case, which has now seen 366 of 373 Thai suspects returned.
A day earlier, Bokeo authorities transferred 92 Thai nationals linked to telecom fraud schemes impersonating Thai law enforcement officers. Additional raids in Oudomxay and Vientiane in late August detained dozens more suspects across several nationalities.
To date, Lao authorities have arrested at least 6,200 cybercrime and scam suspects nationwide since the start of 2026, with roughly 1,000 arrests recorded each month from June through August.
Student Flag-guard Team debuts new signature uniforms, embodying vigour and a sense of mission
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 September 2026 – The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) today (7 September) commenced the 2026/27 academic year with a solemn Flag-raising Ceremony this morning, with the CUHK Flag-guard Team, clad in student-designed new uniforms, conducting the ceremony – demonstrating vigour and a sense of mission. The national flag, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region flag and the CUHK flag were solemnly raised to the national anthem, marking the start of the new academic year.
It was followed by the Inauguration Ceremony for Undergraduates 2026. The events come at a landmark moment for the University, following its recent rise to 18th place in the QS World University Rankings and the official launch of its new strategic plan, CUHK 2026–2030: Leaping to Greatness.
The Flag-raising and Flag-guard Team Recognition Ceremonies
The Flag-raising Ceremony was attended by more than 130 guests, including the Hon Alice Mak Mei-kuen, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs of the HKSAR Government, Ms Wan Ning, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Education and Youth Affairs of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, Professor Hon Jasper Tsang Yok-sing, Honorary Professor in CUHK’s Faculty of Social Science, Dr Norman Chan Tak-lam, Vice-Chairman of the CUHK Council, Professor Dennis Lo Yuk-ming, CUHK Vice-Chancellor and President, alongside Legislative Council members, members of the University Council, senior management, representatives of Colleges and Faculties, staff, students and alumni.
CUHK Flag-guard Team with guests
Following the Flag-raising Ceremony, the University held the Recognition Ceremony for the CUHK Flag-guard Team. Miss Mak, Dr Chan and Professor Lo presented 18 Appointment Certificates and 5 Certificates of Appreciation respectively. In addition, a student received the “Best CUHK Flag-guard Team Member Award 2025-2026” in recognition of her outstanding performance and dedication to the team.
Three awards for the Flag-guard Team Uniform Design Competition were also presented. The final design of the new uniforms was developed from the winning concepts of the champion students and further refined with valuable input from Professor Lo. Featuring CUHK’s signature purple and gold – representing devotion and loyalty, and perseverance and resolution, respectively. The new uniforms reflect the team’s professionalism and vibrant spirit, while embodying the youth’s loyalty and commitment to the nation, Hong Kong and the University, as well as their steadfast dedication to promoting patriotic values.
Navigating the AI era through virtue and ethics
CUHK holds the Inauguration Ceremony for Undergraduates 2026
At the Inauguration Ceremony for Undergraduates 2026 held at Sir Run Run Shaw Hall, Professor Lo welcomed the incoming cohort, encouraging them to regard CUHK as their second home for intellectual and personal growth.
Addressing how students could navigate the artificial intelligence (AI) era, Professor Lo emphasised the importance of developing both technical capabilities and sound moral judgement. He encouraged students to use AI responsibly, with honesty, independent judgement and respect for others. He noted that, as routine tasks became increasingly automated, human strengths such as empathy, critical reasoning and moral judgement would become even more important, highlighting why the University motto, “Through Learning and Temperance to Virtue”, was more relevant today than ever.
Professor Lo added that a journey at CUHK would open up opportunities for students to become responsible global citizens, “Social responsibility begins with an awareness that our actions and attitudes can make a difference. As an ancient Chinese saying goes, ‘A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step’ (「千里之行，始於足下」). The idea of changing the world may seem daunting. Yet social responsibility often starts with small, everyday actions on campus and in the local community: volunteering, supporting community initiatives, embracing sustainability or extending kindness to those around us. Meaningful change is built one step at a time: start locally while thinking globally, using knowledge and talent to contribute to the common good.”
Professor Lo invited students to actively participate in the journey of shaping CUHK’s future trajectory, adding that their curiosity, integrity, fresh ideas and willingness to contribute would play a vital role in the University’s development.
The 268-room hotel – Dusit’s third branded property in Malaysia – will provide a convenient, centrally located base for exploring Ipoh’s heritage streets, food traditions, and dramatic limestone landscapes
BANGKOK, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 September 2026 – Dusit Hotels and Resorts, the hotel arm of Dusit International, one of Thailand’s leading hotel and property development companies, will open Dusit Princess Ipoh on 1 October 2026, bringing its distinctive Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to Ipoh, the capital of Malaysia’s Perak state.
