A picture of Nam Ngum 1 Hydropower Plant located on the Nam Ngum River in Vientiane Province, Laos. (Photo by EDL)
Electricité du Laos (EDL), the state-owned power utility, grew its revenue by 9.4 percent in the first half of 2026 compared with the same period last year, according to the official report.
Director General of EDL Akhomdeth Vongsay announced the results at the utility’s six-month business review, held from 10 to 11 August. He said EDL will now focus on improving electricity supply and reliability for the rest of the year, as it works to reduce shortages and outages nationwide.
The growth reflects a broader rise in the country’s power output.
Laos produced 26.67 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity in the first half of 2026, up 8.6 percent from the same period from a year earlier. The value of electricity generated reached LAK 35,411 billion (USD 1.57 billion), an increase of 10.58 percent year-on-year.
EDL currently draws power from 110 generation sources connected to its system, spanning hydropower, coal, solar, and wind energy, with a combined installed capacity of 5,075 megawatts (MW), though the utility can generate a maximum of 2,674 MW at any given time.
Solar Expansion
EDL is expanding solar energy as well.
In the second half of 2026, the utility plans to keep developing 140 solar projects with a combined capacity of 1,736 MW.
Since late April, EDL has also let households install rooftop solar panels and sell any extra electricity back to the grid, with systems, which aims to as part of the country’s push to expand renewable energy use.
Easing Cost for Households
Separately, the National Assembly is now considering a proposal to remove tax on subsidized household electricity to ease costs for low-income households. The plan builds on existing subsidies, though officials have not yet set a timeline, even as electricity prices continue rising under a multi-year pricing plan running from 2025 to 2029.
New-generation Samsung Galaxy Z series foldable smartphones and AI-powered smartwatches are helping Australians balance portability, productivity and wellness.
SYDNEY, Aug. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Samsung Electronics Australia says demand is growing for devices that combine portability with premium performance, as Australians increasingly seek technology that fits seamlessly into their lifestyles. First announced at Unpacked in London on 22 July, 2026, Galaxy Z Fold8, Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra, Galaxy Z Flip8 smartphones and Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra2[1] smartwatches have been designed to empower Australians to live life their way, delivering a balance of productivity, entertainment, convenience and wellness.
With only two days left of the pre-order period remaining, the latest Galaxy Z series is on track to achieve its most successful pre-order result to date, driven by an overwhelmingly positive response to the brand new Galaxy Z Fold8. Australians can continue to pre-order the new Galaxy devices until 11:59PM AEST Thursday, 13 August, giving consumers the opportunity to secure technology designed to adapt to their individual lifestyles before general availability.
Amongst those who said they would buy a Foldable from Samsung, 65% said they would do so because they felt Samsung is a trusted brand [2]. After pioneering the foldable smartphones category almost a decade ago and leading the foldables category through eight generations of innovation, Samsung’s latest Galaxy Z series represents its most complete foldable lineup yet, giving Australians a choice of devices tailored to different lifestyles and priorities.
According to Samsung research, 84% of Australians say size, portability and the ability to fit inside a pocket, purse or wallet are among the most important factors when choosing a smartphone[3]. As Australian consumers increasingly look for devices that are easier to carry without compromising capability, foldable phones are reshaping expectations around smartphone design.
Samsung’s new Galaxy Z Fold8 introduces a first-of-its-kind passport-sized form factor to the Australian market, designed to transform the way users consume content. With smartphone entertainment and content consumption continuing to grow, the unique design enables a seamless transition between portrait and landscape experiences, creating a more immersive way to stream, browse, game and connect.
For Australians seeking flagship-level performance, the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra brings together advanced hardware and Galaxy AI[4] in a foldable design optimised for productivity, highlighting how the next generation of foldable smartphones can help users work, create and multitask more efficiently. Featuring a long-lasting battery[5], ultra-fast charging as well as a 200 megapixel main camera[6], the same resolution as the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra released earlier this year, the Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra has been designed to support increasingly mobile work and personal lifestyles.
Meanwhile, Galaxy Z Flip8, Samsung’s thinnest and lightest Flip device yet at just 180g[7] and 6.1 mm (unfolded), delivers convenience and flexibility for Australians prioritising pocketability without sacrificing performance when choosing their next smartphone.
