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Changzhou, Jiangsu: Building Momentum Toward Global Leadership in Renewable Energy

CHANGZHOU, China, Sept. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On September 13, the International New Energy Exhibition 2025 opened in Changzhou under the theme “New Energy, New Power, New Changzhou.” At the opening ceremony, 33 significant agreements were finalized on-site, representing a combined investment of more than 33.7 billion yuan.


“During the 15th Five-Year Plan period, Changzhou aims to maintain its leading edge in manufacturing, accelerate progress in applied technologies, and adopt a forward-looking approach to emerging industries, with the goal of building a renewable energy hub that represents Jiangsu’s commitment to sustainable growth while strengthening its global competitiveness,” stated Wang Jianfeng, Secretary of the Changzhou Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), at the ceremony.

In recent years, Changzhou has taken the lead in creating a comprehensive renewable energy industry chain that spans five segments: generation, storage, transmission, utilization, and grid. The results have been striking. Last year, the city’s renewable energy sector surpassed 850 billion yuan in output, and this year it is on track to break the 1 trillion yuan mark.

This year’s expo also drew attention for its “dual-IP” approach. On the evening of the opening ceremony, the 11th round of the Jiangsu City Football League — Changzhou vs. Suqian — was held at the Changzhou Olympic Sports Center, drawing more than 40,000 fans. Although Changzhou fell short with a 2–1 loss, the atmosphere inside and outside the stadium energized the city well beyond the final score.

“As September marks a season of achievement, the renewable energy industry and the Jiangsu City Football League are joining forces in a ‘dual-IP partnership,’ opening a new chapter of industrial growth and community engagement in Changzhou,” noted Zhou Wei, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Changzhou Municipal Committee and Mayor of Changzhou. He invited entrepreneurs, scientists, investors, and innovators from around the world to become Changzhou’s partners and contributors to Changzhou’s vision for the future.

OSOME OUTPACES TRADITIONAL RIVALS IN CUSTOMER TRUST

 New Surveys Find Elevated Customer Experience

Among Founders and SMEs on Their Digitalisation Journey

HONG KONG and SINGAPORE, Sept. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Osome, a digital business solutions provider, recently commissioned surveys in Singapore and Hong Kong, which indicate that founders and SMEs using their services report higher satisfaction and advocacy compared to those using traditional accounting firms. This aligns with the trend of digitalisation, as Singapore saw 94.6% of SMEs adopting at least one digital solution, and Hong Kong drove over 1,300 smartification projects across 50 industries in the Greater Bay Area.

Osome research shows founders prefer modern support over traditional firms.
Osome research shows founders prefer modern support over traditional firms.

“In today’s digital landscape, innovation and customer-centric solutions are critical to success. Founders want intelligent digital tools and human expertise to guide their business journeys,” said Helena Flores, Chief Operations Officer of Osome.

“Our customers have expressed satisfaction and a willingness to recommend us, and noticed improvements in our digital tools to support their business transformation journeys. All these reflect the trust and confidence in our relationships as we move forward together.”

“Running a startup means every minute matters. Osome has given us back valuable time and, more importantly, the peace of mind to focus on high-impact initiatives that drive Zugo’s growth. I couldn’t recommend it enough,” said Yeo Eng Heng, CEO and Co-Founder of Zugo.

Osome commissioned surveys of over 1,800 respondents in Singapore and Hong Kong, which were conducted by independent research agency ADNA Research using rigorous methodology.

Insights from the surveys include:

  • Favourable experience in the digital model. Respectively, 76% and 81% of Osome users in Singapore and Hong Kong reported satisfaction with their overall experience, compared to clients of traditional firms surveyed. Users highlighted ease of use, responsive support, and affordability as key advantages, alongside speedy onboarding, clear communication, and the convenience of Osome’s mobile platform.
  • Customer loyalty, measured through net promoter score (NPS), also favoured Osome. In Singapore, Osome scored 12 points higher than traditional firms and 10 points above the category average. In Hong Kong, Osome scored 16 points above traditional competitors and 14 points above the average.
  • Perceptions among users have improved over the past year, with over 40% of Osome users in Singapore and Hong Kong stating that the platform now better meets their business needs.
  • Finally, many respondents expressed a desire for more proactive advisory services and enhanced integration with existing business tools.

