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Smartee Targets 209-Ton CO₂Cut with Solar Power; ESG Strategy Integrates Employee Wellness & Tech-Driven Governance

SHANGHAI, May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Smartee Denti-Technology, a global leader in clear aligner manufacturing and digital orthodontic solutions, projects to reduce annual CO₂ emissions by 209,370 kg through its newly operational rooftop solar installation at the Jiaxing smart factory—equivalent to the annual carbon absorption of 11,700+ mature trees. This initiative anchors its 2025 ESG strategy, integrating renewable energy, employee welfare, and agile governance to align business growth with sustainability goals.

Environmental: Solar Leadership with Data-Driven Projections

Smartee’s  facility in Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, China, equipped with 20,000 sqm rooftop photovoltaic panels, which have a capacity of 2MW.  The installation is sufficient to meet 50% of the factory’s energy requirements. This initiative reduces CO₂ emissions by 209,370 kg/year, equivalent to planting 11,700+ trees.

Additionally, the facility integrates energy-efficient lighting, such as solar streetlights and smart LED systems, and high-performance motors to minimize energy consumption. Complemented by a rainwater reuse system for irrigation, cleaning, and other non-potable applications, maximizing regional water resource efficiency. These initiatives collectively enhance operational efficiency while reducing environmental impact.

“Our solar initiative isn’t just about cost saving, it’s about redefining manufacturing responsibility,” said Mr. Junfeng Yao, Founder of Smartee. “Every aligner we produce now carries a lighter environmental footprint.” 

Smartee Denti-Technology's 20,000 sqm rooftop photovoltaic panels
Smartee Denti-Technology’s 20,000 sqm rooftop photovoltaic panels

Social: Building Communities Within Walls

Smartee prioritizes employee well-being by providing comfortable on-site housing designed for flexibility and comfort. Its dormitory complex offers a range of housing options to accommodate diverse needs, ensuring employees feel supported both professionally and personally.

The commitment extends to nutrition. Smartee’s in-house cafeteria sources fresh, seasonal ingredients to craft diverse menus, from summer salads to protein-rich meals, while a zero-food-waste policy ensures sustainability extends to the dining table.

Smartee’s in-house cafeteria
Smartee’s in-house cafeteria

Governance: Agile Systems for Sustainable Growth

As Smartee scales its global operations, the company combines structured agility with employee empowerment to drive responsible growth. Central to this approach is a framework integrating ERP and MES platforms, real-time performance tracking, and cross-department collaboration tools. These systems ensure transparency from production lines to executive decision-making, minimizing inefficiencies while embedding ESG principles from carbon reduction to employee well-being into daily operations.

Smartee’s ESG strategy powers sustainable smiles—for patients, doctors, and the planet. By cutting carbon footprints, nurturing employee well-being, and innovating responsibly, the company demonstrates how orthodontic progress can advance both oral health and global communities.

OP-ED: Honoring Lao Midwives, Heroes of Maternal Health

Laos Celebrates First Internationally Accredited Midwifery Schools in Asia-Pacific
(Photo: UNFPA)

By Bounfeng Phoummalaysith, Minister of Health, Laos, and Bakhtiyor Kadyrov, UNFPA Representative in Laos.


On 5 May, International Day of the Midwife, we come together to acknowledge, recognize and pay tribute to the critical role of midwives in crises and their contribution to ending preventable maternal and newborn mortality, addressing unmet need for family planning and supporting women and girls sexual and reproductive health needs.

We come together to celebrate the extraordinary contributions of the heroes in pink whose skilled hands and compassionate hearts have saved countless lives over the past five decades.

The story of midwifery in Laos is a story of resilience, hope, and progress. From the early days in the 1960s, when pioneering midwives like Madame Maniso and Madame Soikeo Sibounheuang — known as the “first” and the “second mother of midwives” — laid the foundation for the profession, midwifery has grown into a central pillar of our national health system.

Photo: Midwife Soikeo (Supplied by UNFPA)

Midwives are at the heart of the 2030 Agenda. Their work is directly propelling the country’s health system toward two of the most ambitious global targets: SDG 3.1 – reducing the maternal-mortality ratio to less than 70 deaths per 100 000 live births – and SDG 3.2 – ending preventable newborn and child deaths. Their dedication, alongside the emergency obstetric care and family planning service providers, contributed to the maternal mortality ratio in LaoS has declined dramatically — from 609 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 112 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023 (UN Estimate, 2025).

This progress follows the revamping of midwifery training in 2010, and since then more than 3,000 midwives have graduated.

So far 1,600  have been deployed nationwide, extending skilled care to almost every corner of the country. Behind each saved mother, each healthy newborn, stands a midwife who provides not just care, but also hope for a better future.

