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Touching Hearts Through Cinema — Chinese Film “My World Without Me” Earns High Praise at Cannes

79th Festival de Cannes • Spotlight on Chinese Cinema • China Pavilion

CANNES, France, May 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On May 14 (local time), the Chinese film My World Without Me, directed by Tian Hairong, was screened at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes. Selected for the International Promotional Screening Unit of the 79th Festival de Cannes, the film garnered warm applause and high praise from audiences around the world, as well as invaluable feedback and insights.

The creative team of "My World Without Me" at the China Pavilion panel — "The Power of Images and Care for the Soul" — at the 79th Festival de Cannes.
The creative team of “My World Without Me” at the China Pavilion panel — “The Power of Images and Care for the Soul” — at the 79th Festival de Cannes.

Following the screening, the film’s creative team joined a themed panel at the China Pavilion titled “The Power of Images and Care for the Soul,” engaging in a heartfelt dialogue with filmmakers and audiences from across the globe on the themes of life and adversity — resonating deeply with the tender hearts of people from all cultural backgrounds. The panel was hosted by China Film Foundation & China Film Association and organized by China Film Foundation • Wutianming Film Fund.

About the Film and Its Creative Team

My World Without Me is directed and headlined by Tian Hairong, with Zhang Hanyu serving as executive producer for the first time. The film was crafted over nearly seven years with exceptional care and dedication. It focuses on the contemporary community of people with hidden depression, conveying love and hope through the quiet spaces of daily life and the gentle light found in ordinary moments. Confronting suffering head-on, the film exemplifies the restrained aesthetics and humanistic warmth characteristic of Chinese realist cinema, offering an Eastern perspective on mental health narratives.

Tian Hairong is a graduate of the Performance Department of the Shanghai Theatre Academy and a renowned actress and producer in mainland China. She received the Golden Deer Award for Best Actress at the Changchun International Film Festival for Romantic Girl, the Best Actress award at the Nordic International Film Festival for The Spirit of a Generation: Tang Qunying, and the Best Supporting Actress award at the 12th Macao International Film Festival. Tian expressed her hope that through international platforms such as Cannes, the world will come to feel the warmth and depth of Chinese cinema.

International Recognition

French director Frédéric Oberlin praised the film for using a uniquely Eastern mastery of emotion to deliver silent feelings directly to the heart. Sinologist Luisa Prudentino noted after viewing the film that its sincere emotional core transcends cultural barriers, protecting the dignity of life and becoming a warm thread of empathy connecting different civilizations.

The film is set to continue participating in further international film festivals, using the power of cinema to build bridges of cultural communication and to help Chinese stories reach the world in a manner rich with humanistic care.

WCIFIT Opens in Chongqing with 1,400 Global Firms, Showcasing Robots, Flying Cars, and Local Cuisine

CHONGQING, China, May 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A news report from iChongqing – The 8th Western China International Fair for Investment and Trade (WCIFIT) opened in Chongqing on May 21, bringing together nearly 1,400 companies from 50 countries and regions to explore new opportunities in investment, trade, and industrial cooperation across western China.

The four-day fair runs through May 24 and highlights the region’s ongoing industrial upgrading and stronger service capabilities, featuring a 150,000-square-meter exhibition of advanced manufacturing and cutting-edge technologies, alongside nearly 40 events. Visitors can see innovations such as Unitree robots and Changan flying cars, browse international products, and enjoy authentic Chongqing cuisine.

A DexForce humanoid robot on display at the 8th WCIFIT in Chongqing. (Photo/ Kenny Dong)
A DexForce humanoid robot on display at the 8th WCIFIT in Chongqing. (Photo/ Kenny Dong)

The United Kingdom is the guest country of honor, Sichuan Province is the permanent guest province, and Gyeonggi Province of South Korea is the guest city, with the UK bringing representatives from McLaren, GSK, HSBC, Standard Chartered, and InterContinental Hotels Group, among others.