“We will be looking to provide more digital services to help founders reduce burdensome administrative tasks through partnerships,” added Helena.

More details about the findings are available on Osome’s blog at osome.com/sg/blog/osome-customer-satisfaction-survey/

About Osome

Osome empowers entrepreneurs by reducing administrative burdens with AI-enabled digital solutions and expert guidance in incorporation, secretarial support, accounting, payroll, and tax compliance. It has helped over 30,000 companies process over 1 million transactions worth over US$5.6 billion. Learn more about Osome at www.osome.com/

Midea has achieved another global first: Midea Thailand Factory becomes the home appliance industry’s first Lighthouse Factory beyond its home market

BANGKOK, Sept. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Certified by the WEF, Midea has achieved another global first: Midea Thailand Factory becomes the home appliance industry’s first Lighthouse Factory beyond its home market. This recognition reinforces Midea’s leadership in the global intelligent and digital transformation of manufacturing.

Midea RAC Thailand Factory is certified by WEF as Lighthouse Factory
Midea RAC Thailand Factory is certified by WEF as Lighthouse Factory

Strategically located in Chonburi within Thailand’s Eastern Economic Corridor, Midea Thailand RAC factory spans 208,000 sqm, with a total investment approx. USD 168 million. As the largest residential air conditioner production hub in Thailand and Southeast Asia, it plays a central role in shaping the region’s smart manufacturing landscape. In 2026, Midea Thailand RAC Factory’s annual output is expected to reach 6 million units.

Midea Thailand Lighthouse Factory stands as a milestone to its commitment to innovation and sustainability. As Southeast Asia’s 1st fully 5G-connected factory, it has set a new benchmark for smart manufacturing and ESG development. The use of a 5G+AI intelligent production system has significantly boosted efficiency and quality, earning it the prestigious “Best Mobile Technology Breakthrough in Asia” award from AMO. By leveraging AI-powered visual inspection, manufacturers can achieve real-time defect detection and enhance the safety of high-risk tasks. Through low-carbon practices, Midea’ve made sustainability a measurable reality, which led to a 40.2% drop in energy consumption, a 20% reduction in waste generated, and a 23.5% decrease in water usage.

Southeast Asia’s 1st fully 5G-connected factory
Southeast Asia’s 1st fully 5G-connected factory

Midea adheres to its commitment of “Innovation for People, Development for Local,” steadily deepening its investment and sustainable growth across the ASEAN region. This commitment is reflected in continuous efforts to nurture local talent, enhance training, and engage with communities, ensuring long-term shared value. At the same time, Midea’s Thailand factory has significantly advanced its production efficiency and reliability, supported by a cross-border digital supply chain that drives measurable results—on-time delivery has risen by 17.1% and the end-to-end order cycle has been shortened by 42.6%. These achievements are further demonstrated through the consistent delivery of high-quality products. Midea is positively planning on the new air conditioner series to be launched in the ASEAN region next year to serve an ever-broader base of local consumers.

In 2024, Midea reinforced its position as a key player in the global home appliance market. Out of the 260 million air conditioners sold worldwide, Midea’s sales reached an impressive 71.83 million units. This accounts for a 27.5% market share, meaning that one in every four air conditioners sold globally was Midea. With 3 years as the world’s No. 1 residential inverter AC brand, Midea has built a strong user base across ASEAN.

Ms. Narissara Kwazui, Head of Human Resources, added, “Being certified as a Lighthouse Factory reflects our leadership in global smart home appliances while staying committed to advancing intelligent manufacturing, local community development, and eco-friendly innovation. We will continue to collaborate with partners across Thailand and ASEAN to drive sustainable growth.”

The Lighthouse Factory designation demonstrates Midea’s manufacturing excellence and commitment to local development. Midea will continue contributing to smart manufacturing and ESG development, collaborating with partners across ASEAN for shared success and a greener future.