No woman should have to give birth in fear or without proper care. In Phongsaly, a young girl named Phailine witnessed her mother deliver her baby brother on the side of the road, without any medical assistance, in conditions that placed both mother and child at serious risk. That experience left a lasting impression.

Years later, Phailine made the decision to become a midwife herself, so that other women in her community would not have to go through the same ordeal. Her story is a powerful testament to the impact of midwifery in saving lives, and in inspiring a new generation to step forward and serve.

The scope of midwifery goes well beyond childbirth and maternal care. Evidence shows that midwives can provide up to 90 percent of essential sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health (SRMNCAH) services.

As trusted health professionals, they empower individuals to make informed reproductive choices by offering comprehensive sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, including vital family planning (FP) counseling and care.

The role of midwives was even more critical during times of crisis. During the COVID-19 pandemic, midwives like Lotchana Nonpasith continued to serve communities at great personal risk — balancing duty with family responsibilities, adapting services to ensure women could still deliver safely even amid lockdowns and fear.

Photo: Midwife Phailine while she was a student at the health college. (Supplied by UNFPA)

Emergency responses — whether during floods, outbreaks, or natural disasters — have shown the irreplaceable value of midwives. In rural clinics and makeshift shelters, midwives have provided life-saving care when health systems were stretched to their limits. Their ability to adapt and deliver under pressure has been vital to protecting women’s rights to safe motherhood, even in the hardest of times.

Another important milestone is the training of ethnic midwives: a transformative step toward reaching remote and underserved communities. In isolated villages of Luang Prabang, young women from ethnic groups such as the Hmong are now serving as trained midwives, providing life-saving maternal care in the languages and traditions of their people.

Tay Samone is one of the trained midwives who returned to her village to provide help and care. She works in a mountainous health center far from urban facilities, and shared how she walks long distances to reach pregnant women, sometimes through rugged terrain, to ensure they receive antenatal care and safe deliveries.

In these settings, midwives are more than just healthcare providers;  they are trusted members of the community and vital links to the formal health system. Their presence is breaking down long-standing barriers to care and ensuring that no woman is left behind due to geography, language, or cultural differences.

The nation is also proud to celebrate another historic achievement: Laos is the first country in the Asia-Pacific region to have three midwifery education Institutions internationally accredited by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM).

This recognition reflects our collective efforts: government, partners, and midwives themselves to professionalize and elevate midwifery education and practice.

But our work is not finished. Laos still faces challenges: midwives are unevenly distributed, many work in under-resourced conditions, and investment in their training, development, and career development must continue. As demographic shifts and universal health coverage goals drive up the demand for midwifery services, our commitment must keep pace with it.

Midwives are the unsung heroes of life’s most precious moments. UNFPA, the Ministry of Health, and our partners stand proudly by their side and are committed to investing in their skills, equipping them with the tools they need, and honoring their vital role.

We call on you to champion increased investment in midwifery, recognizing midwives as a critical, life-saving workforce — especially in times of crisis.

In Laos, a modest investment of just USD 3,000 can train one midwife, who in turn may serve over 1,000 women of reproductive age throughout her career. By empowering midwives, we save lives, uphold dignity, and ensure that every woman experiences childbirth with safety, compassion, and respect.

Agoda Renews Partnership with Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism with a Brief to Boost Travel Growth

Agoda hosted the first Agoda Academy workshop in Bandung

SINGAPORE, May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Agoda, a digital travel platform, has renewed its partnership with Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism as the company continues to promote travel in one of Asia’s most alluring destinations.

From left to right – Mr. Samuel Hsiao – Senior Manager – Government Affairs at Agoda, Dr. Anwari Masatip – Director – NHI Bandung Tourism Polytechnic, Ms. Denise Hartono - Associate Director at Agoda, Mr. I Gede Gunawan – Senior Country Director at Agoda, Ms. Masruroh – Senior Advisor for Digital Transformation and Tourism Innovation,  Dr. Andar Danova L. Goeltom – Assistant Deputy of Human Resources Capacity Improvement of the Apparatus and Vocational Education, Mr. Firnandi Ghufron – Assistant Deputy of Tourism Marketing Strategy and Communication, Mr. Rachmadizal Rizal, Strategic Account Manager at Agoda. Photo credit: Agoda.
From left to right – Mr. Samuel Hsiao – Senior Manager – Government Affairs at Agoda, Dr. Anwari Masatip – Director – NHI Bandung Tourism Polytechnic, Ms. Denise Hartono – Associate Director at Agoda, Mr. I Gede Gunawan – Senior Country Director at Agoda, Ms. Masruroh – Senior Advisor for Digital Transformation and Tourism Innovation, Dr. Andar Danova L. Goeltom – Assistant Deputy of Human Resources Capacity Improvement of the Apparatus and Vocational Education, Mr. Firnandi Ghufron – Assistant Deputy of Tourism Marketing Strategy and Communication, Mr. Rachmadizal Rizal, Strategic Account Manager at Agoda. Photo credit: Agoda.