“Chongqing has moved from being a center of heavy industry to becoming a dynamic hub for high-tech manufacturing, digital innovation, and modern services,” said Peter Wilson CMG, British Ambassador to China, at the opening ceremony. “It is now a gateway to western China, a driver of regional growth and an increasingly important node in global supply chains.”

Wilson said these developments align with the UK’s own priorities. “We are focused on advanced manufacturing, digitalization, green growth, and innovation-led development,” he said. “That alignment gives us a much better basis for cooperation.”

Kim Dae-soon, Vice Governor of Gyeonggi Province, said Gyeonggi and Chongqing have become trusted economic and trade partners. Citing the Chinese saying, “A close neighbor is better than a distant relative,” he said the event could help deepen cooperation between the two regions and advance China-Republic of Korea economic ties.

At the opening ceremony, Chongqing released the Investment Opportunities List for the first time, featuring 277 projects worth nearly 580 billion yuan across five areas: the “33618” modern manufacturing cluster system, scientific and technological innovation, new energy and computing hub development, the inland opening-up hub, and megacity governance and urban modernization.

A signing ceremony for major projects was also held during the opening ceremony, with this year’s WCIFIT reaching 212 signed projects in sectors including intelligent connected new energy vehicles, next-generation electronic information, and biomedicine.

For more information about the WCIFIT, click here.

Building AI-Ready Enterprises: New Initiatives to Drive AI Deployment at Scale and Strengthen Digital Resilience

Inaugural SME AI Impact Awards and new public-private partnerships to accelerate enterprise AI transformation, strengthen cyber resilience, and secure Singapore’s digital infrastructure

SINGAPORE, May 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As enterprises accelerate AI adoption, the challenge is shifting from experimentation to secure deployment at scale. Many businesses continue to face technical barriers, operational complexity, and rising cybersecurity threats as they move from pilots to implementation. More than eight in 10 organisations experienced at least one cybersecurity incident annually, underscoring the growing need for stronger digital resilience.

Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information Mr. Tan Kiat How delivering an address at ATxEnterprise 2026
Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information Mr. Tan Kiat How delivering an address at ATxEnterprise 2026

At ATxEnterprise 2026, part of Asia Tech x Singapore, jointly organised by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and Informa, Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Digital Development and Information Mr. Tan Kiat How announced new initiatives to help enterprises adopt AI with confidence, strengthen cyber resilience, and future-proof Singapore’s digital infrastructure. The announcements include new partnerships under the Digital Enterprise Blueprint (DEB) and continued investments in quantum-safe infrastructure.

New award to recognise Singapore’s AI trailblazers

AI adoption across Singapore enterprises has grown rapidly recently. IMDA’s Singapore Digital Economy (SGDE) Report 2025 found that AI adoption among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) more than tripled from 4.2% to 14.5% in just one year, while adoption rates among non-SMEs jumped from 44% to 62.5% in 2024.

To commend SMEs achieving measurable business outcomes through AI, IMDA and the Singapore Business Federation will launch the inaugural SME AI Impact Awards 2026 as part of the National AI Impact Programme (NAIIP) and in support of the National AI Strategy (NAIS).

The awards will recognise up to 30 winners across two categories: enterprises developing proprietary AI tools, and enterprises successfully deploying off-the-shelf AI solutions. Winners will receive the SME AI Impact Award Trustmark to strengthen business credibility and market reputation.

Nominations will open from 1 June to 14 August 2026, with winners announced at the SMEs Go Digital Day on 13 October 2026.

New Partnerships to Boost Enterprise AI Capabilities and Cyber Resilience

To help SMEs build stronger digital capabilities in AI and cybersecurity, IMDA is expanding the Digital Enterprise Blueprint (DEB) through two new partnerships with Grab and RSM Stone Forest IT (RSM). Both partnerships offer SMEs hands-on guidance, practical tools and expertise to adopt AI with confidence and strengthen their cyber resilience.