Nathan Rigger, Head of Product, Mobile eXperience at Samsung Electronics Australia, said: “We know smartphone users aren’t one-size-fits-all, which is why we’ve built our best and most complete foldable lineup to date. The Galaxy Z series brings together breakthrough design, powerful performance and personalised AI experiences, empowering Australians to find the foldable that best meets their needs.”
“The Galaxy Z Fold8 represents a new chapter for foldables, and it is the first of its kind in Australia. With more Australians claiming size and portability as an important smartphone purchase driver, we are excited to introduce a new foldable standard, a device that reimagines smartphone design and redefines content consumption.”
Beyond smartphones, Australians are increasingly turning to wearable technology and smartwatch health tracking to help manage their health and wellbeing. With 85% of Australians regularly or occasionally participating in some type of exercise[8], the company has expanded its wearable portfolio with two distinct smartwatch experiences.
Kylie Mason, Head of Wearables, Mobile eXperience at Samsung Electronics Australia, said: “As Australians become more focused on proactive health management, demand is growing for smartwatches that deliver meaningful health insights, not just data. Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra2 combine AI-powered health tracking, fitness monitoring and personalised wellness guidance to help Australians better understand their body and make more informed decisions about their wellbeing.”
“From everyday wellness to extreme adventures, we’ve designed our latest Galaxy Watches to meet Australians wherever they are on their health journey, while delivering the comfort, performance and reliability they expect from a premium smartwatch.”
The Galaxy Watch9 is designed as an everyday wellness companion, combining enhanced comfort, powerful performance, and AI-powered health insights to help Australians better understand their daily wellbeing. The Galaxy Watch Ultra2, Samsung’s most powerful smartwatch yet, has been built for adventurers and performance-focused users, offering specialised sports tracking, Samsung’s brightest display[9] and largest battery[10] in a Galaxy Watch.
Powered by Samsung Health[11] and Galaxy AI[12], both devices provide proactive health monitoring and personalised insights, helping Australians take a more holistic approach to wellness. Together, Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra2 offer Australians a choice between an everyday wellness companion and a performance-focused fitness smartwatch designed for more demanding adventures.
Findings are based on research conducted by Pureprofile on behalf of Samsung Electronics Australia from 7-11 July 2026 among a nationally representative sample of 1,017 Australians. Additional findings are based on research conducted by Kantar Singapore on behalf of Samsung Electronics with 326 Australians between 15 and 19 July 2026.
Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, digital signage, smartphones, wearables, tablets, home appliances and network systems, as well as memory, system LSI and foundry. Samsung is also advancing medical imaging technologies, HVAC solutions and robotics, while creating innovative automotive and audio products through Harman. With its SmartThings ecosystem, open collaboration with partners, and integration of AI across its portfolio, Samsung delivers a seamless and intelligent connected experience. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com.
[1] Availability and features may vary depending on market, model and the smartphone paired. All functionality, features, specifications and other product information provided in this document including, but not limited to, the benefits, design, pricing, components, performance, availability and capabilities of the product are subject to change without notice.
[2] Source: N=326 Australians aged over 18years Conducted by Kantar Singapore for Samsung
[3] Samsung research conducted between July 7 2026 and July 11 2026 by PureProfile on behalf of Samsung Electronics Australia on a sample of 1017 Australians.
[4] Galaxy AI basic features provided by Samsung are free. Future releases may include enhanced features or new services that are offered on a paid basis. Different terms may apply for AI features provided by third parties. Galaxy AI basic features are those listed under “Advanced Intelligence” in the current Samsung T&C’s. For details visit www.samsung.com/au/.
[5] Actual battery life varies by network environment, features and apps used, frequency of calls and messages, the number of times charged, and many other factors.
[6] Results may vary depending on light condition and/or shooting conditions including multiple subjects, being out of focus or moving
subjects.
[7] Weight may vary by country or region.
[8] Samsung research conducted between July 7 2026 and July 11 2026 by PureProfile on behalf of Samsung Electronics Australia on a sample of 1017 Australians.
[9] Based on market research of globally released smartwatches as of June 2026. The 5,000-nit specification refers to the localised peak brightness achieved under high ambient light and full-screen brightness may differ. Actual brightness may vary or be limited depending on environmental factors, device temperature and usage conditions.