The renewed MOU signifies an expanded partnership aimed at boosting both the number of international and domestic visitors as well as using Agoda’s world class technology to enhance decision making under Indonesia’s “Tourism 4.0” vision, an initiative aimed at encouraging greater use of digital technologies and innovative approaches within the tourism industry.

The refreshed collaboration outlines a range of joint initiatives over the next three years including targeted marketing campaigns, the promotion of more sustainable tourism practices and developing digital skills for Indonesia’s young tourism professionals.

Under this partnership, Agoda hosted the first Agoda Academy workshop to provide workshops to the students at Bandung Tourism Polytechnic. The half-day workshop offered students a glimpse into Agoda’s work culture and operational case studies, providing a practical perspective for those interested in acquiring digital tourism skills

Gede Gunawan and other Agoda team members presented insights from their experiences, highlighting digital trends and career pathways within the sector.

“I am pleased to deepen our collaboration with the Tourism Ministry beyond marketing initiatives. As a committed partner in Indonesia’s tourism industry, Agoda is dedicated to sharing world-class expertise and insights to nurture the next generation of tourism professionals in Indonesia,” said Gede Gunawan, Senior Country Director at Agoda. “By renewing our collaboration, we’re also excited to support the Ministry’s vision on Tourism 4.0 with Agoda’s expertise in digital solutions. This partnership reinforces our shared commitment to seeing Indonesia thrive as a destination while enabling local communities to benefit from the many opportunities tourism generates around local economies.”

Home to iconic destinations such as Bali, Yogyakarta, and Komodo National Park, Indonesia offers an unparalleled mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and unique experiences. Visitors can explore pristine beaches, trek in lush rainforests, or dive into vibrant underwater ecosystems. Beyond nature, Indonesia’s vibrant art, festivals, and culinary offerings—from traditional markets to fine cuisine—promise enriching, immersive experiences for global travelers seeking unforgettable journeys.

Chief Secretary Bayu Aji of Ministry of Tourism expressed enthusiasm for the extended collaboration, stating, “We are delighted to expand our partnership with Agoda, as it not only strengthens Indonesia’s standing as a vibrant and more sustainable tourism destination, but will also help equip our workforce in the tourism sector for the future through initiatives such as the Agoda Academy Workshop.”

In the previous MOU between Agoda and Ministry of Tourism, Agoda launched several campaigns co-branded with the Ministry’s “Wonderful Indonesia” initiative and promote more sustainable tourism practices. The initiative included collaborations with influencers like Anya Geraldine, amplifications of tourist destinations, and support for the Ministry of Tourism’s goals for tourism growth. With access to Agoda’s vast network of accommodations, flights, and activities, alongside its expertise in travel technology, the Ministry of Tourism is poised to leverage solutions that help ensure tourism in Indonesia can flourish amidst a rapidly digitizing world. Together, the Ministry and Agoda aim to foster robust, responsible growth across all regions of the market.

Storage Beyond Limit: Hoymiles Drives the Future of Energy Storage at Intersolar Europe 2025

MUNICH, May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hoymiles, a global provider of smart solar and storage solutions, made a striking appearance at Intersolar Europe 2025 with its comprehensive energy storage portfolio, covering DIY micro storage, residential, commercial & industrial (C&I), and utility-scale applications. Under the theme “Storage Beyond Limit. Micro to Mega, All In Smart”, Hoymiles highlights its latest C&I storage innovations including Power Conversion Systems and Containerized Battery Energy Storage Systems, marking a major milestone in its strategic transformation towards energy storage.

Hoymiles at Intersolar
Hoymiles at Intersolar

Storage Beyond Limit: Hoymiles Drives the Future of Energy Storage at Intersolar Europe 2025

At the heart of Hoymiles’ exhibition was its next-generation commercial and industrial storage lineup, led by the new HoyUltra2 series (HESS-261-2h). Engineered for maximum performance and reliability, HoyUltra2 features a fully liquid cooling system for both battery and PCS, enabling full-capacity operation without derating even at 50°C ambient temperature and 3,000m altitude.