Grab will launch the Grab AI Programme for SMEs with IMDA, to reach 10,000 food and beverage (F&B), e-commerce and retail SMEs through AI literacy initiatives, training and practical adoption support. This includes online training resources, webinars, masterclasses and a two-day AI course co-developed with the Singapore University of Technology and Design to help SMEs build practical AI roadmaps, using IMDA pre-approved AI solutions.

RSM will launch the RSM Cyber2SME™ Programme, offering complimentary phishing simulation exercises to 2,000 SMEs and cyber security awareness workshops covering cyber risks. Up to 1,000 SMEs will also benefit from cybersecurity awareness webinars and tabletop exercises covering cyber risks, AI and data threats, and incident response strategies.

These partnerships build on the DEB, which has already supported over 26,000 SMEs since its launch in May 2024. With Grab and RSM on board, IMDA aims to reach 12,000 more SMEs, bringing the programme closer to supporting 50,000 SMEs by 2029.

A New Playbook to Make AI Transformation Simpler for Digital Leaders

IMDA, SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) and Workforce Singapore (WSG)[1]have jointly developed a new AI for Enterprise Impact Playbook to provide digitally progressive enterprises navigate AI adoption.

Built on insights from over 1,000 enterprise engagements, the Playbook helps enterprises assess their AI adoption readiness, identify relevant support, and take actionable next steps. It also consolidates programmes and resources from IMDA, Enterprise Singapore (EnterpriseSG), SSG and WSG into a single framework.

Staying Ahead of AI Vulnerabilities

Sonar globally launched its new AI remediation agent at ATxSummit Singapore, co-developed with engineers from IMDA and Singapore. The tool helps enterprises automatically detect, fix and validate code issues generated through AI-assisted software development, enabling organisations to deploy AI-enabled coding tools more securely.

Building a Quantum-safe Singapore

As a digital hub, Singapore must ensure that the telecommunication sector is robust to quantum threats.

IMDA has signed a Memorandum of Intent (MOI) with Singtel, Ericsson and NCS Singapore to pilot and validate quantum-safe technologies for migrating Singtel’s infrastructure and systems. This collaboration will strengthen Singapore’s defences against quantum threats, support wider telco adoption, and position Singapore as a reference point for secure quantum-era transformation.

These partnerships mark a significant step in Singapore’s digital journey, empowering enterprises to adopt AI with confidence, strengthening cyber resilience, and laying the foundation for a more secure and innovative digital future.

For more information on ATxSG, please visit asiatechxsg.com.

[1] Workforce Singapore (WSG) and SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) will be merged to form Skills and Workforce Development Agency (SWDA).

Media: atxsg.imda@archetype.co

FlashForge and Meshy Partner to Bring AI Image-to-3D Directly Into Consumer Multi-Color Printing

Meshy’s automatic texture-to-filament color mapping, model quality engine, and broadest DCC bridge coverage in AI 3D now connect directly to FlashForge’s consumer print hardware. Meshy eliminates the modeling barrier that has blocked hobbyists and beginners from original 3D creation.

SUNNYVALE, Calif., May 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — FlashForge and Meshy AI today announced a direct software integration, adding a built-in Meshy entry point to FlashForge’s Flash Studio desktop app. The integration allows Creator 5 users to launch Meshy from within Flash Studio, generate 3D models from text or image prompts, and bring the result back into FlashForge’s print workflow with automatic texture-to-filament color mapping.

THE PROBLEM: THE GAP BETWEEN AI GENERATION AND PRINT-READY OUTPUT

AI tools have made image to 3D model generation faster, but many users still face a manual workflow before a model can be printed. Textured AI-generated assets often require slicer setup, manual color-zone assignment, filament mapping, and print-file preparation before they are ready for multi-color output.

For beginners, that workflow can be a barrier to original 3D creation. For experienced users, it adds time between design and print. The Meshy and FlashForge integration is designed to reduce that gap by connecting AI model generation, color mapping, and print preparation inside a more streamlined workflow.