A Deluxe Queen Room at Dusit Princess Ipoh, featuring contemporary comforts and locally inspired artwork that reflects the distinctive character of the city.
Located approximately 200 km north of Kuala Lumpur and shaped by the late-19th-century tin-mining boom that transformed the city into an important commercial hub, Ipoh is home to a historic centre where colonial-era shophouses, traditional kopitiams, and small local businesses preserve the character of the city’s past.
Its multicultural culinary traditions – from longstanding dim sum restaurants to celebrated Ipoh white coffee, whose distinctive flavour comes from beans traditionally roasted with margarine – have also made the city a draw for food-focused travellers. Meanwhile, the dramatic limestone formations and cave temples of the surrounding Kinta Valley invite visitors to combine cultural discovery with nature excursions and outdoor exploration.
Under its new identity as Dusit Princess Ipoh, the established 268-room property – owned by Plenitude Berhad, a Bursa Malaysia-listed group with interests in property development, property investment, and hospitality – is ideally positioned to help travellers discover the city’s heritage, culinary scene, and natural attractions, while offering the comfort and flexibility required for city breaks, extended stays, business travel, and events.
Set beside the Perak Turf Club, a long-established centre for thoroughbred racing, the hotel is less than five minutes by car from Ipoh city centre. Sultan Azlan Shah Airport is approximately 10 minutes away and offers direct flights from Singapore.
Reflecting the practical, welcoming character of Dusit’s upper-midscale Dusit Princess brand, accommodation spans five room categories, ranging from 25 sq m Superior Rooms to 58 sq m Family Suites.
Rooms offer views across the Perak Turf Club or city skyline and include high-speed Wi-Fi, smart TVs, quality bedding, in-room safes, and dedicated workspaces. To support longer stays and give families greater flexibility, Family Rooms and Family Suites also include kitchenettes.
Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, Kids Club, self-service laundry, accessible rooms, a prayer room, and complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. Guests also have access to a 6,580 sq ft fitness centre offering extensive workout facilities and extended opening hours.
The Atrium, the hotel’s naturally lit all-day dining restaurant, offers sweeping views of Ipoh’s limestone hills and cityscape. It serves a buffet breakfast featuring local and regional favourites such as nasi lemak, roti canai, kway teow goreng, and dim sum, alongside continental options. Local and international dishes are available throughout the day. The lobby coffee shop, meanwhile, serves speciality teas, coffees, and juices alongside a selection of pastries and desserts.
For meetings, conferences, weddings, and social occasions, the hotel offers three flexible venues providing approximately 964 sq m of event space.
The principal venue is the 496.8 sq m Kinta Ballroom, which can host up to 400 guests theatre-style or 300 guests for round-table events. Equipped with an LED screen, dynamic sound system, and adjustable lighting, it is supported by the 383 sq m Kampar Hall and 84 sq m Gopeng Room, which provide additional options for smaller gatherings.
“With accommodation and facilities designed to meet the needs of leisure travellers, families, business guests, government delegations, and event groups, Dusit Princess Ipoh represents a compelling opportunity to introduce the welcoming character of the Dusit Princess brand to a city with such a strong identity and well-established appeal,” said Mr Chanin Donavanik, Group Chief Executive Officer, Dusit International. “Perak welcomed 23.6 million domestic visitors in 2025, making it one of Malaysia’s three most visited states. This strong demand, together with Ipoh’s convenient access from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, gives the city considerable potential to attract more international visitors. Working with Plenitude Berhad, we are building on the strengths of an established property to support that growth while helping guests connect more deeply with the destination.”
Madam Elsie Chua, Non-Independent Non-Executive Chairman, Plenitude Berhad, said, “Dusit Princess Ipoh marks a new chapter for this established property and for Plenitude’s hospitality portfolio. Building on the property’s longstanding presence in Ipoh, we are delighted to bring the distinctive warmth of Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to the city through a recognised international brand, while embracing the character, culture, and local flavours that make Ipoh unique. We look forward to creating a welcoming gateway for guests to experience Ipoh – combining the qualities and standards associated with the Dusit Princess brand with the authentic spirit of the destination.”
From the hotel, guests can easily reach Ipoh Old Town, including Concubine Lane, a lively historic alley lined with small shops and stalls, and Kong Heng Square, a restored heritage enclave housing independent businesses. Local dining districts and commercial areas are also within easy reach.
To help guests explore further, the hotel’s Discover the Soul of Ipoh programme brings together locally led activities spanning heritage, food, nature, well-being, and family experiences.