[10] Galaxy Watch Ultra2 has an 800mAh capacity battery and Galaxy Watch Ultra (2025) has a 590mAh capacity battery.
[11] Samsung Health, Galaxy Watch9 and Galaxy Watch Ultra2 are not medical/therapeutic devices. It is solely intended for fitness and wellness purposes only and is not intended for use in the diagnosis of disease or other conditions; or in the cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease; or for the prevention or control of conception or pregnancy. Samsung recommends that you consult with your doctor or physician before participating in any exercise program. Must be paired with a compatible Galaxy smartphone.
[12] Basic Samsung Galaxy AI features are free. Future releases may be offered on a paid basis. Different terms may apply for third party AI features.
Hyundai Motor Group presents its Digital Transformation (DX) and AI transformation (AX) journey, key achievements and future vision, highlighting its preparation for the AI era and innovation across business functions
Establishes the foundation for organization-wide AI transformation (AX) through transformed ways of working and a data-driven business environment
Enhanced collaboration and knowledge sharing across the organization, while building a global data foundation through the Global One Data Pipeline
Expands AI adoption across the organization through H Chat Pro and broad access to generative AI tools
Delivers AI-powered innovation across R&D, manufacturing and service operations to enhance productivity and customer value
Showcases applications including Crash Safety AI Assistant, AI Automated Recognition Service, E-FOREST: POLARIS and customer support solutions
Prepares for the Physical AI era by leveraging data and operational expertise across vehicles, robotics and manufacturing
SEOUL, South Korea, Aug. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) today shared its digital transformation (DX) and AI transformation (AX) journey, key achievements and future plans at the Hyundai Motor Group AX Achievement Showcase (‘Beyond AI, Transforming the Way We Work’) — held at its headquarters in Seoul.
Eunsook Jin, President and Head of ICT Management Division at Hyundai Motor Group, delivers a presentation at the Hyundai Motor Group AX Achievement Showcase, “Beyond AI, Transforming the Way We Work,” held at the Group’s headquarters in Yangjae on August 12.
The event highlighted how the Group has prepared the foundation for AI transformation through its digital transformation efforts since 2019 and showcased the progress, key achievements and future direction of its enterprise-wide AI transformation initiatives.
As the mobility industry rapidly evolves from a manufacturing-centered industry to one where data and software capabilities define competitiveness, the Group has proactively advanced its digital transformation efforts since 2019. Building on accumulated data and a digitally enabled working environment, the Group is now accelerating AI transformation across the organization.
“AI is undoubtedly an important technology, but ultimately it is a tool that companies must utilize. What matters is not the technology itself, but how quickly an organization can understand new technologies, including AI, apply them to its work and business, and internalize them as a source of competitive advantage. Building on our ongoing digital transformation efforts, Hyundai Motor Group is expanding AI transformation through the integration of AI and other intelligent technologies.” –Eunsook Jin, President and Head of ICT Management Division, Hyundai Motor Group
(From second to the left) Young Seok Jang, Senior Manager of the Genesis Customer Experience Team; Eunsook Jin, President and Head of ICT Management Division; Sanghong Lee, Vice President and Head of Information Security Group 2; and Changyoun Seo, Senior Manager of the Web-frontend Development Team
Highly Integrated Cooling Entity combines key refrigerant thermal management functions into a compact module
Supports next-generation EV thermal management through enhanced energy efficiency and optimized Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH) performance
Marks ninth Automotive News PACE Award finalist recognition for Hanon Systems, demonstrating the company’s global technology leadership in automotive thermal management innovation
SEOUL, South Korea, Aug. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Hanon Systems, a leading global automotive thermal management solutions provider and a member of Hankook & Company Group, has been selected as a 2026 Automotive News PACE Award finalist.
The Highly Integrated Cooling Entity is a thermal management solution that integrates key refrigerant system components, including an electric compressor, electronic expansion valve, combined water-cooled condenser and internal heat exchanger, and chiller into a single, compact, high-performance module. By replacing conventional refrigerant system architectures, it significantly reduces system complexity, enhances vehicle assembly efficiency and optimizes space.