THE INTEGRATION: AI-GENERATED COLOR PRINTS WITHOUT MANUAL CONFIGURATION

Consumer 3D printing has always had a color problem. AI tools generate models with rich textures. Printers can execute multi-color output. But between the two sat an unavoidable manual step: opening a slicer, painting color zones by hand, assigning each zone to a filament, and configuring the output file before a single layer could print. The richer the texture, the more configuration required. Color fidelity—what you saw on screen matching what came off the printer, was never guaranteed.

This integration removes that step. Meshy’s automatic texture-to-filament color mapping generates a pre-configured print file directly from AI output. Users see a textured model on screen. They return to Flash Studio with one click. The Creator 5 prints it in color: no manual zone painting, no filament assignment, no slicer configuration. What you see is what you get.

For hobbyists, this means multi-color printing is no longer a technical skill. For experienced users, it means hours of slicer configuration collapse into one click. For the 3D printing industry, it marks AI-generated color output and physical print hardware have finally operated as a single system rather than two tools that require a human in between.

WHY MESHY: BUILT FOR AI-TO-PRINT WORKFLOWS

1. Automatic texture-to-filament color mapping

Meshy translates AI-generated textures into printable color assignments for FDM workflows, reducing the need for manual zone painting and filament assignment in the slicer. In the FlashForge integration, this capability connects directly with Creator 5’s multi-color hardware workflow.

2. Print-oriented model generation

Meshy’s generation engine supports both hard-surface and organic outputs, helping users create models suited for common 3D printing use cases such as props, product models, characters, collectibles, and decorative objects. Meshy’s texture engine also supports improved color fidelity for physical output.

3. DCC bridge coverage for professional workflows

Meshy connects with major 3D creation tools including Blender, Maya, Unity, Unreal Engine, and Cinema 4D, allowing creators to bring AI-generated assets into existing design and production workflows before moving toward print.

4. Scale and user feedback

Meshy has generated over 100 million AI 3D models to date and serves more than 10 million users worldwide. This usage scale gives Meshy broad insight into how creators generate, refine, and prepare 3D assets across consumer and professional workflows.

WHAT’S NEXT

FlashForge and Meshy are building toward a complete AI-to-print ecosystem. As printer hardware evolves, Meshy’s generation engine, texture pipeline, and DCC bridge are designed to scale with it. Hardware manufacturers, material suppliers, and platform developers interested in joining the ecosystem can reach the Meshy team.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: How does Meshy simplify the multi-color 3D printing workflow?

A: Meshy automatically translates digital textures into FDM printer color zones, eliminating manual color assignment in the slicer. When paired with the FlashForge Creator 5’s four-nozzle system, it enables zero-waste multi-color printing at three to four times the speed of conventional single-nozzle machines.

Q: Can users without CAD or design experience create print-ready models?

A: Yes. Meshy’s Text-to-3D and Image-to-3D engines generate complete 3D assets from prompts or reference images within minutes. The output includes geometry, texture, and color mapping, allowing users to print directly without Blender or CAD skills.

Q: What makes Meshy’s AI models structurally optimized for physical printing?

A: Trained on over 100 million models, Meshy is optimized for physical output rather than just screen rendering. It applies distinct geometry pipelines for Hard Surfaces (mechanical parts) and Organic forms (characters), combined with a de-lighting texture engine to ensure high-fidelity prints without manual mesh cleanup.

Q: How does this integration fit into professional design workflows?

A:  Meshy provides the broader ecosystem integration among AI 3D tools by offering a seamless workflow across web, mobile, and professional pipelines. It features native bridges for major industry software, including Blender, Maya, Unity, Unreal Engine, and Cinema 4D, allowing assets to move directly into production. The FlashStudio integration extends this vast digital network directly to hardware, closing the gap from professional design software to physical objects without manual file conversion.

AVAILABILITY

The Meshy integration is live today inside Flash Studio for all Creator 5 users. Meshy AI is accessible at meshy.ai. The Creator 5 is available at flashforge.com at $699.