Highlights include photographic walks through Ipoh’s heritage streets, visits to Tambun pomelo orchards and limestone cave temples, food trails featuring Ipoh white coffee and traditional desserts, and workshops in Labu Sayong pottery, a traditional Perak craft. Family cooking classes and evening wildlife adventures are also available.
To celebrate its opening, Dusit Princess Ipoh is offering stays from RM 230 (approximately USD 57) per room per night, including RM 50 (approximately USD 12) in daily food and beverage credit. The offer is valid for stays from 1 October through 31 December 2026. Terms and conditions apply.
For more information, please visit dusit.com/dpim. Hashtag: #Dusit
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Dusit International
Established in 1949, Dusit International is a leading hospitality group listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Its operations comprise five distinct yet complementary business units: Dusit Hotels and Resorts, Dusit Hospitality Education, Dusit Foods, Real Estate Development, and Hospitality-Related Services.
Dusit’s diversified investments in real estate development, hospitality-related services, and the food sector are part of its long-term strategy for sustainable growth, which focuses on three key areas: balance, expansion, and diversification.
Dusit Hotels and Resorts is the hotel arm of Dusit International. With a heartfelt belief and commitment to introducing Thai-inspired gracious hospitality to the world, Dusit Hotels and Resorts offers guests a uniquely special stay in high-style surroundings and a personalised approach to service. The group’s portfolio of hotels, resorts, and luxury villas includes close to 300 properties operating under a total of nine brands (Devarana – Dusit Retreats, Dusit Thani, Dusit Suites, Dusit Collection, Dusit Hotels, dusitD2, Dusit Princess, ASAI Hotels, and Elite Havens) across 19 countries worldwide.
In Malaysia, Dusit Hotels and Resorts currently operates Dusit Princess Melaka and ASAI Gamuda Cove, with Dusit Princess Ipoh set to become its third branded property in the country.
Dusit Princess Ipoh is owned by Plenitude Berhad, a Bursa Malaysia-listed group with core businesses in property development, property investment, and hospitality.
Since its incorporation on 6 November 2000, the Plenitude Group has built a diverse portfolio of property developments and investments, with a strong track record in the real estate industry.
Plenitude Berhad diversified into the hospitality industry in 2001 and has since grown its portfolio to over 2,400 guestrooms across Malaysia, South Korea, and Japan. Today, the Group’s hospitality portfolio comprises hotel and resort properties across internationally recognised and home-grown hospitality brands, as well as two serviced residences.
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks and Caicos Islands, Sept. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — KuCoin, a leading global crypto platform built on trust, today announced the launch of KCUSD, an Earn product with daily yields supported by real-world assets, designed to turn idle stablecoin balances into productive capital. Available to eligible retail, high-net-worth and institutional users, KCUSD will initially support subscriptions from as little as 1 USDT, USDC or USDG, with no subscription fee and same-asset redemption options. KCUSD will launch with a dynamic base APR of up to 4% and allow users to begin earning simply by holding KCUSD. Returns will be credited daily and automatically added to users’ KCUSD balances, enabling daily compounding without manual reinvestment. By combining its current yield-generating capabilities with planned future collateral utility, KCUSD aims to improve capital efficiency and advance yield-bearing assets as a core component of crypto market infrastructure. Eligible users who participate with qualifying new funds during the initial launch period may receive a promotional APR of up to 6%.
Stablecoins underpin much of the liquidity in digital asset markets, yet substantial balances remain idle in trading accounts to meet margin requirements or capture time-sensitive opportunities. Allocating those assets to traditional staking or standalone Earn products can interrupt their trading utility, while keeping them immediately available often means forgoing potential yield. This inefficiency is particularly significant for institutions, market makers, professional trading firms and high-net-worth users that maintain large stablecoin balances over extended periods. KCUSD initially addresses the yield side of this challenge through a straightforward hold-to-earn model, while its planned future integration as margin is intended to further reduce the trade-off between earning returns and retaining trading utility.
“Digital asset markets are entering a new phase in which infrastructure will be measured not only by the access and liquidity it provides, but by how efficiently capital can be deployed across an always-on financial system,” said BC Wong, CEO of KuCoin. “Our long-term view is that yield, liquidity and risk utility should not remain in separate silos. KCUSD begins by helping users put idle balances to work and is designed to evolve toward broader trading utility. This reflects our vision for a more efficient market architecture that gives institutions and individual users greater flexibility in how they participate in global digital markets.”
