Shengli Oilfield leads exploration breakthroughs with theoretical innovation, stimulates cost reduction and efficiency improvements with technological progress, and boosts both quantity and quality enhancements with equipment upgrades, driving shale oil exploration and development in China to new heights.

ZIBO, China, April 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation‘s (HKG: 0386, “Sinopec” or “the Company”) announced the discovery of over 140 million tonnes of proven geological reserves of shale oil with technically recoverable reserves of 11.3599 million tonnes at its Shengli Oilfield’s Jiyang shale oil national demonstration zone in East China’s Shandong province on March 24, 2025. This is the first shale oil field with proven geological reserves of over 100 million tonnes that has been certificated by China’s Ministry of Natural Resources.

Shengli Oilfield has developed advanced automated drilling equipment that extracts efficiently, and explored horizontal well optimization and fast drilling technology, and dense cutting combined seam network volume fracturing technology. The average drilling cycle has been reduced from 133 days to 29.5 days, and the drilling cycle of 6,000-meter wells has reached 17.7 days, and the single well production capacity has continued to set new records.

“Through 150,000 times of indoor experiments, we developed the theory of shale oil enrichment in continental fault lake basins, reshaping the traditional common understanding that shale oil can only be enriched and mobilized when its maturity is higher than 0.9%,” shared Liu Huimin, Vice President and Chief Geologist of Sinopec Shengli Oilfield Branch. “With the support of this theory, the amount of shale oil resources in Jiyang has tripled after re-evaluation.”

Shengli Oilfield has tackled challenges of high temperature, pressure, and leakage in shale oil development. By advancing reserve-fracture-pressure theories, developing full-cycle 3D technologies, and building an integrated geological engineering platform, it expanded shale oil development from three to seven layers, addressing extraction efficiency and maximizing resource recovery.

Sun Yongzhuang, Assistant to President of Sinopec Group and Managing Director of Shengli Petroleum Administration Bureau Co., said estimated shale oil resources in Shengli Oilfield have reached 10.5 billion tonnes, equivalent to the conventional oil and gas resources recovered during the past  60 years in China. “After more than 10 years of continuous research and innovative breakthroughs, Shengli Oilfield is expected to add 80 million tonnes of proven reserves this year through the integrated promotion of exploration and development,” Mr. Sun said.

Sinopec is ramping up its shale oil exploration and development efforts, achieving key breakthroughs in multiple areas. In January 2021, the Company tested a high-yield shale oil and gas well at the Fuling shale gas field in Chongqing, with shale oil production surpassing 30,000 tonnes for the first time in 2024. By December 2021, Sinopec identified a favorable area of 420 square kilometers in the Qintong Depression of the Northern Jiangsu Basin, with shale oil resources totaling 350 million tonnes. In July 2022, a Northern Jiangsu Basin well yielded more than 30 tonnes of oil and 1,500 cubic meters of natural gas daily, activating 1.1 billion tonnes of shale oil resources. Sinopec’s 2024 shale oil production reached 705,000 tonnes, up 308,000 tons year-over-year.

Jia Chengzao, an Academician with the Chinese Academy of Sciences and an expert in petroleum and structural geology, said shale oil is a key resource for boosting and stabilizing domestic crude oil production, commenting, “Proven reserves are the core indicator supporting current production. In January, the Ministry of Natural Resources issued specifications for estimating oil reserves in shale formations, marking a new stage of normalization and standardization in China’s shale oil resource management.”

For more information, please visit http://www.sinopec.com/listco/en/.

ZUG, Switzerland, April 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — SHL Medical, a global leader in the design, development, and manufacturing of advanced self-injection solutions, has officially inaugurated its new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in North Charleston, South Carolina. This strategic expansion marks a significant milestone in the Swiss-based company’s global growth, reinforcing its commitment to meeting the increasing worldwide demand for autoinjectors, most notably used in the cardiometabolic sector.

The new site in North Charleston, SC, is a key milestone in SHL Medical’s global expansion strategy, creating hundreds of local jobs.

The new facility will manufacture SHL Medical’s industry-leading autoinjectors, which are used in some of the world’s best-selling medications in areas such as endocrine and metabolic disorders (including GLP-1 therapies), dermatology, musculoskeletal diseases, and other therapy areas. It ensures a reliable supply of these critical devices to millions of patients worldwide.  

