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Laos Seizes Nearly 1.8 Tonnes of Suspected Ivory, Black Panther Remains in Bolikhamxay Raid

By
Phoudasack Vongsay
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A picture of 1,755.6 kilograms of items resembling elephant ivory that was confiscated by police. (Photo by Lao Security News)

On 16 August, Lao authorities detained 11 foreign nationals in connection with a wildlife trafficking network and seized more than 1.8 tonnes of suspected protected wildlife products during a raid in Pakkading district, Bolikhamxay Province.

Bolikhamxay authorities confiscated approximately 1,755.6 kilograms of items resembling elephant ivory, along with two animal carcasses weighing 45.5 kilograms that reportedly resembled black panthers.

Though authorities have not yet disclosed their nationalities. Investigators are now working to identify others connected to the trafficking ring.

The raid came just days after authorities transferred a rescued Asiatic black bear, a 100-kilogram female bear named “Nam Wan”, to the Free the Bears sanctuary in Luang Prabang on 13 August. 

A local resident had kept the bear after receiving her from traders who bought her from Luang Namtha province, before voluntarily sending her for rehabilitation, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment said. 

Part of a Wider Crackdown

Laos authorities have intensified wildlife trafficking crackdowns. 

In late June, authorities seized more than 110 kilograms of suspected illegal wildlife products in Luang Prabang, including ivory, rhino horn, and pangolin items. This followed earlier operations in early June that uncovered 60 kilograms of illegal wildlife products in Luang Prabang and nearly 300 live animals trafficked across borders.

Wildlife trafficking in Laos is also linked to cross-border networks, with Thai seizures involving goods destined for Laos.

On 18 May, Lao authorities raided a Chinese-owned restaurant in Vientiane, seizing 25.52 kilograms of illegal wildlife products including bear paws, pangolin parts, and a live snake. A Chinese national was arrested as the case highlights ongoing illegal wildlife trade targeting foreign tour groups.

In May, officers seized 130.9 kg of ivory and 29 kg of animal remains en route to Laos, a case linked to the arrest of a Lao woman. In February, a Vietnamese man was caught transporting over 11 kg of rhino horn concealed in meat from the Democratic Republic of Congo to Laos via Thailand, in a case tied to an international trafficking network.

Jobsdb by SEEK Hosts 3rd “HR Conference 2026” Bringing Together Nearly 500 Industry Professionals to Explore Emerging AI Recruitment Trends

By
Advertorial Desk
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Platform launches new “Personalised Targeting” feature this month, leveraging AI to improve hiring outcomes


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 August 2026 – Jobsdb by SEEK, Hong Kong’s leading employment marketplace, successfully hosted the third edition of its “HR Conference 2026” on 7 August at the JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong. Under the theme “Empowering Talent and Technology Towards Tomorrow”, the event brought together nearly 500 human resources professionals to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the workplace while enhancing the efficiency and quality of talent matching and recruitment.

Jobsdb by SEEK, Hong Kong's leading employment marketplace, successfully hosted the third edition of its
Jobsdb by SEEK, Hong Kong’s leading employment marketplace, successfully hosted the third edition of its “HR Conference 2026” on 7 August at the JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong. Under the theme “Empowering Talent and Technology Towards Tomorrow”, the event brought together nearly 500 human resources professionals to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the workplace while enhancing the efficiency and quality of talent matching and recruitment.

Daryl Lau, Sales Director, Hong Kong, Jobsdb by SEEK, said: “AI and innovative technologies are reshaping recruitment and talent management at an unprecedented pace, and this year’s conference theme reflects the profound transformation currently taking place in Hong Kong’s workplace. According to our platform data, competition among job seekers in Hong Kong has continued to intensify in recent years, while talent mobility has remained high, driving up recruitment costs for employers. The core recruitment challenge facing enterprises today is how to quickly assess and identify the most suitable candidates from a vast pool of applications with limited resources. At the same time, growing demand for AI skills has made recruitment even more complex. Furthermore, our market insights show that job seekers’ expectations are no longer focused solely on salary and benefits. They are placing greater emphasis on purpose at work, growth opportunities and an inclusive workplace culture. Jobsdb is committed to connecting talent and technology, helping enterprises formulate more resilient talent strategies, seize opportunities in a rapidly changing market and match with the most suitable talent.”

Industry leaders explore how AI is redefining the role of HR

The conference featured multiple panel discussions offering in-depth perspectives on the future development of the HR profession. The first panel, titled “How AI Will Elevate and Redefine HR”, featured Edward Ng, Regional Human Resources Director, Vita Green Group; Fanny Lau, Director – Human Resources, New World Development & K11 Hong Kong; Jeff Tang, Partner, Market Development Leader, Consulting, Ernst & Young Advisory Services Limited; and Tina Au-Yeung, Group Chief Human Resources Officer, Emperor Group. The speakers shared an optimistic outlook on the industry’s future, highlighting how AI can optimize day-to-day workflows while noting that uniquely human soft skills – such as communication and collaboration – will become increasingly valuable. They encouraged HR professionals to harness AI tools alongside their professional judgement and experience to create irreplaceable impact and unlock broader career development opportunities.

Spotlight on the talent war in Asia and diverse recruitment strategies

Another key panel discussion, “The Talent War in Asia: Attracting and Retaining the Next Generation Workforce”, brought together Annie Wong, Assistant Director, Office of Co-operative Education Programme, The Chinese University of Hong Kong; Janet Law, Head of Sales (Hong Kong and Greater China), FDM Group; Jovi Yan, Group Learning Lead, AIA Group; and Nishilla McKeogh, Client Director – Early Careers & Campus APAC, AMS. The experts exchanged insights on key issues including expectations of young talent, cross-border hiring, employer value propositions and regional talent mobility trends, offering attendees practical recommendations for developing effective talent strategies.

The conference also featured wide-ranging discussions on a variety of forward-looking topics. Andrew Lee, Head of Corporate Solutions Strategy at AIA Hong Kong and Macau, shared total wellbeing strategies that go beyond traditional medical and group insurance; Stacy Liao, Head of People – Human Resources Department at China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong) Limited, explored the role HR can play in an enterprise’s AI development journey; Anna Au, Deputy Director of Hong Kong Talent Engage, shared strategies for attracting global talent and supporting their long-term development by helping them integrate into the local community; Winnie Tam, Head of People and Culture at KOS International, elaborated on human-centric leadership in the age of AI; and Keith Chau, Senior Consultant at the School of Professional Education and Executive Development, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, shared emerging AI trends and practical response strategies for HR leaders.

Jobsdb launches new AI features to transform how hirers discover and hire talent

With the goal of delivering better hiring outcomes, Jobsdb announced the launch of its new “Personalised Targeting” feature this August. The feature builds on its market-level intelligence to also learn from each employer’s unique hiring activity and role requirements, with targeting getting sharper with every hire. In addition, the platform introduces “Assist”, an always-on hiring partner that works alongside employers from vacancy to hire, conducting AI pre-screens and automating reference checks on their behalf so they can move with greater speed and confidence. Jobsdb also previewed the future development of agentic AI capabilities and applications to further enhance the overall recruitment experience.

As a leading employment marketplace in the Asia Pacific region, Jobsdb remains dedicated to combining its deep local market expertise with SEEK’s world-class AI technology, continuing to deliver better job and talent matches for the Hong Kong market, partnering with enterprises to embrace the new normal of recruitment.

The success of HR Conference 2026 was made possible by the generous support of its sponsors and partners, including Gold Sponsor AIA; Strategic Partner KOS International; and Silver Sponsors Adecco, ASUS, Moka, Talent Axis, Co-Op@CUHK, The University of Manchester, United Technologies, Wai Yuen Tong, and Wallstone.

For more insights into talent strategies for 2026, please refer to Jobsdb by SEEK’s new “2026 Talent Blueprint”: https://hk.jobsdb.com/page/jobsdb-talent-blueprint-2026

Click here for high resolution images.

Hashtag: #Jobsdb #AI

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

About Jobsdb by SEEK

Jobsdb is a leading employment marketplace, connecting the right people with the right work in Hong Kong since 1998. Operated by SEEK, an Australian Securities Exchange-listed company, Jobsdb combines its deep local expertise with SEEK’s world-class AI technology and platform to create relevant job and talent matches across Asia Pacific. For more information, visit .

Manulife Asia wins Best Overall AI Adoption: Life/Health at 2026 Asia Consumer Insurance Awards

By
Advertorial Desk
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HONG KONG, Aug. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Manulife Asia has been named winner of the Best Overall AI Adoption: Life/Health award at the 2026 Asia Consumer Insurance Awards, organized by (Re)Insurance Asia. The award recognizes life and health insurers that have demonstrated broad-based adoption of artificial intelligence across multiple business functions.

The recognition reflects Manulife’s continued progress in becoming an AI-powered organization, with AI increasingly embedded across the value chain in Asia and globally, from customer service and distribution to claims, investment management and colleague productivity.

Across Asia, Manulife’s AI adoption is focused on solving practical business and customer challenges at scale. The company’s approach combines global and regional scale with local ownership and innovation, enabling teams to build once, deploy across markets and tailor solutions to local customer and business needs. This approach is supported by structured governance, cross-functional delivery, role-based training, AI Champions and local activation to help teams move from experimentation to everyday use.

“AI is becoming a core enterprise capability at Manulife, helping us improve how decisions are made, how work gets done and how experiences are delivered for customers, advisors and colleagues,” said Mark Czajkowski, Chief AI Officer, Asia, Manulife. “This recognition reflects the strong momentum our teams across Asia are building as we scale AI responsibly and focus on practical outcomes that make insurance simpler, faster and more intuitive.”

Manulife’s AI initiatives in Asia include AI-powered customer and distribution assistants, claims triage and document processing, underwriting support, investment research tools and enterprise productivity solutions such as Microsoft Copilot and proprietary tools. These capabilities help improve response times, strengthen service consistency, reduce manual work, support advisor productivity and enhance decision-making.

Manulife is scaling AI as a core driver of enterprise value, with the company expecting to deliver more than $1 billion in AI enterprise value generation by 2027, including C$300 million generated in 20251. This builds on approximately C$300 million in cumulative enterprise value delivered by AI as at 31 December 2025. In Asia, this momentum is reflected in strong colleague adoption, with 5.2 million AI prompts recorded in 2025 and 80% of Asia colleagues actively using AI tools as of June 2026.

_______________________________

1 The expected value from our AI initiatives include realized run-rate expense reductions, top-line revenue uplift from AI-powered workflows, fraud reduction, and growth absorption.

This latest recognition follows Manulife being ranked the #1 life insurer for AI maturity in the 2026 Evident AI Index for Insurance for the second consecutive year, reinforcing the company’s progress in scaling AI with strong governance, enterprise-wide adoption and measurable business impact.

Manulife’s approach to AI is guided by its Responsible AI Principles and supported by enterprise-wide governance and risk management frameworks. The company takes a human-centered approach to AI, with a focus on transparency, accountability and human oversight.

“As we continue to scale AI across Asia, our focus remains clear: responsible adoption, practical execution and meaningful impact,” added Czajkowski. “This award recognizes the work of teams across our markets who are embedding AI into everyday workflows and using it to deliver better outcomes for customers, distributors, colleagues and the business.”

About Manulife

Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Anchored in our ambition to be the number one choice for customers, we operate as Manulife across Canada and Asia, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, providing financial advice, insurance and health solutions for individuals, groups and businesses. Through Manulife Wealth & Asset Management, we offer global investment solutions, financial advice, and retirement plan services to individuals, institutions, and retirement plan members worldwide. At the end of 2025, we had more than 37,000 employees, over 106,000 agents, and thousands of distribution partners, serving over 37 million customers with operations across 25 markets globally. We trade as ‘MFC’ on the Toronto, New York, and Philippine stock exchanges, and under ‘945’ on the Hong Kong stock exchange. Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit manulife.com.

Caution regarding forward-looking statements
This document contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbour” provisions of Canadian provincial securities laws and the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to Manulife’s use of its digital capabilities and the expected benefits it expects to realize from AI. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. Certain material factors or assumptions are applied in making forward-looking statements, and actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations include but are not limited to general business and economic conditions; changes in laws and regulations with respect to the use of AI-enabled tools; our ability to execute our digital plans and to deploy future digital use cases; our ability to adapt products and services to the changing market; our ability to attract and retain key employees and our ability to protect our intellectual property and exposure to claims of infringement from others. Additional information about material risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations may be found in our most recent annual and interim reports and elsewhere in our filings with Canadian and U.S. securities regulators.

The forward-looking statements in this document are, unless otherwise indicated, stated as of the date hereof. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

Media Contact
Carl Wong
Head of External Communications, Asia
Manulife
carl_kk_wong@manulifeam.com

GLORIA MANOR Joins Marriott Bonvoy, Bringing Nature-Based Travel to Kenting National Park

By
Advertorial Desk
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KENTING, Aug. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — GLORIA MANOR, a nature-focused resort located within Kenting National Park in southern Taiwan, officially joined Marriott Bonvoy in 2026, becoming the first Marriott-affiliated resort in Southern Taiwan. The move connects the resort’s historic setting and nature-based guest experiences with Marriott’s global travel network, while maintaining its focus on the ecology, culture and communities of Kenting.


Located at the foot of Mt. Dajian at Taiwan’s southern tip, GLORIA MANOR was originally built as a presidential guesthouse. Today, the property is surrounded by tropical forests, grasslands and diverse ecosystems, while remaining within reach of Kenting town, beaches and other attractions. Its location allows visitors to move between the forest, coastline and local communities, offering an experience of southern Taiwan beyond its beaches and ocean scenery. Changes in the seasons also bring different landscapes and wildlife to the national park.

The resort works with local ecological organizations to develop nature-based programs throughout the year. Guests can walk forest trails, explore the national park and coastline, and join guided activities focused on local plants, insects and Formosan sika deer. Seasonal programs include ecological exploration, Grey-faced Buzzard migration experiences and forest walks. These activities provide opportunities to learn about Kenting’s biodiversity and the environment surrounding the resort.

Local ingredients are also part of the experience. At MU RESTAURANT and MU LOUNGE, seasonal Taiwanese produce and locally sourced ingredients are used across breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner menus. The approach reflects the seasonal character of southern Taiwan while supporting local sourcing. Sustainability initiatives at GLORIA MANOR also include energy and carbon reduction, biodiversity protection, cooperation with local communities, and measures incorporated into everyday guest services. Reusable water bottles and take-home slippers are among the examples used to reduce reliance on disposable items.

The resort’s architecture and interiors reflect its natural setting and historical background. The redesign incorporates natural materials, understated tones and elements of Taiwanese craftsmanship, with mountain views, natural light and seasonal changes forming part of the overall environment. GLORIA MANOR is also a member of Design Hotels™, an international collection of independently operated hotels with a focus on design and local identity.

The addition to Marriott Bonvoy provides GLORIA MANOR with access to an international membership network while retaining its existing approach to nature-based hospitality. For travelers from South Korea and other Asian markets, the resort provides another way to explore southern Taiwan, combining a stay within a national park with access to ecological activities, locally sourced cuisine and the surrounding communities.

With its integration into Marriott Bonvoy, GLORIA MANOR is expanding its connection with international travelers while continuing to develop nature-based experiences in Kenting. Its location within Taiwan’s first national park places the surrounding ecosystem, local food and community relationships at the center of the guest experience, offering an alternative perspective on travel in Southern Taiwan.

 

Droneport-1000 to Advance Malaysia’s Low Altitude Economy from Sabak Bernam

By
Advertorial Desk
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SABAK BERNAM, SELANGOR – Media OutReach Newswire – 18 August 2026 – Selangor Aviation Technology and Innovation (SELATI), in collaboration with Universiti Selangor (UNISEL), launched the Droneport-1000 initiative on 30 July 2026, marking a significant step in the development of Malaysia’s Low Altitude Economy.

Droneport-1000 is a proposed test and evaluation facility designed to support the safe development of unmanned aircraft systems, Advanced Air Mobility and next generation drone technologies. The initiative will provide a platform for collaboration among government, academia and industry, with a focus on research, testing, talent development and the responsible commercialisation of unmanned aviation solutions.

The initiative supports the wider Sabak Bernam Development Area (SABDA), a flagship regional development programme spearheaded by Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporated) under the Selangor State Government’s Rancangan Selangor Pertama (RS-1) and continuing under Rancangan Selangor Kedua (RS-2).

Droneport-1000 is expected to complement Sabak Bernam’s established strengths in agriculture, fisheries, tourism and environmental stewardship. Unmanned aviation technologies have potential applications in precision agriculture, crop monitoring, logistics, infrastructure inspection, emergency response and biodiversity conservation. These applications could help improve productivity, strengthen public services and create new economic opportunities for local communities.

YB Dr Mohammad Fahmi bin Ngah, Selangor State Executive Councillor for Islamic Affairs and Innovation Culture, said, “Droneport-1000 reflects Selangor’s commitment to building the ecosystem required for the Low Altitude Economy. By bringing together technology, digital infrastructure and collaboration across government, academia and industry, we are creating a platform that supports innovation while preparing Malaysia for the future of unmanned aviation. “The State Government’s role is to ensure that the necessary infrastructure, ecosystem and talent are in place to support the responsible and sustainable long-term growth of the industry.”

Puan Zannifa Azura binti Ahmad, Head of the SABDA Economic Development Zone and Chief Executive Officer of SELATI, said, “Droneport-1000 has the potential to be a game changer for Sabak Bernam. Its applications can extend across agriculture, fisheries, logistics, tourism, conservation and public services, creating new opportunities for businesses and communities throughout the district. “This initiative demonstrates how technology and investment can work alongside food security, biodiversity conservation and community prosperity to build a more sustainable future for Sabak Bernam.”

SABDA is transforming one of Selangor’s most productive agricultural districts into an integrated economic corridor centred on resilience, food security, environmental stewardship and community led development.

Through 18 strategic initiatives, SABDA is creating opportunities in smart agriculture, fisheries, integrated logistics, ecotourism, agritourism, research and innovation. It is also strengthening the critical infrastructure required to attract investment and improve the quality of life of local communities.

Key catalytic projects include the 600-acre Sungai Lang Fisheries Industrial Zone, the Sekinchan Integrated Landing Port, Ban Canal Ecotourism and the proposed Anjung Utara Selangor Biosphere Reserve under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme.

Sabak Bernam already plays an important role in Selangor’s food security ecosystem. According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia, the district has approximately 48,216 hectares of agricultural land and remains one of the state’s most important food producing regions. The district contributes significantly to paddy production, fisheries, fruit, vegetables and aquaculture. Agriculture also remains an important contributor to the local economy alongside manufacturing and services.

Recent indicators demonstrate the district’s growing momentum. Tourist arrivals increased by 74 per cent between 2024 and 2025, while marine fisheries landings grew by more than 42 per cent. Household incomes have also continued to rise.

The award-winning Ban Canal Carnival has further strengthened Sabak Bernam’s profile as an emerging ecotourism destination. The event attracts visitors while promoting local culture, cottage industries and community entrepreneurship.

Another defining aspiration of SABDA is the proposed Anjung Utara Selangor Biosphere Reserve. Covering approximately 297,661 hectares across Sabak Bernam and parts of Kuala Selangor and Hulu Selangor, the proposed reserve reflects Selangor’s commitment to balancing biodiversity conservation with sustainable economic development. Its nomination dossier is targeted for submission to UNESCO by the end of September 2026.

Together, Droneport-1000 and SABDA demonstrate how advanced technology can support sustainable regional development. The initiative aims to attract investment, strengthen food security, protect natural assets and create meaningful opportunities for the people of Sabak Bernam.
Hashtag: #SELATI #UNISEL #SABDA #MBISelangor

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

Sabak Bernam Development Area

The Sabak Bernam Development Area (SABDA) is a strategic economic development initiative of the Selangor State Government under Rancangan Selangor Pertama. SABDA seeks to unlock Sabak Bernam’s full economic potential while strengthening Malaysia’s food production, raising local incomes and improving community livelihoods. Its vision is to establish Sabak Bernam as a driver of sustainable economic growth, food security, resilience and environmental stewardship.

Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporation) (MBI Selangor)

Menteri Besar Selangor (Incorporation) (MBI Selangor) is the strategic investment arm of the State Government of Selangor, mandated to drive sustainable economic growth and long-term value creation for the state.

MBI Selangor plays a central role in catalysing high-impact developments, facilitating strategic partnerships and unlocking the potential of key sectors to strengthen Selangor’s position as a leading economic hub in Malaysia and the region. Its investment focus spans infrastructure, industrial development, energy, digital economy and other priority sectors aligned with the state’s long-term development agenda.

Guided by the aspirations of Rancangan Selangor Pertama (RS-1), MBI Selangor actively supports initiatives that enhance competitiveness, attract quality investments and create meaningful socio-economic opportunities for the people of Selangor.

Through a disciplined and forward-looking investment approach, MBI Selangor is committed to delivering sustainable, inclusive and resilient growth, while strengthening governance, environmental stewardship and stakeholder value across its portfolio.

For more information, visit:

Contacts:

Wan Laila Fatihah, Head of Corporate Communications

Tel: +6012-672 3632 | E-mail: wan.laila@mbiselangor.com.my

Muhammad Zulhilmi, Senior Executive Corporate Communications

Tel: +6013-390 3804 | E-mail: zulhilmi@mbiselangor.com.my

ZF Thailand Expands Support for Off-Highway Fleet Operators with ZF PowerFluid Gold 1

By
Advertorial Desk
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BANGKOK, Aug. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — ZF Aftermarket Thailand has launched ZF PowerFluid Gold 1, a high-performance transmission oil developed to support the reliability, efficiency and longevity of off-highway equipment operating in demanding environments.

ZF PowerFluid Gold1
ZF PowerFluid Gold1

As a global technology company with extensive expertise in driveline and transmission systems, ZF serves a wide range of off-highway applications, including wheel loaders, dump trucks, excavators and other heavy-duty machinery. With the launch of ZF PowerFluid Gold 1 in Thailand, ZF expands its aftermarket portfolio by offering customers a dedicated lubricant solution designed to complement and protect critical drivetrain components.

Designed for Demanding Conditions

Off-highway equipment operates under heavy loads, extreme temperatures and challenging working conditions where proper lubrication is essential to maintaining transmission performance and minimizing wear.

ZF PowerFluid Gold 1 is specifically formulated to deliver excellent wear protection and oxidation resistance for transmissions and axles. The product helps ensure reliable lubrication performance over extended operating periods, supporting equipment productivity and reducing the risk of unplanned downtime.

Suitable for both ZF transmissions and axles, the oil provides flexibility for mixed fleets commonly found in construction, mining, quarrying, material handling and infrastructure projects.

Supporting Equipment Performance and Uptime.

Selecting the right transmission oil is a critical factor in maximizing drivetrain performance and extending equipment service life. By introducing ZF PowerFluid Gold 1 to the Thai market, ZF aims to provide fleet operators with a trusted solution that helps enhance component protection, maintain operational efficiency and maximize equipment availability.

Strengthening Support for Thailand’s Off-Highway Industry

Thailand’s construction, infrastructure, mining and industrial sectors continue to rely on heavy-duty equipment to drive growth and development. The launch of ZF PowerFluid Gold 1 reinforces ZF Thailand’s commitment to supporting customers with innovative aftermarket solutions that help improve equipment performance and protect valuable assets throughout their operational lifecycle.

About ZF Thailand

ZF Aftermarket Thailand, through its Aftermarket business, provides products and services for commercial vehicles, passenger cars and industrial applications. Leveraging global original equipment expertise, ZF offers advanced drivetrain technologies, quality replacement parts, technical support and maintenance solutions that help customers improve productivity, reduce downtime and maximize operational uptime. As part of one of the world’s leading aftermarket organizations, ZF Thailand delivers innovative solutions under trusted brands including ZF, LEMFÖRDER, SACHS, TRW and WABCO, supporting reliable mobility across a wide range of applications.

WuXi XDC Achieves GMP Release of BCM3 Facility at Singapore Site, Enabling Global Clients with Professional Excellence

By
Advertorial Desk
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SINGAPORE, Aug. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — WuXi XDC Cayman Inc. (“WuXi XDC”, stock code: 2268.HK), a leading global Contract Research, Development and Manufacturing Organization (CRDMO) focused on the bioconjugate industry, today announced that its BCM3 dual-function production line for antibody intermediates and drug substances of bioconjugates at Singapore site has successfully achieved GMP release. This milestone marks a new phase in the company’s global capacity expansion, empowering clients worldwide to accelerate commercial manufacturing with greater efficiency and flexibility in meeting diverse demands.


As the company’s first overseas GMP-released facility, BCM3 features an efficient and flexible “dual-function” design, offering integrated end-to-end commercial manufacturing services from antibody intermediates to conjugated drug substances. The production line supports batch sizes from 200 L to 2,000 L for antibody intermediates and up to 2,000 L for conjugated drug substances, fully meeting commercial-scale requirements while adhering to a rigorous quality control system. As a critical component of WuXi XDC’s global manufacturing network, BCM3 will work in synergy with the BCM1 and BCM2 lines at the Wuxi site, substantially boosting overall capacity for both antibody intermediates and conjugated drug substances.

During the construction process, WuXi XDC leveraged its proven facility construction expertise from the Wuxi site while adapting to local conditions in Singapore, successfully delivering high-standard cleanroom areas and supporting utility systems. Notably, the team overcame significant challenges in the design and construction of high-potency, high-toxicity manufacturing zones. The flexible multi-purpose layout enables BCM3 to accommodate different projects, while optimized internal flow design has markedly reduced the time for material transfer and waiting, improving overall manufacturing efficiency. From facility design to GMP release, the entire process was completed in just two and a half years, once again demonstrating the exceptional “WuXi Speed.”

Dr. Jimmy Li, CEO of WuXi XDC, commented: “The successful GMP release of our first overseas facility is a major milestone for WuXi XDC’s global manufacturing strategy. We are honored to receive congratulations from clients worldwide on this GMP release. With the synergistic ‘China + Singapore’ dual-site advantage, we will not only significantly enhance our agility in responding to diverse orders but also provide our clients with a robust capacity foundation for commercial manufacturing. Looking ahead, WuXi XDC will continue to deliver high-quality, integrated services that create value for global clients and drive the high-quality growth of the bioconjugate industry.”

Reflecting on the journey of building the Singapore site, it is the collective efforts and relentless perseverance of the team that have seen us through every challenge—showcasing WuXi XDC’s outstanding execution and steadfast commitment to accountability. Since the Singapore site announcement in March 2024, mechanical completion in June 2025, followed by commissioning and qualification (C&Q), and now the GMP release of BCM3, WuXi XDC has steadily executed the entire journey from blueprint to operational readiness, fulfilling its international capacity commitments. According to the subsequent plan for the Singapore facility, the DP4 (drug product filling line) is scheduled to achieve GMP release by the end of August 2026. As the “Global Dual-Sourcing” strategy continues to mature, the Singapore and Wuxi sites will integrate and collaborate more deeply, building a comprehensive, multi-dimensional network that combines global service with local responsiveness.

About WuXi XDC

WuXi XDC Cayman Inc. (stock code: 2268.HK) is a globally recognized contract research, development, and manufacturing organization (CRDMO) specializing in bioconjugates. The company offers a wide range of innovative conjugation and payload-linker technologies to facilitate the development of next-generation antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). Focused on early-stage research and development of ADCs and other bioconjugates, WuXi XDC offers comprehensive one-stop services from clinical to commercial manufacturing. Its services cover antibody intermediates and other biologics intermediates, chemical payloads and linkers, as well as bioconjugate drug substances and drug products. For more information about WuXi XDC, please visit: www.wuxixdc.com

WuXi XDC Contacts

Investor: wuxixdc.ir@wuxibiologics.com 
Media: wuxixdc_pr@wuxibiologics.com 
BD: wuxixdc_info@wuxibiologics.com 

Trinasolar Retains Tier 1 Status for Both PV Modules and Energy Storage Systems on S&P Global Cleantech Companies List 2026

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Advertorial Desk
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SEOUL, South Korea, Aug. 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Recently, S&P Global released its second Tier 1 Cleantech Companies List, covering PV modules, PV inverters, wind turbines, energy storage systems, and energy storage battery cells. Trinasolar has once again been named Tier 1 for both PV modules and energy storage systems. This consecutive inclusion recognizes Trinasolar’s leading system integration capabilities, strong market presence, and commitment to sustainable practices.

Trinasolar Retains Tier 1 Status for Both PV Modules and Energy Storage Systems on S&P Global Cleantech Companies List 2026
Trinasolar Retains Tier 1 Status for Both PV Modules and Energy Storage Systems on S&P Global Cleantech Companies List 2026

S&P Global Energy’s Tier 1 Cleantech Companies classification evaluates global manufacturers across six key dimensions including market presence, market share, scale, global diversification, financial performance, and sustainability factors.

For 29 years, Trinasolar has been at the forefront of PV innovation. As a pioneer in n-type TOPCon industrialization, Trinasolar’s Vertex N G3 module reaches a maximum power output of 760 W, offering high bifaciality, strong low-irradiance performance and reliability for utility-scale projects. At the same time, Trinasolar is advancing its THBC technology, forming a dual-engine model driven by both TOPCon and THBC across utility-scale and non-utility applications. By the end of 2025, Trinasolar’s cumulative 210mm module shipments secured its position as the global No. 1. With customer-focused solutions for desert scenario and extreme climates, Trinasolar is also expanding into emerging fields such as AIDC, grid-forming energy storage and AI-powered distributed energy systems, ushering in a new era of scenario-based solutions.

TrinaStorage, as company’s strong second growth engine, has developed end-to-end energy storage capabilities across the entire Cell-to-Grid value chain. With sharp market insights and a robust global service network spanning 180+ countries and regions, by the end of 2025, TrinaStorage had shipped over 20GWh of energy storage systems across major markets including Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America, MEA, and North America, with signed overseas orders exceeding 10 GWh, further reinforcing Trinasolar’s leadership in advancing the global clean energy transition.

Alongside its growing global presence, Trinasolar has made sustainability a core strategy, advancing the SOLAR sustainability management concept, strengthening environmental, social and governance practices, and driving supply chain collaboration to enhance product lifecycle performance. These efforts have been recognized by leading rating agencies, including S&P, Sustainable Fitch, BloombergNEF, and EcoVadis.

Looking ahead, Trinasolar remains committed to its mission of “Solar Energy for All,” continuing to drive innovation and provide high-efficiency, reliable solutions that empower diverse applications and contribute to a net-zero future.

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