KCUSD is expected to become an infrastructure layer connecting liquidity, asset productivity and risk management across the KuCoin ecosystem. Beginning with yield generation and progressively expanding toward collateral and trading utility, KCUSD reflects a broader evolution in digital finance: stablecoins are shifting from passive settlement assets and idle reserves into productive capital that can support multiple functions across 24/7 markets. By building trusted infrastructure around this transition, KuCoin aims to make capital efficiency a native feature of the digital asset ecosystem and help establish a more integrated foundation for the next generation of global financial markets.
Founded in 2017, KuCoin is a leading global crypto platform built on trust and security, serving over 45 million users across 200+ countries and regions. Known for its reliability and user-first approach, the platform combines advanced technology, deep liquidity, and strong security safeguards to deliver a seamless trading experience. KuCoin provides access to 1,500+ digital assets through a broad product suite and remains committed to building transparent, compliant, and user-centric digital asset infrastructure for the future of finance, backed by SOC 2 Type II, ISO/IEC 27001:2022, and ISO/IEC 27701:2019 Certifications. In recent years, we have built a strong global compliance foundation, marked by key milestones including AUSTRAC registration in Australia, a MiCA license in Europe, and regulatory progress in other markets.
A picture of thousands of migrant workers from Myanmar return home from Thailand. (Photo by he International Organization for Migration)
Thailand has warned employers against hiring migrant workers without valid permits or assigning them to jobs outside their legal rights as economic pressures in Laos and growing concerns over exploitation and human trafficking.
Thailand’s Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office Patdarasm Thongsaluaykorn issued the warning on 4 September, urging employers to verify workers’ documents and comply with restrictions on occupations reserved for Thai nationals.
Authorities said that employers hiring foreign workers illegally face fines up to THB 100,000 (USD 3,040) per worker, imprisonment, and a three-year hiring ban. Workers may be fined from THB 5,000 to 50,000 (USD 152 to 1,520), deported, and banned from applying for work permits for two years.
According to Thailand’s Foreign Workers Administration Office, 4.24 million foreign workers held valid work permits in July. Of these, at least 306,806 Lao workers recorded across three major permit groups.
The figures do not include Lao nationals who may be registered under other categories and working illegally.
Illegal Work and Trafficking Risks
Thai employment inspectors reported that the number of Lao workers prosecuted for working without permits or in reserved occupations increased from 178 in 2022 to 746 in 2025. Cases have included street selling, shop sales, beauty services, and massage and spa work.
The risks can be particularly serious for Lao children.
Thai media, Prachatai, documented in a January 2026 investigation that Lao children traveled to Thailand after leaving school because of poverty and low incomes at home. Some reported working 14 to 15 hours a day, unpaid wages, threats, sexual assault, and forced sexual exploitation.
Recruiters, often relatives or brokers, cover worker’s passports and travel costs upfront before recovering the money from wages; some families mistakenly believe a passport alone permits legal work.
Economic Pressure Pushes Workers Across the Border
Teachers and labor officials interviewed by Prachatai said some children leave school because families cannot afford education or believe further schooling will not lead to better jobs. One southern Lao teacher reported that 40 to 50 students out of more than 800 dropped out annually, some later travelling to Thailand for work.
The investigation also cited Lao wages of roughly LAK 900,000 (USD 40) to LAK 1.6 million (USD 71) per month, compared with reported Thai earnings of around THB 7,000 (USD 212) to THB 13,000 (USD 395), making cross-border employment financially attractive despite the risks.
Laos reported over 73,000 undocumented workers abroad illegally in early 2025, and recorded 46 human trafficking cases involving 85 victims , including 40 underage women, and authorities arrested 95 people. Still, Lao migrant workers sent home an estimated USD 366 million in the first half of 2025, as authorities push safer legal migration pathways amid persistent exploitation risks.
MELBOURNE, Australia, Sept. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Nutromics, a Melbourne-based startup leading the frontier of DNA-based sensing, has announced the appointment of Professor Kevin W. Plaxco as Chief Scientific Officer (CSO). The company is preparing for the launch of its first product in 2027, while simultaneously extending its wearable platform to other targets. This extension is where Professor Plaxco’s strategic focus will lie.
Professor Plaxco invented Nutromics’ DNA-based sensing technology and has enjoyed a long association with the company. He first started collaborating with the co-founders, Peter Vranes and Hitesh Mehta, when they licensed his technology. Since then, he has served as an advisor, leading the company’s Biosensor Advisory Board. His guidance has been key to several major milestones, including the company’s world-first published clinical trial in Nature Biotechnology demonstrating the technology in humans.
Commenting on the appointment, CEO and co-founder Peter Vranes said “The field of Electrochemical Aptamer-Based (EAB) sensing or DNA-based sensing, as we refer to it, exists largely due to Kevin’s breakthrough research. Kevin has had a role in enabling almost every major breakthrough in the field, starting 1997. His work has brought continuous molecular monitoring out of the realm of science fiction and into reality. We believe that with his hands-on guidance, we can extend our platform faster into drugs beyond vancomycin and also biomarkers such as creatinine and lactate.”