Follow Midea:

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Xinhua Silk Road: Index decodes sericulture industry upgrade in S. China’s Guangxi

BEIJING, Sept. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — A promotion event for Hechi’s sericulture industry, branded as “Gui”, was held in Beijing on September 10, focusing on brand building, market expansion and investment cooperation. At the event, the Xinhua Index Research Institute released interim results of the Xinhua-Hechi Sericulture Industry Development Index.

Photo shows the on-site release of the interim results of the Xinhua-Hechi Sericulture Industry Development Index.
Photo shows the on-site release of the interim results of the Xinhua-Hechi Sericulture Industry Development Index.

Hechi, located in south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, is hailed as the “new capital of Chinese silk”, with its mulberry acreage and silkworm cocoon output ranking first among all prefecture-level cities nationwide for 20 consecutive years, and its silk processing capacity leading the country for 15 years in a row, said Cao Chongjun, vice mayor of Hechi.

To boost the industry, Hechi issued a full industry-chain development plan in 2022, setting a target of 50 billion yuan in output value by 2025. In 2024, the city unveiled a three-year action plan with 32 measures across seven key areas, including upgrading sericulture bases. Since 2020, it has invested 1.023 billion yuan of agricultural funds and provided 2.239 billion yuan in cocoon-silk loans.

Advanced technologies such as collective silkworm rearing and automated reeling have been widely adopted. The city is also building a trusted data space, a China-ASEAN cocoon and silk trading center, and a digital innovation hub to enhance supply chain integration.

In May 2025, the people’s government of Hechi City, together with China Economic Information Service, launched compilation of the Xinhua-Hechi Sericulture Industry Development Index, aiming to provide a scientific gauge of industry development, offer evidence-based support for policymaking, and deliver early warnings and guidance.

According to the Xinhua-Hechi Sericulture Industry Development Index report, the sericulture industry covers 11 counties and districts as well as 131 townships across Hechi, benefiting nearly 1 million farmers. In 2024, the average annual household income from sericulture exceeded 50,000 yuan.

With government support ranging from resource coordination to runway presentation, “Hechi silk” is stepping onto the international stage, advancing the city’s transformation from “silk source” to “brand highland”. 

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/347570.html

 

Smoke-Dried Bodies Could Be World’s ‘Oldest Mummies’, Recent Study Found

Left: The remains of a middle-aged woman at the Liyupo site in southern China, who was smoke-dried prior to burial about 8000 years ago. Right: A modern smoke-dried mummy of the Dani people in West Papua, Indonesia Zhen Li, Hirofumi Matsumura, Hsiao-chun Hung (NewScientist)

AFP – Some ancient societies in China and Southeast Asia appear to have smoke-dried their dead, effectively mummifying them thousands of years earlier than their Egyptian counterparts, new research has found.

While the bandage-bound bodies of ancient Egypt date back perhaps as far as 4,500 years ago, the oldest previously known examples of mummification are from ancient Chilean societies.

There, the dry air of the Atacama coastline allowed for natural mummification by drying.

But the bodies retrieved by researchers from China and Southeast Asia came largely from humid regions.

The scientists were initially intrigued by the contorted positions of skeletons found in burial sites in China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Laos, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.

The remains appeared to have scorch marks in some places, but in patterns inconsistent with attempts at cremation.

They theorized that the contorted burials might have been possible because no soft tissue remained on the bodies, the result of mummification by drying, a practice known in parts of Indonesia’s Papua.

They tested this by analyzing the composition of bone samples from the sites against control samples taken from ancient burial sites in Japan and found evidence of exposure to mostly low-temperature heat.

The intact nature of the skeletons suggested there was no attempt to cremate the bodies, and preservation was the goal.

The samples include some dating back more than 10,000 years, suggesting societies were practicing forms of mummification thousands of years earlier than previously known.

The results were “a great surprise,” said Hsiao-chun Hung, senior research fellow at Australian National University.

“The bones are so ancient, and it is remarkable to discover that this tradition is so old, connecting the practices of ancient peoples with those still found in some communities today.”