Compact and lightweight at 16kg, the module delivers rapid and precise control of refrigerant flow and temperature, ensuring optimal thermal management performance under demanding conditions such as fast charging and high-performance driving. The result is improved EV energy efficiency and extended driving range, while a dedicated sound cover further enhances NVH performance. The technology has already been commercialized, with its first production vehicle application in the BMW iX3.
This latest recognition marks Hanon Systems’ ninth selection as an Automotive News PACE Award finalist, demonstrating the company’s global technology leadership in automotive thermal management innovation. Hanon Systems received its first PACE Award in 2007 for its wavy blade fan and serrated shroud technology, followed by a second award in 2013 for its metal seal fitting technology. The company was also recognized as a finalist in 2016 for its UV-LED Photocatalyst technology and received its third PACE Award in 2025 for the next generation of this technology, the VR-LED Photocatalyst for air disinfection.
Soo Il Lee, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Hanon Systems, stated, “The Highly Integrated Cooling Entity supports next-generation EV thermal management, reflecting our expertise in system integration and innovation.” He added, “Being recognized once again as an Automotive News PACE Awards finalist is a testament to Hanon Systems’ commitment to innovation. We will continue to advance next-generation solutions and set new global standards in thermal management.”
Entering its 31st year, the Automotive News PACE Awards recognize and honor the automotive industry’s most innovative technologies that combine engineering excellence with successful commercialization. This year, 32 innovations were selected as finalists. Following a detailed evaluation by a panel of expert judges, the final winners will be announced at the PACE Award ceremony in Detroit, Michigan this November.
About Hanon Systems
Hanon Systems, founded in 1986, is a global leader in thermal management solutions. In January 2025, it became a subsidiary of Hankook & Company Group. Its offering includes a wide range of solutions in the areas of heating, ventilation and air conditioning, powertrain cooling, compressor, fluid transport, and electronics and fluid pressure. The company currently operates 50 manufacturing sites and three regional innovation centers and employs more than 20,000 people across 21 countries. To learn more, visit hanonsystems.com.
GUIYANG, China, Aug. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from CNS:
In the mountains of southwest China’s Guizhou Province, industries once unlikely to be associated with a remote inland region are finding their way into global markets.
In Jiangkou County, Tongren, stands what local authorities describe as the world’s largest single-site matcha refining facility. Fully automated production lines process the finely ground green tea for consumers at home and abroad.
According to local figures, one in every five cups of matcha consumed worldwide is produced in Tongren. The city’s matcha products are exported to more than 50 countries and regions, with the industry generating an output value of 750 million yuan (US$105 million).
Gen Z visitors sample matcha products at a matcha production facility in Tongren, Guizhou.
For Mauro, a young visitor from Brazil, the industry raised a broader question: how can globally competitive production create opportunities for rural communities?
Tongren’s matcha industry works with 73 upstream partner companies and around 13,300 hectares of tea plantations. Financial and technical support for growers, alongside links between market demand and production, helps connect local farmers with a wider supply chain.
Matcha is not the only Guizhou product reaching international markets. In Jinping County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, local industry figures suggest that one in every 10 shuttlecocks in circulation worldwide is made there. Production is supported by a supply chain extending from goose farming and feather sorting to intelligent manufacturing.
“I hadn’t realised that some of the key materials used in these vehicles come from Guizhou,” said Thai visitor Nim Jiratchaya, whose family owns a Chinese electric vehicle. Guizhou developed an advanced functional materials industry serving sectors including electric vehicles and renewable energy.
Digitalization is also changing traditional manufacturing. Guizhou Tyre’s intelligent plant was the first in China’s tyre industry to join the World Economic Forum’s Global Lighthouse Network, which recognizes factories deploying advanced technologies at scale. The facility also uses photovoltaic power, purchased renewable electricity, and waste-heat recovery to reduce emissions.
Infrastructure played another role in connecting the mountainous province with wider markets. Nearly half of the world’s 100 highest bridges are located in Guizhou, helping overcome terrain that has long complicated transport and economic connectivity.
For the visiting Gen Z group, the journey offered a view of China beyond its major cities and coastal manufacturing centres. Tea, badminton equipment, advanced materials, and tyres illustrate how specialised manufacturing, infrastructure investment, and local resources are connecting communities in China’s mountainous southwest with national and global markets.