With a maximum round-trip efficiency of 90.3% and a three-level, six-type safety protection mechanism, it ensures 24/7 secure and intelligent operations. The Edge EMS enables local optimization, the cloud-based analytics provide deep system insights, and a user-friendly local app simplifies O&M tasks. With quiet 60dB operation and IP55-rated protection, HoyUltra2 is ideal for supermarkets, hotels, residential communities, and other sensitive environments.

High-efficiency and safe large-scale storage: HoyPrime series

Hoymiles introduced its HoyPrime containerized storage solutions, with 1 MW/2 MWh options for large C&I projects and 3.44 MWh for utility-scale applications. Designed for high energy density, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness, HoyPrime features intelligent liquid cooling to minimize auxiliary power use and extend lifespan. Its compact, non-walk-in design reduces footprint while maximizing capacity. Standardized interfaces and automated maintenance simplify deployment and O&M. Certified to IEC and UL standards, HoyPrime is already powering projects worldwide, reinforcing Hoymiles’ global energy storage leadership.

Powering the sustainable future with full-spectrum energy innovations

Alongside its latest C&I storage innovations, Hoymiles also showcased a full microinverter lineup—including the MS-A2 Micro Storage, 5,000 W 8-in-1 MiT series, HMS series, and three-phase HMT series. From residential to utility-scale solutions, Hoymiles delivers smart, scalable technologies for all scenarios.

Looking ahead, Hoymiles will continue advancing full-spectrum energy solutions and, together with its partners, drive a cleaner, smarter energy future. By strengthening Europe’s energy security, enhancing grid resilience, and promoting global sustainability, Hoymiles is playing a key role in shaping a more resilient and sustainable world.

Learn more at https://www.hoymiles.com/

Aetina Showcases Full-Stack Edge AI Innovations at COMPUTEX 2025, Driving Generative AI and Intelligent Applications at the Edge

TAIPEI, May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Aetina, a leading provider of edge AI solutions, is set to showcase its comprehensive edge AI computing portfolio at COMPUTEX 2025 (May 20th –23rd, Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, Hall 1, Booth J0118). The exhibit will feature scalable solutions across enterprise, edge and embedded deployments —including the SuperEdge short-depth AI server series, the versatile MegaEdge AI inference/training platforms with advanced GPU expandability, and the compact yet powerful DeviceEdge edge AI computers powered by the NVIDIA Jetson Orin modules.

Aetina will also spotlight application-driven deployments developed in close collaboration with ecosystem partners, targeting critical use cases across digital transformation, in-vehicle application, and smart manufacturing. The exhibit aims to accelerate real-world adoption of generative AI, and AI agent technologies at the edge.

Empowering Industry Transformation with AI Agents and RAG Technology

As industries redefine their businesses with AI to foster digital transformation, the need for on-premise AI computing is more critical than ever. Aetina introduces the SuperEdge AEX-2UA1, a short-depth GPU server built on NVIDIA MGX modular architecture. The system supports two dual-slot GPUs, including the latest NVIDIA RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell Server Edition GPU, offering exceptional memory capacity and compute power ideal for deploying LLMs and VLMs.

By integrating Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) technology, the AEX-2UA1 enables precise, domain-specific knowledge generation, significantly improving decision-making across sectors like finance, healthcare, law, and enterprise governance. Aetina also showcases how the AEX-2UA1, paired with NVIDIA L40S GPUs and NVIDIA ACE , enables responsive digital avatars for automated workflows, 24/7 customer service, and remote operations—enhancing both and operational agility.

Enterprise-ready Scalable, Power-Efficient On-Prem AI in Collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. 

With AI adoption becoming a top priority for business leaders, they seek solutions offering enterprise-grade performance and scale without draining budgets or compromising data. Aetina’s flagship product, MegaEdge AIP-FR68, combined with the Qualcomm® Cloud AI 100 Ultra accelerator cards and the Qualcomm® AI Inference Suite, provide a turnkey solution for generative AI workloads in air-gapped environments that meet these critical needs. This supports applications like voice agents, image generation, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), and code generation.

Also on display is the next-generation MegaEdge AIP-FR68S, featuring a built-in 1600W power supply unit for reduced setup complexity, improved system stability, and simplified deployment even in space-constrained areas. It includes a Gen5 PCIe switch, enabling models twice as large (up to 200 billion parameters) or twice the performance, enhancing accuracy in natural language processing, image recognition, and predictive analytics applications that require context-rich and complex AI models. The MegaEdge AIP-FR68S supports scalability for up to three Qualcomm Cloud AI 100 Ultra cards, empowering enterprises to further expand AI inference performance for evolving needs.