Strengthening production capacity and US market presence

SHL Medical is significantly increasing its production capacity to meet growing demand in North America while strengthening supply chain resilience. “US-based production is a major step forward in our global expansion and reinforces our position as the leader in providing end-to-end drug delivery solutions,” said Ulrich Faessler, CEO & Chairman of SHL Medical. “With our established site in Taiwan and the upcoming facility in Switzerland, we will be the only autoinjector manufacturer operating across three continents, bringing us even closer to our customers.”

The fully automatized 360,000 ft²facility represents a US$220 million investment and has already created over 300 local jobs, contributing to the economic growth of the region. Equipped with cutting-edge medical device injection molding technology and fully automated assembly capabilities, the site ensures unmatched precision, efficiency, and quality in SHL Medical’s advanced drug delivery solutions.

By leveraging its existing final assembly, labeling, and packaging operations in Deerfield Beach, Florida, and integrating recent acquisitions under SHL Advantec, the North Charleston facility enhances SHL Medical’s US presence and solidifies its leadership in large-scale autoinjector production. The company is on track to deliver 1.5 billion devices to customers in 2025.

“The most trusted autoinjector brand is now made in the USA. We are proud to be contributing to the growth of the local economy and becoming a key player in the area while contributing to our sustainability goals.” adds Kimberlee Steele, Managing Director North America at SHL Medical.

The Grand Opening event, attended by approximately 180 guests, including South Carolina’s Governor Henry McMaster and Swiss Embassy Consul General Urs Broennimann, marked the official opening of SHL Medical’s innovative autoinjector production in the United States.

For more detailed information about SHL’s latest expansion strategy, please refer to the press releases below:

New manufacturing site in Zug, Switzerland

New manufacturing site in North Charleston, NC, USA

SHL Medical announces plans to establish SHL Advantec

SHL Medical acquires Swiss toolmaking company SMC Mould Innovation

SHL Medical further strengthens vertical capabilities with the acquisition of US manufacturer Superior Tooling Inc.

SHL Medical acquires 100% of the shares in Swiss company LCA Automation

About SHL Medical

SHL Medical is a pioneering leader in self-injection solutions, such as autoinjectors. Driven by our core purpose of “enabling patients’ independence”, we partner with leading pharma and biotech companies to develop self-injection systems and digital solutions enhance patients’ treatment experience and quality of life. With over 5,000 employees located across our offices in Switzerland, USA, Sweden, and Taiwan, we rely on our comprehensive in-house manufacturing capabilities to provide end-to-end services, from design, development, to final assembly, labeling, and packaging. For additional information, visit www.shl-medical.com

Global Media Contact

Burson Switzerland
shl-pressoffice@bcw-global.com

• Hyundai Motor reimagines hot-selling INSTER EV as ‘Dream Car’ concept aiming to challenge conventions and create excitement
• INSTEROID blends gaming influences with funky and sporty aesthetics, featuring a lively character and delivering immersive experiences
• The sporty show car aims to spark further interest in the INSTER production model already on sale in key markets
• After its exclusive debut at the ‘Night Garage Party’ at Peaches D8NE in Seoul, INSTEROID will be showcased at the Seoul Mobility Show from April 3 to 13

SEOUL, South Korea, April 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hyundai Motor Company continues to push the boundaries of automotive design with the unveiling of its visionary design concept car, INSTEROID, today in Seoul, Korea. INSTEROID embodies Hyundai Motor’s bold approach, merging gaming influences with extensive customization to captivate a new generation of drivers.

Link to INSTEROID unveiling video

Based on the successful Hyundai INSTER electric sub-compact urban SUV, which launched last year and quickly became a global hit, INSTEROID takes the concept of sporty design and user experience to new heights. INSTER’s acclaim, including its selection as a top three finalist for the 2025 World Car of the Year award, sets a solid foundation for this radical ‘What if?’ project.

Crafted in secrecy by Hyundai Motor’s European design team, INSTEROID is a true concept car. Its name cleverly fuses the playful essence of ‘INSTER’ with the dynamic energy of ‘STEROID’, reflecting its spirited nature and muscular look.

Much like the off-road-inspired INSTER CROSS derivate shown at INSTER’s debut in 2024, INSTEROID is another step in the hot-selling production model’s journey. Its mission is clear: to challenge conventions, create emotions and redefine what a sporty EV can be.