While the scientists said smoking was probably the “most effective option for preserving corpses in tropical climates,” the process also likely held cultural significance.

Several societies in Indonesia and Australia are known to have smoke-dried bodies by binding them tightly and placing them above a continuously burning fire, often for several months.

The process allowed relatives to maintain contact with the deceased, and in some cases was believed to allow the spirit to roam freely during the day and return to a body at night.

“I believe this reflects something deeply human, the timeless wish that our loved ones might never leave us, but remain by our side forever,” Hung told AFP.

The researchers theorize that the practice may have been common in ancient Asian civilizations.

“This tradition may have been known among hunter-gatherer societies across a vast region, for many millennia,” they wrote in the study, published Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal.


© Agence France-Presse

“Come! BikeDay Cycling Festival × Bike Friendly Accommodations” — Taiwan Promotes Sustainable Cycling Tourism

TAIPEI, Sept. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Cycling is both a form of recreation and a way to explore scenic landscapes—have you joined the trend yet? In response to the growing popularity of cycling tourism, the Taiwan Tourism Administration is actively advancing the **Bike Friendly Accommodations** program. By partnering with lodging providers, the initiative offers exclusive facilities and services such as secure bike parking, maintenance and cleaning areas, late check-out, and guided cycling tours, ensuring a safe and convenient journey for cycling travelers across Taiwan.

Autumn’s crisp and refreshing weather makes it the perfect season for events, and the most iconic among them is the annual **Come! BikeDay Cycling Festival** held on the shores of Sun Moon Lake. Blending local culture, live performances, and family-friendly riding experiences, this year’s event is set for **November 22** and is expected to attract cycling enthusiasts from around the world to share in the festive lakeside atmosphere and breathtaking scenery.

Beyond **Come! BikeDay**, Taiwan also boasts a vibrant cycling calendar. Highlights include the internationally renowned **Taiwan KOM Challenge**, celebrated as one of the world’s toughest road races with a 105 km course climbing over 3,500 meters in elevation; the **Tour de Taiwan**, a multi-stage international road race that draws professional teams worldwide; and the **L’Étape by Tour de France Taiwan**, officially licensed by the Tour de France and debuting in Taiwan for the first time. In addition, the annual **Taipei International Cycle Show (Taipei Cycle)** each spring serves as a global hub for industry innovation and exchange, reinforcing Taiwan’s reputation as the **”Bicycle Kingdom.”**

These annual events combine leisure, sport, industry innovation, and sustainable tourism—underscoring Taiwan’s strong commitment to cycling culture. Complementing the events is Taiwan’s comprehensive cycling infrastructure, which includes numerous dedicated bike paths, the celebrated Sun Moon Lake loop route, and the legendary **Route No. 1** that circles the island for nearly 968 km with clear signposting, making it the ultimate choice for round-island cycling adventurers.

Through its events, accommodations, and infrastructure, Taiwan is steadily building a dynamic cycling tourism ecosystem, sincerely inviting travelers everywhere to **”Cycle Taiwan Sustainably.”**

For more information on Bike Friendly Accommodations, please visit the [Taiwan Stay website](https://www.taiwanstay.net.tw/TSA/web_page/TSA010100.jsp)

For details on **Come! BikeDay**, please visit the [Sun Moon Lake Cycling Tourism website](https://theme.sunmoonlake.gov.tw/comebikeday/Index.aspx?l=2)

"Come! BikeDay Cycling Festival × Bike Friendly Accommodations” Kicks Off in Style on November 22!
“Come! BikeDay Cycling Festival × Bike Friendly Accommodations” Kicks Off in Style on November 22!

 

Kexing Biopharm’s Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes Registered with FDA DMF

SHENZHEN, China, Sept. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Kexing Biopharm announced that its investigational Human Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes has successfully completed a Type II Drug Master File (DMF) registration with the U.S. FDA.

Exosomes, as a next-generation bioactive carrier, boast unique advantages such as low immunogenicity, strong tissue penetration, and potential for targeted modification, offering immense promise for medical applications. However, the technical barriers and research challenges in Exosome development place them at the forefront of complexity among bioactive material fields. 