Unlocking New Potential for Autonomous and In-Vehicle AI

As an NVIDIA Elite Partner, Aetina will showcase its high-performance robotics platform featuring the NVIDIA Jetson AGX Thor. Offering up to 2 PetaFLOPS AI Compute, this platform is built to run advanced generative AI models – like the GR00T foundation model- with ultra low latency, all within an efficient 130W power envelope. This unlocks new possibilities for humanoid and generative physical AI applications across robotics, smart space, industrial, medical, telecommunication, and more.

Additionally, Aetina introduces the rugged AIE-VX28 fanless in-vehicle AI system, powered by NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin. Supporting 8x GMSL2 automotive cameras and 10G Ethernet, it is IP66-rated and E-Mark certified, making it ideal for deployment in logistics fleets, and intelligent transportation systems.

In addition, Aetina will present its intelligent driving solution integrating NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX with the Digital Media Professionals Inc. (DMP) AI suite for advanced Driver Monitoring System (DMS) and ADAS functions. It enables real-time detection of driver fatigue, distraction, and gaze deviation, while also identifying external driving hazards, enabling dual-layer AI perception for enhanced road safety and intelligent transportation operations.

Accelerating Smart Manufacturing with Advanced AI Vision

Aetina is driving the growth of edge AI capabilities across industries through partnerships with leaders in inference acceleration.

Together with EdgeCortix, Aetina showcases an edge-deployed visual language model (VLM). Powered by the EdgeCortix SAKURA-II, traditional visual detection systems are transformed into interactive decision-making tools. This generative AI technology enhances video search, scene comprehension, and asset tracking while enabling real-time queries that deliver deeper insights, expedite decisions, and improve safety across security, retail, industrial, and healthcare applications.

To further address real-time quality inspection and labor shortages, Aetina partners with Axelera AI and Accordance Systems to deliver a semiconductor inspection and classification solution. The system combines Aetina’s Rockchip-based  AIE-KR1B-B1-AXE edge AI system with Axelera AI M.2 inference card and Accordance AiPILOT vision inspection technology, delivering high-speed, multi-task visual defect detection with exceptional accuracy.

In another co-developed solution with Macnica and PrefactorTech, Aetina presents an advanced AI defect inspection solution integrating Epson robotic arms, NVIDIA Jetson Orin-powered computing platform, and Innodisk industrial cameras. This system delivers high-precision image recognition and real-time processing for PCB inspection, part defect detection, and product positioning with automated handling. The solution enhances production efficiency and quality control while optimizing deployment costs and flexibility for smart manufacturing implementation. A voice-interactive robotic arm demonstration also highlights how conversational AI capability can bring voice-enabled automation to life in smart factory environments.

Committed to a “scenario-driven, problem-solving” approach, Aetina continues to empower customers with a robust Edge AI portfolio and industry-proven expertise, enabling smarter operations, lower costs, and faster AI deployment.

Welcome visiting Aetina at COMPUTEX Booth #J0118 and join us in shaping an intelligent future powered by Edge AI.

“Own the Moment”: Hisense debuts new campaign celebrating its sponsorship of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™

QINGDAO, China, May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hisense, a leading brand in global consumer electronics and home appliances, has launched a new campaign, themed “Own the Moment” that illustrates how shared experiences like the highly anticipated FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ are opportunities that can bring us together and amplify the joy in our lives. Hisense is an Official Partner of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™ and “Own the Moment” aligns with Hisense’s commitment to innovation and technology, and pursuit of the champion spirit as it builds a world-class enterprise.

Hisense has long celebrated the “beautiful game”. Besides being an Official Partner of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, it has been a global sponsor for two FIFA World Cups™ and a partner for three UEFA European Championships. The collaboration with FIFA underscores Hisense’s commitment to delivering pioneering home appliances and technologies that can improve everyday life.

Hisense “Own the Moment” Campaign
Hisense “Own the Moment” Campaign

The “Own the Moment” campaign highlights how Hisense’s state-of-the-art, innovative products and technologies are enhancing special moments for fans worldwide.

Fans can experience all excitement on the pitch and the energy of the stadium from the comfort of their living rooms with the Hisense 100″ U7 TV and the Hisense C2 Ultra Projector. The ultrasmooth, rich colors and deeply immersive audio-visual performance of the Hisense 100″ U7 TV and the vivid colors and razor-sharp details of the C2 Ultra Projector bring the tournament action to life. It’s as though you’re watching from the best seat in the stadium.

Thirsty sports fans will love the PureFlat Smart Series Refrigerator, which includes a convenient ice and water dispenser. And it can hold plenty of snacks to feed friends and family who gather to watch their favorite teams play. The Hisense Uni Series Air Conditioner lets users stay cool and stay focused on the game, as its Smart Eye and TMS control systems automatically adjust temperature, humidity, airflow speed and direction based on occupant movement.