ABOUT MESHY

Category: AI 3D Generation & Print-Ready Modeling | Founded: 2023 | HQ:  Silicon Valley, CA

Users: 10M+ | Models Generated: 100M+ | ARR: $40M

Meshy is a leading AI 3D creation platform headquartered in Silicon Valley, helping creators, game studios, and enterprises generate high-quality 3D assets from text and images in minutes. Since launching in 2023, Meshy has become one of the fastest-growing platforms in the AI 3D space, trusted by millions of creators worldwide for game development, XR, 3D printing, and digital content production.

Recognized in the 2026 G2 Best Software Awards for Best Design Software and Highest Customer Satisfaction, Meshy integrates with major 3D workflows and tools, enabling users to create production-ready 3D models faster and more efficiently than traditional pipelines. More at meshy.ai.

China, ASEAN launch business and trade information platform in South China’s Nanning


NANNING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 May 2026 – The China-ASEAN Business and Trade Information Platform was officially launched in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on Tuesday.

A sub-forum themed international exchange and mutual learning of cyber civilization at the 2026 China Internet Civilization Conference is held in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, May 19, 2026. (Photo: China News Service/Li Taiyuan)
A sub-forum themed international exchange and mutual learning of cyber civilization at the 2026 China Internet Civilization Conference is held in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, May 19, 2026. (Photo: China News Service/Li Taiyuan)

The platform offers comprehensive information services and an international communication platform to support economic and trade cooperation between China and ASEAN countries.

Built and operated by China News Network, the official website of China News Service, the platform serves as ASEAN trade agencies, industry associations, overseas Chinese communities, and cross-border enterprises, providing one-stop trade information services.

China News Service will leverage its strengths to build the China-ASEAN Business and Trade Information Platform into an influential and dynamic communication channel that promotes information sharing and provides services, to facilitate trade and people-to-people exchanges between China and ASEAN countries.

Currently, a trade information network between China and ASEAN countries has been built, with key content covering policy explanations, market conditions, investment promotion, business cooperation, and industry analysis, to comprehensively support cross-border trade activities.

Prior to the platform’s launch, representatives from government departments, media outlets, research institutes, and universities in China and multiple ASEAN countries participated in discussions on economic and trade information exchange between China and ASEAN countries, as well as the development of the platform.

Consular officials from ASEAN member states including Cambodia, Myanmar, and Vietnam, stationed in Nanning expressed their hopes for enhancing China-ASEAN economic and trade connectivity as well as people-to-people ties through information sharing.

Against the backdrop of the signing of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 Upgrade Protocol, the platform serves as an information bridge for expanding cooperation, promoting trade, enhancing industrial upgrade, and achieving mutual benefits and win-win outcomes, they said.

They hope that the platform will play a greater role in trade facilitation and logistics services, empowering micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and investment policies and regulatory measures, while helping share cooperation stories between China and ASEAN countries.

Hashtag: #Nanning

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Aiper Builds Expert-Led Backyard Care Community Through New Aiper Pro Club Initiative

Delivering valuable insights, practical guidance, and seasonal strategies, the Aiper Pro Club simplifies pool and Lawn care for modern homeowners

ATLANTA, May 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Aiper, a global leader in cordless robotic pool cleaning and the smart yard ecosystem, today announced the launch of the Aiper Pro Club, a new expert-led initiative designed to help homeowners navigate smart pool and backyard care with confidence. As summer approaches and more consumers spend time outdoors, the program aims to address the growing reliance on trial-and-error maintenance methods, outdated routines and inconsistent advice across pool and yard care.

Aiper Pro Club: Master Your Yard Like a Pro
Aiper Pro Club: Master Your Yard Like a Pro

Designed as an educational content hub and community platform, the Aiper Pro Club offers homeowners direct access to professional insights, practical maintenance tips, and seasonal guidance tailored to help with problems homeowners face day to day. From step-by-step pool care strategies to smarter lawn and irrigation practices, the platform is designed to make outdoor upkeep more approachable, efficient, and ultimately more enjoyable.