KOTA DAMANSARA, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 August 2026 – Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara (“Thomson”) is the first hospital in Malaysia to introduce a next-generation integrated surgical energy platform into its operating theatres. This innovation strengthens its minimally invasive surgical capabilities and enhances patient experience.
From left: Dr Savitha Dharan, CEO of Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara, Dr Wong Sze Ming, Consultant General & Colorectal Surgeon, Jo-Ann Gan, Commercial Lead (Surgery) Malaysia & Brunei, J&J MedTech, Prof Dr Prasanna Supramaniam, Consultant in O&G, Fertility Specialist, Subspecialist in Reproductive Medicine, Minimal Invasive Gynaecological Surgeon & Ng Yee Voon, Senior General Manager, Thomson Fertility.
Multidisciplinary Tertiary Hospital with Comprehensive Surgical Capabilities
As a multidisciplinary tertiary hospital, Thomson offers minimally invasive surgery across a broad range of specialties through laparoscopic, thoracoscopic (VATS), endoscopic, arthroscopic, and microsurgical approaches.
Thomson has also further expanded to its wide range of surgical offerings with two advanced procedures: the Transoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Vestibular Approach (TOETVA), a scarless thyroid surgery performed through the mouth that eliminates visible neck incisions, and laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis, a keyhole procedure that enables the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis through small incisions. Together, these procedures provide patients with more treatment options while supporting faster recovery where clinically appropriate.
Dr Savitha Dharan, Chief Executive Officer of Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara, explains, “Our aim is to provide patients with access to comprehensive, outcome driven surgical care under one roof. By continuously expanding our minimally invasive surgical capabilities, we empower our multidisciplinary teams to tailor the most appropriate treatment for every patient while delivering care that prioritises safety, precision and better patient outcomes.”
Advancing Surgical Care Through Technology
This next-generation integrated surgical energy platform brings multiple surgical energy technologies together on one platform, equipping surgeons with advanced technology that supports greater surgical precision and shorten overall procedure times. By combining tissue dissection and vessel sealing on a single platform, it enables more efficient surgical workflows targeted in reducing operating times, tissue trauma and recovery time where clinically appropriate.
“When investing in technology, Thomson’s main priority is delivering value-based care; we want better patient outcomes, operational efficiency and long-term value for both patients and our clinical team. This platform allows us to do just that – perform precise minimally invasive procedures and help deliver safe, effective care tailored to each patient’s clinical needs,” Dr Savitha expanded further.
Supported by experienced multidisciplinary teams and modern operating theatres, Thomson continues to invest in technologies that enhance surgical capabilities and improve the overall patient journey.
Supporting Sustainable Healthcare
Beyond its clinical benefits, this advanced integrated surgical energy platform aligns with Thomson’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) commitments by reducing equipment redundancy and improving operating theatre efficiency. This enables the hospital to optimise resource utilisation while continuing to deliver high-quality patient care.
The introduction of the advanced integrated surgical energy platform marks another milestone in Thomson’s ongoing investment in advanced medical technologies, reinforcing its position as one of Malaysia’s leading private hospitals committed to innovation, clinical excellence and patient-centred care.
KKLIU 3218 / EXP 31.12.2028
Hashtag: #ThomsonHospital
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara
Thomson Hospital Kota Damansara (“Thomson”), the flagship hospital of TMC Life Sciences Berhad, is a multi-disciplinary tertiary care centre strategically located in the prime alcove of Kota Damansara, Selangor, established in 2008. Thomson holds a capacity for 554-beds including 25 critical care beds, and houses more than 160 consultant specialists across over 60 specialties and sub-specialties.
An award-winning institution, Thomson’s regional accolades include recognition by Newsweek and Statista as one of Asia’s Top Private Hospitals and Clinics 2026, awarded the Specialist Hospital of the Year, and Specialty Hospital of the Year – Malaysia in 2024 for paediatric services and in 2025 for pulmonology services.
Guided by its vision to be the “Premier Provider of Outstanding Value-Based Medical Services in Southeast Asia”, Thomson remains committed to clinical excellence and is poised for continued growth to meet evolving healthcare needs.