This achievement builds on Kexing’s K’Exosome platform, which is built on high-performance GMP-grade exosome “end-to-end” production technology. The platform’s core strengths lie in its “six highs and one low” advantages: high purity, high yield, high efficiency, high recovery rate, high stability, high bioactivity, and low cost. This enables scalable, standardized, and intelligent manufacturing of clinical-grade exosomes. Additionally, the platform offers advanced engineering capabilities for efficient protein/small nucleic acid loading and precise targeted modification, providing a comprehensive solution from molecular design to process scale-up for next-generation delivery therapies.

Kexing Biopharm will continue to advance its “Innovation + Internationalization” strategy, driving the global development and application of exosome technologies and delivering high-quality solutions for broader healthcare needs.

realme 15 Series Offers Next-level 3-in-1 Imaging Revolution; Pre-order Starts 18 September

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, Sept. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Why settle for one way to capture life’s moments when you can have three? Dubbed the segment’s best imaging smartphone, the realme 15 Series boasts a revolutionary camera system built on a 3-in-1 concept that combines professional-grade photography, cinematic video recording, and dynamic live photos in one sleek smartphone. This AI Party Phone will be available for pre-order starting 18 September, and early-bird customers will be receiving free gifts worth up to RM1,346.

realme 15 Series Offers Next-level 3-in-1 Imaging Revolution; Pre-order Starts 18 September
realme 15 Series Offers Next-level 3-in-1 Imaging Revolution; Pre-order Starts 18 September

From 18 September to 27 September, interested customers can place orders at realme Brand Stores nearest to them with a deposit of RM20. Free gifts include realme Buds T200 Lite, realme ice tumbler, RM100 rebate, 1-year extended warranty and 1-year screen crack warranty.

Party-ready with Triple 50MP Camera

The realme 15 Pro features a triple 50MP ultra-clear system. A Sony IMX896 main sensor delivers crisp detail and vivid color, the 50MP ultra-wide captures expansive scenes, and the 50MP front camera elevates selfies—making everything from nightscapes to spontaneous street shots effortless.

realme 15 Series introduces AI Party Mode. This innovative feature taps on an optimised algorithm to capture bright, vivid portraits under challenging lighting conditions. Together with exclusive lighting effects and creative watermarks, the AI Party Mode empowers young users to revive the party atmosphere through every shot.

Segment’s Best 4K60fps Video Recording

Content creators get unrivalled video quality with realme 15 Pro’s 4K60fps recording across all three lenses – main, ultra-wide and front. Be it vlogging at a buzzing concert, filming cinematic travel adventures, or capturing smooth action shots, the AI Party Phone delivers professional-grade footage from any angle.

Making its debut on the realme 15 Pro, the 2K Live Photo reimagines how we capture memories. By blending the intimacy of a photo with the emotion of video, it preserves fleeting details—like a friend’s laugh or a passing breeze—in crisp 2K clarity, creating living images that feel vibrant and personal.

The realme 15 Pro redefines smartphone creativity with its 3-in-1 camera system: a Triple 50MP camera for stunning photos, 4K60fps recording across all three lenses for cinematic video, and an industry-leading 2K Live Photo that turns snapshots into living memories.

Join the realme 15 Series launch livestream on 18 September 2025, and follow realme on Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube for more information.

-Ends-

About realme:

realme is a global consumer technology company disrupting the smartphone market by making cutting-edge technologies more accessible. It provides a range of smartphones and lifestyle technology devices with premium specs, quality, and trend-setting designs to young consumers.

Established by Sky Li in 2018, realme has become one of the top five smartphone players in 30 markets globally in just three years, and realme has entered multiple markets worldwide, including China and Southeast Asia, South Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa, and has a global user base of over 200 million. 2024 is the year of rebranding for realme with its new slogan, “Make it real.” Under the new brand spirit, realme will focus more on young users than before and bring real, clear, and tangible benefits to their lives.

For more information, please visit https://www.realme.com/my/.