Through curated content and ongoing programming, homeowners will gain access to:

  • Useful tutorials and how-to guides
  • Seasonal maintenance checklists and best practices
  • Insider tips for optimizing pool and lawn performance
  • Insights into emerging smart yard technologies and trends
  • Personalized advice and recommendations for your pool and yard

Expert Voices Behind the Initiative

At the core of the Aiper Pro Club is a growing network of 20+ trusted experts across pool care, lawn care, and outdoor living.

Leading the lawn and garden category is Chip Wade, an Emmy Award-winning host, designer, and executive producer known for his work with HGTV, FOX, Food Network, and DIY Network. Recognized for his creative direction and use of innovative technologies, Wade brings a practical, design-forward perspective to outdoor living, helping homeowners rethink how their spaces function and feel.

Pool cleaning expert voices include thep00lguy, featuring content such as “How to Open Your Pool After Winter,”  Complementing the pool care perspective, lawn care expert Pest and Lawn Ginja shares practical guidance through videos including “5 Early Spring Lawn Care Mistakes. Together, these experts will create a well-rounded resource designed to support homeowners at every stage of their backyard care journey.

“I’ve partnered with Aiper today to help you upgrade your pool experience, so it feels less like maintenance and more like something you actually enjoy,” said Chip Wade, Producer and Aiper Pro Club Expert. “Most people think upgrading your pool means adding flashy features or chasing all the design trends, but real upgrades are not about adding more—they’re about making simple.”

It’s Time to Bring in the Experts  

For Aiper, the launch of the Aiper Pro Club represents a natural evolution of its mission to make pool and backyard ownership easier and more enjoyable. While technology plays a critical role in reducing manual effort and creating beautiful outdoor spaces.

Confidence in homeownership comes from understanding, not just automation, and sometimes projects need a level of expertise only veterans can provide. With that in mind, Aiper’s goal is to simplify the process for homeowners, helping them to spend less guessing and more time enjoying their outdoor spaces.

As Aiper continues to expand its backyard ecosystem, from cognitive AI-powered pool cleaners to smart irrigation solutions, the Aiper Pro Club serves as a bridge between innovation and everyday usability, reinforcing the idea that a truly carefree backyard care starts with both the right tools and the right knowledge. Because pool ownership should always feel effortless.

For more information, visit aiper.com or follow Aiper on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and X.

About Aiper

Aiper is the No.1 smart robotic pool cleaner brand and a leader in reliable, intelligent solutions for the smart yard ecosystem. From crystal-clear pools to balanced water and smarter irrigation, Aiper’s ecosystem simplifies care across your entire yard. Trusted by more than 3 million users worldwide, Aiper is available in over 7,000 stores across 50+ countries and regions. Renowned for excellence, Aiper products have earned prestigious honors including the Red Dot Design Award, the iF Design Award, and editorial awards from USA Today and TWICE, and have been recognized as a CES Innovation Awards Honoree from 2023 through 2026. Driven by smart automation, adaptive AI, and sustainable design, Aiper delivers a truly carefree experience, giving you more time to enjoy life’s best moments.

[1] Euromonitor International Co., Ltd., in terms of 2025 manufacturer sales volume (units) in the world. Smart robotic pool cleaner is defined as: intelligent service robots integrating mechanical, electronic, software algorithm and sensor technologies. They autonomously or with minimal human intervention perform pool cleaning and maintenance tasks, typically featuring smart navigation, path planning, and multiple cleaning modes. Research completed in 2026/3.