Professor Plaxco has co-authored nearly 300 papers and a dozen patents on molecular biophysics and biomolecule-based technologies. For these advances, he has been elected a member of the National Academy of Inventors and a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the International Society for Electrochemistry, and the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering.
Commenting on his decision to shift his focus to Nutromics, Professor Plaxco said “When you start your career as a researcher you hope for two things. The first is to discover or invent something that impacts the field. The second is to discover or invent something that impacts humanity. I believe that EAB sensors fulfil both of those criteria, with the team at Nutromics playing a key role in the latter. They have done a simply phenomenal job of translating my academic team’s research into a technology ready for real-world use. Moving forward, I look forward to working with Nutromics, where my role will be to broaden the applications our now-joint technology. Given its potential, I truly believe we can make it ubiquitous in the hospital and at home.”
Alongside his appointment at Nutromics, Professor Plaxco has commenced at La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia, as a Distinguished Professor. In the interim, he remains on leave from his position as Distinguished Professor at UC Santa Barbara. Kevin also serves on the scientific advisory boards of several companies.
Professor Plaxco succeeds Scientia Prof Justin Gooding as CSO. Professor Gooding continues to serve on Nutromics’ Biosensor Advisory Board.
About Nutromics
Nutromics is an Australian-founded advanced monitoring company that has built a wearable, DNA-based platform for continuous molecular monitoring. Its electrochemical aptamer-based sensors, integrated with minimally invasive microneedles, are designed to sense multiple proteins, drugs, metabolites, and hormones in real time. Nutromics is advancing towards regulatory clearance and commercial launch of its first product, with operations in Australia and the United States. This product is currently in development and has not yet been approved by the FDA, or any regulatory body. The company’s vision is a world with zero preventable deaths due to a lack of continuous molecular monitoring.
With 30 Years of Industry Dedication, A-Share Listed Enterprise Huali Shares Achieves Over 50% Growth Against Market Trends
HUAFULI Makes Its First Foray into Hong Kong with the Grand Opening of the 2,800 sq. ft. “HUAFULI Hong Kong Home Art Gallery”
Executive President Xie Zhikun Reveals Deep Ties with Hong Kong; Hong Kong Regional Manager Ken So Addresses Industry Pain Points and Sets HK$100 Million Sales Target
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 7 September 2026 – HUAFULI, a high-end decorative panel brand under the Shanghai Stock Exchange main board listed company “Dongguan Huali Industries Co., Ltd.” (Stock Code: 603038.SH), has leveraged its 30 years of brand heritage and formidable R&D and supply chain strength to achieve a rapid growth of over 50% against recent market downturns! Backed by a robust brand history, HUAFULI served as a supporting furniture materials supplier for top-tier international events, including the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games, and the 2011 Shenzhen Summer Universiade, earning national-level recognition for its quality.
(From left) Mr. Wang Tangxin, Co-founder of Dongguan Huali Industries Co., Ltd.; Mr. Xie Zhikun, CEO and Co-founder of Dongguan Huali Industries Co., Ltd.; Mr. Wayne Lai Yiu Cheung, Brand Spokesperson of HUAFULI; Mr. Jacky Tan Xujie, Vice Chairman of Dongguan Huali Industries Co., Ltd.; Mr. Ji Juntao, Vice President of Dongguan Huali Industries Co., Ltd.; and Mr. Lu Xuqiu, Co-founder of Dongguan Huali Industries Co., Ltd. jointly officiate the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of the new showroom.
HUAFULI today officially announced its full-scale entry into the Hong Kong market, establishing its presence in the heart of Lockhart Road, Wan Chai—renowned as “Hong Kong’s Building Materials Street.” A grand opening ceremony was held for its brand-new 2,800 sq. ft. flagship exhibition hall, the “HUAFULI Hong Kong Home Art Gallery”. The brand offers an Integrated Door-Wall-Cabinet solution and localized services, using Hong Kong as a strategic pivot to expand into the global market!