For more information, please visit thomsonhospitals.com or follow THKD on social media platforms @thomsonhospitalKD.
NEW TAIPEI CITY, Aug. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Smart Power System (SPS) announced that its independently developed smart energy storage system has achieved IEC 62443-3-3 Security Level 2 (SL2) certification for industrial control system cybersecurity. A certification ceremony was recently held at SPS, where representatives from Bureau Veritas, a global leader in testing, inspection, and certification, formally presented the certificate.
IEC 62443-3-3 SL2 Certification Ceremony: SPS team with representatives from Bureau Veritas.
The certification covers SPS’s Energy Management System (EMS), Gateway Controller (GC), Human-Machine Interface (HMI), and PRP-related networking equipment, demonstrating that its smart energy storage system meets internationally recognized industrial cybersecurity requirements.
As the global energy transition accelerates, energy storage systems are becoming increasingly important to critical infrastructure, making cybersecurity essential to system reliability and resilience. The certification reflects SPS’s capabilities in in-house R&D, system integration, and secure product design, while further strengthening the reliability and international competitiveness of its smart energy storage solutions.
IEC 62443-3-3 focuses on system-level cybersecurity requirements. SL1 provides baseline protection against unintentional or accidental security violations, while SPS’s SL2 certification represents a higher level of cybersecurity protection than requirements commonly adopted in relevant Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) specifications. The certification covers identification and authentication, access control, system integrity, security event logging, and secure communications. SPS has also incorporated industrial cybersecurity principles into its energy management system architecture to strengthen overall security, operational reliability, and cyber resilience.
Certificate Presentation Ceremony: Dr. Huang Lee-Chien, General Manager of SPS (left), and Director of Cybersecurity Testing Div. at Bureau Veritas (right).
Dr. Huang Lee-Chien, General Manager of SPS, said, “Achieving IEC 62443-3-3 SL2 certification is an important milestone for SPS and reflects our continued investment in in-house R&D, secure product design, and system integration. More importantly, these capabilities can be directly applied to customer projects, helping customers build smart energy systems with enhanced security, reliability, and cyber resilience.”
Over the past two years, SPS has also achieved ISO/IEC 27001 Information Security Management System certification, ISO 9001 Quality Management System certification, and Japan’s JC-STAR ☆1 certification, further strengthening its cybersecurity and quality management capabilities.
Looking ahead, SPS will continue advancing key technologies in energy management, system integration, and industrial cybersecurity, while enhancing its end-to-end capabilities from system planning and implementation to operations and maintenance. The company will also continue expanding its presence in Japan, Australia, and Southeast Asia, working with partners to deliver safer, more reliable, and more resilient smart energy solutions worldwide.
29 AUG 2026 (SAT) 3:00pm & 7:30pm 30 AUG 2026 (SUN) 3:00pm Tsuen Wan Town Hall Auditorium Presented by City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 August 2026 – Space Fantasy – an outer space musical spectacular for all the family – premieres in Hong Kong on 29 and 30 August 2026 at the Tsuen Wan Town Hall Auditorium.This exciting new productionis created by award-winning playwright Leanne Nicholls with music by Luna Pan and Miles Brown. The show tells the story of an alien called Fluto who, after intercepting NASA’s Voyager 1, discovers the Voyager Golden Record. He embarks on a journey to planet Earth in search of Bach’s music and meets Astrid, who is preparing a Bach partita for her school competition. Their encounter leads to a fantastical spaceship ride to Europa, the fourth largest moon of Jupiter, where they perform in the Stars of the Cosmos show.
Space Fantasy promises to delight all ages with an exhilarating mix of live orchestral, theremin and electronic music performances, combined with theatre, song, dance, digital art and circus acts. Three performances will take place on Saturday 29 August 2026, 3:00pm and 7:30pm, and on Sunday 30 August 2026, 3:00pm. The show is performed in English and suitable for ages 3 and above. Tickets are priced at $600, $400, $250 and $120 and available at URBTIX. A 50% discount is applicable for full-time students, senior citizens aged 60 and above, Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) recipients and people with disabilities and their accompanying minder.