 

Vietnam’s International Financial Center Launches Maritime Financial Ecosystem to Capture USD Billions Flowing Offshore


HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 May 2026 – Vietnam International Financial Center in Ho Chi Minh City (VIFC-HCMC), in collaboration with Gemadept Corporation and the Ho Chi Minh City Institute for Development Studies, today hosted a high-level forum to officially launch the International Maritime Financial Ecosystem (IMFE) — one of the four strategic pillars of VIFC-HCMC.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huu Huan (left), Vice Chairman of VIFC-HCMC, and Mr. Nguyen Thanh Binh, General Director of Gemadept Corporation, at the official launch ceremony of the International Maritime Financial Ecosystem (IMFE) in Ho Chi Minh City.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huu Huan (left), Vice Chairman of VIFC-HCMC, and Mr. Nguyen Thanh Binh, General Director of Gemadept Corporation, at the official launch ceremony of the International Maritime Financial Ecosystem (IMFE) in Ho Chi Minh City.

The forum, themed “Developing the International Maritime Financial Ecosystem within the Vietnam International Financial Center in Ho Chi Minh City,” took place at the VIFC-HCMC Building, 08 Nguyen Hue Street, District 1, and drew more than 100 senior delegates. Attendees included leaders from central ministries and agencies, the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, representatives from coastal provinces (Da Nang, Khanh Hoa, Kien Giang), domestic and international financial institutions, port and logistics enterprises, and international organisations.

The day’s agenda focused on three headline moments: a strategic industry report by Roland Berger, titled “Vietnam Maritime Industry: A Strategic Opportunity for Breakthrough Growth,” which benchmarked leading global maritime financial hubs and mapped a roadmap to raise Vietnam’s domestic value retention from the current 4–5% to 15% by 2035; the official launch ceremony of the IMFE initiative within VIFC-HCMC; and a memorandum of understanding signed between VIFC-HCMC and Gemadept Corporation, owner and operator of Gemalink International Port in Cai Mep – Thi Vai, formalising Gemadept’s role as a founding lead of the initiative. The forum also saw the introduction of the first maritime financial products and initiatives to be developed within the VIFC-HCMC framework.

A seaport system of growing global weight

The ambition behind IMFE is grounded in the rapid rise of southern Vietnam’s port infrastructure. Ho Chi Minh City is home to Cat Lai Port — ranked among the world’s top 21, handling approximately 7.5 million TEUs annually — and Gemalink International Port in Cai Mep – Thi Vai, capable of receiving ultra-large container vessels. These existing assets are set to be joined by the Can Gio International Transshipment Port, a 571-hectare project with a projected capacity of 17 million TEUs per year, further deepening the city’s integration into global logistics and trade networks.

In 2025, the Ho Chi Minh City port system handled over 24 million TEUs, ranking 8th globally according to Lloyd’s List, and was associated with approximately USD 200 billion in import-export turnover, accounting for around 20% of Vietnam’s total trade value. Surrounding this physical infrastructure, a broad ecosystem of supporting services has expanded significantly, spanning cargo handling, warehousing, freight forwarding, customs clearance, and supply chain management. The total annual trade transaction value flowing through the region — encompassing goods, logistics services, and related financial demand – is estimated at over USD 1 trillion.

The financial gap: billions flowing through offshore centers

However, the scale of this physical activity stands in sharp contrast to the financial value Vietnam currently retains. Despite enormous cargo volumes, most high-value maritime financial services generating the largest profit margin including trade finance, ship financing, marine insurance and reinsurance, international payments, and logistics risk management continue to flow through developed offshore maritime financial centers. Vietnam currently captures only around 4–5% of these financial transaction values domestically, leaving an estimated USD 6–8 billion in potential value accessible but unrealised. To complete the maritime value chain and retain these economic benefits onshore, Vietnam must evolve beyond purely physical cargo transshipment. The gradual development of a comprehensive maritime financial ecosystem is an essential and inevitable strategic step.