Hisense aims to help fans “Own the Moment” and enjoy the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, as it grows its brand among fans of the world’s most popular sport.

Click here to “Own the Moment” together: https://youtu.be/xkFiT7zB6ow?si=Eu_cw6f4aNxXCalM

About Hisense

Hisense, founded in 1969, is a globally recognized leader in home appliances and consumer electronics with operations in over 160 countries, specializing in delivering high-quality multimedia products, home appliances, and intelligent IT solutions. According to Omdia, Hisense ranks No. 2 worldwide in total TV shipments (2022-2024) and No. 1 globally in the 100-inch and over TV segment (2023-2024). As the first official partner of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, Hisense is committed to global sports partnerships as a way to connect with audiences worldwide.

 

Sands China Signs MOU for Macao-Hengqin Collaboration in Big Health Tourism Industry

Promotes Macao-Hengqin integration of Big Health tourism industry by leveraging respective advantages to create opportunities

MACAO, May 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Sands China Ltd. and Guangdong-Macau Traditional Chinese Medicine Technology Industrial Park Development Co. Ltd. (GMTCM) have joined hands to promote the integration of the Big Health tourism industry in Macao and Hengqin by leveraging the advantages of both regions – signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Friday at the Traditional Chinese Medicine Science and Technology Industrial Park of Cooperation Between Guangdong and Macau (GMTCM Park) in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin.

Dave Sun, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Sands China Ltd. and managing director of Venetian Macau Limited (seated, left) and Wu Song, chairman of Guangdong-Macau Traditional Chinese Medicine Technology Industrial Park Development Co., Ltd. (seated, right) sign an MOU Friday at the Traditional Chinese Medicine Science and Technology Industrial Park of Cooperation Between Guangdong and Macau (GMTCM Park) in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin.
Dave Sun, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Sands China Ltd. and managing director of Venetian Macau Limited (seated, left) and Wu Song, chairman of Guangdong-Macau Traditional Chinese Medicine Technology Industrial Park Development Co., Ltd. (seated, right) sign an MOU Friday at the Traditional Chinese Medicine Science and Technology Industrial Park of Cooperation Between Guangdong and Macau (GMTCM Park) in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin.

 

Guests of honour gather on stage after an MOU signing between Sands China and Guangdong-Macau Traditional Chinese Medicine Technology Industrial Park Development Co. Ltd. Friday at the Traditional Chinese Medicine Science and Technology Industrial Park of Cooperation Between Guangdong and Macao in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin.
Guests of honour gather on stage after an MOU signing between Sands China and Guangdong-Macau Traditional Chinese Medicine Technology Industrial Park Development Co. Ltd. Friday at the Traditional Chinese Medicine Science and Technology Industrial Park of Cooperation Between Guangdong and Macao in the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin.

They signed the MOU with the goal of injecting momentum into the industry by taking advantage Macao’s positioning as a world centre of leisure and tourism, its outstanding hardware and software offerings, and the convenience of the “one-hour living circle” formed in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Macao is a city where Eastern and Western cultures have co-existed for over 400 years. By offering rich tourism resources and capitalising on its proximity to Hengqin, Macao has become one of the four key cities in the Greater Bay Area. The partnership between Sands China and GMTCM aims to employ the strengths of their hardware and software resources to unleash the potential of Macao-Hengqin development through promoting regional collaboration. They plan to fully utilise their respective resources to help health brands in Macao and Hengqin go global and attract international and domestic investment to Macao – laying the foundation for collaboration between Big Health products and related MICE events, fully in line with Macao’s vision of promoting “1+4” moderate economic diversification.

Meanwhile, they will cooperate to make use of their expertise and resources in the tourism and leisure, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Big Health industries to create opportunities for integrating Big Health and tourism in Macao and Hengqin, highlighting the convenience of the border crossing and facilitating the development of both regions.

Grant Chum, chief executive officer and executive director of Sands China Ltd., said: “Rooted in Macao, which we have called home for more than two decades, Sands China is honoured to be the first among Macao’s integrated resort operators to sign an MOU with GMTCM. We have actively participated in this high-level collaboration, aiming to apply our strengths and value to enhance the city’s pivotal role as a world centre of tourism and leisure and a gateway for cultural exchange between East and West – deepening Macao’s integration into national development. Given that the global health tourism industry holds significant growth potential and a vast market scale, we hope to connect our tourism sector with Big Health by utilising resources within integrated resorts, organising conferences and exhibitions, and introducing health tourism products to make Macao a player in this emerging industry. In the future, we will collaborate with GMTCM to establish an industrial chain for the health tourism industry, promoting Macao and Hengqin as premier destinations in this regard.”­

Wu Song, chairman of Guangdong-Macau Traditional Chinese Medicine Technology Industrial Park Development Co., Ltd., said: “This collaboration marks the official launch of in-depth cooperation between the two parties in the field of Big Health and tourism, carrying profound significance for advancing the cross-sector integration of Macao and Hengqin’s ‘tourism+’ initiatives. Since China Taiping officially took over the operation of the industrial park in January 2023, significant achievements have been made with the enthusiastic support of relevant central ministries, the Macao SAR government, and various sectors of society.