CCOHK’s previous musical creations, including Bug Symphony and WILD (The Musical), have garnered international recognition at the YAMawards in Portugal (2017) and Belgium (2022), respectively. Space Fantasy marks CCOHK’s first appearance at Tsuen Wan Town Hall Auditorium under the LCSD’s Venue Partnership Scheme. The project is financially supported by the Arts Capacity Development Funding Scheme of the Government of the HKSAR.
The Creatives Space Fantasy is an original work based on astory by Leanne Nichollswith music by Luna Pan and Miles Brown, a leading performer/composer of the theremin. The performance is produced and directed by CCOHK’s Artistic Director Leanne Nicholls with physical theatre direction by Ines Hu from Vienna. The creatives also include Isaac Wong (set design), Billy Chan (lighting design), Twinny Cheng (costume design), Pattuvelil Prasannan Prasyam (digital video design), Kester Lee (sound design) and Margo Lau and Betty Wan (make-up design).
The Cast Space Fantasy features a stellar cast of actors, singers, musicians, dancers and circus artistsfromHong Kong, Japan, Australia and Germany. Ten-year-old Adeline Wong, a triple-threat harpist-singer-actor from Hong Kong, performs the lead role of Astrid. She appears alongside Gabor Vosteen, a world-acclaimed recorder virtuoso and non-verbal comedian-actor-circus artist who is cast as the Alien Fluto. Other cast members include singer/actress Jessica Peralta (as Astrid’s Mother), actor Christopher Price (as Zerk, Host of the Stars of the Cosmos Show), theremin virtuoso Miles Brown (as Jupiter), mirror ball artist Valerie Murzak (as Neptune), singers Janees Wong (as Venus) and CHANKA (as Mercury) and hoop artist Grace Hoop (as Saturn). The cast also includes two exceptional artists from Japan – popping and animation dancer Kazuho Monster (as Earth’s Moon), a true master of the moonwalk and four arm juggler ON (as Uranus).
Theremin Demonstration by Miles Brown Mon 31 AUG 2026, 7:00pm-9:00pm Philharmonic Club, 21/F Skyway Centre, 23 Queen’s Road West, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Tickets: $100 per person. Walk-in accepted or register by email: info@ccohk.com
Space Fantasy features the theremin, an electronic instrument invented by the Russian scientist Léon Theremin in 1920. It is the only musical instrument in existence todaythat is played without physical contact. The player moves his/her hands around two protruding metal antennae. One antenna controls the frequency (or pitch), the other the amplitude (or volume), and both are motion sensitive. To form a musical line, the player moves his/her hands near the antennae and appears to find the notes from mid-air. The theremin’s eerie sound is often heard on movie soundtracks associated with aliens and science fiction themes. Famous examples include It Came from Outer Space (1953), The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951) and Tim Burton’s Mars Attacks! (1996). Miles Brown, a leading performer of the theremin, studied with theremin virtuoso Lydia Kavina, a direct relative of Theremin himself. He will give a demonstration on how this intriguing instrument works at the Philharmonic Club in Sheung Wan on 31 August 2026, 7:00pm to 9:00pm. Further Enquiries: 2864 2156.
Luna Pan composer Luna Pan is an award-winning screen, advertising and game composer based in Sydney, Australia. She holds a Master of Arts in Orchestration for Film, Games and Television from the University of Chichester where leading industry composers mentored her. Her TV and feature films credits include The Block, Ice Road: Vengeance, My Eyes and Bluey. Luna Pan composed the soundtrack for the Sydney New Year’s Eve 2025 Fireworks Light Up Harbour Spectacular. Her orchestral compositions Evolution (recorded by the RTVE Symphony Orchestra) and The Masquerade (recorded by Smecky Music Studios Prague) received nominations at the Hollywood Music in Media Awards in 2021 and 2022 respectively. In 2021 she won the Contemporary Female Composer Award and Best Orchestration Award at the GEMS Film Score Summer Programme in Spain. She is also the recipient of the APRA AMCOS Professional Development Award and was nominated for the Emerging Composer of The Year at the 2024 APRA AMCOS AGSC Screen Music Awards in Australia.
Miles Brown theremin/composer Miles Brown is an Australian thereminist, composer and producer. Initially self-taught, he received an Australia Council grant to travel to Oxford to study with Lydia Kavina, the world’s leading classical thereminist and grandniece of the instrument’s inventor Leon Theremin. Since 2000 Miles has explored the theremin as a lead instrument in the electronic rock band The Night Terrors, releasing five albums and touring internationally with acts such as Hawkwind, Goblin, Serena-Maneesh, Melt-Banana and Black Mountain. He has released two acclaimed electronic solo albums and collaborates with harpist Mary Doumany as the microtonal experimental duo The Narcoleptor. In 2009 he performed at the “Without Touch” Theremin Festival in Lippstadt, Germany alongside theremin greats Lydia Kavina, Carolina Eyck and Barbara Buchholz. His other festival appearances include the Melbourne and Adelaide Festivals, Laneway, Big Day Out, Bracara Extreme Fest and Denovali Swingfest. Through numerous compositions and collaborations, Miles Brown has pushed the boundaries of the theremin in a wide range of genres including rock, gothic and film music. He has performed in concerts with Lou Reed, Laurie Anderson, Goblin, Marc Ribot, Black Mountain, Mick Harvey and Alexander Hacke and has recorded with Grace Cummings, Sankt Otten, Antoni Maiovvi, Cat Hope, Jess Ribeiro, Little Birdy and Black Lung. His soundtracks for film include Late Night with the Devil (2023), Nosferatu (2022) and Insomnolence (2016). TV credits include Spooky Files (2024), Art Works (2021), Dogstar (2011) and an advert campaign for Telstra (2025). Miles Brown is currently the Curator of Music at the City of Melbourne and runs the Australian record label Heavy Machinery Records.
Gabor Vosteen recorder/comedian Gabor Vosteen tours the world as a recorder player and comedian. Following recorder studies at the Hanover University of Music, Drama and Media, he attended the Circus School in Budapest to focus on clowning. Thereafter he undertook studies in physical theatre at the International School of Theatre LASSAAD in Brussels. His performances combining virtuoso recorder playing and visual non-verbal comedy have taken him to 24 countries including tours with Night of the Proms and Circus Roncalli. He has collaborated with the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra, Constance Southwest German Philharmonic Orchestra, Norwegian Arctic Philharmonic Orchestra, Szolnok Symphony Orchestra, Tyrolean Symphony Orchestra Innsbruck and the Youth Symphony Orchestra Bremen, among others. He has also appeared as a guest artist at the Potsdam Sanssouci Music Festival, the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Festival, the International Baroque Festival at Melk Abbey, the Bad Kissingen Recorder Festival, Jazz & the City Salzburg and the Musica Antiqua Festival in Bolzano. Gabor Vosteen is the recipient of numerous international awards including the Audience Prize at Tuttlinger Krähe, the Kleinkunstpreis Herborner Schlumpeweck, First Prize at the Gaukler und Kleinkunstpreis Koblenz and both the Audience Prize and Second Prize at the European Cabaret Competition Niederstätter surPrize in Bozen. Since winning the Best Small Ensemble Award at the YAMAwards in Denmark in 2019, he has enjoyed great success touring his solo programme The Fluteman Show. His credits for the City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong include The Fluteman Show in 2022.
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City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong
City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong (CCOHK) holds a unique position as one of Asia’s leading chamber orchestras. Founded by oboist Leanne Nicholls in 1999, CCOHK has performed with many of the world’s most distinguished artists including Sir James Galway, Dame Evelyn Glennie, Sir Thomas Allen, Sir Neville Marriner, Michala Petri, Sarah Chang, Julian Lloyd Webber, Vladimir Ashkenazy and Alma Deutscher. CCOHK’s progressive programming has been internationally recognized with tour invitations to festivals in London, L’Aquila, Taipei, Beijing, Chengdu and Shanghai. Engagements in Hong Kong include Hong Kong Ballet, French May Arts Festival, RTHK’s Christmas Concerts in the Park and the World Harp Congress. CCOHK’s passion for building young audiences for music has inspired the creation of several newly curated and award-winning productions. Credits include Magnificent Mozart, The Star Bach, The Bonn Man, Haydn & The Prince, Bug Symphony, Shark Symphony and WILD (The Musical) – winner of the Public Choice Award at the YAMawards in Belgium 2022.
Newsweek
thomsonhospitals.com
http://www.ccohk.com/