The ceremony, themed “Huafuli: A New Chapter in Hong Kong”, was officiated by management representatives, including Mr. Jacky Tan Xujie, Vice Chairman of Dongguan Huali Industries Co., Ltd., Mr. Xie Zhikun, CEO and Co-founder of Dongguan Huali Industries Co., Ltd., Mr. Lu Xuqiu, Co-founder of Dongguan Huali Industries Co., Ltd., Mr. Wang Tangxin, Co-founder of Dongguan Huali Industries Co., Ltd., Mr. Ji Juntao, Vice President of Dongguan Huali Industries Co., Ltd., and Mr. Ken So, Sales Manager of the Hong Kong Region, Huafuli. The event also featured a heavyweight guest, three-time TV King, renowned artist, and Brand Spokesperson Mr. Wayne Lai, who attended the ribbon-cutting and conducted a live contract signing ceremony, witnessing this significant milestone in HUAFULI’s development in Hong Kong.
30 Years of Dedication: From Single-Product Champion to System Service Provider; Executive President Xie Zhikun Reveals Deep “Hong Kong Ties”
Founded in 1995, Huali Shares was listed on the SSE main board in 2017. In its early years, the brand took the lead in breaking foreign technological monopolies, spearheading the formulation of China’s furniture edge banding industry standards, and achieving the highest national sales for ten consecutive years. Over 30 years of development, the brand has successfully upgraded from an edge banding sales champion to a whole-house system service provider encompassing decorative panels, edge banding, and home hardware. Amid the transformative challenges faced by the home building materials industry in recent years, HUAFULI has defied market trends with a robust growth of over 50%, demonstrating remarkable business resilience and market leadership.
During his opening speech, Mr. Xie Zhikun, CEO and Co-founder of Dongguan Huali Industries Co., Ltd., shared emotionally: “Thirty years ago, we started with a single edge banding strip, proactively formulating the industry standards for furniture edge banding in China and maintaining the number one sales position nationwide for thirty consecutive years. With this dedication, we successfully upgraded from a ‘single-product champion’ to a complete system covering decorative panels, edge banding, and home hardware. Even when the industry faced challenges recently, HUAFULI still achieved a 50% growth against the trend. In fact, our connection with Hong Kong began back in 2008 when we established a subsidiary here. Hong Kong people are extremely particular about home quality, placing special emphasis on eco-friendliness, moisture resistance, and health, which are precisely HUAFULI’s strengths. The ‘HUAFULI Hong Kong Home Art Gallery’ unveiled today is not just an ordinary showroom, but a home art gallery that offers peace of mind and lifestyle aesthetics. In the future, we will collaborate with all sectors in Hong Kong using solid products, a professional team, and localized services, opening a new chapter where quality and craftsmanship parallel each other—basing ourselves in Hong Kong, connecting with the Mainland, and radiating globally!”
Mr. Ken So, Sales Manager of the Hong Kong Region, Huafuli, Addresses Three Industry Pain Points, Eliminates Northbound Travel Hassles, and Sets a HK$100 Million Sales Target
In an exclusive media interview, Mr. Ken So, Sales Manager of the Hong Kong Region, Huafuli, deeply analyzed the business logic and localized strategy behind the brand’s entry into Hong Kong:
Eliminating Cross-border Travel Fatigue to Significantly Boost Deal Success Rates: Mr. So pointed out that local interior designers and homeowners were often limited to brochure samples or had to endure tiring trips to Mainland factories to view actual materials. “We established ourselves directly in the core area of Lockhart Road, Wan Chai, building a 2,800 sq. ft. high-spec exhibition hall. Designers can now bring clients at any time to view 1:1 physical large panels and finished door-wall-cabinet displays. The art gallery does not retail directly to homeowners but serves as a shared design base for Hong Kong designers and contractors, addressing eco-concerns on the spot and significantly improving local designers’ deal success rates.”
Insisting on a 100% Direct-Sale Model with Unified National Pricing—”Not a Cent Added”: Differentiating from traditional building material brands that rely on multi-tiered agents, Mr. So emphasized HUAFULI’s commitment to a direct-sale system: “Whether in the Mainland or Hong Kong, HUAFULI is directly operated by the group, ensuring high consistency in product quality, after-sales service, and pricing. Although we have set up a top-tier showroom in the prime location of Wan Chai and hired a star spokesperson, the panel prices remain unified nationally with the Mainland—’not a cent added’—truly yielding benefits to local partners with sincerity.”
Eco-friendly Panels Replacing Traditional Laminates; Setting a HK$100 Million Sales Target: Mr. So analyzed that eco-friendly decorative panels are in a golden growth period in Hong Kong, gradually replacing traditional fireproof laminates and veneers. “We see massive market potential, and HUAFULI has set a target of achieving HK$100 million in sales in Hong Kong within 3 to 5 years! The Hong Kong market is strict and aligned with international standards. We are using Hong Kong as a touchstone and strategic hub for adapting to global standards, and will further expand into more overseas markets in the future.”