“This joint effort is a concrete measure in response to the Macao SAR government’s 2025 Policy Address to support key industrial projects in Macao and Hengqin, as well as deepening the cross-sector integration of ‘tourism+’. The industrial park and Sands China have vast potential for collaboration in areas such as product development, service innovation, and market expansion. The partnership will inject new momentum into Macao’s moderate economic diversification and the construction of the Greater Bay Area’s Traditional Chinese Medicine hub, together writing a new chapter in the great practice of One Country, Two Systems.”

Potential collaborative projects between Sands China and GMTCM include organising Big Health MICE events through their venue resources and professional platforms to promote the mutual development of the medical, healthcare, and wellness industry in Macao and Hengqin. Related events might include professional forums, industrial exhibitions, and international conferences and meetings, intended to strengthen exchange and interaction between Macao and Hengqin. Other possibilities include introducing new Big Health tourism facilities and products at Sands China’s integrated resorts and GMTCM Park to provide premium health management and medical care services for tourists and residents in Macao and Hengqin.

Guests of honour at Friday’s MOU signing ceremony were: Tai Kin Ip, Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macao SAR and deputy director of the executive committee of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin; Yang Quanzhou, deputy director of the Economic Affairs Department of the Central Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Macao SAR; Yang Minggang, deputy general manager of China Taiping Insurance Group Limited; Wu Song; Zhang Haihong, acting president of the board of Macao Investment and Development Co., Ltd. and chairman of the supervisory committee of Guangdong-Macau Traditional Chinese Medicine Technology Industrial Park Development Co., Ltd.; Grant Chum; and Dave Sun, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Sands China Ltd. and managing director of Venetian Macau Limited.

As the first project implemented under the Framework Agreement on Cooperation between Guangdong and Macao, GMTCM Park was officially established in Hengqin in April 2011. It is located in the northwest high-tech zone of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, covering an area of 500,000 square meters. An investment of 8 billion RMB has been made to date, resulting in the development of various facilities, including office buildings, research and development spaces, hotels, commercial streets, museums, pharmaceutical factories, testing centres, Traditional Chinese Medicine laboratories, and apartments for experts and other talent. As of the end of March, there were 235 enterprises registered at GMTCM Park, including 89 from Macao, in fields such as Traditional Chinese Medicine, cosmetics, health products, medical devices, biomedicine, and medical services. GMTCM Park has established an incubation base featuring GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) pilot-scale production, research, development, and testing that meet the certification standards of mainland China, making it a professional public service platform with internationally advanced standards.

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About Sands China Ltd. 
Sands China Ltd. (Sands China or the Company) is incorporated in the Cayman Islands with limited liability and is listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (HKEx: 1928). Sands China is the largest operator of integrated resorts in Macao. The Company’s integrated resorts on the Cotai Strip comprise The Venetian® Macao, The Plaza® Macao, The Parisian® Macao and The Londoner Macao®. The Company also owns and operates Sands® Macao on the Macao peninsula. The Company’s portfolio features a diversified mix of leisure and business attractions and transportation operations, including large meeting and convention facilities; a wide range of restaurants; shopping malls; world-class entertainment at The Venetian Arena, The Londoner Arena, The Venetian Theatre, The Parisian Theatre, the Londoner Theatre and the Sands Theatre; and a high-speed Cotai Water Jet ferry service between Hong Kong and Macao. The Company’s Cotai Strip portfolio has the goal of contributing to Macao’s transformation into a world centre of tourism and leisure. Sands China is a subsidiary of global resort developer Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: LVS).

For more information, please visit www.sandschina.com.