“INSTEROID is a celebration of pure fun – a journey where we explored new ways to ignite emotion and imagination in every detail,” said Simon Loasby, Senior Vice President and Head of Hyundai Design Center. “It’s not just about how it looks, but also how it sounds and how it makes you feel. From its bold visual language to the immersive sound experience, it’s a concept that invites everyone to dream a little louder and smile a little longer.”

More than just a car, INSTEROID represents a limitless vision of automotive innovation and imagination. It is engaging users on new levels of interaction through shape, light and sound.

“INSTEROID represents a modern take on the idea of a dream car. It is designed to inspire and create enthusiasm,” said Eduardo Ramírez, Chief Designer at Hyundai Design Europe. “This project allowed us to fully embrace unrestrained creativity, drawing inspiration from video games to create an emotional and engaging vision of Hyundai’s brand.”

Gamified design concept boasts sporty styling and eco-conscious materials

INSTEROID takes the INSTER production model to the next level with sporty, gaming-inspired features that include an extended, widened body, track-optimized wheels, and a prominent wing spoiler, diffuser and wheel arch air vents delivering advanced aerodynamics.

Inside, the cockpit offers a stripped-down layout, bucket seats, a roll cage and a specialized instrument cluster creating an immersive driving experience. Every element is fully adjustable, reflecting the user-centered spirit of a garage-built machine true to the motto: “Build it, play it, break it, repeat.” Adding to its multisensory experience, INSTEROID produces a unique sound signature, leaving an unforgettable impression.

Building upon INSTER’s charismatic design, INSTEROID aims to transform the driving experience with its Drift Mode, promising competitive thrills paired with light-hearted driving enjoyment. Playful details, such as the integrated Beat House sound system and Message Grid, enable personalized interactions, further enhancing driver engagement. Located throughout the design, the Boost icon represents multiple unique personas, reinforcing the emotional connection between car and driver.

To optimize performance and reduce overall weight, lightweight lattice structures are seamlessly integrated. The striking exterior, finished in soft white shade, is punctuated by a single bold orange highlight – an unmistakable visual statement. Completing the vision, a reflective race suit with prominent INSTEROID lettering captures the fusion of car culture and youthful expression.

INSTEROID also embodies Hyundai Motor’s commitment to sustainability by pioneering innovative approaches to eco-conscious materials. The interior showcases 3D knit fabric crafted from recycled yarns, using a single-piece, made-to-measure process.

INSTEROID generates buzz on the way to Seoul Mobility Show

Hyundai Motor unveiled INSTEROID during a launch event for media and content creators at the Peaches D8NE(Dowon) cultural and retail space in Seoul’s Seongsu neighborhood, culminating with a private ‘Night Garage Party’ on April 1. The exhibition space also featured INSTER and the rugged, outdoor-focused INSTER CROSS, allowing for discussions with product and design specialists.

A dedicated space was established at the event venue, allowing visitors to experience a variety of games featuring INSTEROID. One of these games, developed by Hyundai Motor, is a time attack-style challenge where players collect ‘steroid’ items in INSTER, enabling the car to evolve into INSTEROID. This game will be unveiled to the public in April via a URL, eliminating the need for app downloads. Additionally, Hyundai Motor revealed the INSTEROID Kart, which will be released later as a powerful tool in ‘Kartrider Rush+.’

This collaboration reflects Hyundai Motor’s growing partnerships in the gaming industry. Following successful ventures with platforms like Roblox and ZEPETO, this initiative aims to connect with younger audiences through authentic engagement.

The concept car will be showcased from April 3 to 13 at the Seoul Mobility Show, offering the public a chance to experience this concept firsthand. Serving as a halo model for the INSTER, INSTEROID is set to make a lasting impression at major auto events in key markets such as Korea and Europe, delivering a refreshed brand image while further boosting consumer interest in INSTER.

Hyundai INSTER has experienced high demand globally since its launch last year and continues to resonate with customers. Initially introduced in Korea and Europe, Hyundai Motor will further expand the rollout in 2025 to select markets across the Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Central and South America regions.

For more information, visit:

• Global Press Release
• INSTER Product Highlights

Indulging in a Data-Driven Evolution of Guest Experiences

TAIPEI, April 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The leading AI solutions brand Aiello has partnered with Capella Taipei, under the acclaimed Capella Hotels and Resorts brand, to celebrate the grand opening of its first property in Taiwan. Each of the 86 guest rooms and suites at Capella Taipei is now equipped with the Aiello Voice Assistant (AVA), offering an unparalleled guest experience powered by cutting-edge AI technology. This collaboration not only underscores Capella Taipei’s innovative vision in smart hospitality but also reinforces Aiello’s leadership in the luxury hospitality market, showcasing the transformative potential of AI in elevating guest satisfaction and operational efficiency.