Strong Supply Chain Backing to Achieve “Zero Minimum Order, Next-Day Delivery” Express Fulfillment: Relying on six major production bases in the Mainland (totaling 600,000 square meters) and a network of 14 branch warehouses, HUAFULI breaks the traditional months-long waiting period for imported building materials. It provides the local industry with a localized, one-stop delivery service characterized by “zero minimum order, zero inventory requirements, same-day response, and next-day delivery,” greatly alleviating the financial and warehousing pressures on local partners.
Global Debut of German-Japanese Nano-Microcrystalline EBH Technology; Dual Ultimate Eco-certifications Lead New Trends in HK Building Materials
With Hong Kong’s increasingly stringent requirements for green buildings, indoor air quality, and ESG standards, HUAFULI brings a high-specification product system suitable for the Hong Kong environment:
Hong Kong Debut of the German-Japanese EBH Series: Combining German plasma spraying and Japanese precision light-curing technologies, this series boasts top-tier performance across six dimensions: anti-fingerprint (90% reduction), scratch resistance (2H+ hardness), anti-mildew and antibacterial (99.5%+), and yellowing resistance. Its surface presents an advanced, luxurious 5° matte gloss, perfectly adapting to Hong Kong’s humid climate.
Dual Highest Eco-certifications: “ENF Grade + JIS JAS F4-star”: Showcasing top-tier eco-friendly panels (including Particle Board, Multi-layer Plywood, and Oriented Strand Board, etc.) that have comprehensively passed the dual certifications of the national highest environmental standard “ENF Grade” (formaldehyde emission ≤0.025 mg/m³) and Japan’s highest environmental standard “F☆☆☆☆ (F4-Star).”
Recognized by the “Hong Kong ECO Mark”: The products have obtained the Hong Kong Green Label Scheme certification, achieving extremely low TVOC and formaldehyde emissions from the source. This directly addresses the pain points of Hong Kong’s indoor air quality and aligns with the high standards for ESG inspection by developers.
Patented Laser Edge Banding 2.0 and colour matched door-wall-cabinet system: The entire series comes standard with the original factory’s seamless laser edge banding technology, achieving panel edge banding in-one. HUAFULI particularly advocates the “Integrated Door-Wall-Cabinet” concept, where interior doors, wall panels, and custom cabinets are all made from the same original factory batch of substrates with identical colors and textures. This achieves zero color difference and a highly unified whole-house aesthetics with perfectly extended textures, providing unparalleled one-stop quality solutions when paired with original factory moldings and hardware components.
Star Spokesperson Mr. Wayne Lai Yiu Cheung Attends the Event, Heavily Endorses Dual Ultimate Eco-friendliness at Contract Signing
The atmosphere at the grand opening ceremony was vibrant, with traditional auspicious lion eye-dotting and lion dance performances kicking off the splendid prologue for the “HUAFULI Hong Kong Home Art Gallery.” Brand Spokesperson Mr. Wayne Lai Yiu Cheung conducted a grand contract signing ceremony on site and joined management guests for a celebratory group toast and photo.
Hashtag: #HUAFULI
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About HUAFULI
Founded in 1995, Huali Shares was listed on the main board of the Shanghai Stock Exchange in 2017 (Stock Code: 603038.SH). Starting from the field of decorative composite materials, the company has adhered to integrity and innovation, inherited the spirit of craftsmanship, and over the past 30 years, has developed into a comprehensive holding enterprise encompassing home building materials, smart water affairs, membrane filtration materials, and industrial digital intelligence businesses. It is committed to leading industry progress through high-level R&D, satisfying people’s aspirations for a better life through technological innovation, and empowering industrial upgrades through digital and intelligent technologies. Its home building materials business primarily focuses on edge banding, decorative panels, and home hardware, mainly used in panel furniture, interior decoration, and commercial space construction. It is the first domestic home materials manufacturing enterprise to break the German technological monopoly and possess independent intellectual property rights, and is the leading formulator of important industry standards for edge banding in China.
Hyundai Motor Company becomes Official Automotive Partner of the UEFA Champions League in a multi-year partnership, beginning with the 2026/27 season
The competition sets the benchmark for European club football by bringing together the best in the game, a standard Hyundai measures itself against in its own field
Designed in Europe for European customers, IONIQ 3 is the first of five major models Hyundai will launch in Europe during the 2026/27 season and the first to represent the brand in the partnership
OFFENBACH, Germany, Sept. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hyundai Motor Company today announced a multi-year agreement as the Official Automotive Partner of the UEFA Champions League. The partnership marks the company’s commitment to European club football at its highest level. It begins with the 2026/27 season, running to the end of the 2030/31 season.