About Guangdong-Macau Traditional Chinese Medicine Technology Industrial Park Development Co. Ltd. (GMTCM)
GMTCM is a limited liability company registered in Guangdong-Macao Deep Cooperation Zone in Hengqin to engage in the development and operation of industrial parks. In order to implement the General Plan for Construction of the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin and the Framework Agreement on Cooperation Between Guangdong and Macao, promote closer cooperation between Guangdong and Macao and promote appropriate diversification of Macao’s economy, GMTCM was jointly founded by Zhuhai Da Heng Qin Group Co., Ltd. and Macao Investment Development Co. Ltd., to focus on the development, operation and management of the Macao public asset Guangdong-Macau Traditional Chinese Medicine Technology Industrial Park. As a comprehensive industrial park integrating scientific research, production, exhibition and trading, it acts as a platform to empower Traditional Chinese Medicine and Big Health enterprises in Guangdong and Macao, promote the innovation and application of Traditional Chinese Medicine science and technology in Guangdong and Macao, promote the modernization and internationalization of the Traditional Chinese Medicine and Big Health industry, and boost regional cooperation and economic development.

Media contacts:
Corporate Communications, Sands China Ltd.
Mabel Wu
Tel: +853 8118 2268
Email: mabel.wu@sands.com.mo 

Jesse Chiang
Tel: +853 8118 2054
Email: jesse.chiang@sands.com.mo

Bybit Reshapes the Blockchain Industry at CCCC Bali – Sharing a Bold Vision and Roadmap

DUBAI, UAE, May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Bybit, the world’s second largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Web3 innovation as the exclusive sponsor and founding force behind the Crypto Content Creator Campus (CCCC), a non-profit industry initiative empowering the next wave of blockchain storytellers.

Held from April 10 to April 13 in Bali, this four-day summit brought together over 150 top content creators, Web3 innovators, and crypto leaders, laying the groundwork for Web3 creator-business partnerships and sustainable industry education.

The summit featured around 20 ecosystem partners, including Solana, TON, Mantle, Catizen, Jambo, Cudis, Orderly, Plume, OG, BlackFocus, XION, Memecore, the Blockchain for Good Alliance (BGA), etc. These market participants shared the latest industry insights and showcased their technologies at vibrant booths, facilitating high-touch engagement with some of the region’s most passionate builders and storytellers.

Doing What Others Won’t: Ben Zhou’s Vision for the Future

In his keynote address, Bybit Co-founder and CEO Ben Zhou shared his bold vision anchored in the exchange platform’s founding ethos: “We do what others won’t.” Bybit isn’t just following industry trends — we are laying the foundation for a sustainable Web3 future powered by innovation, transparency, and creator-driven ecosystems.

Bybit backed CCCC with a bold mission — to build an industry leading education and collaboration platform that helps Web2 users transition to Web3 through next-gen storytelling, connectivity and infrastructure development. The initiative aims to revolutionize the Web3 content creation landscape by empowering creators with tools, exposure, and an active ecosystem for sustainable influence and education.

“At CCCC, what stood out most was Bybit’s long-term perspective. While many chase quick wins, Bybit is investing in real, sustainable innovation and ecosystem development — building infrastructure, supporting creators, and empowering the future of Web3. That’s what truly sets them apart,” reflected one of the content creators at the conference.

A Strategic Return: Bybit’s Roadmap for Mandarin-Speaking Markets

During the event, Ben also spotlighted the company’s return to its roots with a sharpened focus on Mandarin-speaking markets — one of the fastest growth engines in Bybit’s strategic roadmap.

“Bybit started in Shanghai and grew to become the world’s second-largest exchange. In 2024, we began reconnecting with our heritage — not just geographically, but in terms of responsibility,” Ben said. “This year marks our return in full strength. We are dedicating resources and realigning strategies to serve Mandarin-speaking users.”

Ben announced a suite of Mandarin-focused business optimizations at Bybit – including accelerated trading channels, dedicated domains and nodes, and a full-stack upgrade to Chinese-language customer service — faster, more professional, and more responsive than ever before.

From cryptocurrency trading – spot, futures and options – to Gold & FX, BybitCard, BybitPay, and structured wealth management products, Ben emphasized that “every product is now being built to suit the needs and expectations of our Mandarin-speaking community.”

Bybit Reshapes the Blockchain Industry at CCCC Bali - Sharing a Bold Vision and Roadmap
Bybit Reshapes the Blockchain Industry at CCCC Bali – Sharing a Bold Vision and Roadmap

Building Crypto Ark, Bit by Bit

CCCC Bali emerged not only as a platform for education and experimentation, but also as a proof-of-concept for what a decentralized creator economy can achieve. With its blend of inspiration, innovation, and infrastructure, the summit demonstrated how content creators, builders, and communities can come together to lay a collaborative foundation for sustainable growth.

As Bybit continues its mission to power the world’s crypto builders, the success of CCCC signals a bold new chapter in Web3 collaboration, one that’s being written not just in code — but in content, culture, and community.

About Bybit

Bybit is the world’s second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 70 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open, and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com.

For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press.
For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com
For updates, please follow: Bybit’s Communities and Social Media

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