Capella Taipei is redefining luxury hospitality with a visionary approach to digital innovation. Aiello Voice Assistant (AVA) offers 24/7 concierge services, allowing guests to immerse themselves in a luxurious and comfortable stay. Debuting in an elegant smoked walnut finish, AVA blends naturally into the room’s refined aesthetic, while digital instruction cards replace traditional paper, reinforcing Capella Taipei’s commitment to sustainability.

Aiello Voice Assistant (AVA) enhances guest experience with intuitive voice-activated features. Guests can effortlessly adjust lighting, control the television, and access personalized recommendations to explore Taipei’s rich cultural and natural attractions. Integrated with the hotel’s Property Management System (PMS) and Task Management System (TMS), AVA optimizes hotel operations by automating guest requests, ensuring an exceptional, intelligent, and sustainable stay.

“Aiello Voice Assistant’s multilingual capabilities and round-the-clock service provide guests with an instant, personalized experience, perfectly aligning with the core value of Capella Hotels and Resorts,” said Dennis Laubenstein, General Manager of Capella Taipei. He added, “This enables our team to focus on providing unparalleled service and fostering unforgettable moments for our guests.”

As labor shortages challenge the hospitality industry, digital transformation and AI-driven solutions have become a key trend. Aiello developed AielloOne, an all-in-one SaaS management platform leveraging advanced AI and data-driven insights to optimize hotel operations and drive revenue growth. Building on the success of the Aiello Voice Assistant, Aiello recently introduced Aiello GuestWeb, a multilingual AI-powered digital concierge available as a mobile-friendly web portal. Supporting 58 languages, it allows travelers to instantly access hotel information, request services, and explore personalized recommendations. By reducing call volume by up to 60% and increasing ancillary revenue from room service orders, Aiello GuestWeb makes digital transformation more accessible than ever. Meanwhile, Aiello Voice Translator (AVT) provides real-time translation in 75 languages, enabling front desk staff to communicate effortlessly with international guests. By breaking language barriers, AVT enhances both service efficiency and the overall guest experience.

Aiello CEO and Co-founder Vic Shen remarked, “We’ve developed a tailored AI-driven data solution for hotels, empowering operational teams with precise insights into guest behavior and preferences. This enables them to refine strategies and boost revenue growth.” He emphasized that through AielloOne, hotels can seamlessly integrate key touchpoints across the entire guest journey—from pre-arrival planning to post-checkout experiences. “We are paving the way for a more efficient and competitive future in the hospitality industry,” Shen said. The collaboration with Capella Taipei further strengthens Aiello’s presence in the high-end hospitality sector. Aiello aims to expand its global footprint and lead innovations in intelligent hospitality solutions worldwide.

About Aiello

Aiello is a leading AI solutions brand renowned for its AielloOne platform—an all-in-one SaaS management solution tailored for the hospitality industry. AielloOne covers key touchpoints throughout the entire guest journey, from pre-arrival planning to post-checkout experiences, empowering hoteliers to boost operational efficiency and unlock new revenue streams. The flagship product, Aiello Voice Assistant (AVA), has received numerous accolades. Since 2019, AVA has been deployed in over 210 hotels, covering 20,000 rooms, and has handled over 14 million inquiries from 2.5 million users in Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Korean, and English. By leveraging AI technology, Aiello is driving digital transformation in hospitality, creating a more efficient and competitive future for hoteliers worldwide.

For more information, please visit https://aiello.ai/.

About Capella Taipei

Capella Taipei is a transcendent blend of contemporary elegance with timeless sophistication in the heart of Taiwan’s dynamic capital. Nestled in the vibrant Songshan district, Capella Taipei fuses tradition with a modern-day narrative of the city, capturing André Fu’s personal interpretation of a “modern mansion” concept. 86 exquisitely crafted rooms and suites offer sweeping views of the city skyline, highlighting the Taipei 101 landmark and surrounding mountains, while culinary excellence abounds with five dining venues and a tri-level destination bar complex. The Glasshouse. Capella Wellness offers bespoke treatments for those seeking rejuvenation, and the signature Living Room, where Capella Culturists curate personalized experiences, rounds out this urban retreat— a haven designed to indulge and inspire.

For further information, please contact: