SINGAPORE, May 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As retailers across Southeast Asia face rising operational complexity, shifting consumer expectations and margin pressure, demand is growing for integrated, real-time retail operating systems.

Dmall Inc. (02586.HK) is supporting this shift with a unified retail operating platform that connects core retail functions, improves execution efficiency and enhances visibility across stores, supply chains and customer touchpoints.

As one of China’s largest retail digital solutions providers by revenue and gross merchandise volume, Dmall serves nearly 600 retail clients across 11 countries and regions. Its platform has been shaped by large-scale deployments in complex retail environments, including long-standing work with Wumart Group, Metro, Lawson, 7-Eleven South China and SM Group in Southeast Asia.

Dmall’s recent collaboration with Cold Storage Singapore marks a milestone in supporting retail digital transformation across Southeast Asia. Completed within seven months, the project covered 87 stores across supermarket, hypermarket and express formats, consolidating multiple systems into a single platform across supply chain, merchandising and store operations.

“The transition was completed with minimal disruption to our operations,” said Mr. Lim Boon Chiong, Managing Director of Cold Storage Singapore. “We are seeing early improvements in product availability and replenishment, supported by better visibility across our supply chain and store network.”

The platform has also contributed to more consistent store execution and a more reliable customer experience. The first phase provides a foundation for the next stage of development, including AI-driven capabilities to further support product availability, freshness management and operational efficiency.

Dmall and Cold Storage Singapore plan to extend their cooperation to the fuel and convenience store format in June 2026, reflecting a deepening partnership and a shared commitment to creating greater operational value across retail formats.

“Southeast Asia is one of the world’s most dynamic retail markets, but also one of the most operationally complex,” said Mr. Zhongwei Ren, Partner and Chief Strategy Officer of Dmall. “By combining operational integration with AI-driven capabilities, Dmall aims to help retailers build more adaptive, scalable and efficient operations.”

About Dmall 

Founded in 2015, Dmall (02586.HK) is committed to advancing retail through technology. As one of Asia’s leading providers of digital retail solutions, Dmall delivers integrated, AI-driven innovations that help retailers improve efficiency, optimize decisions and create greater value.

– Ranks top in Global Industry ESG ratings, joins World, Asia Pacific, Korea Indices simultaneously

SEOUL, South Korea, May 04, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — KT&G (KRX: 033780) has joined the top-tier “Dow Jones Best-in-Class (DJBIC)” index, the “World Index” for two consecutive years. It has also been included in the “Asia Pacific” and “Korea” indices, being recognized for world-tier ESG management activities. 

The Dow Jones Sustainability Index is an annual sustainability rating published by the world’s largest financial information provider, “S&P Global”, and presents to global investors the standard for responsible investments. Out of top 2500 global companies by market capitalization, only those showing top 10% of ESG-performance are included in the top-tier “World Index.”

KT&G was ranked top within its industry, recognized for its endeavors to reinforce sustainability across all fields of governance, environmental, and social.

KT&G has proven its governance excellence in line with global standards, receiving top ratings across various items including board independence, diversity policies, and ESG governance structure. In the “environment” field, the company’s systematic climate change response and water resource management measures based on its “2030 Green Impact” environmental management vision was highly rated. In the “social” field, high scores were given to items such as execution of human rights management.

Last December, KT&G was recognized for its world-class ESG management performance and received a “AAA” ESG Index rating from MSCI, a top-class investment information provider, for the first time in the respective industry.

KT&G’s ESG management director, Young-ah Shim, stated that “KT&G’s effort to achieve sophisticated ESG management has been objectively evaluated and recognized by the global capital market, resulting in the inclusion in the World Index,” going on to further state “the company will strengthen its ESG management execution in line with core business reinforcement and continue to establish itself as a trusted company to stakeholders.”

GUANGZHOU, China, May 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — At the 139th Canton Fair, the Fashion category brought forward the core priorities reshaping the industry: sustainability, performance technology, and design‑driven specialization. Exhibitors demonstrated how China’s fashion supply chain is evolving to meet the expectations of environmentally conscious and lifestyle‑driven consumers worldwide.

Leading the surge in low-carbon textiles, a Guangdong-based company introduced high-performance apparel featuring carbon-capture technology. The development of “carbon-capture” beach shorts represents a breakthrough in negative-carbon production, successfully securing orders in the U.S. market. Complementing this is the integration of a bio-based material used in windbreakers that offers both environmental sustainability and superior durability. Through deep collaboration across the material R&D and manufacturing sectors, the enterprise has established a traceable, green supply chain that aligns with rigorous international standards.

Innovation in functional knitwear is further exemplified by another Guangdong-based company, which showcased plant-dyed infant garments and UV-sensitive color-changing apparel. By utilizing natural dyes like madder and gardenia, the company offers chemical-free solutions for the children’s market. Additionally, the use of biodegradable collagen‑fiber and Modal‑blend sweaters demonstrates the company’s dedication to sustainable materials that support a more circular product lifecycle.

The sports and outdoor sector also witnessed significant technological advancements. A Hangzhou-based company unveiled its latest cycling jacket, which utilizes precision weaving to achieve full wind-proofing and water resistance without sacrificing breathability. Similarly, a company from Wuhan displayed high-tech sun-protection apparel featuring moisture-wicking properties and innovative packable designs that transform garments into portable crossbody bags. These developments reflect a broader trend of merging urban-tech aesthetics with practical safety features.

Design-driven specialization remains a key strategy for penetrating niche markets. Some companies are leveraging European design perspectives to customize footwear for specific regional aesthetics, particularly in France and Italy; while some continue to expand their footprint in North America and Russia with original designs that span from business-chic to luxury leisure.

The fashion showcase at the 139th Canton Fair continues to highlight a supply chain that responds with agility to shifting international demands. By evolving beyond traditional manufacturing, China’s fashion ecosystem has become a primary driver of creative and sustainable growth within the global market.

For pre-registration, please click: https://buyer.cantonfair.org.cn/register/buyer/email?source_type=16

One Exhibition • A Dual Experience
The exhibition combines an immersive multimedia section “Meet Mona Lisa” and a physical art section “Portraying the Renaissance”, taking audiences back to the glorious age of the Renaissance.

Exhibition runs from 1 May to 27 July 2026

HONG KONG, May 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Jointly presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and French May Arts Festival, jointly organised by the Hong Kong Heritage Museum and French May Arts Festival, with title sponsorship from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and support from the Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund under the Culture, Sports, and Tourism Bureau, “The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Meet Mona Lisa & Portraying the Renaissance” exhibition runs from 1 May to 27 July, 2026 at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum. Admission is free.

Centred on Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, the Mona Lisa, the exhibition is divided into two main sections: Meet Mona Lisa and Portraying the Renaissance. Meet Mona Lisa is an immersive multimedia experience jointly produced by the Musée du Louvre and the Grand Palais Immersif, specifically created for Hong Kong by a French creative team. The section presents the extraordinary 500-year journey of the Mona Lisa across six immersive chapters, narrated by the lady herself in a monologue that reveals the fascinating stories behind her mysterious smile. Visitors will learn how this painting – commissioned but never delivered to its patron, remaining in Leonardo’s possession until his death – went on to captivate the world and become a cultural icon. The six chapters include panoramic projections blending portraits and landscapes, interactive multimedia displays that introduce Leonardo’s painting techniques, playful games as well as an immersive photo booth, inviting audiences to step into the world of the Mona Lisa.

Portraying the Renaissance is curated for Hong Kong by the Musée national de la Renaissance – Château d’Écouen, the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, the Ateliers d’art de la Réunion des Musées nationaux – Grand Palais, and the Atelier de Chalcographie du Louvre, showcasing exceptional Renaissance artworks. Most of the artifacts are being shown in Hong Kong for the first time, including as a highlight four original manuscripts by Leonardo da Vinci, allowing visitors to appreciate up close an artistic style that masterfully blends scientific rationality with aesthetic brilliance. Through a diverse range of artworks, including paintings, prints, sculptures, decorative art, and everyday objects, visitors can glimpse how this surging humanist movement permeated every aspect of daily life. Also featured are three items from the collection of the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, along with paintings by mainland Chinese artist Xu Lei that echo the aesthetics of Renaissance art, creating a dialogue across time and space and underscoring the enduring influence of a cultural movement that originated in 14th-century Europe.

Ms. Pansy Ho, Co-Chairman of the Board of French May said, “Over 33 years of dedicated development, the French May Arts Festival has grown into one of Asia’s most cherished annual cultural celebrations. It remains committed to serving as a bridge for cultural exchange between Hong Kong and France, bringing world-class artistic experiences to audiences from all walks of life. We are delighted to return to the Hong Kong Heritage Museum to proudly present two remarkable exhibitions, Meet Mona Lisa and Portraying the Renaissance, and to welcome everyone – families, students, art lovers and visitors from around the world – to discover one of the most iconic treasures of French cultural heritage. This is at the heart of what French May has always sought to do: make culture accessible to all, while highlighting Hong Kong’s unique status as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.”

Speaking at the ceremony, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Steward Nicholas Hunsworth said the exhibition offers an unprecedented hybrid experience, blending centuries-old legacy with immersive technology, and culminating with the vision of Asian artists as a bridge between East and West. The Club’s support for the exhibition, together with its role as the exclusive sponsor of The Jockey Club Community Outreach and Arts Education Programme, reflects its commitment to nurturing talent, fostering arts appreciation and supporting cultural development in Hong Kong. It also aligns with the Central Government’s vision of developing Hong Kong into an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange, as outlined in the National 15th Five-Year Plan.

Miss Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, said that under the theme “Re/naissance”, she is confident that the Festival will continue to offer an energetic platform for artistic innovation and the exchange of ideas, strengthening the cultural dialogue between France and Hong Kong in unprecedented ways, and drawing visitors who come specifically to experience the rich cultural programmes.

Mrs Christile Drulhe, Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau, remarked, “The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Meet Mona Lisa & Portraying the Renaissance stands as a compelling expression of our ambition to renew and share the relationship between France and Hong Kong more widely, as art continues to connect people across time and borders. This exhibition invites us to experience the Renaissance as a living dialogue between cultures, one that reflects the depth and vitality of our tie.”

Mr. Vincent Delieuvin, Chief Curator of Italian Paintings in the sixteenth century, Musée du Louvre, said, “The immense fame of the Mona Lisa is an extraordinary and delightful phenomenon, but it has the consequence that it is difficult to see her, just like all the big stars. At the Louvre Museum in Paris, nearly 25,000 people come every day to admire the real Mona Lisa, but it is not possible to get close to it for security reasons and so that all her admirers can catch a glimpse of her. The Meet Mona Lisa exhibition offers the perfect opportunity to finally get up close to the Mona Lisa, admire her, and understand how and why she became the most famous work of art in the world.” 

Dr. Matteo Gianeselli, Curator and Art Historian, Musée national de la Renaissance, said, “Portraying the Renaissance offers a broad overview of European artistic creation between the 15th and 16th centuries, explored through the lens of portraiture. The exhibition explores Leonardo da Vinci’s place in contemporary creation through a dialogue with works from the Heritage Museum’s collections. This marks the first time that the Musée national de la Renaissance at Écouen has loaned works to a destination so far from France. On behalf of my director, who unfortunately could not join us today, I would like to warmly thank you for this rich collaboration—one that I hope is but the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership.” 

Ms. Delphine de Canecaude, President, Grand Palais Immersif, said, “With Meet Mona Lisa, co-produced with the Musée du Louvre, we presented a new iteration of an exhibition previously shown in Marseille. Its narrative is carried by Mona Lisa herself – a singular choice that shifts the visitor’s relationship to her entirely. Presenting Portraying the Renaissance alongside this immersive experience allowed us to contextualize da Vinci’s work. Curated by the Musée national de la Renaissance – Château d’Ecouen, the exhibition brings together exceptional loans from their collection and from the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, alongside casts of Louvre sculptures produced by the Ateliers d’art de la Réunion des Musées nationaux – Grand Palais. We are deeply grateful to each of these institutions for their trust and generosity. We are also profoundly proud to bring this work to Hong Kong as part of the French May Arts Festival, and equally honoured that the Hong Kong Heritage Museum has opened its doors to these exhibitions.” 

To honour The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust for its 15th consecutive year of support for the French May Arts Festival, a series of educational and outreach activities including talks, workshops, free screenings, and guided tours, will be held throughout the exhibition period under the Jockey Club Community Outreach and Arts Education Programmes, allowing the public to gain a deeper understanding of the captivating allure of the Mona Lisa and Renaissance art, and to experience the essence of French arts.

Credit:
Jointly presented by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and French May Arts Festival
Jointly organised by Hong Kong Heritage Museum and French May Arts Festival
Title Sponsor: The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust 
Supported by the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong

Meet Mona Lisa
Jointly produced by Musée du Louvre and Grand Palais Immersif
Scientific direction: Vincent Delieuvin
Creative direction: Mathilde Adrien-Babillon

Portraying the Renaissance
Curatorial expertise: Thierry Crépin-Leblond and Matteo Gianeselli
Participating Organisations: Musée national de la Renaissance – Château d’Ecouen, Pinacoteca Ambrosiana, Ateliers d’art Grand Palais RMN and Atelier de Chalcographie du Louvre

Project Grant: Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund under the Culture, Sports, and Tourism Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government
Digital Display Partner: LG Electronics HK
Sponsors: SOGO Hong Kong Company Limited, Wheelock Properties

About French May Arts Festival

Established in 1993, French May Arts Festival is one of the largest cultural events in Asia. With over 100 programmes presented across two months, we showcase the most diversified art forms – from heritage and contemporary art, paintings and design to classical music and hip-hop dance, cinema and circus. It has become an iconic part of Hong Kong’s cultural scene, reaching over 400,000 visitors each year.

French May brings the arts to everyone, not only in cultural venues, but also in public spaces, shopping malls and more, inviting everyone across Hong Kong to enjoy art in their daily lives.

With the aim of promoting accessible arts for all, French May places a strong emphasis on education through outreach programmes, guided tours, workshops, masterclasses and free performances. The festival strives to reach the widest possible audience and contribute to education of the young and less-privileged, working closely with over 50 local institutions and organisations to establish barrier-free access to the arts.

About Mega Arts and Cultural Events (ACE) Fund

The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government sets up the Mega ACE Fund to attract and support international or large-scale arts and cultural events which bring significant arts, cultural or economic values and can be recurrent and anchored in Hong Kong, or events which can bring exceptionally significant arts or cultural merit, as well as publicity and image building values to Hong Kong as an arts and cultural hub with a view to contributing to Hong Kong’s development into an arts and cultural metropolis as well as a tourist destination, providing development opportunities for the arts, cultural and creative sectors, and facilitating arts and cultural exchange.

Media Kit/ High-resolution photos
Details of all programmes are available at: www.frenchmay.com 

Contact
For further enquiries and requests for interviews, please contact:

Occasions PR & Marketing Ltd.

Jade Liu
Tel.: +852 3678 0135
Email: jadeliu@occasionspr.com 

Kristy Fung
Tel.: +852 3678 0183
Email: kristyfung@occasionspr.com 

Stella Wong
Tel.: +852 3678 0123
Email: stellawong@occasionspr.com

The Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to French May Arts Festival 2026 only, but does not otherwise take part in it. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in the materials/activities (or by members of the grantee’s team) are those of the organisers of French May Arts Festival 2026 only and do not reflect the views of the Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.