Hyundai Motor Company Becomes Official Automotive Partner of the UEFA Champions League
Football is familiar ground. For almost 30 years Hyundai has supported the game at its highest levels, from the largest international tournaments to clubs and associations around the world. The UEFA Champions League extends that commitment to the pinnacle of European club football.
The parallels between the UEFA Champions League and Hyundai run deeper than scale: squads in this competition draw talent from every corner of the globe and compete at the highest level in Europe. Hyundai leverages the strengths of its global scale while designing, engineering and building vehicles in Europe, selling across the continent. Two organisations, unambiguously European in operation and international in influence.
“Football has been part of Hyundai for almost 30 years. It brings people together like almost nothing else, across languages and borders and generations,” said José Muñoz, President and Chief Executive Officer, Hyundai Motor Company. “The UEFA Champions League is the best club football in the world, played every week in front of the most passionate fans in Europe. Following Hyundai’s engagement at the World Cup this summer, the UEFA Champions League is an ideal platform to show our beautifully designed vehicles with features fans love. I am from Madrid, so I have watched this competition my whole life. I’m personally excited about engaging with fans across Europe. It’s a great time to celebrate the beautiful game with Hyundai.”
Under its brand vision of ‘Progress for Humanity’, Hyundai is committed to expanding opportunities and contributing towards a more inclusive future for society. Through this partnership with UC3, UEFA’s joint venture with European Football Clubs, engagement with the UEFA Champions League and Hyundai’s mobility offerings, the company aims to bring people together across cultures and communities throughout Europe, uniting millions of football fans while delivering a positive impact for society.
“The UEFA Champions League and Hyundai are both driven by progress, performance, and the ambition to bring people together,” said Xavier Martinet, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hyundai Motor Europe. “We are entering this partnership with our strongest line-up yet. IONIQ 3 is the first of five new models we are launching in Europe this season, designed and developed for our customers here in the region, and it is the car that leads our lineup for the future.”
The UEFA Champions League is the world’s most-watched annual club football competition with around one in three people being interested in the Champions League worldwide. The 36-club tournament provides a perfect platform to engage with a huge audience of passionate football fans and highlight Hyundai’s future direction, from robotics and physical AI, to software and smart mobility solutions tailored for European customers.
Hyundai is a global brand with a strong footprint in Europe, built over more than 30 years. Its European Technical Centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany, develops and engineers its vehicles, while its European Design Centre at the same site shapes their visual look and identity. Production takes place at plants in the Czech Republic and Türkiye, with Hyundai vehicles reaching customers across 42 European markets through more than 2,000 sales and aftersales outlets. Hyundai’s design, engineering, manufacturing and partner network supports customers and fans every day.
The IONIQ 3: Hyundai’s entry on the pitch
The all-electric IONIQ 3, designed in Europe for European customers, is Hyundai’s opening statement in the partnership. The compact hatchback made its debut at Milan Design Week earlier this year and became the first battery-electric vehicle to enter production at Hyundai’s İzmit plant when manufacturing commenced in August. It is the first of five major new models Hyundai brings to Europe in the 2026/27 season.
With the IONIQ 3, Hyundai enters the compact class, Europe’s most contested segment, with class-leading capability to deliver on European customers’ needs. IONIQ 3’s Aero Hatch typology has been created to deliver class-leading efficiency and range, with a drag coefficient of 0.263 Cd and up to 497 km of range (WLTP). With 441 liters of trunk volume, best-in-class interior space, a segment-leading 14.6-inch display featuring Hyundai’s latest PLEOS Connect infotainment system, and strong value, IONIQ 3 represents Hyundai’s commitment to making electrified mobility accessible to its European customers.
The IONIQ 3 sits within a line-up that offers customers a genuine choice across the full powertrain spectrum, thanks to Hyundai’s flexible strategy: battery-electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, hydrogen fuel-cell electric and internal combustion. The range is structured around how people own and use their vehicles, delivering flexibility.
IONIQ 3 builds on Hyundai’s EV recognition in Europe, following significant awards that reflect the breadth of the company’s commitment to electrified mobility. The Hyundai INSTER was named 2025 World Electric Vehicle, while the IONIQ 9 was named Germany’s 2026 Premium Car of the Year. This customer-centric focus frames Hyundai’s newly announced partnership as the UEFA Champions League’s Official Automotive Partner.
Guy-Laurent Epstein, Co-Managing Director, UC3: “We are delighted to welcome Hyundai as an official partner of the UEFA Champions League. Hyundai has a proud history of supporting football at the highest level and a clear belief in its power to bring people together. We look forward to building a partnership that brings that shared ambition to life for fans around the world over the coming years.”
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