IMFE: from vision to institutional launch

Against this backdrop, the IMFE initiative took shape as a core component of VIFC-HCMC, with Gemadept Corporation serving as a founding lead. The initiative was first introduced on September 12, 2025, during the symposium “Ho Chi Minh City – A Modern, High-End, High-Value Service Hub,” where Gemadept presented a strategic vision of integrating Vietnam’s deep-sea port infrastructure with a dedicated maritime financial ecosystem. To materialise that vision, the corporation cooperates with the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, leading to its official designation as a Strategic Member of VIFC-HCMC on February 11, 2026, at the Center’s Launching Ceremony. Today, as the operator of Gemalink — a major deep-sea gateway at Cai Mep – Thi Vai — Gemadept is focused on channeling high-value capital flows and advanced financial services directly into Ho Chi Minh City’s real maritime economy.

With this foundation in place, today’s forum pursues three concrete objectives: to officially launch the IMFE as a strategic platform designed to localise maritime financial capital and services, laying the groundwork for Ho Chi Minh City to emerge as one of the region’s leading maritime hubs; to connect financial institutions, banks, insurance companies, shipping lines, logistics enterprises, and international organisations within an integrated ecosystem, bringing the port-to-finance model to life in Vietnam; and to introduce the first maritime financial products and initiatives, creating mechanisms for Vietnamese enterprises to access financing, insurance, and risk management tools domestically rather than through foreign intermediaries.

“Ports such as Can Gio and Cai Mep-Thi Vai are transshipment hubs for cargo flows — VIFC-HCMC must become the transshipment hub for capital flows serving Vietnam’s maritime economy,” said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Huu Huan, Vice Chairman of VIFC-HCMC.

Hashtag: #VIFC

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Andamanda Phuket Water Park Unveils Premium Guest Experiences

Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice 2025 · Trip Best 2025 · Global Top 100 Family-Friendly Attractions


PHUKET, THAILAND – Media OutReach Newswire – 21 May 2026 – Andamanda Phuket, the island’s largest water park, spanning over 100,000 square meters, is inspired by Thai mythology and the Andaman Sea. A proud recipient of the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2025 and ranked among the Trip Best Global Top 100 Family- Friendly Attractions, Andamanda delivers a world-class tropical experience for thrill-seeker families and leisure travellers alike.

Andamanda Phuket- where thrills, culture, flavours, and family memories come together for a world-class experience unlike anything back home.
Andamanda Phuket- where thrills, culture, flavours, and family memories come together for a world-class experience unlike anything back home.

25 Attractions. 36 Slides. Zero Dull Moments.
Spread across five iconic zones inspired by Thai mythology, Andamanda offers something for every kind of visitor:

  • 36 slide lanes, from heart-pounding drops to family-friendly twists, the most in Phuket.
  • Southeast Asia’s longest lazy river- 550 metres of pure relaxation winding through tropical scenery.
  • A 10,000m² wave pool- generating waves up to 3 metres high. Prepare to get knocked off your feet.
  • Private cabanas & water villas- with air conditioning and restrooms, for those who like their downtime in style.
  • Dedicated kids’ zones- with lifeguards and age-appropriate splash areas, so the little ones have their own adventure.

More Than Slides – A Living Cultural Experience
Andamanda brings Thai heritage to life every single day. Daily live entertainment includes a Muay Thai showcase and “The Story of Andamanda“–a breathtaking live performance of music, dance, and Thai folklore that you will not find in any other water park in the world. The park’s mythological sculptures, traditional architecture, and five legend-themed zones make every corner worth exploring and photographing.

Food for Every Taste
Andamanda’s dining options are built with all guests in mind. You will find authentic Thai classics alongside international favourites, plus vegetarian, halal, and gluten-free options. Indian favourites are also well-represented: chicken and vegetable samosas, butter chicken, and fragrant biryani keep the whole family happy and energised. With multiple restaurants spread across the park, a great meal is always close by.

Tickets and Visitor Information
Tickets are available online via the official website at andamanda.com.
Advance booking is recommended to ensure availability and access to the best available rates. A full day here never feels long enough. Andamanda keeps the energy high from morning until closing.

Hashtag: #AndamandaPhuket #Phuket #Thailand #WaterPark #TravelThailand #FamilyTravel




The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.